Hey all! LoneRider here! I have to apologize once again for taking so long to upload a single chapter! I had to figure out where this was going and having writer's block did not help at all! Anyways to recap what happened in Chapter 15, two soldiers, Roland and Myra, were promoted to Lieutenants, and the troops arrived in the Realm of Twilight. Enough with the delays, here is Chapter 16!

Chapter 16: The Approaching Storm

"Come on men! We're almost there, just a few more minutes!" Drimani called to his soldiers. The Goron who checked up on him before caught up to him once more.

"Sir, may I ask why we are travelling all the way out here?" he asked. The army had marched through the Twilight City and had come to the outskirts and city limits.

"Think about it my good man," Drimani answered. "How do you think the Twili would react to an entire army camping out in their city? Of course, Midna could always address them directly and explain the situation, but either way we would be invading their homes and privacy. I would rather not have them think of us that way. Does that make sense?"

The Goron did not have anything to disagree with. He knew as well as anyone what it was like to have his home on Death Mountain invaded by Zant and his shadow beasts. "No Sir, it all makes sense to me." Drimani smiled at him.

"I'm glad it does. Ah here we are. Let us set camp here." They had reached the very edge of the city and Drimani stopped walking. "Okay everyone! We shall settle down here for tonight, although here I probably won't ever know what time or what part of day it is." This got a few laughs from the soldiers as they set their bags down and began unpacking their food and taking off their armor. "I want ten soldiers from each squad to stand guard in case we get ambushed, but at this point I doubt our enemy will do much for now. Eat up and rest, for in twenty hours, we march into battle!" After a chorus of "Yes Sir!" Drimani, content with the disposition of the soldiers, walked back into the city to search for the others. He did not get far as Medeus approached him.

"Hello Gen- Drimani. This is where we are camping?" the Captain asked.

"Thank you for correcting yourself in time," Drimani teased. "And to answer your question, yes this is the place. Have you heard from any of the others yet? When are they arriving?"

"I have. Ashei, Myra, Rusl, and Roland should all be coming back soon."

"What of the others?"

"I have not heard anything from them," Medeus responded, as the remaining captains and lieutenants came into view. "Drimani, I am appalled at the state of this city. Why would someone wreak complete and utter destruction to such a beautiful place? I saw so many citizens… Twili, as you called them… They were hunched over in fear as if one of us was just going to bite them." Drimani frowned. He had expected these people to be a little frightened, yes, but if what Medeus said was true, defeating Zant and Caedin, and liberating the Twilight became more imperative than ever. "Sir? Drimani, is everything all right?" Drimani snapped out of his thoughts to notice Medeus addressed him again.

"Yes Medeus. I was simply thinking. We need to free these people and help reconstruct this city as soon as possible. I cannot stand to see these people in any more distress." Medeus nodded in agreement as Ashei approached them. Rusl, Myra, and Roland walked by with a small salute to oversee the camp and set up their own tents.

"All these people seem terrified. I'm not sure if it is because of us or because of what those tyrants have done," Ashei remarked, feeling pity for the Twili.

"That is what he just said," Drimani responded, indicating Medeus. "As I told him, we need to finish this and quickly. I would rather not see these people suffer any more than they have to."

"I'd kick those buggers' asses myself, but I'm sure that you all want to have your share of fun, yeah?" Drimani and Medeus both laughed before Medeus spoke.

"That's the spirit! I also feel like I can take them on myself. I may be older, but my body still has a lot of fight left in me!"

"Okay you two, don't get too excited. I have a feeling you may regret your words come tomorrow. Why don't you settle in, eat, and mingle with the rest of the troops? Some of them may never come back home, and it would be nice to give them a good evening." Medeus smiled and quietly took his leave. Ashei, however, remained behind.

"Is there something on your mind Ashei?" Drimani asked gently.

"Yeah, I guess so. Even though I put up a strong front and am willing to fight for what I think is right, a part of me feels nervous. After all, you never know which battle may be your last, yeah." Drimani sighed, knowing where she came from. He had the same thoughts during his battles.

"Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Throughout my time as the commander in the Night Realm, I've always had those thoughts. That's why I've grown to cherish life and do things without regret and do my best to make a difference in the world. To my enemies, I am fearsome. I however fear for my own safety just as much as the safety of my troops. No I'm not afraid of dying," he said hurriedly for Ashei was about to open her mouth. "I'm simply afraid to die with regrets or while failing those I care about."

"Well just make sure you make it out alive. Not only for your troops, but for me, and for your family. Okay?"

"I will do my best Ashei… I will do my best." He wound an arm around her as he kept watch over camp.

