A/N: This chapter was revised as of 5/14/2018 - Polished, minor errors and typos fixed.
This chapter was revised as of 6/24/2019 - Polished, bits re-worded.
When Heroes Fall
By: Selphie Kinneas 175
Chapter 8: Three Little Words
.:.
Colin couldn't sleep.
He clutched the apricot duvet to his chest, forcing his eyes closed in a futile attempt to drift off to a much-needed slumber, but his brain wouldn't allow it. He kept up a tough exterior for his nephew, but inside he was reeling over what happened with Link.
Link was his hero, his idol, his big brother. He looked up to him like he looked up to no one else in the entirety of the world crafted by the goddesses. He wanted to be like him, but more than anything he wanted his approval, his validation, his support – he yearned for it. Fifteen long years had only strengthened his idealistic image of his brother. Time had hardened it to a rock, solidified it to that of unbreakable stone. Yet, in a single moment, it all came crashing down. It shattered to a million pieces as if it had been nothing more than glass, ripped to shreds like mere parchment.
That strength was gone, and his resolve with it.
Ren was out cold. His physical and mental exhaustion more powerful than his emotions and rampant thoughts. Colin wished he could be so lucky. The boy snored ever so slightly with just parted lips, clearly in quite a deep sleep. Ren lay curled up on the sofa across from his uncle, comfortable and dreaming, and Colin couldn't take sitting up alone any longer.
He threw the blanket off of himself in an agitated fluster, making his way to the front door of the small home and stepping outside silently. The crispness of the night air immediately slowed his heart rate. He breathed in deep through his nose as he stood with his back to the entryway, and as he exhaled he gazed out before him.
He saw quiet alleyways and dark shadows. He saw only a handful of people trudging through the night at a snail's pace and various street cats licking their paws and mewing softly. The town this late at night almost reminded him of Ordon. It was so quiet and tranquil... Castle Town's least bustling hour was like Ordon's busiest, and at that he gave a meager chuckle to himself.
He stood on the front stairwell leading up to Shad and Ashei's home just simply thinking. His hands were at his sides and he did naught but stare straight ahead. His eyes did not focus on any one thing as he was very much inside his own head. He wondered if he should have never convinced Ren to leave in the first place. He wondered if his dad along with the rest of his family in Ordon had been right in saying it was a venture they shouldn't have taken. He wondered if, instead of helping Ren, he'd only further exposed his wounds.
He still knew his big brother was in there somewhere, he just didn't know how to pull him out. He had foolishly believed that simply finding him would be enough – as if he would instantaneously forget the years of torture and be the man he used to be. Thinking about it now, Colin knew it was naïve to think it would be so easy, but that realization didn't make it hurt any less. He remembered wondering as a child what he'd done wrong to make his brother leave without even telling him goodbye. He'd cried to his mother and asked for the goddesses to bring him back. They never did, and so he knew, one day, that he'd have to.
He just hoped he wasn't wrong for dragging Ren into it with him.
He was only barely aware of the door opening behind him then, and he glanced over his shoulder to see a friend stepping out.
"Care if I join you, old chap?" Shad asked, adjusting his glasses over his tired eyes.
Colin shook his head, "Not at all."
"Ahh..." the scholar exhaled as he stepped up beside him. He had also been unable to sleep, the unknown fate of his friends troubling his over-analyzing mind just the same. "Out for a spot of fresh air?"
"You could say that."
"No doubt a day full of challenges and surprises clouds your mind and makes finding rest a difficult task indeed."
Colin nodded but said nothing.
When they had arrived back at the former-resistance members' home earlier that day, neither of the Ordonians would elaborate on their meeting with Zelda or with Link. Upon questioning, they had simply said they wished not to talk about it. It irked Ashei decidedly more than Shad as she always had the shorter temper and the mostly-absent patience. Shad let them have their evening to relax, for he knew that if he were to push it it would only make them uncomfortable. Besides, he knew he would get the information sooner or later.
He just couldn't help but desire it sooner.
Shad pursed his lips and placed his hands in his pockets, "I take it your meeting with the queen went well?"
Colin shrugged, "I guess so, yeah. As well as it could have gone."
Shad didn't falter in his pursuit of information, "Is it far-fetched then to assume you found our dear Link out in the desert?"
Colin didn't move, replying evenly, "No, we did find him."
The scholar cast a sideways glance at his guest, the affirmation of the hero's eventual return sparking an excitement in him. He held back, not wanting to seem too pressing. He also knew that if he came off as anxious that that would rub off on Colin and make it difficult for him to discuss it. Undoubtedly, leaving the opportunity to elaborate up to him would provide better results.
"Ah..." he adjusted his robe nonchalantly, "What a splendid day that we should realize our hero is still ever amongst us, that he was simply lurking in the shadows."
The blond young man gazed down at his sandals, "I wouldn't necessarily say it was 'splendid.'"
"Oh?" Shad eyed him with curiosity, "What would you call it, dear boy?"
Colin looked up again, his eyes narrow as he recalled the events in his head in images. He saw Ren's distraught face, rejection and worthlessness the puppeteers. He saw Epona's weary demeanor, age and exhaustion the culprits. He saw Link's blank expression above all else, torment and remorse the masterminds that wove his sickly fate and brought him to the state of utter uncertainty that made him certain he was incapable of being what he was meant to be.
"Devastating," he decided at last, "That's what I'd call it."
"Oh..." Shad sympathized, "It did not go well?"
Colin was still, "He didn't really say or do anything. He was just like... a shell of himself or something. It wasn't the Link I remember."
"Hmm..." Shad murmured, resting his chin in his hand with his other arm folded over his chest.
"All I've ever wanted since I was a little kid was to see him again. I feel like every day of my life has just been growing the courage bit by bit to finally go searching for him. Then when I finally do," he shook his head, "He treats me like a stranger."
"Well," the red-haired man started after a few moments of silence passed, "Have you perhaps thought of how bizarre everything must be from his point of view?"
Colin sighed in aggravation, realizing this was about to turn into a lecture, "Yes, Shad."
