A/N: Sorry it's been a while - life has been crazy! I hope you enjoy :)
When Heroes Fall
By: Selphie Kinneas 175
Chapter 33: En Prise
.:.
Though they fled Castle Town with all the haste they could muster, their pace evened out halfway to Kakariko.
Ren feared a pursuit, but the king did not follow him. In truth, he feared that more – it meant Emeline was taking the heat for his interaction with Viscen. He hoped more than anything that she was alright, that she could hang on just long enough. He hoped she could continue to fight his darkness.
Ren filled Malo in on everything he had missed – he spared no detail. Malo took it all in in silence, and Ren did not push him for more. All the stories Ren heard growing up of his youngest uncle told of how cold and aloof he had always been, but he was completely different when he was the great 'Hero of Discounts.' Ren saw his detached self and the elaborate mask he wore to bring in sales, but he supposed there was a caring side to Malo he refused to show even himself. Ren glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, and he saw the pained contemplation on his face. He gave Malo the space to absorb everything in silence for the rest of the trip.
When Kakariko came into view, so did something Ren did not anticipate, though perhaps he should have. Shadow beasts lined the northern entrance to the village, pounding on the protective barrier. Ren felt Malo flinch beside him on the wagon.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked.
Malo shook his head and looked away from the monsters, "I was so young when it happened... Part of me always thought maybe I dreamt it or... at least exaggerated a little," he shook his head again in clear, frantic discomfort at the sight of them.
Ren looked between Malo's panicked eyes and the strong, gangly arms of the shadow beasts pummeling the barrier. Malo pulled on the reins and the wagon creaked to a halt. Ren turned to him, but Malo spoke first.
"I can't get closer... I'm sorry..."
"It's okay," Ren said, "We can't fight that many by ourselves anyway and they haven't spotted us yet." Ren looked around and noticed a large grouping of trees for cover. He pointed at them, "Let's hunker down there and hope that help comes."
Malo made no visible agreement, so Ren took the reins. He parked the wagon amidst the thick foliage and the rest of the horses stopped to graze. Ren looked back at their cargo. Their wagon was packed full of every weapon Malo's store had in its stock room, and half a dozen horses trailed behind, on top of the two that pulled the wagon. They were in no position to attempt to fight the monsters themselves, with or without Malo's fragile state of mind.
Malo was frantic. Ren felt that panic radiating off of him even though he did his best to keep himself composed. When Ren took a step that barely rustled the leaves, Malo lost that composure.
"Quiet! They're gonna hear us! They're gonna see us..." Malo buried himself farther into the trunk of a tree and peeked out at the monsters in the distance. Shivers ran up and down his spine and his mind conjured flashbacks he'd long thought lost to time and age. He remembered huddling with the other kids as they listened to the monsters' heavy footfalls outside. Thump... thump... thump... He had never felt so afraid. He thought he was going to die that day.
"I never should've come... I should've stayed at home..." Malo mumbled.
Ren reached out to him with a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Hey, it's okay. They don't know we're here. I promise we're safe here, okay?"
Malo looked up at him with a reluctant nod, but he said no more.
Across the field, Link and Midna began to spot the same predicament. Midna's brow tightened at the sight of shadow beasts. She hated the way their existence made her feel, hated that her people were used and tortured by another evil usurper. Link felt Midna tense, but he focused up. He did not slow Epona's gallop, his eyes fixed on the monsters attempting to penetrate the only thing keeping his friends in Kakariko safe. Midna saw a rustle in the trees far to the left and she squinted to see what it was. When it clicked, she gasped.
She leaned in close to Link's ear and pointed, "Link, look! It's Malo and Ren!"
Link glanced that direction just long enough to note that they were safe. He looked back at the beasts and assessed the situation in a heartbeat. Some were split from the pack at an awkward angle littered with trees and rocks that his bow could not reach, but the rest congregated under clear, open skies. He knew what to do. He grabbed the bow from his back and readied his arrows, aiming skyward.
"Call it."
Midna concentrated, "Five close together. Two separated."
Link loosed five arrows up into the sky marginally distanced from one another. He returned the bow to his back and retrieved the Master Sword. He turned to Midna and handed her the blade and the reins.
