Authors Note: water*spirit has offended me MUST KILL MUST.. Whoops sorry
about that, I have violent mood swings. Kidding. ;) I appreciate you
looking out for my mistakes. I did that exact same thing in this chapter
right at the beginning. Good job, you get a cookie!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE REVIEWED MY STORY! I am sending some positive energy your way! You guys give me the motivation to totally avoid any type of social life and write this story! Good for you!
This chapter has only 3 parts. Since this is chapter 5 you are now 5 times as cool! Yippee!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda.
Chapter 5 Part 1
Falling through infinity isn't a fun thing. Long after I should have hit the floor I was still falling. Some where in the back of my mind I knew I was inside the Triforce. I wondered if this was the punishment, to fall for eternity replaying my failures over and over in my head. At least the man who had killed my friends was dead.. Nikina.. Her very name hurt.. If I am in the Triforce don't I get some kind of wish?
So you want your wish my chosen
I stopped falling. I was looking through glass. It was.. Paradise. I don't know what you believe about the afterlife, but I saw something I will never forget. I don't know if it was real or if I was just delusional.. It was the ballroom.. But different somehow.. Normally a room that is man made seems apart from the rest of the world, but this one seemed to be natural. Everyone was bathed in a white light. The floor was covered in fog. The quiet laughter of children echoed of the walls. Zelda was dancing with Link and laughing about some memory they shared.. Malon was dancing Nyas smiling.. The king was with a woman I can only assume is his wife and he looked.. Complete is the best word for it. The sages were laughing about some story Ruto was telling. Alyese was dancing with someone I didn't recognize. She looked like she loved him, but Alyese had never been in love with someone in her life. There were others dancing or talking, no one was unhappy. I was happy for them but something bothered me..
"Where is Nikina?"
My voice shattered the glass. I hesitantly stepped into the room. Everyone turned and waved at me smiling. I nodded and smiled back. It was so perfect.. Where is Nikina? I shook Links hand and hugged Zelda. I walked past the Sages and smiled to them. I continued walking until Alyese stopped me. She looked me in the eyes her expression was very serious. It was the first time one of them had stopped smiling.
"The one you are looking for is over there."
She pointed in the direction of the royal box and walked back to her mystery partner. Her voice had sounded different somehow. I walked towards the royal box and I made out a figure sitting where Zelda would have sat. The royal box seemed warped..
"Nikina.."
She was sitting unhappy and alone. I walked over to her. She stood up blinked disbelieving and then smiled and hugged me.
"I thought I would have to wait longer.."
I looked at her.
"I was told I would have to wait until you died."
"I don't know what happened."
"Please just dance with me."
I smiled and walked with her unto the dance floor. We took our spot in the middle and everyone turned to applaud. I was so happy just dancing with her.
"I thought I would have to wait longer for this."
I felt something stab into my back. Nikina smiled evilly. She pulled the knife out and took a step backwards. I fell to the floor blinded by pain. I gasped,
"Why?"
She laughed at me. Everyone else disappeared.
"For your failure."
I deserved it.. I failed her.. No that didn't sound right.. I was just a tool.. Higher powers then me set this into motion.. As I realized this, the wounds disappeared and I stood up. She recoiled in horror that I had survived. I looked at the false figure.
"I didn't fail you, the goddesses did."
I turned and walked out of the ballroom. I walked away from the woman I love. Even though she had betrayed me I still wanted nothing more to keep on holding her. A flash of light and I was falling again.
Such hard words my chosen. We created you, we gave you the world you know, and we built your destinies. How could we fail you?
"If you control so much about us, why can you not give us a happy ending?"
Laughter filled the air around me.
Didn't we?
I was in the ballroom before the attack. I was standing next to Zelda and I could see myself talk to Link. This was before he proposed. Why am I being shown this?
"Goddesses give me the strength to tell him."
It was Zelda; she was watching Link walk over to her. He stopped and began blushing. This time I could hear them.
"Zel.."
"Link.."
"I love you. You are the reason.. The reason I got through it all.."
There was so much more behind the words, for the both of them.
"I have loved you since I first saw you as a child."
"Zelda will you make me the happiest man in Hyrule and marry me?"
"Yes.. Yes Link I will!"
They embraced. This time I could see the Triforce of Courage bond with the Triforce of Wisdom. They called out for their brother. I could feel Power want to join in their happiness.
