Ahem. May it be known, that this is my first violent chapter. I dun think it's too violent, but...you decide. If anyone doesn't like unpleasant things, please, skip the dream sequence. *everyone moans* "Not another one!" Yes! Another dream sequence.
Oh, and another thing of note. This chapter fully realises my "alternate reality." So...please dun flame me, saying, "that never happened" and whatnot. If you MUST flame me, flame me because my story sucks. Not for indiscrepencies what I already knew about.
Part Four
"But...how?"
Impa started walking away, and Link hurried to catch up to her. "How did she talk to you, Impa?"
Still, she refused to look at him. "When that light emanated from her. I heard her voice. Besides imploring you for help, she said we had to go to Sahasrahla's. I don't know why."
Link closed his eyes, then stared at his feet as he walked. His dreams still haunted him, and he was having trouble understanding what was going on. True, he heard everything that was said, but was too preoccupied to take it in, or care.
Saria...she tried...she tried to kill me. But...why? And what about my other dreams? And that voice? He remembered the first time he had heard it, right outside the Kokiri Forest. It hadn't seemed so mean, then. And then, there was that other voice, the one in his latest dream. But that one...Somehow, where the first voice seemed menacing and scary, this one calmed him.
What is wrong with me? Why can't I concentrate?
"Link-kun?"
He barely heard the tiny voice, but when he did, he turned his head towards his friend. Navi smiled. "You seem preoccupied, Link-kun."
"Yes. You haven't said much, have you?" Impa still walked in front, not looking at him.
"Oh. No, it's just...well...I'm sorry." He bowed slightly to the walking Sheik before him. "I haven't been thinking clearly lately. Maybe I am sick..."
Impa hmphed, but said nothing.
"Link-kun, we have to get to Sahasrahla's soon. You know that."
"Yes, I know. But...why bring it up?"
The faerie squinted at him and stuck out her lower lip. "Because, you're walking impossibly slow."
The green-clad boy blinked, then grinned. He ducked his head and smiled, and Navi flew into his hair, giggling. "I made him laugh!" The tiny faerie danced on his hat, her translucent wings fluttering wildly.
Impa was now laughing, and Link couldn't help but start to as well. Navi was always there for him, always trying to make him happy. The glow surrounding her tiny body intensified, and she leaned over his bangs, to look in his eyes. She was smiling brightly.
"Please don't be depressed, Link-kun. Everything will turn out right, I know it. So...cheer up!"
He nodded. "I will, Navi-chan."
Impa grinned, then nodded her head to the left. "We turn this way. Come on, we have to hurry. It's getting late, and I want to find a place to stay before we can't see where we're walking."
Link nodded, but didn't let go of his good mood. He didn't want to be depressed, or make Navi worry. He was making too many people worry lately.
Suddenly, Link thought of something, and hurried forward, so he could talk with Impa. Navi flew off his hat and stayed back a ways.
"Um, Impa," he said as he slowed down, walking beside her. She nodded, indicating she was listening. "Was...was there someone else talking with you? Earlier?"
Impa stopped suddenly, so that Link almost ran into her. "What do you mean? Why do you ask?"
Link shifted his weight, trying not to look at her. "Well, I remember hearing a girl talking to me. I think it was the same girl that carried me out of the palace. I remember..." He let his voice trail off, then resumed. "And, well, I was wondering if I was hallucinating or not." He didn't want to come out and suggest he was losing his mind. He already knew Impa harbored those thoughts about him. "So, please...if you could tell me..."
Impa began walking again. "No, Link. There was no one else here." She glanced out of the side of her eye, and flinched a little at the look on Link's face. His eyes were downcast, and his head was bowed. She hadn't wanted to lie, and hoped this wouldn't hurt his already confused mind, but...she had priorities, and the boy needed to know little if none of them. And what he was asking was something she couldn't tell him. Not ever.
Link slowed down, and Navi flew over to him, biting her lower lip. He quickly started smiling, and Navi grinned. When she turned away and flew up to Impa, Link sighed and bent his head.
So, it's true. I'm losing my mind.
Impa found them a nice place to sleep that night, in a small cave near Zora's domain. Link had been quiet all afternoon, but remained happy in front of Navi. For all she knew, he was fine and happy, with no worries other than Zelda Hime.
"Well, my lovelies, this is where we sleep. It's not an inn, but it's dry and safe. So...Link, you get that corner, while Zelda Hime sleeps over here." She pointed to the extreme far corner of the tiny area. "I shall keep watch for the fist half of the night, then you can. Faerie." She pointed at Navi, who "hmphed" indignantly, and crossed her arms and fluttered her wings extremely fast. "You don't need much sleep, do you?"
"No, of course not. I'm a faerie."
Impa smiled. "Good. Then you can watch the princess while I sleep. We don't need any trouble."
"Hey!" Link came out of his funk and stood up, indignant. "I would never do anything!"
Impa shrugged and lifted her hands in the air. "You never know. Boys your age do crazy things."
Link started, and Impa cursed her choice of words. Of all the phrases she could have used...
"Look, Link. I'm only joking. I know you wouldn't do anything. Relax. You're too stressed out, and you still have to recover from your wounds. Burns and deep gashes don't just disappear." She pointed to his left arm.