"Now, now, dear boy, before you get defensive," the older man turned to face his friend's son straight on, "I do not mean that as an excuse for the old chap. I simply mean that as a way for you to better relate to him – to get him to open himself back up. It has been many long years since his departure and it is high time for the old boy to collect up his broken pieces and mend himself, but he needs help in doing so. I firmly believe you and Ren are what our lost hero needs."
Colin's eyes went downcast then as he pondered it.
"All his life he was the bigger person, the hero that put all others before himself and thought not of his own needs. It is time now that someone else is the bigger person that puts his needs above their own – don't you think he deserves that?"
"More than anything," the Ordonian answered without hesitation.
Shad smiled, "You're a good lad. Rusl, I imagine, is quite proud of you."
Colin reciprocated the kind gesture, and at that the scholar patted the boy on the shoulder and ducked back into the quiet home. He knew his visitor had stepped outside not only for fresh air, but to clear his thoughts and be alone. He did not want to impose longer than he needed to instill some wisdom.
The young man turned to face forward again, the smallest smile on his face as he thought about the mentor's words. He did want to help Link however he was able. He wanted more than anything to see him be the man he once was – to be the father Ren so desperately longed for. He knew he would do whatever it took... he just wondered what that could possibly be.
Something out of the corner of his eye suddenly withdrew him from his thoughts. It was cats... several cats dipping into the alleyway just around the corner.
Normally, he would have dismissed it as felines were common here, but when he fully shut off his mind was when he was finally able to hear something out of place. There was a faint tune on the air, so faint he was unsure if he was imagining things or if it was real.
His interest piqued, he followed the strays with caution. As he did, the sound gradually got louder, but it was still just ever so delicately quiet.
He peeked carefully around the corner to where the melody was coming from, and there was a man seated at the far end of the alley. He was perched atop a wooden crate, sitting with legs crossed and his back to him. There were at least a dozen cats, some sat beside him, some sat before him, and others sat simply in the vicinity. He had a dark cloak disguising his identity as he played a cheerful, yet slow tune. His heart told him he knew who this was, but that didn't stop him from standing silently at the entrance to the alleyway. He was scared to death of how this man would react if he saw him.
The song stopped, and a deep voice said calmly, "Come here."
Colin gulped, looking around frantically to see if there was anyone around that could have given his position away. There was no one, and he hadn't made a peep, yet the man still knew he was there without even turning around.
"Are you afraid of me?"
"N-No," Colin stuttered, apprehensively making his way over to his brother.
"Join me then," he offered softly, gesturing to another crate beside him.
Colin nodded and sat down without a word.
The hero lifted the instrument to his lips and played three simple notes adagio. Colin recognized the horseshoe shaped flute and could still recall the day Ilia gave it to her dear friend fondly.
He studied his older brother as he played a chipper tune rather somberly. His eyes were closed as his fingers gracefully covered and uncovered the holes on the small wind instrument, changing the pitch slowly from key to key. The rest of him was still, his cloak just barely rustling in the tiniest breeze that chilled Colin to the bone. His hood shadowed much of his face, and Colin couldn't help but wonder why he'd even invited him to sit with him if he still didn't intend to speak.
He gazed at him long and hard; it felt as if he poured his very soul into the notes filling the air. The cats were all mesmerized around him, seeming to find an extreme serenity in the strange man and his song. When his curiosity could hold itself back no longer, he had to interrupt.
"What are you doing here, Link?"
The hero didn't show any sign of a response until he came to a suitable place to stop in the melody.
He opened his eyes but didn't look at him, "I could ask you the same."
"You know why I'm here."
"No," he turned to him, "Why are you here right now? It's late, why aren't you asleep?"
"I could ask you the same," he smirked playfully.
Link looked away again, not indulging him, "I don't sleep much – too many nightmares."
Colin glanced down and away, feeling embarrassed for trying to be lighthearted. Link noticed this and, despite his brain telling him he didn't care, his heart reminded him of the little boy that looked up to him dearly. For that boy he would try to warm up his cold heart.
"Were you having trouble sleeping?"
The younger man looked up at him with the tiniest spark in his eyes, delighted that he was making conversation, "Yeah, I was."
"Because of what happened today?"
Colin gulped, "Y-Yeah."
Link nodded and cast his gaze elsewhere, silence filling the bitter atmosphere for only a moment. His eyes narrowed, struggling within himself to say something he felt he should say, but simply didn't want to. Guilt had never been much of a feeling he'd ever had to accustom himself to. There were many forms of pain and suffering that the goddesses had granted him a close personal relationship with, but regret had rarely been one. Now, however, disgrace and embarrassment were the two unwanted house guests he just could not get rid of.
"I should tell you I'm sorry," he turned to his little brother, "But I can't yet."
Colin's fragile hope waned, and it was apparent on his youthful, yet sad, face.
"I can't because..." Link breathed deep, "I know I can't uphold an apology yet. You apologize when you know you've done wrong, and when you intend to better yourself. I'm not there yet... And for that I am sorry."
Colin averted his gaze, a knot forming in his stomach that prevented him from speaking for quite some time. Link said no more, for he felt he had nothing more worth saying.
He peered from underneath his hood at his younger brother, amazed at how much the child from his memory had grown up. He still thought of him as the timid lad that kept to himself and only spoke when it was absolutely necessary. He remembered the little boy with bright, optimistic eyes always eager to greet him, not a care in the world to drag him down. He was so much older now, and he had the look as if years of trying to appear stronger than he was had weighed on him.
How much misery had he brought him? How many days did he wake up after his big brother left asking his parents when he would return? When did he realize his hero wasn't coming home? Did he cry... Was he heartbroken... Did he think it was his fault...?
No, it was his fault. And there it was again – the twinge of guilt. The sinking feeling of leaving loved ones to doubt. The aching in his chest as he wondered for a moment how everyone back home had been doing all these years. Had they given up on him? How was everyone taking the loss of Ilia? That was his fault too...
"It's okay," Colin snapped the hero from his thoughts, "I know you'll get there, Link. But it isn't me you have to convince."
