Into the Twilight! Ante up. I don't own Legend of Zelda.
Makura woke up on a bench in the Sanctuary. Renado placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "You slept uneasily, so I roused you."
Makura swung his legs over the edge and stood shakily. "Where's Link?"
"Link's right here," Link said. "What's the matter?"
Makura said, "We need to get to the Mirror Chamber. Zant's going to kill Colin."
Link nodded and said, "What will he do when we fix it?"
"Nothing he hasn't tried before. He can't kill Midna because he still needs her, that's why he took Colin. But he made the mistake of letting Midna care. She'll do everything in her power to keep him safe, which should give us some time." Makura spoke as he walked.
He stumbled and Link said cautiously, "You've barely recovered. We go now and you're as good as dead."
Makura said, "If we don't try, Colin will be."
Makura summoned Nayru's Love and concentrated on why he fought. He felt the Goddess of Wisdom lend her strength as she healed his spirit. Din smiled at his purpose and Farore nodded in approval of his resolve. When he was done, Makura felt weary, but settled into motion. "Are you ready to go, Link?"
Link nodded and they stepped outside to use the portal. Makura dropped them in front of the pedestal and walked up to the broken mirror. He closed his eyes and summoned the shards. Makura guided them with his hands until they matched. He fit them to the Mirror frame and opened his eyes.
Light projected through the Mirror and onto the stone counterweight. Makura felt Link's eyes on him and turned to see them wide in shock. Link asked, "When did you get your magic back?"
Makura clenched a fist and thought. "I think it must have been when you woke me up. The magic was sealed deep inside me. I was so lost when you found me that I may have been with it."
Link looked at the Mirror and said, "We should probably go through."
Makura smirked and stepped on the pedestal. "You should stand beside me, Link. I don't want us to get separated on the trip."
Link stepped up and grabbed Makura's hand. Makura closed his eyes and opened the Mirror. They landed in the outer courtyards beyond the portcullis. Makura ran toward the wall and glanced around. It looked like Zant had placed an army in their path and the gate was closed.
Link crouched beside him and asked, "What's the plan?"
Makura pulled back behind the wall and whispered, "We're not getting in that way." He pointed west and continued, "The stables have a hidden passage. We can get into the Palace through there."
They ran to the stable where the grooms were tending the horses. Link saw their forms and whispered, "What's wrong with them?"
Makura pulled him into an empty stall and whispered back, "It's Zant's power. He did the same thing to the shadow beasts. They were once people of the kingdom."
Makura went to the corner of the stall and pulled up a slab of rock. He revealed a low tunnel and said, "Eleni hides the secret of the path. This will take us straight to the tower of Midna's bedroom. That's where I think she and Colin are."
Link dropped into the tunnel and Makura followed, taking a moment to replace the stone. Link pulled out his lantern and hunched over in the narrow tunnel. It started to ascend and eventually broadened.
Makura said, "We're level with the kitchens now. This used to be an escape route for the Royal Family. As the castle grew, only the heir stayed in the bedchambers. Now, the path is forgotten to almost everyone. Most of the old bedrooms have been converted into studies, libraries, and storage."
They reached a fork and turned. As they started up a narrow staircase, Link said, "You know this is a trap."
"Yes," Makura whispered. "We need to be quiet. The walls here are thin. At the top is a trapdoor through the fireplace of Midna's room."
Link whispered back, "Zant said he knew about the passages."
Makura didn't respond. He scowled in thought the rest of the way up. At the top of the staircase, a landing widened. Makura ran to the stone wall and laid a hand on the bricks. He grinned and said, "They're warm. Help me move the wall."
Makura put a shoulder to the stone and Link braced himself against it, but it wouldn't move. Makura cursed and they heard from the other side, "Makura, is that you?"
Makura asked, "Midna, is Colin with you?"
After a pause, the boy said, "I'm here."
Midna said, "Zant locked us in and sealed the passage."
Link commented, "Told you so."
A muffled thump followed by a scream sounded beyond the wall. Makura shouted, "Midna!"
"Shh," Midna said quickly, "Zant is coming. I'm doing everything I can to keep him out, but I can't hold out forever." She paused and he knew she was crying. "Makura, I'm scared."
