Chapter Twenty-Five - Unwelcome Reunion

I felt dizzy and sick. The rushing hadn't subsided, and it seemed to be getting faster now. The music, which had almost become a horrible piercing sound now, kept up with the quick pace and I had to cover my ears to try and drown it out. It wasn't working.

If only someone would just make it stop.

I could barely make out someone's words. "Bear with it for a few more moments, Amanda." I felt a warm hand on the back of my head and the pain subsided a little.

"You bear with it for a few more minutes." I tried to make my words come out teasingly, but all I managed to do was snap at whoever was giving me what little relief I had.

It must've done the trick though, because whoever it was laughed warmly. "That's the spirit." The voice said.

I wasn't ready for a sudden stop or the whoosh of air it brought with it. My head was still spinning violently as the area around me came into focus. My feet brushed the floor lightly, as the wind settled. I looked up and saw him looking back down at me.

"You're certainly a lot of trouble, you know that?" He said with a stern look on his face, much like the ones Jillian would give all too often. I would've taken his comment the wrong way if I hadn't seen the mischievous glint in his dark blue eyes.

I shook my head. "I could say the same about you, ranch hand. Just look what you've gotten me into."

The wind chose that moment to drop us on the ground. I wasn't ready for it and my legs wobbled, causing me to fall against him.

"Careful." He said, steadying me.

"?"

He held me up long enough to swing me over and set me in a chair. "Excuse me for a moment."

"Wha–?"

There was no time for me to stop what he did next.

He was a blur as he moved and grabbed a fistful of the hero's shirt and shoved him up against the wall with almost abnormal strength. "What the hell is the matter with you? There were people around us!" Link's dark blue eyes were all anger and fire, and I saw now why people said he had the eyes of a beast. "You could've hurt them or Amanda!"

"I will answer any questions you have, but first you will let go of me." The hero was perfectly calm, as if he knew he could win no matter what anyone did. "I assure you, I will not hesitate to throw you in the dungeon again." He looked at me as he said the last bit. "No matter how much this woman pleads."

I clenched my fists so tight, my nails began to cut into my skin. Now I wanted to let him have it. "What it this all about?" And what had happened to his friendly demeanor from last time?

His eyes narrowed and he smirked a little. I didn't like the look in his eye... "And are you such a coward that you feel the need to throw me in the dungeon every time you don't get your way?"

Oh boy. Now he's done it.

This isn't going to end well, is it?

"I'm warning you..." The hero growled.

"That is quite enough." A female voice cut him off. We all turned to see the princess standing there, frowning. She held a light blue ocarina in her hand. "Both of you. Stop this at once. This is neither the place, nor the time."

Ah-ha. So she did it. Remind me to thank her later.

"Please...release your hold on him." She said, gesturing to his tight grip on the hero's shirt. "I assure you, we won't harm you or her."

The two stood side by side, almost mirror images of each other. Neither of them budged. The wild, untamed beast on one side, and the princely, charming (though a bit arrogant) hero on the other. This situation would probably be a dream come true for most girls, but right now I'm starting to get a headache.

I really hope he doesn't decide to throw him in jail again just because he feels like it.

"Do as the princess says." He looked both incredibly amused and annoyed now. I swore I him snort. "I'm not going to hurt you or her."

He stepped back reluctantly and but he didn't move far away from me. "If you try anything funny, or attempt to lay a hand on her again..."

This time he really did snort. "Don't be stupid. I could take you down in a second."

"What did you just say?"

Ugh. This was getting stupid. I stepped between them, pushing them both back a little. "Knock it off."

The princess sighed. "Miss Amanda. May I speak with you?"

"Of course, your highness." I ignored the silent protest he gave me with his eyes and followed them out of the room towards the drawing room from before. It must have been a favorite room of hers, because she visibly relaxed as she entered.

Of course, that could've just been because we were away from those two. They radiated tension when they were within three feet of each other.

I sat with my legs crossed, hands folded in my lap neatly. The princess sat across from me, sitting up straight, almost stiffly. Her attendant was standing behind her high-backed chair, arms folded.

