Sweet, Dark Lullaby
Chapter 3: Cracked Reflection.

Hyrule Field always smelt fresh. A huge, wide open space for one man. Always, Link felt relieved and free whenever his feet met the grass. An entire world awaited him. Today, though, his limbs were restricted and his mind was tumbling down a dark, deep hole. It was frightening but he pushed himself forwards. There wasn't any time for cowardice anymore.

Cowardice. Never in Link's life had he been a coward. Even when faced with death countless times, he kept going. The man possessed a unique strength which most were incapable of attaining. Even if he had spent his childhood years on a farm, herding goats and collecting vegetables, Link was a very determined man. Freakishly so. The Spirit Lanayru was correct: even if he had lost that one time, he hadn't surrendered.

Turning his gaze, Link studied the Castle ahead. After the fierce battle between Ganondorf and Midna, one quarter of the building crumbled to pieces and it remained that way. However, Link could see it was already being fixed, either with magic or from manual labour. Clearly Ganondorf had no time to waste and was setting his true, real plans in motion.

Link shivered.

Right now, he couldn't face him. He didn't actually know if Ganondorf was aware of his survival. That didn't mean Link had no desire to investigate though. There was a possibility Midna was still contained within, trapped and wounded. The thought of her being vulnerable against such a monster sent a spark through him. Midna meant a great deal, and he would hate himself if he allowed anything severe to happen to her.

He refused to accept he was too late.

No, if Link had survived, then so had she. The Goddesses would have surely shown mercy and preserved her life too. All he could do was hope, though. Hope that even if she was perceived as the enemy, the Goddesses would realise what she meant to Link, but also that her survival was key to Ganondorf's defeat. Link, in many ways, was useless without her.

Fortunately, he had not missed the celebrations which were taking place in Hyrule Castle Town. Upon his arrival, however, there was a huge crowd before the Castle. The audience was so big Link wasn't able to see a thing that was going on. Barging his way through, Link was desperate to see what was so interesting, but the crowd was too large and heavy against him. Link was soon pushed to the back again.

Growling in frustration, the blonde hurried over to a higher platform at the side and stood on his toes. Then he saw what the commotion was about.

Princess Zelda looked magnificent. In fact, Link hadn't witnessed the lady appearing so well. It was ironic, considering she was bewitched by Ganondorf's curse. His heart stung and he focussed his gaze on her companion. Link widened his eyes and gasped.

The companion was himself.

A reflection. An exact replica. Link clenched a fist, confused, angry but a little impressed. Ganondorf had thought ahead and knew people would start to question who the Hero was, how Zelda had been saved from the man's dark magic. And here he was, waving at the crowd, expression stoic, dressed in green. However Link knew himself very well, and if there was one feature about him which stood out above the rest it would be his eyes.

This Link's eyes were dead. They did not express the amount of power which surged through him.

The real Link exhaled slowly, and turned away, head spinning, heart pounding against his chest. Just what was going on? How–– Who was copying his form? Link didn't know anyone who could shape shift. Link was shivering again, but this time in anger. He hated how angry he felt, how betrayed and pushed aside he felt.

That man looked exactly like him. Anyone would be fooled to think he was indeed Link.

Proceeding down the empty South alleyway, Link tried to put all the pieces together. If Zelda and the Hero had revealed themselves, then everyone would believe they were finally at peace and Hyrule was safe. This was perfect for Ganondorf. Now he could set to work, and do what he had wanted to do for hundreds of years.

Link was so preoccupied in his thoughts he bumped straight into someone.

'Oh–– Sorry,' he quickly apologised.

Who he bumped into Link also recognised, but this was a face he wanted to see. Rusl's face lit up at once when he recognised the male.

'Hello Link. It's been a while. I was just about to see you and Princess Zelda appear outside the Castle. Am I too early?'

Link couldn't reply straightaway. Rusl frowned, concerned.

'Something wrong?'

'Yes...' Link sighed. 'That's not me, Rusl. Someone has... It'll sound stupid, but someone––'

'Has copied your form.' Rusl nodded, 'I see.'

