Sweet, Dark Lullaby
Chapter 5: Boy In Green.

Where am I?

Sand tickled his toes, fireflies fluttering around him, illuminating the dark scenery. Hills of tiny rocks lay ahead, and the moon cast shadows across the landscape. There was nothing ahead. Nothing, but sand and more sand. It was night, and the only sound he could hear was the flies. They didn't buzz; their quick wings were the source of noise. As beautiful as these creatures were, though, they had started to annoy him. Growling in frustration, Jovani smacked them away.

Despite how warm the sand felt, it was cold. Jovani hugged himself, averting his gaze left and right, confused, anxious and irritated. How did he get here? Where was he, even? It looked like a desert. It was a desert, surely. There was only sand. No water, no trees, no grass. Just sand. He sighed heavily and then collapsed to his knees. 'We're doomed.'

His companion, Rusl, wasn't as dramatic. Many times he had ventured into Gerudo Desert, and frequently without much supplies. He didn't mind returning, but with all people, why Jovani? Rusl didn't know him personally, but had heard the rumours about how foul and self-centred this man could be.

It was very dark, and he unfortunately didn't possess a lantern. Thankfully a map and compass was in hand. Rusl would never go anywhere without these trusty items.

'Have no fear, Mister Jovani. You're in safe hands.'

'We're going to die. There's nothing here!'

Rusl ignored him, arranging his compass correctly on the map. After a couple of seconds, the male figured out where they should head. Pointing in an east-south direction, Rusl said: 'We go this way. If you stick with me, you'll be fine.' Folding the map and compass into his pocket, Rusl started walking, only to realise Jovani wasn't following. 'Come on. If we sit around and mope, we won't get anywhere.'

With sheer reluctance, Jovani hurried after him. 'I'm not wearing any shoes.'

Rusl was distracted by something vibrating in his pocket. Instantly he recognised what it was and pulled out the gem which helped him communicate with Link. The blonde's voice was heard through it.

'Rusl? Are you there?'

'Yes, Link. Don't worry. Jovani and I have landed in Gerudo Desert.' Turning around to where they both started, Rusl studied the piece of building which had also been transported with them: the secret passageway. It was the majority of Jovani's home, a huge pipe attached to the architecture. Surprisingly, everything looked pretty much intact. 'The passageway travelled with us. What do you think did this?'

Jovani groaned in exasperation. 'My home. I have nothing to return to.'

'Lighten up. It's not so bad. You still have most of your home.'

'Not all of it. Do you know how much this––?' Jovani was cut off when Link spoke through the stone.

'I recognised how the passageway was transported. A portal was used, but this form of magic isn't recognised here. It's a magic which is only used in a different Realm. I wouldn't hold my doubts that Ganondorf had something to do with this.'

Of course. Rusl recognised the name. Before, Link had spoken of him, and it was clear this fellow wasn't someone Link was keen on. 'I see. Why did he do such a thing though?'

'I imagine he wasn't aware of the passageway until we arrived. He wouldn't want anyone else breaking into Hyrule Castle without his knowledge again.'

Grabbing Jovani's shoulder and forcing him onwards, Rusl slid down a hill of sand, landing perfectly. His companion, on the other hand, fell head first at the bottom, filling his mouth with sand. Rusl rolled his eyes. 'It looks like I'll be here for a while, Link. We'll be fine, though. I've been here many times. By the way, did you find what you were looking for within the Castle?'

'... I found what was most important, you could say.'

'Excellent. At least Mister Jovani didn't lose half of his home for nothing.'

'Ah. Tell him I apologise.'

'Not your fault.' Rusl smiled, ignoring Jovani's disgruntled expression. 'We'll speak again soon, Link.'

Pocketing the stone, he continued up the numerous banks, hoping to spot the cannon he was searching for. Jovani was a couple of metres behind but Rusl knew he would keep up. There seemed to be fireflies everywhere, and the wealthy male was growing more and more frustrated. He wished he was home, hidden away in Rupees. Honestly he hated people sometimes.