On the top of the tower, Zelda watched as Medeus stepped through the portal and look around. Noticing the rest of the soldiers marching into the city, he followed them. She turned to Darian, who was keeping watch on all the entrances, ready to dispatch any suspicious guard or beast.

"Dari," Zelda spoke softly. Darian did not seem to hear her, so she spoke slightly louder. "Darian." This worked as the Night Guardian turned to her.

"Did you say something?"

"Yes I did. Are you deaf or something?" Zelda laughed. Darian chuckled before responding.

"No. Sorry Zellie, I was just keeping guard. You don't know what the enemy is planning. Drimani always told me to stay on my toes."

"You have a good point there. At least everyone made it into the Twilight okay. I was a little worried the spell Midna cast on the soldiers was not going to work."

"Ah I see. I'm surprised Zelda. I thought you trusted Midna completely." Darian said, frowning slightly.

"Oh don't talk like that! Of course I trust her! I'm just saying there's that small chance a spell could go badly." Zelda said quickly.

"I see. Yeah I guess you're right. No, get that Triforce out of my face. Having the Triforce of Wisdom does NOT make you correct 100% of the time!" But he and Zelda both laughed again. Once they calmed down, Darian spoke again. "Should we be going? I feel like Drimani wishes to see us at the campsite."

"I guess we should head off then." He then contacted Link and Midna.

"Well that's the last of them. Medeus was the last one through, so I should close the portal," Link said quietly. Midna acknowledged him with a nod. Since her conversation with Link, Rusl, and Roland, she had grown quiet. She wondered what became of her city ever since Zant claimed it once more. Was it going to be in the same state of disarray as it once was before she got it under control, or was it going to be different? She continued to reflect on this until Link sat down beside her once more. Midna put her head on his shoulder and relaxed for a time. No words needed to be said at the moment, both of them happy the other was with them. Their moment was abruptly interrupted when Darian contacted them.

"Hey you two. With the rest of the army setting up camp, Zelda and I will head off to find Drimani. You guys do what you wish, and we will see you there." With that, Darian closed off their connection and all was quiet once more. Link slowly stood up and stretched his muscles.

"You heard the man. I guess we should get going too. Come on, up you get my little imp." Link said lightly. All he got from Midna was a nod as she stood. Link looked oddly at her. "What's up? You seem much quieter than usual."

"It's… Nothing. I'm fine Link." Midna responded, but the Hero could tell she was lying.

"Midna, I know when you're fibbing. Tell me. What's wrong?"

The Twilight Princess sighed. "I just… I don't know what I'm going to find when we walk through the city. Whether Zant left it alone, or if he destroyed it. I don't know how my people are doing physically and emotionally, and I feel like I failed them… Again."

"Midna listen to me," Link said gently. "You never EVER failed your people. Get that thought out of your head right now. Zant simply caught you unawares and ambushed you twice. He's a coward to take over this way. But don't put the blame on yourself. You've done nothing wrong. You could not possibly expect this at all!"

"I know… I guess I'll forgive myself once this mess is over." They began walking down the path to the city. "I want nothing more right now than to kick Zant's ass for what he's done. Then we focus our attention on Caedin."

"Once again, Midna, you sound like they are just enemies to cross off our list." He laughed when Midna imitated scratching a name off an imaginary list. As they approached the city both of them gasped at the sight before them. Twili people trudging along slowly and weakly, others huddled together, and others still, always looking behind them, fearing for their lives. Link looked shocked and disturbed, and put a hand on Midna's shoulder. He was not too surprised that she was shaking, in fury and sadness.

"How… How dare he?! All my people suffering like this! Why would… I…" Midna could not go on, collapsed to her knees and let out a scream, the likes of which Link only heard in extreme situations. He could only stand by his Princess while she let it all out. Then he looked in the direction of the castle with a truly frightening look. Link turned back to Midna as she collected herself and stood up.

"Midna…" He stopped as she put a hand on his shoulder and looked him square in the eye. As ruby red eyes met ocean blue, he understood exactly what she was thinking, and vice versa. Tomorrow, Zant would pay for his crimes. The imp and her wolf would make sure of that.

"We will deal with him tomorrow," Midna said. Then her eyes softened as she looked back at the city. "For now let's help those in need." They were about to continue into the city when Link noticed a Twili man running up to them.

"Princess! We thought we lost you! It's so good to see you again!" The man bowed, and Midna knelt in front of him and gave him a warm hug.

"Veran… I'm glad you survived…"

"I take it you saw the state of the city and the people," Veran responded sadly. "This is what happened just after Zant retook the throne. He started running us down with those beasts again… His anger was augmented when you and the other prisoner escaped and ordered senseless destruction. Many people died due to his rampage. I can only hope we can put a stop to this madness…" He then looked at Link. "Princess… Who would this be?"

