This is a little side project I worked on from time in between writing my TP retelling, and now that I ended up finishing it a few days ago, I figured I might as well post it here. I want to clarify that this is not chapter six of Across the Realms, as convenient as the continuity may seem. Though this stands on its own, I might revisit some of its themes and/or dialogue throughout later chapters, but that would be to a minimum degree.
As always, any feedback is appreciated, and I hope you enjoy the story.
Once More Into the Frey
Stormy nights in Hyrule Field always stir up some discussion. Rain like what it is on this night is so rare in Hyrule, especially near the Castle and its surrounding town. Some believe that if it ever rains like this, that it's an omen; an omen meaning something terrible has happened, and in Link's case, he was beginning to believe the superstitions might be true.
It wasn't very long ago that he and his companion, Midna, were celebrating a victory together after reclaiming the last Fused Shadow. It was a tender moment, one where he realized just how much the twili girl meant to him, and one where he realized just how much he grew to care for her. Yet, it was short-lived, as Zant suddenly attacked the two of them, exposing Midna completely to the spirit Lanayru, and leaving her nothing but a husk of her former lively self.
The spirit, Lanayru, used its power to transport the two to a remote spot in the fields of Hyrule just as the hour of twilight passed by, both barely conscious. But it didn't take long for Link's senses to return, and it didn't take long for him to realize Midna wasn't okay. She was dying and Link could tell she was afraid; it tore his heart into pieces to know that.
And now, as he nears Zelda's chamber in the castle, he reflects on what events brought him to this point. How he would be lost without Midna, how she meant so much to him, how he couldn't do it without her. He entered the chamber slowly, feeling Midna's fragile body slide off his canine stature as she gasped in pain, grabbing Zelda's attention. The princess took the dying twili's dainty hands into her own to comfort her, and Midna began to speak softly.
"This… is the one. He's… the one you n-need to save y-your realm," it came out weak, yet was most likely the strongest she could muster.
"Please…" the imp continued, "How… do we break… his curse?"
The princess turned to face the hero and outstretched her hand. The mark of the goddesses glowed on her palm and, for a time, she could feel what Link was feeling. Not just his curse, but his pain for his dying companion. He wanted nothing more than to save her, and Zelda came to realize Midna was vitally important to Link.
She turned to Midna again, "What binds him is different magic than what transformed him when he entered the curtains of twilight. It is a malevolent power, one which I have no authority over."
"Then…" Midna asked again, desperate for closure, "What… does he need to do?"
"Midna…" Zelda hesitated, hearing her pain, "Our world is one of balance. Just as there is evil to push away benevolence, so too is there light to banish evil. Link…"
She looked towards the hero, seeing him stand close to his companion to try and comfort her. The hero heard his name again and this time, he responded with eye contact.
"Go to the sacred grove which lies in secrecy in the lands guarded by Faron," Zelda explained bluntly, "There, an ancient blade rests. The goddesses called it the Blade of Evil's Bane, and you will need it to release the evil that rests inside of you now."
The princess held her right hand up and showed it to Link. Her palm glowed, showing the insignia of the Goddesses, the Triforce.
"Like you, Link, I have been gifted with special powers by the goddesses. In my case, the Triforce of Wisdom."
A wave of relief washed over Midna as the closure she sought after was finally given, but now she would need to tell her hero her goodbyes.
"Link… you're going to… have to go… on without me," she said weakly, tears streaming down her face.
Link's eyes widened, unable to accept that conclusion was true.
"No, Midna!" he shouted to her in his metal voice, "I can't do this without you! You can't die on me! Please… just stay strong, for me, Midna."
Midna used the last of her strength to touch Link's body for, what she thought, would be the last time.
"It... will be okay," she consoled while stroking his snout, "I know… you're strong enough…" she paused, her tears flowing freely, "Goodbye… Link."
Midna suddenly turned to Zelda before he could respond in any way.
"Princess… I have one last… request," she paused again, catching her breath, "Show Link… where he can find… the mirror of twilight."
Zelda stared at her, not a word escaping her wise lips. The room grew dead silent save for the sound of Midna's breathing and the harsh rain against the windows. Zelda knew suddenly what she needed to do, what her role to play in this was.
"Midna… I believe I now understand just who and what you are," the princess consoled the dying imp, "Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead. These dark times are a result of our doing, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty."
The benevolent princess took Midna into her arms and began releasing her energy into the imp's form.
"Accept this gift, Midna," she stated calmly as her body slowly began to fade, "The hero needs you, and you will go with him on his journey to destroy evil. Accept this blessing as I pass it on to you."
"No!" Midna shouted, "Link! Stop her!"
