Chapter 9: Speeches, Plans, and Visits

"So let's go over the plan one more time."

Zelda sat at the end of the long table where the Council meetings usually take place. Link and Darian sat on either side, while Midna and Drimani sat next to them. They had just spent the last three hours planning out the next few days. It would be a difficult few days, and filled with uncertainly.

"I would like you four to be at my side while I deliver the speech to the denizens of Hyrule, and then we shall go our separate ways for a time," Zelda was saying. "Link. You and Midna will go back to Ordon. I'm sure you wish to see your friends there. I would also like you to talk to Rusl especially and see if he would like to become a captain and be in charge of a legion of the Hyrulian army. Ashei and Captain Medeus will be the other two captains. All will be under General Drimani's command." Drimani flushed slightly at this statement. Wow. Zelda already trusts me enough to lead her army. I hope I do not fail her.

"Thank you again Zelda. For trusting me enough to lead your army. I shall not fail you." Zelda smiled gently before once again addressing Link.

"Once you bring Rusl back, as I have no doubt he will want to help, you and Midna will accompany Darian and myself as we visit the Gorons and Zoras. Since they know you better, having you there may give them more incentive to join us."

"As you wish Zelda. I'd like to see how they are doing anyways." Link responded with a smile.

Midna smirked. "Yes, I'm sure being called 'Brother' by the Gorons and spending time in the fish-smelling place you call Zoras' Domain is just your idea of a visit."

"Actually it is!" Link laughed. "I'm curious to see how Prince Ralis and the Goron Patriarch are doing. And you're also coming with me. No, not in my shadow. They have to know for whom they are fighting." This shut Midna up immediately. Darian spoke up.

"I'm very curious to explore more of Hyrule and what it has to offer. I have not seen much. Link, you must tell me the history you have with these people when we visit."

Said Hero shrugged. "It was all part of our adventure just a few months ago." he responded, placing a hand on Midna's shoulder. Zelda cut in.

"Listen we can talk more during our journey, as I still have to finalize the plans." When all attention was back on her, she continued, this time turning to Drimani. "Thank you. Once Rusl returns to the castle, you will start formulating battle plans. Rusl, Ashei, and Medeus will help you. When the troops arrive, the four of you will train them as best as you can within a period of five months. That should be enough time before we attack Zant's forces. Are we all in agreement?" Her four companions nodded their heads. "Then let us sleep. We have a lot to do in the future. May the Goddesses be with us."

An hour later, Midna found herself at Link's door. She could not sleep, a lot of thoughts weighing on her mind. I hope he is not asleep. I would like to at least get some alone time with him before we start on this new adventure. She knocked on the door, and was relieved when she heard footsteps on the other side. The door was opened to reveal two ocean blue eyes staring back at her.

"Umm… Hi," Midna started, rather lamely. Get it together Midna. It's just wolf-boy!

"Hey," Link responded. He smiled slightly and allowed her in. She looked around the room and noticed a light on. She turned as he spoke again. "Couldn't sleep, I take it?"

"No. I guess you couldn't either?" He shook his head.

"I've been thinking a lot about what has been happening these past few days. It feels like the battle with Ganondorf was months ago."

Midna took in his appearance and was surprised that he now stood her height. Not even two weeks ago, she was roughly five inches taller. He was also much more sturdy, putting on more muscle and had a small stubble of facial hair. Oh Gods, why is he so damn good-looking? She decided to play it off. "When did you become so tall wolfy? If I remember correctly, I stood about a head taller than you when I was freed from my curse."

Link chuckled. "You know Midna? You're right! I have no idea how I grew up so quickly!" He noticed his Triforce glowing slightly, as if it was trying to make its presence known. "I guess it's maybe because of this." Midna looked at the Triforce, noting its changed appearance.

"Why does it look like that?" she asked.

"Darian once told me. It is because he, Zelda, and I completely trust each other. I now have the image of their Triforces on my hand, although faint, while they have an image of mine. We became much more powerful this way. When we were fighting those Shadow Beasts back on the staircase to the dungeons, something happened between Darian's Triforce and mine."

"Yeah, you guys were moving around so quickly and efficiently. As if you had trained together for years."

"I think the Triforces helped us. Not only did they provide us an inhuman amount of energy and speed, but they reacted to each other in such a way that allowed us to know how the other fought and helped us adapt to each other's style."

