Chapter Twenty-Two
Quod Perlit, Perlit… aut non
"What is Gone is Gone… or Not"
Zelda wondered if her discussion from the other day with Midna had any effect on the Twili. She hadn't seen the Princess since then, but it was understandable. The Hylian royal had spent all of her time from that encounter meeting with dignities and members of her court. All the relations had gone superb and it seemed she was finally coming close to putting the last piece in the puzzle of Midna and Link's relationship. The last thing she could do for them, that is. They had to find the right places for the remaining pieces themselves and the Princess knew that wouldn't be fully possible until matters in her own realm were put to rest.
The ruler of the Light Realm turned a corner, heading down the hall that Link's room was in. She didn't necessarily need to take this path, but thought that she might discuss the matter of the bandits with Link on her way to the royal's other destinations for the day. The Sheikah had explored Hyrule thoroughly during his time as Hero and may have insight as to where the hideout of the outlaws could be, or possibly lend his assistance in other ways.
Zelda was distressed over the matter of the rouges and it was the only thing preventing her from helping the Twili and Sheikah. She wished to dedicate all her attention to assisting them, knowing it would benefit her kingdom as well. The sooner the problem with the bandits was solved, the better for everyone.
After taking a few steps down the passage Link's chambers resided in, the Princess came to a halt at the sight of Midna standing before the Sheikah's room. The Twili hadn't noticed the Hylian just yet as she reached out to knock on the door. Midna paused with her fist mere centimeters from the wooden panel but pulled her hand back a moment later. Zelda watched in silence as the other Princess then proceeded to pull out an apple from beneath her shall and place it at the base of the door. As she stood upright again, Midna's eye caught that of Zelda's and she immediately turned, starting to walk away.
"Midna," the Light Princess spoke quietly, only for the Twili's steps to become faster. Zelda followed after her but soon slowed as she came to where the hall branched out into another passage. It was obvious that the other Princess didn't want to speak with the Hylian for whatever reason. Midna continued down the hall and Zelda stopped, watching the Twili go. She wondered just how often Midna had been visiting Link like this, and hoped the other Princess wasn't pressing him too much – especially since she spoke her warning words.
After a moment of silent contemplation Zelda turned back to the direction of Link's room, waiting in stillness for a short while as the royal thought over if she wished to confront him after all. Before the Princess had a chance to take a step in either direction, she heard the doorknob to Link's chambers turn. The Hylian looked over her shoulder to see the Sheikah's hand reach out, taking the apple from the ground before shutting the wooden panel with a quiet click.
Zelda smiled sadly then continued down the hall. She realized her request to ask for his aid regarding the search of the outlaws wasn't right. He had far too many personal matters to deal with as of now, pained and exhausted from everything. The royal knew that one thing he faced was his adaptation to being a Sheikah, hiding and keeping to himself in the meantime as he began to come to terms and accept his differences. The change with his eyes had come quickly, but she knew that the Shadow Folk were a race that had heightened senses and abilities. Possibly getting him involved in something that could lead to a fight… action such as that was too much for him now as he was, struggling with his own battles in a sense. Zelda desperately hoped he and Midna would expose all the truths one day soon, first having to find themselves and one another. The longer they waited, the harder it would be for them.
The Princess of Hyrule knew she had to do that as well at some point; expose the hidden past to everyone as to never again let these mistakes repeat. That would be addressed soon, but as of now her mind went back to the matter of the rogues.
The last of the search parties for the bandits had returned earlier in the day and none of them had any news regarding the whereabouts of the outlaws. The Princess was concerned. With the brigands injured like that, their group couldn't be on the move and should have some place to lie low. It would be the ideal time to come across them; the fugitives unable to constantly avoid the men the Princess set out to search for them. Under those conditions, her soldiers should have found and captured the group already. So the question of why hadn't they done so still remained. By now, they were highly likely to be preparing to strike again, and Zelda didn't want another incident getting in the way of what needed to be done.
