(Chapter 5)
(Since I have most of the characters established, who's your favorite character so far? Mention them in a review or P.M, I would be more than happy to respond.)
They finally emerged from the cave and covered his eyes to protect them from the light. The bright light of the outside burnt his eye. He squinted as he made his way up the mountain path following Darbus. They finally arrived at the top and entered the dimly lit throne room. Link could finally open his eyes all the way. "So Link did you find anything in the temple?" Darbus asked the two of them.
"Actually Darbus we did." Link responded to him.
"Yeah, I want to thank you Darbus." Midna said while bowing.
"Please Midna it was my pleasure to help my Sworn Brother." He said with a roaring laugh.
"Yeah thanks Darbus we found what we were looking for, Midna show him." He told Midna. Midna produced the key from the shadows and held it up.
"This is what we were looking for." She told the large Goron.
"Is it some kind of key?" He asked Midna.
"Yes it's the key that will open the Shadow Locks." She withdrew it into the shadow and sat down on one of the stone chairs and crossed her legs. Link sat down on the carpet and sighed.
"Well I can't say I was happy to deal with that temple." He spoke after a short silence.
"So Link we need to start searching for the next temple then." She said with a sigh.
"Say Darbus, you wouldn't happen to have any other places we could check?" He asked Darbus.
"Well brother you always could go ask the Zora they tend to know much." Darbus answered him.
"Jeez that means I will need to go up the waterfall cavern again." He sighed again.
"Link we can look for another temple if you want, we don't need to go there first." She had a worried look on her face.
"Midna it will be fine, I just need a little rest before we continue on." He told her flatly.
"Don't worry Link, take your time." She said while she sunk slowly back into the shadows.
"Well Brother feel free to relax in our hot springs, we will give you and your lady friend some time alone." Darbus was grinning when he said this. Link smiled a little too at the comment.
"Link you could try to hold back your amusement a little better." Midna hissed from the shadow.
"Yeah I guess I can try." He said with a smile. She could tell he wasn't being sincere. Link made his way down to the spring and walked out in the middle of it and sat down. The warm water soaked into his tunic and skin. He lay in the warm water and looked up at the sky. They had been talking with Darbus all day. It was now twilight and the sun was just above the horizon about to sink. The moon was waiting for its chance to finally crawl up over the horizon. Link could faintly make out some of the stars that filled the sky. He sat and watched the sky. Midna was sitting next to him on the edge of the hot spring. He could feel her feet splashing in the water. They sat together for a while and looked at the sky. The silence was suddenly broken when Link heard Midna gasp. Link shot up out of the water and looked around. The cold night air was warmed by the hot water yet he could still feel a chill in the air.
"Link over by the wall," She said quickly. Link looked over to the wall. He didn't see anything at first until he looked closer. He saw two crimson beads glowing brightly against the cold stone backdrop.
"Who are you, show yourself!" Link shouted at the figure. Midna tossed him his sword. He caught it and pulled the sword out. The sheathe fell into the hot springs with a quiet splash.
"I'm nothing but a pawn working for someone who wants you dead." His voice had an eerie chill when he spoke. "If I fulfill my master's request I will finally get the freedom I so desperately crave." He walked out of the shadows and stood in the dying light of twilight. Link saw that the man standing before him looked just like him. The man's tunic was black as midnight. The man reached around and pulled out a sword. "So when I finally kill you I will finally be free." The man glanced over. "And you look you even brought me the princess, how kind." He spoke sadistically. "Maybe when I kill you, me and the princess can have a little fun." He laughed maliciously.
"So help me if you lay a hand on her, I will end your life personally." Link growled at the man.
"Oh Midna, can't fight fair you have to send your guard dog on me." The man shrugged his shoulders. "Well might as well get the over with, once your dead it'll be just me and the princess." He was smiling wickedly as he spoke this last part. "After I've had my fun with her I'll just kill her too." He was grinning maliciously.
"You shouldn't have said that." Link growled at him again. Midna had never seen Link get this angry before. This was a different side of Link she had never seen before. Midna reached behind her and grabbed her sword. She didn't draw it yet; she would wait to see what happened.
"Well then defend her, fight me." He motioned for Link to bring it on.