I felt like I had done something to apologize for. You know that look you get from your parents or even a teacher when you've been discovered for something you've done that you really shouldn't have? Yeah, they were both giving off those kinds of vibes.

It was kind of scary. They didn't say anything. Just...stared.

Guess it was up to me to start things, then.

"I apologize for that scene, your highness. It's just...been a long few days and we're both exhausted." I said, trying my hardest to stifle a yawn. I didn't think it was proper to yawn in front of royalty. "Things...aren't exactly quiet back where we are."

The attendant shook her head. "Please, Miss Amanda. No need to apologize for someone else's actions."

"No, I do." I sighed and muttered to myself, "He probably won't."

"Be that as it may," The princess interrupted, her voice a little too sharp than what I'd come to expect from her. "There is another thing I hope you can explain."

Uh-oh.

I have a bad feeling about this.

"Come with me." She rose, her gloved hands moving her skirts carefully out of the way as she started towards the curtained window.

I followed after her quietly. It wasn't odd to see the grand windows closed and covered by the long, velvety, royal violet curtains. It was nighttime, after all. What was strange was that there was dim light coming from behind them. When she stopped and didn't do anything else, I sent a questioning look at her.

"Go ahead." The attendant said from the other side of me. "Look outside."

What I saw made me scream. I fumbled with the lock to the door and scrambled outside onto the terrace to get a better look. Neither of them stopped me and the curtain dropped back into place, leaving me alone outside.

A few seconds later, I heard shouting out in the hall. I heard the door burst open and someone running in, the clanking of armor and another close behind.

"Where is she?"

"Calm yourself." I heard her say. "She's out on the terrace."

The curtains flew open and he covered the length of the terrace in a few steps, grabbing me by the arms. "Amanda! What's wrong?" He shook me a little when I didn't answer right away. "Did they do something to you? Tell me!"

"I...no..." I took a deep breath and met his eyes. "?...Look...Just...look behind me..."

He gave me a look before turning to pull aside the curtains. He froze, his expression a mix of shock and anger as he took in what I'd seen only seconds before. But mostly shock. I turned to glance out across the landscape to reassure myself I'd really seen what I thought I had. Oh, but I had. And it couldn't be worse.

The land of the past...was covered in Twilight.

Not all of it, mind you. But several parts of it. It lie in the direction of the lake, the temple, and a few other places I couldn't name. I'd never seen them before.

"No..." His voice was barely audible. "Not here, too..."

"I take it you know what that is." The hero's voice came sharply from behind us.

"Of course I do. But it has nothing to do with her, so why did you bring her here?"

"Ever since she showed up, monsters have appeared, and that weird Twilight started to cover different parts of the country."

I opened my mouth to object, but the princess' attendant did that for me. "That's not fair. We discussed this already and we agreed that you weren't going to blame either of them for this."

"Yeah, well after what I've seen I'm starting to think otherwise."

"Link!" The princess sounded shocked.

"That's more than enough." He said, taking my arm. "We're leaving."

"No, you're not."

"Unless you can discuss this with the manner I've come to expect and trust from you, then they can do as they please." The look on her face meant she was just as serious as he was.

The room seemed to almost hum with a strange vibe. Like something was compelling me to be angry with them. And it was a strong feeling. But I knew I had no reason to be. They were just frustrated, right? I didn't think they meant any harm. And the hero's attitude was so completely a contrast to the one I'd seen before. He was stubborn and set in his ways, but he'd never been cruel.

I needed to stay and figure out just what was going on here.

He didn't seem to be affected like they were, but I stayed close just in case. "Let's hear what they have to say." I whispered, so only he could hear.

"Are you sure, Amanda?" He asked.

"Yeah. I'm sure." I said. "What is it you want?"

"I want you to get rid of this thing that's covered this country."

"She can't and she won't."

"She'll do it or I'll have both of you arrested for causing this whole fiasco."

