Hello readers! Sorry its been awhile since I updated, but at least its up now right? First off I would like to thank Inimitable for checking this story for grammer and spelling. Thanks man.

Chapter 11

I'm scared.

I'm inside the giant fish, Jabu-Jabu, fighting the giant parasite Barinade.

I don't where Ruto is. Could she be dead?

I see the parasite unleash the Bari, who begin to circle around it too fast for me to hit. I ready my boomerang as the creatures get closer. I have to get them before…

Too late. A Bari hits me dead on and I'm flung through the air, electricity coursing through my body. The pain is intense.

I hit the floor. Am I going to die here?

The parasite moves in for the kill. I'm so scared I…

"Gah!" Dark Link woke up with a start, panicking slightly before he realized he was in Talons room. No Barinade, no Ruto, nothing.

"Just a dream…" Dark Link collected himself as he got out of the bed, remembering everything that had happened the last few days. The phantom, the medallion, freedom, Malon, the 72 hours…shit.

Dark Link took the medallion out of the pouch he kept it in. If that ghost was speaking the truth, the he had three days to put it back before he was dead. Well, two and half days by now. Looking back down at the medallion, he could swear the eye carved into it was mocking him. Putting the medallion away once more, he left the room and made his way downstairs where Phantom Ganon stood waiting in the same spot he had been when Dark Link had first left, and he wondered if the phantom had moved at all. Malon and her family where in the same corner of the room. Apparently they hadn't moved either, although Ingo had come to and now had his arm in a sling.

"So how long was I asleep?"

"A few hours, I believe it is sometime around noon about now."

"Hm." Dark Link took in the phantom's words as he made his way to the table. His hopes of grabbing something to where shot down as he saw that the flies had already begun to work on the morning's breakfast. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he turned around and made his announcement.

"We need to go to Kakariko."

"The village? Why?" Phantom Ganon stared at the shadow. What was he talking about?

"Remember our ghost friend? He made a visit a few hours ago and said I'm going to die if I don't put the medallion back in the well in two days. Apparently it's some kind off safety precaution the Sheikah put in." Dark Link glanced at the ranchers, who seemed to have no idea what they where talking about.

"I do not trust that poe. He seems to be carrying his own agenda." Phantom Ganon stated.

"Neither do I, but I don't really have much of a choice in this matter. Get your horse ready, we're leaving as soon as we can."

"What about them?" Phantom Ganon gestured over to the ranchers. "We cannot simply leave them here, it risks Link discovering us too soon."

Dark Link looked over at there captives. It was true, they couldn't just release them. If they told anyone of their existence…

"We could kill them." Phantom Ganon put simply. Talon held his daughter closer at the phantoms words.

Dark Link had thought about that. Killing the ranch girl and her family would solve their little problem, so why did the thought of it upset him so much? Damn it, what the hell was wrong with him lately?

"We can't do that." Phantom Ganon scowled at the shadow's answer. Dark Link wasn't the only one confused over his actions.

"Why not?"

Why not indeed? Dark Link didn't really have an answer himself. Knowing the phantom wouldn't just accept that, came up with the best explanation he could.

"What happens if we kill them and someone finds them after we leave? Out element of surprise would be over and we'd have all of Hyrule looking out for us!" Dark Link thought that Phantom Ganon would buy it, but as the phantoms eyes narrowed at him he began to think otherwise.

"This is your fault. We should have watched and waited to discover Links whereabouts, instead of barging in and ruining everything we've worked for!"

"Hey! Don't you dare talk like that to me! Without me, you'd still be locked away in the Shadow World!"

"As I recall, it was you who needed me." Dark Link said nothing. He simply glared at the phantom before turning to the table in the room. Grabbing a chair he sat down and tried to plan out their next move. At least he would have if it weren't for those damn flies flying bugging him!

