A/N: Happy holidays! I hope you enjoy :)
When Heroes Fall
By: Selphie Kinneas 175
Chapter 32: Taking Shape
.:.
"Hero!"
The deep, booming voice of the Bulblin king rumbled through the sand floor at their feet. He raised a crude, wooden mug high in the air, and the lesser Bulblins hung their heads in respect as Link and Midna entered.
"King Bulblin," Link said with a smirk and a nod in greeting.
Midna looked around in surprise. She didn't know what to make of the Bulblins dressed for leisure and not war. It was strange to her, like seeing a fish walk on land.
"Come for more food, boy?" the king asked before looking at Midna.
Link began to answer, "Not this time. I-"
"I remember you from the end," King Bulblin spoke seriously, pointing a chubby finger at Midna.
Midna's eyes narrowed, preparing for a verbal attack. Link did not seem concerned.
"We are glad to see you well," the king said at length, and Midna's shoulders untensed.
"King Bulblin," Link stepped forward, bringing the attention back to what was important, "I come to ask for the Bulblins' allegiance."
"It is yours," the king spoke with ease and finality.
"Hear me out before you agree," Link said.
King Bulblin grunted in annoyance, "I will hear you, but it will not change my answer."
"I ask the Bulblins to join me in fighting the king of Hyrule. We-"
The king raised a hand to silence him, "The Bulblin army is yours. Tell me when, and I will lead the charge."
"Six days. Outside Kakariko Village."
King Bulblin smirked, "Good. I have longed to whet my axe in service of my debts to you, hero. There will never be sufficient repayment for what I have done. I am indebted to you for life."
Link lowered his head in respect and thanks, and when he met the king's eager eyes again, he was reaching for his weapon. King Bulblin stood from his makeshift throne, holding his axe beside him, and his voice carried far and wide.
"Bulblins!" the king sneered as his people turned to him, "Prepare for war!"
He slammed the hilt of his axe into the ground and the Bulblins yelled and hollered in excitement. Link and Midna exchanged a glance and smiled. The king grinned in mischievous delight before turning back to his guests.
"Come. Fill your canteens and your bellies before you leave," he paused and looked Link up and down with a scrutinizing look, "You're too thin, boy. I could snap you like a twig."
"I'd like to see you try," Link said lowly.
The king turned to him and they stared at each other intensely. Midna glanced between them, remembering all the times their battles had started just like this and not sure what to do. Then they both burst into laughter and Midna scoffed in frustration.
King Bulblin led them to a separate dining hall and placed a heaping of pork in front of them. Midna stared at the cooked pig wide-eyed and leaned close to Link.
"Do they eat the same pigs they ride?" she whispered.
Link shrugged, "Probably."
Midna looked appalled, but when King Bulblin gave her an intimidating look for not eating, she was conflicted to find the meat was delicious. She supposed she couldn't judge; they were in the middle of absolute nowhere, after all.
Midna looked around as they ate. Bulblins sat at a wide array of wooden tables, eating and chatting joyously. How strange it was to see the gentle side of a race of creatures she and her hero had once spent so long fighting. They had built a homestead for themselves out here, and they seemed happy. Their craftsmanship was crude, huts and furnishings were clearly made from whatever they could find out here in this wasteland, but they had done well for themselves. She watched as Link and the king talked and laughed, and she was never any less amazed at his ability to forgive everyone who had done him horribly wrong in his life, yet still he struggled to forgive himself.
King Bulblin saw them off with more food for their journey out of the desert and some treats for Epona. Link and Midna hopped in the saddle and left with an appreciative wave. The king of the Bulblins nodded, understanding that they would see each other again very soon.
Epona covered as much ground as she could before nightfall. Finding a suitable outcropping for cover, they stopped and settled in to rest. Midna watched Link remove his effects and lean them against the rock wall. He gave Epona a loving pat and she lay down for a much-deserved respite. Link caught Midna's gaze on him and he smiled. A shiver ran down her spine that she quickly shook off.
She cleared her throat awkwardly, "You and King Bulblin sure looked friendly."
"While I was in the desert I stumbled upon their encampment by mistake. I returned once every few years when I couldn't stomach the taste of sand worms anymore," he said as he took a seat.
Midna removed her cloak and sat beside him, draping it over the both of them, "What do they taste like?"
He pursed his lips as he thought on it, "Rubbery sand."
"Bleh," Midna stuck out her tongue in disgust, "I don't know how you did that."