"You really have grown on me, my wolf." Midna said softly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too Midna. I cannot even tell you the pain I felt when I saw you disappear through the Mirror and shattering it. I thought I lost you forever. Why did you do it…?"

"Link…" she hesitated. Then she thought she should be as honest as possible with him. "I thought that by shattering the Mirror, I would prevent Zant or another evil creature from coming to the Light Realm and attacking again. But I shattered my own heart Link." She was tearing up at this point, and hugged him tightly. "I thought I was lost. I realized I loved you, and yet I could not say it and I thought I never was going to be able to." She then started sobbing. "When Zant attacked I thought I was going to die alone in that cell. My biggest regret during that time was not telling you how I truly felt. Link I'm so sorry!"

Link held her close to him and let her cry. He never felt this way about anyone else. He realized what he had felt towards Ilia did not even come close to the love he felt for the beautiful woman he was now holding. "Midna, I love you too. I always have. Shhh, it's okay. I promised I would find you. Now that I have, I have no intent of letting you go." He kissed the top of her head and gently stroked her face with his fingers. Silent tears were now falling down her face.

"Promise? Please… Never leave me." she breathed.

"Promise," Link said truthfully. He was never letting her go again. He gently brought her face closer and leaned in to give her a soft kiss. Midna returned the gesture and they were lip-locked for what they felt was an eternity. Neither of them cared about anything or anyone else except for the one they were kissing. Now that their feelings were out in the open, they knew they could be more honest and more upfront with each other.

They finally broke off the kiss and Midna was much more cheerful. She smiled at Link, who grinned.

"You look beautiful when you smile."

"Thanks," she answered shyly, a small blush creeping on her face. "Link…" Should she ask? "May I stay here with you tonight?" She spoke too soon, and thought he would mind. Link, however, had no such thought, and immediately patted the bed beside him. She snuck under the covers and curled up into him, breathing in his scent of forest and pines. Within minutes they were both peacefully asleep.

Drimani, meanwhile, could not sleep either. He wanted to talk to Darian, and figure everything out. With Ionin being murdered and Zelda placing him in charge of her army, he felt overwhelmed. He thus crept out of the room and to Darian's room. He knocked on the door, and Darian immediately opened it, giving him a small smile and allowing him in.

"Darian… I wanted to talk to you." Drimani started.

"I knew you would. Sit down," Darian responded kindly. His brother took a seat on the bed while he sat down next to him. "Talk to me Dri. What's bothering you?"

"It's about everything that happened recently. Us being attacked, Ionin murdered, and now the war to save the world. Honestly, I feel like a lot is being placed on my shoulders. I've never led an army of the Light Realm before, much less led an army to save the world." He looked at Darian. "How do you deal with it all? I wish I had your determination and your positive attitude in times like these."

Darian sat in thought. "Drimani, I cannot tell you exactly why I feel so positive. I guess I'm just trying to be strong for our people, but also reserve hope that everything will work out. That and sometimes I have fun doing it all. As for you, Zelda trusts you to lead her army. She specifically told me she needs someone with a brilliant mind, brilliant strategies, and never lose faith in the face of fire. Drimani, that someone is you. I wholeheartedly believe in you, as do Zelda, Link, and Midna. We all know you will succeed. Just stay true to who you are, and nothing can stop you. As for Ionin…" Darian stopped for a moment to collect his thoughts. "He fought Caedin and Zant valiantly, just like we would expect him to. Yes, there is not a single moment that I do not think of him and wish he were here with us. I also know he would have wanted us to carry on with our lives. So while we can never forget Ionin, we must move on. We can and will fight in his honor, and we will do him proud."

Drimani sat in silence for a while. Suddenly he reached over and hugged his older brother. "Thanks Dari. For still believing in me. For everything you just told me. I feel like a huge weight has just been lifted from my shoulders. I made a vow as well."

"And what vow is that?"

"That I would believe in you guys just like you believe in me. Please Darian. You and the others must succeed. Defeat Caedin and Zant. For our people, for the Twili, and for the Hylians. Come out of there alive. Losing Ionin was bad enough. Losing you… I can't even imagine the thought of being the last of our family."

Darian smiled warmly. "I'm not going anywhere. We will kill that bastard and bring the world to peace once again." He and Drimani stood up. Drimani walked to the door before turning back.

"Thanks again. For everything. Goodnight." He left the room and closed the door quietly.

"Goodnight Dri," Darian whispered. He fell asleep within the hour.

