Sweet, Dark Lullaby
Chapter 8: Clouded Vision.

It was one quick apology: 'I'm sorry.'

The children tried to smile, as if reassuring him that his behaviour was fine and understandable, but their smiles didn't appear convincing. Link sighed, and let Beth, Malon and Talo go. Maybe he should stay away for now. What he did was out-of-hand, and they had every right to be wary of him at the moment. Still, the rejection hurt his feelings, and he really didn't want this to be happening. Not during such a difficult time.

Link retired onto the sofa inside the Inn beside the fire. It was already night time, and nothing productive had been done. In all honesty, he wasn't sure with what to do. Midna was gone, Ganondorf was currently ruling behind a puppet and his Master Sword was in the hands of the Dark Lord. Then there was the Mirror which had disappeared.

'Here, have some warm milk.'

Raising his head, Link watched Ilia pass him the drink, before sitting beside him. Link avoided her gaze, and sipped the milk. It tasted good. He exhaled, 'I scared the children. I completely lost my temper and went out of control.'

Silence was shared between them for a couple of seconds. Then Ilia shuffled closer, rested a hand at his shoulder. 'What is happening, Link?'

Ilia didn't know the full story. She was aware a friend was here, wounded, but, aside from that, she was clueless. Link didn't think it fair if he kept secrets from her, but she hadn't been there to witness the horrors. Of course he wasn't blaming her for losing her memory. However telling her everything –– everything –– seemed too much.

They weren't as close as they used to be.

'Like I said, I lost. That's... all I can reveal.'

'Why?' Ilia slumped her shoulders. 'You need to talk to someone. Who is this friend of yours? She obviously means a lot to you.'

That he couldn't deny. But it felt like Minda was another element which was causing him grief. Everything that had happened came in a series of episodes, not all in one go. Link looked at her, chewed on his lower lip. 'We met the day you were and Colin were taken from the Spring: she rescued me, helped me find you, and I helped her find what she needed too.'

'What did she need?'

Link inhaled. 'I don't know anymore. She stayed even when what she wanted was given to her. She helped me right to the end, when such a duty wasn't hers to begin with.'

'What happened? How did she become wounded?'

Because he hadn't been careful, because the Spirits and the Goddesses were not merciful to the Twili. They had saved his life, but let her rot in pity. The very thought gnawed at his heart, and he ground his teeth together. Link shook his head and stood to his feet.

Ilia wouldn't be able to understand. Would she?

'It's late. We should sleep.'

'Why are you being distant with me, Link?' Ilia queried, standing up.

I didn't know I was.

'I'm not–– I've never seen you like this before. You're so distracted and closed off. I know you're keeping secrets from me, I know you're not telling me the entire truth.' Ilia softened her expression. 'I'm not scolding you. I guess I'm just concerned, and wish I could be of some use.'

Then he chuckled, turning to her. Link smiled warmly. 'You're not useless. What happened to you was damaging, and you're still recovering. I don't mean to be distant. It just seems like everything I do frightens someone. Almost as if the things that have happened to me have changed me into a different person. Do I seem different to you?'

'Sometimes. Earlier today, when you burst into tears before me–– you've never cried, not like that. I'm scared for you.'

'Why?'

'I don't want you to fall apart. I can never understand what happened to you, but you can at least let me try. Talking helps so much, and now your friend isn't here to listen, maybe you should rely on someone else.'

Even if she said she wasn't scolding him, it certainly sounded like she was. Link swallowed, his shoulders tensing. Did she think Midna was his only friend? Thinking about it, Link reluctantly realised that maybe this was true.

No one knew what he had gone through. Suddenly he felt very alone. And he hated the fact he had changed. Some would argue he had changed for the better, but most would disagree. Link had changed, that was for certain. Into a different man. A warrior who no longer belonged on a farm. Link would never be capable of returning to his old life.

This tunic would cover his body forever.