Makura placed his head against the wall and said, "I'm sorry, Midna. I should have got here sooner. I have to go now."
Midna cursed and said, "Don't tell me you're going after the Sols."
Makura didn't respond and Midna said, "You'll be killed if you enter the vaults!"
Makura grit his teeth when they heard another thump and Midna gasped. Makura said, "I'll be back, Midna."
He turned and started back down the passage. Link followed and asked, "Where are we going?"
Makura answered with deadly calm, "To get back-up."
They reached a fork and Link asked, "What did Midna mean by we'll die?"
Makura turned down the corridor and said, "The vaults are our highest security measure. The King can seal the Sols, our power source, in them when the kingdom is in danger. Midna ran away, but her father didn't know that. He must have sealed the Sols away as a precaution. If they hadn't been, the Twili people wouldn't have been affected by Zant's magic."
"What's in the vaults that could be so dangerous? Aren't they just somewhere to store things?"
Makura explained, "Without the King's permission, the defenses kick in."
"Ah," Link said, "So it's the defenses that will kill us."
Makura replied, "If only we'd be so lucky."
Link said sarcastically, "Thanks for the reassurance."
Makura pressed a stone at the top of the door framed by light and it opened silently. He said, "We're in the throne room. Just outside are two of the vault access points."
They ran to the door and Makura hesitated. Link asked, "What's wrong?"
Makura said, "I'm not on the best of terms with throne rooms."
"Just come on!"
Makura cringed and ran through the door. Nothing happened and he relaxed. Link clapped him on the back and said, "Where next?"
Makura took a couple steps before saying in disbelief, "No."
Three strange looking creatures stood on the balcony. Makura ran to them and they shrunk away from him. Link asked, "Who are they?"
Makura sighed. "They wear the house rings of the nobles. These are the people who fought hardest to find a new heir." He turned to them and spat in disgust. Makura shouted angrily in Twili, "Do you see where your actions have led us? If we don't stand together, the kingdom falls to dissent and people like Zant rise up!"
Link placed a hand on Makura's arm and said gently, "We can't leave them like this." The nobles started shaking in fear and Link added, "Tell them our plan so that they may be ready to act."
Makura closed his eyes and his anger dissipated. "Until Zant is dead and the Council reestablished, they won't be able to do anything. How ironic that they now depend on the one they despised."
Makura walked away and opened the first vault. Link followed and the door closed. Most of the puzzles weren't dangerous, but they were tedious. Link and Makura kept on their toes until they found the first Sol.
Link asked anxiously, "Where exactly are the defenses? I thought for sure we'd be bothered by now."
Makura walked up to the glowing orb and said, "The Sol is on a plate. It knows when the Sol will be moved and is aware of when it shouldn't be. As soon as we take it, the defenses will activate. You grab it. I'll keep the alarm busy."
Link picked up the Sol and a large black hand materialized. Makura drew his bow and waited. Link stared open mouthed and Makura shouted, "Run!"
Makura shot arrows at the hand and it shut down for the moment. As Link sprinted back to the door, it woke up and started after them. Makura ran ahead of it and caught up to Link."
On the other side of the door, Link sighed in relief and said, "That thing was terrifying. I'm glad we left it in there."
The wall by them started to glow red and black fingers protruded. As the hand phased through the wall, Link cursed violently and started running again. Makura ran with him and shot arrows over his shoulder.
They backtracked until they left the vault. Link doubled over and caught his breath. "That may have been the worst thing I've ever had to do."
Makura laughed and said, "We still have two to go."
Makura picked up the Sol and placed it in its setting. Twilight returned to a third of the balcony and one of the nobles was once again Twili. Makura refused to speak to the man, but spared one glance as he walked to the next vault.
Link and Makura repeated the procedure with the second Sol. Twilight returned and another noble changed back. Makura strode through the throne room and walked down a hall before stopping. Link asked, "Is this where the last Sol is? Why'd we stop?"
"This is the king's study. The last time I spoke to the king, he placed his trust in me and I failed. I fear what we'll find inside." Makura took a deep breath and opened the door.
The room was dark, but not so dark that they couldn't see the creature sitting behind the desk. Makura stepped into the room and walked forward like a man condemned with his head held high. He knelt before the desk and lowered his eyes.
