*noms on cookie*

Beautiful Blades

Chapter 25: The Last Moments of Certainty

It was dusk when Dark finally managed to return to the location where Sheik had knocked him out the night before. He was crouching behind a corner, listening to the shuffle of soldiers' feet as they made their rounds in this dangerous part of town. As he remained there quietly, he felt himself wishing that he had his cloak. He didn't like how exposed he felt without it.

One good look from those soldiers, if they were to catch him, and it would all be over. At least with a cloak he had a fighting chance to keep his identity hidden.

He wondered if he would ever have time to pop back to the arena and see if he could find the cloak.

The sound of footsteps faded. Dark sat there for a few more moments before slowly standing up and peeking around the corner. Seeing it empty of people, he took the chance to make a dash for it. Wind rushed past his ears and his heart raced in his chest as he zipped by the open area. He quickly turned the next corner and stopped to catch his breath.

As he placed his hand on his chest and took a deep breath, he looked up to see that he had made it to the waterway. He was back at the wall, that much was clear.

He stole some more glances left and right before proceeding to where the hole was. Or at least, where it was supposed to be.

Dark crouched next to some heavy-looking pieces of wood that were anchored by stones at either end. From at least what Dark could remember, the hole was here. However, it looks like someone took it upon themselves to get it covered. It must have taken a lot of manpower, judging by the look of the planks.

Well, that was good at least. It had looked very dangerous. Dark reached out and laid a hand on the wood, when he heard footsteps behind him. Dark froze for a moment before taking a dive behind some old boxes. He pressed his back against the wet wood and held his breath.

As they got closer, Dark could hear them talking.

"I'm just saying, we are putting a lot of faith in a guy who isn't even loyal to our nation. His priorities will lie in his home country. What does he owe us?"

That's that nerd from the bar, the one with the glasses, Dark recognized, but forgetting his name. Sounds like they were talking about him, but what where they doing here? Did Sheik ask them to come as well?

"I agree, but Sheik was pretty clear on saying that he's our only shot at getting the message across to the royal family." Now it was that man, Alfonzo. Dark still couldn't believe that he, the man he dueled in the underground arena, was the same man who worked with this secret service group. "We are just going to have to trust that he shows up and is willing to help out."

Well, as much as Dark wanted to overhear more about what they really felt, there was no need to hide from these guys. Besides, hiding longer may make things worse in the long run. It already seemed like they didn't trust him as much as perhaps Dark originally thought, and he didn't want them to think he was spying.

Taking a deep breath, Dark stood and stepped out, giving a wave. "Yo," he greeted them with.

Nerd man nearly had a heart attack as he jumped behind Alfonzo at the sudden appearance of Dark. Alfonzo himself, not even remotely fazed, just folded his arms. "Ah, glad you could make it. Sheik said that he managed to convince you to help."

"Let's just say he had a good argument," Dark said carefully. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword out of habit, wondering how in the world Sheik actually knew he convinced Dark at all. I could have sworn I didn't actually say I could come and help. "I didn't know you were coming, so I hide when I heard footsteps." He wanted it to be clear that he didn't overhear on purpose, in case Alfonzo already had figured out that he had heard something.

"I can see that," Alfonzo noted, as what's-his-face calmed down and regained composure. He smoothed out his shirt and adjusted his glasses.

"Sir Dark, pleasure to see you again," the man said. Despite what he said earlier about Dark, he really did seem pleased to see him there.

"I would like to say likewise," Dark said rather rudely. He still wasn't very happy with this group, even if they kidnapped him with a good cause in mind… whatever the cause was.

Glasses man was clearly smart enough to get what he meant. He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. "Once again, we are sorry for how we met originally."

"Let's just put that aside for now," Dark said with a shrug. "Sheik told me to meet him here, and yet you two are here, and I still don't know what for yet."

Both men looked surprised, Alfonzo only mildly. "Sheik hasn't actually informed you yet?" Alfonzo rubbed his chin. "Sheik is making this more difficult than it really has to be." Alfonzo then seemed to realize something. "Shad, can you run back and check on Telma? I think she fell behind."

As Shad did so, Dark responded to Alfonzo's question. "No." Dark glanced around a moment to check if that Sheikah was in the area. It looked like he wasn't here yet… Perhaps this was a good time to ask these men about the boy. Dark did have questions after all. Such as, why was there a Sheikah here at all? Aren't they supposed to be missing? What was Sheik's deal in being so distant and weird?

"Then we better wait until he gets here," Alfonzo said. He pulled over a box that had been left behind and sat on it, giving a small yawn.