Link rubbed his arms, but they didn't hurt terribly. Well, his left one did, but he wasn't about to admit it. "I'm sure I'll be fine. It doesn't even hurt anymore."
Impa sighed as she covered Zelda with a spare blanket. "On the outside, maybe. But your tissue is still recovering. And your immune system is weak right now. You need rest and need to take things easy." She stood and brushed off her legs, then came over to Link, and covered him with the other blanket. "You need rest, young Link."
Link tried to throw the blanket off, complaining. "No, I'm fine. I can help you watch."
Impa pushed him down and tucked the blanket around him as tight as she could. "Stay! I will not let you go around and kill yourself. You are a twelve-year-old boy. You can't expect to help anyone when you're dead from sickness."
Link turned his head away from her, his bangs covering his face. "I'm sorry. It's just..."
Impa smiled and combed his bangs with her hands. Link opened his eyes wide, not sure what to do. "You are a sweet boy, Link. Your parents would be proud of you."
That brought his attention up. "My...Impa, you knew my parents?"
The Sheik warrior nodded, then leaned back, one hand supporting her weight behind her back. "Yes, I knew them. They were great people, and very strong willed. Hm. I think I see where you get it from." She continued combing his hair. She appeared to not know that she was doing it.
Link's eyes were wide, and his mouth was dry. "Um...Impa...could you...could you tell me about them? About what they were like?"
She nodded, and seemed to be looking through the ceiling, not paying attention. "Your father was a fighter, like you. He was one of the palace guardsmen, before he met your mother. Then he went out, journeying and the like."
"What did he look like?"
"Hmm. He was tall and handsome, with light brown hair and piercing gray eyes. He always stood straight, and always had a smile." Impa's own smile dissipated at these words. "He died shortly after you were born, fighting Ganondorf. I remember, though, he was very pleased with his life, with you. You were, what? Two months old?"
Link was looking down at his knees now. Father. I had a father, one that was brave and strong. At least I know now, even if I can't remember. "And...my mother?"
"She was beautiful. Her hair was of a reddish hue, though touched with blond. Her eyes were pale; I'm not quite sure what color. Sometimes they were blue, sometimes green-an aqua color. But usually, they were purple. I think whenever she was happy, they would turn a light shade of purple. They were that color the most.
"She was always smiling, and she loved your father very much. She met him at the palace. She was delivering grain from a farm, somewhere near Hyrule Lake. Her family was a farming one, and she would do deliveries. I think she enjoyed travel. That may be why she was so attracted to your father."
Link had tears in his eyes, but wiped them away. Impa continued, noticing his sniffling, but knowing she had to go on. It couldn't be easy, learning about such a sad fate.
"She died a little after your father. They lived on her family's farm, and when Ganondorf attacked, he burned the entire place. While your father fought the monsters, she fled with you. She made it to the Lost Woods, and then..."
"Then, she left me with the Deku Tree, and died." He scrubbed his eyes, then looked up at Impa. She looked sad. "You...you were friends, weren't you?"
"Yes. Your mother and I were the best of friends. I found out how they died from the King. I'm not sure how he knew."
Mother...Father... "Impa...are they...were they...happy with me...? Proud of me, I mean."
"They were the moment you were born. Or, so I'd assume. I hadn't seen them since they moved away, and your mother was only two months with child. But even then, she was happy and talked of you and your future exploits." Impa laughed slightly. "She'd mention how her child was going to be a great explorer, or adventurer. The job changed often, but the point was always that you'd excel at anything you did. Your mother did like to brag...
"What...were their names...?"
"Your father was called Aylen, and your mother's name was Mikomi."
"Aylen...Mikomi..." Link spoke the names slowly, committing them to memory. "And...Ganondorf killed them?"
"I guess you could say that."
"Good."
Impa blinked. "How could that be good?"
Link turned to her, his eyes hard and unforgiving. "Because that means that they've been avenged. I couldn't help them, but...I could avenge them."
Impa looked confused. "Link, Ganondorf hasn't moved since then. In fact, he disappeared from the castle a few years ago. I wonder what happened to him. Hopefully he fell down a ravine and died."
"Yes, let's hope."
Impa looked at him strangely, then stood and headed for the front of the cave. Link didn't notice her scared looks, or how she looked to make sure the princess was all right. Right then, all he could think about was the Master Sword ripping the life from Ganon, and he smiled.
It was dark where he was. No sound made it's way through the inky blackness, and no color made itself known.
"Where...where am I?"
All around him, the darkness began to pulse. The air against his skin froze, and the pressure increased and decreased in measured amounts of time. Like a heartbeat...
"Well, if it isn't the little prodigy."
"Who's there?!" Link whipped around, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. However, when he did, the darkness pressed in, squeezing him. He cried out in pain, and the voice laughed, the sound droning.
"Hahaha. So pathetic. You know that?" The laugh was dry and shallow, as though the sound was only for show. There was no emotion behind the words.
"Ergh...Who...are you...?"
"Hahaha. You actually think I'm going to answer that? You really are pathetic." Link growled, and the voice laughed some more. "What a wonderful show. Please, entertain me some more. I enjoy watching this. It's not everyday the pure Hero of Time loses his temper and hates someone."
Link stopped short at that. The voice was right. He had been acting strangely lately, ever since the incident in the palace.
