A/N: This chapter was revised as of 3/5/2020 - Polished, minor errors and typos fixed.
When Heroes Fall
By: Selphie Kinneas 175
Chapter 21: Your Title
.:.
Rusl filled Uli in on only what was least heartbreaking to know.
Link was found, Midna joined the fold, and Link was off to gather warriors from all edges of Hyrule to aid them in resisting the king. The gorier, painful details were not important, so they were omitted.
When a new day dawned upon Ordon Village, Link and Midna were already long gone. There was no sign of Ren either, and Rusl was glad to think that the boy joined his father on his journey. He hoped that meant that they were finally repairing their fractured relationship, and it brought him peace – he did not think to question it.
Link and Midna left early enough that the birds were not yet singing, but late enough that foggy light filtered the sky. They did not see Ren at the spirit's spring, and Link hoped that Rusl and the others back home had been able to calm him when he'd returned – he also did not think to question it.
Link knew without having to debate it that he first needed to see to the Zora people. He had not seen any of the aquatic race since learning of Viscen poisoning the sacred waters of their home. He knew the river from Zora's Domain led to Lake Hylia, so he thought perhaps they swam there to escape the deadly water.
He was right.
The lake emerged into view like sparkling diamonds. Some Zoras swam happily, diving in and out of the crystal surface with their children. Other Zoras huddled together, seemingly having a serious discussion. Not many other people or races frequently inhabited Lake Hylia, so the Zoras were free to roam as they wished. That didn't mean they wanted to be there.
Link spotted a congregation wading out in the deeper waters, and he had a feeling he would find their leader there.
Just as he went to urge Epona forward, Midna placed a hand on his arm from behind him.
"You can't keep ignoring what happened back there," she said, "It's going to eat you up."
He didn't look at her, "I'm fine."
"You say that mostly when you're anything but fine."
He sighed, "I don't have the time to dwell on it now."
She gave him a look. He didn't see it, but he could feel it.
"We'll talk about it later, okay?"
She rolled her eyes, "Fine."
Without another word, he spurred Epona down the hill and toward the shore. Midna still had questions.
"Do you think that prince you saved is the king now? What was his name?"
"Ralis," Link said, "I'd be surprised if he wasn't. Zoras live a long time."
"Really?" Midna laughed, "That must suck."
Link didn't say anything, so she went on.
"To outlive people around you. To see the world during its worst times," she scoffed, "No, thanks."
"But that also means they have all the time in the world. Time to make things right, to make a difference."
Midna furrowed her brow; she presumed time was one of the most precious resources to him. She shrugged, "I guess."
They left Epona to graze in the thick, green grass by the water's edge. Link helped Midna to dismount, adjusted his tunic, and approached the lake. The nearby Zoras immediately caught sight of him and turned to the intruder protectively.
"How can we help you, stranger?" the nearest asked, his spear clutched tightly.
"I came to speak to your leader," Link said.
The two Zoran guards eyed each other before one said, "Who are you?"
"I'm Link."
The guards scrutinized him, "Why should we grant you an audience with our king?"
Link paused nervously, "I-"
Midna stepped forward, "He's the hero of Hyrule. Saved your king's life back in the day. Ask him yourself, I'm sure he'll remember him."
The guards instantly straightened up, "L-Link? The hero?"
They bowed their heads respectively, "We will escort King Ralis to you."
Link gave Midna a look as the Zoras swam off.
"Sometimes you've gotta use your title to get what you want."
He stared at her a moment, but said nothing more. When he looked back, the boy he remembered as the prince of the Zoras swam toward the spot of land they stood upon. Ralis dove from the water and landed beside them with nothing short of exemplified grace.
The now-king bowed before Link, "What a pleasure it is to once again meet face to face with the hero of Hyrule."
Link bowed just the same, "The pleasure is mine, King Ralis."
Ralis straightened up with a smile. He was barely bigger than Link remembered him. He knew Zoras aged and grew at a slow pace, but witnessing the magnitude first-hand was unexpected.
The king's smile faded, "It has been a long time. I apologize that our meeting is on such strange terms. I would love to have your heroism celebrated in the great halls of our domain, but we have... been evicted, as of recently."
"I know," Link said, "That's how I suspected I'd find you here. It was King Viscen's doing."
"Yes," Ralis nodded, "We agreed to peace on the terms that he would not do the very thing he did. We Zora are peaceful; we do not desire war. When your king-"
"Not our king," Midna interjected.
Ralis looked at her strangely, "My apologies..."
"Midna," she offered when his trailing off indicated the need for it.
The Zora looked her up and down, but did not seem put-off by her otherworldly appearance, "You are an advisor to the hero?"