Link took a step forward when the creature moved. Makura said in warning, "Stay back. This doesn't concern you."
Link grit his teeth, but Makura's tone held him in place. He watched as the creature stepped around the desk and stood before Makura. Makura said, "If you wish to end my life, I won't stop you."
The creature paused before falling to the floor. Makura raised his eyes when it started emitting a strange wail. Makura reached out to it and Link couldn't hold himself in check any longer. As he rushed to Makura's side, he asked, "What's it doing?"
Makura whispered comfortingly in Twili before saying, "King Nephad is crying."
Link stepped back in shock and Makura spoke rapidly in Twili. The king lifted his head and tried to move his hands. Makura reached forward and helped him. He handed Makura something and Makura looked into his palm. Makura tried to decline, that much Link could tell, but Nephad shook his head.
Makura met his gaze and nodded once. Then he stood and said, "Come Link, we've little time."
Makura walked to another door and slipped something onto his finger. As his hand touched the doorknob, it glowed and the door opened. He said thickly, "The defenses are disabled. When we obtain the Sol, the power over my people will scatter."
Link hesitantly followed and said, "You're behaving strangely."
Makura paused and explained, "The king granted permission to take the Sol. The rest doesn't matter. Please, Link, I need you to trust me."
Link said, "You know that I do."
"Then follow me." Makura walked and the puzzles solved themselves. When they came to the Sol, Makura picked it up and the hand materialized. Link took a step back and drew his sword.
Makura held out a hand and said, "Don't be afraid."
Link asked, "Are you talking to me or that thing?"
Makura smiled sadly and laid a hand on a finger of the creature. It settled on the ground and started to hum. Link said, slightly panicked, "Now it's purring!"
Makura lowered his hand and the orb disappeared. He said, "It's in place."
They exited the same way they entered and the king, now Twili, lay where they had left him. Makura rushed to him and said, "Sire!"
Nephad sat up and said in Hylian, "It's good to have you back, Keeper."
Makura knelt again before him and replied, "It's good to be home, your Majesty."
Link said from where he stood, "Wait a minute! If you know Hylian, why'd you speak in Twili before?"
Nephad looked up and saw Link for the first time. Makura helped the king rise and said, "Allow me to introduce my brother, Link."
Link saluted and gave a showy bow, but before he could say anything, a terrible rumbling sounded above them. Nephad asked, "Where is my daughter?"
Makura answered, "Midna and a child are barricaded in her bedroom. Zant was trying to break through when we went to find the Sols and free our people. The Nobles are doubtless still cowering in the throne room. The soldiers were posted outside the portcullis."
Nephad nodded and said, "The Nobles and I will hold the throne room until you send reinforcements."
"With all due respect, sir, it would be wise for you and the Nobles to evacuate."
Nephad puffed up and said, "I haven't been preparing for a fight just to back out at the first chance. I will hold the throne room while you save my daughter. Command my soldiers in my stead and don't delay."
"Very well," Makura said. He stood at attention and held a fist over his chest. He said, "Sir," and turned to leave. Link fell in beside him and the king picked up his robes to run.
At the throne room, Nephad stopped Makura from entering the passage and said, "I was wrong about you, my boy. Somehow I failed to see it until now. You'll make Midna a fine husband and are a man I'm happy to call son."
Makura felt himself swell with pride. Nephad turned to the balcony and Makura said, "You need attire more fitting of a king entering battle."
He said, "Don't tell me you know a seamstress spell."
Makura smirked and answered, "Actually, I've learned the spells of a tailor, blacksmith, assassin, farrier, and spy, just to name a few."
Nephad's eyes widened and he said, "You've been busy. Show me what you've learned."
Makura thought of the Warrior and closed his eyes. He used the weaponry lining the walls to construct chainmail and remolded the king's robes into a tunic. When he was finished, Makura opened his eyes.
The king wore a tunic above pants that tucked into boots. Chainmail was visible underneath and greaves adorned his arms. The front of the tunic bore the crescent moon, the sigil of his house. Makura had left off the hat and instead used the helm of the Warrior.
Makura smirked and said, "Very nice. Now you're fit to fight."
Nephad nodded in thanks and ran to the balcony. Makura turned and ran to where Link waited at a fork. Link asked, "Which way do we go?"
