Opia: Oooookay... I think I took long enough? Sorry... I've just been so busy... Oh, and I found a little time issue while I was typing this. I made a mistake in chapter nine, it's fixed now though.

Cari: This chapter's a little longer to make up for how long it's been...

Opia: And so everyone doesn't get confused:

Din
Nayru
Farore
2 or more

Thinking
Curse

Opia: Jeeze... this would be so much easier if I could color text... XP

"No."

"Link, be reasonable."

"I AM BEING REASONABLE! I'M NOT COMING OUT!"

Link was hiding just inside the Spirit Temple, just outside the other two's eyesight. Nabooru was sitting on the ground laughing hysterically and Link could hear Din laughing just as hard. Impa sighed and tried again.

"This is the only way we can get you out of the valley without being killed."

"Can't I just warp to the Forest Temple?" Link whined.

"No. Do you wish to leave your horse stranded?"

"… Maybe…."

You don't have a song to call him, remember?

Link could tell Farore was trying hard not to laugh.

You may need a fast getaway once we find Ruto.

"Yeah… I guess you're right…" He mumbled.

"What was that?" Impa called.

"… I'm coming…."

Link stepped out of the shadows, causing Nabooru to howl afresh. His blush was as bright red as the Gerudo outfit he now wore. This was comprised of a red tube top (padded to make him look a little busty), poofy red pants that tied around his ankles, and the red pointed Gerudo slippers Impa had just happened to bring with her. Impa had even forced him to wear the coordinating shades of lipstick and eyeshadow. His hair was moderately long, hanging a little farther than his chin, so it looked sort of feminine. Impa had to bite her lip to keep from chuckling as she looked over the disgruntled 'boy'.

"Not bad," She said, "Good thing you have a feminine build, it helps the illusion."

"H-hey!" Link shouted, face growing even redder.

Din and Nabooru broke out into more peals of laughter. Link glared. Looking at him thoughtfully, Impa extended a hand to the giggling girl behind her.

"Something's missing… Nabooru, do you have a veil?"

She gave the Shiekah a veil and Impa secured it over Link's nose and mouth.

"There, perfect. You're hair is really messy though."

Link was seething so much he didn't grace that comment with an answer.

Oh Link!

Din was gasping between laughs.

You look lovely! Don't worry!

Link growled.

Calm down… It will not be for very long…

It better not, he thought.

Impa pulled up the boy's hair into a loose bun and looked to Nabooru with a questioning eye. The girl stopped her howling long enough to shake her head. Then, smirking playfully, Impa quickly held Link's hair in pigtails. That got Farore chuckling along with Din and Nabooru's screeches.

"Hey!" Link jumped and batted the Sheikah's hands away, "Now you're just playing! Can we just get this over with?"

Impa smiled and threw a cloak over him, "We might as well. Come Nabooru."

Nabooru jumped up and followed the duo into the sand.

..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..

"Walk more gracefully," Impa hisses, "Use your hips."

Link didn't dare grumble; they had reached the Gerudo's Fortress and were walking in the midst of hundreds of Gerudo warriors, all going about performing their daily tasks.

Don't slip up now!

Din giggled.

Quiet sister! You're not helping!

Link tried to keep himself from focusing on the very dangerous situation he was currently in, and there was a lot to think about. Impa's tale, the fact he only had half of the Triforce of Courage, it seemed he and Dark Link were more connected in this reality than the real one. Two parts of what originally was one… It made Link's head hurt just thinking about it.

"General Impa, Keeper Nabooru, you're back earlier than I expected," A rather important looking Gerudo walked up to them.

"Hey Frayle," Nabooru waved, "The spirits were pretty short and sweet today."

"I thought you said they always spoke in riddles."

"… The riddles were short and sweet."

Impa bowed her head slightly; "I need to get back to Hyrule Castle. I have employed a girl to escort me out of your territory," She gestured towards Link.

Frayle narrowed her eyes and looked the boy over. His muscles tensed ever so slightly. Sighing, the Gerudo shook her head and rubbed the sides of her temples.

"There are so many of us now I can't remember each face… I wish you a safe journey."

Link breathed out a sigh of relief as the group crossed the bridge.

"Can I have my clothes back now?" He hissed at Impa.

"Wait until we turn the corner."

Mikel snorted as the approached, seeming to give Link an odd look. Snatching his clothes out of Impa's hands Link dived behind the horse and got dressed.

"That was humiliating…" He muttered.

But you make such a pretty girl!

"Shut up!"

"Who are you talking to?" Nabooru peeked at him from over the horse, "That 'fairy' again?"

"No…."

"A new one then? Aw… and just when I thought your mind had become more stable…."

Link hefted himself up onto Mikel's saddle.

Great… He thought, what am I, a psychopath in this reality?

No, just a poor, misguided soul with a tough childhood that left you scarred for life.

There's a difference?

"Link," Impa placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "Be careful in Zora's domain, do not let them catch you."

"That seems to go with everywhere around here," Said Link.

Impa shook her head, "But these wounds are still fresh. Princess Ruto was murdered only 5 days ago, they blame you."