At roughly ten in the morning, Zelda found herself at the balcony, getting ready to address the people. She alone had slept without cease, but was now nervous at what to say. Sure, having Link, Midna, Darian, and Drimani there with her eased her tension slightly, but she did not know what to say regarding the Twili or the Night Dwellers. Her situation was precarious indeed, and she needed to approach it with extra care.

With a deep breath, she stepped forward and was greeted with applause from her people. She nervously waved her hand before turning around. Link gave her a warm smile and a thumbs up, while Darian held up the picture she had given him just the night before. He nodded his head and gave her a reassuring smile. Feeling at ease, she began.

"People of Hyrule, I have come to you today not only as a Princess, but as your fellow citizen. A great evil once again walks among us, and I fear that evil will want to destroy us all." The people looked around and whispered in alarm. Zelda cleared her throat and continued. "Yes, this is all true, and I will need as much help as possible to defend our homeland as well as our friends in the Twilight and Night Realms, who have also been targeted." She went on to explain the situation, taking extra care to word things carefully. After she finished, one person called out.

"Will the Hero be participating in the fight?"

"Oh! I almost forgot! I have yet to introduce the people standing behind me." Link nodded his head, urging Zelda on. It was time he was recognized, especially if it helps bolster Zelda's popularity with the people. "To answer your question, yes the Hero will fight. In fact, he is standing right behind me." At this, the crowd started applauding. Taking one step further, Zelda spoke up. "Everyone, this is Link of Ordon, the Hero of Light and Twilight!"

The crowd cheered as Link stood beside the Princess. He did not know what to say or if he should say anything at all. He decided to speak his mind. "Thank you all. I must say I am proud to be up here today… The Princess is right. There is an enemy who threatens us all. I must ask for your help now to join us in fighting. I am but just one person, and I alone cannot overcome an entire army." At this the crowd laughed. "Please, help us. We would forever be grateful." The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Link stepped back and allowed Zelda to take the front.

"Thank you all for your cooperation. I have a few more people to introduce. This is Princess Midna of the Twilight Realm." Midna stepped up and waved while the people clapped politely. "And these two are Princes Darian and Drimani from the Night Realm." As the two brothers stepped forward, the people continued their applause. "Darian has offered to fight the source of the evil while I have named Drimani the general of our army. Though he is young, Drimani is a war hero back in his Realm and a brilliant strategist. I have no doubt he will lead the army to greatness." The crowd cheered, showing their support. "Here is what I plan to do." Zelda outlined her plans to the people, and once she finished her speech, the crowd openly cheered and displayed their loyalty to the five that were on the balcony.

"I think that went pretty well," Zelda said. She and the others were eating a delicious lunch made by her finest chefs.

"I agree," Link nodded. "Your popularity with the people is quite high and I'm pleasantly surprised at just how unquestioning they are, considering the incident with Ganondorf happened not too long ago."

"I for one am glad they have accepted us on the whole," Darian added, a small smile playing on his lips. "I think this may do wonders for our people after this ordeal is over. I'd like to unite all of our people together. All this separation has to end at some point."

"Hmm, I wouldn't object to any of that," Zelda said thoughtfully. "But Darian we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves. The war has not even started yet."

"Oh but the war is pretty much won!" Midna laughed. "Link and I have been through a whole adventure on our own and saved your sorry butt from Ganondorf! To us, Caedin is just another baddie that we have to cross off our list!"

"Oh of course! He's just a warm-up act compared to Ganondorf! No problem there!" Link chimed in. The others burst into laughter. Growing serious, he continued. "In all honesty this guy will be just about the hardest we've ever encountered. Even with us all teaming up against him, it will be hard-fought. We still need to find the Bearer of Power. I don't even know where to begin looking…" he trailed off.

"One step at a time, that's what I think," Drimani took over. "While you two find Rusl and Zelda and Darian find Captains Ashei and Medeus, I'll hold down the castle and look at the new recruits that have signed up. I have no doubt many have already volunteered."

"Then it's settled," Darian finished. "Let's get moving and gather our army. We have five months to prepare for battle. Not a moment can be wasted."

"Let's go wolfy. Ordon awaits," Midna stated.

"Right away." To Link, it felt good visiting Ordon, visiting his friends. He remembered his promises to Rusl and Ilia that he would introduce Midna and he inwardly grinned. She was always the shy type.

Fifteen minutes later, they were in Ordon Springs. As their feet touched the cool water, a light rose behind them and materialized into Ordona.