Now, he felt as if chains were digging into his wrists, pulling him down. He was young, and already he was turning into something inhumane. Link would never be able to loosen the chains, to move forwards, to hold Ilia and tell her–– I'm back, and we're going to be okay.

'I'm sorry,' he said, the third time that day.

Ilia smiled softly, sadly. 'You really don't have to be.'

Without a word, she approached the staircase and left him be. The shadow of the fire caught his own, and they danced together, before the fire's shadow swallowed his own, and then gone. Link turned to the door and escaped the Inn, the cool air massaging his rough flesh. The boy inhaled, closed his eyes and placed his hands onto the bannister.

Link opened his eyes, watching the trees blow in the gentle breeze, smelling the ashy scent of Kakariko Village. Then he heard something, a sound which calmed his soul, but awakened him all the same. It was a sensation he recognised, and one he never thought he'd endure again.

Turning his head, he came face-to-face with a creature he had met before. She was more a soul, possessing the body she once lived in. Link blinked, frowned. Queen Rutela studied him, her powerful figure making the boy feel younger and less fierce. Just her presence managed to calm him down, almost as if she was his own mother.

'I apologise,' she said, 'I never intended to invade your life again.'

Link swallowed, speechless.

'I have a favour I must ask of you. I am much aware of your unfortunate downfall to the Lord Ganondorf, but if I reassured you this was not the end, would you believe me?'

A pause. And then he spoke: 'Yes.'

'My son has fallen into his trap, and I fear this would plague not only my own race, but yours as well. The Princess Zelda and he are to be married in only a couple of weeks.'

Link's heart skipped a beat. 'Prince Ralis...'

'You must find my son; you must persuade him to refuse her hand. You know as well as I why such a union cannot be arranged. Hopefully this task will lead you to the Princess herself, and maybe you will be able to stop the Dark Lord's evil deeds.'

'I'll try to find your son, but–– I don't know if I––'

'Don't doubt your abilities anymore.' She gracefully came closer, and his blue eyes remained on her face, watching, and he sighed calmly. 'Your father wouldn't want you to fall victim to your own emotions.'

My father?! Link's heart stopped, but he didn't speak, as if mesmerised by the Zora's presence. He was still, and his eyes never left her. Then she smiled softly, but not out of pity. It was almost a knowing smile, and he wished he could understand, wished he knew why she made him feel at home.

'Please don't lose yourself, Hero of Time. Not again.'

Link opened his mouth to speak, but nothing escaped his lips. By the time he found his voice, the Queen had vanished from sight, and he stared at the Spring ahead, could hear the fairies flutter their wings. Time. The Hero of Time.

The name rang a bell. Link moved, a chill shooting up his spine. Where had he heard that name before? Clenching a fist, he turned in the direction of the Zora's Domain, his heart racing a little faster. He needed to see Prince Ralis and try and persuade him to not marry Zelda. But only the Goddesses knew how much he was attached to her by now.

Hopefully Link wasn't too late.

If he was to make it to the Domain early in the morning, Link would have to leave now. The blonde hurried down the steps and proceeded for Epona who was grazing just near the graveyard. Climbing onto the saddle, Link claimed the reins and trotted her out of the graveyard and into the Village. He was in for a surprise when he discovered Renado approaching him, but the Shaman didn't seem shocked to watch the boy leave.

'I trust you have been called for something,' he said.

'Yes.' Link had half a mind to inform Renado of the marriage, but, for now, he kept quiet. 'Can you do a favour for me? I haven't contacted the barmaid, Telma, and she's probably very worried about me and Midna. Please tell her everything is fine.'

He was aware of how Renado felt about the woman, but he didn't complain. Instead the Shaman bowed his head in respect. 'Of course I shall. Good luck. I shall take great care of your friend.'

'I shan't be long.'