"That was your last mistake!" Link shouted as he dove at the man. Link brought his blade to bear on the other man's blade. They stood blades locked in combat. They both didn't give an inch. Link surged forward and the other man stumbled backwards. Link slashed at the man's chest. The man leapt back and chuckled as he dodged the Hero's swings.
"If that's all you got this will be easier than I expected." He brought his blade down and deflected Link's blade. Link countered the man's deflection by parrying the blow. They both back off and stared at each other. The other man made the first move this time. He dove downwards to take out Link's legs. Link flipped over the boy and swung down at his back. The blade connected with the man's back and he fell into the spring. He rolled over and looked up at Link. Link wrapped his hands around the man's neck. Link began to squeeze, but then the man sunk into the shadows.
"Pathetic worm, he fled before I could finish him off." Link stood up and grabbed his sheathe from spring and put his sword away. Midna could still tell he was furious.
"Oh, don't worry you two I will be back so you better watch you back." The man's voice was audible but the source was unknown.
"You should watch your back because next time I will kill you, do you understand!" Link shouted back at the shadows.
"Good luck boy I'll be waiting." The voice faded. Link glanced around to make sure that the man was gone. Link shook a little before he collapsed into the spring. Midna ran over and grabbed him and held his head above water.
"Oh Link what was I thinking, I just waited on the sidelines while you fought to protect me." She sighed as she glanced up and noticed the moon had risen. When Link came around he opened his eyes all he saw was Midna's face lit up by the dull glow of the morning sun. Link groaned as he set up.
"Ugh, I really didn't need to deal with a fight so early after the temple." He stood up and rubbed his back. "Jeez, I hurt all over." He dropped back into the Hot Spring. Link happened to look up and notice that it was just about dawn. "Oh no, Midna how long was I out for?"
"Umm… you were probably out for about a couple of hours, why do you ask Link." She answered him. "Do we need to go soon?" She questioned Link back.
"Yeah, Epona's probably wondering what happened to me." He told Midna.
"Don't worry Link; Renado is probably taking care of her." She told the Hero.
"Yeah, but still we need to get a move on." Link stood up with a splash and walked out of the hot springs. "Midna wait here, I'm going to tell Darbus that we are leaving." Link made his way up the path leading to the Goron Throne Room. Midna waited in the hot springs for Link to come back. She slid into the hot springs and felt the warm water permeate her outfit. She let out a little sigh as she laid her head back. She was looking up at the clear blue sky of Hyrule. She watched the clouds drift lazily by and she could also feel a warm breeze blowing through the mountain. She closed her eyes and she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. She laid there for a while until she heard some splashing. She opened her eyes and saw Link's head. He was leaning over her and blocking the sun.
"Link, what are you doing here?" She asked him.
"Well I was coming to get you, but you seem pretty comfy so I might just let you sit for a bit." He said while sitting back down in the Hot Spring again. Midna sat up and looked at Link.
"Well are we going or what Link?" She asked the young Hero.
"Well I told Darbus we were going to leave so I assume the Gorons are going to arrive soon." Link responded to Midna. He saw Midna shudder a little. "Plus we need to leave eventually." He also told her.
"Yeah you have a point Link." She said while standing up out of the water. Link uncrossed his legs and stood up as well. They stepped out of the spring and made their way to Death Mountain Pass. Link made the not as grueling trek down the mountain. He arrived back in Kakariko Village and made his way over to Renado's hut. Link knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. Luda opened the door and saw that it was Link.
"Link you must be here for Epona right?" The young girl asked.
"Yeah I guessed that Renado might have taken her in." Link responded.
"Yes my father did, he took her out to the field to graze." She told the young Hero.
"Alright I'll go get her back." He told Luda before walking towards the main entrance of Kakariko Village. He exited the main entrance of Kakariko Village and stepped into Hyrule Field again. He saw that Renado was standing a few feet away with Epona. Epona was happily munching on grass while Renado watched. Renado glanced over and saw the familiar green-clad boy.
"Hello Link long time, no see." He told the young man as he walked up.
"Same to you Renado, I see Epona found someone to take her out to graze." Epona looked up and saw Link as well. Epona trotted over and nuzzled Link. "Yes girl, I'm happy to see you as well." Link said as he patted her on her muzzle. "Wait Renado where are all her saddle bags?" He questioned the shaman.
"Oh, I left those with my daughter." He answered Link.
"Okay, I was afraid Epona might have ditched them somewhere." He patted her again on the muzzle. "I'll get them later." He told the shaman.
