I know usually you all enjoy my brilliant commentary, but currently I'm at a rare loss for words. So we can get right to the chapter now. This chappie happens to be morbid and very dark, so be warned.......(maniacal laughter accompanied by lightning, thunder, and creepy music.....all the proper elements of horror and psychosis!) Oh yeah, before I forget, the inspiration and ideas for this chapter(everything with Princess Zelda) go mainly to Lord Randomness. Thanks a lots!
Disclaimer: Nope. Don't own it. I'm just another wistful idiot who wishes they did. I'm also a very delusional idiot who thinks they will someday.
The Missing Link
Chapter 7: Shining Darkness
Darkness pressed in, suffocating every inch of her being. The shadows were mocking, wavering slightly as they confined her. Screams tore at her ears, carnage spilled at her feet. Whose blood was it that tainted her hands? She glanced down, gasping in terror at the sight of her own corpse, face pale, mouth contorted in a final death throe. Link knelt beside her lifeless shell, ice blue eyes wide and haunted. The expression on his face was one of utter shock and unfeigned horror. She reached out a translucent hand, stained red, longing to comfort him. Her touch uselessly passed through his body, sending a petrifying shudder to her very core. She opened her mouth to call to him, but only silent screams spilled out.
Before her very frightened gaze, the scene began spinning rapidly, throwing her into an abyss of nightmares. There was a massive blast of blinding light as three golden triangles separated, dividing the Triforce and dramatically decreasing its power. Cruel, ruthless laughter echoed relentlessly, and shadows burst from the empty center of the triangular formation. A pair of hostile, piercing eyes emerged from the phantoms, glaring fire and flashing silver. The cackling intensified as she caught sight of Link once more, a fearful shriek catching in her throat as his body was suddenly engulfed in black flames. She froze, crying glacial tears as she watched his life slip away slowly, his suffering prolonged by the fatal inferno. She tugged aggressively at her emerald tresses, wishing desperately to throw herself into the holocaust, emitting screams too loud to be heard.
Then she was falling, plunging through the illusions, cries snatched from her throat and dissolved by the demons. She smashed into the ground, moaning mutely as sharp pains shot up her spine. Tears frozen on her cheeks, she lay staring upward at the whirling evils. Visions of annihilation were forming before her: Kokiri Village burning to the ground in a blazing conflagration, Hyrule Castle shaking violently and collapsing to the earth in shattered ruins, her own face, crying out in agony as blood spilled down, Link, screaming, screaming at her to stop. The pictures dissolved and letters were coming together, arranging themselves into a single word, a phrase her confusion managed to recognize. The letters were immense, bold and glaring, conveying every hatred and fear she'd ever known. There they stood, hanging threateningly over her.
VELAK
And under that, so small and faded she could barely make it out, four letters shone dimly, struggling to be seen through the blackness. She closed her eyes, for this was the word she would take with her, the word she wanted imprinted on her memory. She fought hard to keep it clear, to escape from the incubus with this thought still in mind. Shutting out all the other horrors, all the demise and bloodshed, she clung to this word, using it to shadow every terror. She clenched her fists, fingernails digging into her frigid skin, and prayed for resurrection.
***
The young girl's eyes flew open, glancing around the room to assure herself of her surroundings. Sighing in relief as she recognized the canopy bed and lavish ornaments she knew so well, she struggled to sit up, blinking furiously to drive away disturbing images of haunting silver orbs. A hand flew to her pounding head, massaging her temples as she faintly got to her feet, swaying slightly before regaining her balance. Pushing sweaty blond strands out of her face, the girl made her way to the bathroom, walking slowly so as not to increase the pain in her head. She shut the door and turned the knob on the shower, oblivious to the slight movements of the deep violet curtains on that windless day.