Dark Link looked at the three flies around him. Attracted by the breakfast that had been left out since morning they had taken an interest in buzzing around his head. With quick reflexes Dark Link reached out and grabbed one of the flies with his hand. He was about to crush the insect when the makings of an idea started to form in his head. Looking at the other two flies still in the air then back at his hand, he slammed his hand to the table, catching everyone's attention.

"I have it. We'll take one of them with us." He paused before adding "The girl."

"What are you talking about?" Phantom Ganon said, his eyes glowing noticeable redder.

"It's simple." The shadow replied, flicking the dead fly off his hand in the process. "If we have the girl as our prisoner that the other two can't do a thing, they will be forced to stay quite or else risking harm coming to her. We also have gain a bit of leverage for when we finally meet up with the Hero." Dark Link gave a smug smile at the phantom, until his attention was drawn to an outburst from Talon.

"You bastard! If you think for one second I'm going to let you take my daughter from me I'll…!"

"Dad, please!" Malon held her father back. Talon looked at her, an expression of deep concern on his face.

"Malon I…"

"I don't want anything to happen to you...I don't think I could bear it. Please, just trust that I'll be o.k." Malon embraced Talon in a hug, fighting back tears as she did so. Talon sighed and pulled back to look her in the eyes.

"You're a stronger person than I am Malon."

Malon gave her father a reassuring smile before turning back to face Dark Link, drying her eyes before she so.

"Alright. I'll go with you." Malon said, putting on a brave face.

"It's not like you had choice to begin with. Now then…" Dark Link got up from his chair and walked over to Malon. "Would you happen to have a mask of some sort lying around?"

"A mask? What for?"

"I can't exactly walk into Kakariko looking like this can I?" Dark Link gestured to his face. "People would ask too many questions. Now, do you have one or not?"

"I…do have a Keaton mask." Malon didn't really want to give up her mask, it had been a gift from Link for her thirteenth birthday. However she felt it better to go along with the dark man instead of risking his anger again.

"Well, go get it." Malon slowly walked away from the shadow and headed upstairs. Dark Link smiled as he felt everything beginning to work out for a change. His smile quickly faded when he felt Phantom Ganon standing behind him.

"I do not like this plan."

"No one said you have to like it you just have to go through with it." Dark Link spat out, looking back up at the phantom. Both parties glared at each other, trying to keep their tempers in check.

"Very well, but know this shadow. Do not think that I am remaining with you out of loyalty. The only reason I remain in this partnership is because I believe it can aid me in gaining favor with Lord Ganondorf someday. If I ever think otherwise, I will leave."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Dark Link turned away from Phantom Ganon to watch Malon come down the stairs, the yellow fox-mask in her hands. Reluctantly she handed it over to Dark Link.

"Perfect. Now get the horses ready, we're leaving immediately."

"How did I let this happen?"

Phantom Ganon was referring to the ranch girl, Malon, who he was currently sharing a horse with. Somehow it had been agreed that Phantom Ganon would be the one to take her to Kakariko. The phantom chastised himself, this was not a fitting role for the former boss of the Forest Temple

Dark Link was getting his own horse ready. After he was done, he turned to speak Talon and Ingo one last time.

"You both understand how this works right? As long as you keep your mouths shut your little ranch girl stays safe. If I hear that you told anyone…well, let's just say you won't like the results." Talon looked at Dark Link with intense hatred, but didn't say anything. Ingo on the other hand had no plans on remaining silent.

"You don't really think you're going to get away with this do you? Link will return eventually, and when he does you'll wish…" Dark Link didn't give Ingo a chance to finish his sentence, instead landed a blow to his face, breaking his nose and knocking him to the ground. Bending over the ranch hand Dark Link grabbed him by the collar and lifted him to his face.

"I know very well that Link is going to return, I'm counting on it. Because when he does I'm going to kill him." Talon watched helplessly as his best friend was being abused. Looking around he spotted a pitchfork lying against the nearby wall. He had barely moved an inch before he found Dark Link sword pointed directly at his throat.

