Chapter 7 – Midna's return
"Link."
"What is it, Proxi?" asked Link.
"Trouble's in Eldin Province." she pointed out.
"What?"
Muscle-bound King Bulblin hoisting a heavy sledgehammer wondered about Bridge of Eldin. He looked behind and saw Lupay who was sniffing the bridge.
"Looking for something?" asked Bulblin.
"Yes, why did you betray Ganon?"
"I no longer serve the man who sought to use me. I find the Hyruleans keep their words better than you."
"Just because you were once our ally doesn't mean we'll show you mercy." roared Lupay.
"I've done questionable acts, but I feel remorse due to losing against the Hylian. Because he brought peace, I admired his courage and strength."
"You are siding with the wrong creature. Do not underestimate my strength!"
Lupay charged towards King Bulblin. Princess Zelda started praying to Nayru.
"Oh Lady Nayru, please hear my prayers."
Nayru appeared still in the translucent form.
"I hear your prayers. What is your wish my child?" she asked.
"A new threat is about to engulf Hyrule. I am now in search of a solution on how to fight and on top of that, Midna is finally back."
"Midna? My sister Din met her and now due to her blessings, Midna is finally able to walk in this world without getting weak like last time."
"Lady Nayru, Link has the courage to handle any foe. I must now get to him."
"Before I send you to him, there is a threat taking place on the Bridge of Eldin. Deal with it! And once you're done, I will send you to him. Hand me your sword!"
Zelda handed her sword to the goddess. Nayru placed her hand on the blade, causing it to glow green.
"I have blessed your Royal Sword. I call it Naykilish, a sword blessed by me. Think of it as Nayru's sword! Now, go forth my child!"
"Praise be to you, Lady Nayru."
Lupay and King Bulblin clashed swords until they were interrupted by Zelda's timely arrival.
"You, the princess of Hyrule."
"No time to explain, Bulblin." said Zelda.
She took out her Naykilish which glowed green and confronted the giant hybrid humanoid race of wolf and wolverine. Her claws were long. Lupay leapt at King Bulblin who blocked her claws from coming down on him. With so much space to move around, the fight was easy. Zelda had to admit she was not the best at everything especially if it's a fight.
Zelda's very first trial in combat is what's required to see how good she is to fight alongside Link. Lupay howled and released a number of wolves at her.
She met the wolves which reminded her of Link as a wolf before, and knew their aim was to stalk her around the room, then make a sudden lunge to bite. This dealt a lot of damage in one go. She therefore knew not to remain still too long, and kept an eye out for any likely assault as she singled out the wolves first. Lupay swished her claws, prompting Zelda to counter them in a clash. She without warning gave a devastating swipe, sweeping off her feet. The young princess of Hyrule staggered back on her feet and resumed to assail her.
Lupay opened a third red eye on her forehead and fired life-sapping energy balls at Zelda. She brought up her Naykilish, absorbed them and fired them back at her. In pain and anger, Lupay unleashed a fury of claw attacks. King Bulblin blocked them with his sledgehammer. As a team, Zelda fought in a manner of how Link fought while King Bulblin relied on brute strength.
Their weapons clanged and screeched as each fought for the upper hand. Using all her strength, Zelda forced Ganon's servant away. Zelda to use her divine sword and plunged it into her dark heart. Before Lupay's death, she used her third eye to start an endless night with the red moon.
"You waste your time," Lupay hissed. "Ganon has already begun this war."
King Bulblin smashed hard against her body, sending the cruel minion plunging from the platform. Her howl echoed to silence.
At an unexpected time, Midna and Ibun attacked King Bulblin only to be halted by Zelda.
"Wait!"
"He attacked Link, remember?" said Midna.
"It's ok, he's on our side now. His minions aren't our enemies. Midna?"
Zelda remembered Midna's real form before the departure to the Twilight Realm.
Zelda and Midna hugged expressively.
"It's been eons since we have met." said Midna.
"How did you get into this realm when you broke the mirror? Who is this creature?" asked Zelda.
