Chapter 36
Many mornings when I awoke, in Hyrule I found myself thinking, is this a dream, or even, was what I thought to be the "real world" a dream? The morning after our show for Midna was just one of these many mornings, waking up with an imp on my back that also happened to be my wife and queen of the Twili people just seemed too good, but then when I looked at what I had before maybe I just liked this more then being some schmuck in some town with no real pull in life. Here I've got so much more, I'm a king, quite literally, have a beautiful wife, two awesome kids... but somehow... I miss the simple life, when I didn't have to kill crazed men trying to take over the world, when I didn't have to fight monsters and strange elemental spirits, where beyond the rare strange occurrence there were no signs of anything magical or beyond the realm of what you could see. I layed there staring out at the horizon, just thinking as I watched the sun rise, not wanting to wake Midna. Plus, to be completely honest, I actually miss the thought of death being, well... at every turn... it's not like there is no threat to my life here but it seems that I can be brought through anything... and what if it's like Spira where if I die I just wake up somewhere else or with no memory again. I just want a bit of normality, is that so much to ask?
"So, what... Hyrule is too weird a place for you?" Midna mummbled from my back.
"Ah, Midna... how long have you been awake?" I rolled over onto my back as I felt her float off it and she slowly hovered back down to sit on my chest as I rolled over.
"Long enough to hear you thinking about how you miss being scared of death."
"I didn't say I was scared of death."
"That's true... why is it you weren't scared?" she asked and I opened my mouth paused then clamped my mouth shut. "Come on Chris, talk to me, or else who will you talk to?"
"Alright... the honest truth is... I never really was afraid of death in my own world, everyone talked about it and you saw it all the time in the news... it almost seemed trivial at some points, but like everyone I still did what I could to avoid it, though when asked if I feared death in a class one day I simply followed the crowd and said I did, even though the honest truth was I didn't. I was young and didn't fear death, cause to be honest I thought if death was gonna come knocking there wasn't crap all I could do about it, except maybe think about the good things life brought and hope a strong will keeps me alive long enough that the doctors can patch me up. But... that wasn't the only reason, I was kind of a loner... and the few friends I did have always felt kind of distant, to be honest the only people I felt my death would affect was my family, enough to give me the will to avoid death entirely but not enough to fear it." Midna was staring at me with a look that seemed new and yet familiar. "What, think I'm a loser, a bit of a freak for thinking like that?"
"No! Of course not, I just... I kind of admire your honesty, I mean you could have just told me you were fearless and tough but you came right out and told me."
"How do you know I wasn't lying about all of that?"
"I don't, but I trust you and I feel I know you well enough to say you would never lie, at least not to me." Midna said snuggling up close to my neck.
"Speaking of lies... I think you've been keeping something from me for a long while, and if my dreams last night were in any way related to what you were thinking before you went to sleep I'd say we have quite a bit to talk about." I said sitting up Midna floated back a bit.
"Wh-what?"
"Midna I wasn't fully asleep last night, you assumed I was but I heard you think that you hoped I "never find out," care to explain?" I said crossing my arms.
"Oh, that... that was nothing, just-"
"Stop it... I want to know the truth Midna, I had a ton of bad dreams last night because I couldn't stop thinking about this. I think I would probably feel much better knowing the truth then trusting my subconscious mind." I cut Midna off and saw her eyes watering. "Midna... please, don't cry... I just want you to tell me-"
"I..." Midna started and I went silent, she sniffed heavily, "I... I raped you!" I stared at her my eyes wider then I thought they ever could have gone.
"Say huh?" I blinked as my voice kinda of squeaked from the sheer shock, "Is that even... I'm very confused..." I scratched my head.
"Back on that night when I got really drunk and told Aidan about you... you were half-awake, I thought... and... but you didn't remember, and..." Midna stammered and I put my figner to her lips.
"Hang on... back when you got drunk, that's when Basha gave me that potion to help heal me, but she warned me that it... Midna are you sure I hadn't said anything to you at all?" I said and she sniffed again.