"Ahh, so now we get it."
"What...what's happening to me?"
The darkness around him rippled, revealing a shadowed form. It moved towards Link, and took his chin in one hand. It then proceeded to jerk his head back and forth, as if examining an animal at a show. "Why, you're just growing up, that's all." The figure released his chin and stepped back. Zelda Hime appeared where it had been, floating on her back before him.
"Zelda Hime-sama!"
"My, but aren't we formal? Tsk. This just won't do." Link felt something grab him, and he watched his arms reach out to the princess. "Link, you really need to lose these distractions. I don't need them in our way."
"Our?" Link's hands still reached out, until they were holding Zelda's shoulders. The young Kokiri-boy tried to fight back control of his arms, but to no avail.
"Why, yes. Our." A chair appeared behind the figure, and it sat. Eyes appeared in its face, bright and green. "You see, you're my instrument."
Link's hands slowly moved across Zelda's body, until they rested at the base of her neck. Once there, they pulled the fabric loose, ripping a good two-inch tear into the neck of Zelda Hime's dress. Link's eyes widened in fear.
"Wha...? What are you doing?"
"Why, making it easier, of course." The figure leaned forward. "You mean you don't want this?" Link couldn't answer. His voice was frozen in his throat. "Ah, well. I'll take that as a yes." Link started to trail his hands down the front of Zelda's blouse. He was very near the curve of her young breasts. Panicking and painfully aware that he had no control over his own actions, Link finally found words.
"No! Stop it! I won't do this!"
The figure leaned back, seemingly satisfied. "It took you long enough to find your voice. But there's no need to worry. I have nothing like that planned for the princess."
A sharp flash of light separated Link from the princess, and suddenly, Link was back where he had been. However, this time, his arms were chained above him, to a hidden wall. He was a prisoner.
"Now, we let the fun begin."
Link watched as another form coalesced beside Zelda Hime. The darkness molded itself, making itself into a whole new being. Arms, legs, a head, all gently coalesced from the dark. The young boy gaped, and tried to rip is arms from the shackles. When the transformation was complete, the new figure looked up at him, its blue eyes piercing and its blond hair waving before its face.
Link was staring at himself.
The doppelganger chuckled and ran a hand down Zelda's smooth face. Its eyes were cold and uncaring. When it reached her neck, it brought its hands together tightly, and Zelda's eyes flew open as her air supply was cut off.
"Don't! STOP!!!!" Link screamed and fought against his bonds, while the shadow in the chair laughed it's dull, dry laugh.
The double didn't seem to listen, but did remove one of the hands from Zelda Hime's throat. Link stared, hoping the torture would stop. However, this hand reached behind its back, and grabbed the Kokiri Sword that was there.
Link's eyes widened in fear. "No! PLEASE! STOP THIS!!"
The figure in the chair leaned forward, its eyes happy. "Oh, come now, Link. Isn't this exiting? Doesn't it thrill you and make your blood flow?"
"NO! STOP THIS!!"
Neither figure listened as the boy tried vainly to free himself from his constraints. The doppelganger now had the sword poised above Zelda, and released her throat to get a better grip. Zelda coughed and heaved, near dead from suffocation, never noticing the metal that poised itself above her. Link cried and ripped the skin of his wrists as he tried to break free.
The Link double smiled as it lifted the sword. It brought it down just as the chains that bound Link pulled away, releasing him.
"NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"
The doppelganger's sword sliced through Zelda's throat and down, into her chest. Her mouth flew open and her eyes went wide as her lifeblood drained from her body. Smiling innocently, the copy Link removed the sword and Zelda collapsed to the ground in a heap. Her limbs twitched in an effort to move.
Rolling onto her side, coughing and bleeding, Zelda tried to get up, tried to flee. She held her hands to her chest and throat, attempting to hold back the flow of blood. Link stopped short, his eyes wide and tears flowing down his cheeks. The doppelganger watched as Zelda stood, a smile on its face. The pale eyes that looked so much like Link's were as cold and hard as stone.
Zelda Hime took a step forward, then another. Her hands reached out, pleading for Link to help her. Pleading for anyone to save her.
She had almost reached the stunned Link, could have touched him, when suddenly, her eyes flew open, and she fell forwards as her body split into pieces, torn from the inside out. Link cried out as he reached for her, too late.
The doppelganger smiled and licked its lips, where some blood had splattered. It then disappeared, as did the other figure and its chair. The same dry, emotionless voice accompanied their departure.
"Well, Link. That was quite a show, wasn't it? Hahaha. But don't worry, we shall meet again."
Link fell to the ground before Zelda's head, and looked at her face. Her eyes were wide, with tears standing in the corners. Her mouth was slightly open, as though she had been trying to say something. Stray hair fell across her bloody features, as it would have had she just been sleeping peacefully. Link held the sides of his head in his hands, unable to peel his eyes from the grizzly site.
He tried to form words, but his mouth was dry and no sound came forth.
My...fault...mine....
He collapsed to the ground, holding his head and crying.
"Link! LINK! Wake up, Link!"
Impa knelt beside the violently thrashing boy, trying to calm him. She tried to place a hand on his back, tried to reassure him, but every time she did, he would flinch away and curl up into a ball. No matter what she tried, Impa couldn't get through to him.