I knew he knew it wasn't our fault, but he looked angry all the same. I was slowly getting the feeling that this was the way it was going to be no matter what. As I considered my options, I almost had the urge to say I'd rather deal with the castle dungeon instead. I hated deep water beyond all reason. But now was not the time to argue.

Before I could say anything, there was a cackling that came from under his feet, and Midna slipped up from the shadows. She gave a twirl and clasped her hands behind her back, giving him a toothy grin. "So, this is the famed 'hero'!" She leaned closer and studied him intently. "How very interesting, Eee hee! You two do look alike!"

"What the–?" He drew his sword quickly and attempted to strike.

We both knew that it would do no good, so we didn't bother trying to stop it. She was too fast, for one thing. And for another, she was a shadow outside of the Twilight. The sword would go right through her.

"Whoops! Missed!" She giggled as he nearly fell over and folded her arms behind her head. "Wanna try that again? I can guarantee it won't work, but you're welcome to give it another shot."

He sure looked like he wanted to, but he wisely sheathed his sword. "I take it you have something do with all this as well."

"Perhaps. I might be persuaded to tell you about it, too. How to get rid of it, even. For a price."

"Name it."

"Cut all this nonsense. This isn't their fault. It's yours."

"Ours?" The princess frowned. "I don't see what you mean."

"Actually, it's the fault of your ancestors, if we're being specific here. You and hero boy over there just added to the mess."

Ah, I knew what she was talking about. The story they'd heard in the cave down at the lake. She must've somehow known their story as well and pieced it together.

"Midna!" I hissed. "Knock it off."

"Why should I? They're the ones putting you two into the middle of more problems that aren't your fault."

"Perhaps." The hero interjected. "But I believe they are the key to solving the problem. If what Amanda said the last time we spoke is to be believed, then it is partly her fault. And by the look in your eyes, spirit..." He looked at him calmly. "He's the only one who can rid this place of that odd twilight. I've already tried to enter it, and I cannot."

"I'm not going to let you put her in more danger just because you want a task completed."

"I told you. The temples are connected like two parts of a puzzle. The only way to banish this twilight is to have one of you in each to complete it. Besides...there are others suffering as well. The Zoras are trapped in the lake."

"So you'd sacrifice her safety to save others?"

"You'd sacrifice the lives of others to save one?"

This wasn't going to end was it? I didn't know who was right anymore, I just didn't want them or anyone to fight. We were supposed to be on the same side for goodness sakes. Was this what the princess had meant when she said to watch out for his influence. Was he trying to turn us against each other?

Not if I could help it.

"Stop!"

Both of them quieted and looked at me. The princess and her attendant had been silent for a while now, merely observing. I think Midna had hurt her feelings a bit with her accusations. I knew it wasn't really her fault. She'd tried to do what she'd believed was right to save her home.

"What is it Miss Amanda?" She asked softly.

"I'll do it."

"Amanda–" He started.

"No, just stop it. Right now. Have you forgotten what you've been told?" My voice wavered between angry, hurt, and wanting to burst into tears. They'd been talking about me like I wasn't even in the room and it was making me sick. "It's his fault. He's done this. Not either of you. But you're acting like the other caused it, and it's ridiculous!"

The hero was silent, something I hadn't seen before. He looked as if he was contemplating my words.

I'm totally improvising here, by the way.

"Stop fighting each other and work together to fight this. Or it'll just get worse and you'll have no one to blame but yourselves." I turned on my heel and went through the double doors, slamming them behind me.

I felt like stomping down the corridor, but my shoes wouldn't make any satisfying sounds on the carpet, so I wasn't going to bother. It was no good to stomp when you couldn't rattle the halls with the clomp, clomp, clomp of your boots.

Guh. They both made me so mad. If you ever wished you could meet them, take it back. They'll drive you crazy.

So not cute.

"Miss Amanda."

"Ack!" I jumped at the sound of the princess' voice. I hadn't even heard her come up behind me. I was too busy fuming to notice.

"I didn't mean to frighten you. I apologize." She looked troubled.