She chuckled, and Link looked at her nervously.
"You could say that," she replied.
Silence lingered only a moment before Ralis continued, "Well... When the king came to our domain and demanded we offer terms of unifying our kingdom with the rest of Hyrule, I must admit I felt quite powerless."
The king stood tall and did not waver. His years of ruling, despite his youth, had seen him become steadfast and confident in his position. However, Link and Midna both could see the uncertainty in his decision when it came to Viscen.
"He demanded I allow him to make our waterfall traversable for races other than Zora. He declared that we were selfish to keep our sacred waters to ourselves, and that he sought to unify all of Hyrule under a banner of peace and inclusion."
Midna couldn't hold back the scoff that ensued.
"He came armed to the teeth. There were enough guards to wipe out the entirety of my people twice over," Ralis shook his head, "Perhaps I should have known he did not truly desire peace when the treaty was offered at sword point."
"Well, duh," Midna whispered.
Link shot her a look before turning back to Ralis, "You did what you had to do to save your people. He would have gotten what he wanted one way or another – at least the way you chose kept your people alive."
Ralis sighed but ultimately nodded, "You are right. But you did not come to me for a conversation on the past, I'm sure. What is it that brought you to the Zora?"
Link didn't hesitate, "We need to take down King Viscen, and we need all the help we can get."
Ralis looked uneasy, "You seek to start a war with him?"
"If that's what it comes to," Link replied.
Ralis shook his head, "I cannot subject my people to a war. We lost many in the twilight, many more in the poisoning of our domain. My people are afraid."
"Your people will feel what you feel," Midna said, "If you are afraid, your people will be afraid. If you are brave, your people will be brave."
"I don't know," Ralis sighed, "They have suffered so much already. I don't know how much more I can put them through."
"You have to believe in them. You're their leader, they will follow you. Stand up for them. Take back what's yours."
Ralis looked contemplative before a small smile graced his lips, "You speak like a leader yourself, Midna," he turned to Link, "I am not sure about this, but I will discuss it with my advisors. Perhaps... they can provide some insight I am unaware of."
With that, Ralis gave a deep bow and said, "Thank you for your counsel. You are more than welcome to stay as long as you need. I am afraid there is not much shelter we can provide on land, but we can at the very least ensure you are fed."
Link bowed again in reply, "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will await your verdict."
Ralis nodded with an anxious smile before diving back into the water where he was escorted away by the same two guards.
Link turned to Midna, "How long do you think it'll take for him to come to an answer?"
"We'll easily be waiting 'til tomorrow," Midna replied curtly.
Link nodded – she'd changed a lot in their years apart, learned a lot.
"I guess we should get comfortable then," Link said.
Midna looked away with a pensive expression, "I'll join you in a little bit."
Link watched her turn and walk away with confusion. Neither said a word, but he gave her whatever space it was she needed. He gathered wood and sticks of various sizes and worked on starting a fire. He was patient and strong, and he had the routine down to muscle memory. After some time, he sat before a roaring campfire, and the daylight faded into twilight.
He had a lot to contemplate, a lot in the future that deserved space in his mind for planning and strategizing. Instead, he found himself wandering back to the past. He saw his home, he saw ashes, he saw the hurt in Ren's eyes, and he saw Ilia. No matter how desperately he willed those images away, they did not oblige him. He dug the heel of his palms into his eyes and rubbed with all his might, hoping to scrub them away by force with no such luck.
Eventually, he gave up and let his exhaustion win. He let himself fall back to the soft grass with the fire keeping him warm. He watched the stars twinkle in the sky and without realizing it, he closed his eyes. A kind, young Zora came to offer him a plate of fresh fish, but he had already dozed off.
But dreamland was no kinder. Water flooded his lungs and electricity jolted his bones. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't swim, but he was somehow alive. Cavernous mazes and underwater labyrinths stretched on for miles before him. Iron boots kept him locked in place. Monsters mocked him. Beasts so enormous he was but a speck in their grand presence. A thick forest of jellyfish surrounded him and he could feel every vein in his body ignite as it did years ago. They grew larger and larger and sprigs and branches of lightning danced off of their bodies like fireworks. Then they were gone. He turned around. The massive eel from eons passed hovered behind him, threatening to swallow him whole. Link tried to scream but his throat was on fire. The eel's tentacles surged and glowed and its teeth sharpened and glinted. He couldn't get away. The monster coiled around him and he was no more than an ant to a snake. It constricted. Tighter. Tighter. The air he already couldn't breathe was gone. His lungs filled with water, his body lost all feeling, and all he knew was fear. The monster sought to revel in its helpless prey, mouth gaping wide and the end in sight. But as he tried to scream, something lulled him from his place of horror.
