I recently finished Breath of the Wild. Had a lot of fun with the questing and exploring. The new Hyrule is a beautiful source of inspiration. Final battle was super hard the first go, but so satisfying when I learned the trick to winning. So worth getting a new console for.
Chapter 51: A Person's Value
Under the rising sun the fortress yard was crowded with activity. In its centre bulblins shuffled into ordered lines around the dozen or so bulbos remaining after the siege. Wagons were tethered to each beast. Half were laden with what supplies had been offered to the bulblins. The rest were assigned to carry the young, the injured and the very few elders that the clan had. All around the walls and buildings, gerudo warriors watched on with the sharp alertness of hawks. No weapons were held in hand at present. Although that could change in an instant.
"I don't like this," Nabooru stated, not for the first time.
"I know," Link replied next to her beside the gate. Though his tone was gentle his expression remained firm.
"When you insisted for me to release the bulblins, I did so because I trust you," she reminded him. "Please don't let that trust be misplaced."
Link's mouth formed into a hard line. "Strongaxe gave me his word that he would follow our agreement. If something bad happens then I'll take responsibility for it."
"Be careful what you say. I might just hold it to you."
After speaking with a heavily bandaged trog, Strongaxe broke away from the crowd. Dried blood still painted the front of his amour. When he approached, Link could see the white wrappings through the hole his sword had made.
"My people are ready to leave," Strongaxe growled. He directed his hard gaze at Nabooru.
"We have left your weapons in a cache ten kilometres east of here," she responded. "You'll find them in a small cave past a dried out oasis."
Strongaxe gave a short nod. "I know the place. There is an underground spring deep inside the cave." He then looked around before setting his eyes on Link. "Where is your little rat friend? I've heard she's no longer a rat now."
"She's looking after her people," Link frowned. "You should focus on doing the same."
"But of course. As you command, sir." With mocking pomp, Strongaxe bowed to him. Many among the bulblins turned their attention to him, yet Link paid them no mind.
"Just get out of here and don't come back," he growled.
Strongaxe then straightened, wearing a wide smirk before he turned to bark several orders. The bulblins then began marching out through the gate. Some threw final leers at the gerudo. Neither side would miss the other.
"Remember this, Kelder," Strongaxe then glowered. "There's a great, bloody target painted on your head now. A lot of bulblins are going to want to kill you. So I would watch my back if I were you."
Link said nothing and Strongaxe then left to the head of the line. Tensions heightened for a full minute until the last bulblin passed through the gates. The doors were closed immediately and it felt like a heavy fog was lifted. Above the walls, sentries maintained a watchful eye outward.
"They're gone now, are they?"
Link turned to find Midna behind him. With her were several twili standing tall and well. The couple of days spent resting since their arrival had done wonders for their recovery. To greater relief, they had also grown accustomed to the gerudo and the tribe's human members. Each twili present stood with calm poise beside Midna. A couple even offered polite smiles to Nabooru and Link.
"Yes," Nabooru answered, "And hopefully for good."
"Then we should leave, too," Midna said. "Unless you need us here, still."
Nabooru shook her head. "That won't be necessary. If the bulblins do return we will be able to handle them."
Glancing briefly at the twili, Midna looked back to Nabooru and bowed her head slightly. "Nabooru... Thank you again for allowing my people to stay here. It's put a lot of my mind at ease." The twili bowed, as well; slightly lower than she.
The smile on Nabooru's face broadened. "As long as they are willing to help with this and that, they are most welcome here. I promise they will be well taken care of."
Midna then turned to face Vyel to her immediate right. Her expression swiftly became stoic and firm. "I'm leaving Vyel to watch over the others while I'm absent. Not all of us can understand Hylian, and he speaks it better than those who do."
She then said something to Vyel in their tongue. He replied before bowing low. Then he turned to Nabooru. "For your kindness, we will lend our aid. As our princess commands."
"By my word as matriarch, we will offer as much comfort to you as we can. If you have need, please let me know." Then to Link, Nabooru faced. She reached into her pocket and retrieved a small envelope. "When you return to Hyrule, please present this to your leader. With it, we offer our support against Zant and his forces."