We gave them their happiness
I was falling again.
"Then you snatched it from them! You gave them everything they wanted and took it away in the same night!"
At least they found each other. So many refuse to see what is right in front of their eyes, or they see it and reject it
There was a bitterness there.. Something only an immortal could feel.
"Why did you take it? WHY? Why isn't their happiness possible?"
Oh but it is, my chosen
"Why do you keep calling me that?"
Power CHOSE you when Ganondorf released it. Now you get your wish, and the price is the Triforce of Power
"Why wont the Triforce just return to the Sacred Realm?"
The pieces are needed in this world. Don't worry so much at least I will still be watching out for you
"A lot of help you've been, you sent the King of Evil to destroy the greatest night of my life.."
I grumbled. Then a thought struck me.
"Is he finally dead?"
No.. Another god still uses him to torment this world.. Not to plunge the world into darkness or anything, he just has a twisted sense of humor.. Plus I think he has a crush on Farore and is trying to get her attention
"WHAT!?!?! All of my friends died so he could get your sisters attention?!"
Yes, well I am afraid you mortals are going to have it bad until she stops playing hard to get. I know she likes him
I was dumbfounded. My worldview was destroyed. The higher powers that I placed my trust in were indirectly responsible for Ganondorf's rampages. This is just depressing..
It isn't like I agree with him! Besides, everything he has done has been undone
"Not.."
That will be fixed shortly
She cut me off. The Goddess of Power cut me off. Err. She is getting on my nerves.
Hey! I have been looking out for you so you better stop thinking mean things about me! Who do you think put the love of your life in that bandit situation, so you could save her? Who had all of that falling debris miss you? ME
She has a point. Maybe I do expect too much.
"I'm sorry.."
Good, I forgive you. Now I was sent to just tell you that you faced your greatest fear and you get your wish, but NO you have to make everything so DIFFICULT
That last word slammed into me with the force of one of Ganondorf's magic attacks. I really need to learn to be more polite to supreme beings..
Anyway! For proving yourself worthy of the Triforce you get you innermost desire blah blah blah! Enjoy! I WILL be watching you
"Ya ya, next time watch out for the all powerful evil beings there, OK?"
I admit that was just plain stupid. It just popped out.
ERRR
I felt her presence disappear and then the world around me glowed. My right hand felt like I had touched the sun.
"AHH!!!"
The air around me swirled and I was back in the ballroom. Somehow I think Din could have made that more gentle but I guess I deserved it. Oh well. Everyone was getting up and the roof was back to normal. I looked at my right hand and saw the Triforce symbol engraved in it. The Triforce of Power glowed. I felt invincible. I had the power to alter the world around me and with the Triforce of Power I could CREATE. You don't know how amazing that is for a mage. I was worried though.. What if the temptation was too much and I became another Ganondorf? I wonder where he went off to.. Well my friends are back, so I guess things worked out.. Why isn't that a comfort?
Chapter 5 Part 2
Nikina stood up while I was lost in thought. She waved a hand in front of my face and I jerked back. I guess her stabbing me really messed with me. I wonder if I will be able to relax around her anymore..
"What is wrong?"
I cannot tell her. How can I tell her she betrayed me when she didn't? Will I ever get over this?
"Dyrade what is wrong? Are you injured? Why is the Triforce symbol on your hand?"
I don't want to face her right now. Not now.. I have to escape.. A column of energy engulfed me.
"Dyrade!!"
I saw Nikina reach for me and I was gone. When the column disappeared I was in the forest. I don't know why I chose the forest; maybe I just wanted some peace. I was standing in front of the Deku Tree. It looked surprised.. Well for a tree that is.
"Who are you that bears the Triforce of Power and wears the robes of a mage?"
I stared at it for a second. How could it know I have the Triforce of Power?
"I am Dyrade, I am a mage."
It looked at me strangely.
"Yet you managed to defeat Ganondorf?"
I thought it over.
"In a way."
That was the best answer I could come up with. He had me beat and I was dying, so I decided to take him with me. If it hadn't been for the Triforce the people of Hyrule would have found everyone at the ball dead.
"I am glad Saria was of some help to you."
I nodded.
"She gave her life to help give me a chance.. That is more then 'some' help."