Makura took the lead and they entered the kitchen. Servants stared at them as they emerged from the wall. Makura and Link ignored them as they ran out into the inner gardens.
As they neared the portcullis, Link asked, "How are we going to get them to listen? I thought you weren't very popular."
"That's an understatement. Luckily, as Keeper I do have the authority to seize command in the event that the King and Princess Heir are compromised. If they won't listen to that, I do have one trick up my sleeve."
Link said, "You can do that? You have no idea how happy it makes me to know you actually have a plan."
Makura said under his breath, "I have one, we'll see if it works." As they walked up to the guardhouse, he added, "Do me a favor and try to act like you belong."
Makura walked like a soldier and held a fist over his chest as he demanded, "Open the portcullis. I want to speak to all commanding officers."
The soldiers present jumped into action. Makura folded his hands behind his back and waited. A Twili who walked with purpose asked, "What's going on?"
Makura made that odd salute and Link was quick to mimic, albeit clumsily. Makura said, "I need to speak with the generals and their lieutenants. I'm taking control of the army."
The man exclaimed, "On whose authority?"
Makura held his ground and said evenly, "My own. Zant has been controlling you. As we speak, King Nephad is fighting to hold the palace together and Zant tries to reach the Princess."
The man narrowed his eyes and said with condescension, "If what you say is true, Keeper, you should be with your Master."
Link stepped forward to say angrily, "We speak the truth! If you value the life of your liege, you'd do well to listen."
Makura groaned inwardly and placed a hand on Link's shoulder. Link's input was appreciated, but wasn't helpful. The soldier sneered, "Found another blue-eyed demon to run loose, Keeper?"
Makura's eyes flashed dangerously and he said with barely controlled rage, "I will control this army, if not on my own authority, then on that of the King."
Makura held up a fist and said, "You've been following the orders of a false king for months. You know what this ring means." The man's face paled before turning bright red. Makura finished, "If you won't follow the orders I give, I'll have you discharged for treason. Now, I want to talk to all commanding officers."
Makura held the man's glare. After a few seconds, the man saluted him and turned to shout orders. Link whispered, "Holy hell man, what was that about?"
Makura left the guardhouse and waited by the portcullis. He said rather shakily, "When the king gave me his ring he didn't just give me permission to reach the Sol. The King's Sigil can't be stolen."
Link's eyes widened and he barely held his voice at a whisper as he exclaimed, "You're the King?"
Makura said, "In symbol only, but yes. I'm acting as King until this crisis is over."
Makura stood at attention as a dozen highly decorated men and women strode toward them. Makura whispered, "For Goddesses sake, Link, keep your mouth shut."
Makura could tell Link shot him a dirty look, but he kept his eyes on the soldiers approaching them. The Captain of the Royal Guard asked, "What's the meaning of this?"
Makura said, "Please, I don't have time to explain. I need your help. Zant has usurped the throne until recently and we need to regain control of the Palace."
One of the skeptics asked, "How do we know you speak the truth?"
Makura said, "As Keeper, no one cares about securing the Princess's safety more than I."
The swords master said by way of reminding his fellow men at arms, "We all care for our King and his daughter, but you've got us on that one, Keeper."
Makura asked, "So do I have your support?"
One by one they agreed and Makura said, "I want the mages at the throne room with the King and Nobles. A contingent of infantry and half of the Royal Guard will protect them. The other half of the guard will come with me and Link to rescue the Princess. I want the rest of you to clear the Palace of Zant's monsters and evacuate the staff and all other civilians you find."
They split up to follow their orders. Within thirty seconds, half of the guard was ready to leave and Makura and Link led them through the Palace. Their force met with only minor resistance until they reached the tower. The corridor became a battle field and they fought to reach the stairs.
The ceiling above them vibrated above the din and the lieutenant called, "Keeper! Go ahead. We'll hold here!"
Makura nodded in thanks and grabbed Link before pushing to the stairs. Link asked on their ascent, "Will they be alright?"
Makura answered, "They'll be fine. All of them are highly trained and they didn't reach the King's guard for nothing."
The tower shook and they redoubled their pace. At the door, a scream was heard and Makura rushed in, sword drawn. Zant had his back to the door as he cornered Midna and Colin. Makura bellowed a war cry and charged.