"Uh... n-no I don't... wait you did say something! But... I was so drunk I... I can't recall what it was." she said.
"I don't remember anything at all from that night but I do know Basha told me that potion would force me to seek out my greatest desire at that time, and I'll tell you right now at that time my greatest desire, the only thing on my mind, was you." I said and she looked at me.
"So you mean..."
"Yes Midna, neither of us were really ourselves that night but we were both awake and knew what was going on, don't you feel sorry for yourself I took advantage of you as much as you did of me." I said and grabbed hold of her, pulling her into a giant bear hug.
"Ack... squishing... can't... breathe!" Midna gasped and I loosened my grip significantly.
"Hehe, hahaha... *snicker*" I couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" Midna asked pushing back out of the hug a bit more.
"I can't believe you thought... hehe, that's pretty much not possible." I snickered and Midna smacked me.
"Shush, you want everyone to hear... like I said I was drunk and when I woke up things were... a tad blurry in my head." Midna said. "Now can we just forget about all that?"
"Sounds like a fine plan to me, soon as Aidan's up I suppose we can hit the road, got a long journey ahead of us." I said getting up, rubbing my face slightly then stretching as Midna did the same floating there. Later once everyone but Kris and Lilith were awake I explained where I planned on heading, first I would climb Death Mountain as it was the nearest and clearest source of fire. Next, I would head to the Zora's domain or possibly over to the ice mountain if water didn't respond to the sword. Then for air I would have to go some place high, like the floating city if I could gain access anymore. Finally I explained I had no idea where to search for light or darkness at this point and time, but if I figured it out I would try and send word to Basha.
"Alright, any idea where Lana, Link and myself should head to restore the master sword?" Adonia asked and I looked over the map of Hyrule Basha had gotten for me.
"Well, my first guess would be where it came from in the first place, the sacred grove... if that doesn't work you could always try... I dunno, I guess you'd have to ask the light spirits since they seem to know so damn much... but about Zelda... if she stuck around in the castle Ganon would have found her and captured her for sure, knowing how wise the carrier of the triforce of wisdom should be I would assume she has escaped to somehwere safe for the time being."
"What makes you say that?" Aidan asked.
"I say that because if Ganon had acquired the triforce of wisdom he'd be a lot smarter then he has been lately, he doesn't need the triforce of power becuse he's feeding off my power right now but if he did get it I don't even want to imagine what he could do." I shuddered.
"Chris..." Midna spoke up looking over the map still, "... if Ganon could use Zelda's triforce piece to increase his power, specifically his wisdom... then couldn't you do the same?"
"You're not too far off. Yes it's true I could use the power of the triforce, like any person of this world can, but it's also true if the power is kept from it's holder too long it could kill them, you know this from experience Midna." I said and Midna looked down remembering when Zelda had sacrificed her power to save Midna. "I owe Zelda a great deal for saving you that day... I hope I can make it up to her descendant, but regardless I could use the power from a triforce piece but I would not dare use it for too long." I said.
"So you brought me and Link along for backup power?" Adonia said sounding angry.
"Not at all Adonia, though yes I can use your power, I must either harm you to use it by force or you must lend said power to me for me to be able to. So yes I brought you along for backup power but I also recruited you two because you are strong and courageous, two assets for a great team that can save Hyrule from my mess." I said and crossed my arms.
"What do you mean your mess?" Basha asked and I sighed.
"I caused all this, Ganon's using my body, my old power because I was an idiot and pretty well gave it to him. I was greedy and selfish and wouldn't just leave Midna for a short while in order to figure out how to stay in this world longer, instead I tried to make a clone of myself and infuse it with my power to watch over her for about a decade while I hoped to move to another world and research how to either make a permanent copy in that world or how I could stay in one world. Ganon took over my copy entirely and stole my remaining powers, save for a little bit he could not and pushed me into a prison world for near a century, had I just left for a short while and told Midna the truth none of this would be happening right now." I grumbled.