The hero only watched as Midna's body was enveloped by an ethereal light, and Zelda's body faded into nothingness. The imp gasped as the rush of the energy coursed through her once broken body. She closed her eyes, refusing to watch the princess disappear.
So intense was the feeling that it overwhelmed her senses and all she was aware of was light, light everywhere. But unlike the light which stemmed from Lanayru's power, this light was restoring her power, even taking it beyond her previous limits. It felt wonderful, leaving her with an almost giddy feeling. She wanted to fly, to laugh, to run! Eventually, the sensations dwindled and Midna breathed deeply as the last of Zelda's life became part of her. It was over.
The imp partially hoped the curse Zant placed on her was lifted but, as she opened her eyes, she saw it was not true. Still, she was in her cursed form and it was disappointing, but it was a short-lived feeling once she caught sight of Link. He stood in front of her a short distance away with as much of an expression of awe that a wolf could muster. Midna smiled and went to him, hugging his neck tightly, making Link wish desperately he was human so he could return the gesture.
"Thank you, Link," she whispered in his ear, "You… saved my life."
Despite all they'd been through, she'd never been vocal about how she truly felt about him, and neither was Link. A longing to be close always dominated the imp's thoughts whenever she was around her hero, she doesn't understand it, but still, she accepts that's how she feels.
"Thank the Princess," Link said humbly to Midna mentally, "Not me."
"Don't be so humble, Link," the imp chided, "Without you, Zelda wouldn't have even gotten the chance. I would've fallen back in the spirit's cave."
Link growled slightly, the thought bothered him greatly.
"Relax, I'm fine now thanks to you," she stroked Link until his growling ceased, "I appreciate you, Link, don't forget that."
She hopped onto Link's back, laid a hand on his body, envisioned Faron Woods, and reached out to their destination. There was a weightless feeling as their bodies dissipated, leaving Hyrule Castle deserted.
The pair rematerialize in the middle of Faron woods and Midna is caught off guard. Link was suddenly brought to attention by something she could not hear or see, and he began running West towards the Forest Temple.
"Did you hear that Midna!?" he asked her with excitement in his tone.
"Hear what?"
He stopped before the edge of the cliffside next to the Forest Temple's walkway, and he looked back at his companion, confused. He'd heard it so clearly, yet, she did not.
"That voice! It must be the Master Sword!"
Midna was baffled, "I hear nothing, Link."
"It's calling to me, Midna! It wants to be found."
"And yet, Link, we've been here before," she stated, "You heard nothing the first time, now you hear some 'voice'?"
But Midna was ignored by Link as he simply stared ahead at a slab of land protruding from the cliffside.
"Help me across," he demanded, and Midna was surprised to hear his tone.
But she helped him anyway, and they found themselves inside what had to be the Sacred Grove Zelda spoke of. It was serene and dimly lit despite the time of night, and Midna could tell something divine was at play here.
A lantern's glow above them caught their attention, finding a small boy, wearing a skull mask, playing an instrument of some kind, joyfully. The boy dropped down to a tall stump towards the front of where the two companions stood and laughed.
"Show me to the Sword," Link demanded with a fierce cry like nothing Midna's ever heard before; it sent a fearful chill down her spine- Link was not himself. She wasn't sure if the strange child could hear his mental voice like she could, as it did not answer; only continued to dance. There was only silence until suddenly the child of the forest blew his horn forcefully, sending leaves tainted by the autumn season from the chutes.
The child vanished with a laugh and a rustling in the trees could be heard. Midna looked up in terror; it was a marionette of some sort, its limbs thin and wooden, and its face twisted into terrifying malice. She quickly blasted the marionette with her magic and knocked it down, but it got back up and quickly rushed back to the hero and the imp.
She was about to yell at Link to do something, but he must have taken notice of the attack, he suddenly started sprinting deeper into the forest opposite to the marionette which followed them. Yet its pursuit did not fail, and it caught up, but Midna was prepared and blasted it away, breaking its strings and body. But it was not alone. More of the creatures descended from the trees and surrounded them.
Midna defended all sides to the best of her abilities, but matter how many she cut down, more always came back. She was desperate; she needed Link's help.
"Link! Help me! I cannot do this forever!" she yelled at the stale wolf.
But still, he ignored her cries and only ran deeper into the woods. Midna was about to scold him but suddenly heard the forest child's strange horn again, and it was close.
He stopped just before a small pond and stared upwards, finding the strange child at the top of a tree; dancing like usual. It took notice of the wolf and started stomping widely, all while emitting a defeated whine.
"Take me to the Sword!"
Midna flinched at the power in Link's voice; she also felt relief wash over her to know the legion of marionettes suddenly halted their pursuit. The child vanished just as it did before, then a burst of strange laughter filled the imp's ears, and she readied herself for another onslaught of enemies but was relieved to find none came. The two heard an ambient sound in the distance, the rock wall which stood at the end of this section of the forest glowed brightly, and quickly faded away to reveal a doorway.
