Chapter Twenty-Six:
The Second Shard

A/n: This is going to be my last update for this year. :P Cute, right? Thank you for the reviews, as always! Such great writing inspiration. Enjoy the -quite long- chapter!

'The killer in me is the killer in you

My love, I send this smile over to you.'

-"Disarm" by the Smashing Pumpkins

"Can you explain what just happened back there?" Link was taking the stairs two at a time with rod still in hand, and Midna was floating a couple feet behind him.

He had stopped at the bottom of the stairs, trapped by the closed gate before him, and the statue had just appeared out of its golden transporter in the room ahead. "What's there to explain?" he asked as he fished the Clawshot out of his pack, took a few steps backwards, and eased himself over the gate. Switching the Clawshot in favor of the Dominion Rod, Link reanimated the statue and began down a new set of stairs with the boss key jingling against his belt.

Midna hovered in front of him with her arms crossed. "First, you order me to get into your shadow before we enter the corral room because you 'have a bad feeling', then you still want me to stay in your shadow once the clone of Zant appears, and you still didn't want me out until Glenna left. And for reasons I don't comprehend, you seem to be keen on defending her when she ran away. Can you explain any of that?"

"I didn't know that it was a clone at first. Before I entered the room, I thought it was really Zant; I could sense his evil, and I didn't want a repeat of last time." Midna's expression softened ever so slightly at his concern. "And if you had reappeared while Glenna and I were fighting that thing, the two of you would have only wanted to fight with each other, and I didn't think the distraction was necessary. Do you?"

With an expression of mock hurt, Midna put a hand to her chest. "You think I'm a distraction?"

Ignoring her, Link added, "If Glenna really wanted nothing to do with me, then she would have left before the Armos was defeated."

Though Midna hated to admit it, he was likely correct about that part. So, naturally, she didn't acknowledge it. "Well, whatever. Maybe she just doesn't want your pretty little face smashed up too badly. She probably ran off to go see the real Zant, or maybe she even knows where the shard is. Maybe it's not wherever that big key takes us."

"Copy or not, it was clear that Zant isn't happy with Glenna. Why would she help him?"

"To save her own skin." Midna seemed to have an answer for almost everything.

Link attempted to hide his exasperation as he swung the rod, forcing the statue to do the same with its hammer, and smashed a gate into pieces. He focused on luring the statue into a new transporter and swung around just in time to deflect an ugly brown and blue spider from attacking him. The temple was crawling with the arachnids, and he was beginning to wonder if there was a main source behind whatever door the key opened. "I just don't want to see you get hurt the next time Glenna twists that knife in your back," explained Midna in a more understanding voice. "I'm trying to look out for you because you're the type of guy who looks for the good in everyone. Sometimes, the bad is just too much to outweigh the good. Look at Zant. He's probably the only violent twili in the Twilight Realm, and he took his harbored animosity toward the light world and turned it into a weapon.

"I'd be lying if I said I was just concerned about you," she admitted. "I need your help to restore my home and to protect yours. I can't do this without you, so if you die because of your imagined allegiances, then we're all in trouble." Link lifted the door and found that they had finally returned to the primary room of the temple. A transporter in the center of the room was lifted to reveal the statue, but there was something else by it, too: a small, blue, flittering something.

"You know I'm going to help you. I want to help you restore your home and return to your people, but that shouldn't mean I have to give up on my friend," remarked Link as he joined the statue and Navi.

Navi nearly flew into his face out of excitement. "Link, it's so nice to meet you! I'm Navi the fairy!"

A little put off, Link replied, "Er, nice to meet you?"

"Glenna left, but she wanted me to help you. I can help you! Do you have the key? Huh? Huh?" She flitted down to his waist and bobbled up and down excitedly at the sight of the key. "Ooh, you're so good, Link!"

Link and Midna exchanged a quick, disconcerted glance. "Thanks. Uh, do you know where Glenna went?"

"No idea!" Navi was much too cheerful for her own good. "Okay, since you have the key, rod, and statue, you can get to the spider's room. C'mon!" She buzzed across the room and paused by the statue's empty post.

Midna mumbled something that sounded a lot like, "Maybe she's the actual reason for why Glenna left so quickly…" Link smiled weakly at her attempt to joke, though it quickly disappeared when Navi shouted at him once again. He led the statue across the room and placed it in the spot across from its twin. The magical, lockless door disappeared to reveal a small hallway leading to another door.