"Yes, I felt her death, just as I felt her rebirth. She tells me that the others wish to talk to you. What do you want me to tell them?"
I frowned. Now they knew where I was.
"You are wondering how they found you, yes?"
I nodded surprised at the intuition this tree had.
"The Princess of Destiny and the Hero of Time can feel you threw the Triforce bond. They were able to place you somewhere in the forest so Saria asked me.. They are waiting for your answer."
I grinned, feeling some of my old self returning.
"Tell them if they can find me I will tell them everything."
Its branches ruffled in disapproval.
"You need to tell them what happened with Ganondorf and how you got the Triforce of Power! The Princess of Destiny completely disapproves and wants to know what happened IMMEDIATELY!"
I laughed. I don't know what I was thinking but sometimes crazy ideas pop into my head.
"Very well."
I said it so cold that his branches ruffled in fear.
"Now I didn't mean to offend.. What?"
I concentrated on Zelda through the Triforce bond and pulled her to the forest, or at least that is what it felt like. When I saw Zelda appear trapped in a red crystal I felt really bad. She had her hands up and looked like she was screaming. I immediately released her.
"WHAT? Oh goddesses that was scary! I thought Ganondorf was back again. Never ever do that again!"
I looked sheepish.
"Okay, this time take my hand. I don't want to have this conversation with Deku Stick here."
The Deku Tree looked offended.
"I will have you know.."
Zelda looked into my eyes and nodded. Satisfied Ganondorf didn't possess me she took my hand. I concentrated on a map of Hyrule and then focused on the island in the middle of Lake Hylia. I had never been there and I wanted to see it. Plus it would take Link and the others a few hours to find us after I masked the bond.
"Whoa."
I barely heard her and the column of energy surrounded us and we were there.
"Now what is it you don't want the others to hear?"
I sat down and told her everything. The sun was starting to rise when I finished.
"I understand now. You don't feel comfortable around her anymore. What I just cannot believe is we suffered so much because some god is interested in Farore."
"Yes that one got me to. What should I do about Nikina?"
She looked down for a moment gathering her thoughts.
"You need to gradually become more comfortable with her. Start out with walks together. When you feel enough for you to touch her take the next step."
I frowned. Maybe that is the way Zelda and Link would have handled it but Nikina and I have a different relationship.
"How can I tell her? How can I possibly explain that I feel she betrayed me when I know she didn't? What hurts the most is I know I still love her."
I looked toward the rising run. It hurt so much to want to be with her but to be afraid of it. Why does Zelda look so guilty?
"You wont have to.. I was afraid you might have been another Ganondorf so I allowed the others to listen in on our conversation.. I have been using the Triforce bond longer then you and I do know some magic.. I got past your block.. I am sorry I didn't trust you.."
I didn't react like you might expect. I was more hurt then shocked. It was then I realized what was wrong. Very quietly I said,
"Your afraid of me now aren't you?"
She looked down ashamed but managed to nod.
"I'm not."
I turned to face the voice. I was so caught up in thought I wasn't watching my surroundings. I saw a brief glimpse of Nikina before I felt an impact on my chest and I fell on my back.
"I wont have you feeling sorry for yourself!"
She kicked me again. I refused to fight back.
"I have never liked weak men so don't you dare be afraid of me! I am sure not afraid of you!"
She pulled me up and then punched me in the gut. I fell to my knees. Something stirred inside me. Something I had been missing since I fell into the Triforce.. Anger..
"This is for even thinking I would betray you!"
I saw her foot moving toward my face. Not this time. I caught it right before it would have struck my face. I threw it upwards violently taking her off her feet, before she could hit the ground I caught her with air. I kept her from moving and I pushed the air so she was standing up again. I got within centimeters of her face.
"Woman I am not weak. You mess with my head."
Using my senses I could see Link keeping Zelda behind him. He had the Master Sword and his mirror shield. I could tell he was watching me and waiting for me to make an aggressive move. Why is he so worried? Oh yes I lost my temper. My own anger surprised me. The Triforce of Power must magnify it somehow. I must have looked like a mad man. I released her from my grip of air. She looked at me strangely and I noticed she was touching the ring I had put on her finger before I fought Ganondorf.
"So you do love me.."
I don't know what it was about the look in her eyes but everything that happened disappeared from my mind.
"Was there ever any doubt?"