After emerging from the bathroom and donning her royal attire, smoothing out the wrinkles in her gown, she noticed a tray set on the nightstand, displaying an appetizing breakfast. [Hm. I suppose Impa had my breakfast delivered early today] the girl thought, lifting the glass of milk and taking several gulps, eager to soothe her parched throat. She was reaching for a slice of toast when a striking pain shot through her chest, and she let out a cry of anguish. Clutching at her stomach, she dropped to her knees, bending her head and gagging slightly. The penetrating hurt grew with every ragged breath, and she collapsed on the floor, writhing slightly as though snake venom was contaminating her blood.
A few moments passed before she rose, face noticeably several shades paler. Her expression was empty, void of emotion, sapphire eyes cold and apathetic. She headed for the door, breakfast forgotten, and was reaching for the knob when the door suddenly flew open, nearly smashing her into the wall. A palace assistant stood before her, looking rather fidgety. He practically threw himself on the ground at her feet, begging to be pardoned. "My humble apologies, Princess Zelda. I did not know you were there!" When she offered no compassionate words of forgiveness, he glanced up nervously. "Are you feeling well this morning, Your Highness?"
"Enough. Why have you come here, besides wasting my time?" the princess spat, looking down at him as though he were something she'd wipe off her royal shoe. The palace aide looked shocked at her cruelty, and the apparent disappearance of her benevolent disposition. He wrung his hands nervously, not wanting to incur her sudden wrath.
"W-well, ma'am, there's been an urgent request for a strategic meeting, and your presence is required-er, suggested, I mean if you don't have the time for such things...I know you're very busy at the moment....what with royal decrees and all....." he blathered, saying anything that came to mind. It was true that Zelda's attendance to the engagement was mandatory, but he didn't feel this was something she'd like to hear. He tried to make it sound as though she had a say in the matter.
"Fine. I shall be there in the courtyard for this meeting of yours, if only to put a halt to your useless chatter. Now, if you would quickly remove yourself from my presence, I'd be most grateful. A face such as yours is not to be seen on an empty stomach." Zelda snapped irritably, eyes conveying a touch of malice, truly a foreign sentiment in the soul of one so pure. She stalked past him, annoyed that he had dared to give her an order. What was it worth being a princess if you still had good-for-nothing minions telling you what to do? She looked back once, seeing the lackey's wide eyes and concerned, rather frightened expression, and a fierce sneer crossed her ashen face. At least she still had the power to strike fear into the hearts of those weaker than herself. That was a most pleasing compensation for defiance.
The naive subject stood in the doorway, gaping at the retreating princess. Such animosity he had never known from such a genuinely altruistic person. The day Princess Zelda dealt out bitter insults without the least shred of compunction surely only came when Zoras swam in lava, when Lon Lon Ranch cows gave chocolate milk, when Gerudos became decent, law-abiding citizens who opposed gambling......it was just something that didn't happen. Truly this was against all laws of the universe.
As the bewildered guard stood puzzling out the enigma, a sharp, distinct sound came suddenly from behind him. He whirled around, eyes wide with apprehension. "W-wh-who's t-there?" he called out shakily, trying to mask his alarm and failing miserably. [I was never meant for this job. I knew I should have been a shopkeeper in the market!] He cursed internally as he crept around the open door and into the princess' bedchamber. The room was deathly quiet, and appeared to be vacant. Large suspicious eyes swept over the perimeter of the room, examining every angle for the slightest noise or activity, but the room remained silent. The assistant shook his head and mumbled something to himself as he left the room, looking around once more and seeing nothing. The door shut with an exasperated slam, and the subject's footfalls and acrid muttering grew faint as he departed.
Confident that the room was once again empty, a low, acidic laughter severed the serenity. Pity Kalev had commanded him not to make a scene and leave the instant his task was complete. It would have been a pleasure to rip that idiotic servant in half, watch his blood spill across the milky carpet, that white expanse which was simply screaming at him to be stained. Frankly he believed he would be doing the palace personnel a favor, ridding them of such an incompetent imbecile. He licked his lips at the thought, picturing a puddle of gore defiling the extravagance of Princess Zelda's chamber. What a glorious sight that would be.