"Throw me the sword when I need it."
Midna nodded and took it in her palm with ease. Link adorned a clawshot on each hand. He positioned his feet up on top of the saddle, preparing to lunge once they were in range. He latched the first clawshot into the nearest shadow beast and it released an ear-piercing wail. The chain whisked Link from the saddle and onto the back of the writhing monster. It kicked and bucked like a wild bull, the clawshot the only thing keeping Link steady. Link looked up, watching for the timing of the rapidly falling arrows gaining momentum. At the perfect moment, he sunk the second clawshot into the last separated beast, not yet pulling the trigger, and looked to Midna. She took her cue and threw with all her might. Link quickly shifted both clawshots to his right hand. Steel over hilt the sword sang through the air to Link's left hand. In one swift motion, he backflipped off of the monster he had mounted and pulled the trigger of the clawshot that was latched into the distant beast. He stabbed the Master Sword straight through the heart of the stunned shadow beast in front of him, and the clawshot's chain brought the second monster face to face with its skewered friend, impaling itself just as the oblivious five others fell like a line of dominos to the arrows. All seven beasts perished, collapsed, and evaporated to dust. Link sheathed his blade with a satisfied glance at Midna. Midna smirked.
Ren's jaw dropped from their hiding spot. Malo smiled excitedly, remembering instantly how safe and courageous Link made him feel. He looked over at Ren with a grin, only to see his dumbfounded face.
Malo laughed, "First time?"
Ren looked at him speechless.
Malo smiled and clapped his shoulder, "That's your dad, kid," and he returned to the wagon.
Ren watched a moment longer in frozen shock. He saw Link climb back into the saddle in front of Midna and urge Epona toward them. Ren cleared his throat and collected himself, joining Malo on the wagon. The two pairs met halfway.
Link leapt from the saddle and made for Malo.
Malo nodded in greeting, "Link... Sure has been awhile-"
Link wasted no time in strained pleasantries and went for a hug. Malo initially resisted with wide eyes, but then he melted into it with content release.
Link pulled back, feeling how afraid Malo had been, "You're safe."
Malo looked down, trying to avoid his own emotions, "Yeah, I... I did always have you to thank for that."
"I'm happy to see you," Link smiled.
Malo met his gaze and smiled, too, "So am I."
Ren and Midna watched with smiles of their own, all feeling the momentary warmth in reunion. It was clear how much more it meant to them now that Colin was gone. They savored it, knew it wouldn't last forever. They knew no day was promised.
They remounted and made their way to Kakariko's entrance. Zelda's barrier permitted them easily, and they parked the wagon just outside the inn. Malo's stomach erupted into thousands of butterflies. He hadn't seen Kakariko in years; he barely recognized it. In his mind it was a haunted ghost town full of monsters and terrors unspeakable, with only a thread of light in the shaman and his daughter. Now, the air was different. He felt an unwavering camaraderie, devotion, and safety far stronger than he felt the edge of looming threat on the horizon. Then he heard a voice he had almost forgotten the sound of.
"Malo?"
Malo looked and saw his brother standing on the inn's doorstep. Talo looked the same... but worn. Ren had told him of the son he and Luda had lost to the king, and Malo felt an unspeakable shame that he had not been there for his brother when his need was greatest.
"Talo," Malo said at length.
Both stood, paralyzed and staring, for a moment that felt like a hundred. The others watched with bated breath, unsure if there would be anger at lost time or simply love for the time they now had.
Talo took a step forward and Malo hopped down from the wagon. Tears filled Talo's eyes and he ran to his little brother. They held each other so tight it was like they feared letting go.
"Malo... Colin is..." Talo cried.
"I know... I know..."
Talo's breath hitched. He wished Beth were here to share this moment with them.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here... I'm sorry..." Malo muttered.
"I'm sorry, too. I was too scared to visit. All I could think of was the field being full of monsters... I-It's stupid... I-"
"I know, Talo. I've been too scared, too... I know..."