Then Epona galloped speedily out of the Village, jumped over the gate and bolted into Hyrule Field. It was dark, but the moon shone light onto the Field so Link could see his way. Quickly they hurried in the direction of the Domain, higher and higher up North, and during the long journey, Link could watch the moon slowly settle beneath the hills, and the sun beginning to show its gleaming face.

A sigh escaped his lips, thinking of Midna, how she was doing. He needed to check on her, to make sure she was at least still breathing, but Link honestly couldn't bring himself to do that. The thought of her dying, the thought of her losing the ability to survive–– it would break him in two.

What Ganondorf had done to her was simply unforgivable, and he would make sure that demon would earn his just reward: death. One way or another, Link would have his vengeance.

By the time he was at the Zora's Domain, the sun was beginning to shed warmth to the earth below. Link pulled on Epona's reins and she came to a halt. Hopping off his horse, Link patted her snout, before searching for a Zora who would escort him to where the Prince currently resided.

A familiar Zora came into view, and Link called out to her. At once the Zora turned to him, before speedily swimming over and gracefully breaking her way through the surface of the water to greet him.

'Well well, if it isn't our lovely Hero.'

If there was a Zora who had grown fond of him, it had to be this one. Mizu was one of Prince Ralis' guards, but it appeared as if she wasn't on duty this morning. When he had rescued the Zora Prince and helped him return to the Domain, Mizu seemed particularly thankful, aiding Link to find where the red salmon was located so he could find the first Mirror Shard.

She was a bit of a tease, but somewhat fun.

'Can you take me up so I can meet Prince Ralis? I need to speak with him.'

'Oh? Well, Prince Ralis is probably just getting up at the moment, Mister Hero.' She was smiling, her large fins swishing back and forth under the water. 'Do you have your swimming tunic with you? Maybe you could come in for a paddle.' She sniggered.

'I actually haven't got it at the moment, sorry. Maybe another time?'

'Aww, that's a shame. I've really missed our swims together.'

Link blushed heavily and rubbed the back of his head. 'Uh, together? We, um––'

'Ahahaha, you're so cute when you're embarrassed. I was only joking, Link. I suppose I can take you to the Prince, but you have to hold on. The waterfall is vicious today.'

'That's okay. I can handle a vicious waterfall.'

Mizu snorted and watched the boy jump into the water. He reappeared, chin above the surface. Then he swam over and clung onto her shoulders. 'Or can you?' She smirked, and before Link could say another word she shot forwards.

Link yelped, shocked she –– or anything –– could swim so damn fast! He squeezed her shoulders, scrunching his eyes closed, and he thought he was falling upside down when she swam up the waterfall. He could feel her fins working hard against the pressure of the water, but he didn't dare look. Water splashed into his face and moistened his tunic, filling his boots, and he thought he was about to throw up.

Then they came to a steady halt. Link was dripping by the end, and she laughed at his flushed expression. 'You're so fragile.'

Link groaned and awkwardly slumped onto the platform at the side. He was absolutely drenched. 'Uh. Thanks I guess.' He couldn't believe he was actually shaking from the shock. Link looked at her, brushing the wet strands of hair from his eyes. 'Did you do that on purpose?'

'What?'

'That. Swim really fast. I don't think you needed to.'

'Oooh, are you going to tell me off now? Looks like the little Hero has grown some courage, after all.'

Link wiped his eyes and scowled, struggling to regain his balance. However due to the moist platform he slipped over at once and landed heavily on his stomach. Mizu burst into fits of laughter.

'Aww, you poor darling. Maybe I should help you up.'

'Go paddle in a pond somewhere.'

'Oh! Someone's been sharpening their claws.'

Link rolled his eyes, and finally stood properly, but he was extra careful when walking forwards. He was aware Mizu was still watching him, snickering to herself. One day he would get her back for that. Brushing his hair back with his hand, Link soon caught sight of the Prince's throne. To his dismay, though, Ralis wasn't there.

One of the guards recognised him, and he instantly bowed his head. 'Good morning, Link. Why are you here?'

