Sweet, Dark Lullaby
Chapter 7: As One.

'Where's Link gone?' Talo queried during breakfast that morning.

Obviously Colin had already informed the other children of the Hero's unexpected arrival, but they would probably feel disappointed. Their friend hadn't been himself lately, finding it increasingly difficult to stop and socialise. Link still occupied Kakariko, and still offered a hand if Renado required any help, aside from this, though, he spent most of his time alone. Maybe it was the guilt, or the rotten feeling he got whenever he realised he had failed, and only caused more problems for those he loved.

Ilia didn't reveal what occurred earlier. Instead she ignored Talo's question, while the others suggested where Link could be. After breakfast, the four of them –– Talo, Beth, Colin and Malo –– hurried out of the Inn and began searching for Link. To them, it was a game, expecting Link to suddenly jump out at them in surprise like used to.

Sitting on the edge of the largest building in the Village, Link dropped his gaze to the children. By their shouts of excitement and quick movements, it was clear they were looking for him. A sigh escaped his lips. What was he doing? Moping around wouldn't do him any good. Technically, he hadn't been moping around. Link was thinking about what to do next. He could arrive at Hyrule Castle again, and attempt to defeat Ganondorf, but that was foolish. The last time he did that he almost lost his life.

The young man was about to stand, when he suddenly felt something vibrate in his pocket. Link remembered the stone Rusl had handed him–– it was still in his possession.

'Rusl?'

Again, the stone vibrated: 'Link. I would have informed you earlier, but you needed to sleep. Look, there's something I have to tell you. I don't know if this will mean much to you, but are you aware of Arbiter's Grounds?'

'Yes,' Link said, frowning, heart pace quickening a little. 'What about it?'

'Jovani and I were guided to an object called the Mirror of Twilight, and apparently you know about it.'

There was a pause. Link swallowed. 'Yes, I do.'

'The Mirror has disappeared.'

It felt as if the roof had broken away and Link had fallen. No, no. Not the Mirror. Link groaned, and pinched the bridge of his nose. After everything he had done, the Mirror was gone again. 'This is a problem. If the Mirror has been shattered, then I imagine several individuals will have different pieces.'

'How on earth will we be able to find them?'

'That's not the real issue here, Rusl. If anybody has a shard in their possession, they tend to... turn corrupt. It's weird how it works. People are drawn to the Mirror's beauty and power, then transform into something deadly.'

Oh Gods, what about Midna? Link remembered how infuriated she was to discover the Mirror was broken the first time. Now, after what had happened between them, she would be devastated. He was aware she needed to return to the Realm, to redeem her position as Princess. The poor girl was only delayed even further. Her people had every right to desert her; she had been absent for too long.

He couldn't possibly tell her this the moment she woke up–– if she would wake up. Link hoped she would.

'Ah...'

'Do you know who or what broke the Mirror?'

'Broke? The entire Mirror has gone, Link.'

'I don't know. Whoever did this, I doubt they would have stolen the Mirror whole. That's too easy. There was a reason why he did this.'

'He? You think this a he?'

'I know it is.'

Ganondorf. Who else? Rusl had a point, though: he was jumping to conclusions. What did Ganondorf benefit from removing the Mirror?

'I should take Jovani back home. I'm sorry. There's nothing else here, Link.'

'No, that's fine. I––' Link curled his lips. '––I appreciate everything you've told me.'

'There he is!'

Turning his head, Link watched the four children hurry over, beaming widely. He forced a smile, sighing. 'Aw, you caught me.'

'Who were you talking to?' Beth asked, enthusiasm rippling in her eyes.

Link pocketed the stone. It was best he remained quiet about everything, especially since Colin was here. 'Myself. I've been doing that a lot lately.'

They snickered together, and Talo grabbed hold of Link's hand. 'You promised to show us some of the new skills you learnt, remember?'

Said promise was told a long time ago, but Link had no means to break it. He nodded, smiling. 'Yes, let's go back down then, and I'll show you.'

The children were already prepared. Two targets had been set up, like the ones in Ordon, shaped like a man's figure. If there was anything Link was good at, beside swinging a blade, it would have to be his memory. The Shade who he met frequently –– in his dreams, he wasn't sure –– had taught him many moves, and they came in good use. The Shade had been a mystery, and Link still wasn't sure who or what it was. Yet he referred to Link as "my son". Out of affection? Admiration? Or, did he mean something else entirely?

