--It has been a half-year since Ganon's defeat. The Hylians, coming back into the marketplace, were cleaning the debris of Ganon's castle away to rebuild Hyrule Castle. And, deep within the ancient ruins of Ganon's castle, a baby boy was discovered among the wreckage. Assumed to be the reincarnation of Ganon, he was left there to die. Some questioned how the child could be his re-embodiment. The princess of Hyrule, now fully grown, felt certain sympathy for the child and took him into the castle. Her father disagreed with his daughter's decision, and they argued. Zelda, in the end, had won her father's acquiescence and raised the child as her own, naming him Luke.
As the years passed by, Luke grew more striking with each day and her love for him expanded. Her father was quite fond of him and would often take him for walks in the halfway-restored marketplace. The Hylians gave him small tokens and commented on how appealing he was. All he could do was thank them and carry on with the king.
Then one day, catastrophe struck. A hooded man attacked Hyrule castle and the market place was abandoned and destroyed, just as it was earlier. The people's faith for the young Luke dissolved and they rioted against him, thinking that he had planned the whole thing. As withdrawn and peaceful as he was, he fled to Lake Hylia to hide. And when he dove in the water, he discovered them upon his arms. At first, he didn't know what they were, but then remembered something Zelda (whom he considered his mother) had shown him in a book, pictures of the aquatic race in Hyrule: Zoras. They were longer and sharper than the ones on the Zoras, but, nevertheless, they were there, all right. He had fins. And he could also breathe while submerged. But there was no time for bewilderment. There was a small splash and something pierced his right shoulder, digging deep into the flesh. In pain, he cried out and his dark red blood misted the water, giving away his location and his eyes filled with tears of pain. Numerous Hylian knights dove in the crimson water and hauled him out, beating him over the head with a stiff lance. The last thing he saw was the sullen faces of the Hylians. Then he fell into unconsciousness.--
* * *
Three hours after he awoke, he found himself in a dark and damp prison cell beneath the castle. It seemed the man hadn't bothered to continue onto the demolition of the castle. He rubbed his head, feeling the large lump in the middle of his skull. The wound and sting the arrow had inflicted on him was still bleeding intensely, not seeming to ever want to cease. He assumed that they had just thrown him in the prison cells without tending his wounds. His blood covered the stone floor and he forced himself to climb to his feet. He was still a bit drowsy and was having difficulty seeing straight and his vision was to some extent blurred. He squinted, catching sight of the man standing watch in front of his cell. Then he looked around the inside of his cell; he saw no windows, only a small pile of hay in the upper right corner. He was so perplexed…what had he done to be worthy of this? Was it because the man had looked at him and spoke to him? "Luke," he had said, "look at me. You are not human. You are my son. Underneath the glove you wear…" He couldn't remember the rest.
His keen hearing picked up the sound of clinking armor and footsteps on the old stone stairs. The guard at his cell turned his head to see the knight that was approaching with a parchment in his hands from the king himself. The knight stopped in front of his cell and handed the parchment to the guard. "A message from the king." The knight said, his voice rough and deep. The guard took the parchment and ran his eyes along the calligraphy writing; a faint trace of a beam appeared on his thin lips as the knight left.
"I've got news for you, kid. Read this." The guard said, passing the parchment through the opening in the large wooden door, letting it fall to the cold floor. With a strong, gloved hand, Luke picked up the letter and his bluish-green eyes read what was printed. He finished quickly, and his eyes widened with horror. He dropped the letter and backed into the wall, pressing his body as far as he could into the stones. Running a hand all the way through his long dirty blonde hair, sweat running down his brow, he sunk down to the floor, taken aback: they were going to execute him at first light. But he still couldn't grasp what he had done wrong. He looked down at the ground and relaxed his hands, allowing them to fall to the cold stone floor. He shut his eyes in mourning and didn't shift a limb at all. The only movement that could be seen was his unstable breathing and occasional weeping.