Link could trust the man to trust him, but he understood this was hard to believe. Stroking his chin, Rusl attempted to come to terms with what Link had informed him.

'We have a problem then. Maybe you should, perhaps, reveal your true identity.'

'I can't get through the crowds,' Link mumbled. 'Anyway, who will believe me? I can't cause havoc again. Everybody's finally content.'

Rusl was nodding again. He gestured to the right. 'We should speak at Telma's Bar. There's a lot we need to discuss.'

Several Hours Before

Clinging to his wrist, Ganondorf inhaled sharply between his teeth. His entire hand throbbed in agony, his skin slowly melting, blood and a transparent liquid dripping from his sore palm. Never had he felt so humiliated before. He should have known. It was so obvious it was going to happen. He should have foreseen the Goddesses' plans. Of course those wretched pixies would be against him.

The Master Sword was gone. When Ganondorf picked up the Blade from the ground, it singed his hand. It burned through his glove and wounded him. The burn was travelling from his palm, to his wrist and up his arm. Soon, if he failed to find a cure, the burn would singe his entire body. He had a treatment, of course, but he was furious. Ever so furious.

What aggravated him more than anything was how the Master Sword vanished from sight. Ganondorf had no idea where it went, and who now possessed the Sword. How much he wanted it, how much he needed it. The Hero was dead, rotting in the ground somewhere, so surely the Sword now belonged to him. Finally.

Princess Zelda, his puppet, stood beside him. Waiting. Ganondorf lifted his head and demanded she fetch Princess Midna, and he didn't care if she was alive or dead. Preferably, he would rather she were alive, but dead would simply please him.

Minutes later the large doors opened and two forms appeared. Ganondorf stood from his throne, watched the imp walk awkwardly towards him. She was still heavily wounded, but alive. He clenched his unwounded hand. This creature was stronger than he assumed. It would take a lot to kill her, but he would do it soon. For now, he required her assistance.

Ganondorf raised his uninjured arm and Midna froze. Whatever magic he had forced upon her, she didn't know, but the Twili was unable to move her limbs. Then, he lifted his hand and gestured her to come forward. Midna was incapable of moving, but somehow he brought her to him, as if she were an inanimate object to play with. Anger flooded her mind and she wanted to hurt him, hurt him so much.

He pulled a crooked smile, his fury matching her own. Suddenly Midna fell heavily to the ground, her already wounded head hitting the floor. To Ganondorf's irritation, though, she merely laughed.

'Does something amuse you, imp?'

'Someone's in a mood.'

Ganondorf sent his boot straight to her face. The tiny creature fell back, her nose spurting with blood.

'Believe me, when I finally kill you, I'll make it painful.'

'Heard that one before.' Minda sat upright and wiped her face. Her entire form was in agony, and walking wasn't suitable for her unusual figure. That bastard had her Fused Shadows so the ability to levitate was gone.

'I'm afraid, Princess, I require your presence a little more.' Ganondorf lowered his sleeve when Midna's eyes found the wound across his palm. 'You'll be taking the form of that pathetic Hero of yours: Link. Then, I want you and Princess Zelda to appear outside the gates and tell those fools below that everything is sweet and perfect.' He jarred his teeth, sneering. 'You will do as I command.'

'I said I'll deny you from the beginning. Don't think I'll change my mind.'

Ganondorf smiled. 'I expected you to say that. You always were a stubborn brat. Useless in many ways. However I know that you have a soft side; I know your weakness.'

She said nothing. Wiping a hand over her face to clear the blood, Midna waited for him to continue.

'There's a room in the back. All the lights are off, but within is a being which means nothing to me, but I know means something to you. If I were to switch on the lights he would burn, burst into flames and become ash. The most painful of deaths, especially for a Twili. Wouldn't you agree?'

'I don't believe you.' Deep down, she did, but she refused to believe this man could be so cruel to her.

