I crept along the castle walls, blending into the shadows whenever guards made their rounds towards me. I blended in nicely against the walls, for the shadows were dark enough to hide me easily. Throughout the castle, as I crept along, many were still conversing animatedly over the events of what had happened today. I was still presumed dead, and it infuriated me to see that my subjects didn't seem to care in the slightest; many were just happy to be rid of me for the "treachery" I had done.
Seeing my next exit, I waited for the guards to walk down further, and I then sprinted as quietly as I could into the next hall, my destination the throne room. I suddenly heard voices approaching me, and my pulse quickened. I had to hide, and fast! Spotting a large vase, I ducked behind it, and peered over the side. Two figures had just entered the royal hall, a huge figure, and a slightly shorter one, and were both conversing in clipped tones, both seemed angrier or tenser than the other. I watched, and with a jolt, realized they were both heading towards the throne room. This was my chance, to get in under the cover of a new ruler, for ancient magic blocked intruders from entering. I was considered an intruder now that I was presumed dead. I watched them both make their way up towards the throne room, and stealthily, I tip toed after them. They had reached the door, and Holimath placed his hand onto it, breaking the seal temporarily. The door allowed them access, and they began talking again. My heart jumping around in my chest, I sprinted in after them before the door closed, and ducked behind a curtain. I peered over the side, to watch them. Good, they didn't notice me! That was too close! But the danger was far from over yet.
The Chancellor began to speak again to Holimath, his voice coming out in hisses. "Holimath, we cannot afford to take any chances! We cannot sit around and wait for Midna to 'come back' as you put it! She is dead, and you are now ruler! However, if there is a small chance she is alive, you must now take the throne before she can do anything about it!"
Holimath was studying his reflection in his mirror, a look of dissatisfaction etched on every line of his face. Finally, without taking his eyes off the mirror, he growled, "Father, you incompetent moron! She is alive, I know she is! After all that she was been through, after the rule of Zant, she still managed to come back! She was even then, if your small brain can remember, presumed dead as well! She does not give up easily, I know her. I know she is alive, for she is stubborn, and refuses to quit easily…"
My mind was racing with all the things I had just heard.
Father! The Chancellor was Holimath's father! That went against our moral codes! And he accussed me of going against our laws! That treacherous old bleater! How dare he be so hypocritical? Once I got my throne back rightfully, I would hang his sorry bottom! And how did Holimath know I survived the fall? I began to tremble. This situation was direr than I thought! I was so consumed by my thoughts that I almost missed what Holimath said next.
"She will be my queen; I will make sure of it. I know how to handle a wife, father. She will do as a say, and she will strive to make me happy! Should she fail, I will be the one to handle her personally."
My breathing accelerated. And my caretaker wanted me to marry this man? He scared me; I could not even imagine being his lawfully wedded wife! And what was more; the Twilight Realm had expected me to be the bearer of his children!
Holimath continued, and his voice was steadily becoming more and more poisonous with each word, "she has run away from me, but I will catch her, and she will be punished for her lack of loyalty to me. A man should have a firm grip on his wife, and I will make sure she will not step a toe over line."
I had to get out of here! Out of the Twilight Realm too if I could manage it! I couldn't possibly picture myself with him! Two tears slid out of my eyes.
"While we will be king and queen, I will be the sole ruler, she will just do as I tell her to do, father. And what is more, I am going to change this world around; it will solely be under my control… Things will change drastically in this wasteland." He sneered at his reflection, stroking his own face in smug satisfaction.
I had to get help! I couldn't let my world be run again by a man like Zant! I couldn't let my people be forced to live a hideous life style again, eveni f they were glad to be rid of me!
The Chancellor finally spoke up, "okay, son. I will see that your plans go without a hitch, and I will do everything in my power to help you."
Holimath turned towards him. "First, assemble a search party. We shall know for sure if Midna has indeed died. And if she hasn't…" He slammed a fist on the table, and the force of the impact broke the table in two.
I couldn't let this happen to me, I had to leave! I began looking right and left, looking anywhere for an escape route. The only one that came to mind was the window in my bed chamber…
The Chancellor nodded in agreement, and a smirk began to form on his face, "excellent, it shall be done right away. Come now, son, we must prepare you for your speech to the Twili."
Holimath smiled, "I have many more plans for this realm, and it will be your job, father, to see that things go as planned."
The Chancellor nodded, and beckoned for Holimath to join him. With a swish of his long cloak, Holimath exited with his father at his side. The door opened and closed, the seal reinstated again. I was now trapped.
What was I to do? I have never been more scared of this man than I was now! There was no way I could let him find me. I would have to run far, I needed help!
Stepping around my hiding place, I ran into my bedchamber, and began picking things out that I would need.
First, I changed into my normal gown; I could not envision myself on the run in a big, honking wedding dress. Unceremoniously, I stuffed my wedding gown under the bed and out of sight. If they saw the wedding dress, they would know I was here.