"Navi! Help me!"
The faerie was on the other side of Link's head, trying vainly to wake him. "Link-kun! LINK-KUN! Wake up, please!" As with Impa, her efforts were rewarded with more sobs and flinches.
Someone appeared in the cave entrance, but neither Impa nor Navi noticed. The figure walked up to them and laid a long fingered hand on Impa's shoulder. The Sheik started, but when she went to grab the assailant, her eyes went wide, and she backed down. Navi tried to stop the woman, but Impa held her.
The redheaded woman knelt beside the stricken boy and laid a hand on his shoulder. Link pulled away, but she grabbed his shoulders and held him there. Grabbing his knees with her other hand, she uncurled him and made him lay straight, so they could see his face. Tears streaked down Link's cheeks, and his face was contorted in pain.
"The poor boy..." She turned to Impa. "When did this happen?"
"A few minutes ago. I heard him cry out, and when I looked, he was like this. Zelda thrashed once, as well, but she seemed to calm down..."
"My...fault...mine..."
All the women turned at the sound of Link's voice. "Link-kun...?"
"My...fault...mine..."
"A dream." The woman's eyes suddenly widened as Link reached for his sword that wasn't there. Impa went to stop him, but the redheaded woman grabbed her arm, and shook her head. She apparently wanted to see what he would try to do.
Link finally seemed to find what he was looking for, then rolled over onto his side, then up onto his knees, still asleep. Fresh tears poured from his eyes as he straightened his arms out, then, as quick as he could move, turned them inward, as though bringing something to his chest.
The strange woman gasped and grabbed his arms before he could bring them within a dagger's range of his body. She had to fight him, though, as he wouldn't stop trying to bring his invisible weapon closer.
"Impa! Help me!"
Impa nodded and released Navi, then grabbed Link's hands, pulling them from his body. When they were once again straight out, Impa nodded to the woman, who let his hands go and grabbed his face in her hands.
"Link! Listen to me, Link. You have to wake up. It's only a dream. Do you hear me? It's a dream!" She looked away for a second, her voice soft. "But if you die in there, in your own dream, you'll die here, too..."
The boy's eyes opened, but they were dull and glazed over, as though he was looking but not seeing. "My...fault...mine..."
The woman turned to face the distraught child again. "No, Link. It was a dream. It wasn't real. Please...open your eyes! Look at me!" He looked, but still his eyes were clouded. "No, look at me. Look at me!"
She slapped him full across the face, and he fell limp, into her arms. His sobs continued, but he dropped his arms to his sides. Navi raged and threw herself at the woman, but Impa grabbed her in time.
"I...I couldn't...Oh, please. Why won't it just go away? I didn't want this to happen. I...My fault..."
The woman cradled him in her arms, tears in her eyes, as she hushed the young boy into a deep sleep, free of dreams and unholy things.
"Sleep, child. My little one, please sleep."
Impa stood behind her, and Navi fluttered over to land on Link's shoulder, and brushed his face with her wings. She reached out and touched his face, then clutched her burned hand to her chest, and looked up at the woman.
"What's happening to him? Please, Mikomi, what's happening to Link-kun?"
The woman looked down at her son's faerie, and shook her head. "I don't know, Navi-chan. I just don't know..."
LINK NO MIKO'S LITTLE CORNER OF TALKINGNESS
O.Ox Woah...did anyone see that one coming? Well, did ya? I know I did. ^-^x
Yeah...I know. I just used one of the MOST USED plot contrivances. But...I like it! I've had this planned since...um...well...chapter three? I'm sort of writing this as it comes to me. .x BUT FEAR NOT! I DO have a plan for this. I'm more sure of where it's going now.
Whew. It's been a bit, I think...I dunno, I think I'm starting to get better at this writing shtuff. But then again, maybe not. However, I did fix one thing. Things what were once supposed to be in Italics should now BE in Italics. I have decided to be less lazy, and check my .txt file to make these changes. Hopefully, it will work.
Well, let's try something different for this corner. I'll actually TALK ABOUT THE FIC! *gasps* Yes, yes, I know. It's unheard of. However, I do this for you, the reader (and because I get bored very easily).
Hmm...what went into this chapter? Well...did anyone notice the X reference? If not, should I mention it? I just love all things CLAMP, so I felt like doing something their style. Sorta. Mine's kinda...more laid back, and not as violent.
I'm trying to keep this up there in the R level. I don't want this to be one of those "easy" fics. You know; good guy, bad guy, good guy beats the crap outta bad guy. 'Course, I've never read a Link fic like that. Truth be told, I haven't read any. Sorry to any of those reviewers what suggested their ficcies. I WILL read them, but right now, I'm still in developmental stages, and I don't wanna rip off another author's idea.
Hmm...should I tell what's coming up? Should I just shut up now? Will I EVER get on with this story? Considering that Legend of Zelda is an action RPG, I sure have a definite lack of action, now don't I? However, I did manage to use the word "ergh" so that makes me nifto. ^-^x (curse me and my emoticons)
Actually...I need your guys' help. You know my description thingy about the fic? Well...I dun like it. But I'm bad at writing those. So...could anyone give me some ideas? If I like it, you'll get the honor of being mentioned! ^-^x Really, though, I do need help. Also...should I give my chapters names, or just keep them as Chapter three, Chapter four, etc? I'm trying to get input, here.