I said as I pulled her to me.
"What a strange couple.."
Link had no idea.
Chapter 5 Part 3
After a month I was totally back to normal. Except with 'incredible magic that must be studied' as Alyese said it. I had to explain what happened at least twelve different times but after I had worked through the whole 'betrayal' thing with Nikina I didn't mind. The king actually made me an honorary knight of Hyrule for saving them. The sages all returned to their homes and I have a very good piece of news. I received a letter from Malon today. She and Count Nyas are getting married in two months! It is hard to believe that Malon will be a Countess. Things sure have changed. Link and Zelda are rarely two feet apart, and Link keeps a watchful eye on me. I completely understand. I am still their friend and I while don't like that Zelda is a little afraid of me I accept it. Speaking of which,
"I am telling you Dyrade that a healthy dose of fear will be a good thing when you are the King of the Gerudos."
I grinned.
"Ha! You can handle the whole 'ruling' part."
She put her hands on her hips.
"So you will just sit around? What exactly will you do to entertain yourself?"
I grinned and pulled her close.
"I can think of a few things."
She blushed and looked into my eyes. I swear that look is just.. Incredible. I don't know how she..
"Mage Dyrade."
I turned. It was an attendant.
"Yes?"
"You are needed in the main audience chamber."
I nodded and he left.
"Shall we?"
She smiled and I took it as a 'yes'. We walked hand in hand to the chamber. As I walked in I could tell something was wrong. Zelda was weeping and Link was comforting her. Impa was standing nearby with a far off look in her eye. I was about to ask what was wrong when I saw that the king wasn't on the throne. I walked over to Zelda.
"Princess I am so sorry. He was a good man and a good king."
I knew she wasn't listening but Link nodded his appreciation.
"How did he die?"
Link was about to answer when a short bald man walked in.
"Treachery! I have learned that the Count Nyas gave the king a slow working poison."
I looked at him more closely. He wore ornate clothing that had the Triforce symbol on it.
"Who are you?"
I asked him. He turned to me and nodded.
"Ah yes the Mage Dyrade. I am the new regent. I will rule until Zelda is eighteen and becomes queen. You are to return to the Hall of the Mages and you are to be commended."
I looked at him skeptically.
"The year isn't over and what could be more important than protecting the Princess of Destiny?"
I asked. He looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps you should lead our attack. Yes indeed! Spearheaded by the Triforce of Power and the Gerudo guards the knights of Hyrule could crush Cysi, with the Hero of Time in the van of course."
This was getting really confusing.
"On whose authority do you relieve me and how do you even know Count Nyas did it? He intends to marry Malon and she is Hyrulian. What could he possibly have against us?"
He frowned.
"On the Throne of Hyrule's authority. We are his chief trading rival. Maybe Malon is jealous of Zelda and wants to be Queen of Hyrule."
That was it. He did not just insult a friend of mine!
"You would do well not to insult my friends. Count Nyas is a good man and Malon is one of the best women I have known. I do not see the Elder here so you cannot possibly relieve me on her authority."
He sneered and for an instant I saw into his soul. He was petty and bitter. He would stop at nothing for personal power.
"If you will not submit to the will of Hyrule you WILL leave this castle immediately."
I felt Nikina's hand squeeze mine. I turned to Zelda.
"Do you want me to leave princess?"
She wiped her eyes and glared at the self proclaimed Regent.
"Esit you may have been one of my fathers advisors but you are not going to be Regent. I will rule Hyrule. We will not be going to war with Cysi. We will continue the investigation of my father's death until we come up with the culprit. YOU will remove yourself from this castle."
He frowned at her and then smiled.
"You have got quite a spirit, but the duke is popular with the nobles. Most of the nobles want war with Cysi. With them out of the way we could control the southern trade routes to Dylia. If you will drop this pathetic fool and marry the good Duke, he will insure that you are the most powerful queen in the known world. If not there will be rebellion. We have allies all over the kingdom."
Zelda glared at him.
"You will be tried for treason. Who is this duke you speak of?"
He smiled evilly. You tend to see these smiles a lot when you are around Zelda.
"Why don't you ask your friend Ruto?"
As the guards carried him off fear for Ruto got the better of me and I concentrated on Zora's Domain. What I found was death..