"No, your highness. It's all right. I..." I sighed. "I'm sorry for yelling in there. I'm not used to being around royalty and I didn't mean to overstep–"

She held up a hand. "You didn't do anything wrong. In fact, I think you did what should've been done."

"Are you sure about that?" I asked.

"After the life I've led so far, I'm not sure about anything." She said. "But I can see you're trying to do what you can and that's enough for me to trust you. I've been placed in situations I'm ill-equipped to handle more than once. The important thing is not to get discouraged. We'll figure out a way to end this. Please try not to worry about it very much, Miss Amanda."

Easy for you to say. You don't know the extent of what I know.

I saw him come out of the drawing room and walk towards us. He stopped just behind the princess. He looked like he wanted to say something–anything–but he couldn't seem to form words.

She looked at me then him and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll leave you two alone." She said. "Remember what I said, okay?"

"I will. Thank you." I said. She smiled and turned to continue down the hall, her attendant appearing from a doorway and following close behind.

"It seems you've made up your mind." He said.

"I have."

He offered me a smile, but it seemed forced. "I guess I can't stop you, then." He moved past me, then added, "At least stay here until tomorrow."

I felt a pang when he didn't say anything more. I nodded. "Sure." I replied quietly.

I waited until I couldn't hear him anymore and then started down the hall to my own room. Sleep would do me some good.

Hopefully in the morning I'd feel better about the decision I'd made. Even if he didn't.

The room I was in for the night was just down the hall from his. It was the same one I'd had when I'd come here the first time. Candles lit the room dimly, casting eerie shadows on the pale walls and furniture. The sheer curtains covering the doors to the terrace flowed softly in the breeze.

I wanted to sleep. I really, really did. I'd been awake for nearly two days straight. But for some reason, I just couldn't.

Why was it always like this?

I pulled the soft covers over my head, hoping to block out the world and just drift off. A few moments later, there was a soft knock at the door. I threw my covers off and pulled on my robe, slipping out of bed to answer it. It wasn't like I was going to sleep anyway.

He was standing outside of the door when I opened it. Dressed in soft brown pants and a simple white shirt, he sheepishly tugged at his wild hair that was sticking up all over the place.

"You can't sleep either, huh?" I asked softly.

"No, not really." He said. "Can we talk for a while?"

I nodded and stepped aside so he could come in. "Sure."

"Actually...I thought we could take a walk." He said. "...If you don't mind."

"Really? Can we do that?"

"Why not? It's not like they've confined us to our rooms with guards posted outside." He offered me his arm like the gentleman he was. "What do you say, my lady?" He grinned a little, eyes twinkling.

Something inside me gave a sigh of relief. I tied the sash of my robe and reached for my slippers. Straightening, I slipped my own arm into his. "I say let us go, good sir." I lowered my voice and giggled. "Before we get caught. I have the feeling that they'd rather not have us wandering around where they can't watch us."

"You got that feeling, too, huh? Well, let us hurry, then."

We tiptoed down the corridor and around the corner into the sun room I'd been in the first time I was here. A small fire cast dim shadows on the wall as he led me across the room. Pulling aside the curtains, he pushed open the glass doors.

"You'll love this." He said.

"What is it?"

"Here, close your eyes for a second." He offered me his hand. "Don't worry. I'll guide you out."

I placed my hand in his. "I know. I trust you."

I closed my eyes and he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling the velvety curtains aside. I could feel a soft breeze brush my face and hair as it made my nightgown flutter gracefully around my ankles. The soft sounds of flowing water were nearby and crickets chirped musically in the night.

"Just a another few steps..." He pulled me forward. "Okay. Go ahead and look."

I wasn't prepared for what I saw. We were standing in an expansive garden. And that's putting it loosely. There were flowers everywhere, going for miles it seemed. In every color you could imagine. Reds combined with pinks. Purples and blues mixed with golds and yellows. Delicate white climbing flowers and ivy covered the stone walls and pillars, and flowering trees and shrubs shaded a waterfall. A rocky stream ran through it all, with a beautifully detailed wooden bridge stretching over it.