Zant turned and caught Makura's sword on a curved dagger. Makura shouted, "Link, get Colin!"
Makura maneuvered so his back was to Midna and fought to hold Zant back. Link ran to grab the boy and picked him up. Link tried to get Midna to come, but she wouldn't move.
Makura heard Link shout, "We need to go!"
He risked a glance at her and shouted, "Carry her if you must, Link!"
Makura dodged a blow from Zant and had to block several strikes. He heard Midna start to protest and smiled. He caught Zant's blade with his own and said, "You've lost, Zant. Quit now and you might be forgiven."
Zant said, "I've come too far to quit now." His eyes glanced down at Makura's hand and spat, "No!"
Makura spun away and goaded, "That's right. The King would rather have a mutt like me on the throne than you, his flesh and blood."
Makura's jibe drove Zant into frenzy and Makura counted his luck. Zant's attacks became sporadic and Makura dealt several crippling blows. Zant went down and Makura held his blade at Zant's throat. He said, "You've lost."
Makura kicked the dagger away from Zant and turned to Link. He released Midna and she ran to Makura. She sobbed into his chest and he whispered in Twili, "I'm back, my love, I'm home."
She whispered back, "You kept me waiting. Never leave me again."
He kissed her and she held him like he was going to vanish. When they pulled apart, he just stood there with her in his arms. This was how they were supposed to be. How long he had waited for it. He heard her gasp before spinning them around.
Makura saw Zant stab Midna and screamed, "No!"
Zant backed away and smiled before disappearing. Makura felt the hilt of the dagger between Midna's shoulder blades and pulled it out. Midna screamed in pain and slumped against him. Midna whispered, "I'm sorry, my love. It looks like I'm the one leaving this time."
Makura felt her start to fall and caught her against him. Tears ran freely down his face as he pressed his lips to her hair. He summoned Nayru's Love as he said quietly, "You can't leave me. I just got you back."
Makura felt her life slip away even as Nayru's Love replenished it. He was fighting a losing battle and they both knew it. Midna reached up and Makura held her hand. She breathed, "I love you."
Her eyes closed and her grip went slack. "No, Midna, no. You can't leave me. Midna? Midna!"
Makura felt a hand on his shoulder. He squeezed his eyes shut and said, "She isn't dead. She can't be."
Link said, "I'm sorry, Makura. She's gone."
He opened his eyes and looked at Link. His brother's face was stained with tears. Makura looked over and saw Colin crying in the doorway, but found himself unable to comfort the child. Makura stood and picked up Midna's body. He carried her to the bed and knelt beside her. He held her hand and laid his face against the mattress.
Makura said, "I need you to do something for me, Link. Make sure Colin gets home safe."
Link said, "I can't leave you like this!"
"Please," Makura said quietly, "just go so I may mourn in peace."
Link cast one last look over his brother's body wracked in pain only he truly felt before walking over to Colin. The boy protested as Link picked him up. Link held Colin's head against his chest and the boy's body shook as he released his despair.
Link started down the stairs and didn't bother trying to stop the tears from falling. At the base of the tower, the battle had been won. Scattered amidst the ash of the monsters lay corpses of the guard and Link knew they had fought hard for this small victory. The men busy cleaning up what they could didn't even notice the man in the green tunic and the small boy he held, let alone the fact that they wept.
Link passed countless scenes like that first one and was glad he went unnoticed. As he passed the throne room, Link paused. Nephad was laughing as his men congratulated him.
Link was tempted to go in, but then Makura's wish to mourn stopped him. Link walked past the portcullis and turned to the Mirror. A low chuckle stopped him and Link raised his eyes.
Link felt his anger boil and glared. He whispered with all the contempt he could muster, "You."
I cried sooooo hard just writing this scene. I hope you can feel my pain at killing off a character.
A thousand apologies for changing the map of the Twilight Palace. It just didn't really work for me to do this with it and frankly it was difficult to remember the exact layout. Yay for improvisation!
So back to the names. I was just calling the Twilight King: the King, but that got lame and tedious. So I used a 'technique' I used previously. Spell names backwards. Elder Noroc, the man who raised raised Makura mentioned in chapter 20(?) was the same way. I'll let you figure out who's name I used.
As for the king, I based it loosely on Daphnes. Please read and review.