He saw Midna, and suddenly he was standing in a beautiful, green field. She was just out of reach, calling his name. He smiled, but as he approached her, she became farther away. He started running, but she only got farther. A door appeared, she said, 'see you later,' and stepped through. He screamed her name, but she didn't hear, nor did she care. She was gone, as she would be forever. He heard her voice and he turned around. She stood once again before a door. He tried to approach her, but she got farther away. She said, 'see you later,' and stepped through. He screamed to her, but she was gone. He turned and saw her leave again and again and again.
See you later.
See you later.
See you later.
She left forever and she was gone forever. She would always leave, as she had before, and as she would again.
See you later.
He heard his name again, but this time it felt tangible, and it woke him up. His eyes shot open but he was otherwise calm. He blinked a few times as the reality set in that nothing he just saw was real. Midna sat beside him, looking down at him in worry.
"Were you having a nightmare?"
Link rubbed his eyes and sat up, "Yes."
She didn't say anything, and he understood she was giving him the space to explain, but he didn't particularly want to.
He pinched the bridge of his nose in a futile attempt to ease his headache. He could feel her concern in the silence. With a sigh he said, "It's not a big deal. I have them a lot."
"What was it about?"
He didn't look at her, instead he focused on the crackling fire before him. The sky was still dark and the moon was high.
"Nothing, really," he muttered, "Just stuff that happened a long time ago."
"From the twilight," Midna said.
Link nodded.
Midna looked at him, "I get them a lot, too. Except, mine tend to be that you're hurt somehow and I can't save you."
Link looked back at her, but when he parted his lips to reply, no words found their way out. Instead, he nodded again in understanding.
She could tell by the look on his face that there was more to divulge, "What else is it?"
He shook his head in dismissal, "Just stuff that stuck with me. Monsters, fighting, nearly dying. I've just never really been able to forget any of it."
"I take it you were drowning," Midna said flatly, "You stopped breathing for a second... It freaked me out."
Link nodded, glad that the conversation stayed focused on the first half of his dreams.
But Midna saw through it, "What else do you see? I imagine your brain has a lot of material to work with."
He scoffed at her dark humor, but stuck to his former response, "Mostly just reliving all the horrible stuff we saw back then."
"Do you see me?"
He turned to look at her, and she was already looking at him. For a moment, he just stared, wracking his brain for what lie he could tell or what story he could muster to get out of the question. When her serious expression didn't fade, he answered truthfully.
"Yes."
She leaned back and rested her arm across her lifted knee, "Just the bad stuff, I bet."
"N-No," Link lied, "There's good there, too."
Midna laughed, "You're the worst liar."
Link chuckled too, before returning to the fire, "I know."
For what felt like a long time, neither spoke. The fire danced and the sound of the wood splintering and charring was all they heard. Midna gazed up at the stars, but Link stayed fixed on the flames. When the quiet lingered long enough, Link found the courage to speak.
"You're always leaving," he said. No anger in his tone, no sadness, just statement.
Midna looked at him, seeing only the side of his face illuminated by the fire.
"It's always you leaving. Nothing ever stops you. I can never stop you."
He paused, and she braced for the hurt.
"Nothing I do ever changes it. You always go... no matter what I do. I always end up alone."
It was quiet again.
He felt awkward in the lack of conversation and shifted his weight before speaking again, "It's not a big deal. I've had them for as long as I can remember."
"Hm," Midna hummed, "Then it's not a big deal."
Link glanced in her direction only from the corners of his eyes. He felt her uneasiness, and for a moment he didn't know whether to speak or remain silent. He thought saying nothing would be better than saying something stupid, but the lack of response irritated her.
"You haven't changed at all, have you? Nothing is ever a big deal to you. I wonder, then, what might actually be?"
He looked at her in confusion, "It's just dreams I get all the time. I don't understand where this is coming from."
She scoffed, "It's the underlying problem. Your underlying problem. You bottle everything up, keep it locked up so tight no one can pry it out. You refuse to talk about anything and it only makes it worse."
He turned fully around to her now, his brows drawn together, "Why are you making this into an argument? The way I handle what I go through is my problem. It only affects me."
"Bet Ren would disagree."
Link stared at her. She stared back but she didn't allow the silence to linger for long.
"It's affected literally everyone, Link. Your friends, your family. Ilia-"
"That's too far," he interjected.
"Is it?" she cocked her head, "Or is it just the truth that you don't want to hear?"
Link got to his feet, fists clenched at his sides, "Why does it always come to this with you? Why do we always have to fight?"
