Everybody Has a Dark Side
Chapter 1
Perilous Sensations
Link sat, fiddling with the small pendant that hung around his neck. It had been a gift from Hyrule's King, Zelda's father. She had one like it, but there were differences. They were both gold replicas of the triforce, three triangular shapes formed to create one large triangle. One of the small shapes was made of silver, indicating which piece of the Triforce the wearer of the pendent held. Link's silver piece was the bottom right, The Triforce of Courage, and Zelda's was opposite his, the Triforce of Wisdom.
He let a small sigh escape as he glanced up at Zelda. She stood before her mirror pawning over the outfit she had on, trying to get the headdress on just right. Link shook his head and looked away. She was in an outfit that he never thought he'd see again. The cloth fit her form perfectly, and the binding around her forearms and chest made her seem ready for battle, or to run. She slipped a crested shall over her head, the neckline high and wide to serve as a mask. The front of the banner was marked with a red, stylized eye on a handle; the symbol for truth.
Link snorted at the thought. Truth. Well, going out in that garb wouldn't be very truthful. In these clothes, with face and head covered, and her form and eye color changed with magic, she was no longer Zelda. Like this, she was Sheik, a man; not a Princess, but a man.
"What?" Zelda's tone was tinged with impatience. "You do not approve of my guise?"
"You know what I think of it Zelda," Link said flatly, looking up at her from the bed, the pendant still twirling between his fingers. "Why did you have it remade anyway?"
"Remade?" she sounded amused, and upset at the same time. "It was never made in the first place. Remember? Those seven years technically never happened, and thus Sheik has never been seen before."
Link sighed. "I haven't forgotten," she was right to a point. The seven years that Ganon had ruled had never actually happened, even though it was remembered by all. The memories had been fuzzy at first, but in time the most significant ones were remembered fully. But they had just lived through those seven years; they were peaceful, and Ganondorf was gone... "But memories never fade," he hadn't meant for her to hear.
"No, they don't..." irritation tinged with sadness floated on the Princess's voice as she turned back to the mirror and started slowly weaving the spell to change her eyes from blue to a brown that was close to red. "But I didn't ask you here to argue over an outfit."
"So why did you have me come?"
"Don't you know?" Zelda looked back at him with those red-brown eyes, a golden brow lifted.
"Are you going to tell me, or make me guess?" Link had his hunch on why he had been called there, but it was something he really didn't want to think about. Early that morning he had felt the Triforce of Power far to the east, but no trace of Ganondorf's evil. Part of him felt that that was a good sign, but he just couldn't get over this uneasy feeling.
Zelda rolled her eyes at him. "You are telling me that you did not feel the Triforce of Power this morning? It woke me; did it not affect you at all?"
He hesitated. So...his hunch was right. "I felt it," his frown deepened.
Zelda turned back to the mirror as she removed the shift that hid her face. A smile was there, and she closed her eyes and reveled in her words. "This is wonderful, Link! The Triforce of Power is back in Hyrule, and there is no trace of Ganondorf's evil." She turned on him suddenly, "Unless you felt him? As The Hero of Time your sense for evil is keener than my own?"
"No," Link replied slowly, "I didn't feel him with it."
"Oh! Imagine Link! The Triforce reunited in the Sacred Realm once more."
"Yes, but how did it get here?"
Zelda frowned at him, "You shouldn't question a good thing."
Link glowered back, "But it worries me. The Triforce cannot leave someone unless they give it up, and you know that Ganon would never give up the Triforce. So why is it here? And why is he not with it? It worries me Zelda; it smells like a trap."
"Nonsense," she sniffed. "The Triforce is the power of the Goddesses. Perhaps they took it from him? Or perhaps because of his evil heart the Triforce itself left him and returned? Either way it doesn't matter. Ganon is not with it, so there is nothing to worry about."
Link heaved a sigh, "You contradict yourself on two points. One, you know as well as I that not even the Goddesses themselves could break their own laws. Thus the Triforce that Ganon held cannot leave him or be taken from him. And he won't give it up."
"And two?" she scowled at him.
"Two," his gaze was firm, "if there is nothing to worry about, why create a disguise?"
Zelda flushed, turning away from him quickly. "Caution, Hero. Caution. There is no reason to throw myself to the wolfos if it is a trap."
Link allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction; at least she admitted, somewhat, that she was uneasy about the whole situation.
"One day."
"Huh?" Link returned his attention to the princess. She had disappeared behind a changing wall, and emerged in a simple dress of light blue, hemmed in silver.
