Chapter Fourteen Gerudo Valley
Zelda in her guise as Sheik had not been idle in seeking out her husband; having seen Epona a couple of times fleetingly on Hyrule field, she knew that Link had not left the country. But neither had he called for the horse in the last couple of days which indicated that he had gone to ground somewhere. Epona knew that Sheik was around as well and kept a wary eye out for her; not knowing whether she was the cause of her master's grief or not. Sheik knew that keeping track of the chestnut mare was her best lead and she could tell the instant that Epona heard the call of the ocarina. She'd tossed her mane and galloped like the wind; purpose in her every stride and Sheik followed.
She chased after the flying Epona with the speed and skills of the Sheikah; then watched from the hill by Lon Lon Ranch as she jumped the fences that would take her down to Lake Hylia and the Water Temple. This confirmed the supposition Zelda had made; that Link was using the Temples to stay in. She then debated with herself, whether or not to alert the other sages to the fact and ask them to keep an eye on him. But she dismissed the idea, Link was perfectly capable of looking after himself and the problem that she had caused was between them and them alone.
Zelda crouched down beside the Lake Scientist's house and watched as Epona trotted across the bridges to the Island at the top of the Temple and collected Link and someone else. She couldn't make out who it was that was with her husband from this distance, because they were behind Link and the horse. As Epona and Link came back up the bridge, she hid behind the building and stared at the figure who was riding behind the Hero with their arms wrapped around his waist and clinging on as if to dear life. To her amazement the person could have been Link's twin, even though he was dark to her husband's light.
Link didn't even realise his wife was only a glance away as the two boys rode by on their way out from Lake Hylia; he had not felt her in his link at all and hadn't tried to reach for her himself. He had a new mission now and it served to keep thoughts of betrayal from his mind at the moment; which he saw as a relief, when he thought of Zelda it just caused anger and pain. Link knew that he would have to do something soon; but right now, Dark Link was his priority.
He had been surprised by the sound of longing in his dark counterpart's voice as he'd asked to be taken away from the Water Temple. When he'd been questioned further the shadow admitted that he had not left the few rooms that had remained dry, since he'd been virtually imprisoned there by Ganondorf to await the Hero. Obviously he could not change the water levels himself; therefore most of the Temple was inaccessible to him. Although since then and after Link had defeated him; he had been reduced almost to just a shadow again as time had passed, he was sentient and had been lonely.
Link decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. The shadow seemed genuine and Link was quite a good judge of character, 'besides,' he said to himself in a particularly dark moment; 'if the shadow did kill him it wouldn't matter.' The shadow however, didn't let him dwell on morbid thoughts for long; he was too excited at the thought of freedom from his Temple. He had found out that not only was his life dependent on Link; but also because he was his shadow, he could only go to places where Link or, of course Ganondorf allowed.
Link smiled at the other young man; he seemed almost like a child in his eagerness to be going outside but as they waited for Epona to reach them, the shadow gave a horrified shudder. As Link turned to see what was the matter; he could see for himself, as Dark Link trembled looking at the new shadow of Link's form cast by the sun. Suddenly Link felt alright about his shadow self, the boy was a fearsome fighter just like he was; but there was also an uncertainty about whether he would be accepted for what he was, underlying the bravado.
This was something Link could relate to; they were very similar in actual fact and the more they spoke, the more familiar they seemed to one another. Link started to feel as if he had gained a real brother and his apprehension about the close proximity of Dark Link lifted. This was just as well; given the tight grip that the shadow had on Link as Epona raced, once again across the field of Hyrule. Link had the idea to go to the Gerudo Valley after all; Epona could get them to the actual fortress and then she could be set free again and Dark Link would enjoy visiting old friends.
Soon they were riding up the gorge and Epona gave a loud whinney announcing their arrival. Her voice was recognised by the guards and many came to welcome the boys into the all female enclave. Link of course had earned his entrance and freedom to wander and he was soon greeted on all sides as the girls called out to him. Then there was a shriek and a gasp from some, as the women recognised the dark figure behind Link.
The shadow was soon surrounded by lots of girls; all of them asking questions at once and Link could see that he was loving all the attention. It was not long before Nabooru herself came out and after welcoming them both, she ushered them in to her private quarters; offering refreshment, catching up on what was happening and find out how the shadow was here. Her chambers were sumptuous and elegant and unashamedly seductive and the boys were soon esconced on soft divans, divested of weapons and boots to make them more comfortable.
"I am glad you're alive shadow boy, we thought you'd been killed in the Temple; just another victim to Ganondorf."
"Well, as you can see Auntie Nabooru, I'm still very much alive and kicking." The shadow was cheekily grinning from ear to ear and Link had opened his eyes very wide in shock at the familiar title Dark Link had used. Link had to enquire;
"Auntie Nabooru? Auntie?"
"You will stop cackling now if you know what is good for you Link, we have many ways here of 'taming' little boys." Nabooru threatened, although she was smiling as she did so. "You too, shadow boy; you are no longer the young child that needed to learn to respect his elders."
"It's really good to see you again Nabooru; it's been a very long time and no, I'm not a little boy any longer." The shadow reached over to give Nabooru a not so innocent kiss, much to Link's surprise. He was even more surprised when Nabooru did nothing to stop him; in fact she leaned back on her divan to positively encourage the boy. In the end Link had to turn away as his face flushed in embarrassment and envy; missing Zelda even more.