Link took on a stern appearance, not wanting to be reminded of the son he'd been absent for. It made him feel that same inescapable guilt more than anything else did. It made him feel bitter. It made him feel shame. He wasn't ready to face it – to face him. The boy he'd forced to grow up fatherless and always wondering his worth. The boy who'd risked his life to find him in the desert only for him to shut him down. He couldn't face him. Not yet.
"Will you do something for me?" Link suddenly asked.
Colin eyed him inquisitively.
Link wouldn't look at him, instead keeping his face shadowed and turned away. He was embarrassed for what he was about to say, but he needed to say it.
"He has something I need," he whispered.
Colin furrowed his brow, "Who?"
"R-…" Link stuttered, pausing to sigh as the name practically hurt him to say, "Ren. He keeps it in his pocket... I need it."
The younger man looked no less confused, "I don't understand. What could Ren possibly have that you need?"
The hero irritatingly huffed, "Just never mind. I'll find a way to get it myself."
Colin knew that there was only one thing his brother desperately desired – it was what kept him in the desert for over a decade, "He has the piece of twilight you want?"
Link turned to him on a dime, "How do you know about that?"
"Shad and Zelda both told us that was what you were after."
Link glanced away again, only temporarily frustrated that his friends would divulge so much of what he was doing. At least now he had less he had to explain, he thought.
"So then you understand why I need it."
Colin appeared downtrodden, realizing that his hero was wanting him to get the crystal from Ren, "I don't know, Link..."
Link caught a glimpse of his sibling's distressed look out of the corner of his eye. He refused to acknowledge it as it would only make things more difficult. The longer he ignored those incessant house guests perhaps they would get fed up and take their leave.
"If you want to help me, meet me at the top of Zora's Domain at dusk tomorrow."
With that, he stood up and headed back toward the main street as silent as the grave, cats following him as he went.
"Link, wai-" Colin turned in a flash, but the hero was nowhere to be seen. "Ugh," he exhaled deeply, hanging his head as he contemplated what to do.
He wanted to help Link, he really, truly did. In fact, he had just told Shad that it was what he wanted more than anything. But it felt... insensitive to Ren. The poor boy wanted nothing more than a father, but all that father wanted was something his son had. It tore Colin's heart in two. On one hand, helping Link may mend his tattered soul and bring him to a place where he could at last be that father Ren so desired. But on the other hand, helping Link would mean essentially using Ren, and that felt... appalling.
He looked down at the cobblestones in defeat, admiring one little tabby cat that had stayed behind. It rubbed affectionately against his leg, uttering cute little mews as it did so. Colin smiled before an exhausted yawn wiped it away, reminding him of how tired he really was.
He got to his feet and reached his hands toward the cloudy sky, taking in a deep breath and holding it as he stretched. He relaxed his muscles and exhaled slowly, deciding it was high time he retried that whole sleep thing; he could decide what to do in the morning when his mind was refreshed, after all.
He stepped out onto the street, an eerie breeze rolling past as the pavement was devoid of citizens. Right as he was about to turn left to return to Shad and Ashei's house, a faint humming reached his ears that he just couldn't ignore. He turned but saw nothing, so he followed the sound.
It took him down a street he'd never seen before. There was grass alongside the road and little flowers sprinkled throughout. That was when he caught sight of a beautiful girl. She swayed and hummed in the moonlight, her long hair flowing like water. There were dozens of fireflies surrounding her, forming an otherworldly image that looked like magic. Colin thought it looked like they were all dancing together, and he couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the charming sight.
The girl whirled around at the disturbance, and Colin instantly went rigid.
Once she caught sight of the boy looking bashful and meaning no harm, she grinned, "Hello there, stranger. Have you come to play with the bugs as well?"
Colin's jaw fell open, but no words came out.
She lifted her hand to her mouth as she giggled, "No need to be frightened! They're sweet, gentle creatures!"
The girl closed the gap between them, grabbing the young man's arm and pulling him toward the gathering of fireflies.
"You look like you could use some li'l buggy cuddles," she chirped joyfully.
Colin was dumbfounded, "I-I-I do?"
She smiled, "Yes, silly boy, you do. When life gets me down, I go to nature. The greenery and the bright colors make me happy, and the bugs just warm my heart."
Colin looked at her confusedly – he couldn't believe this girl was even talking to him; he must really have looked like he was scared and alone in the dark.
"What brings you out so late, stranger?"
He glanced up at her for only a second, his eyes meeting her brilliant amethyst ones for the briefest moment before his nerves kicked in and he could look at her no longer. Goddesses, he'd never seen eyes like that. His heart beat so hard it almost hurt. He looked down and away, avoiding her mesmerizing gaze like the plague.
"I – uh, well, I – I just, I couldn't sleep," he stuttered almost incoherently.
"Me, too," the girl confided, "I like to come out to the fireflies when I can't sleep – they're just so soothing with their pretty lights and their calming spirits."
Colin could only take glimpses of the mystery girl. He knew she was the same one he'd seen just the other day when they'd arrived at Castle Town by the flowers outside. Her hair had sparkled in the sunlight like he'd never witnessed that day...
"I'm Agitha," her voice cut through his daydream like a knife, her petite hand outstretched towards him, "And you are?"
He took her soft hand shakily, his voice catching up what felt like years later, "C-… Colin."
"Nice to meet you, Colin!" she exclaimed chipperly, lifting one side of her dress ever so slightly, "If you ever need a friend to comfort you, the bugs and I are always here! But it is quite late, and we should both get some sleep before the goddesses bring up the sun!"
He smiled and gave an awkward nod, to which the girl gave him a peck on the cheek, waved, and skipped out of the clearing.
He turned to watch her leave, and he still just kept smiling. He almost wondered if he had dreamt the whole thing. His heart felt a warmness he'd never experienced before. It pitter-pattered harshly against his chest, worrying him that it would burst. He already longed to see her again, and he hoped he would get that chance.
For now, that brief encounter had relaxed his tension and melted away his uneasiness. His trepidation and anxiety simply tapered away like a leaf in the wind. She made him feel light, much akin to the fireflies she cherished. He suddenly knew what he needed to do, and he felt confidence in his decision.