"The goddess Din helped me restore the mirror. Ibun, my servant. This is the princess of Hyrule I was talking about. Princess Zelda."
Ibun and Zelda exchanged bows.
"Link and I were thinking about you. We may have achieved victory during the Era of Twilight, but we were sad. We wanted you to come back."
"I've been stuck in the Twilight Realm in misery. I wondered why I had to destroy this mirror. All I had was my dear Ibun and my people who did what he can to cheer me up. I thought you were fine without me for causing so much pain to you all and so much turmoil in your kingdom." Midna lamented.
"What are you saying, Midna? It's rather the opposite, we were all thinking about you. I had so many nightmares about you."
"I now am helping Hyrule against Ganon. I should have died." said King Bulblin.
"No, Ganon maybe looking for you, but we'll make sure you're in good shape." said Zelda.
"Where's Link?" asked Midna.
Link drove the Spirit Train, under guidance of Alfonzo and the workers.
"Why am I doing this again?" asked Link.
"Did her highness ever graduate the wrong person? You are a certified Royal Engineer since Princess Zelda granted you the authority to operate the Spirit Train." Alfonzo sighed. "You said you wanted to go to Kakariko Village."
"Yes, Princess Zelda needs me" said Link.
Alfonzo spotted refugees near Ordon Forest.
"Hold it, boy! Must I remind you about these refugees cannot walk all this way? Give them a lift! Anjean granted you this Spirit Train."
Link stopped the Spirit Train, allowing the refugees to clamber into it. They resumed their journey until they were interrupted by Demon
The Spirit Train raced through a rock gully. Overhead, a narrow bridge spanned the chasm. Ahead of it, a red and black enemy train clattered to the chase. "There he is!"
The rough, scrubby road to the city was littered with bodies, and splashed red chu.
"Be vigilant," Ariston cautioned.
The chasing train charged down from the left and crashed against his. Link steered to force it aside. The two locked as they battled along the road toward Faron Woods. Wheels screeched as the trains rolled along. At the last moment, Link steered through an open arch, and forced the other train against into the ravine, where it was plunged.
The Spirit Train thundered on, through narrow twisting streets.
"Run right!" urged Alfonzo.
The street split to a raised section that he mounted to miss the rubble of the lower path. He careened along the city street once again. A tinsuit jogged out from one side and effortlessly hopped on to impede the fugitives. Ariston hacked it away as another climbed aboard. They except the refugees could almost admire their bravery but such action was more than foolhardy; a single cut of Ariston's blade sent each tumbling.
Still he wrestled to keep his Spirit Train to its path. One mistake would see him dashed to pieces just as the other had been. He grazed low arches, gruesome hanged bodies strung above, and smashed aside wooden stalls as the street twisted first left, then right and left again.
"Head left," Alfonzo ordered.
He swerved up over a narrow divide, and moved on. The Spirit Train took flight through the air, wheels spinning, Link clinging for his life. It was at once thrilling and terrifying. They landed safe and raced on. Another tinsuit scrambled aboard, and another of Ariston's men hacked it aside. The street split again, and with barely a moment to consider Link swerved right, and swung up a wide elevated section and got to Kakariko Gorge.
The Spirit Train kept going until it reached Kakariko Village. It slowed down until it halted to Kakariko Village where the refugees got off while Alfonzo and his men drove the Spirit Train.
"You've done well." Alfonzo remarked.
"Now, Zelda, you called me here to see what?" asked Link. "Proxi, transport the refugees to Hidden Village!"
"Wait!" called someone familiar. "The Hidden Village is completely blocked."
Link turned around and saw someone familiar.
"Renado?"
"Link, the Gorons already blocked the entrance."
"I can still transport them to Hidden Village." said Proxi.
Proxi made them disappear in front of them and made them appear in Hidden Village. She reappeared next to Link.
"Now, about what you saw?" asked Link.
"There is someone I'd like you to meet."
Link saw two Twilis emerging from Renado's sanctuary.