Malo at last opened watery eyes to see Luda standing in the doorway behind Talo with two little girls at her heels. Talo felt Malo freeze, and he pulled back. Talo glanced over his shoulder at his family and turned back to Malo with a smile.
"These are your nieces," Talo said, motioning for them to come closer. "Kina," Talo touched his oldest daughter's shoulder and she smiled. "And Orielle," Talo reached toward his littlest girl, but she clasped a raggedy teddy to her chest in fear.
Malo knelt down. He tried to smile, but he felt awkward and nervous. He didn't know how to have loving relationships, and he especially didn't know how to be an uncle. What if they didn't like him?
"Hi, um..." he cleared his throat, "I'm... Malo."
"Uncle Malo," Talo interjected.
"Uncle... Malo..."
Kina was nervous, but old enough to understand. She wrapped her arms around Malo's neck and gave him a hug. Malo reciprocated and she pulled back and returned to her dad's side. Luda pressed a gentle hand to Orielle's back, signaling to her that it was okay, but she shook her head and dug in her heels.
Malo saw her trembling hands and remembered himself at that age. Hard on the outside but inside just so completely and utterly afraid. He spoke from that place of understanding.
"I know there's been a lot of... monsters... and scary things..." Malo spoke. Orielle listened.
"It's okay to be scared of strangers, but..." he hesitated, "I'm here... to help."
Orielle's tearful eyes contemplated him, and she was his mirror. He held her gaze until she felt comfortable, and she dove into him for a hug. He squeezed with a smile. Talo and Luda smiled, too.
At length, Malo got back to his feet and regarded Luda. He remembered how much she had been a rock for him, for all of them, when they were younger. She was the most mature of the kids, the bravest. She gave them courage during the long nights when Link was gone and all seemed bleak. She still looked just as mature, just as brave. Though her small frame looked weak, her eyes were powerful. He could tell her body had been through hell, but her spirit was not dimmed. She was his sister now, and he couldn't believe how much he'd missed.
Luda opened her arms to him for a hug, and he accepted. They released without words, and she took the girls back inside. Talo gave another glance at his brother, taking in how the years had changed him. He eyed Malo's waistline and couldn't resist.
"Guess you're the big brother now."
Malo scoffed, "Yeah, yeah..."
Talo laughed and followed his family into the inn. Malo watched them go, noticing more familiar faces inside that he hadn't seen in years, but Link's voice averted his attention. Link had already begun removing the weapons from the wagon and examining them one by one. He felt the weight and quality of every blade, studied the sturdiness and strength of every bow.
"Thank you for this, Malo," Link said, "These are high quality weapons. This will make a huge difference."
Malo nodded, "Highest quality in all of Hyrule," he shook off the sales pitch with a clear of his throat, "Least I could do."
"Go catch up with everyone," Link said, "I will ready and sort the weapons."
Malo obliged, and as he took his leave, Ren looked to Link.
"How can I help?"
Link paused when he looked at Ren. Midna felt it. Part of him still froze every time, still knew there was so much there that they had simply been ignoring. He saw Ilia in him, and he remembered her words.
He snapped from his trance and said sternly, "You can hitch up the horses. Get them fed and comfortable."
Ren looked back at the horses and nodded to his father with determination. He was happy to do anything of use, happy to be helpful, happy to do good. He got to work, and Link watched for only a moment before returning to his own task.
Link finished as dusk fell, while Ren continued to work. Midna followed Link into the inn, and neither were surprised to find themselves bombarded with questions.
"Good to see you well, old chap," Shad said, "I take it your journey to the desert proved fruitful?"
"Yes," Link replied, "The Bulblins will join us."
"That is splendid news indeed. Though I must admit I am afraid of how quickly the day draws near," Shad said.
"We've got, what, four days left, yeah?" Ashei asked.
"Well, technically, yes, but we are at the close of day four now, so only three days remain realistically," Shad answered.
"It will be enough," Link said.
Shad pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with hiked up brows, "All due respect old boy, but, how can you be so certain? Rusl is still weak. Many of us are not skilled fighters. Though the allies you have gathered bring many warriors, I fear for those of us who are anything but."
Link thought on it for just a moment. Midna loved to watch how quickly resolutions came to him.