"Alright well I was going to head back to the village anyway, so I'll get them for you." He told Link as he started back towards the village.
"Alright Renado thanks a lot." Link sat down in the grass of the field and gazed up at the afternoon sky. It was filled with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily across the skyline. Link sometimes thought to himself how it would feel to live the life of a cloud. Never having to do anything and with nothing to do but drift from place to place without a care in the world. Link was quickly jolted back to reality when he felt something grab his shoulder. He quickly turned his head around and relaxed. Midna had placed her hands on his shoulder as she too gazed at the clouds. Link wondered if she had ever dreamt the same thing. Link knew the Twilight Realm had not clouds or stars. He had been there and saw first-hand. It must be terribly bleak at night with no stars. Link was snapped back into reality when Epona nudged his hand. "Oh hi girl, I was just thinking." He said while petting her muzzle.
"Link, have I ever told you how much I love looking at the clouds and stars." Her voice was quiet. Link felt her hand leave his shoulder and she sat down next to him. She sat next to him and looked skywards. Her gaze fixed on the clouds now dyed purple and orange by the slowly sinking sun on the horizon.
"Midna mind if I ask a question?" He asked Midna.
"Sure." She responded sounding distant.
"What is it you find so mesmerizing about the clouds?" He asked his question.
"Well when you live and rule in a bleak place like the Twilight Realm, you start to appreciate the little things." She told him. "One such I thing I appreciate is companionship." She now stopped looking skyward and looked at Link. Link was now looking skyward at the now emerging stars. She was a little relived that Link didn't hear that last part. Link heard someone walking the grass behind them.
"Renado just throw the bags over Epona and take her back into town, I'll come and get her in a bit." Link told the shaman he couldn't see but knew was there.
"Alright," Link heard the response and lay back in the grass. He could see Renado was putting the bags on Epona and was about to grab her reins. Link whistled and Epona walked over to Link and nuzzled him.
"Trust me Midna I understand, it is very important." Link said out loud as he patted Epona's muzzle. Midna felt a little embarrassed that Link did hear that. She blushed a small bit. She too sat back in the grass and together they both gazed skyward for a while. Link finally broke the blissful stillness when he sat up and looked at Midna. Link could see the moonlight gleaming off of her skin again. He quickly averted his gaze before she noticed him. Midna looked at him and could tell something was bothering him.
"Link is something the matter?" Midna asked him.
"Nah, its nothing really… we should be getting back to town soon." Link pointed at the full moon now hanging in the sky. Midna silently nodded in agreement and she too sat up. Link stood up and reached down a hand to help her up. She grasped his hand and Link pulled her to her feet. They silently walked back into town. They arrived back in the town and headed towards the inn. Link looked up at the Inn's sign. Malo's face was plastered all over it.
"Link is that the same boy who took over the castle town market?" She asked the young Hero.
"Yep, that's the one and only Malo." Link told her. "The self-proclaimed Hero of Prices, I must admit the name is pretty clever." Link chuckled a little. "I can't believe he took over the Inn as well, I'm afraid he might own the whole village next time we come back." Link was laughed a little harder after he said that. Link opened the door and held it open for Midna. Link saw the man standing at the counter with a goofy smile on his face.
"Welcome to the Kakariko Inn!" The man said with scary enthusiasm.
"Yeah just give us a room," Link told the man and tossed two red Rupees on the counter. "And make it a nice one." And Link tossed another red one on the counter.
"Yes of course sir." The man turned to a rack of keys and grabbed a small golden key among all the brass ones. "Here you are sir you and your lady friend enjoy your stay." There was a small '06' printed on the key's tag. They went up the stairs and headed towards the end of the upstairs. They arrived at the door labeled '06'. Link opened the door with the small golden key. They both entered the room and glanced around. The room was shockingly lavish. It had fancy lace curtains with two large beds. Two dressers sat at opposite ends of the room. Nearby was a small table with two chairs. Link sat on one of the beds and sighed.
"Jeez it's nice to relax." He said as he fell back into the bed. Midna nodded in agreement. She sat down on the other bed. Suddenly the silence of the room was broken by the sound of growling. Midna looked at Link and he looked guilty.
"Link was that your stomach?" She asked Link.
