Hello all new readers! I realized I needed to add a note in here as a disclaimer that I do not own the Legend of Zelda or any of the characters. Except for the characters I made up. But they are minor characters. Also, if anyone would like to be a beta reader for me, I do need one. I am well aware that I have problems with speeding the story along at a bit too fast of pace. So help slowing it down would be a great help to me! I hope you enjoy the story!
Renado felt the shift in the atmosphere almost instantly. He'd always been very much in tune with nature. Whatever it was that had been troubling the kingdom was gone. The darkness had lifted. He sighed with relief. It would finally be safe for the Ordon children to go home and be with their families. He thought of the young man, Link. He'd sensed something deep within the boy. He was much more than a respected mentor to the Ordon children. There was an ancient power within him. So much courage. Renado was certain that the boy had had some sort of hand in the lifting of the darkness. He sensed it within his very soul. He knelt to send a prayer of thanks to the Goddesses.
He'd barely said his amens when he heard a shuffling outside his door. Perhaps it was the children, wanting to see him. He opened the door to greet them and found himself face to face with Princess Zelda.
"Why, Princess! Your majesty!" Renado bowed with respect, "What a surprise to see you here! What is the matter?" he asked, seeing the worry on her pretty face.
"It's Link!" she said, motioning to the boy laying on the ground behind her. Renado looked over her shoulder. "I believe he is very hurt. He's just fought in a terrible battle. I'm certain it is a miracle he's survived. Can you help him?"
Renado nodded, and walked over to Link, gently lifting him in his arms. He carried the boy into sanctuary and placed him gently on the rug. Kneeling, he carefully lifted the boy's tunic and examined the skin beneath. There were certainly many bruises, minor cuts, some deeper cuts. But it appeared that he had defended himself fairly well. Renado treated the minor wounds and then examined his arms and legs, again only finding one cut that was somewhat serious. He bandaged it carefully.
"Has he received a blow to the head?" Renado asked Zelda, who paced the room in worry.
"I...I'm not sure. I did not see the whole battle. I was..." Zelda chose her words carefully here, not wanting to reveal she had been possessed by the demonic Ganondorf. "unconscious for part of it."
Renado lifted an eyebrow, "Are you all right, your majesty?"
"Me? Of course, I'm fine. It is him I am worried about."
Renado nodded and turned back to the boy. He carefully removed the boy's green cap and examined his forehead. He ran his fingers through Link's hair, looking for any cuts or bleeding. Nothing. Nothing seemed swollen. Good.
Renado stood, dusting his hands against his legs. He turned back to the princess who was wringing her hands as she paced. "There is nothing of real concern that I can find," he said.
Zelda sighed in relief, tension leaving her shoulders. "Oh, good. But..." she paused now, looking over at Link's sleeping face, "I don't understand then, he collapsed, he seemed in such pain...He was gasping..." her voice trailed off as realization began to dawn on her. "Oh!" she squeaked, her hand flying to her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes. "Nayru, I am foolish! Midna!"
"Pardon?"
Zelda rushed to Link's side and brushed her hand through his hair. "Not physical pain," she whispered, tears filling her eyes, "emotional pain." Zelda reached for Link's limp hand and pulled it toward her, examining the triforce mark he shared with her. "After all you've been through," she whispered again, "what takes you down is nothing you could have trained for."
Sensing that he was no longer needed, and was watching something personal, Renado quietly slipped out of the sanctuary. Twilight had long since passed and the night air had become crisp and cool. Renado inhaled the fresh air deeply and looked up at the twinkling stars. Somewhere up there, the goddesses were looking down, pleased at the return of peace. But at what cost? Renado thought with a heavy heart. He could only rely on his intuition. But his intuition told him that someone had had to lose. He sensed sadly that it may very well have been Link himself. Link was a selfless, brave boy. He'd helped the village numerous times. He'd helped the Gorons, thus helping Kakariko. He'd donated much money to the bridge fund and the fund for Malo's store in castle town. He'd checked in on the children frequently and Ilia... he'd be heartbroken about Ilia's memory loss, it was clear. He'd helped the Zora boy. He'd rescued Colin. It seemed the boy had done nothing for himself. Everything he did had always been for others. And he was certain there was more he had not seen. That showed his true courage.