Link was feeling quite well this evening. The exhaustion and soreness that had plagued him since the return from the Sacred Grove was seemingly gone; possibly thanks to all his rest, and the lines on his skin were probably the lightest they would get, as over the past few days they hadn't faded any further. That in addition to what Zelda had told him when he had given the Princess his tunic, the Sheikah was in higher spirits, even if the slightest. Yet every time he thought of Midna they fell once more. He knew she was leaving apples outside his room, but each time he had sensed her, Link just couldn't seem to greet the Twili. He felt the slightest bit less stressed by her visits though, Midna refraining from knocking like she had done before. Maybe soon he would take the fruit from the Princess in person.
As of now Link was making his way down the hall quickly and quietly, holding an apple from Midna in one hand, a few bites taken out of it, and a saddlebag with the remaining apples he hadn't yet eaten in the other. The Sheikah was planning on taking a short trip now that he finally seemed to be free of any and all physical pains. He would call Epona, head to the Hidden Village, and be back by dawn. Nobody would miss him in that short of a time and he knew Colin wouldn't be working with the mare at this hour. It's not like anyone would notice Link's absence anyway, him having been cooped up in his room for much of the time since their arrival back at the castle after his ordeal. The Sheikah could have gone out and socialized in Castle Town even with his exhaustion, but Link knew any more time spent in familiar areas of Hyrule would only make it harder for him to leave when that time came, and he knew no matter what he would return with Midna to her realm; too fearful of her leaving him behind just as she attempted to do a year past. Before that though, the Sheikah needed to finish his business in the world of Light and then the two could find a way to use the Fused Shadows to go back without regrets of what would be left behind.
Link turned a corner, heading down a set of stairs. As he finished one flight he paused, noticing… something. His heightened sense of telling that people were present was a Sheikah trait he had inherited and was only now getting used to. He'd practiced sensing others when Midna would leave apples outside of his room. The Sheikah could tell from the voice of the Light Princess that Zelda had passed his chambers the same time that the Twili had just recently; leaving behind yet another apple before briskly walking away at the call from the Hylian.
"Link…" Zelda's voice drifted. He spun around, looking down the hall that his back had been turned to a moment ago. The Princess that stood in the passage appeared to be a bit concerned, eyes traveling to the bag he carried. "You should not be going out at this time. Where are you headed?"
He didn't want to, but he had to tell her, knowing that Zelda wouldn't let him leave without informing her of his destination. It took him a few seconds, but Link let the tension of his surprise at her words wane. Zelda noticed that he became more at ease, and the Princess took a step forward.
"Impaz… I want to visit her," the Sheikah spoke hesitantly and with sorrow, not meeting the gaze of the royal as he looked to the half eaten apple he tightly gripped in his fist. Link knew that she was possibly his only direct blood relative left and hoped that maybe the elderly woman would have an idea as to what it meant when it came to mending the bond between the two races. If not that, then at least Link might have the chance to learn more about his own parents; particularly the mother he had never known.
Zelda stopped at the words from the once-Hero but now Sheikah.
"Link, I am so very sorry, but…" the royal drifted, face sorrowful. Zelda knew she couldn't beat around the bush any longer by saving the topic for later. It was best revealed now, even if it were painful. "She is dead."
He inhaled sharply, head snapping up to meet blue eyes at the Hylian's abrupt and unexpected statement.
"She was elderly, the last true Sheikah in Hyrule. She did her best, but it was just recently the guardian left this realm for that of another. I believe it was mere weeks before your arrival in my kingdom. The messenger came and told me personally, not informing the council during the meeting following her passing. The Hidden Village is now home to just a clan of cats. Otherwise, it is vacant."
Link was dismayed. Did that mean he truly failed? There was no way to mend the bond between the Hylians and Sheikah, and no hope of knowing how? The Princess continued at his silence.
"The Shadow Folk of Hyrule are no longer, but Link, you are not alone. You may be the last Sheikah as you know it…" she drifted and Link looked to her, mind buzzing. "Some things are brightest in the dark," Zelda spoke quietly, eyes not meeting his. The Sheikah tilted his head in confusion and the royal took a few steps towards him as she continued, once more letting her gaze be drawn to one opposite her own. "Whereas others can only be seen when the trouble is shared. Do you understand what I speak of?" the royal questioned, coming to a realization of her own, but suppressing it for a moment as she attempted to clarify the struggle Link was going through. She wished to gently - not harshly like Midna had - help him see the pain he was causing both himself and the Twili, and hoped that it wasn't too much for him to handle in addition to the news regarding Impaz. She quickly reassured herself that her actions were right. Link needed this minor distraction for the moment.