For about two hours the two men walked and walked. Thankfully due to experience, Rusl could ignore his thirst and hunger. Jovani wasn't so tolerant. Gasping for breath, he tried to reach for the other man's shoulder, but accidentally slipped and collapsed onto his front. This time he refused to get up.

Rusl frowned. He had to admit, Jovani wasn't dressed the part: an unbuttoned shirt, vest beneath and... were those pyjama trousers? Maybe Link and him had interrupted the poor man heading for bed. It was a shame Jovani got caught up in all of this.

Approaching his fallen comrade, Rusl took a seat next to him. 'Not long now. About thirty more miles.'

'What?'

'Really? That's nothing.'

'Nothing? Sir, you are insane.' Jovani stripped off his shirt and attempted to use it as a fan. 'It's so warm.'

Rusl cocked a brow. 'Clearly you don't exercise.'

'Shush. I'm much too busy for irrelevant activities. I have more important dealings to attend to.'

'Like...?'

'None of your business.'

The two melted in silence. While Jovani cooled off, Rusl grabbed his binoculars from his bag and viewed ahead. Unfortunately there was nothing promising in sight. Soon, they would need water. During the day, Gerudo Desert was Hell to get through.

It was impressive how a tribe used to survive here. Rusl didn't know a lot about them, though. History books were not in his custody. Pocketing the binoculars, he looked over at Jovani who was now flat on his back, gazing up at the sky.

'We're going to die.'

Rusl clicked his tongue. You'll die in a minute if you continue like this.

'I should have you and that green boy repay me for all you've done! Because of you two, I lost my house. I lost everything.'

'Actually, that wasn't our doing.'

'Still: you made it happen.'

'Nope. We didn't.'

'Argh!' Jovani sat upright and pulled at his hair. 'Stop contradicting me! If you and what's-his-name didn't show up, I'd be sleeping in bed right now. In my home. It's all swell for you, though, isn't it? I'm sure you have a huge mansion waiting for you. With food and everything.'

'A family, yes. I have a beautiful family waiting for me, and I cannot wait to return back to them. So, we need to hurry our pace.'

Jovani folded his arms and shook his head in disgust. 'Family. Pathetic. Family are useless to me. My parents were ridiculous, finding it hard how I refused to share my own earnings with anyone else. Don't you think it fair that I gained my Rupees and so I have no reason to share my wealth? I earned it, so I can do what I want with it.' Obviously this was rhetorical.

Unlike this man, Rusl wasn't wealthy. In fact, he was the opposite, living in one of the poorest Villages of Hyrule. Rupees didn't matter to him anyway. As long as he had enough wealth to feed his family, then that would be enough. Rusl found Rupees corruptive in a sense, anyway.

Jovani was a good example of a victim who suffered such corruption.

One eventually didn't know what to do with themselves.

'Well, I'm going to keep going. If you wish to survive, then I'd suggest you follow me.' Not waiting for a response, Rusl headed onwards. It wasn't long until Jovani started following, his ankles soon beginning to ache from the amount of walking.

Hopefully they would be home soon.

Kakariko was silent during the evening. It was no surprise the children found it safe here. There was an odd charcoal scent to the Village, and Link had grown quite fond of the smell. Insects roamed the skies at night, but for a man who had suffered many pests in his life, flies were nothing. At the moment, there were more dire matters at hand.

Thankfully Midna wasn't conscious to berate Link on how she refused to be seen by any other Light Dweller aside from him and Zelda. However he would rather she berated him than not. The Twili was limp in his arms, barely alive, and it was impressive how he managed to reach Kakariko while she was still breathing. He had wrapped Midna in his top to keep her warm, treating what wounds he could by ripping his undershirt and using the fabric as bandages.

It wasn't great, but it would do for now.

Out of everyone he knew in Hyrule, Link knew Renado would be knowledgeable when it came to treating a different species. The man had treated a Zora! Surely he would have some clue with an imp. Granted, Midna was a Twili, but hopefully this wouldn't be a problem.