"Let's go!" came another cheerful declaration from Navi, who had already sped down to the door; Link rubbed his temples as he and Midna followed her.

"So, the spider went through here?" asked Link, who was examining the door with a skeptical expression. There was no bulky, intricate lock.

Buzzing excitedly, the fairy agreed, "Yes, yes!"

Though he didn't truly believe that he had reached the end yet, Link pulled upwards the door and entered the next room. Midna whistled, and even Navi seemed a little surprised. They were standing in a dimly lit room filled with Beamos, Blade Traps, swinging scythes, and other death traps. "Who the hell made this temple?" demanded Link.

Midna patted his shoulder. "Good luck, Link." Then, for no reason at all, she disappeared into his shadow, leaving him alone with Navi and the torture instruments.

XxxxxX

By the time Glenna succeeded to enter Kakariko, it was quite dark, and her skin bore slightly more wounds than they had before she'd set out. When she walked through where the gates once stood and into the village, she was surprised to find someone waiting for her. Zelda, dressed with her cloak over what she guessed was a night gown, was sitting near the spring. How simple would it have been for a creature to simply stumble into the village and strike her while her back was turned? Glenna found herself a bit annoyed as she approached. "Don't you think you might want to change?" wondered the princess without looking toward her.

Glenna paused in her approach and glanced downward; her head was quite close to the ground. A moment later found her standing a couple feet taller, just for her to sit down beside Zelda on the ground. "How did you know?"

"A heightened sense of my surroundings, perhaps? Besides, you're quite the loud walker," she added with a faint smile.

"What I meant was how did you know I was coming?"

A quiet laugh escaped Zelda's lips. "A premonition, does that surprise you? I had a dream last night about a white wolf, who was to come to me from far away by the next night, and here you are."

"So you don't make a habit out of sitting by the spring at night with your back turned?" asked Glenna, relieved.

"Not usually." A moment of silence passed between them as Glenna thought of what she needed to say and Zelda waited patiently.

"You don't seem surprised to see me alive."

Zelda nodded. "No, I don't, do I? Somehow, I just felt that I would know if you were… gone. And, besides, I had already heard from Midna and Link about you summoning a gargantuan skeleton to kill them."

"But I-" She was silenced as the princess raised her hand.

"I know that you were not actually trying to kill them. However, I would enjoy hearing what happened. My connection with you faded and, I fear, I can't use it at all anymore. Why is that?"

Glenna felt guilty at that moment as she wondered if the connection Zant had into her mind would lead him straight to Zelda. "Zant. I went to the castle after Midna and Link set off for the desert. No, I know, it was a bad idea, but I thought, surely, I would find you there. Then, I didn't. I found Zant and he rendered me into a sniveling, shaking mutt." She explained in more detail what had happened up until she had left the Temple of Time. Zelda listened without changing her expression or interjecting an opinion, as was her way.
"I see," she said once Glenna finished. "So you feared for my life and the others. You've a good heart, Glenna. Unfortunately, you also have very little faith in people. Of all people, I thought, Link would be the one that you trusted without any doubt. Instead, you jumped at the first opportunity to doubt his character, and by Zant of all people."

With her head lowered, she mumbled a shamed, "I know."

"But I can protect everyone, especially from Zant. I know that you will, of course, want Telma here, but is there anyone else?" This was news to Glenna, who recalled that Zelda had kneeled to the usurper not too long ago in order to protect Hyrule.

"There is," she agreed in a slow, reflective voice, "but I think it's better that I do it myself." She wanted to question how the princess thought she could protect anyone from Zant but simply chose to trust her instead.

Zelda raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued. I will have Renado send a letter to Telma; I know she has very strong friends with her, and they should be more than willing to escort her here."

During her long trip from the Sacred Grove to Kakariko Village, a voice - whether real or imagined - had chimed into her mind. 'You can search all you want, but you'll never find the other shards, which lie within the depths of the snowy mountains and somewhere in the 'heavens.' It had been Zant's voice, but she was not sure if he had been speaking the truth. Still, it was the best lead she had. "Actually, I'll take the letter, if you don't mind writing it at this moment. I don't want to wake anyone with my appearance, and I need to do it tonight. I need to see Ashei."

"I suppose you don't plan on sharing with me what it is you're up to?" wondered Zelda as they stood and started for the Inn.

