Fyras14: Fyras here! Sorry for the rather big, big, big delay! Real life can be hard, and well...this chapter had been seating in my USB for what? Four, maybe five months already? I lost count now...I finally decided to leave some parts as they were, seeing as not many chances were added here. The chapter is definately different, in some parts, but not all. This one too, is a little short. Sorry.
Now, I do plan to keep the updates on Monday, but that will have to wait until after next week. Then, I have vacation, and I might be able to focus on updating this story, but until then, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
And again, sorry for the dealy.
Summary: After the attack on her castle, Zelda manages to escape, half dead. Found by Link in the wild, she is taken care of, but when fate plays its harsh hand once more, the princess must do everything in her power to aid the hero, recover her kingdom, and maybe fall in love. AU Twilight Princess.
Please read or review, or criticize, whichever comes first. Flames are not accepted, frowned upon, and possibly deleted.
Also remember, that this story is not a walkthrough, and that Zelda and its characters do not belong to me.
"A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men."
-Plato
-Chapter 6-
-Feathers, Fur, and Twilight-
One way or another, Midna had to admit that the light dweller wasn't half bad. Sure, so he was a hero chosen by the gods, but could he prove it in real combat? Even she had had her doubts when he had ventured through that dead tree of a temple and faced up against that plant monster corrupted by the dark power. Nonetheless, he beat the evil creature with a few bruises to worry about, although Midna reasoned that he wouldn't have had much of a chance if that crazy monkey hadn't helped him out. Yep, she wasn't that impressed yet, but at least she got what she wanted.
She watched from the corner of her eye, as Link returned his sword back to its sheath and thanked the weird monkey for his aid, who in return, nodded vigorously and left. The small imp rolled her eyes at the display, as Link turned to face Midna, eyeing the strange object in her hands, the same one that had once been part of the giant plant he had fought previously.
"So…is this it?" he asked the imp, causing her to nod.
"Yep, this is what I have been looking for…a Fused Shadow…"
"…you mean that that dark power the spirit mentioned is...this?" Link asked, taking a cautious step back, as the imp snapped her fingers, which disappeared the object of darkness in a flash of black light and particles.
"Yeah! You haven't forgotten what he said, have you? In order to defeat the king that killed your dear princess, we need all the pieces of the Fused Shadows…"
"…all the pieces of the Fused Shadows, huh?" Link repeated, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "And…just what exactly are those things for, other than turning plants into giant man-eating flora?"
"Maybe later," Midna replied, seemingly ignoring the question altogether. "Right now, you should focus more on finding them all!"
"Hey, hold it!" Link cried, as the imp made to move back into his shadow. "How about helping me out, remember?"
"Ah…don't worry so much, doggy."
"Link!"
"…doggy. Anyway, don't worry too much about it, I'll help you eventually."
"Eventually?"
"Yeah, whatever. Now, come on, we wasted enough time here as it is. Get ready to go!"
"Ready to-" Whatevever Link was about to say was cut off as he felt himself breaking. There was no pain, no blood, no flinching…he felt lightheaded…as if he was moving at a very fast pace. It was a different sensation from what he felt as a wolf, because unlike last time, he could actually feel it...his human body was breaking apart, going faster…faster…and then in the blink of an eye, Link was already outside, standing just a few paces away from Faron Spring. Link only blinked, and then, shook his head, frowning. She's doing this on purpose, he thought, as he glanced back at the spring, before beginning his trek towards the other Twilight covered lands. He stopped short when the spirit's voice resonated around the area.
Heroic Link, it whispered. Do not think that this land of Hyrule is now saved from the spread of Twilight…leave these woods and go to the west, where you will find the land protected by the spirit of Eldin…Faron instructed. There you will find those you seek…
"Those I seek?" Link asked, before a wave of realization hit him. "You mean…Ilia and the children? Is that what you mean?" Could it be true? Could he actually save Illia and the children? Perhaps he wasn't as late as he had thought. There was a chance!
You will eventually find the answer, great hero…came the spirit's response, making Link frown. That sure didn't answer anything. But know that these lands lie in twilight…the spirit warned. They are now a dark realm covered by the clouds of dusk. If you set foot beyond the curtains of twilight, you will revert to your beast form, so be prepared. Hero chosen by the gods, leave these woods and go west, to the land of the spirit of Eldin…the gods wish you to have a safe journey…and good luck…Link looked at the spring for the longest time, thinking. Would he be able to find them? Could he save them? Of course he would! He had defeated a creature of the darkness, didn't he? He could handle this! He would save them! Link was the hero chosen by the Gods, after all.
As he was there, thinking, he barely noticed his shadow leave him and take form in front of him. "That's better!" came Midna's voice, spooking him.
"Hey! Don't do that!" he cried out, as Midna giggled in amusement.