It was suddenly very quiet with the two of them there, and Dark felt rather awkward. What do you say to a man who you met in the most bizarre circumstances? This was his third time being with the man after all. The first time was when they were dueling illegally, and frankly with Dark had many questions about that he decided to hold off on those. The second time was after Sheik had kidnapped him.

And now they were getting ready to do some secret mission in the shadiest part of town.

Ok, let's just break this weird silence, Dark decided, inching closer to the older man. What should I say though?

"Why are you here?" Dark suddenly blurted out, then mentally slapped himself. Great, nice way to start a conversation, Dark, he thought sarcastically.

"What?" Alfonzo asked, looking confused. He had started to think about other things, so Dark's question pulled him from out of his mind.

"I mean… Sheik didn't mention you were going to be here," Dark clarified. "I guess I thought it was just going to be me and him." Good, good, now casually slip into the topic of the Sheikah…

Just before he opened his mouth again, Shad and Telma rounded the corner. Telma didn't look very happy at being left behind, and Shad was apologizing profusely.

"I already told you, we didn't hear you say to stop," Shad tried to reason with her.

Damn it, Dark thought as Telma and Shad joined them. Telma had her arms folded as she turned her head slightly away from Shad.

"I'll listen to your excuses later, honey. Oh, if it isn't Dark!" she exclaimed happily. She placed her hands on her hips and leaned down to be face to face with him (causing him to work extra hard to keep his eyes upwards). "Glad to see you are already here, honey. Now we just need to wait on Sheik and we should be all set."

She really did remind Dark of a larger, tanner Miss Victoria, except much more motherly. Despite whatever feelings he had towards the men of this group, Dark couldn't find it within himself to feel any ill will towards Telma.

His face felt hot as he managed to take a step back from her. "Right, Sheik…."

"I must say, it really is a surprise to see you here. When I met you I thought to myself that there was no way you would have any interest in helping us," Telma said, straightening back up and giving Dark a wink. "I'm glad to see that I was proven wrong. Now I can see you are a man of honor."

If Dark hadn't been blushing before, he was now. Almost no one called him a man, not even Victoria. It felt… nice. Even if he knew it wasn't true about the honor comment. After all the illegal activity and selfish acts he has pulled since he arrived here in Hyrule, there was no way he was honorable.

"A-and what am I honoring?" he asked, trying to keep his voice from squeaking. Telma raised an eyebrow, so Dark explained. "I mean, what am I doing here?"

Both of her eyebrows went up as she whipped around to glare at Alfonzo and Shad. "No one has explained to the lad about the waterway?"

Shad sputtered and adjusted his glasses as Alfonzo gave a shrug. "Thought Sheik would have done so, but he hasn't. I suspect he has a reason for it."

"I do," Sheik's voice suddenly came from above. Dark looked up in time to see Sheik jump from a low rooftop and land between them. Without wincing he stood up and gave Dark a nod. "Thank you for coming, Dark." He then turned his attention to Alfonzo, ignoring the jaw dropping Dark was giving him. Telma stood next to Dark, giggled, and used her left hand to raise his jaw back up as Sheik spoke. "Sorry I'm late, I wanted to make sure we wouldn't be disturbed tonight."

"Good thinking," Shad said, giving a sigh of relief. The thought of not being caught by guards took the edge off.

"Sheik, did you notice the boards?" Alfonzo said, pointing over to the temporary cover over the hole in the ground.

The Sheikah nodded, regarding the wood. "After all this time, someone finally took notice enough to get it covered… This is problematic, but we will deal with it another time…"

Dark brushed off Telma's hand and interrupted, finally having enough of the secrets. "Alright, that's it!" he exclaimed, walking right up to Sheik. Getting in his face, he demanded information. "I have given up something really important to be here, so I want to know why I'm here, and now. Before I just walk off."

Sheik stared at him, his eyes slightly narrowed at the outburst. The two boys stared at each other with distaste, the atmosphere clearly uncomfortable. Telma just smiled as Shad looked nervously between them. Alfonzo frowned, hoping this would end soon. He didn't want to have to play adult between the two of them.

Luckily for him, he didn't have to. Sheik gave a nod. "That is fair. I will explain." He jumped back and landed near the boards, indicating to them. "As I'm sure you may remember from last night, there was a hole here."

"Yeah, and now it's covered. We are here for some hole?" Dark asked, getting more frustrated.

"No. We are here for what's in the hole," Sheik said, tapping the boards with his toe.