'Really? Then, let's bring him out––'

'No!' Midna shut her mouth, and snarled at him. Bluff or not, the only way for Midna to know if Ganondorf was telling the truth was if he murdered one of her people before her eyes. Then he would fetch another, use them as bait.

Ganondorf stepped forwards. 'The way he wept, Princess. The way he looked when he realised his dear Princess was not there to save him.' The man knelt down and placed a finger under her chin so she could meet his gaze. 'If he saw you now, I think he'd rather die in shame. Even I have never witnessed a more disgusting sight than this; than you.'

'You make me want to vomit.'

'Feeling's mutual, my dear.' He trailed his finger down to her collarbone. 'You're so vulnerable. I could strangle you to death right now.'

'That'd be tedious. I thought you wanted to make my death the most painful.' Midna rolled her eyes. 'You speak as if I am inexperienced to pain and death.' She smiled crookedly. 'I saw your hand, the way it has been burnt. I know what that feels like. I know what it feels like when your entire body has been scorched. That is the most painful death one can experience.'

'Fine. I may not kill you, but I will torture you. I will make you feel so much agony until you agree to my decision. You will transform into Link, am I clear? You'll do as I command.'

Midna's left eye twitched. If her Fused Shadows were in her possession, she would make sure this man was left bloody and half dead at least. She knew, though, if she refused to obey Ganondorf he would bring out that one individual and let him suffer a horrific death.

It felt as if chains were around her wrists and she was trapped. Either option would leave her in shame. But, maybe, just maybe, Ganondorf's solution might not lead to undesirable consequences. It was funny how, after all that had happened, Midna still had hope. She still foolishly believed Link was alive.

You must find him.

... find the Hero of Time.

That voice. Whoever had spoken to her, that gentle, reassuring voice–– Midna believed it.

She had to find this Hero of Time. She had to find Link.

'Fine. I'll do it.' Midna sneered. 'Not for your sake, though.'

He didn't care who she was doing this for. What mattered was she obeyed him, and what little power she had was now in his control. 'Excellent, Princess. Excellent.'

Ganondorf rose and turned to Zelda. Not a word was exchanged between them. Midna kept her eyes peeled away, her thoughts elsewhere, on the voice from the previous night and on Link. Somehow, she had to get out of here. Somehow, she had to find Link and defeat this monster.

A warm, soft hand was at her shoulder. Midna knew it was Zelda.

The pain of the transformation didn't last long. Within seconds, she now stood on two feet, wore a green tunic and looked like the man she was desperate to lay eyes on once more. Zelda's smile was barely there, almost ghostly, but the Twilight Princess refused to smile back. She hated this form. Not Zelda, she could never hate Zelda–– but this thing smiling at her. She felt nothing but spite.

It was bright outside. Much too bright. Midna was thankful Link's skin was used to the sun, but she still squinted under its glare. Then she smelt it: air. Fresh, beautiful air. An opportunity she never thought she would ever have again.

The Twili could only frown while Hylians crowded around the two, and she tried to smile, tried to play the part. Tried to be Link. What would Link do?

He wouldn't do this.

So Midna remained silent, casting her gaze at each hopeless individual, each unaware of the horrors which were approaching. Completely and utterly ignorant of everything. And she was jealous. Jealous of them. Jealous of the fact they were able to live like that; to live and not worry. To live and not know the Lord they feared was standing right beside her.

When she found him, the man, her entire being froze. He was gone too quickly, gone from sight like the wind, a flash of green disappearing from view. He had seen himself, but not her. He had seen someone pretending to be him, but he had not seen a friend.

–– Link is alive.

Despite everything, Midna smiled, relief washing through her.

Of course he was. Of course Link, her Link, was still breathing. For now, that was all that mattered.

Beer wasn't Link's first choice of liquor, but he tolerated the bitter substance. His mind was focussed on more important matters, like who had copied his identity in an attempt to reassure Hyrule that everything was fine. It bugged him. Din knew what this person was like and whether they would steal his appearance again. Link felt uneasy about it all.