The children would ask questions, and Link didn't want questions, especially when his friend was dying in his arms.

However meeting them was inevitable.

Epona was fast on her hooves when she entered the tiny Village. Stopping just outside the Inn, Link jumped off his horse and knocked thrice at the door. He wasn't sure what time it was, but hopefully someone would answer. Anyone. Anyone would do.

Lowering his gaze, he watched Midna's chest rise and fall lightly. Hang on a little more.

The door opened and he came face-to-face with the Shaman himself. Relieved, Link literally shoved the imp into Renado's arms. 'You have to do something! Anything. I can't let her die. She's been wounded and––'

'Link, breathe.'

The boy obeyed, exhaling slowly. 'I'm sorry. I, uh––' His heart was pounding, and he could feel how tense his muscles were, '––I trusted you'd be able to help.'

'Yes...' Renado studied the little Twili in his arms, 'Nice work with the bandages, Link. Don't worry. I'll have her treated straightaway. Come inside.'

It was remarkable how the man didn't ask any further questions, but the Shaman knew what was his business and what wasn't. Link stepped into the building and craned his neck back, watching Renado take Midna away with him. More than anything he wanted to be there, to see if she was okay, but something held him back. It was proper of Link to stay behind, yet there was this foreign fear which swelled inside him.

Link was frightened. Frightened there was a possibility Midna might not make it.

The Inn was warm. It was always warm. A fire roared in the next room, and all the blinds were closed. Candles brightened the dim room, and sofas waited for him. Link collapsed onto one of them, kicked off his boots and was finally able to catch his breath. Refresh his mind.

So much had happened. Ganondorf had never died, but how was that possible? Link had stabbed him with the Master Sword. The blade had gone right through his chest. Somehow, he survived and Zelda–– Zelda. Princess Zelda. She was never there. Link had no idea when she became Ganondorf's puppet. Was it from the beginning? When she transferred her life into Midna? When?

Nothing added up. Pulling off his cap Link placed his head in his hands. The fire crackled in his ears, and the warmth massaged his bruised skin, but Link could not relax. For an hour, he waited, waited for Renado to appear down the stairs and report to him about Midna's health. To tell him she was okay, that everything would be okay.

I almost lost her. Again.
Maybe I have lost her.

'Link?'

The male lifted his head and looked at who interrupted his thoughts. It was a boy, no older than eleven, with bright blonde hair and large blue eyes. People often mistook this boy to be Link's younger brother, but the two were not related.

Link forced a smile. 'Colin, hi.'

'When did you get here?' Of course the boy was proud to see him, but concern was shown in his eyes. Sitting on a chair opposite, Link noticed Colin was dressed for bed in his pyjamas.

Maybe a little discussion wouldn't hurt. 'About an hour ago. I have a... friend with Mister Renado right now. He's taking care of her...'

Colin craned his neck to the right. 'What happened to her?'

'Uhm, she got hurt. Quite badly, too.'

'I'm sorry, Link.' Most of the time, Link was quite expressive with his emotions and it was clear he felt sad about what was happening. It was terrible to see him this way so Colin smiled brightly, hoping to cheer him up. 'Mister Renado should be able to help her, though. He's a very talented Shaman.'

Link smiled, but this one was sincere. He appreciated Colin's comforting words. 'Thanks, and I know. That's why I brought her to him. I just hope it's not too late.'

'Don't think like that.' The younger boy jumped off his seat and came to sit next to Link. 'Always have optimistic thoughts, Link. Papa told me to have a positive view on everything. She'll be fine, you'll see.'

'I hope you're right.'

'Hm, I know I am.'

Link chuckled. 'How's everyone? How's Ilia?'

'Sleeping, and she's okay. I heard the door open and then heard your voice. You sounded really panicky. I don't think I've ever heard you so nervous before.'