Link flipped the letter over. An orange wax seal was pressed over the flap. He then placed the envelope into his pouch. "We'll give this to General Vaxis as soon as we see him."
Around Nabooru's neck hung a small woven bag tied to a leather string. She pulled the lace over her head and passed it into his hand. "I also wish to give you this."
From the bag, Link extracted a small vial. It was made of thick glass with a sturdy cork stopper. Inside, a transparent, violet liquid glinted in the sunlight. "That bottle contains great fairy tears," Nabooru explained, "an incredibly rare and powerful healing elixir. It's said that those tears can fully heal a person moments away from death. We have never used it, ourselves, though."
Midna quickly shifted to Link's side. She, too, stared widely at the tiny bottle. "Are you sure about this?"
"We all could have died several times inside the temple. If collecting the mirror fragments will be as dangerous as that was, you'll have better use for those tears than we will."
"Where did you even get this?" Link asked.
"That bottle has belonged to us since before my time. The story, though, can wait another time. Just hope that when the need comes you'll be able to use it in time." Nabooru looked to Midna as she spoke those last words. She responded with a silent nod.
"I'd better take care of that," Midna said as she plucked the vial from Link's fingers and made it vanish.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you didn't trust me," Link pretended to scoff. "Nabooru, thank you again. You've done more for us that we could have asked for. I hope that we can repay you someday."
Nabooru smiled. "If aiding you helps realise my dream, then you will. I'm sure."
The next few minutes were spent exchanging farewells with the gerudo and twili. To Vyel, Link promised that he would protect Midna as best as he was able. "Save some care for yourself. That girl can be a handful," the man whispered back. Link's brows shot up but a smile betrayed him. Once all had been said, Link and Midna stood side by side, facing their allies one last time, before they warped away.
"Look, all I'm saying is it would have been a whole lot easier if we just warped closer to town. What's it matter if a few guards see us do it?"
"It depends on how you feel about getting shot on-sight. Most things that come out of portals around here tend to kill people, you know. I wouldn't be surprised if some soldier took us for enemies."
"We could have talked our way out of that. Just tell them you can control the portals for our use. You weren't shy about showing off your magic in front of my dad."
"That's because Rusl doesn't have the nerves of a baby rabbit. That's more I can say about most of the people we've met."
That was the argument that bounced between them throughout the walk to Castle Town. Following a 'minor' detour to Lake Hylia, as Midna called it, the hour spent trudging through a heavy rainstorm gave Link plenty of time to gripe over the decision. Neither of them was willing to back down. It was only due to a chance meeting with an army caravan that the matter was finally dropped. Seeing an injured boy and beautiful girl in the chilling wet, the soldiers were more than happy to let them both ride in one of the wagons. Friendlier conversation made the trip seem quicker. Before Link noticed, they drew near the Castle Town's western gate. The weather cleared at the same moment, as well.
Inside the city Link checked the nearest stable for Epona. His luck found her sheltered in a stall towards the rear. With warm blankets and dry grain, Epona was almost lazy when she acknowledged Link's approach. A soft butt of her head chastised him for leaving her with Iza. A carrot from a nearby bin earned her forgiveness. Although she made to act impatient, Midna, too, walked up to pat the horse's neck. Epona turned her nose to sniff her hair. Unenthused, Midna bent as far back as she could to escape.
Afterwards, through dirty puddles and near-desolate streets, Link and Midna finally made their way to Telma's inn. Fortune smiled on them again as they arrived to find Auru, Rusl, Ashei and Shad all gathered at the same table as they met before. Telma was not in sight; but her maid, Wendy, recognised them at the door. She rushed a dish-laden tray into the kitchen and returned with Telma quickly after. A suffocating hug was how she greeted them. Telma then led Link and Midna to the far table.
"Link. Midna. It's good to see you're back with us," Auru welcomed. "Rusl was beginning to worry."