Dark Link felt the wave of envy and sadness hit him and pulled away from Nabooru, he had only meant to unnerve Link not torment him. Besides he did not need the emotional sustenance at the moment. Grinning once again at the beautiful Gerudo; he went and sat down as Link helped himself to food and drink, from the bountiful feast that had been served to them.
"Why don't you call him by his name Nabooru, why is it always shadow boy?"
"That is all Ganondorf allowed us to call him, he didn't want any to get too close to the boy. I left soon after shadow boy came to us; sick of how Ganondorf was ruining things for us here. Still there were plenty of girls here to look after him, he was not ill treated."
"Just left nameless all this time. Who named you Dark Link?"
"Navi, when she sussed me out." The shadow replied.
"Is it a name you are happy with?"
"I've never had a name so anything suits me, it is nice to be called something regularly; like I'm a person and not just a nothing. I quite like just Dark, then it doesn't confuse any."
"Very well, you shall be named Dark O.K." Link was pleased, a name gave someone a sense of being and worth; it seemed wrong that his former shadow had been denied that all along. He had been created with the sole intent to kill the original and in doing so, to die as well; by the cruel machinations of Ganondorf and nothing in Link's eyes deserved that sort of fate. Dark too was touched by the realisation that he now had a proper name and he dashed away the shiny tear that found it's way onto his cheek before any could see it.
Not quickly enough however for Nabooru's quick eyes, but she merely smiled to herself as she lay back and watched the two young men who at first glance seemed so alike and yet as she knew had great differences. She also knew that Link and Zelda had had a crisis in their bond; she did not know the details, but Impa had alerted all the sages that Zelda was looking for Link and had asked that they keep a low key look out for the pair. Impa did not normally panic and that in itself was enough to alert their friends.
Nabooru also knew that the shadow boy should only be that, a shadow; the very fact that he was solid and energetic meant that he had to have been getting many negative feelings from Link and her heart pained her for the grief of her dear friend. She now watched as both boys were chatting easily with one another, it was amazing how quickly they had formed a friendship and she thought it would be good for both if they stayed and got to know each other without fear. She would speak to Link privately later.
By now the boys were full of energy and decided to go out and explore. Link knew a lot of the places around the fortress already; but nowhere near as many as Dark, who had spent his years growing up around this maze of passageways. As they explored, Dark kept being stopped for kisses and hugs by Gerudos who were pleased to see him again. But unlike Link, who would have been hopelessly shy of all the attention; Dark was loving every second of it, preening and grinning and giving as good as he got. He even got several invitations to 'visit' some of the girls later on.
Dark did not take up any of the offers of spending the night with any though, he and Link were guests of Nabooru and had been assigned comfortable couches in her suite. In the morning however, bright and early the pair were already up and trying out the archery course; riding Epona bareback and taking it in turns competing with each other.
During the day they could be seen testing their skills with one another, sparring and racing; in general keeping occupied and using their energies decently.
Nabooru watched over them from one of the higher ledges; alongside many others of her girls who were all admiring the view. There was much laughter and good feeling surrounding them until Nabooru gently pulled away, without being noticed. She crept up quietly to one of the more sheltered corners and called softly;
"Did you wish to speak to him Zelda?"
"Yes. But I don't know how or what to say." Was the subdued reply. Sheik found herself caught round the waist and moved swiftly and out of sight to Nabooru's quarters. She was invited to make herself at home and became recognizable as Zelda once again.
"I'm surprised that he cannot feel that you're here yet."
"The Goddesses have blocked me from reaching him; do you know what has happened?"
"No, and I have not asked. Lover's quarrels are between themselves unless they wish to confide." Nabooru watched as Zelda's face paled.
"I made a huge mistake, Nabooru; not the biggest I could have done, but enough and Link found out the wrong way, before I could tell him myself."
"He will not hold a mistake against you forever Zelda."
"He also overheard things that have caused him to doubt me; he will not understand, he doesn't make those mistakes himself."
"What rubbish my girl, Link is a man and therefore by nature he makes mistakes. Granted, he is exceptional; but he's not perfect."
"Who is it with him Nabooru?"
"I'm sure he will introduce you, go and find out for yourself; the sooner you meet him again, the sooner you can get over your 'misunderstanding'. He will not snub you."
At that moment the door opened and Dark walked in. He and Zelda gazed at one another appraisingly and seeing him up close, the Princess could work out who he was. His garnet eyes and dark hair had been described to her before; but his handsome face however, was set in a sneer.
"Well, well Princess. You truly are beautiful; but where are my manners?" He kissed her hand. " I must thank you My Lady, you have given me my existence again; were it not for you, I would still be shapeless and lonely in that tomb of a Water Temple. I will go and tell Link you are here, I can feel the need for a top up of my strength."
"Please don't tell him, I wish to see him privately."
"Very well. As long as he is angry and miserable sometimes I don't care when you see him." Dark gave a cheerful wave and sauntered out; leaving Zelda in desperate need of answers, that Nabooru felt she was now required to give. Zelda too opened up to her friend and explained their problem. Nabooru sighed to herself, the Gerudo were a lot freer in their relationships than Hylians generally; but she could see the real problem would be in Link's confidence in being wanted.
"I will help you Zelda. Only you can convince him that you did not marry him out of a sense of obligation; but I can try to get him to speak to you. Do you wish to stay?"
"No, I will leave and go back to Hyrule Field; he doesn't seem ready to come back to me does he?"
"From what Dark has hinted, I think he is still too angry and upset to even think about it yet." Nabooru patted the other girl on her shoulder as Zelda bacame Sheik again and said farewell; vanishing in the smoke of the Deku seed, just as Link burst in with his wife's name on his lips.