"I didn't have many options," he chuckled.
Midna paused, wondering if his time alone in the desert didn't feel so different from her time alone in the twilight. He saw her expression turn serious, so she quickly changed the subject.
"You know, I think King Bulblin's 'yes' is the easiest one we've gotten so far," she laughed at the irony.
Link nodded, "I knew it would be. He's serious about owing me for the rest of his life for what he did."
"Good," Midna scoffed, "I personally think everyone should feel indebted to you for what you've done for them, but I rest my case."
Link looked pensive then. He thought of everyone who had committed themselves or their people to this cause, and he suddenly felt an intense pressure.
Midna saw it in his anxious eyes, "What is it?"
He turned to her, "Do you think that's why they all said yes? Because they feel some debt to me as hero?"
Midna furrowed her brow, "Mm, no. Well, maybe a little."
"I don't want to be the reason more people are killed. More friends. The Zoras and Gorons were reluctant to join and they've already suffered so much. I don't want to be the reason their races fall. I don't want to lead people to their deaths."
"You didn't lead them there – you won't lead them there. Viscen pushed them all to a place where they have to fight back, and they were given the choice to be part of that fight or not," Midna said.
Link nodded slowly in understanding but said no more on the subject.
There was silence for some time, and Midna thought Link might have fallen asleep. She looked over at him and drunk in the serenity on his tired face. No doubt he was still exhausted, his very spirit beaten to frailty, but there was a change in his heart. She supposed she had the girl from Ordon to thank for that. She wondered then if she whispered her thanks if the goddesses would deliver the message to her. Then Link shifted, and she was too embarrassed to try.
She watched him a moment and something else came to her mind. She worried for Zelda back in Kakariko. How long could she truly keep protecting the village? Would it leave her completely depleted when the time came to confront Viscen? She was sure that was the evil king's plan all along, so... weren't they playing right into it? But they didn't have a choice...
"Something's on your mind," Link suddenly whispered, still looking like he was asleep.
They had spent too much time together, gotten too good at reading one another's moods. Midna chuckled quietly to herself and heat rose to her cheeks. Part of her knew the old Midna would hate how easily he could read her, but she loved it now.
"I guess so, yeah," Midna admitted.
"What is it?" Link asked.
Midna paused to think of the wording, "You can... feel Zelda, in a sense, right?"
Link's eyes opened slowly and met hers. "Yes," he replied, "The triforce connects us in ways I don't fully understand."
"Then... you would be able to tell if she suddenly wasn't alright? If something went wrong with the barrier?" Midna asked with concern in her quiet voice.
Link paused, focusing his heart toward the queen of Hyrule. To Midna, his eyes looked glazed over and his face meditative, like he was somewhere else entirely. To Link, his spirit found Zelda's, sat with it, and felt what she felt. He returned to Midna.
"Yes, I believe I would."
Midna nodded and redirected her gaze to the sky beyond the outcropping. Link stared at her. It wasn't like her to dwell or be overly concerned, but he heard it in the uncertainty in her voice, saw it in the tightness of her brow.
"Are you worried?" he asked.
"No," she said plainly, avoiding his gaze.
"Look at me and say that," Link said.
Midna turned to him, seriousness on his handsome face. The 'no' sat at her lips but would go no further.
She sighed, "Yes. How could I not be?"
"She's tougher than anyone realizes."
"Oh, I know she is," Midna said with an ironic chuckle, "I think she holds back to keep you from looking bad."
Link laughed, "You're probably right."
"She's strong, smart, capable..." Midna's voice trailed off, "She's everything I wanted to be for my kingdom."
The silence that followed was loud. In it Link heard Midna's deepest insecurities. She spoke again when she could no longer hold the words back.
"She put her people first and even married when they said she had to. I couldn't do any of that," she shook her head, "I'm selfish. I didn't want to be queen... I just wanted you."
Midna turned to him and their shared gaze lingered. He felt her disdain for herself, her life, her actions like an encroaching storm. He felt her sincerity in the depth of her eyes and knew this was something she had dwelt on for years. But he knew what to say.
"Doing exactly what your people want of you is not always the right path. They made her marry and look what became of that."
Midna scoffed, but Link continued.
"A ruler has to tread the line between what the people want and what they need. Sometimes what they need isn't always received well, sometimes you have to be unpopular to do what's right. After all this time, I have no doubt you've done well and made your people happy-"
"They've wanted to impeach me for years," Midna interjected.
Link stopped and looked at her. Midna went on.