Link had been nervous. In fact, he still was, but not as much. The journey, even while riding Epona, seemed to last forever. It was pure luck he found his horse too. Link wasn't sure if she had been in Ganondorf's custody too, but Epona was quite smart. She knew her way to safety. The man discovered her only a couple of miles from Hyrule Castle Town, and instantly saw this as fate. The Goddesses were on his side still.

Unfortunately he left Telma in a stupor. Link would have to return to her Pub and explain what had happened to the secret passageway––

Rusl.

Link looked at Colin. Maybe it wouldn't be wise if he informed the boy about what had happened to his father. Running a trembling hand through his hair, Link was beginning to feel impatient. Renado had spent quite a time with Midna upstairs, and he was concerned something was wrong.

Just as he thought this, the door opened. At once Link jumped to his feet, his heart in his mouth. Colin was amazed at how eager his friend was behaving. Obviously this "she" meant a lot to him.

'How is she? Is she okay?' Link asked, approaching Renado who raised his hand to silence him.

'Resting. Her wounds were infected, and a couple of bones broken. I've dabbed the injuries with a specific type of herb which is good to kill the infection. She has had a little of my tea to drink as well. However rest is the cure. What happened to her, Link? I don't think I've had a patient like this before.'

Link wasn't sure if he meant species-wise, or injury-wise. Either way, all Link cared about was Midna getting better. Relief flooded his body and he could finally relax. Midna was going to be okay. His body still shook though, and not by the cold. He still felt nervous. 'A lot happened to her.' He was about to say more, but his mouth closed and Link said nothing. Right now, he wasn't sure what to say. A lot had happened to Midna.

The poor girl.

'Can I see her?' Link made a move to head up the stairs, but Renado caught his arm.

'No. I don't want her to have any visitors. She's sleeping and may be in this state for quite some time.'

Some time? What did that mean? Link swallowed. Hopefully not too long. He required Midna's assistance after all, and she needed to fill him in on what had happened to her. Above everything, he just wanted to be with her. To think, only a couple of hours ago he believed she was gone.

Renado realised how traumatised Link was, and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

'You should rest as well. Colin, let's give Link the spare bed.'

The boy was still trying to figure out what had happened to Link and this "she". When Renado spoke to him, he quickly dragged himself out of his thoughts and proceeded to the older blonde. 'Okay.'

'Link, rest. I shall be checking on–– Forgive me, but what is her name?'

Her name? Yes, of course. Her name.

"Link, I don't mind helping you save your little friends, but don't you dare tell them anything about me. Or I'll make you regret it." Midna's words from almost a year ago tumbled through his head, and he was close to obeying. There were valid reasons why Midna wanted her identity to remain a secret, but Renado and Colin wouldn't inform anyone. Her presence was strictly between them.

This girl meant so much to Link. He couldn't afford uttering a single lie. 'Midna. Her name is Midna.'

'Midna. Okay, well I will be checking on Midna frequently throughout the night to check how she's doing. One last query: what exactly is she? I registered her as some form of pixie, or imp. Can you fill me in?'

Not an imp, or a pixie, but a beautiful Princess who he hoped to one day lay eyes on. The amount of times Midna had spoken about her true form, only teasing him that she appeared much better than she did right now. She was so excited to reveal to him what she looked like too.

It was saddening to think such a time may not ever arrive.

'She's more human than any of us in this room, Mister Renado.' Link met the older man's gaze, and there was a brief moment of silence between them. 'Would you mind if none of us spoke about her presence?'

The Shaman nodded. 'Of course. Colin and I shan't speak a word.' To support the man's claim, Colin nodded. 'Anyway I apologise, Link, if I seemed rude. Her appearance had me curious, that's all.'

'Not at all,' Link smiled, 'I understand.'

Thousands of questions were running through Renado's mind, but he said nothing more. Clearly the relationship between Link and this Midna was special. Turning to Colin, he gestured to the upstairs room, and soon Link was escorted to bed.

The bedroom was a little stuffy, but very warm. It was shared between young Malo, Talo and Colin. A small room, fit enough for just about four people. 'Over there,' Colin whispered, pointing to the bed on the far side near the window. 'Good night, Link. Midna will be fine.'