"Well… Ashei has some knowledge about a mountain region to the north, and I think she can help."

Zelda smiled. "So you won't tell me what you're up to. Fair enough. I trust you."

"It's nice that someone does."

"Many people do," she replied more seriously. "But it's you who has the trusting issue, Glenna, and I seriously advise you to alter it before you can do anything foolish again."

Glenna nodded. "Yes, yes." They walked to the main counter where some parchment and a quill remained, and Zelda began to write. It did not take her long and, when she finished, she tucked the flap of the envelope beneath it as she could not find a way to make a seal.

"Of course, I can't make the Royal Family seal here, but I'm sure this will suffice," she handed the letter to Glenna. "I would show you your sister, but she is being kept in a spare room beneath Renado's Sanctuary, and for us to go in at such a late hour…"

"I know, and I believe you," she mumbled, "but I don't know why I was so willing to mistrust Link and Midna."

Zelda shook her head as they returned outside. "It is in your nature," she said unapologetically. "You were betrayed in the worst way possible as a child, so it's difficult for you to trust. But, as I mentioned before, you must or you will allow something similar to occur once again. Agreed?"

"Yes. I'm afraid that Link and Midna won't forgive me, though," she admitted as she approached Avianna, who was in her makeshift stable with Epona sleeping beside her.

"Link will, in a heartbeat. Considering what occurred in the Temple of Time, he may have already forgiven you. As for Midna, she is nearly as mistrustful as you, and about as stubborn, too. But she will come around, don't worry."

Glenna nodded. "I hope you're right," she said as she climbed atop Avianna. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Is… is everyone alright? Ilia's memory, how is it?"

Zelda shook her head. "About the same, I fear. Time, just give it time. Now, go on. I'll take care of things here; you just get Telma, and get her back here. Ride safe."

"Thanks. I'll see you." Then, she kicked Avianna's sides, and they set off into the night.

XxX

Armogohma was nothing like Link had anticipated. She was a gargantuan spider, yes, but one with armor surrounding an orange eye on her back. The arachnid also seemed to enjoy either walking down the walls and attempting to trample him or shooting lasers from the eye on her back, which had already managed to singe Navi's wings and his clothing. Fighting her required the use of arrows (and much patience since Navi continuously shouted unnecessary instructions at him), so it was fortunate that he had become a better shot.

"Watch out!" exclaimed Navi as the spider prepared to shoot another laser, but he ignored her.

Link stood directly beneath her with an arrow almost ready to shoot. He waited until he was sure there was no way he would miss and fired. For the final time, he hoped, Armogohma collapsed to the ground beneath a statue. Link pulled out his rod, waved it quickly, and smashed its underbelly with the statue's giant-sized hammer. With an inhuman screech, the spider began to dissolve, and Link heaved a sigh of relief. "That wasn't too bad," he mumbled as he idly fingered some of his singed hair.

"Hey!" came another one of Navi's shouts, and he almost wanted to yell at her… But he was pleased, because the nightmarish arachnid was gone.

As if the Goddesses wished to toy with him just a little, the cloud of darkness that had risen as a result of Armogohma's defeat was lifted to reveal at least thirty Baby Gohma and… a somewhat bigger spider with an orange thorax that looked much like an eye. Even Midna was staring at it with disbelief. "You've got to be kidding."

Link quickly pulled out his bow and began to rapid fire arrows at the spider, but everyone seemed to miss or hit one of the babies. "Quick, Link! Hit it with your arrows!" shouted Navi, as if she were oblivious to the fact that he was already attempting just that. Surely, she should have figured out that was what he was trying to do; unless he was such an awful shot that it seemed like he was purposely aiming at the bluer spiders. He decided what would have been helpful would be the fairy actually doing something. But he pushed the thoughts from his head as he took aim once more, only to accidentally hit one of the babies - again.

Cursing under his breath, Link put away the bow and ran at the group of spiders with the Master Sword. Unsurprisingly, the arachnids began to scurry even faster, just out of his reach, and some of them even set apart from the group to tackle him. Link launched himself into a running jump and pierced the thorax of the orange spider with an ending blow. As a result, all of the other spiders seemed to decay before his eyes, and, as the orange did so, a large glistening shard fell onto the floor.