But alas, he had other matters to attend to, and a master that would not be pleased if he chose to defy her. After all, he was not the only one capable of foul play. Dismissing the relishing thoughts of homicide, he slipped out of the window, the royal purple drapes wavering slightly in his wake, no longer having to conceal a villain. Once free of the nauseous affluence, he sighed in complacency, spitting tartly on the picturesque palace lawn. He briskly stole away, knowing that he was vulnerable without the camouflage of darkness. At least he had managed to properly carry out Kalev's bidding this time around. Perhaps an adequate amount of triumphs would be enough to shadow his nearly fatal error.
Ganondorf gulped as he approached the entrance to the sorceress' lair, wearing the guise of a self-assured subordinate. He tossed his midnight cape over his shoulder and began tapping out a rhythm on the granite, dragging out each knock to assure ample time to collect himself. The rock wall slid open, inviting him into a darkened cavern. He inhaled deeply, taking on a confident stance, and stepped forward. Poise was of utmost importance when associating with the goddess, for she had a keen eye for deceit. He'd emerged successful in deceiving her once, but how much longer could he shroud his faux pas? Petty conquests wouldn't divert Kalev forever.
Sighing, he advanced, careful not to let his posture betray him. The minute he set foot into that circle of torches, blazing with the ever-burning fires of hell, his life became fair game. Whether or not he survived depended on how many lies he could transform into truths. It depended on his ability to smoothly deliver those false truths and make them sound authentic. It depended on his staring death in the face, and not looking away.
***
Everyone looked up from the map of Hyrule that was spread wide across the table, putting talk of security to rest for the moment as Princess Zelda entered the courtyard, head held high, azure eyes flashing with unfamiliar enmity. "Oh, Your Highness! How fortunate! We were just discussing the defense tactics, and where we felt it best to place our forces. Your input would be greatly appreciated, I'm sure." Zelda spoke not a word, simply walking past the guard and taking a seat at the end of the rectangular table. She crossed her arms over her chest firmly and sat stonily, offering no opinions whatsoever.
The guard seemed rather frazzled by her attitude, but brushed it off, thinking that she was burning out due to stress. He returned to the map, as did the other soldiers after tearing their disbelieving eyes away from the perplexing princess. "As of now, we've decided that the Temples should be most heavily secured, seeing as how they serve as sanctuaries to the Sages. Our troops will be positioned on each side, allowing them to prevent an attack from every possible angle. If we surround all the Temples using such a formation, it greatly decreases the chances of-"
"No." Zelda interrupted coldly, ice blue stare boring into the guard with such intensity he surely thought he would explode. He looked up at her, flustered, squirming uncomfortably under her scrutiny. "N-no, Princess? B-but we thought it best to-"
"Silence. What is the point of this affair? Why have you dragged me here to listen to your insignificant maneuvers?" She leaned back in the chair, still eyeing them with hostility. [Honestly. The things I have to deal with.] For a moment none of them responded. Zelda sat completely still, twisting her gleaming hair around one polished fingernail carelessly. When they remained silent she rolled her eyes in a gesture of boredom and heaved a sigh. "Well?" she snapped irritably.
"W-well, Princess Z-Zelda, we.......well, we've heard talk about town. Talk of evil befalling Hyrule, and we decided to strategize now so as to obviate any possible attacks...." another palace guard chose to step forward and speak up while the others cowered behind him, instinctively knowing that when the people in power turned harsh and ruthless, their negligible lives hung in the balance.