"Midna?" Link was surprised to see her and took out his orb to translate the Twili language for him to understand.
"I've missed you, Link."
"I… I do." Link felt hesitant.
"Zelda explained all the circumstances have changed." said Midna.
"Indeed, the fairy named Proxi warned us about Ganon's revival and an invasion. But this time, the goddesses are with us." said Link. "Well, we're not alone. And who is this?"
"That's Ibun, my adviser." said Midna.
"So that's Ibun. I heard Proxi mentioned your name before." said Link.
"I heard the famous Link, a child soldier of Hyrule. Anyway, that's a story for another time." Ibun broke off. "We must hurry that Ganon is preparing an army."
"We need to go to Zora's Domain." said Midna.
Link went to Renado.
"Renado, what happened to Kakariko? Is Luda here?"
"I don't know. There was an attack in every village from Mabe Village to Whittleton. Luda is in the graveyard. Ariston and his workers are inside a tall dilapidated building near Barnes They are the last of the sheikahs."
"Things have been nearly desolate since I left this place." said Link.
"At least the gorons are still here. Go and visit them if you may" I must warn you a huger goron than Darbus is a rather short-tempered one. To tell him about rescuing Darbus would be unwise. So don't even say a word to him! The others are expecting you."
"Zelda come with me! Midna, Ibun, keep an eye on Kakariko! We'll be back." urged Link.
Link and Zelda headed to Death Mountain where they found familiar faces. Gor Coron stood with Darbus, Gorko, Golo and other gorons.
"Looks like tiny human came back to say hello to big us." laughed Darbus.
"Darbus." Link remembered his assistance.
"Watch out for my uncle."
The ground shook while massive footsteps approached Link and Zelda. Much to their surprise, Godan approached them. Link and Zelda were nearly the height of his knee.
"Oh Princess of Hyrule, how may I serve? I am Godan, the leader of the Goron Tribe."
"Godan, I haven't seen you."
"My nephew didn't talk to you about me? How rude not to introduce me."
Godan looked at Link.
"So this is the tiny human you were talking about, Darbus. I cannot believe someone this size could act all heroic." Godan was unimpressed. "We gorons were supposed to be on the quest. Not this tiny stick insect."
"Brother," said Gor Coron. "I would like to have a word with you in private."
Gor Coron brought Link at the foot of Death Mountain before telling him about the circumstance.
"Godan is the uncle of Darbus. He surely believed you destroyed the gorons reputation since you ended the reign of evil."
"The reign of evil is not over since a new threat has risen." said Link.
"Yes. I heard a war will take place. But there is something that invaded Death Mountain and made Godan filled with jealousy."
"Jealousy?" Link remembered Lana with jealousy. "I saw someone else had a bit of jealousy but at least fought it."
Link recalled Lana's words. "Beware, Link! Cia uses her will materialisation to cause anyone jealous. With this taking place, even those close to you will turn on you."
"Cia?"
"Is there something wrong, brother?" asked Gor Coron.
"There is a sorceress who had the same jealousy that I handled it with the Master Sword. So, Godan might be under this kind of will materialisation by an evil sorceress."
"You know this?" Gor Coron was surprised.
"Yes, I've…"
Proxi sprang out and warned Link.
"Godan is going beserk. He's heading to Kakariko Village!"
"We'll talk later. Hurry, brother!"
Link hurried to help Zelda and the gorons. Masonry crumbled around. There was not time to consider this miracle as Godan approached wildly with orange eyes. Zelda dealt several blows on the leader of the groans.
"I am the best Goron. No human should go." roared the possessed creature.
Godan plucked Zelda and threw her. She landed in Link's arms.
"This is no time for love. Go and handle Godan!" urged Golo.
Godan jumped high into the air. Link had the time to run before he came down crashing on the ground, causing shockwaves. Link noted the shadow on the ground and fled as the goron stamped its foot. Zelda slashed at the calf. Godan plucked the cause of the irritation and threw the pest away. To stand and attempt to fight meant certain death.
