Chapter Seven

Facta, non Verba
"Deeds, not Words"

Link slept for the rest of the day. It was understandable, after the entirety of what the Princess had explained to him. Now he knew everything.

Well… not exactly everything.

Midna still didn't know how to tell him the one truth of hers that she wished to express; even after all she had so willingly spoke of. But maybe that was for the best though. The Twili didn't want to plague him with another burden as of now, a worry on top of all those that currently mentally – and physically – ailed Link.

The Hero awoke sometime in the evening as Midna was bringing him food. She entered the room as he sat on the edge of the bed, face in hands while his elbows were propped atop his knees. He looked up as she entered, the red edges of his eyes a sight she thought she would never get used to.

"Link, how are you feeling?" the Twili asked, concerned just as much for his mental health as that of his physical wellbeing.

"I'm okay, just…tired," he looked to his arm as she handed him some cured Shadow Kargarok meat to chew on. Either the two of them were seeing things, or the vein like lines had snaked their way the slightest bit further along his skin. Neither of them said anything about it though.

For the most part Link had digested the basics of the information Midna had told him. Resting let him come to a few conclusions himself, reinforcing the notion that had bothered him for so long now. He needed to tell the Princess at some point, but there was just too much currently going on to bring it up. He didn't want to add another trouble to her list anyway, so he stayed silent and began to tear into the meat he was given.

The Twili looked over him, suppressing a small shudder at the sight of his unnatural markings. Somehow she couldn't help but feel as if the black lines themselves burned his skin wherever they crawled. After a few moments she spoke.

"I've been thinking a lot Link… about your condition." His physical appearance and ailments mostly matched up with that of the descriptions her ancestors had gone through when their bodies had tried to rapidly adapt while fighting the magic of the realm. She was just now realizing that she didn't explain the ones who had undergone accelerated change were supposedly of mixed blood, just as he was. Maybe that was for the best though, as she didn't want to worry him more. Link glanced up at her words, swallowing a bite of his food and taking another.

"You're not going to like this, but…" the Twilight Princess drifted, summoning the Shadow Crystal. She thought they'd never need it again, but she had brought it with her nonetheless. The object was much too dangerous to leave lying around in Hyrule unprotected and she didn't wish to burden Zelda with it, knowing that it wasn't right to place more pain on the shoulders of Hyrule's Princess. "I've come to the conclusion that it's best if you inhabit your wolf form for the meantime, until we come up with a more… permanent solution to your situation."

Link stopped chewing on the meat and looked to the dark magic that hovered above the hand of the ruler, remembering the moment it had first penetrated his skull when he had tried to protect Midna after Zant's surprise appearance in Lanayru's spring upon the two completing the Lakebed Temple. Other than the first transformation in Faron Woods, the transitions between forms weren't painful, just an inconvenience as his body and mind took a moment or two to adapt to the changes they underwent.

"I'm saying this because I've thought on it since you went through… that," Midna explained, eyes not meeting his as she referred to Link's nightmarish experience. Her gaze went back to him a moment later. "Zant's magic was a combination of our tribe's and that of the Demon King's. Although he was a Gerudo, Ganondorf still used sorcery from the world of Light, uncorrupted by the Twilight, even though his magic was already dark. Zant drew from Ganondorf's power to amplify his own. In effect, the Shadow Crystal that was produced from that should act as a mediate between your Hylian and Sheikah blood, keeping them in equal balance against the effects of the Twilight Realm for a time. I hope it can ease your pain," the Twili finished, not explaining that she had secretly spent every free moment she had looking further into the legend only to no avail as she tried to find a way to permanently stop or reverse the damage that had been done. Unfortunately this looked to be the only sort of way to help him, at least when it came to a form of a cure found in her world.

"I… understand. Thank you Midna," Link replied, swallowing the last bite of the meat that he had quickly inhaled. The Hero's gaze didn't meet hers as his eyes focused on the orange runes that glowed on the surface of the magic relic. He gingerly reached out towards the icon, his hand hovering for a moment, its patterns vaguely resembling a form of the ones on his skin, but much more similar to the runes that had covered Midna's hands and arms when she was cursed as an imp.

