Hi sorry I took so long to post this chapter. I might have forgotten about all of this, especially since the personal life keeps me busy. I'm sure you all understand. Anyway, next chapter!
Chapter IV: Dark Link
Link and Zelda quietly returned to the castle's main entrance through the front of the garden. By the height of the moon, the sun would rise within a mere few hours. Zelda was most certainly displeased by staying up so late; the ruler of Hyrule needed her sleep. But she wasn't complaining. Having summed up her night together made her realize it was one of the most entertaining nights she experience in years. The princess silently thanked Link for that, but she hoped he wouldn't do it again anytime soon. She wouldn't want the two of them getting in trouble.
As Link approached the main doors, he quickly ran to the entrance and took a hold of the doorknob. He gave a coy smirk as he pulled the door open for the noble. "After you, m'lady," he cooed, watching her stride closer through the fluttering of his eyelashes.
"You're not going to slam the door in my face?" She scoffed, referring to the earlier lack of chivalry. She didn't wait for an answer, for she quickly moved her feet into the doorway. Although she tried to be silent, she came to the immediate realization that there was no need to; everyone was awake. Not only that, but they were panicking.
Two bell towers within the walls of the castle could either signal a warning, call for a town meeting, or other certain uses. One bell tower was located at the front gate in Castle Town and the other directly next to the castle; the bells within the castle tower were ringing a tune that signaled as a warning.
The princess' eyes traced a fallen body on the floor, blood puddling around, and her heart dropped into her stomach. She spun on her heel to look at Link who just entered the gates after her. "Link, something's going on! Evacuate my people! I have to find Impa!"
Without questioning the subject, Link nodded and quickly darted into the castle. He would have liked to challenge the mysterious attackers to a fight, but he was useless without a weapon. The only thing he could do was help the servants who were in a frantic.
Zelda, on the other hand, jolted in the opposite direction. She was determined to find Impa who would tell her exactly what was happening. Many of the servants tried to stop Zelda and told her not to venture farther into the castle. Zelda briefly listened to their warnings, but they weren't very clear on details. The only words spat out were "intruders" or "monsters." Although somewhat helpful, it still wasn't enough. Maybe a group of daring thieves or maybe horrific creatures. Whatever the invader turned out to be, Zelda had to stop them, so there was no point in listening to her servants or turning back.
The princess began to race up one of the staircases just as Impa was darting down. "Princess! Where were you?! I went into your bedroom and you weren't there," Impa cried, coming to a stiff stop in front of the princess with her arms firmly crossed. She wasn't about to let Zelda pass.
"Impa, we don't have time for this!" Zelda protested, trying to dart around the guardian, but Impa only moved in her way. The princess let out a frustrated sigh. She didn't want to tell Impa of her outing, but she couldn't dare lie to her; that Sheikah could smell a lie from a mile away. "Link and I went into Castle Town! Now move aside and let me see what's going on!"
Impa only glared. Without a moment's notice, she lifted Zelda over her shoulder and darted down the stairs. "It's probably best you were absent, anyway. A pack of strange demons invaded similar in appearance to moblins, but I can't be sure. I'm sorry, but I can't let you go up there and risk your life to defend the castle. As your guardian, it is my job to protect you. The soldiers and I will get to it, so you have nothing to worry about. Just stay out of harm's way."
Impa dashed out the front door and sped into the garden, all the while Zelda constantly beat at the guardian's backside and kicked and screamed in protest. The Sheikah quickly set the princess down on her feet and fled back into the castle once more, not listening to a word Zelda had to say.
To her best guess, most of the servants escaped. Many of them headed into Castle Town for better avoidance of the attackers, but they were waking most of the Hylians inside. If they caused a disturbance amongst the people, then there was sure to be an uproar. But there was nothing the princess could do to stop them. If they wanted to leave, then so be it. It was better that her people were safe than in harm's way.
Zelda turned her gaze away from the exiting gate back to the view of the castle. She desperately wanted to know who or what was inside of there, but it was beyond her comprehension. All she knew now was that demonic beasts invaded her fortress, but what was it they were after?