"No one is obligated to fight. Those who wish to, I can teach."
Shad's eyes went wide, "Is that so? A lesson from the hero himself?"
Ashei stood from her seat, "I can help you teach them. We can spend this last bit of time instructing those who want to pick up arms."
Link held her gaze and nodded, "Tomorrow. First light."
Ashei nodded in reply, and nothing more was said. Link cast a glance at the queen seated at the back of the room. Her eyes shut tight, the glow engulfing her was still strong. He supposed the others had already retired for the evening, and he figured Ren would be done with the horses soon enough. He went for the staircase and Midna followed.
They closed the door to the room at the end of the hall with a sigh. Link dropped his things at the foot of the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress to remove his boots. Midna leaned against the wall with arms folded.
"You think they're teachable?"
Link breathed deep at the thought, tossing one boot aside, "Some of them, yes. Others... Others I hope will stay out of the fight."
"What if they refuse?" Midna asked, looking at him seriously.
"If they really wish to fight, then I cannot take that from them."
"What about the ones like Luda?" Midna said, "She made it clear she wants to be there."
Link sighed, dropping what he was doing, "I... I suppose I can't stop them, as much as I might want to."
Midna studied him, saw how much he put everyone else's lives on his shoulders, how much he would blame himself if anyone came to an ill fate. It ate him up inside, and it was written across his face.
"If they choose it for themselves, it's not your guilt to bear."
Link looked at her, "My mind might believe you, but my heart could never."
Midna nodded in sad understanding, and no more was said.
They both lay down to sleep, and Link drifted off quickly. Midna, however, felt something in her heart. She sat up slowly, ensuring she didn't wake Link, and she headed outside.
The village was dark – everyone was inside asleep. Everyone except one, Midna knew. She shivered as the cold night air hit her skin, and she looked around. Then she saw him, and she understood.
Ren sat where he had hitched the horses, his back to her. She saw his body quivering and heard the quiet sniffles. She saw light emanating from his hands. Though he had not yet noticed her, the horses had, and their nickering caused him to turn. When he registered that he had company, he quickly dried his eyes and stood with a forced smile.
"Oh, hi, Midna," he sniffed, "Sorry, you surprised me is all. I finished with the horses. They're all good to go."
She looked at him with sadness thick in her fire eyes, "You don't have to pretend with me."
His gaze fell, his guard along with it. He dropped tense shoulders and let out the breath he had been holding. Midna remained silent, allowing him the space to speak.
"I'm okay, I just..." he glanced over at the horses, happily munching on hay, "The horses reminded me of home, and..."
He stopped. Midna heard him hold his breath again.
He hung his head, his shaggy bangs concealing his face, "I miss my mom..."
His composure broke and he cried. Midna knelt down and pulled him into her. She held him with gentle arms rubbing his back as she whispered, "It's okay..."
"I miss her so much... I just want to talk to her..." his voice cracked, "I miss Colin, and..."
He froze. Midna held tighter, "It's okay... it's-"
"Get away, please," Ren implored. His voice was desperate, begging.
Midna's brow furrowed and she held him at arm's length. His puffy, red eyes flickered a darkness, and fear ignited in her heart. She looked down at his hands, sparks jumping from his fingertips. She clasped her hands over his and stared into his eyes.
"You're okay. Focus on me."
Ren tried, with all his might he tried. Midna saw it, knew he fought it with all he had as he always did. He couldn't hear Emeline, couldn't find her light. His mind was going black, his senses trickled from him. Midna watched his eyes fade from evil to pure, and to her utter dismay, they settled on evil.
She stood and grasped his hands tighter the second she saw it. He pushed hard against her, hatred thick in his every movement. She felt heat from Ren's hands, but she did not let go.
"Ren, stop," she said calmly.
He said nothing. He was not past reaching; he was only on the precipice.
Fire formed at Ren's hands, and Midna winced as it burned her, but she only held tighter.
"Ren, stop," she urged again.
Ren felt light trickling back, but it wasn't big enough. It was a single match in a towering cavern. He pushed back against her, but Midna did not budge. She stared into his eyes and he stared back. Evil took the forefront, but she saw the boy pleading just behind it. Pleading her to leave him, to run before he could hurt her.