Well...that's all. Till next chapter.
Oh, and another thing of note. This chapter fully realises my "alternate reality." So...please dun flame me, saying, "that never happened" and whatnot. If you MUST flame me, flame me because my story sucks. Not for indiscrepencies what I already knew about.
Part Four
"But...how?"
Impa started walking away, and Link hurried to catch up to her. "How did she talk to you, Impa?"
Still, she refused to look at him. "When that light emanated from her. I heard her voice. Besides imploring you for help, she said we had to go to Sahasrahla's. I don't know why."
Link closed his eyes, then stared at his feet as he walked. His dreams still haunted him, and he was having trouble understanding what was going on. True, he heard everything that was said, but was too preoccupied to take it in, or care.
Saria...she tried...she tried to kill me. But...why? And what about my other dreams? And that voice? He remembered the first time he had heard it, right outside the Kokiri Forest. It hadn't seemed so mean, then. And then, there was that other voice, the one in his latest dream. But that one...Somehow, where the first voice seemed menacing and scary, this one calmed him.
What is wrong with me? Why can't I concentrate?
"Link-kun?"
He barely heard the tiny voice, but when he did, he turned his head towards his friend. Navi smiled. "You seem preoccupied, Link-kun."
"Yes. You haven't said much, have you?" Impa still walked in front, not looking at him.
"Oh. No, it's just...well...I'm sorry." He bowed slightly to the walking Sheik before him. "I haven't been thinking clearly lately. Maybe I am sick..."
Impa hmphed, but said nothing.
"Link-kun, we have to get to Sahasrahla's soon. You know that."
"Yes, I know. But...why bring it up?"
The faerie squinted at him and stuck out her lower lip. "Because, you're walking impossibly slow."
The green-clad boy blinked, then grinned. He ducked his head and smiled, and Navi flew into his hair, giggling. "I made him laugh!" The tiny faerie danced on his hat, her translucent wings fluttering wildly.
Impa was now laughing, and Link couldn't help but start to as well. Navi was always there for him, always trying to make him happy. The glow surrounding her tiny body intensified, and she leaned over his bangs, to look in his eyes. She was smiling brightly.
"Please don't be depressed, Link-kun. Everything will turn out right, I know it. So...cheer up!"
He nodded. "I will, Navi-chan."
Impa grinned, then nodded her head to the left. "We turn this way. Come on, we have to hurry. It's getting late, and I want to find a place to stay before we can't see where we're walking."
Link nodded, but didn't let go of his good mood. He didn't want to be depressed, or make Navi worry. He was making too many people worry lately.
Suddenly, Link thought of something, and hurried forward, so he could talk with Impa. Navi flew off his hat and stayed back a ways.
"Um, Impa," he said as he slowed down, walking beside her. She nodded, indicating she was listening. "Was...was there someone else talking with you? Earlier?"
Impa stopped suddenly, so that Link almost ran into her. "What do you mean? Why do you ask?"
Link shifted his weight, trying not to look at her. "Well, I remember hearing a girl talking to me. I think it was the same girl that carried me out of the palace. I remember..." He let his voice trail off, then resumed. "And, well, I was wondering if I was hallucinating or not." He didn't want to come out and suggest he was losing his mind. He already knew Impa harbored those thoughts about him. "So, please...if you could tell me..."
Impa began walking again. "No, Link. There was no one else here." She glanced out of the side of her eye, and flinched a little at the look on Link's face. His eyes were downcast, and his head was bowed. She hadn't wanted to lie, and hoped this wouldn't hurt his already confused mind, but...she had priorities, and the boy needed to know little if none of them. And what he was asking was something she couldn't tell him. Not ever.
Link slowed down, and Navi flew over to him, biting her lower lip. He quickly started smiling, and Navi grinned. When she turned away and flew up to Impa, Link sighed and bent his head.
So, it's true. I'm losing my mind.
Impa found them a nice place to sleep that night, in a small cave near Zora's domain. Link had been quiet all afternoon, but remained happy in front of Navi. For all she knew, he was fine and happy, with no worries other than Zelda Hime.
"Well, my lovelies, this is where we sleep. It's not an inn, but it's dry and safe. So...Link, you get that corner, while Zelda Hime sleeps over here." She pointed to the extreme far corner of the tiny area. "I shall keep watch for the fist half of the night, then you can. Faerie." She pointed at Navi, who "hmphed" indignantly, and crossed her arms and fluttered her wings extremely fast. "You don't need much sleep, do you?"
"No, of course not. I'm a faerie."
Impa smiled. "Good. Then you can watch the princess while I sleep. We don't need any trouble."
"Hey!" Link came out of his funk and stood up, indignant. "I would never do anything!"
Impa shrugged and lifted her hands in the air. "You never know. Boys your age do crazy things."
Link started, and Impa cursed her choice of words. Of all the phrases she could have used...
"Look, Link. I'm only joking. I know you wouldn't do anything. Relax. You're too stressed out, and you still have to recover from your wounds. Burns and deep gashes don't just disappear." She pointed to his left arm.
Link rubbed his arms, but they didn't hurt terribly. Well, his left one did, but he wasn't about to admit it. "I'm sure I'll be fine. It doesn't even hurt anymore."