* * *
Princess Zelda was sitting on her bed, looking at pictures of Luke before her father had him thrown in prison for something she didn't believe he had any part in. She had shouted at him in Luke's protection, but he was the head authority and her words were shut out of his mind. Then she had gotten upset and ran off to her quarters, tears streaming down her gorgeous young face. Then she had found out that he was to be executed in the morning. She acted like a child who didn't get what she wanted: she threw a fit. She kicked the messenger and screamed into her pillow, crying the whole time. Luke was like a son to her and she loved him with all her heart. Her father had prohibited her to go visit him as well. But Zelda wasn't dense. She knew precisely what to do. She had her messenger run a dispatch to an old friend, the Hero of Time. If there was anyone who could help her get Luke safe and unharmed away from Hyrule castle, it was Link.
As she ended her thoughts, there was a gentle rapping at her door. Zelda looked up, radiance in her eyes. "Please, come in." she said, standing up and smiling. The door opened slowly and she sighted the good-looking face of Link. She spread her arms wide and they embraced each other affectionately. "Thank you for coming so quickly. It's urgent." She informed him, head lying on his broad and well-developed chest.
He placed a kind hand on her back, sensing her despair. "You know that I'll do anything for a close friend." He replied tenderly, holding her close and helping her to cut short the sad tears that wetted his green tunic. The two friends remained in the same position for at least ten to twenty minutes. He felt that she wanted somebody to lean on before he would inquiry her about the dilemma at hand.
Finally, after long last, she looked up at her friend, her eyes red from crying. Wiping her eyes, she sat down on her red silk- covered bed, inviting him to sit by her. He did as was revealed and took a seat at her side. Her eyes wandered to the floor. She parted her lips as if making the gesture to speak, but sighed and closed them again. Link took her chin in his long fingers and gently forced her to look at him, a warm fire in his blue eyes. A pale hint of a smile shaped on her lips and she decided to reveal her tale. "Link, have you heard of the boy we found in the ruins of Ganon's castle?" He nodded. Zelda took a deep breath before continuing. "He's nineteen now and was doing very well. He's kind, gentle, and thoughtful; he listened to everything I said and never disobeyed me once. And the first time he called me mother…it was…" She fell hushed for a moment or two, recollecting her thoughts. "It made me feel…loved…like I had someone rely on me instead of the opposite."
"Zelda, a lot of people rely on you to aid your father in taking care of Hyrule. And someday, when he dies, you'll assume the throne and be the queen. Then, all the people of Hyrule will rely on you to make proper decisions and help the citizens out when they need it most." Link replied, looking up at the ceiling.
"I know. But this was different." She glanced at him then looked straight. "But that's off the subject." Zelda grabbed a satin pillow and held it close to her breast, wrapping her white-gloved arms around it firmly. "Link, they threw him in the prison."
"What?" Link said, shocked. "Why?"
"A man in a black cloak came to the marketplace and turned it inside out, just as Ganon had done."
"I thought something was odd."
Zelda began to cry again. "The people thought that Luke had planned the incident to happen, but I know he'd never do anything like that." Her eyes filled up to the brim with tears and she spat: "Father is going to have him beheaded in the morning! Link, you have got to help Luke! Please, I love him like he was my own flesh and blood! Please!" Zelda exclaimed, taking both off his gloved hands and holding them tightly, looking deep into his eyes.
Having heard her plea, Link was quiet for many moments, considering the consequences and rewards (not money, mind you). Zelda just observed him while he thought, hoping that he, with his reputation for aiding people who call for it, would accept her appeal. After at least seven minutes passed, he sighed and voiced his concluding answer. "I will help you, Zelda. But I can't guarantee that I can get him out unnoticed. But I promise that I'll do my best and get him out of here safely."
"Thank you so much! This means so much to me!" She kissed his forehead and dried her hope filled eyes; he blushed slightly then cleared his throat, his natural color returning to his face. Zelda said goodbye and watched him leave, a grateful and happy smile twisting on her rosy lips. Now calmer, she lied down on her bed. All of the upheaval today had tired her out and her eyes closed slowly as she fell into a peaceful sleep.