"While that's all true, isn't it also true had you not caused all this Lana never would have met Link, Aidan never would have met Lilith and truthfully would you have been able to return to Midna?" Basha said.
"Truthfully... I wasn't sure, I knew my powers were erratic, uncontrollable and brought me to worlds of it's own will, it still would at this point if I had all of it... but I could not stay so I tried to leave a carbon copy of me that would look after Midna but-"
"Enough, I'm tired of you doing nothing but beating yourself up over something you tried to do to protect me, you couldn't have known Ganon was in your head, and you couldn't have known how much trouble he would cause so quickly, now just drop it and look at all the positives of this life!" Midna said almost quoting my earlier speech I couldn't help but smile.
"I suppose your right... thanks to my fumble I've made many new friends... so... I guess I'll head out so we can finish this adventure!" I slammed my fist down on the table and got affirmative nods around the room and so I headed out and began to prepare, not needing much besides a canteen of water, some dried food and a small stock of potions Basha prepared for me, making sure to tell me twice what each did, so I didn't poison myself trying to quicken my healing or something dumb. I also made sure to coat everyone's weapon or make them a weapon with my needle to ensure that if they attacked a shadow beast it would return to it's normal form. I also made sure to inform everyone that if their weapons were ineffective against some shadow beasts they should switch them as soon as possible, or resort to magic. I lugged the pack of supplies, the pack being supplied by a shopkeeper in town who gave us a bunch of old stock for the free show. "Alright, I'm ready to go whenever you two are." I called over to Aidan and Midna who were talking with the others.
"We were ready a while ago, we were waiting for you." Midna said floating up off the rock she had been sitting on and landing on my shoulder.
"Yeah, well now I'm clearly waiting for you guys." I said motioning for Aidan to come along.
"Uh... one moment father..." Aidan said and floated over to Lilith pulling her slightly away from the others.
"You want me to toss a needle over there to record their conversation? I'm sure I could." I said to Midna.
"Don't be silly he's just saying goodbye it's not like their saying anything dirty or-" Midna stopped as Lilith giggled and shot an evil glare their way. "Do it." she said and I turned to look at her.
"I was kidding, I don't think I-" I stopped as Midna's glare shifted to me. Oh crap... evil eye, I thought and she continued glaring at me until I felt something poke my knee. I looked down to see Lana standing next to me. "Hey, Lana..." I paused noting that she didn't seem to be looking well, "...is something wrong, you don't look like you're feeling well." I said kneeling down Midna turned her attention to Lana now.
"Your father's right Lana sweetie, you look sick, maybe you should stay back on this one... I mean Link can look out for you and all but if your sick it'll just be putting you at risk and make it harder on Link." I glanced at Midna who smiled back at me so I brushed off her talking about Link and turned back to the sick looking wolf.
"Yes, well I'm feeling... weird... not sick but... strange... I just wanted to say goodbye but I feel strangely... hot." Lana said and I looked up trying to think back to anything I'd heard about dog's feeling sick.
"Well feeling hot sounds like a fever, maybe you should-" Midna started.
"No, mother... I'm fine I can go, I just... was hoping you could tell me what this is?" Lana said panting slightly.
"Well like I said it sounds like-"
"Hm, sorry to cut you off Midna but I don't think it's a fever, as far as I know a fever gives you the chills... while sometimes you feel hot I don't know how it works with dogs... I'll say let her go with Link for one day... but if you don't feel better you turn right around and come back here okay Lana?" I said and she nodded and walked back to where the others were all gathered.
"Are you sure about this?" Midna said looking over at Lana with a very concerned look in her eye.
"Midna, Lana's a big girl, she can take care of herself... and even if we're not there to protect her all the time she has friends like Basha, Adonia and even Link to protect her." I said grabbing Midna in a light hug.
"So... up Death Mountain first then?" Midna said and I nodded as she hopped back onto my shoulder.