"Well, well, I'm sorry Mr. Hero! Well, anyway, now we know where the other piece of the Fused Shadows is, we might as well get going, huh?" she told him, grinning.
"Still…what he said, about the Twilight…"
"Ah! You worry too much!" Midna said, waving his comment off. "When you turn to a beast again, I'll take care of you!" Link rolled his eyes.
"Yes…because you took care of me so well, the last time…" the hero told her, grapping his ear unconsciously.
"They say first impressions are rough, you know. Now, less complaining and more moving!" With a small wave, Midna disappeared into his shadow.
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The trip through Faron Woods could have got better, Link reasoned, as he took care of the last Moblin that stood on his way. Not even two minutes into the woods, and the hero had been surrounded by a group of Moblins looking for trouble. In a moment of confusion, Link mistook them for the children's kidnappers, but mended his error upon seeing their faces; it didn't make the fight any easier, either way.
Looking towards the road, Link gave a small sigh. The trees were finally becoming scarce, making way for the great plains that stood before him, but still, reminded him of what he was supposed to have done before this mess had started. His eyes darted towards the blood-covered blade in his hands; it was tainted. The nicest metal in all of Ordon, the greatest treasure of all, tainted. But, this sword would do no good to the dead. But, now, this blade had a new mission. A new goal, just like Link. If he was the hero of the gods, he would save not only the kids, but the kingdom.
He barely made it into the grand field, before stopping short, a familiar cry echoing behind him.
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Zelda contemplated the spirit of light's words and sighed. Either way she looked, fate couldn't be merciful. At least, the hawk turned princess thought, I have found out what this curse truly is. But, despite that find, it didn't make things any better. The only consolation she could find was that at least the Triforce of Wisdom had saved her from the corruption that would have plagued her mind due to the evil magic.
And now, for the twilight that covered her land. Now she finally understood the reason why this twilight plagued this world. The reason that evil King came to her land and covered it in a vile of darkness. He wanted to turn the two realms, the Twilight realm, and Hyrule into one, so he could rule them. How he had obtain the power to transform her, was beyond her knowledge, or how he had arrived to her world for that matter. She sighed in the air, once more. Everything just seemed so complicated.
No use thinking about that now. She had to find Link. Only he could help her, but, should Zelda tell him who she truly was. Shame washed over her, suddenly. It was probably because of her that his friends had been kidnapped in the first place. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt off of her shoulders, or wings for that matter. Maybe that's why she was a hawk, and the only way to return to normal was through death. The gods wanted her dead…she was a pathetic ruler, one that put her own people in danger, and never did anything to save them. Zelda, princess of Uselessness, that name fitted better…she was useless…this kingdom was broken, and she was at fault.
Looking down below her in shame, Zelda barely noticed a strange green blur that caught her eyes. She stopped for a moment, examining it…before, that familiar face gave her all the recognition that she needed. She gave a loud cry, and glided towards that face.
It was Link.
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Link was simply shocked as Shannon flew towards him. "Shannon!" The bird only responded with a joyful cry, before circling around him. Link assumed that the hawk was happy to see him, and extended his arm for the hawk to land upon it. He passed a finger underneath the hawk's neck, smiling at seeing an old friend. "Shannon…you're alright…" Shannon blinked at him, and cried out, catching someone else's attention.
"Ugh! What's that noise!" Out from his shadow, Midna appeared, spooking the hawk. Shannon hovered on top of Link's arm, being calmed down by the hero. "It's alright, Shannon! She's…somewhat friendly…" Midna huffed at him, before she looked back at the hawk, who surprisingly had immediately calmed down and now was back on top of Link's arm.
"And, who is the bird brain?" Link frowned back at the shadow's habit of picking names for others.
"She's Shannon," he explained. Midna only smirked.
"Oh, so she's your pet? Who would have thought, a dog with a pet? Now that is a sight to see! Heehee!" Shannon cocked her head at Midna, as if confused. Link only sighed. "Well, anyway…we can't just stand around here, you know? We gotta go find that Eldin guy that spirit spoke about!"
"Yeah," he turned to Shannon. "Sorry, girl. But, I-" Before Link could speak, Shannon flew in the air, and hovered above his head. She pointed her beak towards the west, making both Link and Midna turned, confused. Link gasped at the sight that the animal pointed. Not too far away was a cloak of dark light, mixed together with the blue sky. "That…that is…"
"Yep. It seems the bird brain understands what we are looking for, after all…" Midna told him. Link looked at Shannon.
"...thanks Shannon…you made my job easier…" The hawk seem to nod at him, before she landed in the ground beside him, not planning to go anywhere else. Link stared down at her, smiling a bit. "If I didn't know better, I would believe you wanted to come with me." Much to his amazement, Shannon nodded her head, while Midna grinned.