'Ren.'
He heard her. Faint, weak, quiet, but it was a torch. His eyes flickered familiarity and Midna gained ground. He heard the voice try to start again, but it was too weak. Emeline was fading.
Midna saw him teetering, leaning back to the light. She need only pull one last time.
"Ren, little wolf, this isn't you."
'Re...'
His eyes lit up and the fire at his hands blew out. The stopped momentum brought him into Midna's arms, and she took him in with relief.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Ren whimpered.
"It's okay. You're okay. I'm okay," Midna said.
Ren pulled back, grabbing Midna's hands to look at them. They were burned bright red and blistered.
He looked back up at her with shame, "I hurt you... I'm sorry..."
"I'll live," Midna smirked playfully, "But don't scare me like that again."
He nodded and she got to her feet. She glanced down at her hands and then back up at Ren. Though she remained calm for his sake, fear enveloped her. She knew the magnitude of strength the Fused Shadow had, knew what he was contending with. If they didn't get a hold of his powers, there would be nothing stopping Viscen from controlling him again.
"Let's learn to harness that magic, what do you say?"
Ren met her gaze, "Right now?"
"Yep," she said, holding out her hands, "Make me some ice to soothe the burns."
Ren's brow furrowed in confusion, "I don't know how."
"Think about it," Midna spoke seriously, "Really think about it. Feel it. Conjure in your mind what ice looks like, what it feels like, then imagine it right here, in my palm."
Ren stared at her open palms. He pictured it in his mind clear as day, but nothing was happening. Midna was patient.
"Tell yourself how much you want it. How much you need it. Hold out your hands and imagine it forming right at your fingertips. Feel it come straight from your gut. Feel it."
Ren raised his hands just so, and he did as she said. He focused on the feeling of ice so much that he began to shiver. He felt coldness in the pit of his stomach, felt his teeth chatter, felt his fingers go numb. His eyes narrowed in concentration and he almost swore he saw his breath on the air. He blinked, and small pieces of ice sat in Midna's open palms.
She sighed from the initial relief it gave, then she looked at Ren in pride. Ren grinned wide.
"Is that okay?" Ren asked, "Did I do it right?"
Midna smiled, "Yes, little wolf. Just like that."
She rubbed the ice between her hands and watched the expressions play across his face. He was proud, excited, but he was also scared.
"To manifest anything, tell yourself how much you want it. Why you want it," Midna said, "It all comes from the very core of you."
Ren nodded, "I understand... Thank you."
Midna smirked, "Let's get inside. It's late and cold."
Midna went to leave, but Ren's quiet voice just stopped her.
"Wait," Ren called, "I need to tell you something."
Midna turned back to him with a look of concern that she buried well.
"When I was in Castle Town, after I got Malo, Viscen..." Ren paused, trying to make sense of it himself, "Viscen came to me as Emeline. He tried to get me to come to the castle to... 'make peace' with him."
Ren eyed Midna's pensive face for any sign of clarity, but she simply stood in silence. She had faith in him, she trusted him, and she gave him the space to continue, knowing what he said next would not let her down.
"I ran," Ren said at last, still staring at Midna.
Midna nodded, "Then you did the right thing."
"But I heard Emeline. She sounded so weak," Ren whispered softly, as if uttering it aloud would make it true, "I'm scared he's hurting her."
Midna averted his gaze and sighed, "I know. We're all doing all we can. We're almost done, and everyone will be okay."
Ren watched her expression for a betrayal of her words, but he did not find it. Her eyes returned to his and she smiled. She motioned for him to follow.
"Come on, let's get inside."
Ren wordlessly joined her at her side.
Midna scoffed as a thought crossed her mind, "That snake came to you looking like Emeline, huh?"
Ren looked at her and nodded.
"I pulled that trick on your dad once or twice," Midna laughed for a moment, then felt guilty. Her face dropped and her voice matched it, "Loser can't even come up with his own tricks."
Midna ensured that Ren was safely in bed before drying off her hands and returning to her hero. She opened the door to see Link sitting up on the bed.