The End of Chapter 5
Authors Note: Yah! They are all back. Who is the duke? What is up with the Elder? What happened to Ruto? Who killed the king? All this and more on the next Watching For Action.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE REVIEWED MY STORY! I am sending some positive energy your way! You guys give me the motivation to totally avoid any type of social life and write this story! Good for you!
This chapter has only 3 parts. Since this is chapter 5 you are now 5 times as cool! Yippee!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda.
Chapter 5 Part 1
Falling through infinity isn't a fun thing. Long after I should have hit the floor I was still falling. Some where in the back of my mind I knew I was inside the Triforce. I wondered if this was the punishment, to fall for eternity replaying my failures over and over in my head. At least the man who had killed my friends was dead.. Nikina.. Her very name hurt.. If I am in the Triforce don't I get some kind of wish?
So you want your wish my chosen
I stopped falling. I was looking through glass. It was.. Paradise. I don't know what you believe about the afterlife, but I saw something I will never forget. I don't know if it was real or if I was just delusional.. It was the ballroom.. But different somehow.. Normally a room that is man made seems apart from the rest of the world, but this one seemed to be natural. Everyone was bathed in a white light. The floor was covered in fog. The quiet laughter of children echoed of the walls. Zelda was dancing with Link and laughing about some memory they shared.. Malon was dancing Nyas smiling.. The king was with a woman I can only assume is his wife and he looked.. Complete is the best word for it. The sages were laughing about some story Ruto was telling. Alyese was dancing with someone I didn't recognize. She looked like she loved him, but Alyese had never been in love with someone in her life. There were others dancing or talking, no one was unhappy. I was happy for them but something bothered me..
"Where is Nikina?"
My voice shattered the glass. I hesitantly stepped into the room. Everyone turned and waved at me smiling. I nodded and smiled back. It was so perfect.. Where is Nikina? I shook Links hand and hugged Zelda. I walked past the Sages and smiled to them. I continued walking until Alyese stopped me. She looked me in the eyes her expression was very serious. It was the first time one of them had stopped smiling.
"The one you are looking for is over there."
She pointed in the direction of the royal box and walked back to her mystery partner. Her voice had sounded different somehow. I walked towards the royal box and I made out a figure sitting where Zelda would have sat. The royal box seemed warped..
"Nikina.."
She was sitting unhappy and alone. I walked over to her. She stood up blinked disbelieving and then smiled and hugged me.
"I thought I would have to wait longer.."
I looked at her.
"I was told I would have to wait until you died."
"I don't know what happened."
"Please just dance with me."
I smiled and walked with her unto the dance floor. We took our spot in the middle and everyone turned to applaud. I was so happy just dancing with her.
"I thought I would have to wait longer for this."
I felt something stab into my back. Nikina smiled evilly. She pulled the knife out and took a step backwards. I fell to the floor blinded by pain. I gasped,
"Why?"
She laughed at me. Everyone else disappeared.
"For your failure."
I deserved it.. I failed her.. No that didn't sound right.. I was just a tool.. Higher powers then me set this into motion.. As I realized this, the wounds disappeared and I stood up. She recoiled in horror that I had survived. I looked at the false figure.
"I didn't fail you, the goddesses did."
I turned and walked out of the ballroom. I walked away from the woman I love. Even though she had betrayed me I still wanted nothing more to keep on holding her. A flash of light and I was falling again.
Such hard words my chosen. We created you, we gave you the world you know, and we built your destinies. How could we fail you?
"If you control so much about us, why can you not give us a happy ending?"
Laughter filled the air around me.
Didn't we?
I was in the ballroom before the attack. I was standing next to Zelda and I could see myself talk to Link. This was before he proposed. Why am I being shown this?
"Goddesses give me the strength to tell him."
It was Zelda; she was watching Link walk over to her. He stopped and began blushing. This time I could hear them.
"Zel.."
"Link.."
"I love you. You are the reason.. The reason I got through it all.."
There was so much more behind the words, for the both of them.
"I have loved you since I first saw you as a child."
"Zelda will you make me the happiest man in Hyrule and marry me?"
"Yes.. Yes Link I will!"
They embraced. This time I could see the Triforce of Courage bond with the Triforce of Wisdom. They called out for their brother. I could feel Power want to join in their happiness.
We gave them their happiness
I was falling again.