"Not without reason," Rusl frowned. He quickly looked at Link's arm and his brows rose. "Dear me... What happened to that?"
Link acted that it was nothing. In truth, it hurt every time he twitched his fingers. "Had a fall inside the Arbiter's Grounds."
Auru set his ale down before he sipped it. "So you found the place? How did the mission go? Tell us everything from the beginning."
Link pulled over a spare chair next to Rusl and got comfortable. He quickly recounted how Iza aided them. Afterwards he told about the moldorm attack and how a passing gerudo tribe saved his life. Ashei then interrupted.
"Gerudo? Haven't they been long gone for ages?"
"Until now," Link nodded. "Their leader, Nabooru, heard what was happening here and came to help. She gave us a message for you, General." He took out the envelope and passed it over the table. The weather had dampened the paper, yet not to any damaging degree.
Briefly inspecting Nabooru's seal, Auru tore open the letter. His eyes danced back and forth across it for a long time. Eventually, Shad spoke up. "Well? What does it say?"
"As Link said; the gerudo have offered their support to us. They intend to seize the desert border outpost and reopen the pass. Their leader suggests we work together in a pincer attack in two weeks time. A sound plan, if I must say."
"Our history with gerudo hasn't been clean, as I recall," Rusl commented. "Even before they were exiled, we had problems with them. Is an alliance with them now wise?"
"It is," Link stated firmly. "We can trust Nabooru and her clan. They helped us several times while we were with them. And Nabooru was there with us while we searched the prison."
"If it weren't for the gerudo, Link might not be alive now," Midna added. For an instant, her tone wavered as she spoke. "They're good people. That's the truth."
Auru rolled his thumbs over each other. He swept his gaze around the table. "Ashei. Shad. Your thoughts?"
Both were silent for a time. Shad fiddled with his spectacles as a grimace flickered on and off of his face. "The point of history is to avoid making past mistakes. However... it's often said that everything changes with time. Perhaps that's the case here?"
Ashei's response was less hesitant. "I'd give them a chance. A bunch of no-good bandits wouldn't help a man dying in desert. Especially gerudo like the old days. Would've taken everything on him and nabbed the girl. Doesn't sound like these two are talking about the same people."
"If Link vouches for them then I suppose I believe him," Rusl resigned.
"We could use more allies," Auru concluded. He folded the letter into his jacket pocket then looked to Link. "Now, back to your report."
It took few seconds for Link to recall where he left off. He described the gerudo's capture of the bulblin fortress, stopping briefly to answer Auru's questions of both groups' numbers, tactics and weaponry. Midna stepped in when explaining how they breached the walls, carefully selecting which details she gave. When the story came to the Arbiter's Grounds, Auru did not allow Link to hold much back. Link swallowed several times as he described the haunting of the place. He did not expect the others to believe his words. Yet none at the table contested him.
"After we found the way to the mirror chamber, we ran into Zant. He brought a monster skeleton back to life; as well as a bunch of dead soldiers buried with it. That's when this happened." Link lifted his right arm.
"Zant?" Auru asked, creasing his brow.
Link blinked before he understood. "Oh, right. We haven't told you yet. Zant is the man who attacked Hyrule Castle. He tried to kill us before at Lake Hylia, too."
"What else can you tell about him?" Rusl prodded.
"Zant is a skilled mage," Midna answered gravely. "One of his talents is making portals to warp across long distances. That's how he moves his forces around so easily. But he's heartless and not all there in the head. It's hard to know what he's thinking when you meet him."
Draining his mug, Rusl leaned back into his seat. "Mages," he grumbled. "Always cropping up at the worst times. At least we have one of our own." As Rusl gave a glance to Midna, Link chose to move on.
"Once we took care of Zant's monsters, we finally found the Mirror of Twilight." Astonished looks and grins bloomed around him. Link made a gesture to Midna. "There's just one problem."
A crack and a thud shook the table. "Zant got to it first," she glowered. Everyone stared down at the glossy fragment in front of them. Shad leaned closer and ran a finger along the rim.