Renado shook his head dolefully and walked to the inn. He would have to sleep there tonight. He slipped quietly inside, shutting the door softly behind him so as not to wake the sleeping children. He tread softly across the floor and sat on one of the empty beds. He sighed.
"Renado?" he heard a whisper from across the room. It was Colin. "What are you doing here?"
Renado shook his head, even though Colin couldn't see it in the dark. "Do not worry, son, go back to sleep," he whispered back before settling into the bed. But he didn't sleep. And neither did Colin.
The day awoke with a peaceful serenity in the village. A rooster crowed from a rooftop and Zelda woke from her slumber. She hadn't realized that she had fallen asleep and her body was quite stiff and sore from lying on the hard ground next to Link. Link! She gasped and sat up quickly, twisting around to see if he had woken. She was surprised to see a young boy sitting next to him, hugging his knees and looking nervously at the still sleeping young man. He glanced at Zelda and blushed deeply.
"Good-good m-morning, your majesty!" he stuttered, his eyes wide and mouth open in awe at the Princess of Hyrule. He scrambled to his feet just to bow down to her.
Zelda smiled and pat the boy's head. "Good morning. Please. You needn't bow to me." She gestured to Link, "Is he your friend?" Zelda had to admit, she wouldn't have been at all surprised to find children admired and looked up to Link.
Colin nodded jerkily. "Yes. Is he hurt?"
Zelda sighed and gazed at Link for a long while. "Yes. I suppose... in a very deep way."
Colin gasped and leapt at Link, his arms wrapping around his hero's neck. Tears streamed down Colin's face. "But...but... he can do anything! He can't be hurt! Could he... might he die?"
Zelda looked at the young boy sadly. "No, he's not hurt like that. He has been through much. He is weary. He has seen things no human should have to see."
Colin sat back on his knees, quickly wiping his tears on his sleeve. He seemed relieved, but still worried. Zelda smiled at him. He was a sweet boy. "Oh!" she gasped, "I'm so sorry, I haven't introduced myself. Forgive me. My name is Zelda. And you are?" She held out a graceful hand to the child.
Colin laughed, took her hand and shook it. "You don't need to introduce yourself. Everyone knows you're Princess Zelda! My name is Colin," he added shyly, "Pleased to meet you, your highness."
"Please, just call me Zelda. Anyone who is a friend of Link's is a friend of mine," she smiled kindly at the young boy and stood up, stretching. Goodness, she was very stiff. She wasn't used to sleeping on such hard ground. She'd always been blessed with fluffy feather mattresses and clean sheets. Link must have slept on the ground a lot.
Zelda sighed. She knew she should get back to Hyrule. She was certain the castle was in chaos. And even more certain that someone had noticed that she was missing. That would certainly create quite the panic. Summoning the powers of the goddesses, she quickly sent a telepathic message to her servant that she was fine and not to worry about her, she would be back at the castle by the afternoon.
There was a curt knock at the door and Renado entered, carrying a tray with some breakfast on it. He glanced at Link.
"So he hasn't woken yet. Let him rest. He must be very weary," he looked to Zelda and Colin. Renado had suspected Colin had wandered over in the middle of the night curious to know why Renado was sleeping at the inn. Renado didn't worry himself over it. Colin had grown much in the last year and had shown great maturity compared to Talo and Beth. "Would you like some breakfast, Princess?" He asked, nodding toward the tray he held.
Zelda smiled. "I'm famished."
As they ate, the three chatted lightly. Zelda enjoyed Colin's company and Renado's presence made her feel peaceful. But she couldn't help but glance out the window once in awhile, trying to see how high the sun was in the sky. Renado, sensing her worry for getting back to the castle spoke up.
"I'm sure you need to return to the castle, Princess. Please don't worry about Link. I will care for him. He is in good hands. We will watch over him. Return to the kingdom. You are needed there."
Zelda gave Renado a relieved smile. "Thank you, Renado. Allow me to repay you," she said, slipping her hand into a deep pocket in the folds of her skirts.
