Hey all! Thanks for waiting for the latest edition to Into Eternal Night. With college exams once again piling up, it took me ages to even begin writing the chapter. Another thing about this chapter is that it is shorter. It is more of a filler for events to come, so I apologize in advance if you find it boring. Don't worry! It will pick up from here!

I'd like to send a big shout-out to my most recent reviewers (Miss Ashlynn, Gekigami9, ajonesyoshi, Water Ripples, and Moonlit Umbreon) for not losing faith in my fic!

Enough with the wait, here is chapter 15!

Chapter 15: Into the Twilight Realm

"Well tomorrow is the day," Drimani stated. He was back in his office, having the final meeting with the important personnel. Link, Midna, Darian, and Zelda were all seated near him, looking at a map layout of the Twilight Realm Midna provided. The Palace map that Link lent to Drimani was underneath the Realm map. The captains and lieutenants had yet to arrive (it was not 1000 hours yet). Link looked up at the others, a determined look etched on his face.

"Yeah. The day we begin the liberation of the Twilight, and the end for Zant once and for all." Midna hissed at the mention of his name.

"He won't get away with this again!" she growled, making Darian and Zelda flinch but earning a smirk from Link. Drimani raised an eyebrow before going back to the map. He had pinpointed three spots for surveillance.

One was the outcrop where Zelda and Link had waited while Darian completed his recon on their last trip. Another was right at the portal. This was to ensure a safe passage for the soldiers into the Realm and into the city below. The last (and most dangerous) was at the top of the Palace, where the surveillance would be of the whole area. This task was given to Darian, as he was the only one who could confidently fly and camouflage himself.

"Are we all in accordance to the plan?" Drimani asked. "Darian will go to the top of the Palace and communicate with the rest of us from there. Zelda, if you would like, you may go with him as long as he feels comfortable with camouflaging both of you while communicating the defensive layouts."

"I don't have a problem with that." Darian said with a smile. Zelda gave him a slight nod with the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

"Then it's settled. The two of you will survey that area." Drimani took a breath before continuing. "Link, Midna, Rusl, and Roland will survey the area from the rocky outcrop a little ways into the Realm, which appeared to be right outside the illusion barrier. If there are any guards that come dangerously close to the portal, take them out." After receiving thumbs up from Link and Midna, he went on. "We shall then have Medeus, Ashei, and Myra posted at the portal entrance. What I would rather do with that plan is to have Ashei and Myra on the Twilight side of the portal and Medeus on the Light side to protect the entrance in case there are any enemies who cross the portal. Does that sound good to everyone? Speak up or forever hold your peace." He finished, half-jokingly.

"That sounds like a wonderful plan," Zelda answered. "This way, there will not be any unnecessary casualties."

"I don't see any problems with it," Link added. Midna nodded her head with a slight smile.

"It's excellent Dri. I do not, however, believe Zant will send his guards to us. I think he expects us to charge at him first." Darian pointed out.

"I agree," Drimani answered. "But all the same, we should be cautious just in case. You did say he was deranged after all. And he definitely looked it."

"Crazy lunatic," Midna muttered, causing Link to suppress a chuckle. Darian and Zelda both looked over but before either of them could say anything, a knock was heard on the door. Drimani stood up.

"Come in!" he called. At once, the door was opened, revealing Medeus, Rusl, and Ashei at the front, with Roland and Myra behind. They all walked in one by one, and, noticing the royals gathered, started to take a bow. Zelda resisted the urge to face palm while Midna looked slightly uncomfortable. After all, they were not her subjects, so why should they bow? Link nearly burst into laughter before motioning for them to rise. When they did, Drimani cleared his throat.

"I hope you all had a good night's sleep. Now the five of us have discussed our plans regarding the first steps into the Twilight Realm, and this is what I came up with." He proceeded to outline his plans to the three captains and two lieutenants, who paid close attention. Roland and Myra both looked a little crestfallen at first but they shook their heads clear and nodded their heads. They would get to fight close to each other when the real deal started. There was no reason to be down now. Darian, however, noticed them both and turned his attention to Link.

"Hey, it seems the youngest members here wish to fight close to each other. I think they like each other just a bit."

"It doesn't surprise me. They do have a lot in common and both have dark pasts that affected each of them. I'll talk to them."

"You do what you must." Darian finished before the duo turned their attention to Drimani, who was finishing outlining his plans with the group.

"Alright then. Let's have the soldiers turn in early today to prepare them. We leave tomorrow at 1200 hours."

"Of course Sir!" the captains and lieutenants responded.

"What did you call me?" Drimani challenged light-heartedly.

"Of course Drimani!" they tried again.

"Much better!" he laughed. "You are all free to go." As soon as the others left, Link approached him.

"I think I will take my leave too. I have something that I should attend to." Darian smirked in his direction, knowing full well what he intended to do. Midna looked at him questioningly but said nothing. Zelda said nothing although a brush of their minds told Link she too knew what he was doing. Drimani merely nodded before stretching.