"You have one day to get ready, gather anything you need for travel. We'll be leaving for the Gerudo Valley tomorrow morning. We should reach the Fortress in three nights, and Nabooru should be waiting for us. My messenger was sent a couple hours ago. So why don't you go get ready for the days ahead?"
Link nodded and left without a word. He almost knew the moment he had felt the Triforce that they would be going after it. Why not? They had to at least bring it back, and, as far as he was concerned, investigate what may have happened. Slowing his pace as he walked down the hallway with eyes closed. He felt so to speak for anything. He could feel Zelda in her room, or more like he could feel the Triforce of Wisdom that dwelt within her; he could feel the essence of each of the Sages and state their basic location; and for a reason he had never been able to figure out he could feel Epona in Lon Lon Ranch. He could still feel the Triforce of Power, and he guessed it's location somewhere around the Spirit Temple, but Ganon and his evil essence was no where to be felt.
"Whoa there!"
Link startled at the deep voice and large hands that gripped his shoulders. Instantly his eyes were open and his hands were coming up before him in defense. It took him a moment for the face to register in his mind, but when it did he was washed with relief and embarrassment. "Sorry about that Darden," Link mumbled.
"It's alright, but you really shouldn't be walking around with your eyes shut." The man smiled down at him. Darden was a large man that stood as high as Ganondorf, and as broad. Sandy blonde hair hid his gray eyes, they were gentle though his face was like a rock; a white scar carving his left cheek from his eyebrow to chin made it even harder. Link had spent time with the man learning some of the techniques the Royal Guards used. Darden had become like a father to him over the years, and never missed an opportunity to give the young hero a hard time.
"Sorry," Link tried to hide the underlying worry in his voice. "Won't happen again, I promise."
Darden stared down at him for a long moment; Link could feel his face turning an even darker shade of red. "What's wrong boy?" Darden never referred to Link as "The Hero of Time" or "Time's Hero" or "hero" of any sort; it was one of the things that made Darden so special to him, like a real father.
Link gave his most convincing smile. "Nothing, everything is fine."
The guard snorted but let it go. "If you say so boy. You know, if you have questions about things the best one to ask is Master Rauru?"
"Thank you," Link smiled for real this time. "I'll remember that." It wasn't as though Darden hadn't told him the same before, but it was nice knowing the man cared. The guard continued on his way and Link left, keeping his eyes open this time. He headed strait out of the castle, nodding or giving a short wave to whoever acknowledged his passing. His quick passage through Hyrule Market was the same, a few nods, a quick wave, or a friendly smile.
No one bothered him as he started out across the grasslands between the castle and Lon Lon Ranch; no person may have bothered him, but his own thoughts did. Link felt a tinge of wrong. A worry that something was going to happen and he didn't like it.
There was an ill twist in his gut that made him miss a step, almost landing on his face in the dirt. With a couple quick hops Link had his footing back without falling, but he stopped a moment, crouching down in the grass. He stared at his boots, hands on either side of his head. He squeezed his eyes shut against the dull thud of his heart as it pounded in his ears. There was no pain, he just felt ill.
Taking a deep breath he forced his shoulders to relax. The odd, dizzying throb left, and he tried to forget the feeling; he'd definitely have to get rest before tomorrow. Standing he realized that the Ranch was not far off; he could already see Talon waving at him by the entrance. Shaking his head Link started again towards his destination. He was hoping Malon was there, if he was going to be traveling he wanted a horse he could trust, and Epona was the only horse for him.
"Hey there Link!" Talon called out as the hero approached. "Come to finally ask for Malon's hand in marriage?" Talon winked as he elbowed Link in the ribs.
"Well," Link smiled, "I would like to speak with your daughter." Link had learned long ago not to say no to Talon's question about marriage, it only lead Talon in to a speech on why Link should marry Malon; that was something he'd much rather avoid.
"Ah!" Talon's bony elbow prodded harder at Link's side. "Well, you know where to find her, but a man should ask a girl's father if he can marry his daughter."
Link gave a polite nod and a friendly smile as he headed inside the Ranch gates. Talon was right behind him, red whiskers puffing with each lecturing word. Link was glad when Talon didn't come past the edge of the buildings, "Malon will put me to work she sees me out here."
Link shook his head and crossed the short distance to the corral gate. Malon was inside with the horses, Epona's black muzzle cradled in the girl's hand. Epona whickered tossing her head slightly as Link approached and Malon turned, greeting him with a smile. Link watched as Epona skittered across the field, away from him.