I began heading toward the long and dangerous passage up Death Mountain, "Aidan move your little imp butt, we're heading out." I shouted to him and started down the narrow path into town, the only entrance to the mountain being down the cliff. As I walked down and my head began to disappear down behind the cliff I turned just in time to see Aidan move in and kiss Lilith, and not just a peck on the cheek, the full two seconds I saw him he was lip-locked with her before my head went to low too see him. I stared at the cliff wall trying to keep my mind blank on the way down as we waited for Aidan.
"What's the matter Chris?" Midna said and I felt my neck tense up and I felt nervous. I knew I couldn't think about why I didn't want to look at her because then she'd know so instead I turned to look at her putting on the calmest smile I could.
"Nothin' just seems like it's taking Aidan a while." I said.
Almost on cue Aidan shouted from the top of the cliff, "Hey, wait for me!" still not used to trying to float he lost control and fell straight for the ground. I reached out and clasped my hand around his head stopping him dead. "Phew, thanks dad." he said and I stared.
"What's up with the sudden dad switch?" I said.
"Huh?"
"Well you and Lana kept calling me "father" before..." I said blinking.
"Oh that, psh it's just something I do in front of Lana, she says I need to act more refined if I want to be the leader of the Twili, but you know since I'm not gonna be anyways I don't see any reason why I should." he said crossing his arms.
"I'll tell you one, you should act like you were before in public to keep up Lana's appearances, it'll be hard enough for her to take over being labeled as "tainted," never mind if her brother is labeled a rowdy idiot." I chuckled.
"I suppose, but that doesn't mean I can't be a rowdy idiot around you guys and Lilith!" Aidan said regaining his composure he started floating and did a backflip onto my other shoulder.
"Excuse me young man I-" Midna started.
"Aidan you can go ahead and be rowdy but don't walk around bragging that your going to be an idiot, rowdy people are okay, their the fun guy at the party, idiots are no fun though, being stupid is just... well stupid... so don't let me catch you saying your going to be an idiot again." I said and Midna stared at me shocked at my sudden speech. "Now then, what to talk about on the way up the mountain?" I said changing to a much happier tone. We ended up talking about how much Hyrule had changed, Aidan simply listening as he never saw it before this current state. We talked about my other destinations and what we all wanted to see, or hoped to. I said I couldn't wait to see the Zoras again and at my sudden descriptiveness of how sleek they looked darting about underwater like a fish I received a prompt blow to the back of my head from Midna. She however said she wanted to see the sky city again, mentioning how much she liked the view of the clouds and the ground from up so high above. We asked Aidan what he hoped to see and he simply said he wanted to see one of these old beasts that Link and me fought, to see how tough they really were.
"Haha, hot-tempered just like your mother." I said grinning slyly at her.
"Oh no, I'd say he's more hard-headed, like his father!" Midna said glaring at me.
"Well I'd say it's obvious he got his skill with the sword from me." I said smiling proudly.
"Yeah, I'm just glad he didn't get your over-confidence as well." Midna stuck her tongue out.
"Enough! Jeez, I thought Lana was annoying but you two fight more then us!" Aidan said floating ahead by himself.
"Hehe, nice plan my dear." I chuckled when Aidan moved out of ear-shot.
"No, no, wonderful acting on your part sweetie." Midna said smiling.
"I thought we'd never get a bit of alone time." I said moving my nose right up against Midna's.
Uh... but Chris...
What's the matter Midna?
Don't you kind of feel weird getting all romantic with... you know... an imp?
Midna, I don't care if your an imp, a Twili or whatever, just so long as you are you I'll always love you... as long as you don't go turning into something really ugly... like Ganon.
Ganon? I dunno, he's not that ugly, kinda sexy in an evil take over the world crazy man kind of way.
Say huh... who are you and what did you do with my wife?
What?
Come on Midna, the guy tried to kill you, several times, not to mention he stole my old body and enslaved you for decades. I heard a strange noise that echoed through my head like Midna's thoughts and turned to glare at Midna. Not to mention he locked our kids in the dungeon all that time.
Okay, I'm sorry... don't get jealous.
I am so not jealous of that sick evil bastard.