"I was never any good at being queen. I once thought I wanted it, a long, long time ago... But, after coming here, it wasn't for me anymore. They could tell my heart wasn't in it. I tried to be a good ruler for them, but I just wasn't. I couldn't be."
Link nodded once slowly in understanding, lowering his eyes to search for a reply. She looked away, too, wondering if her people were even still alive after Viscen's visit.
"I know you did the best you could," Link said, "I consider how I spent the past fifteen years a failure just the same, but... you can't compare yourself to Zelda, you both rule two entirely different worlds."
Midna sighed, looking down at empty hands, "At least she can defend herself. I'm entirely useless without my powers."
Link thought for a moment, peeked outside at their surroundings, and then leapt to his feet.
"What are you doing?" Midna asked.
He pulled the Master Sword from its sheath and held it out to her. She stood with confusion plain across her face. She approached him but did not take it.
"What are you doing?" she repeated.
"You asked for me to teach you, so I'm going to teach you," he said.
"Right now?" Midna spat, motioning to their surroundings, "Right goddess-damn now? In the middle of the night? In the middle of the desert!"
"We weren't sleeping, so why not?" Link said, extending the blade again.
Midna looked down at it, "It doesn't always like me."
"It will this time," he said with a lopsided smile.
Midna couldn't resist that smile. She huffed in agitation and swiped the hilt from his hand.
"Fine. Show me."
"Well, first, you have to adjust your stance."
She looked down at herself, "What's wrong with it?"
Link reached over and shoved her in the shoulder. She stumbled back and caught herself with a confused and irritated look.
"What the hell was that for?"
"If you aren't standing properly, you've already lost," he stood beside her with one foot forward and one foot back. He motioned for her to mirror him. "Evenly distribute your weight and ground yourself firmly, or even the weakest hit will knock you off your feet."
Midna copied his position and looked at him for further instruction.
"Hold the blade out in front of you so you're always ready to defend yourself."
She raised the sword and said, "Like this?"
Link swiftly hit her forearm, and her grip faltered. As the blade fell, Link caught it and flourished the steel before extending the hilt back toward her.
She stared at him in bewilderment. He just smiled. She retook the sword in her hand.
"Hold it firmly at the base of the hilt," he showed her with his hand on top of hers, "If you need more strength, position your other hand just behind the first, at the end of the hilt. This gives you a firm grip on your weapon, and the maneuverability you need to be ready for anything."
"Like this?" she asked as he released his hands.
He nodded, "Now try a swing."
He picked up his shield from the ground, stood in front of her, and held it up. She looked at him in confusion.
"What, you want me to swing at you?"
"Yes," he said, "Get a feel for how it moves. How it collides."
"I don't know, Link," she clicked her tongue, "I'm basically a professional. I wouldn't want to hurt you."
He laughed, "You won't."
She smirked, wound back, and brought the steel down upon him with all the strength she could muster. Link swat the hit away with the Hylian Shield and she staggered a bit from the recoil.
"Great swing," Link said, "But don't put so much stock behind it unless you know it's the killing blow. The momentary stun from the ricochet is all the opening an enemy needs to end it."
Midna nodded, loosening her grip and stance as if she were done with the lesson. Link reciprocated, moving to put the shield back down. Suddenly, Midna swung fast and light, but Link turned at the last moment to block it.
Link smirked, "Sneaky."
Midna's lips curled up in prideful sass, "Yeah, well, you know what they say: Twili are the best sneakers."
Link laughed, "Do they say that?"
"Most definitely. I just did."
"Hm," he smiled, "Checks out."
He put the shield down and held out his hand for his sword.
"Is that it?" Midna asked.
"For now."
Midna returned the Master Sword and Link sheathed it, placed it down beside the rest of his things, and sat back down. Midna joined him.
For a while, they looked up at the night sky and waited for sleep to take them. Link looked over at Midna to see if she was asleep but saw her eyes reflecting the stars. He spent so many years thinking he would never get to see her again.
"I'm glad you're here with me," he whispered.
She looked at him and smiled, "Me, too."
They slept soundly then, but earlier that day, Ren had a reunion of his own.
Ren was pleased to arrive in Castle Town in the middle of the day. The streets and people felt no different. Still everyone bustled here and there, conducting business and leading their lives. There was no inkling of a war just around the corner; Ren wondered if none of them knew, if Viscen kept it all close to his chest.