Impa sighed as she covered Zelda with a spare blanket. "On the outside, maybe. But your tissue is still recovering. And your immune system is weak right now. You need rest and need to take things easy." She stood and brushed off her legs, then came over to Link, and covered him with the other blanket. "You need rest, young Link."
Link tried to throw the blanket off, complaining. "No, I'm fine. I can help you watch."
Impa pushed him down and tucked the blanket around him as tight as she could. "Stay! I will not let you go around and kill yourself. You are a twelve-year-old boy. You can't expect to help anyone when you're dead from sickness."
Link turned his head away from her, his bangs covering his face. "I'm sorry. It's just..."
Impa smiled and combed his bangs with her hands. Link opened his eyes wide, not sure what to do. "You are a sweet boy, Link. Your parents would be proud of you."
That brought his attention up. "My...Impa, you knew my parents?"
The Sheik warrior nodded, then leaned back, one hand supporting her weight behind her back. "Yes, I knew them. They were great people, and very strong willed. Hm. I think I see where you get it from." She continued combing his hair. She appeared to not know that she was doing it.
Link's eyes were wide, and his mouth was dry. "Um...Impa...could you...could you tell me about them? About what they were like?"
She nodded, and seemed to be looking through the ceiling, not paying attention. "Your father was a fighter, like you. He was one of the palace guardsmen, before he met your mother. Then he went out, journeying and the like."
"What did he look like?"
"Hmm. He was tall and handsome, with light brown hair and piercing gray eyes. He always stood straight, and always had a smile." Impa's own smile dissipated at these words. "He died shortly after you were born, fighting Ganondorf. I remember, though, he was very pleased with his life, with you. You were, what? Two months old?"
Link was looking down at his knees now. Father. I had a father, one that was brave and strong. At least I know now, even if I can't remember. "And...my mother?"
"She was beautiful. Her hair was of a reddish hue, though touched with blond. Her eyes were pale; I'm not quite sure what color. Sometimes they were blue, sometimes green-an aqua color. But usually, they were purple. I think whenever she was happy, they would turn a light shade of purple. They were that color the most.
"She was always smiling, and she loved your father very much. She met him at the palace. She was delivering grain from a farm, somewhere near Hyrule Lake. Her family was a farming one, and she would do deliveries. I think she enjoyed travel. That may be why she was so attracted to your father."
Link had tears in his eyes, but wiped them away. Impa continued, noticing his sniffling, but knowing she had to go on. It couldn't be easy, learning about such a sad fate.
"She died a little after your father. They lived on her family's farm, and when Ganondorf attacked, he burned the entire place. While your father fought the monsters, she fled with you. She made it to the Lost Woods, and then..."
"Then, she left me with the Deku Tree, and died." He scrubbed his eyes, then looked up at Impa. She looked sad. "You...you were friends, weren't you?"
"Yes. Your mother and I were the best of friends. I found out how they died from the King. I'm not sure how he knew."
Mother...Father... "Impa...are they...were they...happy with me...? Proud of me, I mean."
"They were the moment you were born. Or, so I'd assume. I hadn't seen them since they moved away, and your mother was only two months with child. But even then, she was happy and talked of you and your future exploits." Impa laughed slightly. "She'd mention how her child was going to be a great explorer, or adventurer. The job changed often, but the point was always that you'd excel at anything you did. Your mother did like to brag...
"What...were their names...?"
"Your father was called Aylen, and your mother's name was Mikomi."
"Aylen...Mikomi..." Link spoke the names slowly, committing them to memory. "And...Ganondorf killed them?"
"I guess you could say that."
"Good."
Impa blinked. "How could that be good?"
Link turned to her, his eyes hard and unforgiving. "Because that means that they've been avenged. I couldn't help them, but...I could avenge them."
Impa looked confused. "Link, Ganondorf hasn't moved since then. In fact, he disappeared from the castle a few years ago. I wonder what happened to him. Hopefully he fell down a ravine and died."
"Yes, let's hope."
Impa looked at him strangely, then stood and headed for the front of the cave. Link didn't notice her scared looks, or how she looked to make sure the princess was all right. Right then, all he could think about was the Master Sword ripping the life from Ganon, and he smiled.
It was dark where he was. No sound made it's way through the inky blackness, and no color made itself known.
"Where...where am I?"
All around him, the darkness began to pulse. The air against his skin froze, and the pressure increased and decreased in measured amounts of time. Like a heartbeat...
"Well, if it isn't the little prodigy."
"Who's there?!" Link whipped around, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. However, when he did, the darkness pressed in, squeezing him. He cried out in pain, and the voice laughed, the sound droning.
"Hahaha. So pathetic. You know that?" The laugh was dry and shallow, as though the sound was only for show. There was no emotion behind the words.
"Ergh...Who...are you...?"
"Hahaha. You actually think I'm going to answer that? You really are pathetic." Link growled, and the voice laughed some more. "What a wonderful show. Please, entertain me some more. I enjoy watching this. It's not everyday the pure Hero of Time loses his temper and hates someone."
Link stopped short at that. The voice was right. He had been acting strangely lately, ever since the incident in the palace.
"Ahh, so now we get it."
"What...what's happening to me?"