He would meet Link at Zora's Domain with the twilight crystal.
Morning came, and Ren awoke to clanking in the kitchen. He rubbed his eyes groggily and sat up to see everyone else already gathering around the table for breakfast.
"Morning, sleepyhead!" Aveil greeted, leaping onto the back of the couch he sat upon.
Shad glanced over his shoulder, happily stirring a pot of porridge over the stove, "Why, I dare say, dear boy, we all thought you would sleep the whole day away!"
Aveil laughed, and Ren scratched the back of his head as he turned to look outside – the sun had been up for a while, but it was still early.
"Come, have some breakfast. Likely to have a big day ahead of you!"
At that Ren was admittedly a bit confused, but he shrugged it off as he assumed he meant on their journey back to Ordon. His father had proven to be a waste of his time, and they clearly just needed to go back home. Colin, however, shot the scholar a look when Ren wasn't paying attention.
He meandered tiredly over to the undersized table and plopped down in the chair beside his uncle. He truthfully wasn't in the mood for pleasantries, but he appreciated the hospitality, and was taught by his mother to always be grateful. Shad dished out the piping hot meal, and everyone ate mostly without conversation. Ashei rolled her eyes at the awkward small talk her husband tried to make to avoid what Colin had told him, and Aveil hung on Ren's every move, but he ignored the crush tactfully.
At that point Ren was eager to get going. He'd felt such an intense amount of disappointment that he wanted nothing more than to confide in his dear friend Calie back home. He wanted to cuddle up with Mila in the grass at the ranch and watch the clouds roll past. He wanted to go to his mother's resting place and tell her he was sorry for everything... but mostly for ever leaving to try and find his dad. He should have taken his mother's word that he was beyond saving. He felt stupid for having so much faith in him, for truly believing it would be so easy as meeting him and taking him home in one fell swoop.
He felt as though he was the most ignorant person in all of Hyrule, and he wanted nothing more than to find solitude in his family back home. He just wanted to forget about it all – the sooner he could go back to living like his father didn't exist, the better.
The young boy wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, politely dismissing himself from the table. He grabbed his belongings from the couch and headed to the door with a look to his uncle. Their hosts likely would have argued against leaving so suddenly, but they knew what Colin intended to do, and they knew they would see them again soon.
Colin nodded in thanks to his older friends and followed after his nephew with haste. He contemplated in his mind all the while exactly how he would execute his plan. While he loved Link and was doing this for him, he also loved Ren with all his heart. He would never intentionally hurt him, so it was important that he figure out how to go about it without upsetting him or making him feel used.
The question was... how? He hoped he'd just figure it out along the way.
"Hey, uh, Ren?" he spoke up, following him through the crowds of Castle Town.
Ren stopped and turned to him, but his face held no emotion and he spoke no words.
"How about we go see Zora's Domain before we head home?" he questioned, his eyes darting about anxiously, "I hear it's beautiful and I'd love to see it for myself."
Ren perched an eyebrow, "Zora's Domain? Really?"
Colin nodded, "Yeah, I mean, why not? Wouldn't you like to expand your horizons and see more beyond the line of trees back home?"
Ren glanced down at his Ordon sandals, the soles hardly worn and his feet barely dirty. It was true, he longed to see the world outside the forest. He wanted his shoes to fall apart from miles traveled. He wanted his feet to be covered in the dirt of foreign lands and regions unknown to him. He wanted blisters and scars and bruises to prove he had seen it all. It was something he had hoped he would do with his father, but for now... this would do.
He looked back up at him with just a hint of a smile, "Okay, let's go. I've always wanted to meet a zora."
Colin beamed, ignoring that twinge of worry as best he could, "Alright!"
They headed towards the outskirts of town where they had left their steeds in a flurry the day before. They were happily munching on some of the foliage by the stream, and Ren smiled when Mila whinnied in excitement at her master's return. They hopped in the saddles and began their trek north, following the river.
There was no conversation between the two – not even so much as a peep. Ren was still deeply affected by the way his father had treated him, and Colin was growing more and more apprehensive of what was to come when he would bring his nephew to Link. Would Ren be angry with him? With both of them? Would he refuse to give up the crystal out of spite? That was what Colin feared the most... for he could only imagine what Link would do should Ren decide to hurt his father the way in which he had hurt him. He had cast several studying gazes his companion's way, but all went unnoticed, for the boy was entirely in his own head. He appeared to be profoundly hurt, and for that reason Colin prayed to the goddesses that Link would be compassionate.
It wasn't nearly as far of a journey to the domain as it was to the desert, and so it didn't take them long to arrive. It was just nearing sundown – they were right on time.
Part of the king's project to bring all of Hyrule together had seen stairs built leading up to Zora's Domain. He had claimed that it was a way for all races to live harmoniously, a way for them to grow to better understand one another and connect each other. His real reasoning, however, was to arrest control over every region of the land. The zoras and gorons each had their own respective leaders and their own way of governing their people. It had been a war kept secret, the majority of the populace not granted knowledge of its existence. Everyone was led to believe the king had implemented terms of peace, a treaty to bring all the races together. But no, that 'peace' was presented in the form of war, and it ended with the king the victor.
King Viscen declared it the Unification Movement. It saw manmade steps defile the zora's sacred waterfalls. It saw paved roads carve through the goron's precious rocks. The bridge connecting Lake Hylia to Gerudo Desert put in place all those years ago by the then-princess Zelda was turned into an elaborate decoration, tall spires and peaks rising from the bridge adorned in silver and gold. It saw winding pathways disturb the slumbering snows up the summit of Snowpeak. All lands were connected, and all lands bowed to the whim of the mad king who most everyone falsely believed was their savior.
Colin and Ren emerged into the clearing in awe. The enormous waterfall splashed loudly just beyond the sparkling pool before them. The grass here was an even more brilliant green than that which Ren already found beautiful in his hometown, likely due to the serene waters keeping it lush and lively. The lake was stunning, but it had a bit of an odd coloring to it that Ren found to be a bit strange. Stranger still was the absence of the people who lived here.
"Where are all the zoras?" Ren asked, turning to his uncle who was clearly lost in his own mind.