He came first to Telma's Bar. Though Ren had not had the chance to grow close with these people, he knew they were important to his friends and family, important to his father. Telma, Auru, and Aveil were thrilled to see him, but he told them they couldn't catch up where they could be overheard. Telma brought them upstairs and shut the door behind them.
"What in heaven's name has been goin' on, sweet pea?" Telma asked with hands on wide hips, "I get letters from Shad saying nonsense about taking care of Aveil, makin' it sound all final! I haven't appreciated it one bit."
"There's been... a lot going on," Ren stammered.
Auru smirked from his chair, "They're fighting back."
Telma looked at him in confusion, "What? Can't be. They said they were done with all that."
Ren nodded, "We are fighting back. All of us."
Aveil looked scared, "Are my mom and dad gonna be okay?"
Auru grabbed the little girl's hand and squeezed it, "I have no doubt. Your parents are stubborn as can be, no way they'd go anywhere without driving me crazy one last time."
Aveil giggled and it made Ren smile.
"Sweet pea..." Telma spoke with heavy concern, "I don't know what we can do to help. We can't fight."
Ren shook his head, "I just wanted you to know what was going on. And..." he paused, knowing they deserved to hear the hard news, "I thought you should hear from me, in person..."
Telma pulled him in for a hug and held it a long while before whispering, "We know about Colin, my dear."
Ren's heart shattered every time he heard his name. He didn't rush the warmth the comforting woman's embrace brought him; it felt mothering, as if nothing could touch him here. Then she pulled back, and his throat tightened at the sight of tears in her eyes.
She quickly wiped them away and remained positive, "Surely you didn't come all the way here just to talk to us?"
"I'm going to ask Malo to help us," Ren said.
Telma scoffed, "Good luck with that one, honey."
Auru stood from his seat with a strain. He reached behind a rickety dresser and pulled out a large, bazooka-like weapon. The older man smiled fondly as he looked at it, then he turned to Ren.
"Age has caught up to me, but I'll help however I can," he paused a moment before extending his weapon to Ren, "Shad always wanted to try this out. Give it to him for me, will you?"
Ren gazed down at it, understanding its importance to him. He looked back to Auru with a smile and a nod before fastening the strap across his chest and sliding it securely on his back.
"Tell my mom and dad I miss them," Aveil said with a crack in her voice.
Ren nodded, "Of course."
Then there was a brief silence in which no one knew what to say. They weren't sure if these were goodbyes; final as they felt, each of them kept their spirits high.
Telma clasped her hands on Ren's cheeks, holding his full attention. For a moment she lost her breath, seeing Ilia as the young girl who had stumbled into her bar so long ago in Ren's face. She kept her composure, knowing now was not the time.
"We'll not lose anyone else," she whispered, "Be safe. Above all else swear to me you all will be as safe as you can."
"Yes-" Ren tried.
"Swear it to me," Telma said.
Ren's heart skipped a beat at the severity of her tone. He nodded and said, "I swear."
She hugged him again and held him tight, wishing she had had the chance to hold his mother one last time, to see that sweet boy of Rusl's one last time. When it threatened to be too much, she released.
"On your way then, sweet pea," she said with a forced smile.
He glanced between each of them, anxious half-smiles on each of their faces. He nodded and took his leave from the bar.
There was a line around the block to get into Malo Mart. Ren did not even pretend to wait. He made his way to the front door and pushed his way inside. Guests yelled at him and pushed him back, but he ignored them, bounding straight up to the counter.
"Where is Malo?"
The crazy shopkeeper looked shocked, "You have to wait in line, sir! Besides, you can't just stroll in here-"
"And ask for the hero of discounts himself, I know. I don't care. Where is he?" Ren demanded.
The mustached man behind the counter laughed, "I know what you're getting at. Thirty percent off isn't enough! You want to see what the hero of discounts can conjure up for you! Don't worry, we take care of you! How about fifty percent off?"
Ren sighed, "I'm not buying anything. Just go get Malo."
The man's face dropped, "Not buying anything? No, no, no, this won't do."
An exaggerated outcry blared over the music and a spotlight suddenly shone on one of the golden statues of Malo. The guests cheered wildly, but Ren had no idea what was going on. From behind the statue Malo himself stepped out, wearing a cape and a very convincing fake crown. He stood with his chest puffed out, taking in his patrons' applause. Ren rolled his eyes.
"Now, now," Malo held out open palms to silence them, "Who is it that came to Malo Mart without buying anything? I have a feeling I can change their mind!"