My eyes scanned the room. Books, I would need to exercise all my power to find another link back into the Light realm! There just had to be another way! I ran my finger down the spine of each neatly stacked book, until I found it: "The Mirror, the Light, and the goddesses". I hastily stuffed the large, moldy volume into my rucksack, and stuffed a few morsels of food into it.
Now for my way out… I couldn't go back out the throne room door, for I had no authority anymore to open it… Again, I looked out the window… It was a long way down. I pushed myself away from it and began brainstorming. I could make a rope out of things lying around… Wasting no time, I knotted together many sheets, and soon had a rope that was long enough to take me to the bottom of the castle. I hooked the rope onto the rails of my bed, and slowly began my descent. I was having trouble breathing, for I knew that there was no lake to save me this time if I fell again. Finally, I reached the bottom, but there was no time to celebrate. I yanked on the rope with all my might, and it came loose, lying at my feet in a bundle. I picked it all up, and stuffed it into a nearby hedge. I then ran from the castle, as fast as I could, having no intention of getting caught. After an hour or so, however, my breath began to sting at my lungs and my legs were becoming weary. I slowed to a walk, and flopped onto the grass, panting heavily. I looked up, and saw the castle in the distance. Feeling slightly more relieved that I had run so far, I sat up. Wasting no time, I dug in my rucksack and extracted the musty book. It was frayed at the edges, and the pages were yellow. This book obviously had to be much older than I was.
Gingerly, I flipped the pages, scanning each chapter for something that would help me reach the other world. After some reading, I found something that would be helpful to me at last. I read on eagerly.
"Although the main link between the Light realm and the Twilight realm is none other than the Mirror of Twilight, the gods created another link, and this is the only remaining link left between both worlds, aside from the Mirror of Twilight. Should the Mirror be destroyed beyond repair, one may find the other link by beseeching the gods. Although it has never been accomplished before, the gods may decide whether or not to listen to the prayer of the Twili individual. However, the only one who can reach the gods is none other than the ruler of the Twilight. It should, however, be considered that this may not go as planned, for the Twili are banished people, and the gods may turn a deaf ear towards their plea. Furthermore, if the gods do decide to listen, only then will the Twili individual be granted access into the Light. Note: Twili rulers never felt the need to call on the gods, for they still felt betrayal at the dismissal of their race from the Light."
I pondered this for a moment… If this was true, then certainly there was another way back into the Light realm! I continued to read.
"In order to contact the gods, one must admit that what they have done if wrong, and repent for the way their people had acted before their dismissal. Then praise them, until they get a response."
I frowned. How stupid! How could the gods treat us like this? Why did I have to apologize for the way my ancestors acted? Scowling, I slammed the book shut, and stood.
My situation was desperate, so I had no other choice. Feeling slightly resentful, I began to pray, feeling stupid the entire way through.
I first repented, (I tried to be sincere), then I began telling of my problems, of what was happening, and what I required from the Light. I explained of Link, and his heroic deeds, how I had helped him save his own realm, how I was different from the rest of the past rulers. I began praising them, nonstop. After two hours, I began to feel even more hopeless. I stopped praying, and snatched up my rucksack. Well, I guess there was no way for sure back now, I was doomed! I stomped my foot in frustration and cried out, "Please help me!"
When I did not get a response, I began to grow furious. Turning on my heel, I began to stalk away.
Suddenly, light filled the air. The Twilight skies were replaced by a shocking blue, as a ray of purest light hit me. I squinted, and tried to block off the rays. Did I actually do it? I tried to look into the light, but it was far too strong, and I ended up having to look away, for the light pierced my eyes. Unbelievable! The euphoria I was feeling was indescribable! I was the first ever Twili to have contacted the gods who exiled us! My heart beating like a drum, I awaited for them to speak.
"Princess of Twilight," a booming voice said, "we are aware of your situation, and aware of how you, and you alone of your people, had saved the world from the spreading Twilight. Beseech us now, what is it that you desire?"
Dumbfounded, I struggled to form words in my mind. "I… Gods, please hear me! My world is in danger again from another usurper king, far more terrible than the last! My life is endangered here, and I require the help of the Hero of Light! Please, help me!" I cried.
"O Princess, Ruler of the exiled Twili, we will help you in your time of need, for the favors you have done for the realm opposite of yours! Now listen carefully to our words…"
I gave them my upmost attention.
"Beyond the vast lands of the Twilight, dwells a man in the mountains. He is fair, and just. He is one of the first descendants of the goddesses, Nayru, Farore, and Din. Past the valleys of the mountains, in the fourth mountain, you will find him in a cave at the very top. He was the one who created the original Mirror of Twilight before you destroyed it. Ask of him, tell him that we have sent you to him, tell him of your situation, and he shall build you an exact replica of the Mirror, only this new replica will be the exact opposite of the original. Heed our warning and go. However, keep in mind that this is the first, and last time you will ever be able to contact us. We warn you of the dangers that are sure to come. Now go, free your realm of this new evil, you have our tidings…"
And with that, the light suddenly vanished as fast as it had came, and the red clouds of Twilight surrounded me again.