She paused. He stared at her and she glanced away at the moonlight reflecting on the water. She returned to him.
"We balance each other out and it makes us uncomfortable."
Her insight only made him more irritated, "You leave to become a queen and suddenly you have all the answers?"
"No. Just perspective."
Link looked away from her. He breathed in deep and released it. He rubbed at his tired eyes before reaching down and stoking the fire. He could remember that Midna was never good at keeping the fire alive and he didn't want it to go out on her. The flames grew higher and he threw his prodding stick into it. He dusted his hands and turned to her.
"I'll be back later."
She nodded; she didn't need an elaboration. He was going for a walk, looking for space to breathe and to think. She knew it, and he knew she knew it.
Being together felt contradictorily right and wrong at the same time. It was wrong in its rightness. Right in its wrongness. They were at odds when they evened one another out. They were cruel when their kindness grew too strong. They hated the love that they loved to hate. It was a cacophony that sounded like a harmony and a jumble of misspelled words that somehow formed a sonnet. In its confusing array of misunderstandings and disagreements, it made sense. She allowed him that space, and she took her own. She lay down, and sleep found her easily.
Link did not find sleep, nor was he looking for it. He sat on the bank of the lake, the spirit's spring just behind him, and he stayed there the remainder of the night. He hadn't come here since the twilight. He remembered jumping from the bridge, the fear and uncertainty in a body that was not his own, the worry of not living up to a title so big. The twilight smothered everything and then the light smothered it back. He and Midna were far from friendly then, but he remembered that feeling of nearly losing her. He supposed that was when she started to mean something to him, but who could say for sure.
He had to force himself to think of the things that should have come naturally. Ren, Ordon, his loved ones. It was hard to focus on those things, and so his brain did everything in its power to avoid it. It did a good job, until something would remind him of Ilia. That vision Lanayru had given him all those years ago was one such nightmare that he hadn't gone a day without. He dug his palms into his eyes and got back to his feet. He paced until his mind settled once again on the twinkling of the stars reflecting on the water. It reminded him of when Midna convinced him he would be safe if he dove deep beneath the surface. He remembered trusting her, feeling safe with her... and then he remembered her lies, the carefree danger she put him in.
He stood again, feeling as if moving from that spot would distract his brain. It didn't, but the rising of the sun did. He'd missed another night of sleep. It didn't matter, he thought – it was easier to stay awake than it was to dream.
With the distant waking of the sun came the Zoras. One by one their heads poked up from the water's surface. They stretched and yawned and began gathering much tinier fish for breakfast. Link watched them, truly disheartened by the struggles they'd found themselves in and their abrupt removal from their home. He felt that he could relate.
Mere minutes passed when Link spotted Ralis approaching, guards on either side of him. The king of the Zoras emerged from the water and stood beside the hero.
Ralis bowed deeply, "Good morning. I do hope your night was comfortable."
Link reciprocated, "It was. Thank you."
Ralis forced a smile, but it soon faded. Link knew what he was going to say.
"I brought your proposal to my closest and most trusted advisors. They agree that action must be taken..." he paused, clasping his hands behind his back and adjusting his stance to force out his courage, "But they do not feel that war is that action. After much deliberation... we Zora have determined that we cannot help you in this endeavor."
Link pursed his lips, "I see."
Ralis seemed nervous, "I apologize... We are just not strong enough. What is left of my people are widows, orphans, everyone grieving for those they have lost. I cannot subject them to further suffering."
"You would abandon your home?" Link dared to ask, "The sacred waterfall that your people have inhabited for centuries?"
"For now, we have no choice..." Ralis said, "We will return when it is safe."
"If you do not help me take down the king, it will never be safe."
Ralis sighed, "I understand your frustration... but you must understand my concern. I am sorry that the Zora cannot be of service to you."
Link opened his mouth for a rebuttal, but one of the king's guards approached with urgency.
"Your Majesty!" he yelled from the water.
Ralis turned to him, "What is it?"
"It's the beast from Snowpeak! We received a message from one of the men on watch back home! He says there are Hylian soldiers attempting to seize the domain and the mountain, ransacking and pillaging what's left."
Ralis contemplated only a moment, "What vile men..." he muttered, "Let them have what they want. Homes can be rebuilt, materials can be regathered. People cannot be."
"Y-Yes, but..." the guard stammered, "He said the beast is fighting back. That he has poised himself atop the mountain, preparing for assault."
Ralis' eyes narrowed, "And the Hylian soldiers? They are attacking the mountain?"
The guard nodded, "Yes. Our men fear this altercation will blacklist our people, put Zoras on the map for repercussions from the Hylian king."