"Hmmm. I wonder....." Zelda mused, tilting her chair back and staring upward. The sarcasm in her tone weighed down heavily over the entire courtyard. "I do believe I'm the one in charge of this pathetic land, correct?" The guards simply nodded robotically, unsure of what to say. "Therefore, I have the final say in all palace affairs, do I not?" Sensing this question was rhetorical, the soldiers simply remained unspeaking, providing no answers. Zelda wasn't waiting for one. "Which, and I'll phrase this in the simplest of terms, if only to make things easier on your empty heads, means that each and every one of you is to do exactly as I command. And I demand that you remove all your forces from the Temples this very minute. I recommend this be done without hesitation, for you have already worn my patience very thin with your trivial meeting." She rose, leaving the guards aghast, staring open-mouthed at the princess and exchanging looks of incredulity.
"B-but Princess Zelda, we must protect the Temples! They are the very first places evil would strike and if we are to prevent this reign of terror then we must take into consideration that-"
Zelda whirled around, seething. Her cerulean eyes flashed viciously, and the guard took a step back, gulping and looking about nervously. "I believe I'm the one who gives the orders around here, and my commands are final! There will be no further deliberation. I order that the armies be taken away from every one of the five Temples, and reassembled here around the palace. The Temple of Time is also to be stripped of any troops. There are to be no military forces stationed anywhere in Hyrule except here at this castle." She noticed the guard opening his mouth to oppose her, and she quickly resumed her speech before he had the chance to speak. "I'd advise you to be aware that your lives are in my hands, and if you give me any reason to end them, I shall do so without a moment's indecision. I expect my demands to be fully carried out, and if this task is not completed by evening, rest assured, your lives shall set with the sun."
After one last vindictive scowl, a deathly glare that assured the soldiers that she meant every sinister, menacing word of her threat, Princess Zelda turned and walked away briskly, leaving a vicious wave of fury in her wake. The venom left in the courtyard was so thick that the guards could taste it, and with the acidic sensation in their mouths and infinite questions on their lips, they stood unmoving, lives flashing before their startled eyes. The slide shows were short enough as it was, and they simultaneously feared there was nothing left to be added. Except the ending credits.
***
The world was spinning violently, blurring everything together into a massive tempest. But the darkness was fading, she could see it. The blackness was deteriorating, giving way to a dim circle of light. Perhaps she would escape the monsters, after all. She felt herself falling again, plummeting into the depths of the nightmare, and she shut her amethyst eyes tightly, waiting for the impact. It was near.....it was coming. She was getting closer and would hit rock bottom any second......mouth opening to scream.....fingernails digging, digging violently into her palms......and then she reached the bottom. It was......soft.
Her eyes snapped open, taking in her surroundings as she heaved shallow, panicky breaths. She couldn't begin to fathom where she was; all she knew exactly was where she wasn't. And she wasn't in the nightmare. But, she realized wearily as she raised her hands, staring at the torn, bloody skin of her palms, the nightmare was still in her. She briefly wondered how many more demons she would have to fight before this was over. And how many of those battles she would live through......before she lost.
Another chappie, done! And a pretty macabre one at that, but hey, I warned ya! I seem to delight in torturing poor Saria....sorry guys, but trust me, it happens to be an essential part of the plot. Really! Anyways, be a nice person and click that wonderful little button down there and leave me a review. Tell me I'm crazy; I've heard it too many times to be bothered by it! Just review, people! (pulls out sniping rifle) Although I will *persuade* you, if I must! (evil smirk)
And now......some review responses for you nice people that did decide to review.....
wOOt!- Don't worry, I won't kill you! Someone else told me that about Navi too.....I just decided I didn't care. For some reason it's just more fun if Navi's a guy.....don't ask.... Anyways, thanks so much for your review!
superdave- uh....heh heh(grins in embarrassment and looks like a moron) You caught me. I mixed up amethyst and emerald.....sorry! As for Saria talking backwards......I dunno. Just seemed more interesting. Ever seen The Shining? You know, REDRUM?! heh heh.... But enough of my insanity. Thanks for reviewing and hurray for you for figuring out what she said! ^_^
AJ Taylir- Yay, you're smart, you're smart! ^_^ You figured everything out and you found one of my many stupid little mistakes that I always seem to make. Thanks for tellin me that; I probably never would have noticed that I messed up. I love reading your reviews-keep em coming!