"Yeah it was, guess I couldn't help it." Link was grinning like an idiot. "I haven't eaten since we left Death Mountain." Midna couldn't help but giggle at how silly Link can be sometimes. Link stood up and headed for the door.
"Link where are you heading off to?" She asked him.
"Don't worry Midna I'm just heading down to the kitchen to make something to eat." Link said as he pulled the door open and left the room. Midna was left to sit alone in the room. She looked out the window and saw Link standing outside. Link was standing outside and whistled the familiar tune that Epona loved so much. Midna had opened the window and could hear the melody drifting through the air. She closed her eyes and listened intently. Link head the pounding of hooves and Epona stopped in front of him. He reached into her saddle bags and retrieved a few things. Link went back through the main door and saw that the man behind the desk was no longer there. "Must have went home, I bet Malo works him to death." Link said before slipping into the unguarded kitchen. He set the pot on the range and lit it. He slaved away in the kitchen for a while. He finally spooned some into two bowls. He secured the lid on the pot and brought it with him. Midna jumped a small bit when the door opened. Link entered the room holding two bowls and a large pot. Link set the pot on one of the dressers and handed one of the bowls to Midna.
"Thank you Link." She said while taking the bowl from Link's hand.
"Yeah I know it's not much but it's the only thing I could make quickly." Link told her sleepily. Link sat on the bed and quickly finished his soup. He sat back on the bed and soon Midna heard his breathing slow down. She looked down at her bowl. The steam was slowly rising from the bowl. She hadn't touched it since Link gave it to her. She took a spoonful and tasted it. She always enjoyed Link's cooking and this was no different. She enjoyed the delicious soup and then she laid back on her bed as well. She watched the steam rise from the pot on the dresser. She continued to watch the steam as she slowly drifted into sleep.
Link was walking through a series of stone corridors. He could see Midna walking in front of him. He could here other footsteps. Suddenly Midna broke into a sprint and disappeared into the darkness in front of him. Link started to sprint to try and catch up to her. He ran into the darkness looking for her. He began to hear the footsteps grow louder. He ran into an open area and saw Midna standing in the middle of the area. She motioned for him to come closer. Link began to approach her when Link felt a chill up his spine. Link felt like something was very wrong here. He was watching as she motioned for him to come to her. Link was watching when a blade cut through Midna's chest. She fell to the ground. Link could see the same dark tunic wearing boy. His blade was dripping crimson. Link felt his rage began to build. He reached for his sword but grasped at nothing. The boy in the black tunic approached Link slowly. Link tried to run but his feet felt rooted in place. The boy walked closer and raised his sword. Just before the blade connected Link could hear Midna's voice. He bolted awake from his nightmare and looked around. Midna wasn't in the room. He panicked and grabbed his sword and flung the door open.
"Link your awake!" Midna said sounding shocked. Link took a few steps back and took a quick sigh of relief. He headed back over to his bed and sat down.
"Just a bad dream," Link said while shaking his head. Midna walked up to him, she was holding a tray with a few mugs on it.
"Link are you alright, you looked like you saw a ghost or something." Midna sat the tray down on the bed and grabbed one of the mugs. She grabbed the other one and handed it to Link. Link was going to grab it when he noticed his hands were shaking. Link put his hands down, hoping Midna didn't see.
"Don't worry about it Midna I'll drink it later just leave it on the dresser." Midna sat the mug down on the dresser.
"Link are you sure you're feeling okay?" She asked him again. Link could see that she was worried for him.
"Yeah, I just had a bad dream that's all." Link said while quickly wiping the sweat off his forehead.
"I think it was more than that Link." Midna told him. Midna always could read Link like an open book. Link let out a sigh.
"Well Midna you always could tell when I'm not telling the truth. " Link spoke after a short pause.
"Well then Link what was it really about?" Midna asked him.
"Well I was in a series of dark corridors, chasing after you but never quite catching up." Link explained his dream to Midna. "Then you ran into an open area," Link paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Then that little black boy killed you." Link paused and looked at the look of horror on Midna's face. Link continued with the explanation. "Then I tried to fight back but didn't have a weapon, before he could kill me as well I heard your voice and woke up." Link let out a sigh as he finished the explanation of the dream. Midna seemed stunned for a few moments. When she came to her senses she spoke to him.