"Well, what do you know? Maybe that bird brain is smarter than it appears!" She soon disappeared and turned back to Link's shadow, Shannon watching curiously all the way. As if she was fascinated by this strange imp's little trick. Once Midna was gone, the hawk was flying once again, looking down at Link, all ready to go.
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Link ran as Shannon flew towards the west of the vast Hyrule Field, the bird glancing down a few times to see if the hero was following, and slowed down with him when he finally came to a stop, seeing the cloak of darkness closer. The hawk also stopped in the air, watching the darkness before them. Is this…the cause of that Twilight thing, like what the spirits said? Link thought as he calmly walked towards it.
"HEEEEEYYYY!" A voice stopped both Link and Shannon from going anywhere else. A strange man in a red cap was running towards him, his face red and sweaty, as if he had been running away from something. The strange man stopped in front of Link, as Shannon gracefully landed on top of Link's sword hilt, making the man look at the hawk once, before turning his attention back at Link. "Go no further!" He said, huffing as he did. "There is a black wall ahead that blocks the way!" The man warned, removing some sweat away from his forehead.
"Where exactly is that wall?" Link asked him, causing the strange man to look at him in bewilderment.
"Near Kakariko," the man explained. "But, if you're planning to go in there, it is impossible! I myself planned to deliver a few letters, but it was impossible to enter…ah, and to think I called myself a once honorable and dependable postman…" He straighten himself, and looked back at Link and nodded. "I wish you a safe journey, young man…whatever you are going to do, don't be too rash!" He began to run away, but turned back to face Link, already ready to set off running again. "Beware, though! Monsters lurked this lands like no tomorrow! I'll be seeing you soon, though! My job and you might cross roads sometime!" And with those words, the man was gone.
Link and Shannon exchanged looks, before Midna's voice finally spoke again. "Kakariko, huh? That's probably were that next spirit is…okay, then…doggy," Link frowned. "bird brain," Shannon only shook her head. "let's get going!" Before long, the two travelers, a bird and a man, went on towards Kakariko.
The sweat almost blinded Link, as he easily took care of one Moblin. From the air, Shannon took care of a few flying foes, amazing Link even more. He assumed that it must be in Shannon's nature, she was a hawk after all, the hunter of the skies. Once he was done with the Moblins below, he quickly put away his weapons, quickly taking out the slingshot he had bought for the kids, to aid his bird friend. He prepared a rock in the string, only to stop in wonder.
Shannon was surrounded by a pair of monstrous birds, Kargaroks. They both flew at either side of her, and then, they launched themselves towards the hawk. Before Link could let go of the rock attached to the string, he stopped in shock as Shannon, easily tricked the birds to slam against each other. They fell to the ground, and Link, thinking fast, threw the slingshot to the ground and took out his sword, slashing against the defenseless birds before they stopped being defenseless. With the Kargaroks dead, Link looked up at Shannon, and grinned despite himself. "Good one, Shannon!" He earned himself a small cry, indicating that Shannon was glad. The hero heard a small snicker, and looked down at his shadow.
"That bird brain is good after all!" Link picked up his slingshot, and put his sword away, before he ran towards Kakariko, Shannon flying above him.
Link quickly stopped, when he saw the wall of darkness before him. The hero frowned. It had those same strange markings that the one he had seen before had. Shannon landed nearby, also looking at the wall with some worry. "Hey," Midna came out of from Link's shadow, and looked back at Link. "it was much closer than I thought…You remember, right? You know what this is?" Link grabbed his neck unconsciously.
"How can I forget?" He didn't notice the worried glance from Shannon, nor that she had turn her head to the ground.
"If you set foot in there," the imp explained. "you might be a wolf again for quite some time, at least as long as it takes you to save the light of that spirit from the twilight, anyway…" Midna shrugged, and then grinned. "So, are we ready to enter the twilight?"
"Yeah…" Link turned to face Shannon. "Sorry girl, I can't put you through this one…you'll have to stay," he looked up as Shannon began to hover in the air. "you'll turn into a spirit if you try to enter…" Link told her, as if she could understand. He turned to face Midna, when suddenly he felt something lift his green hat, and he looked up. Shannon was holding his hat with her talons, crying out and pointing her beak at the wall of darkness. Midna giggled as Link tried to get his hat back. "Shannon! Give it back! This is no time to play!" Shannon flew higher, making Link unable to save his hat. She flapped her wings faster, and faced the wall.
"Perhaps she's trying to tell you, that she wants to get in?" Midna suggested. Link only gave her a strange look.
"Why would she want to do that?" The imp shrugged.