Zelda suddenly heard her name, waking the princess from her thoughts. She turned to see the hero running towards her. "Link!" She called, making her way through the crowd towards him. "A pack of demons have invaded the castle. They're most likely moblins, but we're unsure. We don't know what they want, either. Link, you have to stop them."
Link looked up at the castle and gritted his teeth. "I can't do anything without weapons, but I'll do what I can."
Before he could run off, Zelda quickly halted him by grabbing onto his arm. "Wait, I want to come with you. This is my castle under attack and I need to see what's happening." Maybe Impa wouldn't let her by, but Link was more relaxed with things like this, so the hero would definitely let her follow behind. She was desperate to see what was happening.
"No," Link strictly demanded, catching the princess by surprise. "It would be different if I had my sword and shield, but I have nothing to protect you. Stay here and calm your people before they wake every Hylian in this town!" He yanked his arm out of her grip and darted for the castle, leaving the bewildered princess behind.
Zelda's eyes widened before they narrowed, clenching her fist in frustration.
The hero's boots kicked against the ground as he raced inside the fortress in search of these moblin-like creatures. His eyes trailed the stairs and doors and hallways, wondering which way to go. Trusting his instinct, he darted through one of the widest corridors and sped down the alley, moving as fast as his feet could take him. Several broken pots and vases guided Link to what he believed to be the right direction. If only the bloodied bodies sprawled along the floor were as innocent as the vases. Their crimson pools scattered along the floor and the walls and their open eyes drowned in defeat. What shame they fell so quickly, but at least they paid their loyal duties towards Hyrule. Link wished he had time to honor them all.
Link suddenly came across Impa and a few soldiers and stopped in hopes of them catching a glimpse of the beasts. "What's going on?" He asked. "Where are these moblins?"
"We chased several them away, but there are rumors of some still lurking around the castle," Impa panted in tire. Her eyes darted towards the hero, studying him up and down, and she almost looked irritated about something. "You're not going to get anywhere without a weapon." She strode to a dead soldier and confiscated his sword and shield before handing it off to Link. They stared at each other for a moment, putting their full faith and trust into each other.
"We better hurry up and find those creeps before they wreak the entire castle," Link suggested. He gripped the familiar weapon firmly in his hand and strode in front of the group as if he were leading the way, although he had no idea where he was going. Yet, everyone behind him obediently followed in hopes that the hero would lift this conflict from their shoulders. He was the Hero of Hyrule, after all, and he could easily stop a mere invasion, couldn't he?
After crossing through rows of corridors and rooms, they finally came across a small pack of moblins; three of them. But the rumors were true; they didn't exactly look like moblins, but characterized by demonic attributes as well. Small gurgles and growls escaped their wicked lips as they trotted across the hallway. The soldiers fearfully cowered behind the corner, not wanting to engage in a violent encounter with the fiends. Link and Impa, however, charged towards the monsters at a rapid pace. Impa drew her blade and sliced through the backside of one of the moblins. Link leapt into the air and stabbed one of them through the shoulder and sliced the sword down through its body.
The remaining moblin shrieked and revealed an axe that clanged against Impa's blade. She tried to oppose back on the enemy, but it was remarkably strong for such an animal. In the midst of her battle, she studied the moblin's eyes. There was something off about this one. Its eyes held a strange glimmering red light, and the more she studied the fiend, the more flaws she recognized about it. Pale skin, odd markings that barely glowed, teeth sharper than the wolfos in the woods. She was right when she referred to them as a strange demon, for these were most certainly not like any moblin she had ever seen. It was as if they were under some sort of spell that boosted their power.
Upon her distracted thoughts, the moblin suddenly made a strike towards the Sheikah's leg, wounding the poor woman. She let out a cry of pain as she stumbled down onto her knee. Before the moblin could make another impact, Link pierced the enemy through its skull. The beast fell onto its back and twitched before finally coming to death.
Impa stared with wide eyes of disbelief. It was unlike her to let her guard down so easily, yet the beast was able to touch her. She was ashamed for this careless behavior, but the damage was already done and she needed to move on.