A great power could be felt coming from behind that opening as Link entered it; Midna found that as a source of dread. Ancient, broken, and carefully crafted structures indicated this was once a holy place, a temple of some kind once in a different millennium. And at its center, stood, untouched by decay, a pedestal that held the bright illumination of the Triforce.
"So the legends were true!"
She was hopeful for the first time in a long while; maybe, just maybe, they would be able to take Zant down with this new power. A powerful shockwave suddenly rippled from the sword's base once Link got close enough, sending Midna careening off his back from the unexpected force.
A blinding light illuminated where the hero stood, and Midna was forced to shield her eyes, but when she was sure she could open them again, the same crystal which Zant once forced inside Link was in her palm. She looked at it with a smirk; this would come in handy.
She moved her gaze back towards her hero to see he was human again, a sight she welcomed with much excitement. She couldn't explain why, but she found Link intoxicating to look at in his human form. It was wrong, she was a shadow in his world of light, and she knew that, yet it didn't stop her from reveling at his body.
Link eyed the blade's amethyst hilt with confidence. He gripped it tightly and pulled in one swift motion, and the blade gave way with no resistance. And, with a bewildered smile, he lifted the sword above his head and watched as the sun danced off the steel brilliantly. The hero swung the sword in a few swift strikes to get a feel for it, then sheathed it before turning around to face his imp companion.
"Midna…" he called her name softly and with wonder as he walked towards her.
She was about to reply but was cut off as Link quickly hugged her tightly. Her heart raced, her palms grew sweaty, and she felt butterflies fill her soul in increasing volumes as the unexpected gesture consumed her full form. It was a warm feeling that felt so right to the imp, and soon she smiled in his arms in an overjoyed manner before wrapping her arms around his neck.
Link released her after some time, finally getting to return her affections back in the castle; he just couldn't let her go empty-handed after that.
"I…" he paused, tears escaping his eyes, and Midna took notice.
"Link are you... crying!?" she was shocked, it was the first time she'd seen this warrior whom she'd grown so fond of weep.
He regained his composure, yet the tears still flowed, "I'm just glad I could return your gesture," he said softly to his companion.
A feeling grew inside Midna's chest; one which she wasn't sure if it was a good feeling or not. Before she might've simply seen him as a friend, but as she took in what Link said to her, she felt like there was something more to it all; a feeling which made her nervous around Link.
Her heart raced quicker as the feelings only got stronger. What was this? Why was suddenly feeling this way around him? She didn't understand, and that scared her.
"Midna?" he quizzed, confused as to why she seemed so absent-minded.
His call brought her out of her trance, "O-Oh!" she shouted in a flustered manner, making Link giggle, "S-Sorry Link, I was just thinking about some stuff right now."
He looked at her seriously, "Is it about the Mirror of Twilight?"
She inwardly breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't press anything further, but he was right, the Mirror would need to come next, "Actually… yeah, I was," the imp lied, "But to tell you the truth, I don't even know if it exists. It's just a myth in my realm," her head sank at that realization.
Link looked towards the sky in thought for some time. He remembered Telma, that bartender he'd met while saving Ilia, and how she told him about some 'resistance' force who always hung out there. That's it! The philosopher he saw during his chase to save his companion would surely come in handy.
"Midna, I got an idea! It might be a long shot, but it's the best we have"
"What is it?" she asked curiously.
"Do you recall when Telma told us about her friends who hung out in the bar she owns?"
"Y-Yes. Why do you bring that up now?"
A smile formed across his face, "There's a young philosopher among their ranks! I think he might be able to help us!"
Midna's smile turned hopeful again; that might actually work!
"Wow, Link!" she told him with great excitement, "Wouldn't have expected such a smart idea from you of all people," she finished, her usual spunk returning; Link welcomed it.
"Oh, come on, Midna!" he played along with her joke, "I think you should know I'm not stupid, especially not now."
It was true in some respects. He had made it this far relatively unscathed. That was his smarts, not hers.
She smirked, how glad she was to still be able to talk to Link like this, "Ugh," she huffed and sarcastically folded her arms, "Fine… I guess you're right."
Link laughed, the sound bringing joy to the imp's heart, "Never change, Midna. Please, Goddesses, never change."
She blushed and butterflies swarmed inside her tummy. That feeling returning to consume her. What was wrong with her? Could she not take a simple compliment from him without getting flustered now? She could not let this distract her.
"Alright, Link," she stated but sounded shaky, "I'll warp you there.
She quickly brought the shadow crystal to his head and was instantly back to being a wolf.
"Hey! How'd you do that?" he shouted to her in his mental voice.