"… What?" Dark asked, pressing his lips together. This boy was dragging out everything. Any more of this and Dark was going to strangle him.

Shad, sensing the danger, stepped in. He placed his hand on Dark's shoulder. "That hole leads to Hyrule's water system. It's ancient technology that was installed long ago. A pipeline directly from the lake to here. It feeds the fountains and water pumps that the citizens use."

"Unfortunately, this part of town is so old that the stonework is crumbling," Telma said. "It broke into the system, and left that gaping hole a few years ago."

"So, you need me to fill in a hole?" Dark asked, frowning deeply. If that was what he was needed for he was going to throw a conniption.

"Not quite," Alfonzo replied. "Sheik has a theory about the lack of water and the pipe system." He gave a nod to Sheik to finish the explaining.

The lack of water? Dark wondered as Sheik continued, "There has been a lot of rumors of people disappearing around here. Mostly criminals who hang out here, but it doesn't matter who. The fact is that something is going on in the pipeline."

"And how does that connect to Hyrule having no water?" Dark asked, not seeing the connection. "It's a giant hole, and I couldn't tell how deep it was last night. Did you check to see if there were any skeletons at the bottom of that hole?" People can fall, after all.

Sheik let out an irritated sigh. "It's the only clue we have so far." He took a deep breath to calm himself, trying to avoid snapping at Dark. "I did check, and there is no evidence of foul play. There is also no water in this pipe, so we can investigate…."

This was the most ridiculous thing Dark had ever heard. "Shouldn't you be checking Lake Hylia for this water problem?" Dark asked, already deciding to walk away soon. "Not the pipe?"

Seeing that he was losing him, Sheik finally got to the point. "The royal family won't send anyone to investigate there, and to get to the lake is a dangerous journey, including climbing some cliffs. You cannot casually visit the lake. But, if we find evidence of anything in the pipeline, you can tell them what you found."

"I can?"

"Yes." Sheik shifted his eyes. "We… we don't exist to the eyes of the royal family, and it needs to stay that way. Especially me." Sheik looked a bit sad for a moment, before returning to his seriousness. "But you have a direct connection. You see the princess. If we see something down there and report it, then perhaps the royal family can finally take the situation seriously."

Ok, so Dark could kind of see why they needed him now. He was their link to Princess Zelda. After all, no one would listen to a nervous scholar, a scary looking outcast, and a bartender… or a warrior who isn't supposed to be here.

Still, Dark had some concerns. "I suppose, but what about me? I will get in trouble if I reveal I was down here. And what about this evidence? How are you so sure we will find something?"

"We will come up with your cover story," Telma told him. "But first, you need to find something. If you find nothing, then there is nothing to worry about."

Shad was looking through his book, and he looked up for a moment. "And those pipes may be empty, but they haven't been for long. Stuff still trickles down there, so there could all sorts of telling stuff."

"But if we don't find something," Dark said, glaring at Sheik. "Then you pulled me away from something terribly important."

Giving a sigh, Sheik tilted his head. "Then, let's make a deal. Regardless of what happens down there, I will help with whatever important thing brought you down here in the first place. Only, though, if you agree to join me, and possibly help Princess Zelda and her people get their water."

At this, Dark suddenly hesitated. Have Sheik take over? Well, he theoretically could, but Dark didn't want to put Link's identity at risk. He supposed, though, he could be rather vague about it… Just forward enough to make sure the job gets done, nothing more.

However… Dark thought of Marin, and the water problem she had. He himself saw what the people were enduring, and no one should have to go through that. He knew that Link wasn't happy with his own personal situation, but if he heard Dark tried to help Hylians, he would happy to hear that, right?

The Resistance watched as Dark spent a few seconds trying to make a decision. Shad looked nervous again, rubbing his thumb across his book to ease those feelings. Alfonzo shifted, getting uncomfortable on the box he sat on. Telma looked confident on what his answer was going to be.

And she was right. Dark extended his hand, furrowing his eyebrows together. He didn't like the Sheikah, but with his skills, he could be useful in helping him later. This was for Link. "Deal."

Sheik took his hand and they shook on it. Once they let go, Dark stretched his back. "Alright, so how are we getting in there? It's blocked."

"Well, honey," Telma chuckled as Alfonzo stood up. She cracked her knuckles as she took one side, while Alfonzo took the other. "That's what we are here for." She gave Dark another wink. "Sheik's the skill, as you know. Shad's the brains. But Alfonzo and I…" and with a sudden push, the two of them moved the stones off the planks, "are the brawns!"