"You were asleep," Midna whispered.
Link looked at her, "Something was off."
Midna closed the door quietly behind her, taking her time before turning to face him. She didn't want him to know that Ren nearly lost control again – she wasn't sure how he would react.
"With what?" she asked with a straight face.
Link studied her. The silence spoke volumes. He ignored her question, "Where did you go?"
She had no desire to lie, only to withhold as much suffering as possible, "Ren was by himself outside. He was upset... missing his mom and Colin. I just wanted to be there for him."
Link nodded once slowly, and it took several heartbeats to find his voice again, "Thank you for caring for him while it's still hard for me."
Midna sat down beside him on the bed, "Link, it's time for you to fix things with him."
"Midna," he tried, but she cut him off.
"No," she shook her head, "You can't put it off any longer."
She grabbed his hand and stared into his deep eyes. He reciprocated, and she felt all of his pain in that shared moment. She saw his doubt, his guilt, his shame. In her he saw hope.
Link's first instinct was to argue, to disagree, to find an excuse. Link's heart knew better.
"You're right," he said at last, "Though these next days will be hectic... I will talk to him when the opportunity presents itself."
Midna nodded; that was all he could promise, and it would be enough.
They lay down and slept then, Link never telling Midna that what had felt off was Zelda's power waning, and Midna never telling Link that Ren nearly lost himself. They each had their own secrets they kept in an attempt to spare the other.
When the morning came, everyone rose early. Those who wished to fight met Link in the open space in the middle of the village. Link handed out a variety of swords and bows, and they spent the day learning all they could from him.
Ren, however, did not join them. Midna found him in the graveyard, sparks flying at his fingertips again. Fear somersaulted in her heart, but she kept it to herself. She spent the day teaching him to hone his powers, to control them rather than letting them control him. Ren tried on multiple occasions to reach out to Emeline, but he never heard her.
Luda emerged from the inn some time later. Link's face dropped upon sight of her, hoping until the last that she would change her mind about fighting. She looked frail of body but strong of mind. She approached Ashei who did not question nor judge Luda's desire to fight. Ashei was an understanding teacher, and Luda was a quick learner.
Link was a stern teacher, refusing to allow any of them the opportunity to die in this war. His lessons continued into the following day, as did Midna's with Ren. Though it was a slow process, Ren began to gain power over his curse. Midna swelled with pride each time he succeeded in meeting her demands. Despite his progress, Midna still felt the untamed part of him like a strong current. They avoided triggers like the graveyard – she feared that a relapse was always just a hair's breadth away.
Early the following day, when the world was still dark and before the sun had even begun to form a thought on the morning, Emeline hung on by a thread. She sat still, bound to a chair and starved just enough to keep her alive. Viscen hadn't slept. He sat across from her enjoying his glass of wine from dinner.
"It seems I underestimated you again, my sweet," Viscen cooed, "And that boy."
Emeline said nothing. She still could not see his intent, and though fear beat in her heart, she ever held out hope that her presence here would bring some sense of clarity to her friends.
"Yet, how perfectly you all continue to play into my hand," he said with a swirl of his glass.
All was silent a moment. Emeline's body ached with the weight of the world.
"That's fine, dear, no need to talk. Your silence says plenty," he smiled.
Emeline held back her anger, and Viscen continued.
"I have you, the perfect candidate for forcing the queen to expend her little life-saving trick. If she even has the strength left after maintaining that silly barrier all this time," he laughed.
Emeline perked up, "You plan to kill me?"
"Oh, dear," Viscen's eyebrows drew together in mock concern, "I thought you could see my intent?"
Emeline bit her tongue. Viscen sneered.
"Why, yes, my sweet, I do," he admitted casually, "It will simply level the playing field, you see. Can't have one side with the ability to save a life that was rightly ended. I will kill you, she will expend herself to save you, and she will have nothing left to save my intended target."
Emeline said nothing. He didn't mean Link, or else he would have just said so. She dove internally to warn whoever she could reach out to in that moment, but Viscen's unhinged laughter stopped her.
"Running away in your mind to tell your friends my plan? Go ahead. They won't be able to stop me."