He hadn't been a wolf for so long… Link was slightly frightened to return to that state, but thought the Twili's reasoning was valid and he knew he didn't want to once again experience what he had gone through just the other night. Link took a breath and touched the crystal a moment later; the familiar sensation of Twilight consuming him overcame the Hero.

The transformations were always odd as the instant the magic began to take effect he felt nothing, almost as if his physical form was in another plane entirely. After Link began to take shape again, his vision that previously saw blackness blurred with color. Once it had cleared, things were different yet all so familiar. Everything seemed to have another layer to it, his senses more in depth. He could smell his own change about himself. Link looked up to Midna, who had by now pulled over a chair from her desk. She placed the object near the bed, sitting on it and looking down at the Hero.

As she laid her eyes on the wolf in front of her, Midna didn't realize how much she'd missed seeing it, and the memories that came along with this shape. After all, she had witnessed the first transformation he had gone through after entering the curtain of Twilight that blanketed Faron Province. At the time she cringed in pain at what he underwent, his screams a reflection of what she so desperately held back after seeing her own altered form. Midna had smiled upon witnessing Link's change though, knowing she could use it to her advantage. Looking back the Twili didn't understand how she could have ever thought of simply using him as a tool for her own aims. She had been so selfish, and in a way, she still vaguely was. Knowing what she soon had to do next. The Princess hoped everyone would understand when she finally got around to telling the three.

The Twili shook the notion from head, instead letting memories of their travels when he was a wolf surface in her mind, reality tugging at the corners of her thoughts and bringing the Princess back to the present a moment later.

"Your beast form... Exactly how you remember it? Instincts returning yet?" she asked with a weak smile in an effort to lighten the mood. Midna hadn't cracked a single one of her witticisms since this began and frankly found that quite painful. She missed them and the way he would rebut her statements. The Twili recalled how on their journey he would simply brush them aside or ignore her gibes, but over time and by the end of their travels, he had found them amusing as well, playing along with her words. The friendship they shared then had been so wonderful, and she still hoped that one day it would turn into something more… but for now Midna had to cling onto what they had, no matter how frail it seemed in his current state.

Link made a small nod in agreement to her statement then proceeded to turn and jump on the surface behind him. After the transformation, he'd ended up on the ground. The Hero in the body of a beast paced in circles for a moment, finding a comfortable position and curling up on the bed, paws crossed over one another as he rested his chin on top.

This was a comforting feeling, his alternate form. He closed his eyes and let out a breath. Resting as a wolf was different than that of relaxing in his true shape. Even when at peace there was alertness just under the layer of calm. He sensed Midna stand from her seat, walking over to the bed and sitting on it next to him. Without a word, she lay down at arm's length and placed her hand atop the head of the Hero in his bestial form. She gently scratched his forehead and he swept his tail side to side in satisfaction. After a few moments her hand stilled.

The Twili sighed. She was tired after worrying about him all day. Although Link hadn't left her room, she herself had been frantically running about her kingdom. The Princess had a lot of preparation to do for what was to come. She'd tell Link her plans in the morning. For now though she needed rest.

Link awoke the slightest bit shocked; at first forgetting that he'd been transformed to his alternate shape the night before but soon the Hero remembered the conclusion Midna had come to regarding his appearance.

The beast stood up on all fours, stretching like all dogs do and letting a quiet whine escape his wide jaws as he yawned. Link looked to the sleeping form of the Twili that lay on her side facing away from him. He nudged her shoulder with his snout and the Princess shifted in her sleep, hand brushing where his wet nose had touched.

She hadn't woken up.

He hopped off the bed, walking over to the water basin in the corner of the room as the chain from the shackle on his ankle dragged across the floor, the only sound in the otherwise silent chambers. Once Link came to a stop before the small pool, he looked at his reflection, blue earrings the only sign he was ever something other than a beast.