"I don't recognise this dialect. The design of the runes doesn't look like it was written by any race known to Hyrule. Not even the oocca or early parella."
A deep frown creased Auru's forehead. "Is there any way to repair it?"
"There is." Midna removed the mirror from the table. "We met the ghost of a sage in the chamber. He said that if we gather the other pieces, we can make the mirror whole again. Not sure about the process, though. Guess we'll figure that out later."
"According to the sage, Zant sent the pieces into three places in Hyrule; a mountain in the north; deep inside Faron Woods; and in the heavens."
"The heavens? Like in the sky?" Shad suddenly lit up. "Do you think that could mean the lost oocca city?! That has to be it! If we can discover how to reach it, it would be the historical find of the century!"
Ashei started shaking her head. "Come on, Shad. You're not seriously bringing that up now? Oocca are just a myth! Even if they weren't, it doesn't mean that they have a piece of this mirror."
Shad brought his knuckle to his lips. His brow furrowed in thought. "No, you're right. Ancient hylian texts suggest there were other structures floating in the sky. It could be at any one of them."
Ashei rolled her eyes as she turned away. Clearly that was not the response that she wanted. "Are you sure you heard right? Maybe that sage said something like 'high as the heavens?' Like another mountain? Or maybe a tower?"
Link shook his head. "No. That last place was definitely the heavens."
"How do you think we can get to the sky, though?" Midna asked Shad. "I can levitate with magic, but even I can't fly that high."
"No idea," he said sadly. "My father and I have spent our whole lives trying to answer that. There are enough clues and legends to support the theories. But we never found any direct evidence that there is an oocca city. Now that the oocca may hold the key to winning this war, I could possibly put more time into investigating."
"I'll be happy to support you, Shad," Auru stated. "But until you find something useful, let's consider the other locations first."
"A mountain in the north could mean Snowpeak," Ashei crossed her arms. "It's definitely big enough to hide something valuable. But going there is a bad idea. Winter's just around the corner and the mountains there are treacherous. I've heard that some pretty bad blizzards are blowing already. What about the woods?"
Rusl waved his hand at the idea. "That'll be just as dangerous. It's easy to lose your way there at the best of times. Take a wrong turn during winter, and you'll freeze before you starve."
"So what are we supposed to do?" Midna snapped. "We can't just wait for spring to come. We have to restore the mirror as soon as possible!"
"I agree," Auru calmly said. "We will organise two expeditions; one for Snowpeak and the other for Faron Woods. Each will search for the mirror fragments before the worst of the weather sets in. Link, in the meantime you and Midna will go to Kakariko Village. You'll stay there until you've recovered."
"Why Kakariko Village?" Link asked. "Why not here in Castle Town?"
"Since our last meeting, monsters have been attacking people more frequently. They've been sighted further in from the barrier, and some attacks have happened in crowded areas. We're now evacuating civilians to other towns. Kakariko Village is where the next group will be moved to.
Midna's temper flared again. "And you're going to look for the mirror fragments without us?!"
Auru's expression became stern. "If you wish to take part in the search, you are free to do so. Link, however, cannot do anything with his injuries. He needs time to heal." He took Midna's silent glare as her response. "The next evacuation will leave from the eastern gate in three hours. Ashei, you will lead the escort."
"What?!" Ashei planted both arms on the table. She looked near the edge of jumping from her seat. "Why me? I'm your second-in-command! Can't some lieutenant handle the job?"
"Yes, they could. But that's not why I'm sending you." Auru stared her down without blinking. Finally Ashei returned to her seat.
"I've received word of a possible enemy base in the eastern mountains. Apparently they have darknut warriors among their ranks. You know those peaks better than most, so I want you to investigate. Eliminate the threat if you're able. You may take with you as many soldiers as you need."
"Understood," Ashei nodded. Some traces of reluctance remained with her. She looked to Link and Midna. "If you're going to tag along then meet me at the gate. Don't keep me waiting."
Link nodded. Then a frown crossed his face. "The eastern gate? Does that mean that the bridge there is fixed?"