The darkness around him rippled, revealing a shadowed form. It moved towards Link, and took his chin in one hand. It then proceeded to jerk his head back and forth, as if examining an animal at a show. "Why, you're just growing up, that's all." The figure released his chin and stepped back. Zelda Hime appeared where it had been, floating on her back before him.
"Zelda Hime-sama!"
"My, but aren't we formal? Tsk. This just won't do." Link felt something grab him, and he watched his arms reach out to the princess. "Link, you really need to lose these distractions. I don't need them in our way."
"Our?" Link's hands still reached out, until they were holding Zelda's shoulders. The young Kokiri-boy tried to fight back control of his arms, but to no avail.
"Why, yes. Our." A chair appeared behind the figure, and it sat. Eyes appeared in its face, bright and green. "You see, you're my instrument."
Link's hands slowly moved across Zelda's body, until they rested at the base of her neck. Once there, they pulled the fabric loose, ripping a good two-inch tear into the neck of Zelda Hime's dress. Link's eyes widened in fear.
"Wha...? What are you doing?"
"Why, making it easier, of course." The figure leaned forward. "You mean you don't want this?" Link couldn't answer. His voice was frozen in his throat. "Ah, well. I'll take that as a yes." Link started to trail his hands down the front of Zelda's blouse. He was very near the curve of her young breasts. Panicking and painfully aware that he had no control over his own actions, Link finally found words.
"No! Stop it! I won't do this!"
The figure leaned back, seemingly satisfied. "It took you long enough to find your voice. But there's no need to worry. I have nothing like that planned for the princess."
A sharp flash of light separated Link from the princess, and suddenly, Link was back where he had been. However, this time, his arms were chained above him, to a hidden wall. He was a prisoner.
"Now, we let the fun begin."
Link watched as another form coalesced beside Zelda Hime. The darkness molded itself, making itself into a whole new being. Arms, legs, a head, all gently coalesced from the dark. The young boy gaped, and tried to rip is arms from the shackles. When the transformation was complete, the new figure looked up at him, its blue eyes piercing and its blond hair waving before its face.
Link was staring at himself.
The doppelganger chuckled and ran a hand down Zelda's smooth face. Its eyes were cold and uncaring. When it reached her neck, it brought its hands together tightly, and Zelda's eyes flew open as her air supply was cut off.
"Don't! STOP!!!!" Link screamed and fought against his bonds, while the shadow in the chair laughed it's dull, dry laugh.
The double didn't seem to listen, but did remove one of the hands from Zelda Hime's throat. Link stared, hoping the torture would stop. However, this hand reached behind its back, and grabbed the Kokiri Sword that was there.
Link's eyes widened in fear. "No! PLEASE! STOP THIS!!"
The figure in the chair leaned forward, its eyes happy. "Oh, come now, Link. Isn't this exiting? Doesn't it thrill you and make your blood flow?"
"NO! STOP THIS!!"
Neither figure listened as the boy tried vainly to free himself from his constraints. The doppelganger now had the sword poised above Zelda, and released her throat to get a better grip. Zelda coughed and heaved, near dead from suffocation, never noticing the metal that poised itself above her. Link cried and ripped the skin of his wrists as he tried to break free.
The Link double smiled as it lifted the sword. It brought it down just as the chains that bound Link pulled away, releasing him.
"NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"
The doppelganger's sword sliced through Zelda's throat and down, into her chest. Her mouth flew open and her eyes went wide as her lifeblood drained from her body. Smiling innocently, the copy Link removed the sword and Zelda collapsed to the ground in a heap. Her limbs twitched in an effort to move.
Rolling onto her side, coughing and bleeding, Zelda tried to get up, tried to flee. She held her hands to her chest and throat, attempting to hold back the flow of blood. Link stopped short, his eyes wide and tears flowing down his cheeks. The doppelganger watched as Zelda stood, a smile on its face. The pale eyes that looked so much like Link's were as cold and hard as stone.
Zelda Hime took a step forward, then another. Her hands reached out, pleading for Link to help her. Pleading for anyone to save her.
She had almost reached the stunned Link, could have touched him, when suddenly, her eyes flew open, and she fell forwards as her body split into pieces, torn from the inside out. Link cried out as he reached for her, too late.
The doppelganger smiled and licked its lips, where some blood had splattered. It then disappeared, as did the other figure and its chair. The same dry, emotionless voice accompanied their departure.
"Well, Link. That was quite a show, wasn't it? Hahaha. But don't worry, we shall meet again."
Link fell to the ground before Zelda's head, and looked at her face. Her eyes were wide, with tears standing in the corners. Her mouth was slightly open, as though she had been trying to say something. Stray hair fell across her bloody features, as it would have had she just been sleeping peacefully. Link held the sides of his head in his hands, unable to peel his eyes from the grizzly site.
He tried to form words, but his mouth was dry and no sound came forth.
My...fault...mine....
He collapsed to the ground, holding his head and crying.
"Link! LINK! Wake up, Link!"
Impa knelt beside the violently thrashing boy, trying to calm him. She tried to place a hand on his back, tried to reassure him, but every time she did, he would flinch away and curl up into a ball. No matter what she tried, Impa couldn't get through to him.
"Navi! Help me!"