Midna resurfaced from his shadow, and the shard began to hover between them. "Our second mirror shard," she remarked with awe. "Only two more to go. If only we knew where they were… Do you see what that shard turned that simple little spider into? The power of the mirror is awful, but at least nothing too bad came out of that thing getting it. Let's go…" She hovered a little away from him where a blue portal appeared on the ground. He ran into it and, in the blink of an eye, found himself standing in front of the translucent blue staircase.

Navi was hovering a little above his shoulder, a movement which Midna mirrored as the three of them stared at the staircase. The entrance was no longer visible, but Link knew if they walked to the top, it would reveal itself again. "Are you going back?" he asked the fairy, his aggravation at her forgotten.

"To the Temple? No. I've been there for way too long. The entrance should be sealed away again, don't you think?" She seemed thoughtful now, a great contrast to her previous annoying state.

Link nodded. "As long as you don't want to go back, I think it's a great idea." 'Though, it might be even better if she does go back.' He took a few steps backwards and turned toward the pedestal in order to keep the staircase in his view. Without further deliberation, he stabbed the sword downwards, and the stairs retreated into the platform.

Midna turned toward Navi. "So? What are you going to do now?"

"Take someone else's advice, for a change!" She floated closer to Link, seeming to stare at him for a few seconds. "We'll see each other again. If I couldn't escape you once, then I'm sure of it!" Link wasn't quite sure to what she was referring but simply nodded his agreement nonetheless. He and Midna remained in the chamber, watching, as Navi steadily flew out, up the stairs, and through the door that would lead them back to the Sacred Grove.

Link glanced at Midna quickly before quickly following the fairy's lead. He felt quite old when he stepped through the doors and into the early morning sun. For a moment, he looked around in search of Navi but found no sign that she had come through. "We're from different times," remarked Midna, who seemed to know what Link was thinking. "At least, I think we are. She probably didn't see what we saw. If she had come through the same way, then she probably wouldn't be alive anymore."

"How do you know what time period she's from?"

Midna laughed. "Didn't she seem out of sorts to you?"

Ooccoo and Junior resurfaced from wherever they had been hiding on Link's person. He bent down before the Oocca and asked, "Did you find whatever it was you were looking for?"

"Oh, my, yes! You know, Ooccoo and Junior have been adventuring to every temple so far in hopes of finding what we did!"

Midna raised an eyebrow. "Which is…?"

"The Dominion Rod! Goodness, yes. We've been searching for it in hopes of returning home… Unfortunately, it seems that the Rod has been here for quite some time, and its magic has faded. If only I could remember the ancient text that would restore it…" Ooccoo had lowered her head somewhat, and even Junior seemed to be wearing a sad expression. "It can't be helped. We'll simply have to keep searching. Until next time, fellow adventurer. Good luck!"

The Oocca ran off at a rapid pace, and Link retrieved the Rod to get a good look at it. As Ooccoo had said, the magic on it appeared to have dissipated; it was now bright red instead of blue. "Hey, wait! What did you do to the Rod? Get back here!" shouted Midna, but Ooccoo and Junior appeared to have disappeared. With a groan, she turned back toward Link. "Well, it would have been helpful if she had told us how to fix the Dominion Rod, but I'm sure we'll find her at some point again. In the meantime, we need to figure out where the other two shards are; we'd better get back to Kakariko and tell Zelda what's going on."

Link was relieved at the opportunity to rest and, also, to check on Ilia's progress. "You're not going to make me walk all the way back, are you?"

Midna grinned. "Of course not. How about we test out," she pulled out the dark crystal, "Zant's little present?" Sensing Link's hesitation, her grin softened a bit. "It won't hurt you, I promise. Just touch it. I'll help you like I always do." Finally, he reached out and touched the crystal and, instantly, his spine bowed and nails elongated. Though it had only been a day since he had last been in his wolf form, he had already forgotten how uncomfortable the transformation could be. Midna patted the top of his head and jumped into the air. "That a boy!" Their bodies dissolved into twilight particles and flew into the portal hovering above the ruins.

XxxxxX

The sun was shining through the clouds by the time Glenna rode into Castle Town. She had little to no trouble reaching Telma's bar, but she had trouble getting inside as the door had been locked. A few loud knocks later, Telma, dressed in a black gown, answered the door with an agitated expression. When she took in Glenna's appearance, however, her face softened. "Glenna, honey, I haven't seen you in ages. Where's that handsome boy of yours, hm?" she asked, looking into the dark alleyway for a sign of Link.