'To speak to the Prince,' Link said, groaning at how soaked he was.

The Zora seemed to have noticed his very wet clothing too. 'You humans catch colds when you get wet like this. Let me take you inside to dry up.'

'Oh, thank you very much.'

Following the guard, Link peeled off his top and squeezed the water out. He was grateful it was sunny today, and the Domain was always warm whenever the sun appeared. The Zora escorted him to one of the rooms within the building, and Link welcomed himself inside what looked like a spa. Several steaming pools were across the large room, and the windows had blinds across them so the sun created shapes onto the moist walls.

'There are some towels at the back. Feel free to borrow some of the clothes we have. Some humans come here at times, so we're always prepared for unusual visitors.'

Link smiled at him and was left alone. While he passed the pools, he could feel the heat from them and he honestly wouldn't mind diving in himself. It was possible the Zoras got the idea of spas from the Gorons. Entering one of the rooms in the far back, Link spotted a tower of soft material on one of the tables. He helped himself to a towel, and threw off all of his clothes, before drying himself.

This ordeal didn't take very long. Once he was no longer dripping, Link searched for where the clothes were, and this took him a while. After fifteen minutes, he started to wonder if there were any clothes at all. The boy jumped when someone opened the door and he quickly wrapped a towel around his waist.

To his relief, it was Ralis, and the Zora didn't even seem to notice Link's bare flesh. 'Hello, Link. I'm so sorry for taking ages to find you. I hope you haven't been waiting.'

'No, no. I'm actually looking for some dry clothes. One of your guards soaked me on the way up.'

'Ahh... That must have been Miss Mizu.' There was a bit of amusement in his tone, but he clicked his tongue: 'I'm sorry about her. She can be a pain. If you want clothes, Link, then you're searching in the wrong place.'

'Oh.'

Smiling, Ralis turned around and opened the cupboard behind him, and began to search through piles of folded material. Then he claimed some trousers and a short sleeved top, before passing them to Link. 'Here you go. Your size. I'll leave you to change, Link.'

Thankful the Zora Prince recognised how valuable human privacy was, Link waited until Ralis had gone through the door, before putting on the clothes given to him. They were black, and a good size. The top was similar to that of his tunic, but was a lot thinner and not as impressive. Folding his original clothing and placing them under his arm, Link left the room.

Ralis was waiting for him, and he smiled once Link finally appeared.

'Are you okay now?'

'Yes, thanks.'

'I can talk to Miss Mizu if she is hassling you, Sir.'

'No,' Link laughed. 'No, she's fine.'

Ralis nodded, 'So. You wanted to talk?'

It was weird: Link had completely forgotten the reason he was here in the first place. At once the smile left his face, and he even felt quite rude borrowing the clothes Ralis had given him, only to scold him about his plans for marriage. Looking at the slightly younger boy, Link realised how much Ralis had grown. He was actually taller than him.

'You're engaged to Princess Zelda.' The statement hung in the air, and Ralis didn't respond for a moment. Their gaze never left the other, and it seemed as if the Prince has been stunned.

When he spoke, his voice was light and calm. 'I am, yes.'

'Can I ask... why?'

'Why?' Ralis frowned, then he laughed. He laughed, and he sounded like an adult, like a man. 'Because I am in love.'

It became clear as ever that Link was too late. While Ralis could be incredibly emotional, that didn't mean he was lying about his feelings. Link forced a smile, but the Queen's words rang in his ears. He wasn't here to celebrate.

'When did this happen, if you don't mind me asking?'

'Of course I don't mind you asking, Sir,' Ralis beamed, stepping over, and placing his hands onto Link's shoulders. 'We've known each other for a very long time, before I met you. When we were children, we would frequently meet and play. As teenagers, we remained firm friends and–– Link, everything just fell into place... She is everything I could ever want.'