"Hero, you have done well thus far. The decision to rescue the Night Prince and Twilight Princess was the correct one. You shall need their help more than you think to overcome the Dark One."

"Ordona, I have done what you requested of me. The Fused Shadow brought me to them and allowed Zelda, Darian, and I to safely get them out of their predicament."

"Yes, as I knew it would. The Bearer of Power is closer to you than you think. That person must first find it within themselves. You shall know it in due time. Twilight Princess… Never lose sight of who you are. Although you must be loyal to your people, you must also stay true to your heart." With that, Ordona vanished.

"I wonder what that was all about," Midna murmured. True, she is the Twilight Princess, but could she remain with Link as well? She pushed the thoughts away as Link led her out of the springs.

"Some people want to meet you Midna. I promised them I would introduce you." Said Princess scoffed.

"You really told them about me, wolf-boy? I ought to punish you by making you my slave for eternity."

"Oh come on. It's just the Ordon residents. Not like before. Besides, Rusl and Ilia were the ones who forced it out of me. Well… Rusl did. Ilia overheard the conversation and confronted me afterward." They were now in front of his house. "Heh, it has been a while since I came home. But is this really my home anymore? I've been traveling so much lately that I have not been truly living here."

"I know what you mean," Midna said with a smile. "It has been a while since we started our adventure, hasn't it?"

Link nodded as he climbed the ladder to the treehouse. Midna chose to fly up behind him, convinced no one was watching. Link was already making himself comfortable, dropping off his bag and stretching out on his couch. "Make yourself at home. I know it isn't as luxurious as your palace, but at least it's something."

"Link I love it. It may not be the palace, but I rather enjoy the simplistic design. It makes me relax. And it smells like… You." Both of them blushed little before Link spoke up.

"We'll go into the village in an hour. Go wash up, or take a nap. Whatever you feel will ease you most-" He was cut off as Midna snuggled into him. "I just want you right now." For an hour they stayed just like that, neither of them saying anything, just enjoying each others' company.

They eventually left the house after a time, a time they felt was too short, and decided to travel to Rusl's place first. They didn't get there.

"LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINK!"

"Oh not again…" he murmured. Midna giggled as the kids threw themselves onto him again. "Okay guys, relax. Yes, I'm home."

"Link, who is the girl?" "She's very pretty!"

"Woah! Seriously guys. Let me catch my breath. Everyone, this is Midna. Midna, meet the kids: Talo, Beth, Colin, and Malo."

"Hi Midna!" they all chorused.

"Hello everyone!" she responded warmly.

"Guys, if you'll excuse us, we have to visit Rusl now." The kids groaned and left, with the exception of Colin.

"Let me take you to him then," he spoke up.

"That would be lovely, thank you," Midna answered with a smile. Link looked at her and sniggered. "What?"

"It's just I've never heard you be so nice before!" She smacked him on the shoulder.

"Hey! I can be nice if I want to be!" she exclaimed, clearly affronted. Link merely shook his head and laughed, all the while following Colin back to the house.

"Dad! I'm home! And I brought someone with me!" he called out. Rusl immediately came to the door, followed by Uli.

"Link! You're back! How have you been old boy?" he pulled Link into a hug, Uli doing the same.

"How are you sweetie? My, you've gotten taller! Can I get anything for you or your friend there?"

"No, I'm fine thank you." Link said, waving off all offers. He knew Uli would not stop pestering him once he did take her up on any offer. "This is Midna by the way. Midna, these people are the ones who took care of me when I was orphaned, Rusl and Uli." Rusl and Uli smiled warmly and hugged her too, something she did not expect. She noticeably blushed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Rusl held up a hand. "Please, Midna. The pleasure is ours. So Link what brings you down here?"

"Actually, Rusl, we needed to talk to you for a bit in private, if you don't mind." Said man nodded and led the way to his room.

"Okay Link, Midna. You have my attention." After Link went on to explain the situation, Midna adding bits and pieces he left out, Rusl thought it over for a minute. "So you ran into a Night Dweller you say, and now we have to work with him and his people, as well as the Twili, to help save the world from a madman? And Zelda asked me to be a captain of the army?" Link and Midna nodded.

"It is understandable if you reject the offer. The task is difficult." Link pointed out.

"No, I would like to help. Are we leaving immediately?"

"We shall leave in the morning. We just got back ourselves and would like a night's rest here before traveling to Hyrule Castle."