Ralis sighed, "The beast and the mountain should not be a concern for the Zora, but Yeto has been a friend to us in the years since the twilight. The mountain has been our neighbor for even longer. Should Snowpeak fall to ruin, so, too, would Zora's Domain."
Link watched the king's face eagerly, paying close attention to the range of emotions that flashed across it. Despite his fear and concern, Ralis remained composed on the outside. However, Link could see his uncertainty, and he knew he did not want to involve his people.
"I will go and make sure both yours and Yeto's homes are safe," Link said confidently.
Ralis turned to him. His mind flashed an immediate refusal, but when he looked at him, he remembered the hero whom he was looking at, the vision his mother had shown him as a boy. This man had saved his life, laid his mother to rest, and rescued his domain once before – he imagined he could do it again.
The king nodded, "Very well. I will accompany you."
Link shook his head, "No. You will stay here."
Ralis stood taller, "I am the king of the Zora. The domain is the sacred home of my people. I will accompany you to ensure it does not fall to the wrong hands."
"All due respect, Your Majesty, but you will stay here. You said it yourself: your people are weak, grieving, and afraid. Don't put the worry of being leaderless on them, too."
Ralis' shoulders sank as he exhaled deeply. He glanced between Link and the guard still awaiting his orders.
"So be it," Ralis conceded, "I trust you now as I have always trusted you. I have guards stationed at the bank of the domain. Rendezvous with them. They are not outfitted to help you on the mountain, but I am sure they will be able to provide valuable intel."
Link nodded, "I'll return in a few days."
Ralis nodded in approval and Link bowed in respect. He hastened back to camp where Midna sat watching the sunrise. She looked at him as he approached.
"Didn't sleep?"
"No."
"Let me guess... Ralis doesn't want to help us?"
"No."
"Figures."
"I'm going to the domain to help him," Link said as he strapped on his effects.
Midna rolled her eyes, "Of course you are. Doesn't matter that no one can ever be bothered to help you when you need them."
"People help when they can. It's no one's fault when they can't."
Midna scoffed, "Yeah, it's their fault. There's no reason people can't do for you even a fraction of what you've done for them."
Link tightened his belt, "I don't do things for something in return."
"Maybe you should."
Link didn't say anything.
Midna met his silence with her own stubborn sameness.
Link finished fastening the strap of his scabbard and said, "You coming or not?"
Midna stood with a sigh, "Fill me in on the way."
And he did. Over the hills and under the bridges they followed the river upstream. Epona kept pace with the rising sun, making strategizing near impossible over the rushing wind. They stuck to the riverbank as long as they could, only diverging when the path became impassable by rocks or cliffsides. The closer they got, the more they saw dead aquatic life. Fish belly-up littered the river's surface, and he could smell the infamous reekfish. Epona's breathtaking speed saw them reach the domain by nightfall, and Link released her to relax with a loving pat.
They were not awarded a moment's respite from the trek, however. Two land-bound Zoran guards approached the hero just as he helped Midna to dismount.
"What business have you at Zora's Domain?" the first demanded, fear thick in his voice.
Link raised open palms in defense, "I'm here on behalf of King Ralis. To see to the troubles with the beast of Snowpeak and the Hylian soldiers."
They glanced between one another before looking relieved and lowering their spears.
The second spoke, "The beast came down from Snowpeak to catch his favorite fish, but they've all since died from the poison."
The first continued, "The Hylians came and demanded dominion over our domain and the mountain, claiming it was our king's orders."
Midna scoffed.
"Yeto grew angry and nearly threw one of them over the waterfall," the second elaborated, "They are terrified of the beast, even though they began to overpower him. He retreated back up the mountain and they attempted to follow him, but the snow makes it impassable. They've been stationed at the bottom, setting up heavy artillery since then."
"Yeto is forcing a blizzard down upon them," the first said, "Since the war, we are allies with the beast, but we worry what this will wreak upon the Zoras. King Ralis has done everything in his power to keep our people in good graces with the Hylian king. We may be punished by association."
"Is the king with them?" Link asked.
"No."
Link nodded, "I'll take care of it."
"The snow is extreme," the second warned, "I do hope you are better prepared than you look."
"Thank you for your help," Link said, hastening past them.
Midna was close at Link's heels as he approached the small tunnel that rapidly dropped in temperature. He turned to her just as the blinding white snow came into view.
"You stay here."
"No."
"Midna, you're not equipped to scale a mountain in a snowstorm."
"And you are?"
"I'll figure it out. I always do."
She placed a hand on her hip, "I'm going with you. I'm not like your friends or family; you can't talk me out of things."
She expected Link to chuckle, but he did the opposite, "I will not have you in danger."