"I'm on my own right now," she replied as she fumbled for the letter.

"Well, come in, honey, come in. You look like you could use a moment of rest." She led Glenna to the bar and, out of habit, stood behind it. She grabbed a glass and a bottle of something before pouring it. Though she was not exactly sure what it was, Glenna realized that it had been so long since she had drunken anything that she did not care. That and the fact that Telma would, likely, never give anything dangerous. "Are you coming back to stay? Or are you just passing through?"

Glenna took a long sip of her drink. It tasted sweet, like a fruit whose name she could not place. "Actually, I have a letter for you." She pulled out the envelope and slid it over the counter toward the woman.

Telma pulled the parchment out of the envelope and her eyes scanned over the words quite quickly. "Hm, his handwriting looks just a little different, but it seems that Renado needs me, honey." Her eyes were shining as she looked up from the letter.

It was common knowledge to her that Zelda was good at reading people, but the fact that she knew Telma would respond to a letter from Renado the best was nothing short of amazing. "Y-yeah, he does have his hands full there. A lot of kids and no one to really help him take care of them."

"Hm, but I thought your sister was there now?"

Glenna shook her head. "She's sick, so she can't help," she lied. "So, are you going?"

"Of course, honey! I'll leave as soon as the others get here!"

That was something she had not counted on. "When's that?"

"They'll be here soon, I'm sure. I'll go get changed, answer the door if they come, alright?" Then, Telma disappeared through the door that led to the "apartment." Glenna had an itching to return to her room and sleep in her comfortable bed, but she refrained. A knock came not too long after, and she allowed Auru, Ashei, Shad, and the helmeted man entry.

Though they all sat at the table, Glenna was beckoned to join them. "You do not know how Link's trip to the desert was, do you?" inquired Auru.

She skirted around the truth a little. "Not really. I've heard that he found a mirror, but it was broken."

"Is that so? Well, I suppose such things will occur over time… Where is he now?"

"In a place known as the Sacred Grove, sorting some things out." The helmeted man visibly turned his attention toward her and, in the next moment, his helmet was removed to reveal… "Rusl? You're the fourth member of this group?"

Rusl slowly inclined his head. "Yes… You see, I have been working with the 'The Group' for many years now. I have always been interested in the Grove that lies somewhere beyond Faron Woods, but I have never been there myself. Have you?"

He seemed to hold very little animosity toward her, despite the fact that she had been with Link in his wolf form to steal the shield and sword. "I've seen parts of it," she admitted, "and part of an ancient temple, but that's really it."

"The Master Sword, then… Does it truly lie within the Sacred Grove?"

This was something that Glenna had little trouble admitting to. "It is," she agreed. "Or, it was. Link took it." Before questions could arise on that note, she turned toward Ashei. "I think I heard you talk about researching the mountains to the north, didn't I?"

"Snowpeak, yeah? I've been looking into it," she agreed.

Without thinking much about it, she murmured, "'Within the depths of the snowy mountains…" Snowpeak, though she had never been able to successfully search the area, was a snowy mountain range; Glenna was familiar with no others in the kingdom.

Ashei was staring at her. "Sorry?"

Realizing she had spoken the words aloud, Glenna cleared her throat. "Is there… a temple or anything up there?"

"I've lived in the mountains," she admitted, "but in a very small settlement. Not even a real house, yeah? And I'd never seen any sort of place up there… But the Zoras have reported seeing a white beast coming to the Domain for… something, they don't know what. There might be a settlement of some type of creature in there, but an actual temple? I don't know. You'd have to look pretty deep in the mountains, yeah?"

Glenna had never successfully examined Snowpeak because of its everlasting blizzard though, admittedly, she had not put too much heart into it; Zelda had always expected it to be a wasteland, so she had never requested for her to search for beasts there the way she had in every other province. It was dangerous, really, but she didn't see a way around it. "Yeah," she agreed. "I have to go, actually, but Telma needs to get to Kakariko. Could you please escort her? It would mean a lot to me, and especially to her."

"I'll take her. Be careful in… whatever it is you're planning, yeah?" remarked an obviously skeptical Ashei.

Rusl nodded. "It would be a good opportunity to check in on Colin and the others. I'll go as well. Good luck to you, Glenna."