Link wanted to make an amusing comment, but now was not time. Instead, he lifted Impa to her feet and threw her arm around his shoulders so she could use him as support. "You shouldn't let your guard down so easily," Link lightly informed with a comforting smile. But Impa only glared at the floor.
Some of the soldiers approached them from behind. One of them began to stutter in attempt to speak to the two; "We... we saw someone p-pass by w-while you two were f-f-fighting!" He took a deep breath before speaking again in order to collect his thoughts properly. "A d-dark fig-gure!"
Another voice crept from the hind of the crowd. "Link… he looked remarkably similar to you."
Link tilted his head in a muddle, blankly gazing at the crazed soldier. "Are you sure it wasn't just my shadow?" Link teased in amusement. However, he quickly reverted back to the serious note. "Whoever you saw, I'll be sure to take him down!"
Impa growled and narrowed her eyes. "Don't be a fool," she scolded, well aware of who this dark figure was. "You're going against Dark Link, a negative copy of your body. I could have sworn its existence was a myth from all the books I've read, but I appear to be wrong. You've been asleep for the past thousand years and have no idea what you're going up against. I hate to say it, but your skills are nowhere near strong enough to defeat this fiend. Besides, your power is divided without a proper blade like the Master Sword. We have to escape."
"No way," Link protested in pride. He handed Impa's body off to another soldier so he could go off on his own. "Don't you know who I am? I saved all of Hyrule! If this guy is just a mirrored image of me I can take it down easily! I know all of my weak points so I know all-!"
"I know what you're thinking, but believe me when I say you shouldn't!" Impa cut off without mercy. She seemed to gain a little more strength as she forced herself to stand on her own despite the gash in her leg. "Look at all the people it managed to kill just now, and with minions by its side. Do you really think you'll stand a chance?!"
"So we're just going to sit around and let this thing destroy the castle?! Isn't this what I awakened for?" He shouted in opposition of Impa's folly talk. Link stared at her, taking all of this into heart. The Triforce of Courage consumed him and all he wanted was stand up to that monstrosity who already slayed so many innocent people. "Impa, believe me when I say I can defeat this guy. My ancestors have, so I'll do it too."
"It's coming back!" One of the soldiers frantically whispered, backing away from the intersection. Impa and some of the other soldiers peeked from behind the wall and grimaced at the sight of the dark power. The Sheikah then made a signal with her hand for everyone to move down behind the next wall, so they proceeded with those actions.
Dark Link stopped in the center of the intersection and flickered its crimson eyes. The demon was accompanied by a menacing group of demonic moblins who whispered a strange dialect among the silence. "They're not here," the evil force spoke, its voice rumbling like whispers and wind. "The goddess and the hero must have escaped long ago. They most likely predicted our arrival…" Dark Link fell silent for a moment, basking in its next act. "Keep searching." And with that, the dark being disappeared into the next corridor, not having sensed Link's presence. The moblins scattered in opposite directions as well.
Link strode around from the corner and began to make his way to Dark Link's previous location.
Impa stared at the fool in disbelief, her mouth agape. "Link, where do you think you're going?!" She loudly whispered.
The hero didn't bother to whisper in his obvious reply; "To defeat my negative copy."
Impa watched the brave idiot's slow progress down the hallway and frantically turned back to the soldiers and studied them, coming to a conclusion of their combined strength. "All of you grab a hold of Link and take him outside! Now!"
"What?!" Link gasped as he turned back at them. All at once, the soldiers seized his arms and legs and began to drag him out of the castle. Link struggled to free himself from his captors, their combined forces too strong for the hero. He glared at Impa in frustration and gritted his teeth. "Impa! What are you doing?!"
Impa kept her eyes in front, fed up with Link's mindless choices. "I'm saving all of us. For now, you and Zelda need to linger among the crowd until Dark Link leaves. That demon will most likely return after this day, but in this moment of time we need to play it safe." After her simple statement was made, she continued to ignore the childish hero's pleas and pouts.