"Well, Link. Back after all this time. You don't visit as often as you used to. I've missed you." Malon's smile was playful, but her cheeks had colored slightly. Link could feel his own face growing warm, and he wondered what Talon would say if could see the two of them.
"Hello Malon. I came to ask you a favor if you wouldn't mind."
"A favor?" Malon looked at him as though he had already asked for something outrageous, "I haven't seen you in months and the first words you say are 'Hello Malon. I came to ask you a favor.'?"
"If you wouldn't mind," Link flushed as she jabbed a hard finger into his chest.
"You!" Malon's eyes sparkled. "You can have anything you ask for, if," and she waggled a finger in front of his nose, "if you promise to bring her back to me in one piece."
Link grinned sheepishly at her; she seemed to already know he was going to ask for the horse. "You mean Epona? I would never let anything happen to Epona."
Malon smiled slyly at him. "How'd I know you wanted the horse?"
Link blinked at her. What was she talking about? Had she been guessing at what he was going to ask her for, or had she known? Girls were a mystery; even Darden said he had a hard time figuring them out.
"Well, do you still have your ocarina? You know she'll come to you if you play it. And I'll be right back; I'll meet you at the gate."
Link pulled the instrument from his pouch even as he watched Malon walk towards the house. It was like she knew he was going to ask for Epona, and now he had to wonder if she knew why. She hadn't asked him his reason for wanting Epona; the last time he had borrowed the horse he had left for almost three years on a journey that took him to Clock Town in Termina. He wondered if she knew what sort of journey he was going on now. She couldn't though; he wasn't even sure of that.
Link hadn't even realized that he had played the song Malon had taught him years ago, but Epona was there her long head pushing into Link's chest when he did not offer a hand for her to nuzzle. He chuckled as he patted the red-brown cheek of the mare. She was a small horse compared to most, just big enough to not be considered a pony, but she was faster and stronger than most, larger horses. She was covered in a glossy auburn coat. She had white socks, a white blaize down her face, and her mane and tail were a creamy white as well. Her black nose bumped Link's face as he led her past the corral gate and between the buildings.
Malon was waiting at the front door when Link approached. Her playful smile had been replaced by a worried one. Link noted some items in her hands and gave her a questioning look as he stopped in front of her. Brushing her red hair out of her blue eyes she tried to hide her concern.
"Is..." she hesitated before continuing, "Where are you going this time? Do you know?"
Link smiled, reassuring her; now it was his turn to hide his misgivings. "A group of us are going to head for the Gerudo Valley. Zelda and I are pretty sure that the third piece of the Triforce is there."
A little of the worry left her features, but not completely. "Be careful," she may not look it, but her voice dripped with apprehension. "I have a bad feeling about this. Just be careful. And take these, for luck."
Malon pushed the contents of her hands at him even as she spoke. One was a small corked bottle of the famous Lon Lon Milk. There was a magical property to the fresh milk, subtle though it was, it never spoiled and could restore strength and energy to the weary. He had discovered it seven years ago when he had started his long journey against Ganondorf. The other item was a brass bracelet. The ring of mettle was special to her; Link remembered her telling him once that it had belonged to her mother. It was etched with delicate leaves on its finger width band.
Link gingerly traced the edge of the bracelet. "Are you—", he started before she cut him off with a firm shake of her head.
"Yes, take it. You can bring it back to me when you return. So you have to come back, because I want my mother's bracelet back."
Link smiled at her. "I will bring it back to you," he promised. That made Malon smile. Link packed the bottle of milk into his saddle bags. Removing the Triforce pendant from his neck he cut the leather strap with a belt knife and slipped the bracelet onto it. He tied the leather and placed it back around his neck. With another reassuring smile in Malon's direction Link left. He had one more place to go before he would be ready for a journey, then he could rest up before tomorrow.
The short distance back to Hyrule Market was even faster when he spurred Epona into an easy canter. He dismounted once he entered the city walls; there was no need for drawing any attention, at least no more than he already received. Link waved and smiled his hellos as he passed behind some of the buildings. The small open area was lined with truth stones, the same stylized eye that graced the front of Sheik's garb were carved into the front of each stone.
There were a set of stairs leading into the great Temple, and the same decoration of stones on the other side of them. Link left Epona at the bottom of the stairs, confident that she wouldn't wonder off, and even if she did a simple tune played on the ocarina would bring her back to him. He entered the Temple of Time; its carved stone walls and elaborately made doors making it majestic. The stained glass was even more breath taking once inside, the evening sun shining colored patterns on the floor. Link went strait to the back, not even sparing a glance at the Triforce marked pedestal in the middle of the long antechamber.