The Hero had so much to say to himself and to Midna, things regarding what they had discussed just recently, and things of his past that had been left unspoken. Though he knew what he wanted to say most was what he would be least likely to tell her, from all the events that had come to pass and also the fact that he was somehow unable to summon the courage to speak the simple words of what he felt. Something seemed to be blocking the truth from coming out.

Oh, the irony.

Maybe he could just bark to her, repeating the statement in his mind. No, that was stupid. What was he thinking? It would get them nowhere and she would probably find the action quite irritating.

Though she had annoyed him often enough on their journey together. That gave the Hero an idea. Link turned from the basin, walking over to the chair that was still next to the bed from the previous night. He effortlessly jumped up on it. In this form he felt more full of energy, but at least some of that could be attributed to his excessive amount of rest. Either way, Midna was right. It had helped him to become a wolf; even if the only aid Link received from his alternate shape was that he no longer had to see the unnatural markings crawling on his own body.

The Hero sat on the chair, looking at the calm and relaxed form of the Twili. Link almost decided against his plan at seeing her in peace, but choose to follow it through. He took a deep breath and a moment later leaned his head back, letting out a howl. It felt so good. Why didn't he ever do this in his other form?

Before he could think on it more, a pillow came flying at him, knocking the Hero in the body of a beast from his perch. Link whimpered when he hit the ground. That was uncalled for.

"Link! Oh Goddesses… I'm so sorry!" Midna said, jumping from the bed and rushing to his side. "I thought you were an enemy. I grabbed the nearest thing and threw it. Ugh! I'm such an idiot!" the Princess felt stupid for her actions. Of course he wouldn't be an enemy as there were none in the Twilight Realm anymore thanks to him. It had been so long since the two would fear a surprise attack when resting on their journey. As she was contemplating this, Link had pushed himself up and shook to straighten his fur, an action quite familiar. Midna couldn't help but laugh at the movement, and of his howl that awoke her. The Twili realized his behavior had relieved some of the stress plaguing her.

His eyes met hers, showing that Link understood her actions and accepted the apology. In the beast form his irises retained their blue glow, no signs of the transformation itself were present. It seemed Midna's conclusion on the use of magic was correct. Of course, he couldn't always stay in this form. Link wasn't a wolf. He was of Sheikah and Hylian blood, even if those two were fighting for dominance in a way, fighting against the magic of the Twilight Realm, his true form was still something he rightfully deserved, especially so after all he had gone through to get it back. Midna understood that better than anyone could, having to endure the same struggle in a sense.

The Twili sighed, wondering if they would ever truly be free of all these troubles. She had run away when it was all over, separating her realm from the one of Light in hopes of preventing any more pain. It seemed she had only made it worse though… She brushed the sorrowful thought aside, looking at Link's bestial form with a small smile.

Resting had helped the both of them be relieved of some of the pressure of everything that had come to pass, and now she and Link felt prepared for what was to come, especially since the Princess had made almost all of the necessary preparations beforehand. All except the most important ones, she realized. An immediate matter surfaced in Twili's mind, shocked that she had forgotten it but at the same time realizing it was only natural after everything that had come to pass so unexpectedly.

"Link…" the Princess spoke, eyes wide at her sudden realization. He tilted his canine head in response.

Maybe this thing with the wolf form would be a bit more difficult than she anticipated. Midna had easily learned how to read and understand his cues on their journey, but holding a conversation was an entirely different matter. The Princess of Twilight sighed.

She placed her hand on his forehead, gently scratching the fur. After a moment the Twili stopped, pulling her hand back and letting the palm hover over his head as she drew the magic from him. Once the crystal was free of his body, the form of the Hero began to change. Link stood up after the transformation completed, shaking his head and pulling his hand through his hair while he let out a breath. His appearance was exactly the same as before she transformed him the previous night; the lines on his skin hadn't progressed further, but at the same time they hadn't receded at all.

"Link, are you okay?"