"Zelda, I…" the Sheikah drifted, not knowing what to think. The Princess had abruptly changed the direction of her words. Link shifted focus and concentrated on answering her query. Impaz's death came as a painful shock, but the royal seemed to dim the impact with the turn in topic. It appeared she understood that he needed to have time to digest that at a later date, and instead bring his attention to something else as of now.
"Courage comes in many forms, and that is your strength. Some events require braving things alone, and others by the side of those who wish to understand. Deciding what path is best may be quite difficult, yet the results reap great benefits," the Princess continued. Link started the slightest, not expecting Zelda to bring into the conversation the blessing that his soul held. The Sheikah was aware of the meaning behind her words, having felt the slightest bit less tense after his previous discussion with her. Link was just taking his time with it all because he feared the painful moment of honesty.
"You know of joy surrounding truth; even if with it comes momentary pain, happiness follows."
Link nodded slowly, opening his mouth to speak tentatively.
"T-thank you again, Zelda," his gaze went to the bag of apples as he spoke, gripping the leather strap tightly. Link looked up after a few breaths to see the royal turning her back.
As the Princess of Hyrule walked off after their confrontation, Zelda was shocked that she, the one blessed with Wisdom of the Goddesses, hadn't seen everything sooner and only came to the realization during her discussion with Link. The Hylian immediately went and summoned her guard; holding an impromptu meeting with a select few of her best knights after marking a place on the map of Hyrule and setting them out after a meal and orders to venture forth. It was best to go now, even though darkness had fallen. With these matters she couldn't risk any more time passing.
In a day or two hopefully everything would finally be set right in her realm once more, and then the royal could address the matter of Link and Midna's return without any further fears regarding the well-being of her own kingdom.
Link had returned to his room and for the past hour or so had been looking up at the ceiling from where he lie on the bed. He'd been thinking of what Zelda had said, feeling terrible about not getting to know Impaz more before he left for the Twilight Realm with Midna; yet Link was simultaneously glad he wasn't emotionally close to the guardian, as that would make her passing much more difficult to accept.
The Sheikah sighed. He couldn't dwell on any of that now, the light of life from the single resident of the Hidden Village now extinguished. Impaz was gone, leaving Link the only remaining member of the Shadow Folk in Hyrule.
In Hyrule.
The Sheikah sat upright abruptly, mind racing. He felt as if he was onto something with his thoughts, pieces falling into place suddenly as his consciousness drifted back to the time he previously discussed Impaz before his confrontation with the Princess. The Hero's Shade had told him that Link was searching with the wrong light, in essence, taking a path that only led to a dead end. Zelda's wise words echoed that thought, and Link felt stupid for not realizing it earlier. The light he was guided by was that of the brightness of Hyrule, which had blinded him from the calming glow he had come to know so well over the course of the past year. The solution was much more obvious than he initially thought, it having been by his side the whole time.
Yet making the truth a reality may be even more difficult than if he were to bring the Sheikah and Hylians together. Link had to do the impossible, and he had no idea how to go about making that come to pass.
He stood, walking to the desk against a wall and grabbing one of the apples out of the bag he had laid on top of the table; quickly sinking his teeth into the flesh of the red fruit. He was afraid and overwhelmed, but he couldn't let that get to him now as it had before. The Sheikah had to take up the offer he was presented with, thinking over how he would even begin to address it with the others.
Link needed a day or so, and then he promised himself that he would move everything forward.
Zelda was surprised at how quickly it was that the search party returned with the bandits in tow. Less than two full days had gone by and she was quite lucky. If it took any more time, the group would have been well enough to be completely on the move again, quite possibly abandoning their base for good and finding another now that they undoubtedly knew they were being hunted. The Princess still didn't like how long it took for them to be captured and should have known that they were hiding out in the Hidden Village. Their appearance coincided with the vacancy left behind by Impaz's death. The messenger said she was found peaceful, so it had to have been merely days after he passed through that the men took up residence in the elderly woman's village. The Princess of Hyrule hadn't thought on it until Link mentioned the guardian from the ancient tribe, but now everything was said and done. Finally she could focus all her attention on her two dear friends and that of the kingdom they wished to return to.