"Very well, count me in," Rusl finished with a smile.

"Thank you Rusl. I apologize for dragging you into this mess," Midna said quietly.

"It's no trouble at all! You helped Link here with his adventure, and I'd be more than willing to help those who have helped him! I shall see you in the morning."

Link and Midna stepped out of the house, and walked over to Mayor Bo's. Link knew he would never hear the end of it if he broke his promise to Ilia. Not five seconds after he knocked, the Mayor himself opened the door.

"Link, m'boy!" he boomed. "Great to see you! I see you've brought a lovely lady friend! May I ask who she is?"

"Yes you may," Link responded with a smile. "Sir, this is Midna. She helped me a bit on my previous adventure, though you did not see much of her at the time. Midna, this is Mayor Bo."

"Pleasure to meet you Midna!" Bo said in his loud voice.

"The pleasure is all mine," Midna answered, clearly not too enthusiastic about meeting so many new people in such a short time. True, she has seen them all, but she was never one to be up and personal with this many people. She was just too shy. The sound of someone walking down the stairs jolted her out of her thoughts.

"Link?" It was Ilia.

"Hi Ilia," he answered with a small smile. "May we see you outside for a moment?" said female followed them outside. Link turned to face her. "Ilia, you said you wanted to meet her and I promised you I would bring her down here. This is Midna, the one I… The one I love." he finished, blushing slightly. Ilia looked at Midna and smiled warmly.

"I've heard a lot about you. And you are very beautiful. I can tell Link is very happy being with you."

"My wolf told you that? I may just have to teach him a thing or two about secrets."

"No no!" Ilia said quickly. "I only meant that I can see how much he cares for you through his eyes. He has never been this way around anyone else."

"Awwh. Maybe I will have to go easier on him now," Midna remarked, playfully poking him in the side. Aforementioned Hero was becoming more and more embarrassed.

"Argh. Maybe I should have broken my promise…" he murmured. Midna laughed while Ilia scowled.

"No you should not have!" Ilia retorted. Turning to Midna, she spoke again. "Midna, please take care of him. Again, I can tell he loves you very much. Don't let him get in too much trouble with whatever adventure you both are going on now."

"Don't worry. My wolf knows how to take care of himself. He's been through a lot." Midna said gently. "And for the record, although I tease him and perhaps insult him at times, I do love him very much. I don't plan on losing him."

"Good." Ilia smiled. "Link don't lose her either. She sounds like she is just perfect for you."

"Ilia don't you have to go back home?" he asked jokingly. Ilia huffed and started heading back home. He relented before she was too far away. "I promise. I won't let her go." She turned around and smiled before going inside. Link looked at Midna. "Hey, maybe we should head back too. We have to leave early in the morning and make sure Rusl gets to Castle town safely."

They walked back to his house, where they had a quiet dinner and reminisced about old times. "Wow this is another adventure I get to share with the great Twilight Princess and all her glory," Link flirted.

"Oh yes. And another adventure where I have to deal with the great 'Hero of Light and Twilight', or whatever they call you these days," Midna responded.

"Yeah, cause I'm such a horrible person to be around," said Hero fake-pouted. They both laughed for a bit. Becoming serious, he cleared his throat. "Well this will be the real deal. I thought we were saving the world last time from Ganondorf. Now I find out Caedin is practically ten times worse…"

"You worry too much wolfy. You won't be alone. I'll be right there beside you, helping you every step of the way." Link brightened up at that.

"Yeah, I do have you, for which I am very grateful for. We also have Zelda, Darian, and Drimani helping us this time around. We won't have to do everything, although it may be simpler that way," he chuckled.

"Yes, running in and hacking and slashing away really is that simple, isn't it?"

"Hey, it certainly gets the work done!" Link exclaimed. After another bout of laugher escaped the two, they got ready for bed. It was decided Link would take the couch while Midna would sleep in his bed.

"Need anything else before you sleep?" Link asked.

"No, I should be fine, thanks Link," Midna answered softly.

"Well then, goodnight Midna. I… I meant what I said before. I love you."

"I love you too wolf-boy. Sleep well."

A little while later, Midna carefully climbed down from the loft where she was supposed to be sleeping and once again cuddled with Link. He stirred, but did not seem to mind at all as he wove an arm around her. They both were asleep within minutes.

I apologize in advance, but the next chapter may very well be much of the same. More visitations and such. Anyways hope you are all enjoying this so far! I know I'm having fun writing this! R&R!