"Yeah. Fine. I'm just not used to it after a year. It did help though. Thanks Midna." The Hero was feeling somewhat better. It felt good to admit that truthfully to her. "Sorry about earlier… that wasn't exactly the nicest thing I did."

"It's alright. I understand. After all this sudden stress… I think we both need a break. It helped, actually," she smiled weakly for a brief moment, and then took on an air of seriousness once more. "Anyway, about what I brought up a moment ago… Today is the meeting."

The Hero sat down on the chair that Midna had pulled aside last night. He'd completely forgot that the members of the houses were to assemble today, just as she had apparently.

"Midna, I don't want your people see me like this…" he drifted, looking at the lines along his skin.

"Link, we have to let them know… We need to find a way to stop this. In truth I had already discussed with them about having the next meeting here, since last time you were so tired. I thought it would relieve some of your stress. With everything that's happened though, I had forgotten about it until now. They should be arriving within the hour."

That didn't give them much time, but Midna knew what needed to be done.

"I'll handle it. You will be there too, of course. The house leaders don't know of the Legend of the Sheikah, but I'll explain about your illness…" she drifted. The Twili came to a conclusion that had been hovering about her mind since he first displayed the red eyes of their ancestors. A conclusion she didn't necessarily want to face because of how impossible it seemed. Even she admitted the improbability to him the moment they entered her realm together a year past. But now the Princess had little choice but to cling to a glimmer of hope that it was still somehow possible.

"Link…you need to return to Hyrule," she told him sternly and with a hint of sadness. He looked at her incredulously. "Zelda will know what to do. Her wisdom should enable her to have knowledge about this subject that even I lack, legends from her world are bound to give us insight… besides, by going to Hyrule you should be free of the effects of the Twilight Realm, hopefully even further slowing down your… problem." Midna didn't know if it would fully stop his change or not, so she avoided giving him too much false hope. The Princess didn't bring up the subject if he couldn't return, for whatever reason, and of course she wouldn't let him go on his own. She couldn't risk the chance of somehow losing him. Midna had no clue how they would leave anyway, with the Mirror being shattered for good.

Link continued to stare at her, his gaze unfocused as the Hero's mind raced, wondering what the Twili would think of him like this… Wondering what he thought of himself like this. The thoughts of returning to his homeland were prodding the corners of his consciousness. Link had his suspicions…

After a short while Midna broke his concentration.

"Link, we must get ready."

"I'm glad we can meet here today," the Twilight Princess spoke to her people. The group of four Twili stood about a glowing platform used for transportation that had now been temporarily converted into a table of sorts for them to hold their conference around.

"Link will be joining us shortly, but first I must ask of you if it would be possible to form the council you had held under Zant's rule." The various houses managed surprisingly well when under Zant's reign, having formed a council of sorts behind his back to keep peace in the realm.

The Twili looked to each other, expressions of concern on their faces, but they nodded to one another and turned back to Midna.

"Yes, of course, but… why is it that you ask this of us, Princess?" spoke the one to Midna's left. He was a tall and skinny Twili, slightly above Midna's height. The house leader that had spoken went by the name of Amurg.

"Link or I may not be able to conduct meetings for a time… we are going to be leaving, and fear that we don't know when we can return," the Princess replied. She felt terrible for not having been able to think over this longer and discuss it with Link – or anyone else – in advance.

"How are you going to accomplish this? I thought the Mirror had been shattered from the other side by your hand, Your Highness," Senja, a slightly younger Twili than the last, spoke with a hint of shock in her voice. The woman's dark orange hair was bound in two braids hanging next to her ears and they bobbed the slightest as she mildly shook her head in disbelief at the words of the Princess.

Midna bit the inside of her lip. In truth she didn't know.

"I have a question as well," the one next to Senja piped up. This was by far the shortest of the group, being a couple of centimeters under the Hero's height.

"Yes, Solpor?" Midna asked turning her gaze to her right and escaping the previous inquiry for the moment.

"You told us Link would be here as well. May we discuss the matter with him?"