The Hylian royal smiled at the guard who brought her the news. It was the same man that had escorted Link and Midna to their chambers upon their initial arrival to the castle.
"Inform my special guests to immediately join me for a meal," the Princess spoke. It was still a bit early for dinner, but that didn't matter. They would discuss more than eat anyway. The Princess just needed a reason for them to see her as soon as possible. She would tell the two of everything in person.
The guard bowed his head and turned on his heel. Zelda watched him go, mentally preparing herself for what needed to be addressed. She would hold another meeting with her council soon, the matter on her mind being the priority, but before anyone else heard what she would say, Midna and Link needed to know.
"I bring good news," Zelda spoke as the two took seats at the oak dining table. Food had been brought as she waited for their arrival, anticipation making her nervous and causing the Princess to poke at what lay on her plate as she waited, even though she wasn't hungry. Now she sat still, eyes meeting those of the ones before her. "The bandits have been caught and there are no more dangers in Hyrule. We may be able to address other matters now."
"Great, now your empty dungeons won't be so lonely," Midna said, quite relieved about it but at the same time felt as if she could care less in a way, only really wanting for things to be fixed between herself and Link. She's followed Zelda's instructions to give the Sheikah the space he needed, yet nothing seemed to change, and the Twili still wasn't able to fully decode the Princess's words regarding the apples from their confrontation in the garden. She'd avoided Zelda since then to show her annoyance with it all. Now she spoke sarcastically in attempt to change the mood and simultaneously express that the reason why there was so much trouble with them in the first place was because the ruler wasn't the type to keep prisoners. Midna recalled how upon first entering Hyrule again that she was glad Zelda didn't use the dungeons, but now realized how stupid of a thought that was. Every world had those that held ill intentions and needed to be kept under guard lest troubles break loose. She knew that all too well.
"There… may be a way to return to your realm sooner than you think," Zelda spoke, ignoring Midna's words. She was furiously thinking over how to present the information so she let the quip slide, ignoring the rude statement from the Twili. Even though the Princess of Light had been mulling over it all since not long after the arrival of the two in Hyrule – and thinking of the broader topic intertwined with it long before the Mirror was shattered – she hadn't exactly thought about just how to phrase everything in a way that was logical and didn't leave them in the dark as her previous explanations had.
The Sheikah and Twili looked to the Hylian with wide eyes.
"Why haven't you mentioned this earlier?" Midna asked, gritting her teeth the slightest.
"I am sorry. I had my reasons," the Hylian replied. She needed to make sure her realm was well before sending Link and Midna off to the other once more. Zelda understood it was selfish, but at the same time couldn't risk their relationship being broken by what she knew may come to pass with this next move. The one of Wisdom needed to act carefully and was hoping that their bond would have mended some since their return to the castle. She had done all she could and desperately wished that they would move forward, but maybe presenting this action would possibly help the Sheikah and Twili. She wasn't sure what exactly it would do between them at this point. Good or bad, she decided on taking a step forward.
"But now may be a good time. Partly why I had not told you before was because of the danger it poses. It will be difficult for you two, but if it does indeed work, then we may very well be able to reverse what has been done by your hand, Midna," Zelda explained cautiously.
"W-what do you mean?" the Twilight Princess spoke nervously, suddenly uneasy now that the center of attention seemed to be on her. Link looked back and forth between the two royals before him.
"The day you shattered the Mirror, I could see the regret on your face. You wanted to hide it deep within and were willing to sacrifice much but instead created more pain that has manifested in various ways over the course of these events. What I am saying is that there may be a method to reunite the Twilight Realm and Hyrule… but it quite possibly comes at a price – if it is at all truly possible."