* * *
Luke, who was now awake, sat in the middle of the small mound of hay, thinking that he'd never see anything else after tomorrow morning. His face and clothes filthy with the dust and dirt from the cell, he placed a hand on his face, spreading his long slender fingers apart. He stared blankly into nothingness and listened to the guard outside murmur to himself. Although he couldn't make out what he was talking about, he had a good clue. Then he heard the guard chuckle and continue to speak quietly. And then, another voice was heard. This voice was younger and had a gentle tone that made Luke cock his head slightly to the left, intrigued by this new visitor. He stood up, placed his hands on the steel bars, and peeked out the opening at the stranger. The guard and the visitor clad in green began to chat; the guard had deep respect in his rough voice that was very noticeable indeed. The stranger dismissed the guard and waited until he was out of sight before looking in at Luke. "Are you Luke?" he said. Luke swallowed, then nodded. The stranger drew a sword, slicing through the lock like soft margarine. Terrified, Luke backed away, shaking his head as the stranger entered his cell."No…no, you stay away…I didn't do anything wrong…I…I don't know who that man was…" he said.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Luke. Princess Zelda sent me here to help you escape."
Luke stopped, tense shoulders relaxing. "My mother sent you?" he replied, slowly approaching the visitor.
'Mother?' he thought, but didn't say anything about the comment. "Yes, she did. My name is Link." He said while extending a hand. Luke reached out his own shaky hand and clasped Link's in greeting. A kind smile appeared on the hero's lips and Luke knew he could trust this man. "Now let's get going before anyone gets apprehensive. We have a long way to go; this castle isn't exactly small. Just stay close to me, okay? I know this castle like the back of my hand." He left the cell and held the wooden door open for Luke. Luke didn't move. Link arched an eyebrow. "What's the matter?" he said sympathetically.
Luke bit his upper lip before speaking. "I feel…uneasy…escaping. It doesn't feel right." He replied staring at the floor. His acquaintance placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Luke looked almost upset about escaping from the prison. "I don't want to get caught and thrown in there again…they might kill me immediately."
Link shook his head. "Don't worry, I'll get you out of here. Zelda is going to meet us at the main gate that leads out to Hyrule Field. I have a horse waiting at Lon Lon Ranch; my friend Malon will bring it out later. But first, we have to get out of here without being discovered. Now let's get going." Luke took a step forward. Then another, then another, and finally, his feet rested outside the cell walls. He smiled, happy to be free again. He stretched his arms, almost hitting Link with one of his fins. Amazed, Link stared at the sharp fins and ran a finger along the edge. "Wow. I've never seen anything like this. Those are Zora fins, aren't they?" Luke nodded. "I'd bet King Zora would like to meet you; Princess Ruto too."
THUMP! "Damn it! Catch that barrel! It's going into the prison!" they heard a male voice yell, shattering the conversation between the two of them. Link and Luke gazed at the stairs. Three men were quickly approaching. And so was the barrel. Luke's breath caught in his throat and he turned a ghostly pale. Link, seeing his fear, shoved him forcefully into his old cell, slamming the door behind him. He pressed his back against the door and drew his sword, feigning to be watching guard. As the barrel sped by his feet, the three Hylian men stopped in front of him. "Sir Link, did you see a barrel pass by just now?" one said.
"Yes, it went down that way. What's so important about it?" Link replied, pointing his sword down into the darkness of the murky prison. They all could hear it hitting and knocking spears and other barrels over and slamming into the wall and continuing on its way like a giant boulder rolling down a hill.
"His Majesties' much loved wine. We thought that we'd just take a little swig and then return it to the winery…but we dropped it and here we are." A second man said.
"Thanks a lot, Sir Link. Bye!" the third said and then the men left on their pursuit before they were discovered.
Link inhaled deeply, opening the cell door once again. Luke was lying face down in the pile of hay, staining its gold threads red with his crimson blood. Link bit his tongue, holding back a curse and rolled his unmoving body over. His arrow wound looked irritated and was turning white with infection. He rolled up the Hylian shirtsleeves and inspected the injury, ripping a piece of fabric off of the hem of his green Kokiri tunic. But he didn't have any special healing herbs with him…he had to use the last of them on Epona's wounded haunch. But he did have one more curative item. He didn't know if it would work or not…"Navi!" he called. And, seeming to come out of nowhere, a little blue ball of light appeared over his head, stretching her little wings. He thought he heard a tiny yawn come from the fairy and he held out a hand for her to settle on.