Disclaimer: Nope. Don't own it. I'm just another wistful idiot who wishes they did. I'm also a very delusional idiot who thinks they will someday.
The Missing Link
Chapter 7: Shining Darkness
Darkness pressed in, suffocating every inch of her being. The shadows were mocking, wavering slightly as they confined her. Screams tore at her ears, carnage spilled at her feet. Whose blood was it that tainted her hands? She glanced down, gasping in terror at the sight of her own corpse, face pale, mouth contorted in a final death throe. Link knelt beside her lifeless shell, ice blue eyes wide and haunted. The expression on his face was one of utter shock and unfeigned horror. She reached out a translucent hand, stained red, longing to comfort him. Her touch uselessly passed through his body, sending a petrifying shudder to her very core. She opened her mouth to call to him, but only silent screams spilled out.
Before her very frightened gaze, the scene began spinning rapidly, throwing her into an abyss of nightmares. There was a massive blast of blinding light as three golden triangles separated, dividing the Triforce and dramatically decreasing its power. Cruel, ruthless laughter echoed relentlessly, and shadows burst from the empty center of the triangular formation. A pair of hostile, piercing eyes emerged from the phantoms, glaring fire and flashing silver. The cackling intensified as she caught sight of Link once more, a fearful shriek catching in her throat as his body was suddenly engulfed in black flames. She froze, crying glacial tears as she watched his life slip away slowly, his suffering prolonged by the fatal inferno. She tugged aggressively at her emerald tresses, wishing desperately to throw herself into the holocaust, emitting screams too loud to be heard.
Then she was falling, plunging through the illusions, cries snatched from her throat and dissolved by the demons. She smashed into the ground, moaning mutely as sharp pains shot up her spine. Tears frozen on her cheeks, she lay staring upward at the whirling evils. Visions of annihilation were forming before her: Kokiri Village burning to the ground in a blazing conflagration, Hyrule Castle shaking violently and collapsing to the earth in shattered ruins, her own face, crying out in agony as blood spilled down, Link, screaming, screaming at her to stop. The pictures dissolved and letters were coming together, arranging themselves into a single word, a phrase her confusion managed to recognize. The letters were immense, bold and glaring, conveying every hatred and fear she'd ever known. There they stood, hanging threateningly over her.
VELAK
And under that, so small and faded she could barely make it out, four letters shone dimly, struggling to be seen through the blackness. She closed her eyes, for this was the word she would take with her, the word she wanted imprinted on her memory. She fought hard to keep it clear, to escape from the incubus with this thought still in mind. Shutting out all the other horrors, all the demise and bloodshed, she clung to this word, using it to shadow every terror. She clenched her fists, fingernails digging into her frigid skin, and prayed for resurrection.
***
The young girl's eyes flew open, glancing around the room to assure herself of her surroundings. Sighing in relief as she recognized the canopy bed and lavish ornaments she knew so well, she struggled to sit up, blinking furiously to drive away disturbing images of haunting silver orbs. A hand flew to her pounding head, massaging her temples as she faintly got to her feet, swaying slightly before regaining her balance. Pushing sweaty blond strands out of her face, the girl made her way to the bathroom, walking slowly so as not to increase the pain in her head. She shut the door and turned the knob on the shower, oblivious to the slight movements of the deep violet curtains on that windless day.
After emerging from the bathroom and donning her royal attire, smoothing out the wrinkles in her gown, she noticed a tray set on the nightstand, displaying an appetizing breakfast. [Hm. I suppose Impa had my breakfast delivered early today] the girl thought, lifting the glass of milk and taking several gulps, eager to soothe her parched throat. She was reaching for a slice of toast when a striking pain shot through her chest, and she let out a cry of anguish. Clutching at her stomach, she dropped to her knees, bending her head and gagging slightly. The penetrating hurt grew with every ragged breath, and she collapsed on the floor, writhing slightly as though snake venom was contaminating her blood.