"How?" Link asked determined, now understanding for a fact that the one spoken of in his trial who had attempted to sacrifice happiness was the one by his side the whole time; just as the solution to his parents' wish was. It seemed that he didn't need to bring up the topic, Zelda having begun to do so herself – for some reason. Maybe she was helping him aim as he attempted to hit two birds with one stone. The Sheikah was well aware that the royals were knowledgeable about one of his own struggles in this world, as it is what in part drove him to crossing between the kingdoms in the first place. Ever since Zelda's initial confrontation with him upon their arrival at her palace once more, Link had begun to become aware of what was really right, even if the process seemed to be agonizingly slow.
"I know for a fact that the Fused Shadows have not regained their full magic. I do not need for you to confirm that for me, Midna," Zelda began her explanation. The Twili stared at her, all thoughts of irritation towards the Princess of Hyrule now gone with the prospect of going home once again. "The Light Spirits watched over and sealed their power. Second to Midna, they are the most knowledgeable about the ancient magic. There may be a way for them to help us… and possibly even with their assistance, make another portal between the two worlds that is not temporary. I do not wish for you to be too eager about this. As I said, it is simply a possibility. I am unknowledgeable regarding if it will succeed, as nothing like this has ever been attempted in the past."
"I'll do it," Midna spoke. "I'll be willing to at least try."
"There is a risk involved like I have stated previously. I… do not know what will happen or what we will face when doing this. I still must confirm it all with the court. As of now with the recent dealings regarding foreign arrangements and capture of the bandits, I believe they will be the most open to a matter such as this now more than any time, as we could treat the Twilight Realm like that of another country. The biggest ordeal though will be addressing the connection of your kingdom with that of Hyrule. Neither the council nor any of the other dignities are familiar with magic such as that found in the other world. I do believe though, that if they know Link is of the race that protected the Royal Family all that time ago, and that same race – although the defectors of it – have come to be the peaceful Twili, then this may work to our advantage. I have familiarized my court with some of the actions of the Hero of Twilight, yet they currently do not know you are the one they praise," Zelda said, drawing her gaze from the other Princess and looking Link in his bright red eyes.
"But Zelda, I'm no longer a Hero in this life," he spoke concerned. In reply the Light ruler smiled sadly, seeing that he still partially blamed himself for things beyond his control. It seemed that was something he fell back on in times of doubt.
"That matters not, Link, and you know this. Your actions saved us nonetheless, and that is something they cannot deny. You still carry the blessing of the Goddesses, and that will be with you until the next to inherit your soul takes up the blade against evil. Although you are no longer following the path of the Hero, your spirit is intertwined with that of the fate of this land and its well-being. It is best for both of our worlds, I believe. Thinking back on the Legend of the Sheikah and the Interloper War, you must see it too. Both of you must know," Zelda stopped, looking between the two and allowing them to think over what she had said. The Hylian continued after a few moments of their silence.
"The Legend states the spirit of the Hero was not born into the era of the Interloper War, or if he had been, he was in another world and unable to stop or intervene in the matters of the battle that led to so much bloodshed and disorder. We cannot risk that again."
"I…" Link drifted, not knowing what to say but feeling as if an ancient weight had been lifted from his spirit, confirming the way to do what he was destined in this life. He could finally move on to what he truly wished. Things were beginning to work out again.
"This will be discussed with my council soon. Please be prepared. Both of you must understand that this will be a great ordeal, but I see you are willing to undertake it with the chance of happiness lying beyond," Zelda spoke, looking the Sheikah in his red eyes once more. "It is what you have wished for, is it not?" the Hylian didn't wait for a reply, knowing her words were true, and only now fully realizing that it, too, would help mend the relationship between him and the Twilight Princess. "You are the link: the Sheikah connecting the Hylians and Twili. Link, I know this is the chance you have been waiting for. It is what we all have been waiting for."
A/N: Why am I using Latin for chapter titles?
Uh… Latin sounds cool? ^^; (Sorry if my Latin sucks, but do I need a legitimate reason for using it? I am the author after all. :P)
Anyway, things are kind of going to start speeding along here since I have a lot I want to cover but little time to cover it since I (for some reason) promised myself I'd complete this fic by the end of 2015… Yeah, I don't know why I made that promise to myself, but I am not going back on it for any reason. Now the story is in its final stretch! :3