The Legend of Zelda
Ti'ana's Story
__________by Ti'ana MYST
Chapter Fourteen
The half-conscious Taabu fell to his knees. Whatever strength he had left abandoned him. Ti'ana, the love of his life from when they were children married to Ganondorf?! The thought troubled him greatly. He looked up and his eyes met Ti'ana's. Pure terror reflected in her orbs of emerald, but her face remained firm.
"It's true," she said, her voice not wavering one bit. "You're friend Ti'ana is queen of the land you live on." The steadiness of her voice broke off. "Or at least I will be." Again, her eyes landed on Taabu's.
'So they're not married yet,' he sighed thankfully. 'There still is time.' Taabu wasn't so sure. His vision was starting to blur and words seemed to merge together like the colors of paint on a pallet.
As if sensing his thoughts, Ti'ana nodded, smiled and winked. Taabu grinned for a moment and slumped back. He didn't look to well, but there was no way he was going to quit now.
Ganondorf went on to explain the wedding plans. Taabu was lost in his own thoughts. How would they get out of here? He looked over at Malon, who's eyes were still wide with fright. She looked over at Taabu and mouthed "what are we going to do?" Taabu shrugged.
"..In fact," Ganondorf continued his speech. "Why not have the wedding right now?"
Ti'ana swallowed. "Now?" Her voice was very light and delicate. "Isn't that jumping into things? I mean, we were only engaged a few... years ago." She smiled and walked around to face him. "What's wrong with tomorrow? Or the day after?" 'Any amount of time to allow me to run away!'
Ganondorf scratched his chin. "Perhaps you are right, love. We could do that but..." He paused. "No." At a snap of his fingers, a Stalfos dressed in black appeared before them. "Now, let us begin the ceremony." Two other Stalfos appeared; one picked up Malon and the other Taabu, who didn't seem to react. "We need witnesses," Ganondorf explained coolly
Ti'ana gasped. "This isn't happening," she muttered.
"It is, my love. Soon you will rule Hyrule into its glorious Dark Ages right by my side! Just think of all I am offering you, Ti'ana. All I ask is that you love me in return, fear me, and I will be your slave!"
Ti'ana gasped. She had never seen Ganondorf like this before, and found it difficult to take anything he said as the truth.
"Besides," Ganondorf continued, "you have no choice. It's my eternal promise to be your king or the death of your friend here." He motioned to Taabu. "Now, will you cooperate?"
Ti'ana's head started to bow in a nod when a young white Wolfos appeared before them. "My lord," he panted, "Link has arrived at the castle, and is practically at the Princess!"
Ganondorf's calm face twisted into a sinister scowl. He muttered some profanity, then, "Don't think this is the end, 'My' Ti'ana," and disappeared with out a word.
The monsters holding Taabu and Malon vanished along with him. Taabu fell to the ground and Malon landed on her feet. Ti'ana rushed over to Taabu and kneeled down next to him.
"Taaby?" She shook him gently. He didn't move. "Taabu?!" She grabbed his shoulders and rolled him onto his back. His eyes were shut, and he didn't appear to be breathing.
Malon bit her lip to hold back tears. "Oh my gods, 'Ana please don't tell me..."
A single tear rolled down her cheek. "He's gone."