The faerie was on the other side of Link's head, trying vainly to wake him. "Link-kun! LINK-KUN! Wake up, please!" As with Impa, her efforts were rewarded with more sobs and flinches.
Someone appeared in the cave entrance, but neither Impa nor Navi noticed. The figure walked up to them and laid a long fingered hand on Impa's shoulder. The Sheik started, but when she went to grab the assailant, her eyes went wide, and she backed down. Navi tried to stop the woman, but Impa held her.
The redheaded woman knelt beside the stricken boy and laid a hand on his shoulder. Link pulled away, but she grabbed his shoulders and held him there. Grabbing his knees with her other hand, she uncurled him and made him lay straight, so they could see his face. Tears streaked down Link's cheeks, and his face was contorted in pain.
"The poor boy..." She turned to Impa. "When did this happen?"
"A few minutes ago. I heard him cry out, and when I looked, he was like this. Zelda thrashed once, as well, but she seemed to calm down..."
"My...fault...mine..."
All the women turned at the sound of Link's voice. "Link-kun...?"
"My...fault...mine..."
"A dream." The woman's eyes suddenly widened as Link reached for his sword that wasn't there. Impa went to stop him, but the redheaded woman grabbed her arm, and shook her head. She apparently wanted to see what he would try to do.
Link finally seemed to find what he was looking for, then rolled over onto his side, then up onto his knees, still asleep. Fresh tears poured from his eyes as he straightened his arms out, then, as quick as he could move, turned them inward, as though bringing something to his chest.
The strange woman gasped and grabbed his arms before he could bring them within a dagger's range of his body. She had to fight him, though, as he wouldn't stop trying to bring his invisible weapon closer.
"Impa! Help me!"
Impa nodded and released Navi, then grabbed Link's hands, pulling them from his body. When they were once again straight out, Impa nodded to the woman, who let his hands go and grabbed his face in her hands.
"Link! Listen to me, Link. You have to wake up. It's only a dream. Do you hear me? It's a dream!" She looked away for a second, her voice soft. "But if you die in there, in your own dream, you'll die here, too..."
The boy's eyes opened, but they were dull and glazed over, as though he was looking but not seeing. "My...fault...mine..."
The woman turned to face the distraught child again. "No, Link. It was a dream. It wasn't real. Please...open your eyes! Look at me!" He looked, but still his eyes were clouded. "No, look at me. Look at me!"
She slapped him full across the face, and he fell limp, into her arms. His sobs continued, but he dropped his arms to his sides. Navi raged and threw herself at the woman, but Impa grabbed her in time.
"I...I couldn't...Oh, please. Why won't it just go away? I didn't want this to happen. I...My fault..."
The woman cradled him in her arms, tears in her eyes, as she hushed the young boy into a deep sleep, free of dreams and unholy things.
"Sleep, child. My little one, please sleep."
Impa stood behind her, and Navi fluttered over to land on Link's shoulder, and brushed his face with her wings. She reached out and touched his face, then clutched her burned hand to her chest, and looked up at the woman.
"What's happening to him? Please, Mikomi, what's happening to Link-kun?"
The woman looked down at her son's faerie, and shook her head. "I don't know, Navi-chan. I just don't know..."
LINK NO MIKO'S LITTLE CORNER OF TALKINGNESS
O.Ox Woah...did anyone see that one coming? Well, did ya? I know I did. ^-^x
Yeah...I know. I just used one of the MOST USED plot contrivances. But...I like it! I've had this planned since...um...well...chapter three? I'm sort of writing this as it comes to me. .x BUT FEAR NOT! I DO have a plan for this. I'm more sure of where it's going now.
Whew. It's been a bit, I think...I dunno, I think I'm starting to get better at this writing shtuff. But then again, maybe not. However, I did fix one thing. Things what were once supposed to be in Italics should now BE in Italics. I have decided to be less lazy, and check my .txt file to make these changes. Hopefully, it will work.
Well, let's try something different for this corner. I'll actually TALK ABOUT THE FIC! *gasps* Yes, yes, I know. It's unheard of. However, I do this for you, the reader (and because I get bored very easily).
Hmm...what went into this chapter? Well...did anyone notice the X reference? If not, should I mention it? I just love all things CLAMP, so I felt like doing something their style. Sorta. Mine's kinda...more laid back, and not as violent.
I'm trying to keep this up there in the R level. I don't want this to be one of those "easy" fics. You know; good guy, bad guy, good guy beats the crap outta bad guy. 'Course, I've never read a Link fic like that. Truth be told, I haven't read any. Sorry to any of those reviewers what suggested their ficcies. I WILL read them, but right now, I'm still in developmental stages, and I don't wanna rip off another author's idea.
Hmm...should I tell what's coming up? Should I just shut up now? Will I EVER get on with this story? Considering that Legend of Zelda is an action RPG, I sure have a definite lack of action, now don't I? However, I did manage to use the word "ergh" so that makes me nifto. ^-^x (curse me and my emoticons)
Actually...I need your guys' help. You know my description thingy about the fic? Well...I dun like it. But I'm bad at writing those. So...could anyone give me some ideas? If I like it, you'll get the honor of being mentioned! ^-^x Really, though, I do need help. Also...should I give my chapters names, or just keep them as Chapter three, Chapter four, etc? I'm trying to get input, here.
Well...that's all. Till next chapter.