"Then we solve this problem some other way."
"There is no other way."
"Then I will be in danger with you."
Link did naught but stare long and hard at her for some time. She did not give in, she did not so much as even twitch in surrender.
He sighed in frustration, "Fine. Stay close to me."
The snow only needed seconds to permeate throughout them like a drug. It chilled them to the core, but they both were stubborn enough to keep it from showing. When they emerged from the tunnel, their surroundings were pure white, but they could make out the soldiers stationed only strides away. Ten in total stood clutching their weapons. Four continuously armed and fired a wheeled-in trebuchet while the others shouted orders and defended the area.
The closest one caught sight of them.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
Link did not slow his approach, "You do not belong on this mountain, nor near these waters. These are sacred places."
The soldier lifted his sword and two joined him, "Turn back, civilian. These matters do not concern you!"
Link spoke no words – he allowed the metal ringing of drawing his sword to do the talking.
The guard on the right stepped forward, "We are acting on behalf of the king! My comrade's order was clear!"
Link stood before them, his shield braced on his right arm and the Master Sword gripped in his left hand. He stared determination hot like fire through them.
"Stand down!" the soldier on the left trembled.
"I have no desire to fight you," Link spoke loudly to be heard over the roaring winds and firing ballista, "But it may come to that if you do not heed my warning: leave."
The middle soldier claimed more ground, and the rest who were not actively manning the massive weapon joined them, "We came in peace! It is the beast who brought this to violence!"
"Peace? I'm supposed to believe you always bring a trebuchet with you wherever you go?"
"You know," Midna shrugged, "Just in case you need to peacefully destroy homes or murder people."
No soldier found a reply. Instead, Yeto's fierce roar reverberating down the mountain accompanied the sound of the lonely wind. Link and Midna looked in the direction it came from, and in the momentary distraction, one guard was smart enough to take action.
The middle soldier yelled as he raised his sword high and charged at the hero. Link met the feeble strike with a parry that brought the soldier's arm down and forced him to drop his weapon. He went to pick it up as Link dealt with the troops that followed suit, but Midna lunged down and grabbed it before he could. She smirked as he stared at her in shock. Link disarmed two more in that time, then three, then four. When the fifth nearly bested him, he dug the Master Sword through the soldier's boot. He cried out in pain as Link held it there and looked to the rest of the battalion.
"Leave. Or it will not just be us you have to worry about."
Yeto's roar thundered down the mountain, and two guards were scared enough to run away. To those who remained, Link stared them down. One mustered the strength to retrieve one of the fallen blades and aim it toward Midna. The queen of twilight merely lifted her hand and placed a purple barrier to protect herself, causing him to ricochet off of it and tumble backwards.
"The-The king will come for you!" the soldier on the ground yelled.
Link hoisted his blade from the guard's foot, "Let him."
The remaining soldiers lifted up their brother-in-arms and took on his weight. He wailed in agony and grabbed at his bleeding foot.
Link wiped his blade and said, "Have that cleaned and bandaged and you'll be fine."
The soldiers mumbled in flustered fear and scurried away as fast as they could. Link sheathed his sword and caught sight of Midna eyeing the weapon she had picked up.
"I thought for a moment you might use it," he said.
She turned it over in her hand, gazing at it from all angles. Its shiny cleanliness led her to believe it had never been used.
She shook her head and dropped it to the snow, "Not my style."
Link nodded and stood just a moment, watching her expression. She gazed up at the faint outline of the mountain in the distance – it appeared as a shadowy giant, the blizzard masking much of its true form.
"Change your mind about coming with me?"
"No," she answered flatly.
"It's gonna get even colder."
"The Twilight is cold."
"Not this cold."
"Hm," she said, "I think I'll manage."
Just as Link turned to begin scaling the mountain, Midna spoke up.
"Why are we even doing this? We're trekking up a frozen mountain to stop the beast at the top from causing the blizzard?"
"We're gonna kill two birds with one stone: calm down Yeto, let him know the soldiers are gone and the mountain is his again, and get him to join us in fighting Viscen."
"Do you think he will? Join us I mean?" Midna asked.
Link shrugged, "I don't know. I hope so."
"We're gonna probably almost die climbing this mountain because you hope the beast-man at the top will help us."
"Yes."
"Sure, sounds logical," Midna gestured ahead, "By all means, after you."
"You can still turn back and stay where it's safe and warm," Link suggested.
"If I let you go it alone you're gonna do something stupid and get yourself killed."
"I've gone it alone all this time," Link said, "I'm still alive."
Midna scoffed, "Barely."