The group evacuated the castle in a matter of minutes with Impa hastily limping behind to keep up. They soon arrived near the crowd of maids, chefs, butlers and the rest of the servants flocked outside of Hyrule Castle. Many of them ventured off for their own safety while others chose to stay on the princess' behalf who watched in concern over her invaded castle. Impa immediately collapsed to her knees once reaching Zelda's side; the Sheikah had lost quite the amount of blood since their encounter with the moblins and needed to repose her body. She never desired to portray such weakness in front of the princess, but it couldn't be helped in this situation.
Zelda gasped at the sight of her wounded guardian and worriedly fell to her knees by Impa's side. "What happened?" She cried in desperation as she shoved her hands on the wound to keep it from bleeding out.
"We ran into a couple of moblins," Link answered. "They're also being accompanied by some demonic reflection of me known as Dark Link, or so Impa said."
Zelda's eyes narrowed in fury. "And what are we doing here? Why aren't any of my men stopping him?!"
"Nearly everyone who reentered the fortress has been vanquished," a soldier woefully admitted, removing his helmet in honor of the lost spirits. He kneeled down and bowed his head to Zelda. "Forgive us, oh princess. We have failed you." A number of the soldiers behind him kneeled as well, but quickly stood up after Impa coaxed them out of their internal suffering.
"So we're just going to wait until he leaves?!" Zelda exasperated. "Isn't it Link's destiny to defeat any evil that crosses our path?"
"That's what I said!" The hero grunted.
Impa winced at Zelda's forceful applied pressure. "We can't defeat Dark Link now with the army it has. Do you want to lose more of your men? And honestly, I don't think Link stands a chance against that fiend in his current state," Impa groaned, looking the princess her defiant eyes. She felt somewhat relieved when Zelda finally nodded her head in agreement, but still felt it was necessary to dwell on the matter. "We're not sure why Dark Link is here. The only known thing known is that it wants you and Link."
Zelda glanced to Link who gazed toward the castle. He was the hero destined to save all of Hyrule. He was important, but Zelda was insignificant. What did Dark Link want with her?
Zelda decided to leave Impa to hold the wound herself. The anxious princess began to pace back and forth in serious thought, deeply dwelling on the matter. It was obvious Dark Link wasn't after she and the hero in general; their bodies were useless. So what was the dark matter looking for? Maybe it was coming to destroy them and prosper over Hyrule. If this were the case, then they would have to stay on their toes. She knew Link was jittering and itching to fight his mirror, but for now it wasn't safe. He didn't have any of his weapons to defend himself except for a meager sword and shield. The wisest thing to do would be to wait or flee the area. But she couldn't abandon her castle, could she?
How much time had passed? Zelda's eyes fell across the remaining servants who chose to stand by her. They were afraid, but they were loyal. Where were they to go if they wished to hide? No other area in the entire land of Hyrule was big enough to fit the large population of Castle Town. Was the only option left to stand and fight? But Dark Link wasn't looking for a fight. It was only in search of Princess Zelda and Link. The demon wouldn't bother with any of these people. Or… would it?
"Zelda," Link suddenly spoke.
The princess was startled from her thoughts. She was so engaged with them that the sudden call of her name scared her more than the threat happening. Zelda looked at him and noticed the determination on Link's face; the face that meant he would do something no matter what anyone said.
"You know, Impa is injured and she needs medical attention. There are supplies inside the castle. I can get them for her." He positioned himself so that his back was now straight, standing with utter confidence. "I know I don't have a sturdy sword, but I can defend myself with what I have. I'll sneak right in and out." Link almost seemed to be backing away already before Zelda could even approve.
She huffed and shook her head, knowing what this courageous hero was trying to do. She was growing a habit of seeing right through his traps. "Please, Link. I'm not an idiot. You'll go in there in search of Dark Link! You can't possibly believe to defeat him in this state, especially with these moblins around. If you want to be useful, head to Castle Town and get us some healing potions." She was almost irritated by Link's determination, but that's just how his power of the Triforce worked. Zelda couldn't let him go inside and risk himself. "In fact, I'm making that an order."
Link was astonished by Zelda's lack of confidence in the hero. He took a firm hold of her shoulders and shook her just once as if he were waking her from a dream. "Zelda, I can do it! Let me fight-"
"The potions! Go!" She jerked away from him and moved to Impa. She didn't care what Link's next action would be as long as he fulfilled her orders.