A few moments passed before she rose, face noticeably several shades paler. Her expression was empty, void of emotion, sapphire eyes cold and apathetic. She headed for the door, breakfast forgotten, and was reaching for the knob when the door suddenly flew open, nearly smashing her into the wall. A palace assistant stood before her, looking rather fidgety. He practically threw himself on the ground at her feet, begging to be pardoned. "My humble apologies, Princess Zelda. I did not know you were there!" When she offered no compassionate words of forgiveness, he glanced up nervously. "Are you feeling well this morning, Your Highness?"
"Enough. Why have you come here, besides wasting my time?" the princess spat, looking down at him as though he were something she'd wipe off her royal shoe. The palace aide looked shocked at her cruelty, and the apparent disappearance of her benevolent disposition. He wrung his hands nervously, not wanting to incur her sudden wrath.
"W-well, ma'am, there's been an urgent request for a strategic meeting, and your presence is required-er, suggested, I mean if you don't have the time for such things...I know you're very busy at the moment....what with royal decrees and all....." he blathered, saying anything that came to mind. It was true that Zelda's attendance to the engagement was mandatory, but he didn't feel this was something she'd like to hear. He tried to make it sound as though she had a say in the matter.
"Fine. I shall be there in the courtyard for this meeting of yours, if only to put a halt to your useless chatter. Now, if you would quickly remove yourself from my presence, I'd be most grateful. A face such as yours is not to be seen on an empty stomach." Zelda snapped irritably, eyes conveying a touch of malice, truly a foreign sentiment in the soul of one so pure. She stalked past him, annoyed that he had dared to give her an order. What was it worth being a princess if you still had good-for-nothing minions telling you what to do? She looked back once, seeing the lackey's wide eyes and concerned, rather frightened expression, and a fierce sneer crossed her ashen face. At least she still had the power to strike fear into the hearts of those weaker than herself. That was a most pleasing compensation for defiance.
The naive subject stood in the doorway, gaping at the retreating princess. Such animosity he had never known from such a genuinely altruistic person. The day Princess Zelda dealt out bitter insults without the least shred of compunction surely only came when Zoras swam in lava, when Lon Lon Ranch cows gave chocolate milk, when Gerudos became decent, law-abiding citizens who opposed gambling......it was just something that didn't happen. Truly this was against all laws of the universe.
As the bewildered guard stood puzzling out the enigma, a sharp, distinct sound came suddenly from behind him. He whirled around, eyes wide with apprehension. "W-wh-who's t-there?" he called out shakily, trying to mask his alarm and failing miserably. [I was never meant for this job. I knew I should have been a shopkeeper in the market!] He cursed internally as he crept around the open door and into the princess' bedchamber. The room was deathly quiet, and appeared to be vacant. Large suspicious eyes swept over the perimeter of the room, examining every angle for the slightest noise or activity, but the room remained silent. The assistant shook his head and mumbled something to himself as he left the room, looking around once more and seeing nothing. The door shut with an exasperated slam, and the subject's footfalls and acrid muttering grew faint as he departed.
Confident that the room was once again empty, a low, acidic laughter severed the serenity. Pity Kalev had commanded him not to make a scene and leave the instant his task was complete. It would have been a pleasure to rip that idiotic servant in half, watch his blood spill across the milky carpet, that white expanse which was simply screaming at him to be stained. Frankly he believed he would be doing the palace personnel a favor, ridding them of such an incompetent imbecile. He licked his lips at the thought, picturing a puddle of gore defiling the extravagance of Princess Zelda's chamber. What a glorious sight that would be.