Once the children were seated, Link swivelled the blade in his hand, eyeing the target's head and hands, almost instinctively. Of course the target couldn't retaliate, so there wasn't any need to be this focussed. Then he jumped to the side, rolled, and sprang into the air, the sword cutting through the target's middle. Beth and Talo exclaimed in awe, whereas Malo merely shrugged his shoulders.

'Wow Link!' Beth said, mouth agape. '

'Do it again!' Talo said.

'... What's so impressive about that? Colin's father has done it loads of times.'

'Ah c'mon, not as well as Link can.'

Malo was a hard one to please, but Link wanted all the children to be impressed. He looked over to Colin, who was very quiet, and to himself. Link wondered what was on his mind. Colin had always been fond of Link's ability with a sword, even if he secretly wasn't fond of violence. But there was something else that was wrong.

Turning to the remaining target, Link considered what else he could do. When he faced the head, Link hesitated, gripping the handle of his sword. Suddenly a bird flew past, scraping his ear, catching the warrior off guard. He didn't hear Beth's concern. When he looked at the target, it was no longer just a bucket on a stick. This time, it had a body, a face, a grin.

And it was laughing, cackling at him.

Red hair burned out of its head, the darkest of eyes scorching his own.

Then its mouth opened, and he spoke, calmly, soothingly; it was whispering.

'It was fun to torture her. To slowly, ever so slowly, let her endure the amount of agony I put her through––'

Stop it!

Link lost control. His hand was moving, his head was spinning, his blade was swiping the target, and he was a lion. Link couldn't see, nothing was clear anymore, all he wanted was to murder this creature, this monster. Yet it only continued to laugh, blood pouring out of its wounds.

'One day, I shall finish your precious Princess––'

Slash!

'One day, you will finally scream in agony, and I will be there to hear it. To hear you die.'

Blood, there was so much blood. Link didn't stop. He thrashed, he bit down on his tongue, tasted the blood, his legs were straining, begging him to stop.

'You're so weak––'

'Link!?'

His feet skidded, and he dropped the sword. Eyes wide, heart pounding against his chest, Link slowly turned around. The children were no longer sitting nearby. They were a couple of metres away, eyes on him, afraid.

They were scared.

It was Colin who found the courage to speak, to drag Link out of his horrific stupor.

Link softened his expression.

'I'm sorry,' he said, running a hand through his hair. How foolish. 'I...' he turned to the target. It was completely battered, and nothing was intact anymore. '... Oh Gods, I am sorry.'

None of the children spoke. Link was desperate. He stepped forwards, and, like he expected, they hurried back inside the Inn. The only one who remained was Colin, but even he appeared on edge and was hesitant to approach him. Link couldn't believe it. What was he transforming into? How–– How did that target change? Didn't the children see it happen?

No. They didn't see Ganondorf.

They were not corrupt like he.

Not a word was exchanged between Link and Colin. The younger boy waited, his eyes full of sympathy, before he turned around followed the others. Link remained standing, then fell to his knees. How could this be happening? He completely lost control.

Am I going insane?

The water tasted fresh, and was warm at her fingertips. Sun beamed in through the canopy, making the water shine and glisten, and the entire Domain was beautiful. Majestic and supreme. Zoras would be swimming in the water, soldiers watching the gateway for any intruders, but, today, the Zoras were in one place, awaiting for her arrival. Their future Queen's presence.

Against the sun's light, Zelda was gorgeous. Her blonde hair flowed past her shoulders, her bright skin almost sparkling. She managed to bring so much happiness just by being here, but out of all the Zora, it was their Prince who felt the most content. Ever since he was fourteen, Ralis had admired Princess Zelda; he had always found her pretty, a wonderful sight, and a proud ruler. For a long time, he had wanted to be as powerful as she, as amazing as she.

This admiration transformed into something much stronger over the past few years. Her frequent visits, her enthusiasm and kindness–– it only made him feel much more for her.

When she spoke, it always full of wisdom, and her suggestion to bring Zoras and Hylians together was something he agreed to at once. Together, they would build a far mightier Kingdom, a fantastic army. Many lands would fear, yet admire them.