Renado held up a hand. "No. Do not worry about repayment. You have done much for us. It is I who should repay you, Princess. It is my duty to watch after the residents of our village. I am pleased to watch over him. He has helped us so much. It is the least I can do."
Zelda nodded. "Very well. Farewell, then. I shall send you a letter once I return. Again, thank you. Take care."
She slipped out of the sanctuary and was gone in the blink of an eye.
Midna's first step into the Twilight realm filled her with a jumble of emotions. She was happy to be home. But nervous about her return- what would the Twili say about her being gone for so long? She felt sad for leaving Link behind.
Link... A single tear slipped down her cheek. He had been her slave, her lifeline, her companion, her best friend. They had been inseparable. Any normal human being would have rebelled. Refused to do everything she asked. She expected the same from Link, at first. After all, when she'd approached others with her tasks she'd gotten such reactions. If I help you what's in it for me? That was what they would always ask. And then, she'd lose her temper tell them she didn't need them, why did she have to do everything herself, everyone else is too stupid and so on. Stupid humans. She hated humans.
But Link, in a way, he'd been in the same situation as she was. He wanted his body back. She wanted her body back. She also wanted her powers, her kingdom and the defeat of Zant. She wanted to be home. And she would do anything to get it back. Even if she had to use Link to get there. Even if she had to turn against him later.
How could she have been so selfish? She'd fully intended to destroy him and Zelda. Yet they had both been so selfless for her. Link had never asked questions. Once he'd fully gotten his body back, he could have left her on her own. He could have left her when she gotten the fused shadows and her power back. He could have left her there to die when Zant had used his powers on her. He'd fulfilled his own obvious goal of getting his body back. But he'd agreed to help her. He'd agreed to help the Gorons, the Zoras, the Hyrulians, the little old lady in the lost village. He helped everyone. For no gain of his own. To help her. Midna. She'd never met anyone so selfless as he was. And he'd never complained once. Even when she'd pushed him so hard. Even when he couldn't go on...
Midna didn't want to think about that time. She shook her head.
She'd never met someone she had so much respect for. She respected him even more than she respected Zelda. She respected them both more than she respected even herself.
She looked back at the shattered mirror. It was no use feeling regret now. What was done was done. It'd been quite the adventure. Like they always say, it's not the destination, it's the journey. And she'd met some wonderful people on the way. But her place was here in her kingdom, in her own realm. And she'd prevented anything like this from ever happening again by shattering that mirror. That was what was most important now. It was time to return to her kingdom.
Midna wasn't sure what she would be up against when she entered the palace. What had been going on here while she was gone? Which parts of the Twilight realm had fallen to the Light realm and which parts had stayed? Which parts had Zant completely fucked up and which parts were still left untouched? And what would the Twili's reaction to her return be? Would they be happy to see her again?
She admitted she may have not been the kindest princess before. She may have taken advantage of her position once or twice or fifty times to get what she wanted. She might possibly have enjoyed ordering people around. She may have never fully cared about some of those other Twilight Realm tribes. But she was certainly a better ruler than Zant. Right?
She was a changed woman now though. She wanted to set things right, once and for all. She wanted to follow Zelda's peaceful, selfless example. With renewed confidence, she pulled back her shoulders and lifted her chin high. She stepped into the village surrounding the palace.
Her presence had always demanded respect and attention. But now, her presence delivered shock as well. Silence fell instantly the moment she entered the town. Twili parted a path for her. They all fell to their knees, bowing, creating a wave as she walked. She'd forgotten what it felt like to have people look upon her with respect. The feeling shocked her. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She realized she didn't want them to feel the need to bow down to her. She didn't want to demand that anymore.
"Please, stand and face me," she called to her people. They hesitated and with a murmur that stretched through the crowd, they slowly got to their feet. Staring at the princess. Midna smiled and nodded at them, and began walking toward the palace.
One Twili man reached out and touched her robes as she passed by, "Princess Midna, you've returned!" he cried out and she stopped. She reached for his hands and gave them a squeeze. Everyone was shocked. Never before had she shown such appreciation for the people.
When she reached the entrance to the palace, she turned and waved at everyone. She smiled widely, and then, to everyone's amazement, she got to her knees and bowed to them. The town roared to life with amazed chatter.