"Hm - wha?" he shook his head, snapping himself from his thoughts, "O-Oh sorry. Uh, maybe they're at the top?"
Ren furrowed his brow, put off by the older man's peculiar behavior. He had no idea that Colin's brain was turning itself inside out, that his stomach was doing somersaults, and that his heart beat punitively against his chest. He was so nervous that he may have made the wrong decision. Should he have told Link in the alley last night that he wouldn't put Ren's feelings at risk? Should he have just said no?
But he wanted to help Link. He wanted it with every fiber of his being. He wanted to see him be the big brother he remembered again. He wanted to do his part in mending his weary soul, in easing his pain and soothing his wounds. He just hoped, in doing so, he wouldn't break his nephew just the same.
Ren followed slowly up the long, winding steps, wondering what the zoras thought of this manmade staircase. He couldn't wait to meet them. He had lots of questions, but beyond that he was simply intrigued by their people and culture. He'd heard stories of the race of 'fish-people,' and he'd only ever heard nice things. He knew of Prince Ralis who was now the king of the zoras and how his father had saved him decades ago. He wanted to meet him the most; funnily enough, he mostly just wondered what they looked like.
He breathed heavy as they drew nearer to the top, his uncle strangely dragging his feet almost in fear of reaching their destination.
Ren looked at the back of his head confusedly, finally daring to ask, "What's wrong, Uncle Colin? You've been acting weird since we got here."
Colin cast a glance over his shoulder, "Oh, nothing. Just... out of breath from the stairs, you know?" he chuckled nervously.
Ren didn't buy it, but he left it alone for now, thinking he would just wait until they were done climbing.
They passed under several smaller waterfalls as they ascended, the overbearing rushing sound of all the water making it hard to speak anyway. It was a truly breathtaking place – Ren imagined he could sit here relaxing for hours. It reminded him much more of home than Castle Town did, but it was still so different. It was open with room for the sun to pour in, its light sparkling and dancing off of the water as well as the wet rock and cliffside. It was tall, whereas home was wide.
His gaping came to an abrupt halt when he reached the top of the stairs behind Colin and saw two people standing ahead of them that he least expected. He froze dead in his tracks, his eyes locking into those of his father who stood beside the queen.
"Why did you bring me here," the boy asked monotonously and barely above a whisper, the sound of the nearby waterfall making it so only the intended party could hear it.
Colin glanced between him and Link tensely, but another voice cut through the air before he could utter a reply.
"I'm glad you both decided to come," the hero stated, his hood down and his hair rustling in the strong wind. He stood tall, the master sword pointed steel-down before him with his hands clasped atop the hilt.
Ren turned to Colin in a fluster, "'Decided' to come? Why is it I had no idea then? He asked you to bring me here? Why?"
"I-" Colin muttered, but was once again interrupted.
"I need what you have in your pocket," Link blurted, his face stone.
Ren looked at him bewildered. His brow was tight and his eyes narrow. He reached his hand into his pocket, running his fingers across the mysterious piece but not retrieving it.
Zelda placed a gloved hand on her hero's forearm, whispering to him to be a bit gentler. Ren noticed, and his temper was quickly rising.
"You mean that's the only reason you wanted to see me? To steal from me?"
Link gave a half-hearted chuckle, "It's not stealing. It was once mine, and I am asking for it back."
"I don't understand," the boy shook his head, "You-You think you can just..." he was so angry he could barely find the words he wanted to say, "You think you can just treat me like you did and then just-just..." he shook his head again.
The queen wanted to console the boy, but she knew it was not her place to do so. The conflict was between father and son, and if she were to step in it wouldn't allow them to figure out how to talk and work things out with one another. Her heart ached for Ren, but she could only pray that the hero regain his tact and compassion, sooner rather than later.
"Son, please-" Link tried, but it was enough to make Ren's blood boil.
"'Son'? What right do you have to call me that!" he yelled furiously, "You only claim me when it suits you. I can't believe I wanted to find you so badly. I..." he quieted to a whisper, "I hate you."
He turned and stormed down the first few steps. Link's heart stung painfully at his choice of words, and for a moment he was paralyzed at the ensuing discomfort. Ilia would be so disappointed in her hero if she could see him now, and that thought made his blood run cold.
He brought Ren to a halt when he called his name in an endearing tone that the boy had not yet witnessed.
"Ren," Link outstretched a hand in his son's direction, "I have wronged you and I will make it up to you. I can't just yet, but I promise you that one day, I will."
Ren froze. He bit his lip hard, wanting so badly to spin back around and scream at him. He couldn't believe his audacity... His gall! He'd never felt so betrayed, so deceived. He felt like a complete and utter fool, and, honestly, he was embarrassed.
He concentrated his animosity into his clenched fists and exhaled. He reached into his pocket and grabbed the twilight crystal. He held it firmly in his hand for several heartbeats, his pulse pounding brutally against his wrist. In one fluid motion, he turned and threw the crystal at his father.
With a snide scowl he spat, "Take it. I'm going home."
Link leapt forward to catch it before it could hit the ground and shatter even further, and Ren wasted no time in taking his leave. Colin shouted his name and dashed down the stairs after him, but he did not wait for him.
The hero frowned as he watched them go, but Colin's calls were quickly masked by the sounds of the water. He wouldn't look at Zelda; he knew she would be disapproving of his behavior. Instead, he held the crystal up and eyed it closely, dozens of painful memories flooding back in. There was a pang of fear upon touching it that he would become a wolf again, but he knew that because of the absence of twilight that that wouldn't take place, and for that he was glad.
Zelda appeared forlorn, "Link... Ren was quite hurt."
Link sighed, "I know, but I'll make it up to him."
The queen pursed her lips, knowing that he meant it, but concerned that when that time came it would be too late.
"My, my," an unexpected voice suddenly startled them from behind.
Link instantly grasped the hilt of his blade and assumed point in front of the queen. She took on a look of pure, unbridled distress when she noticed who it was emerging from the zora's throne room.
"So strict – so cold – with your own child," it was the king, and he was dragging Emeline with hands bound by the arm. "How intriguing it is to me that you - the hero! - should be so selfish!" he laughed devilishly, "I love it."