The princess kneeled by her guardian to check on the Sheikah's wound. The crimson of Impa's leg created a pool around her, even though Impa pressed down on her deep wound to stop the blood flow. Zelda lifted her hands and slipped off one of her long gloves. She then proceeded in tying it around Impa's injury. This wouldn't stop the blood flow, but it would at least slow it down. She gave an unsure smile to Impa who returned the kind gesture with a nervous chuckle.
Link rushed into the depths of Castle Town on horseback. Despite all the servants who retreated to these stone roads, the streets were nearly open. It was a mystery as to where they ran off to, but Link didn't question it as long as they were safe.
Link finally dismounted his steed at the potion shop and burst inside. However, he stopped at the doorway to study his surroundings. Many of the servants huddled themselves against the walls of the room, cowering as if the moblins stood above them. It was a sad sight to see, but what they saw could never be unseen.
Their eyes glued to Link as he hurried across the room towards the counter to purchase his desired potions. "I need some healing potions," Link demanded, removing all the rupees from his wallet.
"No can do," the medicine-keeper sighed, leaning on the counter. "Just sold out. There's not even enough for some of these people. I'm so sorry." He spoke not so much to Link, but everyone else. The clerk grimly turned away and disappeared into the back room. There would be no helping Link inside this store.
The hero turned back to the crowd and studied them thoroughly. Most were marked with healed scars while others were still bloodied, but everyone's clothes were ripped and torn. It was no wonder why they fled to this shop so quickly. With a deep and sympathetic breath, he began to stroll out of the shop.
One of the servants jumped from his seat and stumbled to Link's side, clutching the tunic of the legendary hero. His eyes were dilated and grey with distraught. "Have they stopped attacking?!" He cried through apprehensive breaths. "Did they leave?!"
Link shook his head in disappointment, and the servant sulked as he moved back to his seat. They were all horrified. They had never seen such attacks as these. In the past, Link was always able to hide the reality and misery from the innocent eyes of blissful people, destroying the beasts before they could even reach safe havens. The hero led everyone to believe that life would always be merry. They never knew of the threats going outside of Castle Town, and now it was catching up to them in the present because Link had been careless. Because he thought he'd have a little fun with the princess.
Potionless and stressed, Link now removed himself from the potion shop, mounted his horse, and started his way back to the castle empty handed. What was he to do now? He absolutely had to get a potion for Impa, and now medicine for the injured servants. It dawned on him that the only way to help everyone would be to sneak into the castle and retrieve the potions from inside. He knew exactly where the room was held with all the supplies; he ventured there several times. If he could get his hands on those potions and bandages and everything else, he'd be able to heal everyone.
The hooves of the horse clopped against stone as it raced for the castle. By the time the hero burst through the gates and skid to a stop in the gardens, Impa's dark complexion paled as white as her eyes and the fretful princess caressed the fading Sheikah close to her chest.
Link only stopped for a moment at the princess' side. Before Zelda could even ask where the potions were, Link answered in one quick breath; "I'm going to get some potions from inside because Castle Town is all out of medicine but don't worry princess I know where to go." He urged the noble steed for the castle, wind beating his face and pressure pressing his shoulders.
Zelda frowned, bewildered by Link's decision. "You're going to get hurt!" She cried in desperation. But it was no use. The hero couldn't hear her and was already halfway near the castle.
Zelda practically hyperventilated in sheer panic. Her head whipped around on her thin neck until she spotted a nearby soldier. "You, retrieve Link! I don't care what happens, just stay out of harm's way and make sure he gets back here with that medicine!"
The armored soldier nodded and raced for the castle, a group of neighboring soldiers joining in as well with their comrade. Zelda gazed back at Impa and sighed in frustration. Perhaps she should have been hopeful, but that boy was more trouble than he should have ever been.
Link had dismounted his horse at the stairs and ventured deep into the castle. His sword slashed through any vicious creature that dared to get in his way, victorious every time. Link was unstoppable. He was determined to help the injured or else they were sure to bleed to death.