Midna turned to the guards who stood at the doors of the palace. She smiled gently at them.
"Princess," they muttered as they swung the heavy doors open for her.
"Thank you, gentlemen," she said to them. They both looked at each other in shock as she passed by them. Never before had she offered them thanks for such a simple task as opening a door. Could it be that she had changed so much in just one year?
The mood shifted, however, once she entered the palace and even more when she entered the royal council chamber. A deafening silence greeted Midna when she entered the room. All eyes were on her, and if she was reading them accurately, not all of them were pleased to see her. The chancellor, Ardane, who sat at the head of the grand table, spoke first.
"Why Princess, what a shock to see you," he said with a subtle tone of sarcasm in his voice.
"I imagine it is," Midna replied calmly.
"Where exactly have you been, Midna? Things haven't exactly been peaceful around here and you just up and disappear for a year! When we need you the most!" This is what Midna liked about Ardane. He was up front and didn't sugar coat his true feelings. He laid them on the table for all to see. Especially the ones who needed to see them most.
"You are right to be upset, Ardane," Midna said, then nodded at the rest of the council, "all of you."
Midna sat in a chair amongst the council, not demanding the chair at the head of the table as she would have a year ago if someone was sitting in it. Then again, no one would have dared do such a thing then. "If you would allow me to explain?"
"This had better be good," Ardane grumbled.
Midna told them what had happened to her in the last year. She told of how she'd been turned into an imp by Zant and had to seek help from the light world dwellers, Princess Zelda and Link particularly. She told of how they were blessed with the powers from the Goddesses. How she needed Link's help to gather the fused shadows. And then again to gather the pieces of the shattered mirror. She told of how Zant had been gaining power through Ganondorf, the last member of the triforce and the most dangerous one.
She left out many of the details, but the council didn't need to know about how she had found friends in the Light world, how she had planned on turning on Link and Zelda, the personal bonds she had formed...
"I'm afraid," she said, "I made a very grave mistake in appointing Zant as chancellor. When things began taking a turn for the worse, I knew my error. His views were radical and terrible. But I could never have imagined he was teaming with the king of the darkness, Ganondorf. However, history shall not repeat itself. I have shattered the Mirror of Twilight and thus have prevented our realm from interacting with the light realm. With this disconnect, the triforce stays in the light world, never to try again to infiltrate the twilight realm. Fear not, council, I have done everything in my power to protect this kingdom."
The council gasped at this news.
"You've shattered the Mirror of Twilight?" Ardane screeched. "You have sworn our people to eternal Twilight! To destroy the connection with the Light world is to accept our banishment from the Light world!"
Midna stood, a determined expression fixed on her face, "Have we not banished ourselves by our desire to war with the Light world all these years? We have deliberately separated ourselves from their world by being angry with the generations not responsible for our banishment. To win such a war does not allow us back into the Light world, but for the Light world to become a part of the twilight realm. Let us keep the realms separate and keep the past in the past. We must admit that we have become an entirely different culture after so many years of separation! Our form is unique to the Twilight realm."
"You are wrong," Ardane said flatly to the surprise of the other council members who had been enraptured by Midna's speech. "You have eliminated the choice. To eliminate choice is to eliminate freedom. It is a basic right!"
"What choice is there? No one from our realm wants to be in the Light world. Our powers are sapped, our true form altered, creating fright in all the people who know not what we are, who we are. Who would want to go there? We are not living to our fullest potential there. Just as the Light would not live to their fullest potential here. Moreover, do we really want another Zant/ Ganondorf episode repeated? I have been, Ardane, I have experienced. The Twilight is our home, where our species is one with nature."
Midna sat and gazed around at the other council members. She understood Ardane's concern. However, she feared some of his concern echoed Zant's beliefs. She felt nervous about that.
"Well," Ardane sighed heavily, "After a year under Zant's rule, he perhaps manipulated our beliefs that the Light world was a better, richer place, that the people there hate the Twili, that is why we've been so banished. I fear the destruction of the mirror has also denied the chance for peace between the two realms."