"Then you snatched it from them! You gave them everything they wanted and took it away in the same night!"
At least they found each other. So many refuse to see what is right in front of their eyes, or they see it and reject it
There was a bitterness there.. Something only an immortal could feel.
"Why did you take it? WHY? Why isn't their happiness possible?"
Oh but it is, my chosen
"Why do you keep calling me that?"
Power CHOSE you when Ganondorf released it. Now you get your wish, and the price is the Triforce of Power
"Why wont the Triforce just return to the Sacred Realm?"
The pieces are needed in this world. Don't worry so much at least I will still be watching out for you
"A lot of help you've been, you sent the King of Evil to destroy the greatest night of my life.."
I grumbled. Then a thought struck me.
"Is he finally dead?"
No.. Another god still uses him to torment this world.. Not to plunge the world into darkness or anything, he just has a twisted sense of humor.. Plus I think he has a crush on Farore and is trying to get her attention
"WHAT!?!?! All of my friends died so he could get your sisters attention?!"
Yes, well I am afraid you mortals are going to have it bad until she stops playing hard to get. I know she likes him
I was dumbfounded. My worldview was destroyed. The higher powers that I placed my trust in were indirectly responsible for Ganondorf's rampages. This is just depressing..
It isn't like I agree with him! Besides, everything he has done has been undone
"Not.."
That will be fixed shortly
She cut me off. The Goddess of Power cut me off. Err. She is getting on my nerves.
Hey! I have been looking out for you so you better stop thinking mean things about me! Who do you think put the love of your life in that bandit situation, so you could save her? Who had all of that falling debris miss you? ME
She has a point. Maybe I do expect too much.
"I'm sorry.."
Good, I forgive you. Now I was sent to just tell you that you faced your greatest fear and you get your wish, but NO you have to make everything so DIFFICULT
That last word slammed into me with the force of one of Ganondorf's magic attacks. I really need to learn to be more polite to supreme beings..
Anyway! For proving yourself worthy of the Triforce you get you innermost desire blah blah blah! Enjoy! I WILL be watching you
"Ya ya, next time watch out for the all powerful evil beings there, OK?"
I admit that was just plain stupid. It just popped out.
ERRR
I felt her presence disappear and then the world around me glowed. My right hand felt like I had touched the sun.
"AHH!!!"
The air around me swirled and I was back in the ballroom. Somehow I think Din could have made that more gentle but I guess I deserved it. Oh well. Everyone was getting up and the roof was back to normal. I looked at my right hand and saw the Triforce symbol engraved in it. The Triforce of Power glowed. I felt invincible. I had the power to alter the world around me and with the Triforce of Power I could CREATE. You don't know how amazing that is for a mage. I was worried though.. What if the temptation was too much and I became another Ganondorf? I wonder where he went off to.. Well my friends are back, so I guess things worked out.. Why isn't that a comfort?
Chapter 5 Part 2
Nikina stood up while I was lost in thought. She waved a hand in front of my face and I jerked back. I guess her stabbing me really messed with me. I wonder if I will be able to relax around her anymore..
"What is wrong?"
I cannot tell her. How can I tell her she betrayed me when she didn't? Will I ever get over this?
"Dyrade what is wrong? Are you injured? Why is the Triforce symbol on your hand?"
I don't want to face her right now. Not now.. I have to escape.. A column of energy engulfed me.
"Dyrade!!"
I saw Nikina reach for me and I was gone. When the column disappeared I was in the forest. I don't know why I chose the forest; maybe I just wanted some peace. I was standing in front of the Deku Tree. It looked surprised.. Well for a tree that is.
"Who are you that bears the Triforce of Power and wears the robes of a mage?"
I stared at it for a second. How could it know I have the Triforce of Power?
"I am Dyrade, I am a mage."
It looked at me strangely.
"Yet you managed to defeat Ganondorf?"
I thought it over.
"In a way."
That was the best answer I could come up with. He had me beat and I was dying, so I decided to take him with me. If it hadn't been for the Triforce the people of Hyrule would have found everyone at the ball dead.
"I am glad Saria was of some help to you."
I nodded.
"She gave her life to help give me a chance.. That is more then 'some' help."
"Yes, I felt her death, just as I felt her rebirth. She tells me that the others wish to talk to you. What do you want me to tell them?"
I frowned. Now they knew where I was.