"Oh," she said with a fanged smirk, "When you grabbed the master sword, this thing appeared in my hand. So now, I can transform you into a wolf and back whenever you want!"
"How… convenient," Link replied.
She laughed, "We'll call it Zant's parting gift. Alright, to Castle Town it is then."
Weightlessness into darkness as the two warped away, rematerializing just outside of the Castle Town's West gate. The imp changed the hero back to his human form and he began walking across the bridge.
"Hey!" a masculine voice yelled from in front of Link, scaring him half to death.
It was a mailman- or rather the mailman as far as the hero knew- who was running towards him at a breakneck pace. His uniform always made Link chuckle a little, especially towards his legs. The guy didn't even wear pants.
"Mr. Link!," he shouted flamboyantly, "I have a letter for you!"
After which he reached into his bag and pulled out said letter and presented it to the hero, mumbling some kind of crescendo as he did.
"Uh… thanks," Link said and took the letter in his hand.
The young man saluted the hero, "Onwards to mail, Mr. Link!" and he was gone, running out into the fields again.
"What's it say, Link?" the imp asked curiously.
He opened the envelope to release the piece of paper which was inside; it was from Telma!
Dear Link,
Do you remember my friends I told you about back in Kakriko? I hope so because they've been asking about you a lot lately. Stop by soon! We're all eager to see you!
-Telma
He stared back at the imp who rested on his shoulder to read the letter.
"Well… I guess that's convenient, isn't it?" she asked with a smirk.
He only nodded back and began walking to the bar. Castle Town's liveliness never seemed to dwindle, no matter the time of day, it seemed. A small parade of dancers lined across the roundabout square; the crowds it drew were massive. He paid it no mind, however, his interest in such affairs had dwindled a long time ago.
The bar was close by and as usual, had its door slightly ajar when Link found its relatively obscure placement in the town. He walked through to see the familiar faces of the resistance, and Telma of course.
"Ah," the bartender yelled, "Link, honey! You must've gotten my letter!"
"Link?" a man clad in leather armor raised his head at the name.
"Rusl? Is that you?" the hero responded with a massive smile, that voice couldn't be mistaken for anyone else except for his father.
"My son!" he yelled back, and the two quickly rushed towards each other and wrapped their arms around the other's body.
After some time they broke, a small tear down the hero's father's cheek, "By the Goddesses Link, where have you been?" he asked in still bewilderment.
A younger man stood, the one Link needed to ask a question to, "Telma here tells us that you're the Legendary Hero! Is this true?"
The hero chuckled at the scholar's remark, "Something like that I guess," he finished with a hand behind the back of his head, showing his humility.
The scholarly man's glasses damn near fell off and his jaw practically dropped to the floor, "Dear Farore," he shouted in wonder, "What an incredible honor it is to be meeting you, let alone being acquainted with the Hero of Legend!"
"Calm down, Shad," the young woman in the back of the room stated with annoyance, "Don't get your hopes up just because you read books all the time,"
"Listen to me, Link," the woman pointed directly to his face, "You may have everyone else fooled, but I'm more visual. I'll see that you're the hero when I believe it. Keep that in mind, yeah?"
The hero wasn't sure if he should be put off by her intensity or endeared by it, but that thought was cut off by Shad.
"Don't mind her, Link," the philosopher told Link reassuringly, "Ashei's just a bit… intense sometimes. Believes there's no more valor left in Hyrule besides herself, to which I can't exactly blame her. The guards here cower at a dog barking at them, how can we expect them to fight to protect us?" he finished, laughing at the stupidity of what he'd just said.
"Shad's right, Link," Telma called from behind, "If I had to be honest, Hyrule's on its last leg. That's partly why my friends here formed a resistance. Something wrong's been going on, and they're here to try and solve it."
"I understand, Telma," the hero said, "I'm actually here because I need an answer on something that might explain what's been going wrong with Hyrule as of late."
"Well come sit down then, hero," Shad said, motioning to an empty chair on the other side of the round table.
Link obliged and sat down and was ready to present his need.
"Shad, you're a philosopher, correct?"
"Hah," Ashei spoke up and laughed, "That might be too light a word if you ask me. Shad here has read just about every book regarding Hyrule's history that exists. But lately, he's claimed to have 'discovered' evidence of an ancient sky people; ridiculous."
"It is not!" the young scholar recoiled, "Honestly, Ashei, just you wait. I can't wait to see the look on your face when I discover they're real."
She stuck her tongue out, "Guess you'll be waiting a long time then, won't you," she spat.
"Ashei-"
"Will you two cut it out!?" Rusl shouted, slamming his hand on the table.
Shad regained his composure, while Ashei simply turned her head and scoffed in annoyance.
"Ahem," the scholar recoiled back to Link, "My apologies, Link."