Link watched him, watched his eyes, hoping to see some form of doubt, but there wasn't any. Ralis was utterly and completely in love with Zelda. He swallowed, clenched his fists. And one day, this poor fool would have his heart crushed.

I have to stop anything like that happening.

'Your mother has spoken to me.'

The smile was gone, the joy in his eyes had vanished, and now there was doubt. Ralis narrowed his eyes, lowered his hands and stared at him, raising his chin. 'My mother...?'

'She came to me last night, and she––' Link didn't know what to say. Here was Ralis, jumping up and down because of his engagement. How could Link have the audacity to come and ruin this? No, no, he had to do something. 'Ralis, Zelda isn't herself.'

'What?'

'She isn't herself. This will sound silly, but the Princess is currently being possessed by Ganondorf.'

Ralis laughed, 'C'mon, stop playing around with me. You killed him.'

'No, Prince. I didn't.'

The Zora swallowed, and took one step back. Link wasn't sure if he was angry or upset, or just confused. Maybe all three. 'Why–– why are you here?'

'You mustn't marry her, Ralis,' Link's voice was gentle, but he knew his tone wouldn't convince the Prince so easily. 'Ganondorf intends to use you for his own personal gain. He wants the Zoras and Hylians to come together and––'

'Shut up, Link.'

'Ralis, I'm not lying––'

'SHUT UP!'

His scream bounced off the walls, and Link was silenced. Ralis glared at him, and there was fierce rage in his eyes now, so furious and vicious. His shoulders remained high, but he was frightening, possessing a power his mother once owned.

Ralis always got what he wanted. He had the skill, and the mettle.

Neither spoke, and even if Ralis' glare felt like a fire to Link's flesh, the blonde didn't look away. He never surrendered to anyone, not even the King of Shadows.

'How dare you welcome yourself into my own Kingdom, and tell me what I should do. You are not in control of me, Link.'

'Your mother came to me, Ralis. I––'

'My mother has not come to me!' Ralis yelled, 'Why would she come to you, and not me? Tell me that, Link! Why would she choose you over me?!'

'Oh Gods... No, it's not like that, Ralis.'

'Don't patronise me. I don't believe you. You're jealous! That's what this is all about. Just because you saved the Princess, doesn't mean you get her in the end, Sir! That sort of nonsense does not happen in real life. She's mine.'

Link cocked a brow. 'Zelda isn't anyone's property.'

'Get out of my Domain!'

'I saved your life. I thought you trusted me.'

'Well, I don't anymore,' Ralis scowled. Even if his tone was strong and his posture was upright and sure, Link saw a sadness creep into his eyes, almost as if he didn't believe himself. 'You must leave now, otherwise I'll have my guards sort you out.'

'Ralis!'

'No, Link. You were a Hero, but your time is over now. For once the world doesn't revolve around you.'

Water flowed through the walls and splashed into the pools, unaware and oblivious to the uproar. Link couldn't understand what he was hearing. He and Ralis had got on so well, and now the Prince was rejecting him. It hurt. It hurt his feelings, but didn't make him angry. In some ways, he knew why Ralis felt this way. There was a reason why Rutela hadn't appeared to her son, though.

'Stay safe. That's all I can ask,' Link muttered, before brushing past the Zora. Link didn't wait for a response, he didn't wait to see if Ralis would suddenly apologise. He knew he was too late.

He didn't look at the other Zoras on his way back, and when Mizu swam to the edge, offering him a ride to where Epona was, Link declined. This caught the Zora off guard and she stopped following him, allowing the boy to walk onwards alone.

It was horrific how everything was slowly crumbling away. He had failed to do what the Queen asked of him, and he couldn't help feel terrible about it. She trusted him, she came to him, trusting him to sort this pathetic engagement!

How much Link loathed Ganondorf right now. How much he wanted to rip that man into shreds, tear him limb from limb. The amount of trauma he had caused, the amount of heartbreak and divide. When he reached Epona, Link climbed onto the saddle.