A stalfos approached at a rapid pace, wildly flailing its blade around in the air and screeching so loud it echoed to the heights of the vaulted ceiling. Link sped towards the enemy and crouched before impact, leaped into the air, flipped over the monster, and landed firmly on his feet behind the fiend. He swiftly turned and slashed the sword through the boney spine of the stalfos. The hero smirked at his clean work, watching the demon collapse in death, and continued to his desired location.
The medicine room was close, but the sum of enemies increased. Link halted several feet away from a wide range of monsters. A few moblins and a couple stalfos. He could easily take them on.
However, what dawned on Link the most was that this Dark Link character had yet to show his face since the hero reentered the castle. Maybe the figure was too scared to go up against the ferocious Link after witnessing his remarkable skills. That was obviously the reason in the hero's thick head, and that reason drove Link into charging into all of these monsters.
He rushed to the nearest moblin and thrust his sword into its gut, then drew his sword away and bashed a stalfos in its chest. Its bones fell upon the floor while the moblin behind him collapsed at his feet. These simple-minded creatures were no match for someone as powerful as the hero. It almost wasn't fair. Like a madman, Link clashed his sword against various blades flaunted by his enemies, their weapons beating his shield and rarely his clothes. However, the Hero of Hyrule's sword found its way into every surrounding beast. Easily, Link defeated all the monsters blocking the infirmary's door in a matter of minutes. A challenge never could out-master the hero.
Link barged into the room and began to dig through the cabinets and drawers and pantries. Beyond his comprehension, none of the medicine was there. Where could those potions possibly be?
Link whirled about the room in a frenzied search for his items until he was relieved at the fully stocked shelf by the door. So many potions, all types of potions, colorful potions. The hero came to the shelf and stared at it in wonder, almost having no idea of the properties possessed by the potions. Unknowing of which specific bottles to take, he plucked a few satchels from the nurse's desk, threw them over his shoulders, and began to toss every potion inside in hopes that these potions would save everyone. If anything, he was positive that the red potion would work well for everyone, but he didn't have a clue what the others would do. While he was at it, he made sure to grab some bandages as well.
The white of dawn began to peak over the horizon. Holding 110% of the confidence since he entered, the warrior exited the medicine closet with bags of potions slung over his shoulders and made his way down the corridors, accompanied by towering windows that stalked the courtyards. No creature would bother him now after slaying them all, so he'd make a safe return. The only creature he ceased to destroy was Dark Link, his negative copy. It was strange that this thing was nowhere to be found when it was previously seen roaming along the castle. Wherever this beast decided to run off to greatly concerned the hero.
Suddenly, a dark and smoking figure turned the corner from the furthest end of the hallway, accompanied by a loyal gang of beasts. This figure was attired in clothes of pitch black with grey hair and skin to match, but what was most intimidating was the glow of its crimson eyes. The silhouette exactly mirrored Link's, and the hero gasped and came to an immediate halt at the realization of this demon. It was Dark Link, his negative copy, who stood yards away yet still too close for comfort.
Link's spine shivered as he instinctively reached for his sword. However, before he could even touch the handle, the dark spirit disappeared into an unexpected cloud of smoke with its surrounding posse. Link lingered in silence for several minutes, patiently waiting for the shadow to reappear. It didn't. It hadn't noticed him.
None of that mattered. Link had to get these potions to the injured.
The soldiers had long since returned without a trace of Link. Zelda waited impatiently outside, standing at a distance from Impa. She was too focused on the whereabouts of that imbecile. Her foot tapped on the grass with impatience and she stubbornly crossed her arms. However, her attitude suddenly lifted once seeing the doors to the castle open. At first her eyes widened in surprise and her lips curved to a smile of relief. Link, the Hero of Hyrule, emerged from inside the castle. Over his shoulders were bags full of jars- potions. And on his face was a vainglorious smirk.
But despite his smirk, troubled brewed in his eyes.
Curse that dang Dark Link. What could he possibly want from Link and Zelda? We'll find out eventually. Thank you for your reviews and questions! They make me think about everything I need to revise! Please keep them coming so I can improve this story not only for me, but for you guys as well! Thanks, again!