"It's… no problem I guess. I just have a question I need to ask you," he stated bluntly.
"Go right ahead, I'm sure I can tell you the answer," Shad stated with pride.
"I need to find an artifact called The Mirror of Twilight, Shad. Do you know what that is, or where I can find it?"
The scholar looked stunned for a while and Link grew disappointed; maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
"Link," the hero shot his head up, "I may have an idea, but it's a long shot."
"Anything I can get, I'll take, Shad."
"I take it you've been near Lake Hylia, yes?" he asked while pointing to the map in the center of the table.
Link nodded.
"West of it is an ancient desert which was once inhabited by the Gerudo Tribes. I am unsure of how they went extinct, but they built something there. Though, that too, I am unsure of what its purpose of was, only that criminals would be taken captive there and would never return."
"Woah!" Ashei suddenly piped up, "You're unsure of something? We're doomed!"
"Now, that's hardly fair Ashei! There's little to no text on this subject, and certainly, none on this supposed Mirror Link's talking about."
Ashei scoffed and turned her head, letting Shad speak in peace. Link couldn't help but giggle a little; these two were like brother and sister.
"Now!" he shouted condescendingly, "As I was saying Link, there's a desert to the Western side of the Lake. One of our members, Auru, is at the lake right now on a large watchtower. He can tell you more about what you need to know."
It was a simple instruction; Link's hunch in the grove had been somewhat correct, so Link and Midna would follow what the scholar had to give. The hero took Shad's hand into his own as thanks and began walking to the exit door to the bar.
"Link!" Rusl suddenly called and Link turned around, "When will you tell us of your adventures?"
He thought about it, "I'll tell you guys another time, I'll owe you that much."
Rusl laughed, "Alright then, Link. Take care," and he said farewell to his son- Link waved back with a smile.
Once he was in the clear again, Midna made herself known again.
"That went… well," the imp stated with a smile of amusement.
"Yeah, I'd say I agree with you. But man, it's hilarious watching those two pick fun at each other like that."
Midna laughed and brought the shadow crystal into her hand again, "Alright then, off to Lake Hylia again," she smirked.
Link nodded and allowed her to transform him into a wolf. Weightlessness and blackness taking over until they rematerialized back onto a central mass of land in the Lake.
Already he identified the watchtower and had Midna transform him back. It would be a long ladder climb up and Link braced himself for the inevitability of the round trip. Before long, however, he was at the top and caught the old man Shad spoke.
The old man seemed to have already taken notice of Link and turned around with a smile and an outstretched hand.
"You must be Link, correct?"
Link took his hand, "That's me. I assume you're Auru?"
He gestured to his body in response, "In the flesh, young warrior. Telma couldn't stop talking about you, you know."
Link chuckled, "Somehow… that doesn't surprise me."
He laughed with Link, but then grew serious, "If you were directed to me, that can only mean you have business with the desert, don't you."
"Your intuitions are wise, Auru," the hero nodded with a smile, "Shad told me you knew about something an old tribe which used to reside in these deserts built."
"Ah, so you seek the Arbiter's Grounds. Shad doesn't know much about it because it's not in official Hylian texts. He was wise to guide you to me, this way I can give you the information you need to keep yourself safe."
"I'm not sure I understand, Auru," Link said, confused.
"The Gerudo's built the Arbiter's Grounds as a prison to hold the worst criminals this realm knew. An ancient power rests there now and, in the prison's prime, was often used as a punishment. Though, what exactly it did to its 'guests' is unknown to me."
"Shad mentioned anyone taken captive has never returned, could this power have something to do with this rumor?"
The old man thought about it for some time before speaking again, "It is possible that has to do with it. It was believed that the Arbiter's Grounds held a gateway to another world, but as I said before, these are simply rumors."
"So it does exist!" Midna said below in Link's shadow; overjoyed. Only he could hear it, but it was answer enough for him to know that's where he needed to go.
"Auru," the hero stated with determination, "I need to get there."
The old man chuckled, "I was afraid you'd say that you know, but there's no arguing with the legendary hero right?"
He laughed some more at that remark and began reaching into his satchel.
He pulled out a note and handed it to Link, "Take this note to the cannons smith down there. His name is Fyer, and I saved the old fool's life a while back, so now he can't ignore a favor from me."
Link smiled, "Thank you, Auru."
"You know, Link," the old man spoke up again, "Hyrule could use more men like you. Men with courage and strength not unlike the men we have 'guarding' us now."
"So I've been told," Link laughed, "I'm not so great like you and your friends believe I am, yet I suppose I am inclined to believe some of it. I do all of this because I want to verses a calling given by the Goddesses, though I don't necessarily have a choice either way."