For a while, he just sat there, thinking, thinking about what he should do, if he should actually approach Ganondorf–– but that would be a stupid mistake. Link was no match for him without the Blade Of Evil's Bane.

A blue instrument rested in her delicate hands, and she was smiling sadly. Before her stood a little boy, clad in green, blue eyes watching her, watching her think, watching her wish. Then the blue instrument was no longer in her possession, but his.

'May we meet again.'

Then, he began to fade away, slowly, gradually. She watched his body shatter into pieces, reflecting her heart, and she wanted to reach forwards and cling onto him, to hold him close, tell him she loved him, needed him.

But he was gone. And she, very alone.

'Link.'

Midna wasn't sure why she said his name, but he was the first thing she could think of when she finally awoke. Rubbing an eye, she scanned the room, and it took her a moment to recognise her surroundings. She smelt wood and ash, and she was warm, hidden from whatever lay behind the door.

Soon she could hear footsteps, and then chatter, children laughing. Her head suddenly felt heavy, and she almost dozed off again, but the Princess forced herself to stay awake. Turning, she looked at the curtained window. Carefully removing the sheet from her bandaged body, Midna's feet met the ground and she winced a little, her face beginning to hurt from where Ganondorf hit her.

Unfortunately she was too small to reach the window, and since she didn't possess her Fushed Shadows, the imp-girl was incapable of using levitation. Brilliant.

She had been here before: Kakariko Village. Had Link brought her here? Pressing a hand against her temple, Midna realised he must have done. Then that meant Link was nearby, possibly, or–– someone was, at least. The imp had no desire to yell for anyone's attention though.

Instead she clambered back onto the bed, and tried to refocus her vision. Her sight was a little fuzzy and she felt dizzy, but she could move, that was for sure. Eyeing the door, she noticed the doorknob. Light Dwellers were so peculiar with their security. She remembered Link turning the doorknob in a clockwise direction. Maybe if she tried the same thing.

She managed to escape the bed again, though awkwardly, and walk towards the door. There, she reached up as high as she could and finally latched onto the doorknob. Gods, I can't wait to be in my original, tall form again. Then she tried to turn it, but with difficulty. This was a particularly hard one to turn, and she had several gos, before it finally unlocked.

Relieved, Midna pushed the door open wider and stepped out. The light from outside shone through the windows, and she squinted her eyes, becoming familiar with the Inn again. The imp-girl proceeded towards the bannister and looked down below. She recognised a girl, blonde hair, blue eyes, and wearing a plain dress. Midna sneered slightly, not very keen on talking to this pathetic woman.

Then she watched an older human step inside. Midna knew him as the Kakariko Shaman, who seemed a little off, but quite all right. The girl and him exchanged swift greetings, and to Midna's horror she realised the Shaman was approaching the staircase to where she stood.

Running off to hide was silly, so she remained put, and at first Renado didn't notice her. Instead of acting shocked or scared at the sight of the imp, he merely smiled, and even sighed. 'Ah. You're awake. Finally. I was beginning to wonder if you were in a coma.'

Coma? Midna didn't ask what that was, more concerned about other matters.

'Link has departed for now, but he informed me he should be back soon.'

Hopefully he hasn't gone too far, Midna thought to herself. She really wanted to see Link, to see him in the flesh and make sure he was alive. That he was breathing and near. The Twili lowered her gaze to the bandage wrapped across her torso, and wrist. 'Did you do this?' She asked.

'Yes.'

'... Thanks.' Light Dwellers were so odd, how they were willing to help when they didn't even know her. Their kindness was weird, but quite wonderful.

'My pleasure. I highly recommend you continue resting until Link returns.'

Midna wasn't very fond on being told what to do, but she knew the Shaman's words were wise and reasonable. The imp was about to return back into her room when the door opened from downstairs, and a familiar voice echoed throughout the building.

'Hello?'

Link.

The Twili couldn't force down the smile which reached her face.