More importantly, though, Ralis could be with someone he was falling for.

The Zora Prince bowed once she arrived, and she returned the courtesy, and they smiled.

'I'm so glad you've come. I know you've been busy, what with the Dark Lord's defeat.' For a second, his smile quivered and he was close to allowing his emotions to spill. 'Princess, I––'

'I know there's a lot you want to discuss, and I shall answer your questions soon.' Zelda's bright, blue eyes fell on the Zoras there. Each one bowed their head in respect. 'Thank you –– all of you –– for welcoming me.'

Ralis shook his head. 'It was our pleasure. The least we could do.'

Zelda met his gaze for a second, then peered over her shoulder to the two guards waiting for her orders. 'Please wait here. I need to be alone with Prince Ralis.'

They both clicked their heels together in obedience. Ralis waited for Zelda to approach him, before they proceeded away from the crowd, searching for somewhere private. As soon as they vanished around the corner, the Zoras returned to their business, hope and joy rushing within them. Everything seemed to be going marvellously well. However none of them were aware of the amount of fear running through the two Hylian guards.

Walking past his throne, Ralis escorted Zelda to a passageway, which eventually reached a tiny waterfall. It was very small, and there was a ladder available for anyone who was unable to glide up the water.

In silence, Ralis made sure his Princess reached the top, which she, of course, did with ease. Then he jumped into the waterfall and shot upwards, landing on his feet gracefully. Zelda allowed a wider smile than usual. She was amused.

'I hope you weren't showing off there.'

'Not on purpose,' Ralis chucked. He gestured forwards. 'We're nearly there. I apologise if this whole thing seems unusual of me. We rarely get to spend any time together, in private.'

'I'd rather we did. I could tell you were anxious to reveal what was on your mind.'

Ralis turned to her, and it was hard to look away. Up close, Zelda was even more beautiful. 'How are you? You haven't responded to my letters.'

'I was going to, Prince Ralis, but I have been distracted.'

'I know. I–– I understand. I was concerned there was something wrong. Are you cold?'

Zelda shook her head. 'Not this time. In the day it's so much warmer here.'

'Good. We're going to have to do something about the temperature at night. I don't want you freezing to death. That'd be terrible.'

'I'm stronger than I look, Prince.'

Ralis chuckled. 'That's true. Still, I'll make sure our chamber is warm when we are finally together.'

Our chamber. Zelda didn't respond, but Ganondorf was more entertained than he had ever been before. This pathetic boy was too easily to manipulate.
Ralis was completely oblivious about Zelda's possession. The puppet was her, in form, and even in personality. No one would be able to know that Zelda's soul, her mind, was elsewhere.

They reached a doorway, and Ralis opened it for her, before they stepped inside. The room was small, water flowing through the walls, and cascading down into pools. Statues of majestic fish were placed in these pools, and the sound of water rushing around them was soothing to Zelda's ears.

Ralis ordered the guards to leave, and once they were alone, he took Zelda's hands and led her to the sofa at the end of the room. Baskets of fruit were atop of the table opposite, but she kept her hands to herself, patiently waiting for Ralis to speak.

Clearly he was struggling to form words. 'You–– you look wonderful.'

'If you don't mind my forwardness, Prince Ralis, I've noticed you've gained weight. That's very good. You were awfully skinny a few years ago. I imagine you've been feeling better.'

'Yes, much better.' Ralis sighed, dreamily. 'With you, I could feel myself getting better. I've never felt so happy in my life.'

Then Zelda leaned forwards, and placed both of her hands on either side of his face. The Zora was cold to touch, a little moist, but his face was surprisingly soft. Ralis no longer looked like the little boy with the effeminate face. Now, he was a man, his face more angular, eyes sharper. His body was firmer, muscle more prominent, but he still inherited his mother's fierce looks. The Zora was very good-looking.

Ralis lifted his hands to reach her own.

'You've grown up,' Zelda said, almost sadly.

'For the better.'

'Yes. For the better.' She kissed his forehead softly, and he smiled. 'Now, talk to me.' Her hands dropped from his face. 'What did you wish to talk about?'

There was so much he wanted to talk about: her, him, them. Ralis swallowed, finding it hard to calm down. He was very excited, and so happy. 'First, let me ask how Link is doing. I was going to arrive at the celebrations being held in Hyrule Castle Town. I'm sorry for not appearing. The council needed my presence, and the meetings lasted longer than anticipated.'