It was touching, hearing her name come out of another Light Dweller's lips. Hearing her name in such innocence and kindness. If only Midna knew how much her race didn't matter to some people. Link nodded, smiling, before stripping down to his boxers. His feet ached, his thighs ached, his head ached, his eyes ached, and his heart was sore. Collapsing onto the bed, Link stared up at the ceiling.

He tried to imagine how Midna was feeling. She probably had no idea he transported her over to Kakariko Village; she was utterly oblivious. Was she dreaming? Was she having nightmares about what she suffered in the past? Link narrowed his eyebrows. What happened to her? The question itched his mind constantly, and he was desperate to know.

Never would he disobey Renado's wise commands, though. If Midna required rest, then he would give it her. And if he required rest, he would try and receive it.

Of course, sleep didn't come easy.

'We stop here.'

'Thank the Goddesses!'

Their jackets were used as a surface to lie on. Neither wanted to wake up to sand in uncomfortable areas. Jovani was out like a light, clearly the day had been big for him and there was a lot for his head to digest. However Rusl didn't sleep as easily. There was something a little off, and he couldn't put his finger on it. Rolling onto his side, he kept his eyes open, listening to the quiet wind brushing against his ear.

Soon the cool air began to peck at his flesh. Rusl inhaled, and closed his eyes, thinking about his family, what he was returning to. What had happened today. The weird monsters he faced–– those creatures were absolutely terrifying. Rusl opened his eyes, remembering their faces. Or what he thought was their faces. They looked so odd, so creepy and unusual. What were they?

Obviously Link had faced them before. The boy seemed used to them.

'Oi...'

Rusl sighed. 'Jovani, go to sleep.'

'Oi.'

The man groaned. 'Seriously?'

'I'm trying to talk–– will you listen?'

That didn't sound like Jovani. It was a woman speaking. Rusl frowned and slowly sat upright, before turning to the voice. At first, he thought he was looking at mist. Then he realised, to his horror, this was not mist.

Mouth slightly ajar, Rusl tried to recognise what was talking to him. He saw some of its features: a nose, chin, cheeks, eyebrows, hair, puffed out trousers, a bandana––

'I've been watching you two. Interesting couple.'

Wait what? Rusl shook his head. 'We're not together. Who or what are you?'

'Ah. Good question.' The... ghost? levitated in the air and crossed her legs. 'A long time ago––'

'Who's reading bedtime stories?' Jovani mumbled, and soon lifted himself. Rubbing his eyes, he yawned, before opening them. There was a second and then–– 'WHAT IS THAT?! KILL IT!'

'I don't think I can kill her, and I have no intention to...' Rusl sighed when Jovani scrambled to his feet and hurried to hide behind him. 'Sorry about Mister Jovani. He's a little sensitive when it comes to communication.'

'H–– Hey! No I'm not! Wh–– Ask her what she wants!'

'Mister Jovani wishes to know what you want, ma'am? And I'd very much like to know the same thing. But continue: you were going to inform me what you are.'

'My, you certainly strike me as the calm type,' the lady raised a brow. 'I don't frighten you? How funny. Everyone I've met runs instantly, like Mister... I forgot his name.'

'It's Jovani, you creep!' Jovani peered at her from behind Rusl, eyes wide.

The blonde pinched the bridge of his nose. 'That's not the politest way to greet a lady.'

'I... Oh, shush.'

Rusl faced the misty woman again. 'Continue.'

'I'm a lost spirit. Or a ghost, if you like. A messenger. Whatever you want to call me, it really doesn't matter.'

'Wow. I've always wanted to meet someone like you.'

Jovani pulled a face.

'Really? Well, it's your lucky day. Now, you wanted to know who I am. First, let me introduce you to my race: the Gerudo. We used to live on this gorgeous land, but then we were banished, locked away forever.' She slouched slightly. 'It's a shame.'

'Yes. What a terrible shame.'