"What do you think you're doing, Viscen?" Zelda hissed through gritted teeth, watching her daughter like a hawk from behind her protector, "Why are you even here?"
"Why, my sweet!" he sneered, ever drawing nearer, "For the same reason you are."
The crazed king walked with his daughter in tow past his wife and the hero to the edge of the cliff. He stood beside the waterfall and pulled Emeline closer and closer to the edge as she whimpered. She grunted and huffed in pure horror, turning to look down the waterfall her father loomed her over, and then at her mother with pleading eyes. Zelda gazed at her longingly, disobeying her heart's order to run to her. Her mind was smart enough to know that one wrong move could draw her child's last breath from her lungs in the unpredictable hands of Viscen.
The queen was dumbfounded. She had warned her hero years ago that the king was not all he seemed, and she'd spent her life wondering when the tipping point would be. She knew he would out himself as the villainous man he was at heart eventually, but she never suspected he would do so in this manner. She worried for her daughter's safety in her father's presence from time to time, but she never felt like she had to worry for her life – until now.
"What do you want with the portal to twilight?" Link demanded with force, both in his voice and in his protective stance. He happened to be completely unsurprised by the king's actions, but he also hadn't spent most of his life living with this man to grow even the slightest form of trust that his family had. He could feel Zelda's every emotion; her uneasiness penetrated his very soul. He could feel her uncontrollable wrath for her husband and her relentless concern for her daughter above all else.
Viscen clicked his tongue, "Is it not obvious, hero? I desire to rule over all lands, of course."
Link smirked, thinking of his princess on the other side and imagining how she would laugh at such an uninspired endeavor, "No one can rule over all lands, Your Majesty," he mocked, "Others have tried, and I stopped them just as I will stop you."
The king laughed whole-heartedly, "Such a barbaric view of conflict! Why, for the goddesses' chosen one you resort to violence quite quickly."
"You're the one holding the girl hostage."
"'The girl'?" he implored, a hand to his heart feigning hurt feelings, "She is much more than a girl. She is the princess! My heir! My daughter, Princess Zelda Emeline Hyrule is her name, hero, and you will respect it."
"How can you speak of any form of respect as you threaten her life?" Zelda seethed.
"Oh, my dearest wife... You always have been much too delicate with our daughter," he glared at the girl beside him, gripping her arm tighter and tighter.
Emeline whimpered in fear, refusing to look at her abuser as she used all her might to try and pull herself away from him.
"Strong leaders of the world are not raised with gentle hands. Powerful people are brought up with an iron fist. It teaches them to be tough and unforgiving! The heir to my throne will not be a soft ruler – she must be groomed to be powerful!" he clutched firmer, "She must be ruthless!" harder, "She must be... cold," he leaned in close and spoke the last in her ear.
She squirmed, frantic to get free. She was hurt, this man being her father above all else, and a man she loved no matter how poorly he treated her. She thought he loved her too, even despite his callous attitude towards her throughout her life. This, though... This was too much. She couldn't trust him anymore.
He placed his hand on her cheek and turned her face to him. She resisted as long as she could, but he overpowered her. He smirked mischievously, and as soon as her eyes met his she conjured up the courage to spit in his face.
"AGH!" he bellowed, withdrawing himself from her but still gripping her arm harshly as he wiped his free hand down his face.
She squealed at the pain in her arm, her hand losing feeling as her limb grew more and more red the rougher he clamped down on her.
"How dare you! You disrespectful, ungrateful, nasty little c-"
"Unhand her you vermin!" Zelda yelled, fury thick in her usually composed voice, stepping forward but Link moving as well in order to keep himself in front of her.
Viscen's jaw clenched as he collected himself, his rage simmering down with only a slight struggle. He exhaled and rolled his shoulders before shrugging, "If you insist."
Zelda's already panicked heart burst from her chest when he let go of Emeline's arm. Her momentum in pulling away from him nearly sent her flying off the cliff only for him to pull her back at the last possible millisecond. The girl screamed at the top of her lungs, and at that he cackled maniacally.
"What is the purpose of this!" the queen fumed, not caring in the slightest to maintain any sort of royal decency when her daughter's life was on the line.
"Oh, my love," Viscen cooed condescendingly, "I was under the impression you possessed the triforce of wis-"
Zelda held Link back and stepped out from behind him, cutting her husband off as she knew what he was about to say, "I know you have the pages from the book about the portal to the twilight realm. I know that you are here for some deluded dream of opening said portal. I do not know why our daughter is brought into this and put in danger!"
He narrowed his eyes at her, deeply infuriated that she would dare interrupt him, but he kept himself composed. He looked at her, then at his terrified daughter, then back at his wife.
"Well, leverage, of course," he articulated.
"What do you want?" Link demanded, moving to once again stand between him and the queen. He wanted to run to the young princess just as much as his companion, but they both knew that Viscen was crazy, and it was impossible to tell what he may or may not do at any given moment. They couldn't risk Emeline's life – they had to play along; it was the only way they could keep her safe.
"Now, now," the king chided, a look of mock upset on his chiseled face, "No need to protect our fair queen; I would never harm my lovely family – unless the situation called for it."
"Just tell me what you want so that Emeline can get to safety," Link urged, not caring about the talking anymore as he took a more offensive stance.
Viscen grinned, "It's simple really! Just that shiny sword you've got there, hero."
Link furrowed his brow, but Zelda was quick to whisper in his ear, "Do not give him anything he asks for."
The king noticed her lips move, but was unable to hear her, "I do need it if I intend to open the lovely portal we're all after, isn't that right? Isn't that what you found on the pages I ripped from the book you sought?"
Link stared him down but said nothing. Viscen's dark hair blew in the wind kicked up from the waterfall beside him, and his cloak rustled just the same. His square jaw was visibly tight even beneath his short beard. His masculine features were tense with uncertainty, but there was a cockiness in his brown eyes that told Link he was much too confident that he had outsmarted them all.
He couldn't deny that he was concerned he was right.
"A sword and two pieces are all I need, and then the twilight is mine, as is everything that I want."