"Oh! Excuse my manners," Link answered before Midna opened her mouth. "I'm Link, and yes I am a Light Dweller. A pleasure," he finished, extending his hand, which Veran took, a little hesitantly. Midna spoke up next.

"You don't have to be afraid of him. He is the one who helped me liberate the Twilight from Zant before. He is the Sacred Beast that is mentioned in the writings." Veran widened his eyes in recognition.

"Oh! Please forgive my hesitance. It's just our people haven't seen a Light Dweller in so long and from what our ancestors have said, Light Dwellers have sent us here."

Link smiled gently. "It's okay, I completely understand. And just know it was a complete accident while banishing the Magicians of Darkness." When Veran tilted his head in confusion, Midna continued for Link.

"There was a full scale war back in ancient times, and the enemy was led by the one we are supposed to be fighting now. He has employed Zant as his 'apprentice' and plans to use him to bring chaos upon the realms. But enough of that now. We brought an army to liberate the Twilight so why don't you join us?"

"Ahhh my Princess, I will join the cause. First though, I would like to ask you and Sir Link here to accompany me into the city. We have set up a resistance of our own. Magicians, healers, and others who are willing to take up arms against these tyrants."

"How many of you are there?" Link asked with interest.

"There are roughly forty-five members. Twenty are skilled enough with magic, fifteen are good with the blade, and the last ten are healers." Link's heart soared at the prospect of having some Twili soldiers join up with their own soldiers from the Light.

"That is perfect Veran. You have done well. Take us to them now please." Midna said with a smile. She then turned to Link. "Contact Darian and tell him to pass on a message to Drimani."

"What should I tell him?"

"Just that we will be running late and we found some reinforcements. And Darian should also be with Drimani when we walk into the camp, as they need to see how to group the Twili soldiers."

"On it." Link turned and promptly left the message to Darian, who said he would talk to the general when he got to the camp.

"Wait… You're not there yet?" Link asked.

"Not quite. We're flying overhead. I really hope that the city is not as bad as it looks from up here," Darian said, sounding agitated.

"Yeah, it is that bad. Just contact Drimani, we'll be with you shortly."

"Alright I shall. See you at the camp, be careful."

After Link closed the connection, he turned to find Midna and Veran looking at him. "Sorry about that. Darian is not at camp yet. He and Zelda are flying overhead now. He sounded rather… Off. He noticed the city in bad shape and I guess now he wants to bring this to an end as quickly as possible."

"I will agree to that," Veran replied. "If you are finished, I will take you both to our hideout."

"Very well," Midna spoke. As they followed Veran through the city, she began to feel as though they were being watched, and not by a friendly face either. She decided to only speak to Link about this, as his senses were heightened to a good extent.

"Link… Do you feel like there's something watching us right now?" She had hoped she was wrong, but one look at the Hero proved her otherwise. He had his hand on the hilt of his blade and was looking around, concentrated on finding whatever it was that was following them.

"I feel it to. Like a misplaced cold wind. What do you think it is? Is it someone so powerful he or she is radiating energy from the Palace? Because I felt it since then. I simply chose to ignore it as I thought the enemy forces would stay put. Or has someone decided to follow us?"

"Whatever it is, we need to be careful Link. Please… Don't do anything reckless yet." At this, Link chuckled.

"Don't worry about me. I'll only be reckless in actual battle." He then turned his attention to Veran. "Hey Veran. Hold up a minute. I'm sensing something, or someone watching us. I don't think it's a good idea that we go straight to your forces just yet."

"It's the dark presence from the Palace, nothing to worry about. Although I can understand your concern. Ahh here we are." They had arrived at a door of a rundown shop. He knocked on the door, and a voice came from the inside.

"The symbol of freedom?"

"A Princess and her Wolf." Veran answered calmly. The door opened, revealing a Twili just as tall as Link. This one looked battle ready, with an intense look in his orange eyes. After Veran and Midna entered, Link looked around one last time before entering the complex. He and the Twili nodded before the man closed the door and bolted it. They're really not playing around, Link thought. Veran led them down a series of hallways before stopping in front of another door. He turned and addressed both Midna and Hero.

"Forgive me Princess, Link. The people may swarm you both, as you are our symbol of hope and freedom."