"Of course. Link," Midna called, turning her head to the door behind Amurg. It slid aside mere moments after she spoke the Hero's name. She could tell he'd been listening to their conversation.

Link entered the room. Midna had given him a sheet to cover his body with as to not surprise the Twili with the Hero's sudden change in appearance. She continued as he approached and came to stand next to her.

"Link… isn't well. That is the reason we have to venture to Hyrule once more. I… please don't be shocked at his appearance," Midna nodded to the Hero and he pulled back the fabric that hung over his head, in the process exposing his altered arms as he reached for the hood.

The Twili blinked, gazes following the markings on his skin and finally meeting his strange eyes.

"I see. We will do as you say," Senja said. The others nodded in agreement a few moments later. Midna sighed.

"Thank you so much for understanding. I'm very sorry to present this to you, especially so suddenly."

"Princess, it is fine. You have gone through much suffering you do not deserve. We wish not for more to fall upon you or Link. We are more than happy to take care of things here," Amurg said to consolidate her.

"We wish you a safe journey and passage to the Light Realm," Solpor followed up with. Senja bowed her head, braids swinging with the movement, once Midna's gaze crossed hers. None brought up exactly how they would accomplish getting from one world to the next. That was something they would allow the Princess and Hero to further address on their own.

After the Twili had left the room, the Princess and Link stood face to face.

"Midna… I never knew about the council forming in your absence," the Hero spoke. In truth he hadn't thought about how her realm functioned during the time she had been expelled from it. Zant obviously wasn't the best ruler, having turned the Twili into Shadow Beasts. It seems they managed to get by somehow though.

"I guess I just never found reason to tell you… It's somewhat of a sad story too, at least when it comes to Aralie." Midna stopped there. Link continued to look at her. She realized he wished for her to continue, wanting to know the past of the girl.

"I was told of all this only after returning here with you. It was when I was talking with the head members of the houses before I had formally introduced you to them. Amurg told me, as Aralie is a member of his house. In all actuality, Amurg hasn't always been the leader. Aralie's mother was. Her father passed on when she was little, so all she had was her mother, who had openly opposed Zant's rule, and as a warning to others who would do the same… he killed her."

"Aralie's an orphan?" Link asked, slightly shocked. The Hero had never questioned her seemingly constant presence outside the front of the palace, thinking she simply didn't spend time with her parents. Link always treated the children of Ordon as siblings, but something about the way he acted towards Aralie was slightly different, more fatherly, and now he knew the reason why. He never expected to the girl to have a vaguely similar past to that of his, growing up alone in a sense. It seemed he had unconsciously taken her under his wing in a way.

"Yes. Amurg took over the leadership of Aralie's house after Zant's actions. Although he didn't like the Usurper King either, Amurg didn't dare show defiance against Zant. He met with Solpor and Senja and the three of them created the council in secret to keep the matters of the realm in order. None of their actions were done openly because they feared what would happen to them. Even though the house as a whole took Aralie in as a family, she still enjoys spending most of her time in front of the palace because it was a favorite place of her mother's. It seems she never fully integrated back into her own house after her mother's passing," Midna explained. Link looked at her, now fully understanding.

"She seems so…" he didn't finish, gaze drifting to look unfocused at nothing.

"Link, she really looks up to you."

He had noticed. After hearing all this Link wanted to say goodbye to her before they found a way back to Hyrule, not knowing when they would return, but knew he couldn't. He didn't want to scare the girl with his appearance, just as he did with his absence after the night Midna found him.

"Anyway, enough of that. We have work to do," Midna said, brushing aside the sad past and focusing on the important present. Link nodded.

The two had to figure out how they would to return to the world of Light.

A/N: 3,000 views on this story?! Thank you so much everyone! I'm so glad you are reading (and hopefully enjoying) it! ^_^
Does anyone know the meaning of the Twili names? Answers will be posted in the author's note of the next chapter, but feel free to guess in the meantime. (Sorry, but there will be no rewards. :P)