"Yeah," Ashei waved her mug casually, "Happened just last week. Apparently the whole thing was funded by that tight-ass rupee-pincher, Jovani. Who'd have thought?"
Link's memory flew the night they escaped Zant's ambush. So the man he saved from his curse was out helping the city rebuild. That thought felt as surreal to him as it felt good.
He then made to stand before a different thought crossed him. "General, before we forget... There's one more thing we need to tell you."
"Yes?"
"Back at the prison, the sage told us that Zant isn't the only enemy. Someone else is leading his forces behind him."
Auru leaned forward. "Do you know who it is?"
"The sage said his name is Ganondorf Dragmire; the same man who tried to conquer Hyrule a long time ago."
"The same man?" Rusl spluttered. "Are you telling me that we're at war with someone who's two-hundred years old?"
Shad readjusted his glasses. "Surely it can't be."
"It's him," Link said firmly. "We confirmed it later with the bulblin orgr. Strongaxe said when he first met Ganondorf, he was more like a ghost than anything else. Still, Ganondorf was powerful enough to make Strongaxe follow him without a fight. That's not an easy thing to do. And it's not something that Strongaxe would lie about."
"So if that guy's back and gerudo are coming to Hyrule," Ashei thought aloud, "we really are in deep shit."
"I thought you favoured working with the gerudo," Shad tilted his head.
"Yeah! Back before I knew one of their kings was our enemy! What if they choose his side, instead? Or what if they plan to double-cross us for him?"
Midna's nose rankled. "Nabooru's tribe don't remember Ganondorf fondly. He was evil by their standards, too. It's because Ganondorf has returned that they want to help us. For them, it's making up for siding with him in the past."
"If you say so," Auru said, his tone putting an end to the matter.
"There's more, though," Link added. "When I spoke with Strongaxe, he said that Ganondorf is building an army of monsters; large enough to defeat us with ease. He's breeding some inside Hyrule Castle and training them for a final attack. The rest are out across the kingdom, hitting our villages to weaken us."
Auru's eyes widened, as did everyone else's. "That is terrible." He stroked his beard. "We will have to discuss the matter later, though. There's too much to consider than what we now have time for. Link, Midna, thank you for bringing this information to us. You've done well. Both of you."
From his coat, Auru pulled out a small purse and pushed it towards Link. With the bag came a small, bronze pin. "What's this?" Link asked. He picked up the badge and studied the single triangle over a pair of outstretched wings.
"Your pay for completing your assignment; along with your new badge. Wear it and every soldier will be aware of your station. You've more than earned both."
Link placed the pin and purse into his pouch for later. Then he stood and saluted. "Thank you, sir. We'll head to the eastern gate soon."
After a minute to speak privately with Rusl away from the table, Link took towards the door. Telma bade him well as he passed and told him to say hello to Ilia for her. She also asked to give her regards to Renado. Although the way she then winked made Link feel somehow uncomfortable. He quickly joined Midna waiting at the door and exited into the street.
"Umm, Link? The gate is this way," Midna pointed as he started walking the other direction.
"I know. I'm heading to the market."
"Why?"
"I figured that since we're here, we might as well buy some winter gear. It's going to be freezing when we go look for the mirror parts. We'll need fur coats and things."
"Your arm's broken and you're already thinking about our next journey? You don't have to be in such a rush."
Link stopped walking and turned to face her. "Maybe. But I know you want to find those pieces as soon as you can. So I'm going to make sure we're ready to go once we're able."
Midna made to speak but closed her mouth midway. She then shook her head and smiled. "I guess you do know me."
"You know... You could go along with the expeditions, if you want. I don't mind getting left behind."
"I could." Midna's arms crossed. "But I don't know... It wouldn't feel right. I mean, I know I can count on you. Working with a bunch of soldiers, though... The ones I've met haven't left the best impression. They'd probably just get in my way."
A soft smile spread across Link's face. "I'm glad you have such a high opinion of me."
"Besides," she smirked, "it's easier babysitting you than an entire company."