"Link it was just a dream, I'm here now so there's nothing to worry about." Link was amazed how she kept calm even after that. "If they boy does show his face, I know you will protect me and I can aid you." Midna held his hand while she told him this. She let go of his hand and grabbed the mug on the dresser. "Now drink up, it'll help calm your nerves."
"Alright if you say so Midna," Link said grabbing the mug. "It's so nice having you here with me." Link was apprehensive to take a drink.
"Link it's just tea, relax and take a drink it will help." Link put the mug to his lips and took a drink. It was sweet tasting, but also with a hint of bitterness. Link took another sip and slowly began to feel his body relax.
"See Link I told you it would help your nerves." Midna said gloating a small bit. Link nodded his head in agreement. They both sat in the room enjoying the silence. Link finished his mug and sat it down on the dresser and stood up.
"I need to get some air." He said while making his way to the door.
"Link," Midna stopped him before he shut the door. "Be safe for my sake as well as your own." She finished her sentence.
"Don't worry I'll be fine, don't worry about me so much." Link said while closing the door with a chuckle. Link made his way downstairs and into the lobby. He exited the front door and stood on the porch of the inn. He whistled the tune that Epona loves. She came galloping along and stopped just in front of Link. Link hopped onto her back and kicked her sides causing her to break into a gallop. They rode together into Hyrule Field. They came to a stop below a large tree and Link dismounted Epona. He sat at the base of the tree and looked out at the clouds. Epona wandered off to go graze on some grass. Link felt the breeze began to pick up. Link also noted that storm clouds were gathering in the distance. He went to whistle for Epona when a hand grabbed him from behind. Link managed to wiggle out of the hold and get a look at his assailant. His assailant was none other than the black tunic clad boy. Link growled when he saw who it was. This was his chance to finally end him. He reached for the sword on his back, but grasped at nothing. Link saw Epona in the distance; she had to blade firmly attached to her saddle. Link had no choice but to avoid the boy and hope Epona notices. Link growled and prepared himself for a battle of endurance.
The boy took his chance and lunged for Link. The boy's blade stuck deep in the earth. Link again went to whistle when again the boy grabbed him. The boy abandoned his sword to stop Link. Epona looked up and towards the sounds of battle. She saw Link and took off towards the village.
"Epona, No!" Link shouted as he saw the horse take off towards the village. Link was going to have to have to handle this himself. Link cursed the fact that Epona ran. He grabbed the boy's small frame and threw him to the ground.
"Epona wouldn't have ran for no reason she must have a plan." he thought to himself. The boy stood up from the ground.
"This will be a lot easier without that meddlesome horse of yours." The young man was smiling manically. He dashed over and grabbed his sword.
"This just turned ugly." Link thought to himself. Link continued to dodge the boy's attacks. They were rapid and irregular, easy to dodge. Link heard someone shout out his name.
"Link look over here!" He leapt away from the boy and glanced over. He saw Midna running over to him. She had her sheathe on her back. She was also holding Link's Master Sword. She moved to intercept the boy's blade. She deflected his blade and parried one of the blows. The boy emitted a hiss of rage at the sudden change of odds. Link grabbed his sword and unsheathed it. He joined Midna in the fray. They both attacked the boy relentlessly. The boy didn't slack either; able to block attacks from two different angles at once. He jumped back and sunk into the shadow of the tree.
"See you two later." The boy waved as he sunk down into the shade. Link cursed as the boy evaded death yet again.
"Coward," Link shouted to the sky. "He got away again." Link kicked the dirt, he turned to Midna. "Thank you for showing up when you did, I would have been done for if it wasn't for you." Midna just nodded in response to him.
"I'm just glad I made it in time." She finally spoke after a long pause.
"How did you know I was out here?" Link asked the Twili.
"Well Epona came and got me, I saw her freaking out so I followed her out here." She explained to the Hero. Link was patting Epona on the muzzle.
"Thank goodness, I thought you abandoned me." Link told Epona.
"Well Link since we are already out here, how about we make our way to the Zora River." She told him.
"Yeah you got a point we are already here." Link responded back to her. Link hopped onto Epona and put his sword back in its sheathe.
"Got everything you need Link?" Midna asked Link.
"Yeah everything I care about, now let's get going." With that Link kicked Epona to get her galloping. They both made their way to Lake Hylia.
(Soooo sorry about how long this took to upload, I've been having a killer case of Writers Block. I'll see if I can beat out this case of Writers Block.)