Some guests cheered louder while others pointed at Ren. Malo's eyes landed on him and he squinted, not recognizing him at first. Ren saw a huff of frustration on the man's face as he hopped down from the pedestal.
"Ah, family!" Malo held his arms out wide in show, "Only the best of deals for loved ones! Come this way for the discount special!"
Malo pressed a chubby hand to Ren's back and eased him behind the counter and into the back room of the store, closing out the sounds of screaming guests outside. Malo's smile and exaggerated attitude immediately dissolved.
"What are you doing here, kid? Come to pay off the debt you owe me on that canteen?" Malo asked with an entirely uninterested, monotone voice.
"No, we need your help," Ren said.
Malo quickly shook his head, "I don't do charity. I have a business to run. Now, time is money, so if you're done here then quit wasting both."
Malo made for the exit, but Ren didn't budge.
"We're fighting back against the king, Malo. We could really use your help supplying weapons."
Malo gave a low chuckle, "If I gave away my valuable merchandise anytime anyone needed help, I'd be out of business."
Ren took an agitated step forward, "We aren't just anyone, we're your family. Or have you forgotten?"
Malo sighed and looked at him seriously, "Look, kid... I know this all seems like a dumb show to you, but it's my livelihood. I built it off of a desire to help people save money, and I've done well for myself as a result. I can't just give away enough merchandise to arm a stupid war that shouldn't even be happening."
Ren narrowed his eyes and stared at Malo then, saw him for the lonely man he was, and knew he was getting nowhere. He was done skirting around the issue.
"Colin is dead because of this stupid war."
Malo froze. His eyes glazed over and he could no longer hear the garish sounds of the store muffled through the wall.
"...You're lying..." Malo whispered.
Ren shook his head, "Wish I was."
Malo's gaze fell to his feet. His expensive shoes and his fancy trousers. The extra rupees clanking in his silk-lined pockets and his freshly pressed tailcoat. His priorities shook like an earthquake beneath his feet. He yanked off his fluffy, maroon cloak and lace-trimmed jabot and threw the crown on the floor. He fell into the closest chair and leaned forward on his knees, pressing his hot face to sweaty palms. Ren sat with him in the silence, sharing in the pain like it was fresh every single time.
At length, Malo lowered his hands, his expression dazed. Though his eyes looked at nothing he saw the faces of his family, the face of Colin.
"...I..." Malo tried, his voice shakier than he had expected, "...I always thought... I would make enough money here... and go back to Ordon and give everyone the life they always deserved... but it was never enough to me..."
He paused, his voice so small. Ren leaned in to hear him.
"...I got so caught up in the success... in the attention... in having more rupees than I knew existed in all of Hyrule... I..." he shook his head and hung it lower, "...I haven't been there for my family..."
Ren let the moment sit before speaking, "You can be now."
Malo sighed and looked up at him. He saw Link in him, clear as day. He scoffed in ironic joy.
"You're annoyingly just like him..." Malo paused, "...You and Colin found him... didn't you?"
Ren just nodded.
Malo nodded, too, "Colin was the best of us kids from the forest."
Then there was silence. It lingered and permeated Malo and he felt his purpose there. He knew what he had to do. He got to his feet with a look of determination.
"Give me an hour. I'll gather every weapon and horse I have and we'll take them to Kakariko together."
Ren smirked, "How'd you know we were going to Kakariko?"
Malo chuckled, "Call it a hunch."
Ren nodded and headed for the door, the sounds of the store rattling his brain, "I'll wait outside."
Malo acknowledged him with a nod and was off down the long hallway before Ren could get another word out.
Ren stepped outside and he felt immediate relief. He sighed as his ears stopped ringing and his headache began to dissipate. He rubbed his temples and looked up at the courtyard sprawling out before him. The sun reflecting off the waters of the fountain was beautiful, but something in his peripheral vision caught his attention.
He turned and saw a girl he recognized, but he couldn't yet place from where. He approached an empty, lonely street with grass on either side. Flowers bloomed in abundance and butterflies and bees flitted between their vibrant colors. The girl saw him and looked up with a smile. Now he knew where he recognized her from.
"Hello there, stranger. Have you come to play with..." She paused. Ren saw on her youthful face that she recognized him, too, saw her trying to piece it together just like he had.
Her amethyst eyes lit up, "You're the one who was with that cute forest boy from before!"
Ren's heart ached because he knew what came next. He remembered the look on Colin's face that day when his eyes fell on this girl's wavy blonde hair. He chuckled to himself at the memory.