"Hello Link, what do you want me to do now? Get your hookshot out of the…oh? Who's that on the floor?" she said, buzzing about his head and sprinkling fairy dust all over his attire. She landed in close proximity to his wound and peered down at it. "That's a malicious hurt, isn't it Link? It looks like a Guay dove down at him." She said.
"Tell me about it. Can you heal it?"
Navi was silent. "…I can't fully heal it, but I can stop the bleeding and rid him of the infection. Maybe ease the pain as well. It might sting a little, so hold him gently." Link placed his hands on Luke's muscular chest, causing him to stir and move his head from left to right. Link took out a bottle filled with fresh spring water, uncorked the top, and poured the crystal clear water into Luke's mouth. He then wetted the young man's brow. Luke's eyes cracked open a little, and the first thing he saw was…two Links? Startled, he gasped and jerked his body, making Navi sprinkle too much fairy dust into the wound and Luke screamed in pain. It felt like someone had plunged a poisoned dagger into his already open wound. He felt the painful tingling sensation tear throughout his entire bloodstream like a disease and covered his wound with a hand to prevent any further fairy dust from entering and causing even more anguish. Navi flew around wildly, worrying about the effects of fairy dust on Luke. She had sprinkled that much on wounds before and it never seemed to bother her other patients, if one could call it that. "Link, what're we going to do? He doesn't appear to be taking this very well…"
Link detached Luke's hand from his shoulder and wrapped the cloth around his wound. "We'll have to wait for him to settle down. In the meantime, let's try and stay quiet so we don't attract too much attention." He sighed. "And there's less than half a day to get him out of here alive. Who knows how long he'll be lying here…" He leaned his back against the wall and pulled his long hat down over his eyes and crossed his arms. "Navi, will you alert me when the effects of your fairy dust begin to wear off?"
"Sure. Just don't snore, okay?" the fairy joked, releasing a high-pitched giggle. Link chuckled and closed his eyes; Navi perched on top of his head and watched Luke lay there, hoping that he'd get better soon so they could get out of here. This place gave the little fairy the creeps, like the kind she got inside of Ganon's castle. Not only that, but she was also getting some odd ambiance from the young man lying on the floor that felt very familiar, like she had felt them before. Her natural curiosity now aroused, she watched him closer than ever.
* * *
Princess Zelda had been awoken by a loud knock on her door that echoed throughout her entire room. She sleepily climbed off of her soft bed and strode over to the entrance, taking her sweet time. Placing a slender hand on the knob, she twisted it and the door swung open to reveal her father. Zelda didn't say a single word. Glaring displeasingly at him, she slammed her door shut, leaving him in the hallway. He knocked on the door once again. "Zelda, open up. We have to talk."
"Go away and leave me be!" came the shrewd reply.
"Zelda, honey, I know you're angry—"
"Furious," she interrupted, installing her own words. "Furious."
The king chuckled to himself. She was just like her mother who had passed away directly after giving birth to Zelda. "All right then. I know you're furious with me, but it's for the best."
"The best for who? For your crown? For the people?" Zelda snapped through the door.
"No. For you."
"For me?! Me!? Father, Luke being alive and here with me is good for me. He's helping to keep me in one piece and you know it! You don't know that he had any relation to that hooded man, you're just having him executed so the people don't riot against you and kick you off the throne!" the princess continued angrily, banging on her door in rage.
Now the king had lost his temper. "Don't talk to me like that, young lady. I am your father."
Zelda mockingly laughed at him. "You're doing poorly at it too. The Hylians claim you're a good and noble king. Well, I think that by sentencing Luke to death, you're as bad as Ganon." The king was shocked and had no smart retort to his daughter's upsetting opinion. All he could do was stare at her door as she continued. "If you're such a good king, release Luke and revoke his penalty. Until then, leave me alone."
The king's eyes watered sadly. "All right, Zelda. If that's how you really feel about me, I'll go. I just hope that you change your mind." As he spoke, Zelda could hear the hurt in his elderly voice and the sound of his distant footsteps. Realizing what she had just done to her father, the man who had taken care of her his whole life, she let herself drop to the floor and her tears of guilt and sorrow fell onto the plush carpet.
"What have I done?" she said to no one. "What have I done?"