'Link, you have a surprise waiting for you,' Renado said from somewhere, she didn't know. Midna was focussed on the boy in green, who, at first, looked puzzled, then his face brightened slightly and he hurried up the staircase.

Nothing could be compared to how happy he felt when he laid eyes on the imp. Link sighed loudly, rolling his eyes, before laughing in exasperation. 'Gods, you're alive.'

It was true Midna shared the same amount of joy as he, but she certainly wasn't expecting the boy to fall to his knees and hug her. His embrace was soft, but firm and secure, and she hugged him back. Link lifted her from the ground and rose to his feet properly, holding her against him, almost like a child. He squeezed and laughed, as if what happened before with Ralis never occurred.

All he cared about right now was the fact Midna was awake. Another sigh escaped his lips, and Midna thought it funny, but also very sweet how much he cared. No one had looked so happy to see her before.

When he released the embrace slightly so he could look at her, Renado had already disappeared, aware the two friends needed some privacy. Midna wanted to ask thousands of questions, she wanted to know what he had been doing, what Ganondorf had done to him, whether Link had been able to save Zelda. She just wanted to know and be there for him. It was the least she could do.

Door closed, Link placed Midna onto the bed and he kicked off his boots. 'You're wearing black?'

'Hm?' Link remembered his wet tunic was outside getting dry, and he chuckled. 'Ah yeah, I went to visit the Zoras and I got soaked.'

She smiled lightly, 'What were you doing there?'

'How are you?' He asked, eyes on her, deliberately ignoring her question. 'Please tell me you're okay.'

'Of course I'm fine,' she said, her smile broadening a little more. 'I haven't been out for that long, have I?'

'Two days.'

'Two?'

'Don't worry. Not a great deal has happened. Are you sure you're all right?'

'Link, calm down. Gods, you're making me worry.'

He laughed at her, 'Sorry. I'm just so happy to see you awake. I've missed you.'

'Huh.. Wow. Thank you.' They melted in silence for a couple of seconds, before she nudged his arm. 'So, why were you at the Domain?'

Then everything came rushing back: the engagement, Ralis' anger, the Mirror. Link dropped his gaze. It wasn't fair to shove all of this on her when she had only just woken up, but he knew Midna relatively well now. She wouldn't stop nagging him to reveal all until he did so. 'Princess Zelda and Prince Ralis are to be wed in the next few weeks.'

'You mean that Zora kid?'

'Yes.'

'To Zelda?'

'Yes.'

Midna said nothing, frowning and very puzzled. Link continued.

'I came to visit Ralis this morning, and I... I tried to convince him he was making a mistake, but he lost his temper with me. As far as I'm concerned, I'm no longer welcome at the Domain anymore.'

This all came to her very quickly, and Midna struggled to come to terms with what was happening. Then she scoffed. 'Idiot. That boy has no idea how to control a Kingdom. He's incredibly emotional. I knew his emotions would one day get the better of him. He did seem very fragile to me, Link.'

'Well, usually your judgements have been correct.'

'I'm sorry he treated you that way. I–– That was out of order.'

'There's another thing as well, Midna.'

'What?'

Link shook his head and curled his lips. 'I didn't want to tell you this straightway, but you should know. My friend, Rusl, and a man called, Jovani, were in the Gerudo Desert not long ago.' He watched her, watched the fear slowly rise in her red irises. 'They went to the Mirror Chamber.'

He didn't finish. Midna inhaled, and pried her eyes away from him. Even though she no longer met his gaze, Link knew how she felt, what was running through her head.

Anger, distaste, bitter vengeance.

Hate.

'Well,' she said, careful with her words. 'I have something to tell you as well, Link.'

author's note: Thank you remvis, [ The Girly Fan ], MrSkar, korat5, miano53, ShiftingWinds125 and [ Ben1in ] for reviewing the prior chapter. I appreciate your fantastic support, and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Until next time!