Author's Note at end of chapter!
"Awaken, my son."
Crimson eyes blinked sleepily, and one charcoal hand rose to protect them against the bright light issuing from the open door.
"Father?" the crimson-eyed child spoke softly, his voice innocent.
"Get dressed, today we begin your training," the hulking man in the doorway said. "Come quickly, Darking."
The young boy nodded eagerly and jumped out of bed. He rushed around the little stone room, lighting the torches that sat in scones mounted on the walls. Once done, he hurried to the chest his Gerudo father had given him the day before. Upon opening it, he found a dark grey tunic, lighter-colored leggings, and a sock-like hat the same color as the tunic. Tucked into a corner of the chest was a pair of black leather boots and a short sword. The small blade called to him, tantalizing Darking with ideas of what lay beyond the black and silver sheathe.
Darking went for the sword first. He grabbed it and drew it from its scabbard. The tempered steel blade glimmered in the torchlight and the seven-year old gaped in wonder. Never in his life had he seen something so beautiful. Not even his father's blade had looked like this. Darking absently wondered what the blade would look like slicked with warm, wet blood. He shook himself. Where had that thought come from? Slightly disturbed, he sheathed the sword and put in on his bed. Darking put the creepy thought out of his mind and donned the clothes in the chest. Once dressed, he slipped on the boots and belted the sword across his back.
The boy was careful to close his door behind him before barreling off down the hall. He dodged furniture and servants, muttering "'scuse me" and "sorry" whenever he was unlucky enough to run into one. Some of the bolder servants murmured "like a bat outta Hell, he is" to their companions. Darking didn't care, he was too excited. He even skipped breakfast in his hurry to meet his father. He burst into his father's study, the door banging back against the wall with enough force to dent it. Darking didn't even notice; he was panting and his eyes were wide with anticipation.
"I'm ready, Father, I'm ready for you to teach me!" the little boy gushed.
Ganondorf chuckled. "Eager, I see. Well, we won't get anywhere in you don't know your blade." He gestured to Darking. "Draw it," he said, suddenly harsh. Darking flinched, but did as he was asked. He held the blade firmly in his right hand, gripping the hilt tightly.
Ganon instructed Darking in the anatomy of a sword and how to use every part to his advantage. The Gerudo went on to explain the finesse needed to have any success in his endeavors. Stance after stance. Slash after slash. All throughout, the Gerudo King interjected with curt pointers and tips. "Loosen your grip." "Raise your arm." Darking obeyed it all, soaking in the knowledge. He knew all this would come into practical use one day. Again, he had a vision of his blade, bathed in blood and glowing red. The boy paused mid-slash, uncertain. Ganon noticed his confusion and stood.
"That is enough for today. We will continue again tomorrow. You did well today, my son. A true natural, you are," he said, patting the boy's shoulder before giving him a gentle push towards the door, dismissing him. The old oaken door thudded shut behind him and Ganondorf allowed himself a menacing grin.
"The awakening has begun. And now the process moves forward…."
A/N: Alright, it's done! Chapter two of Anti-Hero! And so the tale of Dark Link's childhood begins! Love it? Hate it? Tell me in a review, just no flames! Merci! (Thank you!)
~Phantom