"And just when I thought we were having a moment." Striding away, Link made a show of rolling his eyes. "Come on. We've got three hours before they leave without us."
It took longer than expected to find a shop that sold the wares they would need. The first five tailors they came across were closed and empty. Looking through the windows, all of their stock had already been whisked out of town. It took asking three passersby to find a place that was still open. The owner was a squat, balding man busy packing garments into crates. Two customers dashing through his door seemed to please him little. His manner was curt when Link asked if they were still able to buy. Grudgingly, the man reopened several boxes pushed into the corner. He resumed his packing as Link and Midna scoured quickly through coats, boots, gloves, woollen leggings and anything else they could find in their sizes. The entire process took nearly an hour.
"Unbelievable!" Midna exclaimed as they exited the shop. "There's no way all that could cost so much!"
"We might have been better off asking Malo," Link agreed. Despite saying that, he felt he would have bought the garments just the same. That shopkeeper had been cross enough with them. Not buying anything would have made the situation more awkward, and Link did not know if Malo stocked the right items. He passed the bags he held to Midna for her to store away. "Now there's another problem."
Midna scoffed. "What is it?"
"We just wiped out my pay in there. And I don't have much left in my wallet." Link pulled out his purse and showed its deflated state. Inside it held several red and purple rupees. However, that would not last long with the amount they often spent on new supplies.
"We could get more cash from your family's mansion."
"There's no time." He pointed to the face of a nearby clock tower. "We need to get to the gate in forty minutes. And Epona's still on the other side of town."
Uttering a soft curse, Midna touched her lip in thought. "We'll split up, then. I'll get the rupees while you fetch Epona."
"What about the monsters near the castle?"
Midna almost looked offended. "I've snuck through a bulblin fortress, no problem. Remember?"
"Oh... Right, yeah..."
"It'll be easy. Don't worry." Link then handed his keys to her and Midna turned down a corner that would take her north. She then looked back at him. "I'll meet you near the fountain in the centre of town. See you later."
"Yeah, see you later," he mumbled as she ran off. "Just be careful!"
"Says the guy with his arm in a sling!" she hollered back. Within seconds Midna was then gone from his sight. Link stared down through the street for a moment longer. Finally he began walking west.
Hiding inside the shadow of a brick wall, Midna waited for the pack of lizalfos to skulk past. General Auru had given a milder impression of the monster problem than what she found. The district was virtually crawling with beasts. At the wall of debris erected by the army, Midna saw guards fighting off a group of fearless bokoblins. The men were handling the situation fairly well so she simply slipped through unseen.
After that, bokoblins were the least to be concerned of. On every other street there were creatures ranging from helmasaurs, spidery tektites, to short stalfos that looked disturbingly like children. The bats and crows that perched on the rooftops and trees did not appear normal. Their red eyes scanned the roads with suspicious purpose. When Midna witnessed a chu chu oozing out from a sewer drain she almost gagged. How could the army hope to contain this many monsters with the few numbers they had themselves? It was small wonder why they were evacuating.
Sliding from one shadow to the next, Midna eventually recognised the path that led to the Drydalis estate. The gate and front door were both wide open. Midna left the shadows and crept carefully through the door. She closed it quietly after her and turned the lock. Nothing else was getting in or out. There were sounds coming from further inside the house. Midna intended to find out what was making them.
Merging with the shadows again, she slunk into the dining room. A grand table was toppled from a broken leg. Glass shards littered the carpet floor under broken cabinets. Across the room a giant moblin was emptying a fruit bowl into its fat, pink mouth. The food itself appeared slightly rotten. Yet that did not curb the creature's appetite. Once the moblin finished eating it tossed the bowl aside. Painted clay shattered feet from Midna's hiding place.
Initially she wanted to kill the moblin right there; sneak up behind and blast its head open. A moment later Midna decided against the thought. Link might not appreciate monster brains splattered over his family's floor and walls. Instead, when Midna stepped out next to the moblin, she swept her hand and warped the beast away. The Bridge of Eldin was a decent destination in her mind. It was far enough from anywhere that the moblin wouldn't cause trouble to anyone else. And if the moblin missed the bridge on the other side, who was to care?