"You weren't about to try something where you?" Dark Link gave an evil grin as Talon began to sweat like a pig. Malon watched from the horse, shocked at how quickly the violence had erupted. Somewhere inside her she could feel her anger growing and found she could not hold it in.

"Stop it you monster!" No one said anything. Everyone turned a surprised eye to Malon, Dark Link especially.

"Hmph." Dark Link gave an annoyed look back at the still terrified Talon before lowering his sword and putting it back in its sheath. Turning back to his horse he gave a passing glance at Malon before climbing on and looking down at the ranch owner.

"You're very lucky." That was all he said before giving his horse a kick and setting off, Malon watching his as he did.

"Just who is this man? He looks just like Link but acts so…evil. And this man wearing the skull mask, what is his story? Just what are they trying to accomplish?" Malons thoughts where interrupted suddenly as Phantom Ganon got her attention.

"Do your best to hold on. I do not want to waste time by going back for you if you fall." Phantom Ganon kicked his horse and they set off after Dark Link.

Talon watched, devastated, as his only daughter was taken from him. Behind him, a groaning Ingo was getting off the ground, his good hand trying to keep the blood from spilling out his nose.

"Now what do we do?" Ingo asked his ling time friend. Talon, not looking back at him, let out a sigh.

"What can we do?"

It had been an hour since they had set off for Kakariko Village and Malon knew they would be arriving soon. For the most part Malon was fine, neither of there captors had said nor done anything to her throughout there journey. However "Dark Link" was looking back to stare at her from time to time and it was making her very uncomfortable. The skull masked man on the other hand didn't seem to even acknowledge her, let alone look to her. She didn't really mind, but it was a bit unnerving.

As they got closer to the stream leading to Zora River, Malon could make out the entrance to Kakariko Village. Malon's sprits raised a little as she thought about something: there were Guards in Kakariko! Surely one of them would realize she was in trouble and come to her aid!

They crossed the stone bridge and made there way to the steps that led to Kakariko Village. Coming to a stop Dark Link dismounted to horse and called to the phantom.

"We'll leave the horses here. Just tie them to the tree. "Phantom Ganon nodded and got off his own horse, stepping to the side as Malon followed. Dark Link took out his disguise, Keaton Mask, and placed it on his face. He turned back to the phantom as he adjusted it.

"How do I look?"

"Ridiculous." The phantom replied.

"Humph, you're one to talk phantom. You never take off your mask" Dark Link expected a retort but instead received silence. Phantom Ganon shifted uncomfortable. "What?"

"I am not wearing a mask. This is my actual face." Dark Link was a little surprised, but not by a lot. That actual explained a few things.

Malon on the other hand couldn't believe what she was hearing. What in Hyrule are these creatures?

"Hmm, that's…interesting. Enough talk though, let's get in there and find that damn well." Phantom Ganon nodded in agreement and the group made there way up the stairs.

Being free form the influence of Ganondorf for seven years had really allowed Kakariko village to prosper. The area behind the cucco ladies house had been carved out years ago, in its place new homes had been built along with a small bar. "The Cucco's Nest" as it was called was a well-respected establishment known for its hospitality. It was particularly popular among the guards of the town who, finding not much else to do in such a peaceful little community spent their time drinking and laughing with each other.

Malon wished she could have visited the village on better terms. Although she normally enjoyed her visits here, she found it hard to do so with her present company. In front of was Dark Link leading the way, with Phantom Ganon following behind her. As much as she would have liked too, she felt that she couldn't just run off or scream for help. She was not yet sure what these men were capable of.

Dark Link looked around a little annoyed. There were too many people around for his liking. At least they were minding their own business. Looking around he spotted his goal: the well. He picked up his pace, almost making it to the well before he was stopped by a guard.