Thankfully Rusl was comforting, and currently coming to terms with what had happened to Link. The Hero avoided mentioning Midna, knowing his dear companion would rather she be left in the shadows. However that didn't help matters much. Link did want to speak about her, to tell Rusl that he needed her back, and if he found her dead... No, no. She wasn't dead.

Telma was oblivious about the issue. When she approached the table, more than pleased to have Link as a returning customer, she refilled his pint without his asking. 'So, honey, I heard you and the Princess were out celebrating this afternoon.' She winked. 'There isn't anything going on between you two, is there?'

Link almost choked on his saliva.

'Only asking. I'd hate to be in the way, that's all.'

He sighed. 'No, there isn't anything between us, Telma. I––' Link shook his head. '––I didn't celebrate today.'

'Oh?' Telma looked most confused. 'So many have spoken about you appearing though.'

Ah heck. Who was Telma going to tell? Even though she looked it, the barmaid wasn't a gossip. 'Things are difficult at the moment. Someone has decided to look like me and pretended to be... me.' When he said it, he realised how absurd it sounded.

'No,' Telma said in awe. 'Really?'

Link nodded. 'Really.'

There was a dead pause between all three of them. Finally Telma found her voice. 'Any ideas who it could be, honey?'

It was like Telma to act lighthearted about the situation. 'Nope, none. Hopefully I'll find out soon.'

'We will,' Rusl said, smiling over at him. 'Don't think you're alone on this, Link. I believe you, and I'm certain many others will too.'

Link curled his lips, unconvinced. Rusl didn't sound convincing either.

'Remember when I told you there was a secret passageway into the Castle?' Telma said.

'Yes...?'

'It's still available. You can use it anytime. I'd be careful though, handsome. I don't want you getting yourself hurt.' Telma then left the two in private.

How could Link forget? Ganondorf was still unaware about the passage leading from Telma's Bar and into Hyrule Castle. If Link could use that and possibly investigate within the building, maybe a couple of answers would be provided.

There was the danger of what waited within, however.

Link turned to Rusl. 'I don't have any other choice.'

Rusl had always been a father figure to Link, and naturally the older man felt reluctant about the option. Yes, it was the only choice Link had at the moment, and, no, he wouldn't stop him. But what if the worst came to the worst? Link had nearly lost his life if it weren't for the help of the Spirits.

'There's a friend I need to find. She's with Ganondorf, I know it.'

'She's alive?'

'Yes.' Link swallowed. 'She is. I must find her.'

Sighing, Rusl ran a hand through his hair. While he knew what it was like to know his own son was in danger, he also knew what it was like to care about someone. To care about them so much he would do anything to keep them happy and safe.

The man was married, after all.

'I assume you wish to go alone.'

'Nothing personal.'

'I know that.' Rusl retrieved a stone from his pocket and slid it over to Link. 'Use this. It might just look like a rock, but talk through it. I'll be able to hear you and talk back. If you ever find yourself in trouble, I want you to contact me and I'll be your backup.'

Link nodded. 'Thank you.' Pocketing the stone, he stood to his feet. 'I'll see you shortly.'

author's note: In case any of you didn't notice, that stone was a reference to what Link uses to communicate with Tetra and the King of Red Lions in the WindWaker. Concerning Midna's transformation: if you can't remember, at the beginning of Twilight Princess Midna taunts Link by turning into Ilia and Colin. I assumed she would be able to do this without the use of her Fused Shadows, but I might be incorrect.

Also, the Master Sword can only be touched by the Chosen Hero (Link), and evils cannot touch it otherwise they would be wounded (or killed? Turned to stone?). Basically, Ganondorf can't touch the Master Sword and when he did, the Blade wounded his hand and vanished from sight. Its whereabouts shall be revealed later on. You are welcome to correct me if I am incorrect with this theory.

If it's not too much trouble, would you be able to peek at my profile as well? I have written something concerning this fiction that I think you will be interested in.

Lastly, thank you TwiliYoshi for reviewing the prior chapter. Feedback is greatly appreciated, and your thoughts –– negative or positive –– mean a lot to me.