But alas, he had other matters to attend to, and a master that would not be pleased if he chose to defy her. After all, he was not the only one capable of foul play. Dismissing the relishing thoughts of homicide, he slipped out of the window, the royal purple drapes wavering slightly in his wake, no longer having to conceal a villain. Once free of the nauseous affluence, he sighed in complacency, spitting tartly on the picturesque palace lawn. He briskly stole away, knowing that he was vulnerable without the camouflage of darkness. At least he had managed to properly carry out Kalev's bidding this time around. Perhaps an adequate amount of triumphs would be enough to shadow his nearly fatal error.
Ganondorf gulped as he approached the entrance to the sorceress' lair, wearing the guise of a self-assured subordinate. He tossed his midnight cape over his shoulder and began tapping out a rhythm on the granite, dragging out each knock to assure ample time to collect himself. The rock wall slid open, inviting him into a darkened cavern. He inhaled deeply, taking on a confident stance, and stepped forward. Poise was of utmost importance when associating with the goddess, for she had a keen eye for deceit. He'd emerged successful in deceiving her once, but how much longer could he shroud his faux pas? Petty conquests wouldn't divert Kalev forever.
Sighing, he advanced, careful not to let his posture betray him. The minute he set foot into that circle of torches, blazing with the ever-burning fires of hell, his life became fair game. Whether or not he survived depended on how many lies he could transform into truths. It depended on his ability to smoothly deliver those false truths and make them sound authentic. It depended on his staring death in the face, and not looking away.
***
Everyone looked up from the map of Hyrule that was spread wide across the table, putting talk of security to rest for the moment as Princess Zelda entered the courtyard, head held high, azure eyes flashing with unfamiliar enmity. "Oh, Your Highness! How fortunate! We were just discussing the defense tactics, and where we felt it best to place our forces. Your input would be greatly appreciated, I'm sure." Zelda spoke not a word, simply walking past the guard and taking a seat at the end of the rectangular table. She crossed her arms over her chest firmly and sat stonily, offering no opinions whatsoever.
The guard seemed rather frazzled by her attitude, but brushed it off, thinking that she was burning out due to stress. He returned to the map, as did the other soldiers after tearing their disbelieving eyes away from the perplexing princess. "As of now, we've decided that the Temples should be most heavily secured, seeing as how they serve as sanctuaries to the Sages. Our troops will be positioned on each side, allowing them to prevent an attack from every possible angle. If we surround all the Temples using such a formation, it greatly decreases the chances of-"
"No." Zelda interrupted coldly, ice blue stare boring into the guard with such intensity he surely thought he would explode. He looked up at her, flustered, squirming uncomfortably under her scrutiny. "N-no, Princess? B-but we thought it best to-"
"Silence. What is the point of this affair? Why have you dragged me here to listen to your insignificant maneuvers?" She leaned back in the chair, still eyeing them with hostility. [Honestly. The things I have to deal with.] For a moment none of them responded. Zelda sat completely still, twisting her gleaming hair around one polished fingernail carelessly. When they remained silent she rolled her eyes in a gesture of boredom and heaved a sigh. "Well?" she snapped irritably.
"W-well, Princess Z-Zelda, we.......well, we've heard talk about town. Talk of evil befalling Hyrule, and we decided to strategize now so as to obviate any possible attacks...." another palace guard chose to step forward and speak up while the others cowered behind him, instinctively knowing that when the people in power turned harsh and ruthless, their negligible lives hung in the balance.
"Hmmm. I wonder....." Zelda mused, tilting her chair back and staring upward. The sarcasm in her tone weighed down heavily over the entire courtyard. "I do believe I'm the one in charge of this pathetic land, correct?" The guards simply nodded robotically, unsure of what to say. "Therefore, I have the final say in all palace affairs, do I not?" Sensing this question was rhetorical, the soldiers simply remained unspeaking, providing no answers. Zelda wasn't waiting for one. "Which, and I'll phrase this in the simplest of terms, if only to make things easier on your empty heads, means that each and every one of you is to do exactly as I command. And I demand that you remove all your forces from the Temples this very minute. I recommend this be done without hesitation, for you have already worn my patience very thin with your trivial meeting." She rose, leaving the guards aghast, staring open-mouthed at the princess and exchanging looks of incredulity.