"Thank you all!" She retreated from the bar and exited Castle Town to where Avianna stood beside the bridge. "C'mon, girl. We need to pay a visit to the Zoras." They followed the west path to where part of the Zora's River emptied into the field and, from there, onto a sloping path that seemed it would lead into the mountains. For a moment, Glenna thought of the nearby, hidden path that could bring her back to the village with bitterness and something else that felt like hope. She promptly ignored the feelings as a gang of Lizalfos dashed toward them and hurried a frightened Avianna into a small, little known cave. Though Glenna had gone through the cave many times, she had never thought a horse could fit through it… until now.

Though the ceiling was relatively close to her and the filly's head, she thought it beat leaving Avianna for the Lizalfos to attack. The path, which had grown taller as they walked it, was not very long, and they appeared onto a more ornate path with rocks that appeared and acted like pillars. Glenna dismounted Avianna, patted her neck and mumbled, "Don't go anywhere, 'cause it's a long way down, girl." She leaned over the pathway and noticed many Zoras down below. There appeared to be only one effective way down, so she backed up a few paces before launching herself down below.

The Zoras seemed unperturbed by her appearance or way of transportation. It was not unusual for Glenna to do such a thing when she visited. She pulled herself onto the path that branched off and led to Snowpeak, stopping before two guards stationed there. "Miss Glenna," the guard on the left greeted her. "What brings you here?"

"I've heard that you Zoras noticed some white beast coming down from Snowpeak. Any chance you know what it was?"

"Well, it appeared to be one of the mountain beasts. You know, a Yeti."

"And do you have any idea why it would be down here?" She was hoping there would be some hidden motif for the beast to journey down to the Domain, something that had to do with the mirror.

Both guards shook their heads. "No. He never came here before and, on top of that, a suspicious girl has been lurking around here, as well… I'm afraid we will not be getting any type of break any time soon. I don't suppose you know why a Yeti would be frequenting our home?"

"The girl's fine; she means you no harm," assured Glenna although she knew her word counted for little. "But the Yeti… I have no idea. I didn't even know there was such a thing. I've heard and read, of course, but to actually learn they're real… They must live in the mountains somewhere, right?"

The shorter guard nodded. "Certainly. In caves or such."

It would be too simple if all Glenna had to do was find a cave and pick up the mirror shard, but that was not in Zant's style. No, it had to be somewhere… "Are you planning on going after the beast?" wondered the taller guard.

"I might be," she partially lied.

"Then, I should inform you that Snowpeak's normally foul weather has become worse since our home was frozen. It's quite dangerous, so you should be careful. I'm not sure that you can even get all that far."

Glenna nodded. "Well, thank you for the warning. And, uh, if I don't come back very soon, my horse is on the path above, if you could find something to feed her, that would be nice."

"Sure, we'll have someone do it. Good luck!" called the shorter guard as she started up the tunnel leading into the mountains. The closer she got to Snowpeak, the colder it became, and she was beginning to regret her decision to jump into the pool. Eventually, she reached the end of the cave and found herself at the tip of a cliff overlooking a blanket of white; she could make sense of nothing.

Glenna worked out her plan in her head. She was only somewhat hoping to find the beast that frequented Zora's Domain while, at the same time, searching the mountains for some large, intricate temple. Her lips pursed and eyebrows furrowed as she realized: 'This was an awful idea.' Not knowing what exactly she had to fear, she leapt off the edge of the cliff and landed on something hard. When her feet slipped and slid beneath her, she realized she was walking on ice which was neither good nor bad.

"Dumb, dumb, dumb," was what she would have muttered over and over while she blindly skidded on the ice, but the wind was too icy for her to will her mouth open. Finally, she stopped running around and blindly reached out. All of the nerves on her hands screamed and ached at once, and she immediately cradled it against her chest; she was extremely close to a glacial water source of some type. Her vision only slightly improved when she transformed into a wolf. That way, she was able to find that she could see various flat glaciers floating in the water that she could jump across to get to the other side of the water.

XxxxxX

Midna and Link reappeared in the cave beside the spring, just in case anyone was already outside. Once he transformed into a human once more, and she disappeared into his shadow, Link ventured out into the village, seeking out Zelda. He entered the Sanctuary and was pleased to see Ilia, though he had been expecting the princess. "Ilia-"

"Oh, Link, it's good to see you again. Your friend told me to tell you to see her in the cemetery. She's very smart; I don't know how she knew you'd be coming back today!" Though she had been smiling, it faded quite quickly. "You know, the older girl that was here got sick somehow, and she's been put in a room underneath here. Renado said she's in a coma, isn't that sad? I bring her new flowers every day, so she has something nice to look at when she wakes up."