I'd never seen this before.

"Wow...I've...never seen anything like this." Really. I hadn't. "How did you find this place?"

"I was wandering around earlier today and stumbled upon it." He said. "Come on. I know a good place we can sit."

He led me across the wooden bridge and down a dirt path to a swing that hung from a tree with bright red, exotic-looking flowers. I felt like I'd seen them before.

I settled down next to him on the swing, tucking my feet underneath me carefully and wrapping my robe tighter around myself. "So what's going on?" I asked. "Something must be bothering you if you're still up this late. You're usually out like a light."

"I really don't know." He draped an arm over the back of the swing and rubbed at his temples a little. "I just know that after I was told about the temple at the bottom of the lake, I haven't been able to sleep. And when I do, I have nightmares."

"Is that why you looked so tired when we saw you with Telma?"

"You noticed, huh?"

"I don't think there was one of us that didn't notice. You looked dead on your feet." I propped my head on my fist. "Do you want to talk about it?..."

He sighed, not saying anything for a few moments. When he finally spoke, he was staring straight ahead. "...It's always the same thing. I see a huge body of water and flashes of someone drowning. I try to save them, but something always pulls me back." His normally handsome features were tense and he was frowning as he spoke. Almost as if it was physically painful for him to recall these things.

I patted his hand gently. "Does it end there?"

"Fortunately, there's nothing else I can remember. I usually wake up after that."

"...What do you think your dreams are about?"

"I don't know. I've been an orphan since I was a little kid, and I can't remember my parents. It may have to do with my past."

"You've lived in the village ever since you can remember, then?"

"Yeah. The villagers took me in. Mayor Bo and Ilia especially. They're the first ones I remember knowing." He smiled slightly. "Ilia was the one who pushed her father and Rusl to build me my own house. She can be a bit bossy sometimes."

I tried not to chuckle. "If I remember correctly, she was the one who stole your horse on numerous occasions. Does she always just take charge like that?"

"Yeah. She means well, though. We've been good friends ever since we were kids."

A childhood sweetheart. I felt that ugly feeling from earlier in the day start to bubble up again. Quickly, I changed the subject before I opened my mouth and said something stupid. "Are you going to be okay tomorrow, then? I mean with the lake and all..."

"Yeah. They're kind of not giving me a choice here. I'm just sorry I've dragged you into this, too."

"No...This is all my fault. If I wasn't here, this never would've happened."

"You don't know that, Amanda. It still might have happened regardless."

"Maybe..."

"This is dangerous. I wish there was some way you didn't have to go through with it...But with what's happened..." His blue eyes bore into mine as he sighed. "...There's just no other way."

"I know. Don't worry, I'm tough. I'll be okay."

Unexpectedly, he took my hand and kissed it softly. I felt a shiver go up my arm as his lips touched my skin and my heart beat a little faster. "Too late." He murmured. That uncomfortable feeling was back. I wanted to pull away, but I stayed as I was. He gazed at me for another moment before breaking eye contact and standing up. "We'd better get to bed."

"Y-yeah..." I stood up with him and straightened my nightgown, following him back into the castle.

He led me all the way back to my room. He pulled my door open for me and waited until I was inside. "Amanda?" He said quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

I smiled a little. "Anytime."

He closed the door and I leaned against it after he left. I pushed my hair back from my face and let out a breath I didn't even know I'd been holding. It was a good thing we were going to be separated for a while. Not that I hated being with him. I didn't. That was the bad thing. I liked it a little too much.

I felt like I was betraying Ilia. She was my friend, whether her memory was missing or not.

My feet tapped against the rug softly as I crossed the room and flopped on my bed.

As I closed my eyes, for the first time in a while I was tired enough to want to sleep. Or maybe I was trying to escape. I didn't know. Whatever it was, I drifted off quickly.

Hopefully in the morning, my mind would be clear and these silly thoughts would be gone.