* * *
The rumors about the hooded man destroying the marketplace and Luke's execution had spread quickly throughout the small village of Kakariko. It had everyone frightened, except for one adventurous girl. She didn't believe the rumors because she didn't see it happen with her own eyes. Her mother and father scolded her for it, but still, she didn't believe them. And she had decided to go see this Luke for herself, even if she had to sneak inside the prison. She put her long black hair up in a plait and grabbed her grandfather's old scimitar when he was a Hylian knight. She placed it in her ruby-studded scabbard attached to her silver tunic (which she sewed by hand in honor of the Kokiri, her close friends) and clipped on her long black cape. Digging around in her closet, she found her favorite pair of white leggings and pulled them on, sticking her feet in the boots when she was finished. She fixed the skirt of her tunic and stood up, peeking out of her room to make sure her parents weren't watching. Checking left and right, she saw no sign of them and headed out the front door. She silently closed the door and mouthed the word "Yes!" She practically skipped out of the village and toward the marketplace when she realized that she had forgotten her harp by the fireplace. Clenching a fist in front of her face, she reentered the village, then her house. There was still no sign of her parents. "Good, they aren't here." She murmured, grabbing her harp and tucking it under her left arm. As she reached the front door, she heard someone clear his or her voice. Turning around, she saw her mother standing there with her arms crossed.
"Rowena Alexandra, where do you think you're going?" her mother sternly said, making her daughter sigh. Busted.
"I'm just going to go hang out in the field." Rowen lied, placing a hand her free hand on her right hip in protest. "Maybe I'll go visit Malon at Lon Lon Ranch and ride a horse. I might even go visit Lynda in the forest. I wager she'd like that. I've got my scimitar with me." She secretly crossed her fingers, hoping her mother would accept the sham.
Her mother nodded, satisfied. "Okay, go ahead. But next time, tell me first, sweetie. Say hi to Malon and Lynda for me. Have fun and be careful."
"I will. Bye Mom." She shut the door behind her quickly and sighed. That was too close. If her mother had found out her true intentions, she would have been grounded forever. Striding out of the village in a good mood, she sang out in a charming, clear voice:
As lying truths have been revealed,
As dangerous acts of crime concealed,
He steps forth from shadow and hurt,
His hidden talents he does exert.
And as he tells of his past,
The mistrust in him will fade quite fast.
And then the shamed people shall see,
How liberal and useful he can be.
But memories of that day will never leave,
A tangled web the mishap has weaved.
The sovereign does he deport,
Considering him an evil sort.
But in the people's time of need,
Their words the sovereign will not heed.
For now the boy lives near a lake,
Thinking of his life a fake.
When heroes fall and darkness comes,
People will hear the sound of drums.
And the one of the Black Triforce will avenge,
Holding no thoughts of revenge.
It was the legend of the outcast that saved Hyrule when no one else could. It had been passed down in her family for centuries; it sounded odd, and many didn't believe that it could ever happen. Rowen was the only one in her family history that trusted the tale to be true. But what confused her about the story was the 'Black Triforce'. The real Triforce was golden, so how could it possibly be black? But since the legend was so ancient, maybe at some point in the past is was black instead of gold.
Rowen stopped and stared up at the closed drawbridge. She wasn't expecting the marketplace to be closed…she clicked her tongue thoughtfully. The rumor about the man destroying the market. It was true? She didn't know, but she had to find a way in. The walls protecting the marketplace were like an impenetrable fortress and guards were lying in wait to throw out any unwanted intruders. She placed a hand on her chin and thought hard about a way to get in. What would be the only place no man would have the idea to guard? She snapped her fingers, an idea forming in her quick mind. The sewer! Now if she could only find the entrance…She retraced her thoughts, trying to recall what she heard a man talking about in the village. He had said something about a rock by three trees on the left side of the ramparts …or was it four trees? Shaking it off, she explored the left side, seeing nothing but trees. He had mentioned a rock, but she couldn't see one at all. Shrugging, she searched around the three trees (Ah hah! I knew it was three! she thought) and found a dark opening near the base of the middle tree. Grinning, she slid into the abyss and landed on what seemed to be…She hugged the wall tightly. The creature she was sitting on was a sleeping Like Like. There was a whole flock of them, sitting there and pulsating their slimy bodies. The one under her stirred; she jumped off quickly, landing in the grimy water. All of them began to close in on her, excited to taste the assortment of items she was holding. Drawing her scimitar, she prepared for their assault.