"B-but Princess Zelda, we must protect the Temples! They are the very first places evil would strike and if we are to prevent this reign of terror then we must take into consideration that-"
Zelda whirled around, seething. Her cerulean eyes flashed viciously, and the guard took a step back, gulping and looking about nervously. "I believe I'm the one who gives the orders around here, and my commands are final! There will be no further deliberation. I order that the armies be taken away from every one of the five Temples, and reassembled here around the palace. The Temple of Time is also to be stripped of any troops. There are to be no military forces stationed anywhere in Hyrule except here at this castle." She noticed the guard opening his mouth to oppose her, and she quickly resumed her speech before he had the chance to speak. "I'd advise you to be aware that your lives are in my hands, and if you give me any reason to end them, I shall do so without a moment's indecision. I expect my demands to be fully carried out, and if this task is not completed by evening, rest assured, your lives shall set with the sun."
After one last vindictive scowl, a deathly glare that assured the soldiers that she meant every sinister, menacing word of her threat, Princess Zelda turned and walked away briskly, leaving a vicious wave of fury in her wake. The venom left in the courtyard was so thick that the guards could taste it, and with the acidic sensation in their mouths and infinite questions on their lips, they stood unmoving, lives flashing before their startled eyes. The slide shows were short enough as it was, and they simultaneously feared there was nothing left to be added. Except the ending credits.
***
The world was spinning violently, blurring everything together into a massive tempest. But the darkness was fading, she could see it. The blackness was deteriorating, giving way to a dim circle of light. Perhaps she would escape the monsters, after all. She felt herself falling again, plummeting into the depths of the nightmare, and she shut her amethyst eyes tightly, waiting for the impact. It was near.....it was coming. She was getting closer and would hit rock bottom any second......mouth opening to scream.....fingernails digging, digging violently into her palms......and then she reached the bottom. It was......soft.
Her eyes snapped open, taking in her surroundings as she heaved shallow, panicky breaths. She couldn't begin to fathom where she was; all she knew exactly was where she wasn't. And she wasn't in the nightmare. But, she realized wearily as she raised her hands, staring at the torn, bloody skin of her palms, the nightmare was still in her. She briefly wondered how many more demons she would have to fight before this was over. And how many of those battles she would live through......before she lost.
Another chappie, done! And a pretty macabre one at that, but hey, I warned ya! I seem to delight in torturing poor Saria....sorry guys, but trust me, it happens to be an essential part of the plot. Really! Anyways, be a nice person and click that wonderful little button down there and leave me a review. Tell me I'm crazy; I've heard it too many times to be bothered by it! Just review, people! (pulls out sniping rifle) Although I will *persuade* you, if I must! (evil smirk)
And now......some review responses for you nice people that did decide to review.....
wOOt!- Don't worry, I won't kill you! Someone else told me that about Navi too.....I just decided I didn't care. For some reason it's just more fun if Navi's a guy.....don't ask.... Anyways, thanks so much for your review!
superdave- uh....heh heh(grins in embarrassment and looks like a moron) You caught me. I mixed up amethyst and emerald.....sorry! As for Saria talking backwards......I dunno. Just seemed more interesting. Ever seen The Shining? You know, REDRUM?! heh heh.... But enough of my insanity. Thanks for reviewing and hurray for you for figuring out what she said! ^_^
AJ Taylir- Yay, you're smart, you're smart! ^_^ You figured everything out and you found one of my many stupid little mistakes that I always seem to make. Thanks for tellin me that; I probably never would have noticed that I messed up. I love reading your reviews-keep em coming!