"I really wish we were put together on the scouting mission," Roland said glumly. Myra took his hand gently before speaking.

"Hey at least you get to be with Link! That's cool!" Roland looked up and smiled.

"Yeah you're right! Besides we get to…" he was cut off as a voice rang out.

"Roland! Myra! Can you wait for a minute?" The two turned around to see none other than said Hero. He quickly approached them. "I feel as if you wish to be placed together on the scouting mission. Am I wrong?" He showed them a kind smile when they started stammering and failing to speak coherently. "It's okay. I understand. And I have no doubt you will get to fight alongside each other when the time comes. However, for now I think it is best if you two stay with your captains. They know you best." The two lieutenants began to relax and say their thanks until a certain Twilight Princess popped out from his shadow. Both of them jumped backwards and even Link was mildly surprised.

"Did I hear well? The two lieutenants have a thing for each other?" Midna smirked, her ruby eyes on the pair. At their shocked faces, Link quickly tried to calm them down.

"She's always like this. She constantly picks on me too, as well as the others. Don't worry, she's usually good-natured. USUALLY." he added with a wolfish grin.

"What's that wolf-boy?" Link jumped when she poked him in the sides. "Something about me being the best?"

"I sure as hell didn't say that, nor will I change my mind." Link countered, poking Midna in the stomach. Roland and Myra laughed at their antics until they turned and gave them evil grins. "Now that I think about it… We didn't quite prank them. Shall we start?"

"Ha! I think they deserve it!" Midna answered mischievously. Roland and Myra gulped.

The time to take the portal to the Twilight Realm came more quickly than most anticipated. Most soldiers did not have much success sleeping as they were too apprehensive of what was to come. They had no idea, after all, of what the Twilight Realm looked like, nor did they know what they were up against.

After Midna and Zelda transported the soldiers to Arbiter's Grounds, some were rather shocked at the power the two Princesses wielded. However they said nothing as Link stepped forward, Master Sword in his hand. As the blade began to glow once again with the power of Light and Shadow, many gasps were audible.

"I, Link, the Hero of Light and Twilight, wish to enter the Twilight Realm!" he called. The next thing they knew, a brilliant flash of light blinded them, and moments later, the portal leading to the Twilight Realm appeared on the black stone.

"Are we all ready to liberate the Twilight?" Drimani called. The crowd was deafening in their yells. To fight for their Princess, Hero, and their comrades was definitely worth it. "Then let's go! Medeus will stay here until all of you pass through the portal, while Myra and Ashei will be on the other side. The others will also protect the portal entry so we are not sabotaged. You all will follow me into the city and we shall make camp on the outskirts of town. All clear?"

"Yes Sir!" came the shouts. As the soldiers looked on, Link, Midna, Zelda, Darian, Roland, Myra, Rusl, and Ashei all entered the portal and disappeared. Roughly five minutes later, Drimani addressed the crowd again. "That was their signal, let's go!" He then ran up to the portal and disappeared as the first of the soldiers marched up the stairs to enter.

"Well here they come. I wonder if Zant will attack them here and now, or if he will stay put." Zelda said cautiously.

"I'd bank on him sitting tight for now. A lot of his guards are standing outside of all entrances to the palace, and they don't appear to be doing anything. I'm guessing the beasts are inside waiting for us. Eventually we will have to coax him out, but for now we'll simply observe." Darian responded. The Night Guardian and the Light Princess were on the highest tower of the palace, both camouflaged by Darian's spell. Besides the guards, they noticed Ashei and Myra diligently covering the portal, ensuring the soldiers were entering the realm safely. Midna's magic prevented them from turning into spirits, which was definitely a positive. Speaking of the Twilight Princess, she and Link were watching the illusion barrier to prevent any and all enemy beasts from coming close to the portal. Roland and Rusl were with them, also ready for any possible attacks.

"What makes you so sure he won't come out and attack us now?" Zelda asked.

"If I know him well enough, he fears having to deal with the five of us. Honestly, after the last battle, I do believe he will be much more cautious. After all, Link and I did wear him out quickly after the Goddesses lent us their powers. Also, I think he has orders from the big boss himself to stay where he is."

"Ahh, so Caedin is here too?"

"I never said that Zellie. All I stated was he probably ordered Zant to stay put. He wouldn't want his precious 'apprentice' killed before the right moment."

"That makes sense." Zelda sighed and stared out into the realm, appreciating its serene beauty. This time however, thoughts heavily weighed upon her. Even with the Triforce of Wisdom, she was not sure of what the future held in store. Darian noticed her silence and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Hey. Don't worry so much Zelda. I think we can take back the Twilight Realm. This shouldn't be too challenging." Darian tried.

"It's not just about taking the Twilight back. It's about what happens afterwards, when we have to venture to the Night Realm, and after its liberation, taking down Caedin. It's just so much to think about."