The one she woke up came after her first. Seeing movement out of the corner of her eye, she jumped to the right and forced her blade into the soft skin. Red blood spurted from the wound, covering her face, hair, and tunic. Yanking it out viciously, the Like Like shrieked and slithered at her again, the others joining in with their comrade. Looking around, Rowen found herself surrounded by the hungry beasts. This is a fine mess I've gotten myself into, she thought, readying her antique scimitar. All of the beasts closed in on her, stretching out their mouths and hissing. One caught hold of her hair and found itself with a nasty wound across its middle. It retreated into the darkness, shrieking in pain. There was an opening in the circle. Taking advantage of the gap, she rushed through just as another Like Like filled the hole. While they were distracted, being the dim and slow beasts they are, Rowen drove her sword into the flesh until she reached the heart of the beast. Rowen grinned and pulled out her scimitar along with the beating heart of the Like Like. It thrashed about wildly, knocking into the others and spraying its blood all over the sewer walls. Rowen was covered as well. She flung the heart onto the floor and stepped on it, causing more blood to flow and run down with the water. This was too easy.
Although two of them had been defeated, the pack began to advance once again. Rowen shook her head as if scolding them. They just didn't learn, did they? She walked at them, holding up her scimitar threateningly. But what she didn't see was the large crack in the floor. She tripped over it, flinging her sword to the far side of the Like Like pack. One that was way behind the others caught the blade right in the middle, spearing its heart. It died instantly, more crimson blood flowing with the filthy water. Rowen climbed to her feet only to find herself surrounded and unarmed. She was in big trouble now.
* * *
"Okay, slowly now…that's it. Just lean on me and we'll get out of here just fine." Link said, allowing the dazed Luke to use his shoulder to help him walk. Navi zipped around their heads, looking out for any people that might spot them. Her soft natural light provided just enough light for them to see where they were going. Link could see the door leading out of the prison to the fore. Not too much farther to go. But there was no doubt that someone was watching the door…Link had an idea. He hated lying to people but this involved a human life, if Luke could be described as human. "Listen, Luke. To get out of this prison, I'm going to have to drag you by your shirt collar to get past the guard."
"H-huh? Shirt…," he paused to catch his breath, "collar?" His voice was quiet and weak and Link had to strain to hear him speak. He saw Link nod vaguely. Luke blinked, trying to fix the ambiguity that he saw. "Collar…okay."
"Are you sure that this is going to work?" Navi queried, seeing the worry in her partner's blue eyes.
"No, but I'm hoping that it will. If it doesn't, we could get into a snag and be accused of helping a prisoner escape. Try and stay quiet for the moment, okay Luke?" Link answered, placing his hand on the knob of the old wooden door. All Luke could was weakly nod as the door swung open and the cool air in the castle kissed his face. It felt good to have cold air touch his skin instead of the hot air in the prison. Link took hold of his collar and gently helped him down to the floor. "Don't struggle too much now. I don't want you to get hurt more than you should." Luke blankly stared at him.
"What should I…," he took another breath, "do then?" he asked, lying still on the cold floor.
"Protest." Link replied, gazing straight ahead. There was someone coming down the hall. It looked like one of the guards, possibly the one watching the prison door. "Here we go, Luke." He said, beginning to drag the dazed Luke down the hall.
The guard saw what Link was doing and when they met, he held out a hand, signaling for him to stop. "And just where do you think you're taking him?" he shot at Link, who sternly stared back with narrowed eyes.
"Move out of the way. The king has ordered immediate execution." Link lied.
"Then why didn't I hear about this?"
"Are you defying the king's word?" Link snapped. The guard jumped up, startled at the accusation.
"N-no! Never! I always do as his Majesty commands! You may pass." The guard spat, scurrying off to his post at the prison door. Luke looked up at Link and blinked a couple times.
