Chapter 13: Palace of Twilight

When she woke, Zelda found herself lying on a cold stone floor with several Twili looking down at her. There was a small flight of stairs and a large stone throne carved with intricate designs. In this throne sat a tall woman with ginger-red hair, red eyes that shimmered like rubies, wearing a loose-fitting black dress that exposed her naval area. At her feet sat Link, still in wolf form, with a chain wrapped around his neck. He occasionally growled at the woman, who glared at him in turn.

"So you're finally awake," said the woman mockingly. "I was starting to get bored."

"Who are you?" Zelda said trying to stand up, but her hands were tied behind her back. "What do you want?"

"I am Midna, the current ruler to the Twili and the leader of the Twilight Wolves," the woman answered. "I'm sure you've heard of them."

"They're the resistance group that opposes Ganon, right?" Zelda said.

"Exactly," Midna nodded. "Now I heard from one of my subjects that you're on the run from Ganon, correct?"

"Yes," Zelda said.

"Would you care to tell me why?" Midna insisted.

"I just escaped from…the Goddess Statue," Zelda answered nervously.

"Then you must be Zelda," Midna said and looked down at Link. "So that would make you…the False Hero?"

Link barked in response.

"So what that bird-brain's been saying all these years has come true," Midna said with a bemused smile.

"You mean Priestess Cia?" Zelda wondered.

"The same," Midna responded. "I take it Ganon kept you informed of what was going on in Skyloft including Cia's misinterpretation of the mural foretelling the Hero's arrival."

"Sort of," Zelda answered. "He didn't tell me very much. Most of what I know comes from these prophetic dreams I've been having."

"Prophetic dreams?" Midna's eyes widened. "How long have you had this ability?"

"For as long as I can remember," replied Zelda.

"I see, then you knew the False Hero was coming?"

"Yes, and his name is Link."

"Link…" Midna seemed lost in thought for a moment and said quietly, "I knew someone with that name, from a long time ago."

"You did? What happened?" Zelda asked.

"It would take too long to tell. So you're planning to leave Skyloft?"

"Anywhere is better than here. I'd especially like to go to Hytopia, a kingdom down below that's said to be the center of trendy fashions and popular culture."

"Hmm," Midna said pondering. "What if I told you that could arrange a means to transport you down to the world below so you could get to Hytopia?"

Zelda was stunned. "Really? Can you do that?"

"Of course, but I'll need something from you in return."

"Well, I don't have much to offer."

"What about that gauntlet you're wearing?" Midna said pointing. "My subjects tell me they saw you use it to summon light."

"Oh, the Infinity Gauntlet isn't for sale," Zelda said shaking her head.

"Then how did you summon light to a place that is covered in shadow?"

"I created a Puncture, with the gauntlet, to a place that had light."

"I'm not sure I follow."

"Think of the Infinity Gauntlet like the Mirror of Twilight, only instead of merely connecting two realms that exist parallel to each other the gauntlet is able to create that connection at will and to more than one realm at a time."

"Interesting. Does Ganon know about this device?"

"He does, but doesn't know I've finished it."

"So using the gauntlet would be risky," Midna said under her breath. After a pause, she said, "Very well. I won't ask you to hand over the Infinity Gauntlet, but I would like you to do a small favor for me."

"What is it?"

"I would like you to find the remaining pieces to a special artifact called the Fused Shadow. It contains powerful magic that can overcome the World of Light. With it, I can break free from the confines of this district and properly lead the Twilight Wolves to victory. If you can do this, then I will gladly help you leave Skyloft."

Zelda thought about it and then she nodded. "It shall be done, but on the condition that Link goes with me and is given a Shadow Crystal."

Midna gave Zelda a confused look. "A Shadow Crystal? For what purpose?"

"To make Link immune to the effects of the Twilight Realm."

"I see, but how are you not affected by it?"

"I'm not sure, so I can't answer that."

"Then I'm afraid you heard wrong. The Shadow Crystal curses whoever gets transformed by the Twilight Realm to remain in whatever form he or she takes. In other words, Link can only be cured if he leaves the Twili District."

"But then how can I prevent him from turning into a wolf when we come back to the Twili District with the Fused Shadow?"

"He can either not enter the Twili District or…" Midna picked up the Master Sword, which was lying beside the throne, and partially unsheathed it. "You might be able to utilize our own source of light called Sols to make the Master Sword strong enough to nullify the Twilight Realm's effects on Link."

"Where are they?"

"On a pedestal at the front of the palace."

The doors to the throne-room suddenly opened as a pudgy little Twili suddenly appeared.

"They're coming!" screamed the little Twili.

"Who is?" Midna asked.

"The Clockwork Policemen," the Twili answered. "They've breached the barrier and are heading this way."

"Who's leading them?"

"Priestess Cia. She's accusing you of holding traitors."

"Then she knows we're here," Zelda said. "Is there another way out besides the front?"

"Yes, there's a secret passage that will take you out of the palace. From there, you'll have to find a way out of the Twili District on your own."

"Okay, but you'll have to untie me first."

"Done!" Midna snapped her finger and the Twili behind Zelda cut the ropes that bound her hands with his claw-like hands.

"And unchain Link, too."

"Fine."

After being released from the chains, Link leaped down the stairs and followed Zelda in the direction Midna pointed. The secret passage was located at the foot of the stairs below the throne through a hidden door disguised as a carved snake on a wall. Through there, Link led the way running on all fours while Zelda tagged behind.

To be continued…