"Maybe she wants to help you, I don't know…it's not like anything is going to happen to her, anyway…" Midna told him shrugging. "She'll turn into a spirit once we get in." Link turned to face Shannon, who still held his hat up in the air. He raised his hands in defeat.
"Okay, okay, I get it…you win, you can come with us, now, give that back!" Seconds later, his hat fell on his face, Shannon crying out in joy. Link put his hat back to his head, laughing a bit. "Thanks…" he turned to Midna. "Well, let's get going, then!" The imp nodded, before she went towards the wall. She disappeared into it, and then, both Link and Shannon waited. Suddenly, two orange hands came out. One grabbed Link and the other grabbed Shannon, dragging them both into the wall of twilight.
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Link groaned a bit as he transformed again. This time, however, the transformation was faster and less agonizing. After only opening his eyes, the hero turned wolf felt better. Good as new, if he dared say so himself, at least, before he felt that familiar weight of Midna on top of him. She patted his fur, grinning. "Good to see you back to your roots!"
"Hahaha…very funny…"
"Well, now that we are here, you'll have to listen to what I say from now on! Ah! Look at this lovely scenery!" Midna told him, making him turn around to look at the darkness that covered the area. Exactly as what had happened in Faron Woods. Everything was dark, with strange particles floating all around. "The black clouds of twilight are so fetching today…I feel so much more at ease here…hehehe!"
"I would feel the same as well, though, I do presume with this evil creatures around, feeling comfortable around here will be quite difficult." Link and Midna turned around when they heard a strange voice, although in Midna's case it sounded like the cry of a hawk. She looked up in the air, and spotted Shannon, flying above them, her blue eyes shining with confusion.
"Well, what do you know?" she said, folding both arms across her chest, amused and surprised at the same time. "The bird brain is quite resistant to the twilight!"
"Shannon!"Link cried out in disbelief. "Ho-what? How!"Shannon landed nearby, shrugging, although it was quite difficult to do so thanks to her wings.
"I have no idea what you speak to me about, Link,"the hawk told him. "it feels strange here, however, but I don't see what poses your question.."Link couldn't help but look at her, bewildered. She was still there, not as a spirit as those other animals he had spotted on Faron Woods, nor that lantern salesman. He only sighed, unsure of what to think. He was only glad that to the hawk everything seemed absolutely normal, minus the evil creatures of course.
"Ah…sorry, Shannon…I thought…never mind…"
"It's alright, really…although, I would love to know why you are a beast like me? Did that strange creature you carry do this to you?"
"Nope…she's more of a bother, but not the cause."
"You know, if I didn't know better, I would think I was being insulted." Midna muttered, looking at the two talking animals. She gave a hard pat on Link's head, making the wolf beneath her growl. "Hey, if you haven't noticed doggy, we have a crisis." She pointed a small figure to the twilight. "We don't want to keep the spirit waiting, do we?" Link nodded, and looked back at Shannon.
"Listen, Shannon…if I could explain it, I would…but-"
"Do not worry, Link,"Shannon told him, raising a wing to silence him. "I was able to understand your friend perfectly…we have no time for explanations."Link looked back at the hawk, as she took the air. The wolf was slightly amused by what the hawk said, as if she understood what Link was trying to do.As if she knew what my fate was…but, maybe it's just her instinct…Link merely shrugged it off, as he ran deeper into the darkness, Shannon flying behind him. Yeah, maybe it was just instinct.
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Not two minutes into the twilight, and Link and Shannon were up against strange evil creatures, transformed by the powers of darkness. They had easily taken the foes down, with Link taking them out from the ground, and Shannon from the sky. Not too far away, they found it. It was a small stick, a very familiar stick. It had been the training sword that Link had made when he and Rusl would practice swordplay. This was the one that Talo had, the one he had given to him. He could faintly smell Talo and the others, they were around here…somewhere. Shannon seemed to notice this, and cried out from above. "Have you found the children, Link?"
"Nope! I can smell them…I'll just track scent and we'll find them…hopefully they are okay," Link said, whimpering a bit.
"Do not worry, Link," Shannon told him. "the children we'll be alright…they are fairly strong, they'll make it." Link nodded back at her, before they went deeper into the darkness that was now Kakariko, with Shannon following Link as he tracked down the children's smell.
"Oh! Oh! Look out, doggy!" Midna cried, suddenly tugging Link's ears, making him stop. He had been so focused on finding the kids, that he didn't notice the bridge was missing. "That's strange…the bridge…its gone…maybe it was the work of those shadow beasts, they must have-"
"Careful! Something strange is dropping out of the sky!" Shannon warned, making both Link and Midna look up, as a large hole appeared on the sky, releasing form it, three shadow beasts. A huge wall covered the area, trapping Link, Shannon, and Midna.
"…it's a trap." Midna said simply, before the creatures jumped up to them.