Link climbed on a stoned platform and worked his way to a higher platform. He was now at a height nearly level with the goron's head, and as he turned towards him standing there, Link jumped forward to land on his shoulder, and struck down with the Master Sword. As the possessed goron scrabbled to pluck the irritation aside, Link switched shoulders, and struck a second blow.
The powerful beast seemed hardly injured. "Jump like you did before!" urged Proxi. "Zelda can handle the rest."
Link jumped nimbly to Godan's huge head, and tugged it back. With a fast lunge he struck down the head with his blade. It was stunned. As it thrashed wildly, Link slid down its chest and tumbled acrobatically to the ground. Zelda slashed at the calf again and later the head.
The enraged creature blundered backwards, lunging for his victim. Link circled the arena again, seeking some other vantage point. Link noticed this fight was different compared to Fyrus.
In a corner, tucked behind a wall, he found a shallow wooden ramp. As before, this would have offered no escape to an ordinary man, however desperate, but Link easily jumped and clutched to a rocky ledge. Here as before a platform was revealed, with a high platform above. In moments the Link was up, as Godan grunted and growled. He faced the enormous beast again, and launched forwards to resume the attack.
He sliced down into a shoulder, but this time Godan caught him in its massive hand. He wrestled about in the crushing fist that gripped the life from him, but held his nerve until he judged the moment to strike: as hard as he could he stab his Master Sword into the hand. Pain and anger caused the beast to hurl him skywards, where he fell on the head. Panting hard, with a deft stab he plunged the Master Sword once more. Godan screeched and crumpled to his knees, clutching his head and spilling Link to the Death Mountain ground. He ran to safe distance among scattered stones.
Link and Zelda delivered several blows at vulnerable parts, causing him to snap out of his jealousy. A cry was heard in the distance.
"LINK, Your highness."
Link and Zelda were desperate to assist the one danger. Much to their dismay, Midna advanced towards Renado menacingly. Her eyes turned malevolent red.
"Where is Link?"
"Twilight Princess, what happened to you?" asked Renado.
"You will soon join…"
Ibun approached Midna and was knocked aside. As Midna prepared to finish Renado, she saw Link and Zelda.
"Midna!" Link cried in disbelief.
"Link is mine! I love Link" roared Midna.
"Midna, this is so not you." said Zelda.
"You will be dead just as I was going to finish that fool of a shaman." said Midna.
"Midna, please heed Zelda's words. You're in no position to make demands. Link, you're mine. Whoever stands in the way between me and Link will be killed."
"Your highness, you are not yourself." said Ibun.
"Silence! Who are you to make remarks." said Midna. "No one will take Link besides me."
"Midna, there is no need for such jealousy." said Link.
The only response from Midna was an unfeeling attack. Zelda fired her Divine Arrow. It was launched with bright white streak behind it and penetrated Midna's arm. Link and Zelda set aside their emotions and made a painful decision to defer combat with this possessed travesty of their ally.
Midna made a sudden lunge to stab Link with her steely sword. Link was unable to sustain this damage. Showing her tenacity and taking advantage of Zelda's reluctance, Midna took it to the princess of Hyrule. With huge obsession towards Link, Midna subdued Zelda and disappeared through a portal with Link. The Master Sword landed next to Renado's Sanctuary.
"Separated again," Zelda sighed. "I'll be with you. I must find a way to get to you."
"Incoming!" warned Ibun.
Tinsuits invaded Kakariko Village. Zelda took up Link's Master Sword and unsheathed her Naykilish and crossed the two swords with each other. By now the Naykilish had drawn sufficient power to unleash special properties in combat. By trial, the Princess found that she could dash at such blinding speed from one to the next, vanquishing each in a single blow. By now she felt more comfortable in her abilities against enemies such as these, and resolved to save this miracle of combat for stiffer opposition.
"What was that?" asked Ibun, in his Twilight language.
"Speed Kill."
"Speed Kill?" wondered Ibun.
"It's said to be blessed by Lady Nayru. By her blessing, I was able to go as far as handling greater enemies. Now, where to find Link?"