"You are wondering how they found you, yes?"
I nodded surprised at the intuition this tree had.
"The Princess of Destiny and the Hero of Time can feel you threw the Triforce bond. They were able to place you somewhere in the forest so Saria asked me.. They are waiting for your answer."
I grinned, feeling some of my old self returning.
"Tell them if they can find me I will tell them everything."
Its branches ruffled in disapproval.
"You need to tell them what happened with Ganondorf and how you got the Triforce of Power! The Princess of Destiny completely disapproves and wants to know what happened IMMEDIATELY!"
I laughed. I don't know what I was thinking but sometimes crazy ideas pop into my head.
"Very well."
I said it so cold that his branches ruffled in fear.
"Now I didn't mean to offend.. What?"
I concentrated on Zelda through the Triforce bond and pulled her to the forest, or at least that is what it felt like. When I saw Zelda appear trapped in a red crystal I felt really bad. She had her hands up and looked like she was screaming. I immediately released her.
"WHAT? Oh goddesses that was scary! I thought Ganondorf was back again. Never ever do that again!"
I looked sheepish.
"Okay, this time take my hand. I don't want to have this conversation with Deku Stick here."
The Deku Tree looked offended.
"I will have you know.."
Zelda looked into my eyes and nodded. Satisfied Ganondorf didn't possess me she took my hand. I concentrated on a map of Hyrule and then focused on the island in the middle of Lake Hylia. I had never been there and I wanted to see it. Plus it would take Link and the others a few hours to find us after I masked the bond.
"Whoa."
I barely heard her and the column of energy surrounded us and we were there.
"Now what is it you don't want the others to hear?"
I sat down and told her everything. The sun was starting to rise when I finished.
"I understand now. You don't feel comfortable around her anymore. What I just cannot believe is we suffered so much because some god is interested in Farore."
"Yes that one got me to. What should I do about Nikina?"
She looked down for a moment gathering her thoughts.
"You need to gradually become more comfortable with her. Start out with walks together. When you feel enough for you to touch her take the next step."
I frowned. Maybe that is the way Zelda and Link would have handled it but Nikina and I have a different relationship.
"How can I tell her? How can I possibly explain that I feel she betrayed me when I know she didn't? What hurts the most is I know I still love her."
I looked toward the rising run. It hurt so much to want to be with her but to be afraid of it. Why does Zelda look so guilty?
"You wont have to.. I was afraid you might have been another Ganondorf so I allowed the others to listen in on our conversation.. I have been using the Triforce bond longer then you and I do know some magic.. I got past your block.. I am sorry I didn't trust you.."
I didn't react like you might expect. I was more hurt then shocked. It was then I realized what was wrong. Very quietly I said,
"Your afraid of me now aren't you?"
She looked down ashamed but managed to nod.
"I'm not."
I turned to face the voice. I was so caught up in thought I wasn't watching my surroundings. I saw a brief glimpse of Nikina before I felt an impact on my chest and I fell on my back.
"I wont have you feeling sorry for yourself!"
She kicked me again. I refused to fight back.
"I have never liked weak men so don't you dare be afraid of me! I am sure not afraid of you!"
She pulled me up and then punched me in the gut. I fell to my knees. Something stirred inside me. Something I had been missing since I fell into the Triforce.. Anger..
"This is for even thinking I would betray you!"
I saw her foot moving toward my face. Not this time. I caught it right before it would have struck my face. I threw it upwards violently taking her off her feet, before she could hit the ground I caught her with air. I kept her from moving and I pushed the air so she was standing up again. I got within centimeters of her face.
"Woman I am not weak. You mess with my head."
Using my senses I could see Link keeping Zelda behind him. He had the Master Sword and his mirror shield. I could tell he was watching me and waiting for me to make an aggressive move. Why is he so worried? Oh yes I lost my temper. My own anger surprised me. The Triforce of Power must magnify it somehow. I must have looked like a mad man. I released her from my grip of air. She looked at me strangely and I noticed she was touching the ring I had put on her finger before I fought Ganondorf.
"So you do love me.."
I don't know what it was about the look in her eyes but everything that happened disappeared from my mind.
"Was there ever any doubt?"
I said as I pulled her to me.
"What a strange couple.."
Link had no idea.