Midna nodded, "The Light world is a beautiful and wonderful place. The people hate the Twili only because of what Zant placed on them. But they know nothing of the actual Twilight. They were turned into spirits if Twilight fell on their part of the land. They only knew of horrible monsters, strange events. Please worry no more about peace among the realms. There is peace and understanding between Princess Zelda and I. We would always be welcome to return if we wanted to."
"Then I am saddened to not have the opportunity."
"I understand," Midna said. "I am sorry. My actions were based solely on what I believed would protect our kingdom now and in the future."
"I question your motives," Ardane said, steepling his hands and pressing them under his chin in deep thought. "Forgive me, Princess, but in the past your ruling often suggested decisions based on placing personal wants before the needs of the kingdom. How do we know that such a decision was made for the kingdom?"
Midna was taken aback. "You don't," she said thoughtfully. It had suddenly occurred to her that had she not been able to return, that Ardane may have become King. Surely the decision had been partially underway, with Zant destroyed a few weeks prior. Ardane was critical and rational. These were good qualities to have. I likely would have made a good King. But perhaps being critical and rational were part of his downfalls as a king as well. He lacked emotional understanding, and that was crucial to understand the people of the kingdom and their needs. Midna understood this now.
"You don't know. But you can put your trust in me," she continued. "This last year has been eye opening for me. I understand things about ruling a kingdom that I hadn't before. I have changed, and I believe, for the better. I would like for my actions to speak louder than my words, however. Will you let me?"
She gazed around at the council members. Was she asking permission to be accepted as their ruler again? As though they had a choice? This was different indeed.
An elderly council member spoke up next, "Princess, we have always respected you as our ruler. You are the true heir, and we are more than pleased to have you return. Some of us thought you to be dead. You have always made sound decisions for our kingdom."
Midna shook her head, "Thank you, but I'm afraid Ardane is correct that I have in the past made some decisions for myself rather than the kingdom. But I do wish to change that." She smiled around at the council members, then stood, "Please forgive me, for I must retire to my chambers now. I am weary from a long day and our time schedules are opposite the Light world."
It was true. She had left Link and Zelda as twilight settled on their land. And she was returning to the Twilight realm as the day was just beginning. As if to show how very tired she was, she yawned and bid the council a good day and retired to her chambers, which thankfully, had been left unchanged.
She called for her servant, Soli, but not to bring her a meal or to help her ready herself for bed. Soli entered the room shyly.
"Princess! You have returned! I've missed you greatly! I'd thought you dead, truthfully," she said, crying and bowing deeply.
"Soli, please, do not feel you need to bow to me again. I'd like if you would address me as Midna from now on. Please come, sit next to me. Tell me what has happened since I left?" Midna said with a smile, patting the bed next to her. Be nice to those around her, especially those under her. That was her new motto and she would start with the servant she saw most. After all, if Link had been a part of the Twilight realm, wouldn't he have been considered to be under her?
Soli looked shocked and wary, but sat next to Midna nervously. "I'm sure you know about Zant. He was a cruel leader. If we disobeyed he would use his powers against us. It was a dark dark time, Miss, very dark." She wiped a sleeve against her wet eyes. Then added quietly, confirming Midna's suspicions, "Rumor has it that Ardane was planned to take your place as ruler of the kingdom if you did not return." She giggled nervously, "But you know rumors! They're just talk!"
Midna nodded, "I suspected as such. And I plan on allowing the council full choice in the matter. I will not speak badly of Ardane. He would be a suitable leader for this kingdom as well."
"I am but a simple girl, but please, Miss, you have been a wonderful leader for our kingdom. I'm sure I speak for most of the kingdom when I say this, we want you to return to the throne."
"Thank you for your kind words, Soli, but I must admit I hadn't always acted with the Kingdoms best interests at heart. I intend to change this though. If I am chosen again."
"But of course you will! How could you think otherwise? You have always been my princess, even when Zant was here. I always had hope you would return. You are tired, Miss," Soli noted Midna's yawn, "I will leave you to sleep. Is there anything you would like me to bring you?"
Midna smiled at Soli sadly. "Thank you, Soli, you are too kind. I am fine. Take the day off, you deserve it."
Soli smiled, thanked her and left the room in a rush. Midna wondered if she was still secretly seeing that boy in the palace town. She smiled and lay down. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.