Rauru, Sage of Light, stood before a simple black alter, three gold encased gems hovering above the carved writing. Link spared them no more than a glance. He knew what they were. There was the Kokiri Emerald wrapped in gold to resemble one of the leaves of the Great Deku Tree. Then there was the Goron's Ruby, the gold and fine point of the stone looking like a small flame. Lastly was the Zora Sapphire, three small stones set in gold that reminded him of a water lily, or of a small splash caused by a drop of water hitting water. It also reminded him of Ruto, Princess of the Zoras, and her vow to marry him. Link instantly pushed the thought from his mind.
"Master Rauru?"
The man turned, his white hair framing his rounded face. His plump body was wrapped in white, red, and orange robes tied with a rope around his ample middle. Rauru smiled warmly at him. "Well, isn't this a nice surprise? What can I do for you Link?" Rauru may appear to be an old man, but even in his friendly greeting there was command in his voice.
"I was wondering if it would be safe to take the Master Sword."
Rauru frowned at him. "What need of you the Master Sword?"
"Zelda and I are leaving tomorrow for the Gerudo Valley. We both felt the presence of the Triforce of Power. I can still feel it."
"Then that means Ganon is back..." Rauru stared solemnly at the Spiritual Stones upon the altar.
"It doesn't appear that way," Link didn't sound convinced, and he knew it.
"Explain," Rauru made a small gesture for Link to speak.
"I did not, can not, feel Ganondorf's presence with the Triforce. It's just not there."
"Yet you wish for the Master Sword once more?"
"Yes," Link's frown mirrored the Sage's. "I don't like it Master Rauru. I can't feel him there, but you have always told us that the Triforce cannot leave its current master unless released. I don't believe Ganon would let go of such a power. It worries me, and I want to go prepared for the worst. Do you think it would create a time paradox to take the sword?" Link looked hopefully at the old man. In the past the sword had become untouchable, in fear of rending time to an unfixable state. It had been the replacement of the Master Sword in the first place that had allowed Link to travel back in time after defeating Ganondorf.
"I cannot say for sure, but it is probably safe. There is no promise that the Sword itself will agree though."
"What do you mean, Master Rauru?"
"If the Sword believes it is not yet time you will not be able to pull it, it is that simple. You should be old enough now, and definitely as mature as a hero should be, but the sword may decide that time would be compromised. You may try if you wish."
Link nodded and pulled the ocarina from his belt pouch. Placing the instrument to his lips he blew softly, his fingers working to produce the simple song he had been taught all those years ago, a song that had come in handy on his journeys to other countries. The song of time itself floated through the cavernous room. When he finished he stood back with Rauru and waited. Slowly the heavy stone wall behind the altar shifted. The great half a sunburst carved into the door split down the middle as the two pieces moved apart.
Link glanced over at Rauru, and the two climbed up the few stairs and walked through the Door of Time. There, on raised platform, was the Master Sword, the legendary sword of evil's bane. Rauru did not approach the pedestal with him. Link stood before the sword, his hand hovering by the handle. Hesitant, and cautious, he didn't know if he wanted to draw the sword. Gathering his resolve he gripped the handle and pulled in one motion. To his relief the Master Sword slid easily from the stone pedestal that held it. It felt odd that the room did not glow with blue light, but then that was time's magic, and he had not traveled through time.
Link turned to Rauru with a small smile, and the Sage returned the gesture. "Take care of yourself...Hero of Time."
-------------------------------------------
Link lay in his room staring at the plain white ceiling. His quarters were with the soldiers, for he had sworn himself as a knight of the realm once he had reached the age of manhood. He sighed lightly fingering the two pieces that lay heavily on his chest. That sick twist had returned to him the moment he had reached his room. He had tried turning onto either side to get rid of the feeling, but moving only made it worse.
Out, I need out. I want out. Out of what? He wasn't sure. The ill feeling doubled and he sat up to keep from losing his dinner. His head spun and the throbbing returned twice as intense as the first time. A strangled cry left his lips as he doubled over on the bed. His body shook with intense pain; that too was a new development.
As quickly as it came is subsided. Link fell back onto his pillow breathing heavily. He still felt sick. The hours drew on into night, and he fought with the feelings of pain and affliction. He battled against them, finding that whenever he succumb to the sensations they grew more intense and whenever he resisted them they would come close to leaving. To let down his mental guard against these pangs of illness, even to sleep, would invite the dizzy throbbing and twisting innards to wring his exhausting body. The Hero of Time found no sleep that night.
"For Times Hero there is no rest."
-Hylian Prophecy of the First Age