Link laughed and spoke again, "If I really think about it, this is all just an excuse for me to go on an adventure, taxing as it may be."
"And I'm sure it's been quite the adventure, hero," the old man reciprocated, "Hard to believe you do it all alone."
A hand made its way to the hero's head and he leaned back with a smile, "Well… I haven't exactly been alone through any of it actually."
Midna heard what he said, "Don't you dare," she spat silently, worried, and angry.
He'd heard her, but had a plan to relay some feelings he'd been holding back from Midna, "I do have a travel companion, but she's not with me now," the hero lied, and Midna felt relief wash over her. Turns out he wasn't so stupid, and he kept proving that to her; how foolish she'd been to think of him so harshly, it made her feel guilty.
"Well… where is she, if I might ask?" Auru questioned
"I'm afraid she grew ill a few days back when we were here in the lake. For now, she stays at my home village where the villagers take good care of her," he finished, trying his best to sound sincere and distressed.
It seemed to have worked because Auru's head began to sink, "I'm sorry to hear that, Link. I'm sure she means a lot to you, doesn't she?"
Oh yes, Midna meant so much to him. He wasn't sure if he could really put it into words without sounding stupid, but he would try, so as to soothe the old man of any questions he might have.
"Yes, she does, dearly so I'd say," Link said, and Midna blushed in his shadow, "She didn't like me at first, and neither did I to tell you the truth, but it was only a matter of time for us I think. I.." he paused, wondering how he was going to put this into to words, "If it weren't for her, I definitely wouldn't have gotten far. Hell, I'd probably be dead," he finished, chuckling.
The butterflies returned in a swarm of even greater magnitude this time. Did she really mean that much to him now? She smiled lightly with her face still bright red; thank the Goddesses Link couldn't see her now.
"Lucky girl," Auru chuckled, "I hope she fares well, as do I hope you are successful on your search."
"Thanks again for the help, Auru."
"Any time, Link. I hope to see you'll visit us again. You know Telma's is always open,"
And with that, the hero waved goodbye to the old man and began descending the ladder. The canyon's smith wasn't too far, thankfully. It was only a short walk a little to the East, and once Link found him, he looked excited. He was a salesman, after all, so to him, Link was just another consumer.
"So," the salesman said luringly, "I see you've taken notice of my little shack here. I call this here attraction the Soar Over Hyrule, a very popular attraction around here you know."
Link took a step back, a bit put off at the man's display.
"Uh," he stammered, "You're Fyer, yes?"
"That's my name," he said, sounding a bit agitated, "What of it?"
The hero took out the note Auru gave him, and the cannon smith's head drooped down with annoyance.
"So this is the favor he wants to use? That old man is crazy, you know," he said, shrugging.
He spoke again, "So be it then. One quick flight to the desert."
"Uh," Link stammered again, "What do you charge?"
Fyer laughed, "Don't worry about that this time, but it'll cost ya ten if for any other rides you might want."
"So cheap, and yet he still makes a business. This really must be popular," Link quickly thought.
"Alright then, buddy, just step inside and I'll blast ya to the Gerudos," he said pointing to a large and opened hatch.
The term blast didn't exactly sit well with the hero, but he didn't exactly think that Auru would send him to his death. Especially not like this, right? Regardless of his suspicions, he stepped through the opened hatch.
The cannon smith smiled as the hatch quickly closed and a strange, annoying, tune began to play as Fyer turned a lever quickly. The cannon's full form soon made itself known as being an extension to this man's home, and Link was carried up to its top and quickly after, shot out its end.
Soon after he landed face first in the sand, and he could hear Midna laughing in his shadow.
"Rough landing?" she quizzed with a fanged smirk on her face. But it wasn't long until she burst into a fit of laughter again.
Eventually, he was able to right himself, but that only incurred more laughter from the imp as he had to constantly spit out sand.
"As far as cannons go, Midna," he remarked once he was satisfied he'd gotten all the sand out, "I'd say that was pretty smooth."
She glared back with uncertainty. She hadn't felt the ride, after all, so he couldn't blame her for her confusion.
"So…" she asked, now serious, "Where do we go now?"
In the distance, Link could see stone spires lined up, but only just barely. They had to be some miles ahead, and in this desert heat, that trek would not be easy. He pointed North-bound for Midna and spoke softly.
"You see those spires, Midna?"
She nodded.
"My guess would be there," still gesturing to the spires, "Only structures I can see around here for miles. It's my best hunch, but I could be wrong."
"I'm… not so sure I like a chance like that, Link," the imp stated with concern.
He laughed, "Neither do I. It's going to be harsh, I'll tell you that, but I'm taking the brunt of the journey. The best thing you can do is keep safe in my shadow during the day- the heat shouldn't hammer down on you as much, if at all."