"Whoa there buddy, your not supposed to get too close to the well. Can't you read?" The guard gestured to a nearby sign that read "NO VILLIGERS ARE TO ENTER THE WELL UNDER ORDERS FROM LADY IMPA."

"Damn." Dark Link thought. "No worries. We were just getting a closer look, didn't realize it was so dangerous."

"We'll that's all right, no harm done." The guard looked over Dark Link, and then looked at Phantom Ganon and Malon. "You folks not from around here?"

"No we're…traveling performers." Dark Link lied.

"Oh, that explains the masks! I have to say you two look awfully silly wearing those things." Dark Link resisted the urge to get out his sword while Phantom Ganon let out a sigh.

"We'll just be on our way then." The guard nodded and the group walked off. "Damn it!" Dark Link thought. "It would be mistake to just take out the guards to get to the well, especially after all that stuff I said about keeping a low profile. And we just can't wait out here waiting for the guard to leave, that would be too suspicious. We need somewhere to hide. Dark Link looked around the village, until his eyes landed on a sign outside The Cucco's Nest: "ROOM FOR RENT."

"Perfect" Dark Link led the group over to the bar, and then turned back to them. "Alright you too stay here while I go get us a place to stay. Phantom, make sure she doesn't try anything." Dark Link ran off to get the room, leaving Malon and Phantom Ganon outside.

"This could be my chance!" Malon looked back at the guard next to the well. He was a bit of a distance from the bar, and there was no way she could make it to him with this phantom character watching. "If only I could distract him…" As she thought over her options she felt something hit her leg. Looking down she saw a red ball next to her foot. Picking it up she saw a brown haired little boy, no more than ten, walking up to her.

"Excuse me lady can I have my ball back?" He said holding his arms out. Malon gave a smile to him.

"Say little boy let me ask you something…"

Phantom Ganon watched the ranch girl, wondering how he got stuck with babysitting. Looking up for a moment he could see the white clouds gliding over the blue sky. Having been locked away in darkness his entire life he ad never seen such a sky and he found it quite nice to look at.

"Perhaps when the Master gets free he will allow me to remain outside…" He thought to himself, before silencing those thoughts. His wants where unimportant, he needed to stop thinking about such things.

He then felt something tugging at his leg. Looking down he say a little boy holding a red ball looking at him with wide eyes.

"What do you want boy?"

"That's a neat mask mister!" Phantom Ganon let out another sigh, why was everyone obsessed with his face today?

"What do you want boy?"

"My older brother has a mask like that, but he never lets me wear it. Can I wear yours?"

"No."

"Why not? I can pay if you want me to!" The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out two rupees. Phantom Ganon growled, this boy was starting to get on his nerves.

"Such things do not interest me. Now leave me alone or…"

"Please? That red-haired lady said you'd let me if I asked!"

"What?" Phantom Ganon looked up and saw the ranch girl was gone, apparently taking the opportunity to escape while he was momentarily distracted.

"Clever girl…"

Malon was halfway to the well by now, hopefully she could talk to the guard before phantom noticed she was missing. Looking behind her to see if she was being followed, she suddenly ran into something hard. Falling backwards, she looked up to see that last person she wanted to see.

"While I commend your efforts they are for naught." Phantom Ganon stated. "Even if you did manage to talk to a guard I have more than enough power to take down every guard in this village. Now I suggest you not try that again." Malon got back off the ground and once again felt hope slipping away.

"Wow mister how did you do that!" The little boy ran over to Phantom Ganon, a look of excitement on his face. "I've never seen anyone do that!"

"Andrew! What do you think your doing!" A short, fat woman came rushing towards them and grabbing the boy, Andrew, by his shirt. "What have I told you about bothering people around the village? I'm very sorry uh…sir" The woman stuttered, looking at Phantom Ganon. Apologizing again she walked off, dragging Andrew with her.

"But mom that man can fly!"

"What have I told you about making up stories?"