"R-Ruto–!" His eyes widened.

"But it was not your fault. Your other half committed the crime, but the king does not see the difference."

5 days ago?

That was when Ruto cast the spell.

Link nodded, "Right, I'll be careful."

"The Lake Hylia shortcut is well guarded, as well as the river. But there is one hidden path you can take to bypass most of the security, the one in the Lost Woods. I've even heard the resistance has expanded its reach."

"The resistance?"

The Shiekah smiled, "You'll see when you get there."

"Good bye!" Nabooru grinned from ear to ear, "I hope you visit me soon!"

Link smirked and gave a short wave, "Let's go Mikel."

The horse whinnied and began to gallop off towards the other side of the valley.

I wonder how much the woods have changed…

Why don't you go check?

I don't want to! Nayru, it's your turn to scout!

An answer didn't come.

Nayru?

Sister? You've been very quiet lately.

… I… I…

… Hey… Are you okay?

… Nayru, what's wrong?

Their voices were getting very worried. Link slowed down on Mikel's pace.

"What's going on?" He asked.

I… I don't… AUGH!

A figure appeared in the air beside Link. From her size she seemed like a young girl, though her body was fully matured. Her skin looked like polished gold and her long sapphire hair curled down her back. All she wore was a simple slip only a few shades lighter than her hair. She fell to the ground, tumbling a few feet away.

NAYRU!

Two other girls like her appeared; one perched on the horse behind Link, the other hovering a few inched above. The one on Mikel wore a red slip, with her ruby hair tied back in a high ponytail. The last one was green, the front part of her wavy, shoulder-length emerald hair braided and tied back behind her head. Link stopped Mikel as the girls rushed forward to help the blue one.

"Stop!" The girl struggled into a sitting position, "Do not touch me!"

The other two recoiled.

"But–!" The red one protested.

"No buts! It might spread to you if we make contact."

"Spread–?" The green one squeaked and clasped her hands over her mouth, "Oh-Nayru! You-your legs!"

The goddess looked down sadly at her legs curled out to the side of her. Her skin was turning to stone, it was already spreading past her knees.

"What's happening to you?" Din's fiery red eyes widened in horror.

"I believe this is the curse's doing… I am afraid I will not be able to continue on our quest."

"D-don't say that!" Farore took a step closer, "We just have to stop it!"

"No! It cannot be stopped! Anything you do may transfer the curse," The curse was crawling up her neck, "You must… protect Link… Dark…" It reached her mouth, "is–"

And just like that, the Goddess of Wisdom was gone. Her sisters collapsed onto the grass of the field.

"Nayru!" They sobbed.

Link sat silent on his horse, watching as the goddesses mourned the loss of their sister. Suddenly a pain like cold fire exploded in his skull. He cried out, falling off Mikel and causing Din and Farore to look up with a start.

"No!" Din cried, "The barrier!"

The hero didn't hear them run over to him, didn't see the form a circle around him, he was busy struggling in the cold, inky blackness that was threatening to drown him in its depths. Oblivion swirled around him as he seemed to fall further and further from reality. Beams of red and green reached down and entwined about him, lifting him up out of the darkness. Before he broke through a haunting voice boomed inside his head.

One down, two to go. You will be mine hero, and so will the ones you seek…

Link had to squint against the bright sun as he opened his eyes. He was laying on his back in the grass. Two worried faces hovered above him.

"Link? Link, are you okay?" One of them said.

"D-Din?" Link asked, his mind slightly foggy.

The goddesses sighed in relief.

"We almost lost you there," Farore placed her hand on the boy's forehead.

"Without Nayru's power the barrier collapsed, that must have been what the curse wanted…" Din smiled weakly.

Groaning, Link sat up. An ache in his left hand made him look down. His eyes widened, there now was an ancient scar where the Triforce of Courage had been cut in half. Clenching his fist, he stood up.

"We have to hurry, you're both in danger," With a single, elegant leap Link was on Mikel's back, "The curse will try to do to you what it did to your sister."

They silently nodded, solemn as the full weight of the situation fell on their shoulders. Din floated up to sit behind Link as Farore chose to hover a little ways above. With a click of the tongue Mikel started forward once again, headed towards the thin, dark green line of the forest on the horizon.

..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..

A dull throb deep in his head awoke Dark Link from his feverish slumber. He was propped up against the cold wall of the dungeon. His eyes snapped open, startling Ruto, who was only a foot away, looking concerned.

"What?" He snarled, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

She recoiled slightly, "Y-you passed out, I was worried–"

"Don't be," He snapped, standing up and stalking over to the other side of the chamber.

Lifting his hand to brush his long black hair out of his eyes he froze, staring at his unbound wrist. Dark Link turned and eyed Ruto curiously. Ruto lifted her arms revealing that her binds were gone as well.

"They didn't tie my arms well, my wrists slipped through with a little work," She explained with a smile, "You looked uncomfortable… so I undid your chains as well."

The shadow let out a low growl, "Only a fool is kind toward their enemies."