Chapter 5 Part 3
After a month I was totally back to normal. Except with 'incredible magic that must be studied' as Alyese said it. I had to explain what happened at least twelve different times but after I had worked through the whole 'betrayal' thing with Nikina I didn't mind. The king actually made me an honorary knight of Hyrule for saving them. The sages all returned to their homes and I have a very good piece of news. I received a letter from Malon today. She and Count Nyas are getting married in two months! It is hard to believe that Malon will be a Countess. Things sure have changed. Link and Zelda are rarely two feet apart, and Link keeps a watchful eye on me. I completely understand. I am still their friend and I while don't like that Zelda is a little afraid of me I accept it. Speaking of which,
"I am telling you Dyrade that a healthy dose of fear will be a good thing when you are the King of the Gerudos."
I grinned.
"Ha! You can handle the whole 'ruling' part."
She put her hands on her hips.
"So you will just sit around? What exactly will you do to entertain yourself?"
I grinned and pulled her close.
"I can think of a few things."
She blushed and looked into my eyes. I swear that look is just.. Incredible. I don't know how she..
"Mage Dyrade."
I turned. It was an attendant.
"Yes?"
"You are needed in the main audience chamber."
I nodded and he left.
"Shall we?"
She smiled and I took it as a 'yes'. We walked hand in hand to the chamber. As I walked in I could tell something was wrong. Zelda was weeping and Link was comforting her. Impa was standing nearby with a far off look in her eye. I was about to ask what was wrong when I saw that the king wasn't on the throne. I walked over to Zelda.
"Princess I am so sorry. He was a good man and a good king."
I knew she wasn't listening but Link nodded his appreciation.
"How did he die?"
Link was about to answer when a short bald man walked in.
"Treachery! I have learned that the Count Nyas gave the king a slow working poison."
I looked at him more closely. He wore ornate clothing that had the Triforce symbol on it.
"Who are you?"
I asked him. He turned to me and nodded.
"Ah yes the Mage Dyrade. I am the new regent. I will rule until Zelda is eighteen and becomes queen. You are to return to the Hall of the Mages and you are to be commended."
I looked at him skeptically.
"The year isn't over and what could be more important than protecting the Princess of Destiny?"
I asked. He looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps you should lead our attack. Yes indeed! Spearheaded by the Triforce of Power and the Gerudo guards the knights of Hyrule could crush Cysi, with the Hero of Time in the van of course."
This was getting really confusing.
"On whose authority do you relieve me and how do you even know Count Nyas did it? He intends to marry Malon and she is Hyrulian. What could he possibly have against us?"
He frowned.
"On the Throne of Hyrule's authority. We are his chief trading rival. Maybe Malon is jealous of Zelda and wants to be Queen of Hyrule."
That was it. He did not just insult a friend of mine!
"You would do well not to insult my friends. Count Nyas is a good man and Malon is one of the best women I have known. I do not see the Elder here so you cannot possibly relieve me on her authority."
He sneered and for an instant I saw into his soul. He was petty and bitter. He would stop at nothing for personal power.
"If you will not submit to the will of Hyrule you WILL leave this castle immediately."
I felt Nikina's hand squeeze mine. I turned to Zelda.
"Do you want me to leave princess?"
She wiped her eyes and glared at the self proclaimed Regent.
"Esit you may have been one of my fathers advisors but you are not going to be Regent. I will rule Hyrule. We will not be going to war with Cysi. We will continue the investigation of my father's death until we come up with the culprit. YOU will remove yourself from this castle."
He frowned at her and then smiled.
"You have got quite a spirit, but the duke is popular with the nobles. Most of the nobles want war with Cysi. With them out of the way we could control the southern trade routes to Dylia. If you will drop this pathetic fool and marry the good Duke, he will insure that you are the most powerful queen in the known world. If not there will be rebellion. We have allies all over the kingdom."
Zelda glared at him.
"You will be tried for treason. Who is this duke you speak of?"
He smiled evilly. You tend to see these smiles a lot when you are around Zelda.
"Why don't you ask your friend Ruto?"
As the guards carried him off fear for Ruto got the better of me and I concentrated on Zora's Domain. What I found was death..
The End of Chapter 5
Authors Note: Yah! They are all back. Who is the duke? What is up with the Elder? What happened to Ruto? Who killed the king? All this and more on the next Watching For Action.