"Don't say that, Link," she said with her head low, "It makes me feel… so useless and pathetic to hear you say that."
He only looked at her for some time but soon found the words, "Trust me on this, Midna. You're far more important to me than I think you understand. I only mean to keep you out of harm's way this time."
She shot up and thrust her arms at her side, that feeling from the grove returning to her, "Then help me understand, Link!" she stated with power, "I think you know me better than to expect me to be okay with just sitting idle, while you take the full burden of this journey."
"Midna-"
"No, Link!" she interrupted, her composure lost as she began shouting at him, "You can't convince me, especially not after what you said to that old man. Was I not meant to hear that?"
Link smiled, "You were meant to hear those things."
"Tell me why then! How can you possibly say such things about me when I was so cruel to you?" tears began flowing from her eyes, "I'm just… so confused, Link. I feel things that I probably shouldn't around you, and I don't understand it! I need you to help me understand!"
Link's eyes narrowed on in the distance- he was searching for a spot he could probably make it tonight. If he could, he would set up a small camp, and there, he would tell her.
He looked back to her- he could see tears falling from her eyes and it hurt him to see her hurt like this, "Midna," he said softly, "I promise I'll explain everything tonight. There's a spot I've chosen that I think we can make before nightfall. There, I'll ease your confusion, I promise, okay?"
She was reluctant to accept, but she came to know Link as a man of his word; he would give her answers, surely, he would.
"Alright, Link," she said, trying to hide her sobs, "But I'm still not hiding in your shadow. I'm traveling alongside you now!" she remarked with her usually, spunky, determination.
He laughed again, "So be it, Midna. I suppose I wouldn't have it any other way."
It was midday when they arrived in the desert and, as Link already knew, the scorching heat bore down on their bodies harshly. It didn't help that around every turn, numerous pesky sandworms constantly tried to jump and attack Link and Midna, only adding further to their exhaustion.
"Link," the imp called from behind, sounding weak and dry, "Do… you... have any water left?"
He took out his canteen, still half full, and handed it to her. Midna was beginning to worry him now; she sounded so weak and was floating slowly behind him.
"Midna," he asked as she was taking a small drink, "Are you going to be alright? We still have some ways to go."
The imp returned the canteen to Link and smiled weakly, "Don't worry about me, okay?"
He still worried for her but reasoned if she was still able to keep going, there wouldn't be any need for excess concern. And so they trudged onwards into the sea of sand and rock with the sandworms constantly on the offensive.
Sunset drew close and Link noticed Midna was starting to fall behind. She was several body lengths behind him now and Link turned to walk towards her. Her body was hunched over as it hung in the air and Midna herself looked extremely weak. Her gaze met Link's suddenly, and she tried to call for help.
"Link…" was all she chocked out before collapsing in the sand and faded into unconsciousness.
"Oh no," he shouted in terror, "Midna!"
Several sandworms immediately took notice of the unmoving presence which lay on the sand. He rushed over quickly and huddled his body around the imp, sword in hand, to protect her from the worms that threatened to take her away. Each one jumped in front of Link, and each one met Link's blade head-on and fell by the hero's hands.
He carefully studied the surrounding area after some time of silence and saw not a creature in sight, now, he turned to the fallen imp with worry.
"Midna?" he asked, shaking her slightly but to no avail. He sighed relief, however, after seeing her chest rise and fall; at least she was still breathing.
"Not too far now," he reassured the unconscious imp while giving her some more water to ease her exhaustion, "Let me do the rest, I got you," he finished, still carrying her in his arms.
After some time he reached his chosen spot just in time for nightfall. A large, sandstone, slab stood here, one which was high enough to avoid any sandworms from noticing them. And whether through pure convenience or a gift given from the goddesses, a tree dry as the desert itself stood firmly planted nearby; perfect for a fire!
Link set Midna down softly at the top of the slab and let her rest her head on his soft satchel before he retrieved wood from that tree. Before long he had a fire going and sat down to rest, intently watching over Midna as she slept; undoubtedly, this was something the imp desperately needed.
The fire shined brightly on Midna's small body, and Link couldn't help but marvel at how truly beautiful a girl Midna was. Such beauty couldn't possibly exist in this world, but then again, Midna wasn't exactly from this world, wasn't she? He was brought out of his trance caused by her otherworldly beauty as he noticed she began to stir some; finally, she returned to life, to him.
The imp rubbed her eye before picking herself up with her dainty arms. A confused expression replaced her once groggy appearance as she looked around to see she was not where she remembered. Link must've made it to his camp spot if there was a fire, but why couldn't she remember getting here?
"What happened, Link?" she slurred in still bewilderment.
His gaze met hers, "Tell me what you remember," he commanded.
