"Ya sure ya can't stay for a little bit longer?" Malon asked.
"I'm sorry Em, but we're on a tight schedule."
Link, Adlez, and Ranik shifted in their new clothes. It was a slightly rougher material than they were used to, but now they looked like any other Hyrulean on the street. Dark threw his bag over his shoulder.
"When this errand is done I promise we'll visit again."
Malon smiled and hugged him, "Well, good luck with that. I look forward ta seein' ya again."
"Me too," Dark held her tightly then moved away, "Good bye Em."
"Bye. G'bye Adlez, Link, Ruto, Ranik. It was nice meetin' all o' ya!"
The group waved and followed Dark Link out the ranch gates. Ruto jogged a bit to come up next to him.
"How far is Hyrule City?"
"Not far. Look, you can see it on the horizon," He pointed out to the vaguely castle-shaped gray strip on the horizon.
"Oh! I see!"
Link hooked his thumbs on his belt, "Hey," He called up to the shadow, "Why are we going there anyways?"
"To meet someone who can lead us in the right direction."
"To what?"
"To defeat Marinal."
Adlez blinked, "Who would know that?"
"The Queen of course."
Ruto gasped and clapped her hands together, "Oooh! A Queen, I've always wanted to meet a real one!"
Dark chuckled, "She's nothing special… Take Adlez, put her in a dress, add a crown, give her an aura of superiority and bam, you've got Queen Zelda."
"… My ancestor…" Adlez said.
"Yes… You may find this encounter interesting."
xxxxxxx
Two men in glittering silver armor guarded the castle gates. They crossed their spears as the travelers approached.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
Dark Link straightened up to his full height, "Tell the Queen that Link's shadow requests and audience with her."
The guards stiffened and glanced at each other with nervous eyes.
"Y-yes… The Queen has been expecting you, proceed to the courtyard."
Dark scoffed under his breath as the castle gates opened, "Figures."
The courtyard was filled with the fragrance of exotic flowers. Butterflies danced in the sunlight and birds fluttered about on the green grass. Sitting on an ornate stone bench the Queen waited patiently. Her long hair glowed in the sun as brightly as the gold accenting her long, flowing gown. She gracefully stood up as the group entered. Dark approached and kneeled at her feet.
"Greetings fair Queen."
"Stand," She ordered.
He obeyed. Swiftly her gloved hand struck his face.
"My dreams have told me many things," She said coldly, "Shadow of a time not yet passed."
The others were silent, stunned. Zelda's sharp blue eyes turned to them, making them flinch.
"Greetings travelers. I pray your time in this era has been good to you."
Link, Adlez, and Ruto managed to accomplish clumsy bows and stuttered 'Yes's while Ranik bowed his head respectively. Zelda smiled at them.
"No need to be so formal, you are not familiar with our customs."
"Once again you have proven your worthiness of the Triforce of Wisdom my lady," Dark said, "I'm sure you know why I am here."
To find a way to vanquish the evil you mistakenly called your friend."
The shadow nodded.
"I will tell you of what you seek. High in the mountains spirits whisper of a blade that will help you accomplish your task. Go to Death Mountain, you will find it there."
Dark bowed his head, "I thank you."
He turned to leave, but the Queen caught his shoulder.
"Stay for a moment. I wish to speak to you all further."
Dark Link nodded and she left him, gliding over to the others. She paused in front of Link.
"Such a young boy…" Zelda stroked his cheek, "But there have been younger. Take heed of your feelings and your courage will never waver," She looked up at Ranik, "You have a strong soul. On the mountain there will be two caves. One is meant for you. I fear your role will equal that of the Hero's, may you stay strong," Then, turning to Adlez, she smiled, "Dear… Sweet child…" Zelda pulled the girl close, "You have all the grace of your blood, but twice the will. I want you to have these," She took out her earrings, "These have been passed down from generation to generation, each princess has worn them. Wear them with your head held high."
Adlez nodded and clutched the golden Triforce earrings close to her, "I will."
The Queen smiled, then turned back to Dark Link, "Shadow… I must ask you for one last thing."
Dark cocked an eyebrow, "And what would that be, your highness?"
Zelda took a few steps towards the back of the courtyard, "I have never trusted you, and I am not surprised of your betrayal, but the Goddesses have shown me the only way to save my bloodline…" She gestured to an archway, "Rhynn, come here my son…"
A young boy of ten years walked out, dressed in traveler's clothes. He clung to his mother's dress as he looked about at the strange visitors. Dark Link shook his head.
"Oh no, you're not expecting him to accompany us are you?"
"He is my only child. I only wish for him to slip out from under Marinal's nose. You know she will come for me and my family."
"But-ah… our journey will be dangerous… I won't be able to take him with me when I return to my time."
"I do not wish for that, only for his protection while you are here. I beg you, let him accompany you."
Dark bit his lip as he gazed at the large-eyed boy, "Fine… but I make no promises of his welfare after we leave."
The Queen bowed her head; "It is all I can ask."
"Then we will take our leave," He gestured for the others to leave.
As he turned to follow them Zelda snatched his chin, forcing him to look at her. His eyes grew wide.
"My Queen?"
She looked him straight in the eye, "Such a pathetic creature. I truly pity thee. For you I also advise: stay strong, or else be consumed by your sins and sorrows. Many trials still await you."
"They always will," Dark turned away from her, "Come on boy, Rhynn was it? We must go."
The boy looked up to his mother, who nodded, and ran over to the shadow's side.
"Do you talk?"
"Yes Sir."
"Don't call me Sir."
"Yes Sir."
"…"
Queen Zelda watched as they disappeared out of the courtyard. A single tear slid down her cheek.
"May the Goddesses watch over all of you…."
Opia: Arg... I wish I could make longer chapters, but they all seem to like to stay at nearly three pages... whatever. Longer chapters to come and all that... I think... maybe... I found I'm not all that good at judging size from the handwritten version.
Cari: If you get typing you can have them up in a matter of days...
Opia: Except I have a life... -glares- Anyways, umm... there's a wee bit of an announcement on my bio, nothing major, just... stuff... check it out if you have time... I would really like that...
Cari: Reviews are nice too...