Emeline's voice shot forth before she had the willpower to stop it, "Who is your intended target?"
Viscen grinned evilly and uttered not a word.
Suddenly, Emeline's anger erupted. Her bonds withered to ashes and she stood with white, hot light bright in her eyes and strong at her hands. Viscen froze at her command, still conscious, still aware, just immobile.
"Plan whatever you like, there is nothing you intend to do that we cannot overcome," Emeline spoke through gritted teeth, "You will meet your end tomorrow, father. I can't promise your death will be a swift one."
Viscen smiled, "I will kill you in front of your mother. What happens after that will be none of your concern."
Emeline's heart beat hard as she stared at him. Despite holding him subdued, the look on his face was entirely nonchalant, as if he could break out of it at any moment but spared her the embarrassment. She was weak and felt herself waning. She made for the exit, holding him in place long enough to escape. As soon as the door closed behind her, he was released. He sighed and dusted himself off. He called for his guards and they rushed to meet him.
"Chase after the princess and throw her in the dungeon," the king stated plainly.
The guards nodded and did as they were told. Emeline did not make it far. She was tossed into the same cell Link had occupied not too long ago. She smelled old blood and stale water, and the temperature was downright freezing. She ignored all external discomforts and sat on the cold floor, drawing inward.
At sunrise in Kakariko, Link was preparing for the final day of lessons when he felt a tremor in his heart. He stumbled and Shad reached out to steady him.
"You okay, old chap?" Shad asked, concern in his eyes.
Link looked confused, holding a hand to his chest. He felt it again and he knew. He ran into the inn and approached Zelda. The queen was buried deep into the recesses of her mind where Emeline could at last reach her.
'Mother?'
Zelda heard her daughter's sweet voice and smiled, inside and out.
'Yes, I'm here, Emeline. I am happy to hear you.'
'And I you, but listen, mother. You must drop the barrier.'
Zelda paused, 'Are you certain?'
'Yes.'
Emeline did not hesitate, and there was no question in her voice. Her confidence left Zelda with no doubts.
'Then I trust you.'
Zelda felt a thousand pounds lift from her spirit as the barrier fell. She could not yet hear the confusion of her friends in the physical world, but she could feel the quiver in her daughter's spirit.
'Are you safe?' Zelda asked.
Emeline did not want to answer that question. She ignored it.
'When you think things are dire tomorrow, do not believe what you see.'
Before Zelda could reply, she felt Emeline's presence leave her. She sluggishly opened her eyes and everything felt so heavy. She began to topple over, but Link moved to steady her, sitting beside her on the sofa. After a moment of collecting herself, she looked up at Link's concerned face.
"Are you alright, princess?" he asked.
She could not yet find her voice to answer. The others assumed her answer in her silence.
"She likely couldn't hold it any longer, yeah? We asked too much-" Ashei tried.
"No," Link interjected, "It held. She let it down for another reason."
"Are we defenseless?" Talo asked.
"More of those monsters are gonna come..." Malo whispered.
Zelda at last gained the strength to sit up straight. She blinked life back into her eyes and raised her chin, gazing at her friends with courage.
"Emeline spoke to me. She insisted I let down the barrier," the queen spoke with a forced power that was convincing to most of the people in the room.
Many of them worriedly glanced between one another, yet no one wanted to be the one to voice that worry.
"You trust that she knows what she is doing?" Shad asked.
Zelda smiled proudly and nodded, "I do."
Check.
A/N: Let me know how you're feeling! We're really getting into it now!
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I love you all to the moon and back! I hope you're all doing well!
A big thank you to the following for helping me get this chapter out there!
Big Jake, Fez, Lee Glerum, Cynfall, Jacob Peachey, Funkyninja118, Gabby-J, InnerEnigma, Ivalee, Jessie H, Kevin Pham, KingRoxim, Lotus Eater, Nebelfaenger, Owen Reilly, Paul Linfor, Robert California, Rocket Man, Siren World, XYukiNoHanaX, emmydog1, Amber Milligan, Emily Zuber, Mandelbrot, Rob Walters, Silvia Delgado, Tyli Ariegh
You guys are amazing!