The girl looked around, seemingly trying to spot who she really wanted to see, "I've thought about him every day since we met, hoping I'd get to see him again. The bugs just adored him," she giggled.
Ren still said nothing, and her cheerful expression began to fall.
"Did Colin not come with you this time?"
Ren at last shook his head, "Colin is gone."
Her immediate sadness fed into all the insects around her. Their joyful fluttering and pleasant buzzing stopped, and they sank to the ground with her.
"I'm... sorry..." the girl whispered.
The butterflies and dragonflies landed on her shoulders, and she held beetles in her hands. Ren didn't understand it, but they seemed to be comforting her. He didn't want to leave her like this, wanted to give her some hope.
"If you'd like to help... There is a resistance fighting back against the king who is responsible for Colin's death. If you have anything to commit to a fight-"
She hushed him and leaned in close to her insect friends. She whispered so low he couldn't pick up a word of it. When she looked back at him, she appeared determined.
"My bugs will help however they can."
Ren was perplexed, but he did not argue it – she clearly had a connection to them. He nodded and said, "The fight comes to Kakariko in six days."
"We'll be ready."
He smiled and turned to leave, pausing for one last thing, "I didn't catch your name."
"Agitha," she said simply, and he nodded his thanks.
As he turned to leave the quiet street, he nearly bumped into someone that stopped his heart. He didn't believe his eyes at first, blinking in shocked stupor before his voice decided to obey him.
"Emmy?"
Emeline smiled widely, "Hi, Ren."
Ren looked around in worry, afraid that the king could be following her. He pulled her into the darkness of the street and whispered, "What are you doing out here? Are you okay? What happened? Tell me everything, please."
She giggled playfully, "Aren't you happy to see me? I've been worried about you."
Ren found her lightness odd, but he was happy to see her. He pulled her in for a hug and she reciprocated warmly. She smiled as they released but Ren looked no less concerned.
"Does he know you got out? We need to go before he finds you-"
She grabbed Ren's hands with a grin, "Everything is perfectly fine. My father knows what you are planning, and he wants to spare any violence. He wants you to come to the castle to form a treaty of peace."
Ren furrowed his brow in confusion, "What? Emmy, I don't understand."
"Father realizes this has all gotten out of hand. He wants Hyrule to be a peaceful place – he wants to stop the fighting. He knew approaching you himself might startle you, so I offered to come get you myself."
Ren's chest began to tighten. Something felt wrong.
"How did you know I was here?"
She giggled again, "Silly boy, you know I can see things."
His eyes narrowed, not sure what to think.
She continued to speak, he knew it only because he watched her lips move, but he heard no words. Instead, echoes began to jumble in his mind that he struggled to make sense of. He shook his head, her voice fading in and out from the one standing before him and the one inside his mind. The sounds in his head were muffled, underwater, undecipherable. Then Emeline squeezed his hands much too tight and he snapped back to the physical world in shock. He yanked his hand back and stared at her, something uncomfortable forming in the pit of his stomach.
"I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" she appeared genuinely concerned, "It's just important that you listen to what I'm saying, Ren. You could save everyone so much pain if you just come with me and make peace with my father."
He parted his lips to reply, but the sounds in his head came back tenfold. He squinted and focused inward, and the sounds began to form words. At last, he heard Emeline there.
'Ren, listen to me now.'
'Emmy? Why-'
'That is not me.'
'What? I-I don't understand. Emmy-'
'Look into her eyes.'
Ren did as she said. Her eyes were blue.
He stepped back in sudden shock and fear. He saw on the doppelganger's face that she knew her ruse was broken. He looked behind him and Agitha was gone. The street was empty; there were no sounds. When he turned back to her, she was charging at him with a knife.
He lifted his hands in defense and a blast of magic shot forth against his will. He tumbled to the floor, and the false Emeline was tossed back. When she hit the ground, the guise melted, leaving Viscen in its wake.
"Stupid girl!" the king screamed. His eyes locked into Ren's, staring evil pure as death. Ren froze in terror. The sounds of Castle Town returned, and Viscen vanished in an instant.
'Leave. Now.'
"Everything okay?"
Malo's voice tremored through Ren's body like a heart attack. He jolted to his feet and turned to face his uncle.
"We need to go now."
How we culminate.
A/N: Let me know your thoughts, friends. I absolutely love to hear from you. I hope you're all excited for where the story is headed.
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