Dark managed to keep himself from saying 'whoa' outload as the two of them lifted the planks out of the way, revealing the hole. Having not been aired properly for a few hours, a terrible stench suddenly rose from the depths. Dark covered his nose in disgust, but quickly lowered his hands when he noticed that Sheik didn't looked disturbed by it.

Shad handed Sheik a small bag before starting to set up a large, sturdy rope. Sheik placed the bag across his body as he started to give Dark the rundown. "You and I are going in there, while these three stand guard. We will explore for a few hours, collect samples and such. We will need to move carefully, according to Shad the pipe line varies in size and shape."

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Dark mumbled as Sheik tied the rope around his waist. In this whirlwind of craziness, Dark forgot to ask about those who went missing in this area.

It was ok, though, because it would not be long until he found out.

Have you ever felt betrayed, even if the person hadn't actually done anything wrong? Many things could cause that feeling. Maybe they didn't show up to something you invited them to. Or perhaps they forgot something that you had hoped they would remember.

Or perhaps they rejected your offer to join you to something that is very important to you.

Link sat alone by his window, staring down into the garden, feeling slightly betrayed. After all, it had taken all of his courage to invite Dark to join him to duel in the arena with him, and Dark said there was something important that he had to take care of.

He didn't doubt that Dark had told the truth but still, he had hoped Dark would have wanted to go with him. Dark had spent the previous times forcing his way into the arena before. What was so different now that made him actually reject the offer?

I don't get it, Link thought to himself as he twisted his lips up in a look of disappointment. That boy is all over the place. It's like the moment I thought I figured him out, he suddenly shifts into something else. Like a shadow or something.

The sun was just getting ready to set, so it was still a few more hours until Link would be able to sneak out without being caught. No one disturbed their tower until morning, and Zelda never left her own room at night, so Link knew it would be fine. He drummed his fingers on the cold stone of his windowsill, wishing time would just move faster.

It may suck that Dark wasn't going to be there tonight, but that didn't mean Link still couldn't wait till it was time for the duel.

The sun wasn't moving any faster, obviously, so Link gave up watching it and he flopped face first into his soft bed. His cheeks were comforted by the soft silk of his sheets as he wrapped his arms around them, feeling a mixture of happiness and disappointment.

He supposed that there was a small part of him that had hoped that Dark was maybe into him the way Link was. Link never really felt love like this before, so it would have been exciting if Dark had loved him back. Of course, that would have been a long shot. Dark was a man too. The odds of him being romantically interested in Link were near zero. Link didn't blame him either, but it still kind of hurt.

What was he saying? Just because Dark had something else to do tonight doesn't mean anything! But then again, after all the pushing Dark did weeks before just to duel Link for him only to say no to tonight…. Something really important must have turned up.

Something much more important to Dark than Link was, right?

Link sat up and rapped his knuckles against his skull. Stop that, Link, you are thinking too hard. There had been a lot on his mind recently, and he didn't need another thing on it.

Soon, it was time again. After double checking it was safe, Link pulled his gear out. Standing in front of him mirror, he put on his tunic and wig, making sure it looked authentically placed. Once secured, Link tied his sword to his back and placed the mask over his face. He took one last glance in the mirror. Just for a moment, he looked so… mysterious. Like a man.

He gave himself a reassuring nod before sneaking into the hallway. He listened for anyone who may be climbing the stairs. Hearing no one, he carefully closed the door behind him and made his way down the stairs.

He had done this escape many, many times, but each time it was nerve wrecking. There was always that chance that a servant could come around the corner late at night, or the king could be taking a midnight stroll. Regardless, the moment Link is caught, the moment everything is over.

Link could not have that.

Luckily for him, it was more quiet than usual. With the preparation almost done for tomorrow, everyone was exhausted, and resting up for the important day. This made Link's mission easier. He quickly snuck across the courtyard and climbed a part of the outer wall that was often overlooked. In moments he was over, and running through the city streets.

With the worst over, Link fixed his sword's strap before taking off. His feet lightly touched the ground with each step, allowing him to quietly slip past anyone who may be walking by almost unnoticed. It was even easier still for him today, because no one would question someone out and about with a festive mask on during this holiday time. Link could literally run out in the open while in the city tonight, because no one would give him a second glance.

When he reached the crack in the wall covered in vines, though, Link had to check around him first. He glanced left and right, making sure the street was clear. There were a few people walking close by, but no one was really paying any attention. Seeing it was safe, Link slipped through the cracks.