"Immediate execution?" he whispered. Link shook his head in reply. Luke sighed. "You lied?" Link nodded. Luke said nothing as Link drug him further into the castle. He made sure he caught every detail; he hadn't seen this part of the castle before. That may be because they had knocked him out before they threw him in the prison. He was amazed with it all, the silk threads, fancy furnishings, and good-smelling food. All of this made him think of his adopted mother, Zelda. How he missed her…he wished this had never happened and he could just stay here with her evermore. He missed her loving eyes and gentle smile…the way she greeted him each morning and took him out on the lanai at night to look at the stars…he missed those days of tranquility and serenity. He longed for it with zeal. All of the lords and ladies turned to stare at him with angry glowers. No one spoke a lone word. And Luke was relieved. He wasn't in the mood for their mockery. But no one stopped Link from dragging Luke around and through many large wooden doors, each room more fascinating than the last.
Then he saw Zelda's room and he stared longingly at the door. "Stop." He said to Link, who halted immediately. Luke stood up and staggered over to the doorway, placing his gloved hands on the knob.
"What are you doing, Luke?" Link asked him, walking over to him. "If they catch you here, we'll both be in trouble. We have to get going. And besides, we're going to see her at the main gate before you leave."
Luke shook his head. "She can't risk leaving the castle." He paused a second, trying to decide if he should reveal… "I feel that a great," he took yet another breath, "darkness is shrouding Hyrule and it is looking for…" Luke abruptly stopped and twisted the golden knob. "What? What is it looking for? And how do you know this?" Link said austerely, a deep and concerned frown forming on his forehead.
Luke hesitated. "I don't want to talk about it right now…" he replied, almost sadly. "I must admit, I'm quite mystified how I know these things." He pushed the door open a crack. "Some other time…maybe…"
* * *
Zelda sat straight up, her eyes red from crying. Gathering herself up off the floor rug, she stood up, hands clasped tightly together. "Who is there? Father? Is that you?" she feebly called out. She saw a hand grip the door and push it all the way open; happiness returned to her spirit and she ran up to the young man standing there in her doorway, embracing him with great rejoice. She felt his arms close around her upper back gently and she pressed her head against his chest. "I missed you so much, Luke." She said to him.
"I missed you too, Mother. I didn't think I'd see you again…" he returned slowly, his eyes closing slowly in the peace of the moment. All of his sorrows melted into nothingness; Link simply watched the two of them happily yet with jealousy. He too felt strong feelings of love for Princess Zelda, but was rather shy to admit it to her for he had never done anything like it before. Luke and Zelda were silent while they spent their short time together and Link stood against the wall, watching the two of them.
Zelda released him and sat down on her bed, inviting both of them to sit by her, as they both did. "Luke, I have to tell you something." She said, not making contact with his turquoise eyes. "I'm…I'm not your mother." Luke's face turned into an expression of shock and sadness.
* * *
Rowen nervously looked around as the Like Likes encircled her slowly. She couldn't get away; the creatures weren't going to let her. If she could only get to her scimitar, she would be able to kill them off and finally reach the end of the tunnel. But she didn't want to touch the slimy beasts. Their cherry red blood had already stained her tunic, so she might as well push her way through. It seemed to be her only chance for survival. She swallowed her fear and attempted to break through the blockade of Like Likes. Two of them squeezed her, not letting her move an inch. Using her hands to push them away, she managed to free her legs and kicked them both into opposite walls. Then all that was left of them was blood, guts, and chunks of skin. Her eyebrows raised in surprise. These things were easier to kill without the sword. A grin appeared on her light rosy lips. "Come on, let's rumble!" The slimy, pulsating beasts gladly rushed at her, regardless of their dead companions. The one nearest to her found that it had a foot jammed in one side and protruding out the other. The young female warrior yanked her foot out and watched it drop to the floor limply. For her next attack, she placed her hands on the ground and front flipped once, smashing another Like Like into the floor. She listened to it hit, satisfied by the splat. Shifting her eyes to her bloody scimitar, she ran over and snatched its hilt, slicing the closest Like Like cleanly in half. Now only five of them remained. And they didn't move for fear that they would be killed like their comrades. Rowen swung her blade in the air; the beasts fled as fast as their fleshy bodies would allow. Rowen grinned triumphantly and tucked her scimitar in her scabbard, continuing her way down the bloodstained sewer and into the castle. "Never underestimate the power of Rowena Alexandra, ascendant of the mighty hero Rhaquen." She cracked her cramped fingers and placed her hands behind her head, proud of her victory over the Like Like clan.