You so are, it's not as bad as you were with Link but-
I was not jealous of Link!
We talked about this a long time ago, you were, you're over it and I understand.
You're right... sorry I snapped... just feels like somethings been... clouding my thoughts for a little while is all.
Well don't worry, once this is all over we'll take a nice long well-deserved break and you'll feel tonnes better.
Thank you Midna...
Huh? What for...?
Well, everything, not just helping me to keep cool when I get mad but for being so understanding and patient with me... I mean I haven't exactly been very helpful... I just hope we can end this all soon, I'd like to take care of my family rather then running around trying to kill monsters and an evil man who stole my body.
Yeah, oh look, we're almost at the top... you sure you're ready to fight another elemental?
I've gotta be, by the way these little telepathic conversations we an have are so awesome... and helpful.
Helpful?
Yeah, it's nice to be able to talk privately with the one you love at any time.
Yeah, I suppose that's true. I yawned as we walked up the last little ways into the Goron's home and the entrance to the mines, where I needed to go if I wanted to summon forth the fire elemental.
"You two may want to hide in my shadow for now, just because the Goron's are friendly with the people form Kakariko doesn't mean they won't react badly to a couple of odd looking creatures." I said to Midna and Aidan, who had finally waited for us there. They both sunk down into the shadows and I walked forward expecting an attack from the Gorons or some form of attention but was surprised to simply see them all standing about watching two Gorons sumo wrestling. Those mines are sacred to the Gorons I believe you said Midna?
Yeah, their like a kind of holy ground to them, they wouldn't let Link in until he proved himself by sumo wrestling the chief guy. I heard Midna's reply and walked forward and around the ring, drawing the brief attention of a few Gorons but they all turned back to the ring shortly. I walked up to the entrance to the mine and two guards along with the "chief" stood in my path. The Goron still payed me no mind.
"Excuse me, er..." I paused and realized I didn't know the Goron's name at all.
"I am one of the Goron elders, my name is Gor Coron." he said and I nodded.
Chris... that's the same name as the elder when Link came here...
So... maybe it's a family name?
I guess... but then again who knows how long Goron live right?
True... I composed my thoughts and continued, "Goron elder Gor Coron, I ask of you to kindly allow me access to your mines, I must find the greatest source of fire I can to continue my journey and this is the only place I can think of."
"No humans may pass."
I looked back as one of the Gorons knocked the other out of the ring, "Not even if I can beat you in a sumo wrestling match?" I said turning back to him.
"Hm... you don't look to be very strong... but if you wish I will embarass you in front of my brothers, prepare yourself puny human."
He'll regret calling me puny human... I thought grinning.
You've got a plan then? Midna's voice floated through my mind.
Nope, was hoping one would come to me as I go.
Your such and idiot sometimes.
Thanks for the encouragement, I thought walking up into the ring. Okay, quick plan... Goron heavy, hit hard... crystals absorb impact and are lightweight, block his blows with crystal build up, use a layer on my feet like spiked boots and I can maintain my footing. I followed the tradition of slamming one foot down, feeling rather silly as I did. One of the Gorons moved forward slightly, to my assumption being the "referee."
"Ready...?" the Goron looked at the elder who nodded then over to me and I nodded as well. "...Fight!" he yelled and the elder quickly charged me. I sidestepped and slammed into him pushing as hard as I could but his footing was solid and he shook me off. He shot a palm out at me, I built up a thick layer of crystal where I predicted the blow and felt it smash away as he hit it and looked surprised. I charged at him now and slammed into him pushing I saw the edge of the ring just behind him as he lifted me and threw me back slightly again. He tried sidestepping away to his left, I moved right trapping him near the edge, he switched right and I went left. Finally growing tired of sidestepping for so long I charged him but stopped as he moved out of the way much more quickly then I could have foresaw. Without a moment to react he grabbed hold of me and began pushing me, my right foot reached the edge and I struggled hard.
Chris, don't give up!
It's no good, he's got too much weight behind him.