As he felt his way down the slippery, moldy hallway, Link wondered about his ranking in the arena now. Technically, he didn't win. In fact, he fled. In doing so, he most likely gave up his title as champion, which meant that he would have to fight each round again in order become champion again. It sucked, but it was the sad truth. Link ran away.

Link paused for a moment as he reflected on this. He ran away, didn't he? How foolish. His father would be ashamed of him, wouldn't he?

Father….

Link shook his head to clear his head of any sad thoughts as he started to move again. I can't run away again. I keep running from my problems. After tonight… after tonight, I won't run again. I'm going win, then after the ball I'm going to stand up to the king. Dark couldn't be fighting his battles for him anymore.

This whole time, he had been relying on Dark to find that man in the cloak, relying on him to make him happy. That had been silly, Link realized that now. It was no wonder he was feeling down earlier today.

Dark may have fixed the problem with the cloaked man, but it didn't change the fact that it was time for Link to stand up for his own wellbeing.

Link wasn't sure how he suddenly came to that conclusion, but... perhaps it was thanks to Dark. Seeing Dark work so hard to make sure Link was safe... Link wanted to be able to do that for himself and others too. Perhaps it wasn't too far off to say that Dark inspired him.

Feeling a sudden surge of confidence, Link finally entered the arena. As usual, because he was early, it was empty. Only one lantern was lit, dimly giving light for Link.

He took the lantern off the wall so he could guard himself down the stairs, lighting more lanterns as he went. When he reached the arena, he stopped to gaze up at it. So many years spent here, so many wonderful and not so wonderful memories.

He climbed up onto it, setting the lantern down on the stone floor. He walked out to the middle, looking out into the stands. He wondered how many more times he was going to be able to fight here before he would have to give it up. It made him sort of sad and yet… part of him didn't feel satisfied. Part of him felt that he was meant for something more.

Ha, how foolish. He chuckled to himself. He was a son of a dead knight. A boy raised as a girl. Not even allowed to have an identity. If he was meant for something, that was long ago destroyed.

Even so, Link was going to make his life turn around for the better.

Having enough of just standing there, he turned to go to the back… and froze when he saw someone standing there. It was a man… He was looking in the same direction Link had been too, the hood over his head casting a shadow over his face.

Link was unable to move, too much in shock. He hadn't even heard him approach. The man stood there for a moment, before he spoke. "I suppose… you haven't heard." He lowered his gaze to look at Link. "Or else you wouldn't be here."

As part of his disguise, Link never spoke, so he didn't reply. He didn't need to, as the man continued to talk. "The fight is cancelled. Don't worry, no one is coming…. Princess Zelda. Or, should I be calling you that, boy?" The man lowered his hood, and Link sucked in his breath. It was him… the man from before.

The man with the purple tattoo.

His skin was so pale it was as if he had never seen the sun. It was as if he was a skeleton; he was bony and had sunken, beady eyes, which were locked onto Link like a predator would be on prey, watching Link for movement and weaknesses. Beyond that, he looked so devoid of emotion that when he smiled at Link, it didn't look like he knew that he was doing it... as if his lips moved on their own, the expressions not connecting with that hungry look in his eyes.

Link took a step back as he unsheathed his sword, holding it out in front of him. His heart raced in his chest. This wasn't right… something very bad was going to happen, and instinct told him to draw his sword. The man slowly tilted his head, before casting off his cloak and pulling out his own weapon. "I'm sure you are confused, but I do not intend to explain my intentions from before, or my intentions now. I will just make your death very, very quick." He gave a chuckle that seemed familiar, but Link couldn't place it. "Dark played his part well. You can thank him for this in the afterlife."

Sometimes, you can feel betrayed because someone did something that may hurt your feelings slightly. Other times, it's because the one you loved lied to you right to your face about something very, very important.

For it was clear to Link now that Dark had lied. And betrayed him. Link could only play those last words in his head over and over again as the man jumped forward in a sudden, skillful attack that Link barely had time to block.

Dark played his part well.

I have officially chosen Dark a real name at last! He will still be called Dark in the story, but it has always been his nickname and not his real name. Almost no one calls him by his real name, not even officially. The only one who calls him by his real name is the Queen of Labrynna, and that's mostly because she doesn't take shit from anyone (she's a wonderful, scary lady.)

He has one now, though (mostly because Dark is such a strange name to have, in my opinion). Mwahahaha!

Don't worry, eventually there will be an explanation of why he goes by Dark instead.

On a side note, I have managed to reach chapter 25! Yay! *places milestone on the lonely road of authorship*

Next Chapter: Chapter 26: The Last Dance of the Graceful Mask