* * *
Luke was speechless. Zelda wasn't…his mother? Then who was? Did he even have one? He stared down at the carpet, his eyes glossy with tears. No words came to mind as the crystal tears slipped down his handsome face. "I don't understand." He whispered softly. Zelda put an arm around him; he stood up quickly, angrily. "Why didn't you tell me before?" he demanded, his fists clenched. The princess saw his tears drip onto the carpet and her heart was filled with sorrow like nothing she'd ever felt before.
" You were so young and I felt that you just needed someone to look after you, like a mother. I'm sorry Luke." She apologized; Link stayed silent.
The young orphan relaxed. He thought about what that man had said. "You are my son…" His son…Then he remembered that man saying something about underneath one of his gloves. Slowly, he removed his right one. Nothing but the pale skin from lack of sunlight. Replacing his right glove, he began to remove the left one when Zelda placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to look at her. She looked hurt. Even though he had just discovered the truth about their relationship, he still loved her and considered her his mother. He didn't like to see her like this. "No." he began. "I should be sorry. I've been such a burden on Hyrule, on you. But you always stood by me. And now look what I've caused. I brought tears to your eyes, Mother."
She shook her head. "It's not you. I really should have told you when you were younger, Luke. I caused this burden; none of what has happened was your fault, Luke." She grasped his left hand with hers. "And there isn't much time left. You must go now, otherwise you won't make it out."
He didn't want to go, but he knew she was right. He kissed her cheek and withdrew his hand as Link came to his side. "Come, let's go." He said. Reluctantly, Luke followed. Goodbye, Mother. Zelda waved a slender hand after them and smiled forcefully as they left. She quietly shut her large doors and sat on her satin chair. She would miss him.
* * *
Luke stood staring at Zelda's door, his left hand resting on his right arm. With his right hand, he slowly pulled the glove off and stared at the back of his hand in complete awe. What he found there was none other than-- "Luke, come on, we have to go now! The guard I spoke to earlier has found out the truth about your escape and their coming for you as we speak," Link said. Quickly, Luke replaced his glove and the two of them, the captured and the liberator, raced away down the corridors, avoiding contact with any of the lords or ladies. Guards were blocking off all possible escape routes and weren't going to be tricked again. "Navi!" Link called and the little orb-like blue ball appeared again.
"What's going on?" she asked. "The castle is in chaos!"
"I know, I know! They know that Luke is free and they've blocked all the exits. Even I can't leave without running into trouble. Do you have any advice?"
"I-I do," said Luke, staring at the back of his left hand as if he were trying to see right through the tan leather. "And I have to admit that I haven't been fully…" he searched for a word, "truthful with you. You see, that man who attacked the market…he claimed that I was his son and that I wasn't of this world."
Link just stared, his eyebrows arched, and Navi rested on his head, her wings drooping sadly. "Why didn't you tell us before, Luke?" the little fairy asked quietly.
"I don't know. I guess it just wasn't the right time." Luke sighed. "I'm sorry, Link, Navi. And there is something that I must show you. I have just found this out for myself moments ago and it may clear some of this up. I don't know for sure what this is, but it seems somehow…familiar…like an old friend."
"Well whatever it is you have to show us, do it quick. We're running a little low on time."
And with that, Luke removed his left again and held it up so they could see the back of his hand clearly. And, sure enough, the mark of the Triforce was imprinted in the flesh. Its color, which was far from golden, was hard to see in the dim light of the hallway and Link jumped back, startled. For the color of the Triforce was black.
* * *
The farther Rowen traveled down the sewer, the harder it became to see where she was going. She had seen no further trace of the Like Likes, and she was glad that they had left her be. But she had the feeling in her gut that there was something else lurking in the depths, waiting for her to draw ever nearer. And her gut hadn't failed her yet. She drew her scimitar (an instinctive move) and clutched it until her knuckles were white as newly fallen snow. Her feet had began to ache inside of her boots and the sordid water beneath them was beginning to soak into her boots; and with each step she took, they squelched unpleasantly. So she sat on the cleanest slab of rock she could find and emptied them out as best she could, then set off on her way again.