Phantom Ganon looked back at Malon, who was holding her arms with a depressed look on her face.

"Come, we should get back. Try not to make this any more difficult than it has to be." Malon nodded and followed the phantom back to the bar.

Dark Link entered The Cucco's Nest, finding it wasn't that bad a place. The bartender sat at the bar at the end of the room. Over the bar a there was painting of Hyrule Castle at night. There were a number of tables and chairs around the room where the patrons sat, currently only made up of two carpenters and a few off-duty guards. To Dark Link's surprise they barely paid him any notice, but when you have Gorons, ghosts in the graveyard, and a cursed well to deal with, a man wearing a fox mask doesn't interest you too much. Making his way to the bar the bartender, a tall, skinny man with a bushy beard, came over for his order.

"Evening stranger! What will you have?"

"I'm here about the room."

"Ah, well then that's different." The man reached under the bar, and retrieved a leather bound book, quill, and some ink. "Now then how many in your party?"

"Just three." Taking the quill the man wrote down the information in the book.

"And your name?"

"Uh…Dark." The bartender looked at Dark Link for a minute before shrugging. Wasn't any of his business what the guy's name was as long as could pay.

"Alright that's it. That'll be ninety-five rupees." Dark Link grumbled something about the price as he reached into his pouch and paid the man with the rupees he had taken off those bandits. After getting his rupees the man smiled and handed Dark Link a key.

"It's upstairs, first door on left, enjoy your stay." Dark Link took the key and turned away from the man, heading for the door. Now all he had to do was collect Phantom Ganon and the girl, hopefully there wouldn't be any more problems after this.

It wasn't a bad room, two beds, a chest to hold stuff, and a window which provided a good view of the well. Dark Link looked at Phantom Ganon and Malon. Malon for some reason seemed more depressed than she was before, and Dark Link wondered if something had happened while he was away. Phantom Ganon seemed fine, not really showing any feeling whatsoever towards there lodgings.

"Alright, were going to stay here and wait for that guard to leave his post. When he does I'll go out there and take care of our business. You two can wait here for me." Dark Link turned to look out the window again but Malon's voice stopped him.

"And then?" Dark Link looked at the ranch girl and shrugged.

"And then what?"

"And then what are you planning on doing?" Malon asked, a bit of anger in her voice. "You can't just keep me prisoner forever!"

"I'll figure something out when we get to that point, now shut up and stay quiet!"

"For someone who looks so much like Link, you sure don't act like him." Malon spat. Dark Links eye twitched.

"What did you just say?" Dark Link shot back. Malon considered backing down for a moment, but frankly, she was getting tired of being pushed around.

"You heard me." Dark Link walked slowly towards Malon until he was right in front of her.

"Listen you little…GAH!" Dark Link face contorted in pain. His legs suddenly gave out sending him falling backwards to the floor. He gripped his chest in desperation; the pain was back and by the goddesses he could swear in was worse this time!

Phantom Ganon watched Dark Link as he writhed in agony, not terrible concerned. If last time was any indication, the pain would pass soon and he would be no worse for wear. Actually he was more interested in the ranch girl's reaction. The look of surprise on her face was obvious, but the phantom could swear he saw something else in her face. Was it…concern? That didn't make much sense to Phantom Ganon, but he was probably mistaken. What did really know about such emotions anyway?

Dark Link could feel the pain starting to reside, he still felt sore but not as much. As his breath slowed down he tried to get himself back on his feet. He managed to get to his knees and prop himself against the chest, what happened next was more of a shock to him than the pain had been.

"Are you alright?" The words came out of Malon's mouth before she could stop herself. He just looked so helpless lying there on floor, and he looked so much like Link…

Dark Link looked up in surprise, why the hell would she be giving him sympathy! He was holding her prisoner! He beat up one of her friends and planning to kill another! What the hell was wrong with her!