Link chuckled dryly and tightened the dark cloak around his neck. Midna watched him curiously. Even though she'd seen him put it on before, he saw the confusion on her face.
"What?" Link asked.
"When did you start wearing that?"
"When I went to explore the desert. It helped protect me from the sun."
Midna eyed him up and down, "What about your cap? I haven't seen you wear it once since I came back."
"I don't like to wear it anymore."
"Why?"
"I don't like the responsibility it bears. The title it brings, the heaviness. I'd rather people not be able to so easily tell who I am."
Midna narrowed her eyes, "You're the hero. Cap or not, that doesn't change."
"I haven't been the hero in a long time."
"Shut up with that. It's who you are, you can't get away from it."
"Well, fine, I'm just not ready to assume that title again, okay?"
Midna crossed her arms and mocked him, "Well, fine. Whatever you say."
Link averted her gaze, ensuring all his belongings were tightly strapped and prepared to stay put in the harsh winds. When he took a step forward, Midna had one more thing to say.
"That cap sure would keep your head warm right about now."
He looked at her. He pulled the black hood over his head and held it tight in front of his ears.
Midna snickered, "You've got it all figured out, don't you?"
He ignored her statement, "Last chance to turn back."
"Nope."
He nodded one last time and she followed close behind him as he started up the mountain. The winds got harsher and the roars from the beast grew louder. Snow fell down hard and their feet sunk in deeper with each step. The frigid air whipped at their bare skin and its strength pushed hard against them. Midna's tolerance did not last long. Her teeth chattered and her bones rattled and Link could hear it over the storm. He turned to her, but she stood still. She cupped her hands and held them close to her face. She closed her eyes and focused intently. In the blink of an eye, flames danced on her open palms. She held out her hands and Link smiled in shock as he warmed his own frozen hands beside hers.
"Y-You've got new tricks up your sleeve," Link shuddered.
"A f-few," Midna grinned, "But this..." she motioned around them, "this was much easier when you were a w-wolf."
"A bit," Link frowned, "I told you... y-you shouldn't have come."
"And if I didn't... who w-would be warming you up right now?"
Link chuckled, "Let's keep moving."
They walked close together, keeping the fire between them sheltered from the winds threatening to blow it away. Midna could produce it again, but the environment made it difficult to focus. They were lucky to encounter no keese or wolves, which struck Link as odd, but he assumed perhaps Yeto had seen to cleaning up the monsters in the years of peace following the twilight. His mind couldn't concentrate long enough to question it, anyway – the bitter cold was even harsher now than in his own memory. He remembered harboring much of the burden as a wolf, his thick blanket of fur protecting him from the snowstorm years ago. However, he also could never forget that night he nearly froze to death, alone on the top of the cliff in the pitch black. Midna could never forget it either. That sinking feeling she felt when her mind told her she'd let him die, when her heart told her it was all her fault. Those brief moments were eons when they happened. It had everything to do with her insistence on following him this time – she would not abandon him again, would not leave him to freeze in the snow, would not surrender him to a frightened, lonely death. She would be here this time, and she had the strength now to keep him safe, as he had always kept her.
Midna breathed hard as the incline steepened. Uphill they climbed, and her lungs struggled. She paused to catch her breath, holding her free hand to her frantic heart and the other with dancing flames close to her. Link fell back and looked at her with worry.
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head, "I'm f-fine."
Link stared in silence.
Midna forced a weak laugh, "Oh goddesses, I s-sound like you."
Link ignored her attempt at humor. He watched her hitching breaths and the overly labored rise and fall of her shoulders. He heard her rasp and noticed her worsened trembling. He was quick to grab her by the wrist and pull her against the wall of rock to best avoid the winds.
"We'll stop here to rest."
"N-No," Midna protested, casting his hand aside, "I said I'm fine. I won't s-slow you down."
"I said we'll stop here to rest," he reiterated.
"I said no," Midna stared at him with determination.
He met her with equal strength and parroted, "'I'm not like your friends or family; you can't talk me out of things.'"
For a moment, her glare did not waver. Then she laughed.
"Fine."
Link smiled, placing his hands beneath hers, "Work on making that fire bigger for me."
She nodded as he raced to the nearest tree and began tearing down branches. The climate here was harsh, and most of the tree was either dead or severely dormant. He gathered as many sticks, twigs, and thick branches as he could, while Midna focused on calming her shaking hands and using her power. She knew how to do it. She'd been doing it for years. She'd long since honed her craft and most times it came as naturally as breathing. Now, just as breathing became hard, so, too, did her power. Her teeth chattered harshly against each other and she shivered uncontrollably. She opened her eyes and watched Link. He seemed to effortlessly scale up and down the tree, gathering what they needed with the utmost ease and finesse. He really did know how to survive, and he was stronger and more resilient than she remembered. His will paved the way for her own, and the second she closed her eyes the fire before her doubled.