Hearing more strange noises, Midna continued moving silently through the house. She found two more moblins ransacking the cellar and storeroom, then another sleeping on a crumpled bed upstairs. All were sent away like the first. None knew of her presence before it was too late. Once she had taken care of the monsters Midna checked every entrance and window and secured them. In two instances she pushed furniture against doors that were partially broken in. There was no sign of the butler, Ives, anywhere. Midna assumed he had left the house to safety.
The vault, to her relief, was sealed and undisturbed. When she let herself in, Midna found the chamber much emptier than she remembered. Almost every weapon and piece of armour had been taken by the army, save for the most damaged or obscure items. The money chests and other heirlooms remained untouched, however. Opening one of the chests, Midna tried to estimate how much she should take. A thousand rupees? Two thousand? In the end she shrugged and took an entire chest of yellow, red, purple and orange rupees, each. After making sure to lock the vault and house doors behind her, Midna hurried through the shadows back towards the market district.
A scream tore the silence and made Midna halt. In haste she followed the sound down the road until she arrived at one of the blockades. The soldiers were fighting a group of stalfos with four arms, and the situation looked dire. Although a couple of stalfos lay dead on the ground, thrice as many men had fallen in kind; and less were still alive and able to hold the line.
Midna rushed in and dove out with fury roaring from her lips. With one hand each she struck two of the stalfos with black lightning. The third and last turned from the soldiers to her. Midna summoned her staff and shot the stalfos' skull into pieces. She then lowered her weapon and turned to check that the surviving soldiers were alright. They were staring at her, trembling with their swords raised before them. One pointed at her. His eyes were as wide as saucers.
"More monsters! Kill it, quick!"
Shocked, Midna glanced at her hands and saw grey skin. She had forgotten that she had removed her disguise earlier, thinking no one would see her until she caught up with Link. She took a step back and held her hand out in pleading.
"Wait! No, you're safe! I'm not-"
A man screamed as he charged at her. Midna quickly turned into a shadow as his sword swung through her middle. She flew past the wall and changed back into physical form. "Stop it! I'm on your side!"
Her words were unheard. The other soldiers ran at her. Midna sank into the ground and began racing through the thoroughfare. Glancing behind, she saw the soldiers in pursuit. They shouted, screamed and howled as they chased her. She heard the name 'monster' echo through the streets. "Broke through the barricade!" they called.
Around a corner sat a small shop with the curtains drawn in its windows. Thinking fast, Midna slipped under its door. The place was dark and empty to her relief. She ran into the back room and fell to the floor behind a barren bookcase. Muffled voices shouted from outside and Midna thought she heard footsteps. When the noise finally ended Midna wrapped her arms around her knees and began shaking.
'Monster,' they called her. They took one look at her real face and called her a monster. They believed her to be an enemy and attacked her. Midna's eyes stung as she fought to hold the pain in. This was what she was afraid of; what she knew would happen. Humans would never accept her. Why should they when her kind had slaughtered so many of their own? It was foolish to think otherwise, Midna realised. And just when the gerudo had started to make her feel welcome in this world...
What could she do for it, though? Was it possible to change the minds of those men and those of anyone else who feared her? How long would that last if they learned the truth about the twili? That, too, was a foolish notion. Perhaps it would be better to return to the Twilight Realm once the war was over, and leave Hyrule behind. Suddenly, Midna thought about Link and having to say goodbye. Somehow that hurt worse than the soldiers' scorn.
He was her best friend. Now she realised that one day she might have to leave him. How strange was it, that you do not realise how much you value someone until you stand to lose them? The tears came back with greater fury.
"Link..."
Did anyone else notice that the LinkxMidna fandom sort of went stagnant on this site for a long while? By that I mean there hadn't been any new stories or updates with the pairing for entire weeks. I'm starting to worry that the fandom is beginning to die, and the last few games haven't done much to revive it. We need some more new talent and ideas coming in.