With a yell he whirled around and slammed his fist into the wall. The pain that raced up his arm made him wince. He glared at his hand as his blood began to trickle down the wall. An odd mark caught his attention. There on his right hand was part of a triangle, a long scar trailing down the back of his hand acting as one of the golden shape's sides. Blood red eyes widened, that wasn't there before. Images of his dream came back to him: the knife, the confinement, being one with Link.

No! That's not who I am! He thought, I am a shadow created by Ganondorf, a shadow!

He tried to recall those memories: His creation, his time in the Water Temple. But the more he tried the foggier they became. Sighing, he pulled his bloody fist from the wall.

So that's why…

Ever since he had gotten his wings Dark Link had felt a faint, foreboding presence in the air. He had wondered why the land felt different, why the link with his counterpart seemed to have weakened slightly.

So you think you've figured it out, eh?

The shadow jumped slightly and looked around the room, trying to find the source of the voice. All he got was a questioning glance from Ruto.

You must be getting rusty.

He glared at the wall, Who are you?

I will soon be your master.

Over my dead body.

That can be arranged, dear shadow, you are not immortal anymore.

Dark Link growled

"Hey," Ruto called out to him, "Something wrong?"

"Be silent," He commanded.

Ah, such a charming girl. One of these days I'll thank her for setting me free.

"What?" Dark Link hissed.

The voice laughed.

Remember shadow, you will be mine. I have claimed myself a goddess, I can claim you just as easily.

Dark Link's eyes widened as the hideous laughter died away, "Goddess…" He breathed.

"Who are you talking to?" Ruto crossed her arms.

"For Din's sake, shut up!" He all but screamed at her.

"You don't have to shout!" She yelled back at him.

With an aggravated sigh Dark Link turned back to the wall and pressed his forehead against the cold surface. Ruto looked up at the high, barred window and the swiftly darkening sky beyond. After a while the girl curled her legs up under her chin.

"It's getting dark…" She said.

No answer came.

"Do… Do you think we'll get out of this? Will we be okay?"

Ruto had to strain her ears to hear the barely audible reply that came after.

"I don't know…."

..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..

"Come on Mikel! We're almost there!"

The horse whinnied as he flew over the field. Close behind them Epona sped after them at a demon's pace, her eyes hungry for blood. Din had latched her arms around Link's waist for dear life, her wide eyes fixed on the gaining menace.

"Faster, Link, faster!" She squeaked, "She's getting closer!"

"I'm trying!" Link yelled at her, "Mikel's putting his all into it!"

The entrance to the forest was close, but not close enough. They weren't going to make it. Farore, who was flying as fast as she could above them, flew down and stopped in front of Epona.

"Sister! What are you doing!" Din screamed.

"Buying you time!" Spreading her arms wide, the goddess began to glow green.

This did not faze the cursed Epona, as she ran headfirst into the little goddess. There was a flash of light and the horse was repelled, throwing Farore back a little as well.

Din glanced at the swiftly approaching forest and back to her sister, "That's good! We'll make it now! Come back!"

Her eyes widened as Epona took a few steps back, a black aura forming around her, before charging at Farore once more. The goddess braced herself, but was flung back like a rag doll when the horse made contact.

"Farore!" Din leapt off Mikel a to catch her sister before speeding off towards the entrance.

As the group flew into the shelter of the trees they heard Epona let out a cry of rage, but she did not follow. Link sighed and slowed Mikel down.

"At least that stayed the same… She never did like the forest much…."

The rickety rope bridge creaked threateningly under Mikel's hooves. Din set Farore down behind Link.

"You okay?" She asked, worried.

Farore smiled, "I'm fine, just a little drained," She turned to Link, "We'll be invisible once again while we're here, it's best if as few people see us as possible."

"Of course," He said as they both disappeared from sight.

The setting sun bathed the forest in golden light as Mikel approached the end of the bridge. He snorted and stopped short.

"What's wrong Mikel?" Link looked before him to see what had caused the horse's sudden stop.

Two figures stood in the hollow trunk leading to the Kokiri village. They were tall and the shadows hid them from complete view. One of them took a step forward, not far enough to see his face, but enough for Link to notice the figure wore the clothes of a Kokiri.

"Dismount your horse," The figure demanded, "And keep your hands over your head where we can see them."

Link blinked, the voice sounded familiar. He leapt off Mikel and took a few steps forward, hands above his head like he was told. Both figures froze as they got a good look at him.

"Link?" The first figure stepped a little closer, revealing a boy about his age with tufts of red hair poking out of his small green cap and fell into his eyes, "You're alive?" There was a familiar hint of contempt in his voice.

"Mido?" Link uttered in surprise.

The other figure laughed, "Has it been that long? Well, not so much for me I guess."

Link froze at the sound of the other's voice, "I-It can't bee…" He whispered.

The figure ducked out of the shadows. A single red eye twinkled with mirth from underneath chin-length blond hair. There was no mistaking the bandages that hid the lower half of the figure's face.

"S-Shiek!"

Opia: Yay! I'm to the Lost Woods!. :B

Cari: Now you have to write the next chapter...

Opia: ... I'm working on it... TT.TT

Cari: Reviewing feeds her creative flame, so please review.