He smirked, but Link and Zelda were silent, knowing tyrants and keen on the fact that he was about to segue into his overall plan.
"I wanted Labrynna, and it became mine. I wanted Hyrule, and it became mine. I wanted this domain, I wanted the mountain of fire, I wanted the mountain of snow, I wanted the desert – all of them, mine," he grinned diabolically, glaring at his enemies through bushy brows, "And now, the twilight will be mine just the same."
Zelda glared at him, reading his every motivation through his body language, but Link was the one who spoke up.
"We will take Hyrule back, and you will not have the twilight."
"You won't!" he screamed, pushing Emeline closer to the edge as she squealed in fear, "And I will! Labrynna has always sat in the shadow of this wretched excuse of a kingdom! Hyrule, the land supposedly touched by the goddesses... No more! No more will my homeland be shunned by the deities! I will garner their attention myself! I will wrest control over all their lands and show them that I am deserving of their blessing! ME!"
The king rose to an all-out banter, and all went silent in his presence. He heaved deeply, his hand to his chest as he proclaimed his intentions. He glanced around the faces staring at him, and all were wide-eyed and voiceless. He cleared his throat, adjusted the tie of his robe around his neck, and spoke calmly.
"Seeing as you are in the giving mood, I will also take your pieces of light and twilight."
Viscen gave a sinister smirk, his free hand held out and waiting. Link studied him long and hard, only the sound of the rushing waters beside them filling the silence. Their eyes locked for what felt like eternity as the hero pondered his next move. Before he could make one, the king made his own.
He took such a step so that his fancy slipper teetered on the edge of the steep cliff and he held his arm out above the void. He held onto his daughter only by the bonds at her wrists, letting her dangle in midair above the raging waters. She screamed at the top of her lungs, shredding her vocal chords as she looked down. She immediately regretted it, watching her feet hang eons above the water. She cried in horror as one of her shoes fell off and tumbled down the fall that she feared she could follow at any moment.
Zelda gasped and started to charge at him. He loosened his grip on Emeline only by a bit just so that she could visibly drop with an, "Ah, ah, ah!" The queen stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes begging to tear up in dread, but she wouldn't allow him that pleasure.
"I don't ask for much, truly," he feigned sadness, "What are a few trinkets for the life of a child?"
Link stepped forward, and even though Zelda heeded him against it, he said, "Here." He lay down his sword on the wet rock at his feet, as well as the shard of the twilight crystal and the single remaining light arrow gifted from the light spirits all those years ago, "Take them."
Viscen's face glowed evilly, but he knew he had them wrapped around his finger and wasn't about to stop there, "There is one more thing..."
He stroked his chin with his free hand. He glanced at his daughter, wriggling and screaming, then to the hero, defensive and calculating, and lastly to the queen, terrified and trembling. He looked her square in the eyes and stated, "You have to jump."
"What!" Link yelled, "That's not-"
"I wasn't speaking to you! You ill-mannered-"
"If I jump," Zelda spoke calmly, "You will put her down and no harm will come to her."
"Of course, my dear," he sneered, and with a beckoning arm, Zelda approached him.
"What do you gain from attempting to kill your queen!" Link screamed, "Your people will hate you! You will be excommunicated! You-"
"I will not!" Viscen roared, the forcefulness in his voice surprisingly rattling the hero, "My people adore me! And they will not know what happened. They will mourn for their widower king. They will feel pity for me, and they will hate the hero who murdered their beloved queen."
"You sick-" Link gritted his teeth, but a look from Zelda silenced him.
Zelda swallowed hard as she neared the edge, and Viscen was quick to procure another rope. He motioned for Link to come nearer, and he did so with clenched fists.
"Would you do the honors?" he smiled wickedly, handing him the rope and looking to his wife.
Link's eyes narrowed in pure disdain. The look on his face reminded the queen of when he had stared down the great king of evil all those years ago – his expression displaying naught but utter contempt. He looked like he could lunge and kill the man at any given moment.
"Link," Zelda interjected, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him toward her, his eyes locked into the king's all the while. "It's okay," she reassured, extending her wrists to him.
She stared down the rapids before her, fear impaling her heart but not for herself, for her daughter. She looked over at her dangling helplessly above death, tears in her eyes as she gazed imploringly back at her mother.
"Let me tell you... The zora here did not appreciate my leadership! They-" Viscen began, going into his own personal monologue that none cared to listen to. Instead, Link took the opportunity to talk to the queen in confidence while the king was too preoccupied with himself to hear it.
"I will save you and your daughter," he whispered, working slowly to loop the rope around her wrists, "Take in the deepest breath you can and hold it. Do not overexert yourself once you hit the water or you will lose air faster – close your eyes and try, though it's hard, to remain calm. I will save you as quickly as I am able."
"Just ensure my daughter is safe... Please," she replied, gazing up at him pleadingly.
He paused, looking back up at her. The fear in her eyes shaking him to the core, "I will, prin-"
"She is of the utmost importance. See to it that she is out of harm's way before you even consider coming to my aid," she reiterated more seriously, and to that Link could only nod.
"-the zora clearly needed to learn a lesson, which is why the water is poisoned," Viscen concluded, quite keen on the fact that they had not been listening.
Link and Zelda turned to him wide-eyed in a flash, but before anything more could be said, he reached and shoved his wife over the edge.
"MOM!" Emeline sobbed, pulling against her father's clutches.
Link gasped, but just as he was about to immediately dive after her he remembered what she asked of him. He composed himself, using every ounce of self-control within to keep himself from assaulting this man. He knew he was unpredictable, and he couldn't put Emeline's life in danger as it was still so very much in his hands.
"You've gotten everything you asked for. Now," Link reached out his palm, "I will take Emeline to safety."
"Hmm," the king pondered aloud, "That is an idea. However, I like mine more," and in a second flat, he dropped her.
Link's heart fell into his stomach as her panicked screams reached his long ears. He wasted no more time indulging the demented king. He didn't care that the pieces he needed still lay on the ground behind him - he had to save the queen and princess, no matter the cost. He took a few steps back before making a mad dash towards the edge of the cliff where the waters roared viciously. He heard Viscen howling in maniacal laughter as he leapt off the edge and dove through the air.