"I see. I can understand that all of these thoughts have a big effect on you." Darian trailed off, staring at the incoming soldiers. He noticed Ashei directing them toward the city where Drimani was waiting while Myra had her bow strung with an arrow, as if daring enemies to set foot outside the barrier. "But," he continued. "I think we should try to have a calm mind before the battle. A mind clouded by thoughts would only slow us down." He kissed Zelda gently before stretching his wings. Zelda smiled after Darian pulled away.

"Yes, I suppose you're right Dari. We should focus on the task at hand first, and then worry about what is to come when it comes."

"Exactly." Darian smiled again before looking outward to the portal.

"How are you holding up Midna?" Link asked.

"This seems almost like déjà vu…" she answered quietly.

"Yeah I see what you mean. This is almost exactly like before, when we came to the realm to try to take it back. Only this time, the stakes are much higher."

"I agree my wolf. I agree." She turned to Rusl, who was eyeing them. "What are you looking at old man?" she teased. Said captain chuckled.

"Just watching you two for a bit. You know, I'm finally starting to understand what you went through on your last adventure. This all seems so surreal." Link shook his head slightly in response.

"Oh Rusl, you don't know the half of it. We came and liberated the Twilight Realm, only to figure out Ganondorf was the true enemy and that he was hiding in Hyrule Castle. We're used to this kind of thing by now."

"I see…" Rusl trailed off, a determined look on his face. Not only was he looking to help Link as much as he could, but he wanted to survive and return home to his family. Meanwhile, Roland was shooting glances between Myra and the portal, and the barrier where he knew the enemy would wait.

"Link?" he called.

"Yeah Roland?"

"Do you think the enemy would try to ambush us while we were in the middle of coming out of the portal?"

"At this point, with over half of our soldiers through already, I think he will hang back and wait for us. There shouldn't be anything to worry about. Not yet at least." Roland nodded and turned back to the barrier. He was going to fight with every ounce of strength he had. If he should fall while doing so, then so be it. Link noticed his determination, for he spoke again. "You seem like you're ready for battle, huh?"

"Yeah, I am. I want to do something good for everyone back in Hyrule. Hopefully you all would notice."

Midna chose to speak at this point. "You need not fret. Your hard work is noticed already. Just do us a favor and stay alive?" Roland looked at the Twilight Princess incredulously, not believing that she just told him to survive. All the same, he was extremely grateful for having people like Link and Midna in his life. It made him feel as if he was actually worth more than he gave himself credit for. He smiled at her, who gave a slight wink and an encouraging smile.

Hmm… It seems that the Twilight City is in worse shape than I originally thought. That bastard. He won't get away with this, Drimani thought. He was surveying the city, and was surprised and disgusted to find it torn up. The buildings looked extremely run-down, with windows broken, and doors barely hanging off the hinges. Most of the citizens looked alarmed at finding a being from a different realm in their city, and some wondered if he was a servant to Zant when they noticed soldiers coming up behind him. An older woman stepped up to him and spoke.

"What are you doing here with all of those soldiers? Are you one of them?" she asked, fear evident in her voice. Drimani was taken aback at her words, but did not understand who "them" meant.

"One of who, may I ask?" he questioned pleasantly.

"Zant. Are you with him?"

"Oh!" Drimani nearly facepalmed. He should have realized that walking through the city with an entire army would arouse confusion and worry among the Twili people. He continued however, in the same kind tone he used before. "No. We are actually here to liberate the Twilight from Zant's tyrannical rule. And we will succeed, don't you worry." He smiled, even though he felt slightly nervous. After all, being a general of the Light Realm was different and this was his first battle under Princess Zelda. Fighting alongside her, Link, and Midna gave him some comfort, as he knew they would not judge him. Darian had also told him that he would always be proud of him, as would Ionin. Ionin… I wish you were here today. I want to make you proud. The woman noticed him in thought and spoke up.

"I just want you to know that you have our blessing, and if there is anything we should do to help, please let us know." Drimani looked at her and his face now had a look of pure determination.

"No, that is okay. Please stay safe, you and the rest of them. We do not want any unnecessary casualties, and I fear we will lose enough soldiers as it is." The woman gave him a salute, bade him farewell, and walked back to her house.

"Everything alright Sir?" one of the soldiers, a Goron, asked. Drimani turned to him.

"Yes, everything is fine. Come on, we should keep moving to the outskirts of the city." The Goron nodded and walked just behind him, the other troops close by.

"Come on soldiers! We're almost there! Keep going" Medeus called. As the last few soldiers were walking up the stairs, he turned to look back at the Gerudo Desert. Take a last look, Medeus. It may be a long time before you see the Light Realm again for some time. He felt a small, hot breeze blow on his face, and decided to help the rest of the soldiers through the portal. When he turned, however, there was only one soldier left, and waiting for him.

"Are you coming Captain?" he called. Medeus rushed up the stairs.

"Yes, yes I'm here. Let's go, if you are ready."

"I am when you are." With that the two walked through the portal and into the Twilight Realm.

Little did either of them know that someone was watching them from a shadow.

Uh-oh! Who was it that was watching them all depart for the Twilight? You'll find out later on if you keep reading and reviewing!