"I…" the imp paused, a realization dawning on her, "I remember feeling really thirsty and weak, and I remember struggling to keep up with you, but after that is just… blackness. Link, did I-"
"Yes," he interrupted, "You collapsed a few hours ago. Damn near scared me half to death too," he said, laughing.
"Then… how am I here?" Midna asked with burning curiosity.
His glance shot down, unsure if she'd like to hear this or not, "Well… First I fended off some sandworms who thought of you as prey, but after that, I carried you the rest of the way here."
Her one eye went wide and she shot her glance to the stone floor.
"So he's saved my life again…" the thought trailed off, being replaced with a feeling of worthlessness she never wanted to feel around Link.
"Link," the imp said softly and with shakiness, "I'm sorry."
Sheer perplexity on Link's features at her words, "What… do you mean, Midna?"
Her gaze returned, and Link shot back after seeing the look of sheer sorrow on her face, "I should've listened to you!" she was shouting and the tears now flowed freely, "If I had, then maybe I wouldn't be such dead weight!"
Link retaliated with confusion, "Midna, what are you talking about?"
"Is it not obvious, Link? All this time, you've done everything for me, while I've done nothing but berate you and hide in your shadow!" she paused, trying to stop her hysterics, "You've… You've even had to save my life multiple times because of my decisions. You've risked everything, while I've risked nothing. What does that make me, Link? What's my part in this story?"
The imp's heart ached, giving her a new pain beyond any physical pain she's ever felt before. Why did she feel this way about some stupid light dweller she shouldn't be feeling anything towards, and yet, here she was, crying like a child in front of him, desperately seeking his approval.
She continued, "Link… I'm scared and confused! I have all these feelings that I only feel around you, and I'm always around you. They don't go away, and they eat at me from the inside out! I don't know what they are, and that scares me! Please… help me!"
The hero took in everything she said and stayed silent for some time; it was time to keep his promise to her and, by the looks of it, he needed to do it now. Her heart and soul was poured out completely to him, and now it was his job to fill it back up again.
"Midna," he called her name softly, "Your doubt in your worth to me is misplaced, and I need you to understand that. You're the most important person to me in this world, Midna, and should you ever doubt your worth again, remember this night, and remember it well."
Her head shot up in perplexion, "Link… What are you saying?"
He smiled brightly, "Midna, I see no other person fit to hear these words beside yourself. Seeing you so broken after Zant's attack let me broken, and it was in those moments that I realized just how much you truly meant to me."
"Link, I-"
"Midna, I love you, you must understand that. Know that your worth to me is something that should not be doubted, because nothing and no one, is more important to me than you are."
A sudden burst of unknown courage overcame the imp as she suddenly floated over to him and in front of his face. The feelings she felt before just suddenly… made sense to her now, and no longer did she feel the same controlling fear she once felt. The imp could feel Link's hot breath bearing down on her lips, and before the courage could leave her, she cupped his cheeks with her dainty hands tenderly before meeting her lips to her hero's in a feverish embrace.
So much tension, so much hurt, and so much confusion was all seemingly sucked away from the imp as she kissed her hero. Instead, a warmth coursed throughout her body that told her she was safe, that everything was going to be alright after this; Midna had never felt something so profound.
Reluctantly, they broke apart after some time, and Link's eyes brightened to see a wonderful smile emerge from his companion.
"You're beautiful, Midna, you know that?"
She blushed at his compliment. She didn't think so, being cursed to look like what she believed to be a hideous imp, but if Link believed she was beautiful, maybe she could grow to believe it herself.
"I love you too, my hero," she stated with pride and sincerity, "But… don't you understand what this means? I'm a Twili and you're a human, our worlds aren't meant to mix. And then there's me. You may think I'm beautiful but I'm trapped in this form. This isn't my true self, Link, how can you love someone that isn't me?"
"Midna, regardless of any faults you might think you have, I love you for you, imp or not. I'll stay by your side even if the Gods smite me, nothing makes me happier than to know I have you by my side. "
Tears began welling up in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace, carrying a strange mixture of happiness and disbelief. She'd found love in the most unexpected place and in the most unexpected person, yet it was so right to know it was he she chose.
The hero began to lay down with Midna still around his neck, "I think it's time we got some rest, my beautiful imp. Got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, best we get as much rest as we can."
All she did was nod in approval before seeing Link already falling asleep. She wouldn't move from this spot even if she was made to, and Link seemed to suddenly agree, as his arms pulled her close to his body.
True safety was a foreign concept to Midna before today, but now as she lay with her hero, she believed that this was what it felt like to be truly safe. She rested her head on the ground and allowed sleep to take her with a big smile on her face. No longer is there fear and uncertainty in Midna's heart, now there is only a brilliant certainty, and Midna welcomed this with happiness.