As soon as he jumped he saw Emeline hit the water far below with a massive splash. He sliced through the air like a knife, his eyes squinting as the wind pushed against them harshly. It was a long drop, and he was already terrified for their safety before knowing that poison laced this once-sacred pool. He had no idea the strain, the potency, or even if the king had been telling the truth. He had to assume the worst, though, and it made sense that the zoras were absent for that reason. He hoped the gentle, aquatic people had made it down stream before the worst could happen.
He carved through the air, body intent and mind focused. His hands above his head and his feet pointed behind him, he prepared for impact in a perfect dive position. He took in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and dove into the water, making nary a sound.
When he reopened his eyes, they were on fire. The water burned with such ferocity that he had to battle himself just to keep them open. It was dark and hard to discern much, but the bubbles rising up from Emeline's descent were still present. She was kicking and flailing in her heavy, light-colored dress, the fear causing her to panic. She was steadily nearing the bottom, and as Link swam as fast as he could toward her, her terrified eyes slowly shut and her thrashing came to a stop.
He wrapped his arms around her and kicked off of the rock at the bottom of the pool with all his might. His foot slipped on the slimy algae, and he almost swallowed water at the shock. He quickly composed himself and tried again. He stared up at the surface, his vision fading and the bubbles racing. He pumped his legs harder and harder, finally breaking free with a resounding gulp of air.
Nearby, Ren and Colin had been preparing to mount their steeds and head home after having an entirely one-sided argument. Colin tried to defend himself, but Ren wouldn't listen, and refused to reply. They stopped short when the sound of water splashing and heavy breathing caught their attention. Ren whirled around to see Link wobbling up and down in the ripples on his way to the shore with the princess in tow.
"Emeline!" the boy shouted, sprinting over to the girl that Link lay on the grass.
Colin followed him, staring at Link with deep concern in his eyes, but the hero said nothing.
With extreme haste, Link dove back underwater. His eyes were scalding and begging him to put them to rest, but he simply couldn't. He scanned the bottom of the pool, the darkness of the poisoned water coupled with the absence of the sun making it impossible to see. The waters were deep as well, allowing the queen to become virtually invisible. He would not waste the time of going back to the surface for air until he found her – every moment she spent submerged without air was a moment closer to death, and Link refused to let that happen.
Pondweeds and lake grass attempted to conceal her, but the colorful tendrils of her dress reaching for the surface caught his eye. He grabbed her as firmly as he could and kicked off the bottom of the lake with exceptional force, needing every ounce of speed he could garner. Her garments were considerably heavier than the princess' - the extra weight providing him an exceedingly difficult climb back to oxygen. He was particularly familiar with the feeling of losing consciousness, and he was so close. He was only seconds away from losing the strength when they at last broke the surface.
His sharp inhale sent a shiver down Colin's spine. He breathed deeper and harder than the two native Ordonians had ever heard; he was literally gasping and heaving to draw in air. Colin moved to hop in the pool and aid his big brother, but a stern, "No!" stopped him immediately.
He struggled and bobbed in the lake, sluggishly getting both himself and the queen to the shore. The difficulty was in maintaining the stamina to keep her weight from dragging them both back down, and he almost lost his grip on her several times.
He reached the edge of the grass with a laborious huff. He handed the queen's motionless form to the boys to assist in pulling her up while he threw his own body on the ground in sheer exhaustion. The girls were both unconscious, and he was dancing on the edge of it only by his own determination to ensure that Ren and Colin knew what to do.
Ren turned Emeline onto her back and removed her bindings, just as Colin did the same with Zelda. Link lay on his stomach with his legs still wading in the water, not having the energy to pull himself all the way up. He wheezed and panted arduously. When he felt the hands of darkness coming to take him away, he reached under the top of his tunic and pulled out the instrument from around his neck. He placed it to his lips and blew one note with extreme effort, only for it to come out quiet and choppy. He had to pause to cough.
"Link, what-" Colin began, but Link just kept trying.
He closed his eyes and used every last bit of air in his lungs to play Epona's favorite song, albeit slowly and miserably.
"Epona will... be here soon," he hacked, trying with all his might to pull his body up the rest of the way onto dry land, "Take them... to Renado."
Colin nodded in understanding, "Okay, we'll wait for Ep-"
"No," he shook his head emphatically, "Take them now. Epona will make sure I... get there safely."
The blond young man looked confused, "Link, we can't just leave y-"
"Go!" he shouted, followed by a pained cough. "They don't have the time," he wheezed again, his weakness getting the better of him as his muscles relaxed. "Please," and he went still.
Ren stared in utter bewilderment, but Colin took only a moment before spurring into action. Despite the long years, he remembered this feeling of urgency with the hero well, and he knew Link knew best. He went over to where their steeds waited and brought them over. He hoisted Emeline up into Mila's saddle without too much trouble. As he went to grab Zelda, however, her soaking wet garments proved to be too much added weight for him to handle alone.
"Ren, help me."
But Ren was in shock. He sat still before his father, eyes unblinking as he gawked at him. He'd just saved them both, and he told them to leave him there... He knew they only had the two horses and couldn't possibly carry three lifeless forms... But what had even happened? He was completely and utterly confused. But they couldn't just... leave him here unconscious, could they?
Perhaps this was the heroic behavior everyone always went on about.
"Ren! Please!" Colin shouted.
"S-Sorry," Ren snapped out of it, rushing to help his uncle.
They got Zelda into Ilari's saddle, and they each mounted their horses quickly. Fear was heavy in Ren's chest, watching the unmoving form of his father as they stampeded out of the clearing. Despite feeling intense hatred towards him only minutes ago, he now worried for him. He prayed that Epona would arrive with haste and save his father.
He wanted to tell him he was sorry.
I love you. I hate you. I am sorry.
A big thank you to the following for helping me get this chapter out there!
SonadowKokoro100, Chloe Rose, Debora, Lotus Eater, Ivalee, Lee Glerum
You guys are amazing!