Link turned at the sound with a smile. He dropped the branches and arranged them neatly. He looked up at her and she knew what to do. With a flick of her wrist she cast the flames from her hand to the foliage, and both light and heat instantly filled the area.
Midna sighed in relief, dropping to the ground before the fire. The snow was so cold it burned her bare skin, but she ignored it as she let the flames warm her up. Link sat opposite of her, his eyes fixated on the fire.
Midna stared at him for a while before he felt her gaze on him.
"What?" Link asked.
"I just don't get how you literally always have it together. How you always know what to do."
Link laughed, "You know I don't. You torment me for making stupid decisions constantly."
"Stupid decisions are usually because you put some thought into it and still did something dumb. When it comes down to it in the moment and it's either life or death, you just know what to do."
Link shrugged, "You know what we went through all those years ago. Not knowing what to do wasn't an option."
"I know," Midna muttered, "I guess I just... did a good job forcing myself to forget how hard it all was."
Link remained silent. Midna's back shivered against the cold, prompting her to scoot closer to the fire. She looked at Link who she noticed did not so much as twitch.
"You're not cold?"
Link glanced at her, then back at the flames with a dismissive look. In truth, he didn't feel too cold as he was able to focus on the fire – the long nights in the desert hardened his resolve.
"I guess I just tolerate it well," he said.
Midna huffed, "You tolerate everything well."
Link again said nothing. He found her statements odd, and, truthfully, he did not like the direction the conversation was going.
"Nothing bothers you. Nothing even seems to faze you," she shook her head, "Monsters, extreme places, temperatures, circumstances... You just... take anything that's thrown at you."
He looked up at her, "It was like this during the twilight, Midna. Have you forgotten everything we went through?"
She couldn't mask the sad expression that shown through, "Not everything... Remembering was hard. I tried to forget as much as I could. Which... didn't end up being much."
"I understand," Link said simply.
She gazed across the fire at him, bright orange lighting up his eyes as he stared right back at her. They felt constantly at a standstill, at odds, unsure of one another. For two such people that relied so heavily on each other, they'd allowed distance to come between them, discomfort, disagreement. He unknowingly clung to resentment for being abandoned. She knowingly clung to frustration for being brought back. Both sat somewhere in the middle of knowing and unknowing of the other's feelings.
The silence felt heavier than the snowfall. Her voice made it lighter.
"I remember everything... I really do. I've just suppressed it for so long," she pursed her lips, "It feels... uneasy when it all resurfaces."
He nodded slowly and could only repeat himself, "I understand."
Yeto let out another loud roar, and the mountain shook. Snow fell in heaps from the peak, and they both gazed up at where it came from.
Midna was the first to look back at Link, "Remember when we were here last time?"
He looked at her – she was smirking.
"Yeto took you to his mansion and you met his crazy wife. I remember being completely shocked that a wacko-snow-mountain-beast-man somehow had both a mansion and a wife."
Link laughed, "I remember."
"You broke your arm there."
Link nodded, "I remember."
"You saved the crazy wife and helped the beast-man and beast-woman live happily ever after."
Link smiled, "I remember."
"I... left you on the mountain."
Link's expression evened out.
"You nearly froze to death."
Link saw her getting upset, "That part isn't worth remembering."
"It is. I won't let that happen again."
He stared at her, and she returned the gesture. He couldn't read her as easily as he once could, if he ever could at all. She was so quick to anger, so quick to judge, to torment, to ridicule. Yet, somehow, it meant she cared more. Her hard exterior was simply a shield for the softer parts of her she didn't like to show. He knew not what the future held – whether she planned to leave him again forever or not, he had no idea. All he knew was he had her now, and she seemed committed to have him now, too, to see it through. All that mattered now was the day, the moment, the right now. Everything else was unsure. Everything else could wait.
Link at last broke the silence, "It won't come to that."
"You're right," she said bluntly, "It won't."
Wear it, or it will wear you.
A big thank you to the following for helping me get this chapter out there!
Big Jake, Lee Glerum, Jared Thomason, Moonfairy, Jacob Peachey, Owen Reilly, Anonymouse, Ivalee, Lotus Eater, Ethan Carney Fesler, Silvia Delgado, Emily Zuber, Sabine, wingdesire, Brandan Saldaña, Eponas, Rob Walters, Yami No Nokutan, Mandelbrot, Jessie, Gabby-J, Claudia, Chloe Rose, SonadowKokoro100
You guys are amazing!