'Please don't worry about that. You haven't missed anything major. Link is absolutely fine. I hear he's returned to Ordon Village for a while, to return to those he considers family. I know he'll be there for our wedding, though.'

'I would ask him to be my best man. I owe him a great deal.'

No...

Zelda smiled, sympathetically. 'That is kind, but I don't think Link would accept the offer. He is a humble man who prefers to be a part of the crowd.'

'I know. You're right: I shouldn't burden him with that.' They melted in silence, and Ralis was lost in her eyes again. They were so bright and gorgeous. How could anyone have such amazing eyes? 'I know my mother will be pleased with me.'

'I know she will be too, Prince.'

'Ralis. Please call me Ralis. I'm getting tired with all these formalities between us.'

'Then you must call me Zelda,' she cocked a brow, knowingly. 'I also have a name.'

They shared a little laugh. Zelda was starting to notice that Ralis was far more confident around her. Before, he usually mumbled, and seemed shy, but, back then, he was very young and didn't know what to think of Hylians.

It was good to be with someone who was similar to her.

'Your name is pretty, like you.'

Not to mention he was complimenting her at every given opportunity.

Zelda smiled. 'I want us to meet more, Ralis. I enjoy being around you.'

'And I you. We've been so busy, though, especially you. I'd hate to distract you from what's important.'

'Don't flatter yourself, you're not that distracting,' Zelda poked his nose playfully. 'Maybe if you come to my Castle one day. We can offer you a fine meal; my chefs are the best in the Kingdom.'

'I don't doubt it.' Ralis took hold of her left hand, and he sighed, his sharp eyes catching sight of the ring around her fourth finger. A diamond shined in the light, winking at him. 'I cannot wait for the day you become my Queen.'

Behind the happy, bright eyes, the Dark Lord continued to grin. It was sickening how Ralis had completely crumbled before her. The day he discovered his emotions had let him down again, the day he discovered his emotions had destroyed his clan–– it would be beautiful, and perfect.

Heartbreak could never be healed.

'Wake up.'

It was bright. Too bright. The walls were bright, the ground was bright, the ceiling was bright. It was bright. There was no darkness, just brightness, and she found it difficult to see at first.

Sitting upright, the young lady scanned the area. Nothing. It was an empty, white chasm.

Then footsteps. They were nearing her from behind. She turned her head, watched an even brighter figure approach. Blonde hair, which almost appeared white, flowed behind the figure, and her marble skin, ghostly, blue eyes––

'Zelda?'

'Finally. I'm so glad you're awake.'

The Hylian Princess lowered onto her knees. She was smiling.

'Look at you: you look exhausted. You've been through so much. Thank you.'

Midna's eyes were heavy, but she couldn't peel them away from the magnificence before her. 'I could have done a lot more. Now, not only have I failed my people, but Link too. And you. That poor boy.'

Wherever she was, it felt easier to express how she felt. In fact, Midna was at ease. There was something comforting about where she was. She recognised it as well–– the feel of it. But where from?

Zelda's hands rested at her shoulders.

'There's still something you can do. You need to repeat what I'm about to tell you.'

Silence.

'The Hero of Time requires an instrument to save Hyrule, the Twilight Realm, and the world. You know the way to the instrument.'

'What instrument? You're not making sense.'

'The Ocarina of Time.'

It rang a bell.

Why, she wasn't sure.

'It'll aid the Hero of Time, and he'll be able to defeat Ganondorf.'

Midna frowned, confused, tired, frustrated. 'How will I know the way...?'

'You'll just know.'

'Oh. Thanks for being specific.'

'You need to tell him about the Ocarina, Midna. He must know.'

Soon, she began to feel heavy, as if there were weights pinning her to the ground. Midna struggled to remain upright, and she wanted to ask more questions, but whatever was keeping her down was too heavy. She reached forwards, wanting to touch Zelda, but her arms were too small. Then the Hylian Princess vanished, became dust and nothing.

Midna fell into slumber once more.

author's note: Thank you [ Guest aka: The Girly Fan ], TwiliYoshi and ShiftingWinds125 for reviewing the prior chapter. Until next time!