My mind was still in shock of what had just happened, and I had difficulty absorbing it all. After a while though, I overcame my shock, quickly thrust my rucksack over my shoulder, and ran towards the mountains in the distance.
I seemed to have plenty of adrenaline to burn, for my legs were a blur as I ran, the mountains getting closer with each step I took. Over time, the mountains were right in front of me, and strangely, I was not exhausted like I had been. Wasting no time, I began to climb. I went past the first, second, and third mountains. The fourth was the biggest one I had seen, but at the peak, I saw a cave, just noticeable by the jagged edge. By now, of course, I was tired. But I willed my weary body on. I began hiking up the mountain, my breath coming in sharp gasps. And after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the top. I was now in the clouds, and the monstrous Twilight birds were circling the top, all honking in unity. I pulled myself up, and flopped onto the floor of the cave, panting heavily. I was tired beyond belief, and my body shook from fatigue.
"Who are you, and why do you disturb my peace?" A deep voice said. I sat up, and gasped.
The man before me was at least several feet tall. He was not a Twili, but it was evident he was of Hylian descent. However, he had Twili markings on his skin, which stretched whenever he moved a muscle. He had a muscular build, and auburn hair. His eyes were pitch-black, and there seemed to be an untraceable power emanating from him.
"I… I need help." I spluttered.
"And what assistance do you require of me?" He demanded, folding his arms. He frowned at me, as if considering whether or not he should offer me his help.
"The…the gods… they told me… just now… that you could-could build me a new Mirror of Twilight." I was still struggling for breath from my exhibition up and down those damn mountains.
He remained silent for a moment, watching me as I continued to fight for breath, coughing and gagging from lack of oxygen.
He bent down, until he was level with my face. I registered how small I must have been next to him.
"How do I know you're not just trying to fool me?"
What? How dare he accuse me of that! I didn't run up and down those mountains for nothing! What did he assume I was here for, a cup of tea?
My cheeks burning, I snarled, "Look, pal! I didn't just travel up all those mountains for nothing! I need your help! The gods said you would give it to me, now help me!"
He remained silent, and I continued to glare at him.
He stood up so suddenly that I flinched. "Very well, I will help you, come with me." He finally said.
He pulled me up by my cloak like a puppet, briefly pulling me off the ground for a moment, as I stumbled to my feet. He turned around and entered the cave, and I followed. The cave was small for a man of his size, and he had to bend down to walk through it. The walls were black, with glowing white designs. They looked familiar…
"True, I am the descendent of the goddesses, and also true, the goddesses had assigned me as their blacksmith. I created the original Mirror of Twilight, until you destroyed it, of course."
"How…how did you know I destroyed it?" I gasped.
He turned around and surveyed me, "You are not the only one who has spoken to the gods before." He said, "However, we are not here to discuss you breaking the mirror, if what you have said is indeed true, then I will create a replica of the Mirror. However, this mirror will be the opposite of the original. It will be the Mirror of Light, for it will transport you to the Light, not the Twilight. This mirror will transport you to the Gerudo Desert again, for that is where the original was put. As I build this mirror, a replica will appear in the Light Realm, without my being there. Such is the wonders of the gods."
"How long will it take?" I asked. I didn't have much time.
He smiled, "not long at all, only half an hour to be precise."
I was completely dumbfounded, "that's it?"
"You seem to be forgetting that I am no ordinary human." He replied smugly, "now, I shall begin."
He settled himself on a huge desk, and began working away.
"Kindle the fire," he demanded.
I hastily made my way to the pit, and began to tend the fire, until it was blazing.
He continued to work, many smells and sounds coming from his work station. Over time, I began to get bored, and I began to walk around, examining his cave. I ran my fingers along his walls. It suddenly hit me, that this was the exact stone that was present in Gerudo desert! They were smooth, not rugged like the average rock. Half an hour seemed to drag by slowly, and I was soon becoming impatient. But after what seemed like eons, he finally spoke.
"It is ready…" He said. He stood up, and was holding a huge mirror, complete with many intricate designs. There was no difference in this one from the Mirror of Twilight, other than the fact this one was slightly lighter in tone.
I began jumping up and down in joy. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry!" At last, at long last, I would be on my way to the realm of Light!
He positioned the Mirror on a pedestal, and the Mirror began to glow. The designs floated in midair, twisting and turning, until the imprint appeared on the wall, glowing brightly. It closed in on itself, forming a portal in the smooth rock.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!" I cried.
He looked down at me and smiled, "just be careful, Twilight Princess…" He said.
"I promise, I won't let you down." I replied. I gave him a fleeting hug, and took the customary place on the staircase that had appeared in front of the mirror. Excitement was pounding through me, I was jittery, and could not wait to enter the Light realm again.
"Ready?" He asked.
I nodded. He gave me a salute, and I felt myself dissolving into millions of tiny black pixels, as I disappeared into the portal.
"Take care of yourself…" were the last words I heard from him.