ENOUGH! the same voice from before echoed through my mind and suddenly I lost all control of my body, my arms shot downward and latched around the belly of the elder and to my surprise I lifted him right off the ground, turned and tossed him right out of the ring before suddenly regaining control of my body.
Chris... who was that? Midna sounded scared.
You mean you heard it?
Of course, it was the darkest voice I've ever heard, and it sounded somehow similar to you though...
I don't know who it was... You'll be the first to know once I figure it out though.
Would you mind if I tried to talk to it?
Huh?
I can just speak into your mind at random, if you hear anything you can just ignore it but maybe I can draw the owner of that voice out.
Worth a shot, just try not to distract me... or piss it off... I have a strange feeling about that voice. I thought and followed the elder as he walked back toward the entrance to the mine.
"I am shocked human, it is rare someone can beat any Goron, but none of my brothers can beat me... you may enter our mines." he said and motioned for the guards to let me through.
"Thank you Gor Coron, I will not forget your kindness." I bowed before him and ran off into the mines, slowing quickly as the passage became hot. Aidan and Midna came out of my shadow and Midna still looked to be concentrating on drawing out the voice in my head. "Damn... I don't remember it being this hot in here."
"No it was not quite this hot until recently." a voice from behind me startled me and I whirled around. "I find it interesting you have two drained Twili with you." it was Gor Coron and I stared.
"How do you know of the Twili?" I questioned him putting my hand on Midna's shoulder as she seemed to be stressing over the Goron and trying to focus on my mind.
"The Goron elders are strong and wise young human, wise beyond most." he said and shook his head, "but that is not important, a few days ago the mines became hot, too hot to bear, and we had to pull out even with our tough skin. If you can resolve this heat problem we Gorons will be very grateful to you." he said and turned around heading back up the tunnel.
"Dad, you think the heat-" Aidan spoke up now.
"Yes, it's from the elemental already reacting to my sword, they all know I'm coming and fire's blood is boiling." I said clenching my fist.
"Chris, I would hit you if I wasn't so focused right now." Midna said and I scratched the back of my head.
"I didn't think you would catch that..." I grumbled.
"What are you focusing on so much?" Aidan asked Midna.
"She's focusing on a voice we heard in my head not too long ago," I said and Aidan stared at me curiously. "Look this isn't the time, it's getting hotter by the second, I'll explain later." I said and turned heading deeper in until we came upon the first pool of lava. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and breathed out heavily as I drew my sword. "Alright, Aidan, Midna... I want you to back off so you won't get hurt in this fight."
"Let us help!" Midna shouted almost right in my ear forcing me to move away and cover said ear.
"No... this is my fight." I said and pointed back to the entrance to the cave, "If it gets too dangerous I want you to sink into the shadows, don't argue and don't rush to help me, okay?" I said and Midna hesitated then nodded. I whirled back around and stared at the lava which seemed to shoot up plumes of flame, taunting me, asking me if I was really going to try and fight fire itself. "Let's do this." I said and held my sword over the lava blade pointing down I dropped it and jumped back. Ice seems the logical choice versus fire I thought and without waiting for the elemental I slammed the ground making a patch of ice and drawing the large two-handed axe from the ground I held it at the ready as the patch of ice at my feet melted and quickly began to steam. I gulped and heard what sounded like a splash as what almost looked like a flaming demon jumping forth form the bowels of hell themselves came leaping out of the pool of lava and pointed my own sword at me. Without another moment's hesitation the flaming dripping elemental leapt into the air and came at me. I held my axe and blocked the blade with ease but the heat resonating from it was hard to bare.
I pushed it back slightly and noticed smoldering lava and hot flames still dropping from it's asscent out of the lava but that was no problem, the problem here was my ice axe was literally melting, most of the handle had melted away already and I quickly pushed away hurling the axe at my foe as I did it melted entirely seconds before hitting it. Suddenly I noticed something as the lava began to settle slightly, my foe was an elemental, with a humanoid form but just now I noticed it's form was feminine, and very sleek for a girl made entirely of burning hot lava. "I would make a lame joke but I'm afraid my wife would kill me for it." I said blinking.