Link's smile was weak. "That's very kind of you. Avon will be pretty thankful when she wakes up."

"That's nice of you to say," replied Ilia, a sad smile on her face. "I talked with her a lot. She seemed sad about her sister, and her sister probably doesn't even know what's happened to her."

It took much restraint on Link's part to not say, "Oh, she knows alright." Instead, he said, "Keep an eye on her for me. Take care of yourself." Then, he retreated from the Sanctuary and took the path behind it to find Zelda. As Ilia had said, the princess was waiting for him there. She was kneeling before one of the closer gravestones with her head bowed as if she were praying, and he was not sure if he should bother her.

Midna saved him from this dilemma by resurfacing and calling, "Princess?"

Zelda stood immediately and turned toward them with a surprised expression. "I didn't know you'd be here so soon."

"You told us to come back once we got the Master Sword… but Glenna caught up with us, and we wound up in the Temple of Time," remarked Link, abashed.

Zelda inclined her head. "That I heard, but what I meant was that I did not know you'd come not too long after Glenna did."

"Glenna?" repeated both Midna and Link.

"She came to see me earlier, but she has already left. I expect she'll be back… Perhaps."

Midna raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

"It doesn't matter. Now, tell me everything that has happened since you left." And they did. They spoke of the Sacred Grove (including the Twilit Messengers, which Glenna had left out), the Master Sword, Glenna, and the Temple of Time. "So you found the second piece of the Twilight Mirror?"

"Yes, but, unfortunately, we don't know where to find the other two," complained Midna.

Zelda seemed to think over whatever it was she wanted to say before speaking. "As with the pieces of the Fused Shadow-"

"-Which we also don't have anymore," growled Midna.

Clearing her throat, Zelda continued, "Where the pieces of the Fused Shadow were found, there was usually a large amount of evil coming from that area, yes?" Link and Midna nodded. "Would it not be fair to say that the same could be said of the Temple of Time."

Link and Midna thought on this. "Well, it's true, the Temple of Time was significantly darker, according to the fairy…" murmured Midna. "But, how are we supposed to figure out where, out of all the places in Hyrule, there's a significant source of evil? This is an old land, filled with bitter memories. That alone could cause malice, couldn't it?"

"Yes," agreed Zelda, "however… Before Glenna left me, she expressed a desire to speak with someone named Ashei, who has knowledge about Snowpeak, the mountainous region north of the castle."

"She might be onto something," said Link slowly as he digested the information. "So we should go to Castle Town and see her?"

"Perhaps," agreed Zelda, "but she may be escorting Telma here. You might like to wait."

Link blinked. "Telma? Why?"

"I suppose I have a bit to say on my behalf, as well," mused the princess. "When Glenna came to me, she expressed a desire for me to protect the people here, as well as Telma. So I wrote a letter, in the shaman's hand, and sent for her."

"Protect them from what?" demanded Midna.

Zelda shook her head. "That is for Glenna to say. Now, come, let us see if she's arrived yet." She pulled up the hood of her cloak, settled her scarf over her face, and set out of the cemetery.

XxxxxX

Glenna was exhausted, and the White Wolfos continuously ambushing her was far from appreciated. She was not even sure if, at this point, she was gaining any progress at all as it was nearly impossible to see more than a couple feet ahead of her. Aside from that, everything simply looked white. 'Maybe a rest. Just a small one, a very tiny moment's reprieve. Just long enough to rest my eyes for a few minutes…' Her brain screamed that it was an awful idea, but her tired legs lowered her body into the snow as her eyes closed.

Moments later (though her frozen limbs told her otherwise) it seemed, she was awoken by something. Thunderous footsteps that made the ground tremble were approaching quite close to her ears. "White wolf, uh? Very rare, would be very tasty…" Whatever it was poked her in the side, and her body reacted with a twitch. "Alive, too, uh? But barely… I bring home and see what wife think." Now her tired eyes wanted to fly open, but she was too fearful to do so; it took all of her self-control to keep them shut as the creature threw her over its shoulder and started off. Her fatigue somehow managed to overcome her fear, and she began to drift once more.

A/n: Silly girl, sleeping when she's about to be eaten… I hope everyone has a very lovely holiday(s), and I will see you next year!