Midna laughed gently in response. "We're flattered you would think that. We got enough of that in the Light Realm. Alright open this door already, I wish to see these fighters."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Veran muttered before opening the door. Link and Midna widened their eyes at the sight. It was just as Veran said, roughly forty-five Twili, training diligently in the room. From swords to magic to healing, it seems these people were ready to fight for their freedom. "Everyone, I need your attention. We have some guests with us today." The Twili looked up and let out a collective gasp. Before them stood the Princess in all her glory, and beside her was a fierce looking man in a green tunic.

"PRINCESS! You've returned! How did you escape? Where have you been? We heard stories of an army from the Realm of Light…" Midna held up a hand to address the excited crowd, who were immediately silenced.

"First off, let me express my gratitude to you all for what you are doing. I escaped the prison thanks to this rascal here." She gestured to Link, and said Hero looked away, a slight red shade creeping up his face. "And as to where I was, I was assisting the Princess of Light organize an army to liberate the Twilight, and then the realm beyond both Light and Twilight." She then went to explain the situation to the Twili warriors, who sat and listened with great interest. Link offered bits and details wherever appropriate, and when they finished, the Twili had looks of determination on their faces.

"I think we know what we must do. Am I right people?" Veran asked. A resounding cheer came from the people, and he turned to Midna. "We will serve you and the Hero in battle. Feel free to do what you wish in terms of splitting us among the ranks."

"That job does not belong to me, unfortunately. The General will do that job. If we are finished with the plan, then we should report to camp." After a murmur of agreement, Midna contacted Zelda.

"Where is the camp located? I need to teleport forty-seven people, and I'd rather be accurate in where I warp us." An image of the camp was shown in response, and Midna took her cue. She concentrated on that spot, and warped everyone away.

"Hmm, so these are the Twili you mentioned would help us?" Drimani asked.

"That is correct. All forty-five of them. They are much more skilled than they look," Midna responded.

"I have no doubt that is the case," Drimani smiled. He then turned his attention to the Twili. "I thank you for your support in this campaign. We will liberate your Realm, do not worry. As for where to put you…" He then thought for a time before coming up with a solution. "I want the two strongest magic wielders, the three strongest with the blade, and the best healer to step forward please." Once they were assembled (Veran was once of these members), Drimani spoke with authority. "You six are charged with assisting Princess Midna, Sir Link, and whoever else will breach the palace itself. I want you all to be constantly aware of your surroundings and when it comes time to battle Zant, you may either fight him or run back outside and fight the rest of the enemy. Am I understood?" The Twili nodded and moved to set their belongings in camp. Drimani continued speaking to the others. "As for the rest of you, I need you all to split up. I want groups of six magic wielders, four swordsmen, and three healers." Once they had all assembled in their respective groups, Drimani spoke once again. "Excellent, and now I will personally lead you to the Captains. Each group will join a different squadron, and I also would like you all to voice your opinions on how to battle Zant's troops. This army is all about cooperation, mutual respect and understanding, and trust. Trust in your fellow soldiers, as they would trust in you. Let's go." As he led them away, Darian walked up.

"I'm glad there are still Twili able to take up arms against that traitor. Tell me, how were you able to find them?" he asked.

"We lucked out. One of the Twili assisting us in breaching the Palace itself is my senior councilman, Veran. He led us to their little hideout." Midna responded.

"I see. Any help would be nice. That Palace is a freaking gauntlet." Darian laughed. Midna growled at him in response.

"Hey hey. Let's settle down now, shall we?" Drimani had returned with Zelda. "As I told Link and Midna, whoever decides to breach the Palace and look for Zant shall have the six best Twili assist them. I take it you four wish to go?" When they all nodded, he chuckled. "Yes, I expected as much out of you. Then I wish you the best of luck. Let's get some sleep, and tomorrow, we march."

"It's as you planned. They left no defenses in the Realm of Light. It shall be yours in no time, Master."

"How do you know this?"

"I saw all soldiers fit for battle entering the Mirror of Twilight."

"Is that so? You have done well this day, my dear friend. Soon we shall have all three realms bowing before us. Nothing can stop us now," Caedin chuckled. He then looked at his old friend. "Would you mind traveling to the Twilight and participating in the fight if it seems that our forces should lose? I do not trust my dear 'apprentice' to command such an army to its fullest power."

"I shall do as you say Master. I will leave no one alive."

"Very good. I expect nothing else from you. That is why I have chosen you. Good luck." As his old friend disappeared, Caedin sat back in his chair. Soon, I will have all the power I seek. The Triforce in its entirety will be mine and the Goddesses themselves will bow before me! Caedin laughed one last time before standing up and warping away.

The battle you have all been waiting for approaches! Now who do you all think is Caedin's "old friend?" You'll find out in the next chapter! As always, read and review! I know I still have loyal followers out there!

~LoneRider547