"Your highness, you might want to come and see this!" urged Renado.
Inside the sanctuary, Renado along with Luda, Zelda and Ibun sat round a small fire. Renado started his incantation.
"Akateio u'aha aten oriatutikua ugnaz aa'auetaruta – Oh goddess, please grant me sight and guidance."
The small fire became slightly larger and displayed the face of a goddess.
"I heard your prayers, Renado."
"Oh goddess, Link is in danger and the Twilight Princess kidnapped him and brought him to the dark tower in Gerudo Desert."
"The Twilight Princess known as Midna was brainwashed by one of Ganon's servants. This was meant to have Link's Tri-Force of Courage to get his armies stronger. Worse a war is about to start. It is a war of Hyrule. It is a war that will diminish everything."
"Oh goddess, please show me the path where Link is." Luda was worried about him.
The flames turned blue. In the place of the goddess, images were displayed where Link was held. Link was held in the same chamber where Zelda was used as a vessel.
"Then we know where to go." said Luda.
Inside Ganon's Tower, Ganon and his minions gathered around in the meeting room.
"I called you all because we lost Lupay." said Ganon.
"Lupay was always weak and didn't have a role." Demise commented.
"We have finally captured Link." said Ganon.
All cheered at their success. "Yes, Midna is now one of us. So let's not ruin this chance!"
The Spirit Train made its way through Bridge of Eldin and turned towards a tunnel. Ariston was the one driving the Spirit Train.
"Come on!" Zelda tried to motivate herself. "Ariston, is there the nearest stop to Gerudo Desert?"
"Hang on, your highness! There is one, but the spirit tracks end here. We need to go left."
"Left? That would take us to The Great Bridge of Lanayru." Proxi pointed.
"It sure does. After the Great Bridge of Lanayru, there is a tunnel that would get us to Gerudo Desert.
Ibun and Proxi saw an alternate solution. "I can handle this."
"Proxi?"
Proxi used her magic and filled in the missing spirit track. Ariston was surprised to see the fairy helping out.
"Thank you for helping us."
"All yours." cried Proxi as Ariston guided the Spirit Train through its course.
Inside Arbiter's Ground, the workers were creating an army while others forged weapons. Inside the chamber where Zelda's Tri-Force was used, Link was calling out.
"Zelda… I need you."
Yuga and Onox came to Link and started deriding him.
"So, hero, how does it feel now? We got the Princess's Tri-Force and soon yours." said Yuga.
"Our army will be strong." said Onos.
"Now the Twilight Princess sides with us." sneered Yuga.
"It cannot be." Link chose not to believe these words.
Onox gave Link a number of lashes from his whip and brutalised him. Zelda and Ibun were shocked by such horror. They saved the tortured Link by having Proxi warp them from their location to Death Mountain.
"Darbus…"
Before the three, Darbus stood while watching Death Mountain.
"So, looks like little human didn't stand a chance. Give him to me!"
"What will you do?"asked Zelda.
Zelda handed Darbus the incapacitated Link.
"I'll bring him to heal in our hot spring."
Inside Death Mountain, Darbus carried him towards a doorway. The doorway brought them to a dark chamber where stone staircase which led down to a drop into a dark pit full of steaming water. A ladder led him down into the pit. At either sides of the pit were stone statues of Darbus with water gushing out of their mouths. The goron tossed Link into the pit where he was left to recover.
"What is this place?" asked Ibun.
"That is used when someone is hurt. It's meant for anyone to heal and restore their strength. This chamber is called Rejuvenating Chamber."
They left Link into the pit full of hot spring water. Gor Amoto came to see Darbus.
"Darbus, excuse me if I disturbed you."
"Speak, Gor Amoto!"
"The refugees came to seek shelter at Kakariko Village."
"If there's news like these tiny humans, just say it! I'll go and see what I can do. Get one or two gorons to stay with this human." said Darbus.
Gor Amoto looked at the heavily damaged Link before leaving.