"Chris, stop staring and fight damn it!" Midna yelled at me and I snapped back to reality.
"Fine, I suppose I can't use my elemental weapons against every one of you, I'll just use amped up ice magic to beat you." I said and drew in a deep breath before running in close and breathing out a huge flurry of freezing ice and heard the elemental scream in what sounded like pain. I stopped and felt the temperature changes beginning to parch my throat. Suddenly the fire elemental leaped up toward me, I managed to put a large chunk of ice on my arms where she had just grabbed and it began melting away slowly as she seemed cooler for the moment.
"Tell you what," she said her voice sounding as if she was trying to be seductive but it seemed that her tone was always as such. "I will put you through a small test, if you pass I will hand your sword back over, if not... well... you'll see." she said and to my surprise moved what looked like her face in toward mine.
"Oh dear lord, no burning my lips you hot-headed bi-" I cut myself off as my entire face froze in a block of ice and she "lip-locked" with a giant ice cube. Seeming angry suddenly she pushed me away and her sudden temper flare caused her to re-heat and melt the ice on me directly into hot steam. I backed away barely avoiding getting burned and turned as she swung my sword and it sliced into the same cut from before. I screamed in pain and was about to reach out and grab it but suddenly felt an extreme amount of heat on my arm in the same spot and looked to see that the fire elemental had now grabbed hold of my arm, cauterizing the wound and burning me as she lifted me up over her head and threw me, directly toward the lava. "Shit!" I growled loudly and with a quick second of concentration I froze myself in a block of permafrost hoping it would hold. The block sunk below the lava slowly and I noticed it was starting to melt away slowly on the outside. The fire elemental laughed manically and I noticed Midna move up behind her. Midna... no, I thought but it was too late, she blasted her with a ball of Twili magic and the elemental shrieked in pain then in a rage turned around and blasted a fire ball at Midna, my block of ice sunk below the "water level" at this point and I lost sight of what was happening. I looked back to the outer rim of my block of ice and saw it was receding quickly.
"Come on, refreeze!" I yelled from my very small prison within the ice. To my surprise the block began expanding at a very slow rate, but the lava ate away at everything as I formed it. This isn't working... no matter how cold it gets ice is no match for molten lava... I need to push myself back out of the lava, but how... I thought and stared as the outer edge of my ice seemed to evaporate as it melted. Duh, steam! I reabsorbed the ice around me and replaced it with ice that melted normally, forming a waist deep pool of warm water around me quickly. "Alright, I'm only gonna get one shot at this one." I said concentrating on keeping a thin layer of permafrost around me and my pool of water I felt the water getting hotter and hotter, I thinned the layer of permafrost a slight amount more and tried to simply maintain it as the water began quickly evaporating and it became harder yet to maintain my bubble, and my composure as the heated steam began to really get to me. "It burns like hell but it's the only way... just a bit... more... one shot." I groaned and with my last bit of strength I expanded the layer on all sides except a small hole in the bottom which I allowed ot melt away and felt the ball of ice suddenly shoot upwards like a rocket, much of the heat leaving. The remainder of my ice shield I was told later by Midna shot out of the lava like nothing she'd ever seen and smashed wide open on the roof of the cavern.
Aidan had apparently leapt to his mother's rescue, my daggers absorbing a majority of the energy from the fireball much to my shock. I for the most part remembered waking up to Midna crying and feeling like my whole body was numb and burning. I remember trying to form a giant block of quick-melt ice but getting a single drop that fell on the palm of my hand instead. I remember blacking out from the sheer agony but I don't remember anything that Midna told me I did next.
Well another chapter done, in case aynone was wondering I had this done a while back but I held it back for some editing, and spellchecking, but I was kind of hoping for a few reviews for a change XD Oh well, I've already managed to finish chapter 37 too, I'm too bored with spell checking to fix it up right now though, I'll try and get it up some time this week hopefully.