"I'm fine. What do you care?" Dark Link face went from surprise to him normal annoyed look. Dragging himself to his feet he made his way to one of the beds and sat down on it, looking up he saw Phantom Ganon regarding him in silence. He didn't need anybody's freaking sympathy.

Malon looked in at Dark Link with disdain. How dare he! She showed him just a little bit of kindness, not on purpose mind you, but that was no reason to bite her head off! By Farore, she would find a way to escape from these two and make them regret messing with her!

Phantom Ganon watched as Dark Link sat in anger, clearly angry over something, but then again he was usually angry about something. The ranch girl seemed equally upset. He let out a sigh, this was going to be a long stay…

It had been hours since they taken up their stay in the room, the sun had set a while ago and with it the people of the village had retired to their homes. The guard had still not left the well, but he had to leave at some point. Turning away from the window, he stared at Malon. The ranch girl had fallen asleep about an hour ago, and now lay on one of the beds above the covers. Dark Link regarded her features; considering what she had been through, she looked awfully peaceful asleep. Dark Link let out a sigh, he was beginning to question how smart it had been to bring her into this.

Phantom Ganon was leaning against wall, arms crossed. He had been in that position for hours, seemingly staring at nothing. Dark Link had to give it to the phantom, he was anything if not patient.

"I need to ask you a question." The silence was cut by Phantom Ganon. Dark Link cringed; he was not looking forward to what would come next.

"Why did decide to bring the girl? We could have easily have gotten away with killing her and the other two. Even if the Hero found them there is no way he would have suspected us. So why did you spare them? It is unlike you."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Do not lie to me."

Dark Link sighed, he wasn't getting out of this.

"You know how I'm a shadow right?" Phantom Ganon nodded, but didn't really understand what that had to do with anything. "Well, a shadow is basically all the pain, anger, and bad memories in a person given a physical form, in my case the Hero's. Every feeling, every emotion I have towards this world is based off the darkness inside him."

"What that does that have to do with anything?" The phantom asked, but Dark Link just continued.

"All my memories I have up to my creation belong to the Hero. I can remember all the pain, anger, and sadness he's ever felt in detail. I even have freaking nightmares about them sometimes. Anyway that's partly why I am the way I am." Dark Links face contorted in anger as he spoke. "I've seen the dark side of almost all of Hyrule through his eyes. At least he's got the benefit of seeing the light, Hell maybe that's one of the reasons I hate him so much." Dark Link looked over at Malon, his face softening a bit as he did so. "Then there's her. She is one of the few people that the Hero hardly has any Dark thoughts about. The only reason I knew anything about her at all was through what than Ingo fella once did." The anger on Dark Link's face returned as the memories came forward.

"She was the first creature I have ever met that I haven't immediately felt hatred for. I mean, I didn't like her or anything it's just that...when I looked at her I didn't feel any anger towards her just…calm. I don't know, I guess I just didn't want to kill the one thing I didn't have anything against."

"So…what are you going to do now?"

Dark Link let out a sigh. "I don't know, I really hadn't planned it out this far." Dark Link let out a chuckle, but Phantom Ganon could feel the pain behind it. "Oh well, I'll probably just end up killing her anyway." Dark Link looked away from Malon, finding he couldn't stand to look at her anymore. As his gaze turned back to the window, he noticed the area around the well was vacant.

"Shit, he's gone!" Dark Link shot up and headed for the door, placing the Keaton Mask on his face as he did so. He had to hurry, another guard could be coming to replace the other any time now. He turned back one more time before leaving. "Keep an eye on things here." With that he was out the door. Phantom Ganon watched him leave and then made his way to the window to see if he would make it. The phantom was still processing the information he had just been giving. If the shadow made any emotional attachments to anything it could severely jeopardize their plans.

Throughout their entire conversation, neither Dark Link nor Phantom Ganon noticed the subtle movements of Malon as she lay in the bed. She hadn't been awake for very long, but she was awake to hear everything that had been said.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review!