'I don't know why you're agreeing. You were the ones who banished us. An act of panic. Some of us were conducting dark magic, and you executed those who threatened Hyrule, and in fear of all of us turning corrupt, you sent us away.'

Rusl smiled sympathetically. 'I am sorry, dear, but I'm sure I wasn't alive during this period. I only vaguely know about the Gerudos. A fierce tribe, weren't you?'

'Ooh, I like that.'

'Why haven't you killed her yet?'

'Mister Jovani, this lovely lady is a lost spirit. I cannot kill her and, like I said before, I have no desire to.'

The Gerudo was smiling, but there was mischief in her eyes. 'I'm not the only lost spirit here. Tell me, are you familiar with the Hero of Time? The man in green? A Legend; a story passed down from generation to generation.'

'I know of a man in green, and he is very much a Hero too.'

'Oh? Oh... Oh.' The Gerudo raised her eyebrows. 'Well then, that wasn't expected. Pray tell, what is his name?'

'Link.'

'Yes. Of course.'

Rusl leaned forwards. 'Do you know who Link is?'

'I know of a Link,' the Gerudo teased. 'I doubt the Link I speak of, is the Link you speak of. How confusing.'

'Sorry. I wish I knew who you were referring to.'

She thought for a moment, before shrugging. 'No matter. Are you familiar with Arbiter's Grounds? It is only several miles ahead. You could make it there in a quarter of a day on foot.'

'Yes, I know Arbiter's Grounds, but never entered it. Why?'

'There's something I want you to see. Link will want to know what lies beyond the Grounds, too. He'll find this piece of information most valuable to him, as will his Princess.' She smiled. 'Royalty.' The Gerudo snorted. 'What have we turned into?'

Rusl had no idea what she was talking about and Jovani appeared just as gobsmacked. 'So, you want me to enter Arbiter's Grounds and find what's... beyond?'

'You trust this freak of nature?!' Jovani exclaimed, pointing at the Gerudo's spirit.

'Actually, Mister Jovani, I do. She's a lovely lady.'

The Gerudo smiled at him. Jovani smacked his forehead.

'I thought we were going home!'

'Maybe our wonderful guest is guiding us home. What you want to show us, it's valuable to Link, you say?'

'Yes. Very. And to his companion. She, mostly, but I'm afraid she won't be pleased with what news you'll offer.'

Rusl rubbed his cheek. 'Hm, Link did speak of a lady friend. This could be her.'

'Possibly.' The spirit's feet met sand and she approached the two men. Her posture was similar to that of a soldier, a warrior, and Rusl only realised she had a series of knives strapped to her belt. 'Good night, gentlemen. Be careful: the earth gets hungry sometimes.'

Not a moment later, the spirit was gone. Rusl was in awe, wondering what she meant, but also wondering if that had all been a dream.

'Why didn't you kill her?!'

Well, if Jovani witnessed the woman, then maybe that would be proof it wasn't all in Rusl's head. Inhaling he turned to face his companion. 'Catch up on your sleep. Tomorrow we head for Arbiter's Ground. Be up early, though. And no slacking off this time.'

'Pfft, as if I'll get any sleep after seeing that... ghost! I've had enough ghosts in my life.'

Rusl wasn't paying much attention to his words. Facing in the direction of Arbiter's Grounds, he shoved a hand into his pocket and felt for the stone. If the Gerudo was telling the truth, then what lay beyond would hopefully help Link in defeating the Lord Ganondorf once and for all.

Hopefully.

author's note: I'd like to give a special shout out to Captain Germany for kindly offering to beta-read this chapter, and Lady Norbert for offering constructive feedback on the previous chapters. You're both amazing. Also, thank you [Guest] for your wonderful enthusiasm; it's exciting when I get reviews like yours. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. A lot is going to happen.

By the way, in the previous chapter you would have read that Ralis and Zelda were to be married. I just wanted to note that for the sake of this fiction, Ralis has just turned eighteen. He is still a couple years younger than Zelda, but he's not ten-years-old.