.Chapter 12.

Zaria

Somewhere between the shadows of unconsciousness and the limitless realm of dreams Link lingered; pain every so often announcing itself though if it was real had yet to be determined. Gradually, painstakingly, he found it within himself to stir. He felt so stiff; his head heavy and his body zapped of all strength. This couldn't be death, could it? With a grimace he would force his eyes open; or at least he thought he did. Nothing. There was only inky darkness yawning before him and he'd try again. No they were definitely open. Was he blind?

"Oh so you are awake. At least that's one of you."

An unfamiliar female voice would fill the blackness, causing Link to twitch and his lip to curl mildly. He felt edgy; threatened. He couldn't move much less see; granted what he'd just tried to escape from it was hard to feel secure until he knew for certain he was truly clear of Darus and his pack. Who was this woman? Images of the river came back to him and upon her words he felt a cold dread seep into his very bones. At least that's one of you? He could only imagine who else she spoke of but, as it was, he instantly thought of Linda and he feared the worst for her.

"Who are you?"

His voice came out hoarse and tired. He had so many other things he needed to know but his throat felt so dry. How close was he to the river? He'd listen now, able to hear it nearby, but the distinct roar of the falls was absent which meant he wasn't in the caverns then. So where was he?

He'd hear a chuckle and then "I could ask you the same thing. Not many Infected rush out into the sunlight like you did. I am surprised the sun didn't poison you as badly as it should have. You're lucky there were still clouds."

He'd hear something shuffle closer and he'd feel a warm presence close to him. Very close; her voice confirmed that. "Even fewer actually manage to escape Darus."

Even blind Link felt his eyes widen and he'd turn his head a little, still unable to make anything out and he'd frown. She knew Darus then. And she had also provided him the truth that he had gotten away. However if he was safer here remained to be seen. She could be worse but, if she really had saved him, how bad could she be? He tried a different approach, trying to keep his voice from giving out on him. "My name is Link; how did you know I was with Darus's pack?"

"Because I saw you with him when he slaughtered those men that were trying to travel to Hyrule."

"I was never 'with him'. He stands for madness and corruption."

She must have been taken aback by the coldness in Link's tone because she'd fall silent for some time, leaving Link to his thoughts as he tried to discern just where it was he was laying. It felt hard and gritty; definitely not stone even if the sounds were echoed. Another cave didn't seem as likely. A tunnel perhaps? A den?

"So you despise Darus too then." Her words were calm and thoughtful. "You don't agree with him being the leader?"

"No. I disagree with him because he hunts the people I've sworn to protect."

"I see…"

The oncoming silence wasn't as welcomed this time as it was before and, when he could take it no more, he grunted and tried to sit up. She was still close, he could hear her breathing, and once he'd managed the simple task of propping himself up on his elbows he'd squint towards her, seeing nothing but his nose still worked and he'd memorize her scent. "You didn't answer me. Who are you?"

"I'll be very ticked off if you don't stay down, you idiot." Her voice came out as a growl but, as he felt her touch him, she felt soothing and warm. Motherly almost. "You're going to need your rest if you want to get healthy again."

"Will my sight return?" He had no choice but to let her coax him back down on the ground and, puffing out a breath, he shut his eyes. "Do you know?"

He felt her hand grace his forehead now and her voice sounded a little uncertain. "I am not sure, Link. I think it may though. We'll just have to give it time."

"And Linda…did Linda survive?"

"That woman you were with? Truth be told I don't know that either; she still isn't looking so good. Then again neither are you." She'd give a light chuckle. "You must have hit your head on some rocks during your little swim if you think I know everything. Now get some sleep while I check on her and I will bring you something to eat."

He heard her move away and, as she did, her warm presence also faded. He could hear a distinct 'click' once she got far enough away as she walked, almost like when claws struck stone when a dog padded across a cobble street. Or, in his experience, a wolf. How animal-like was she then? And, more importantly, what did she plan on throwing in front of him that she'd think he'd eat it after being in Darus's company?

Link couldn't be sure just when he must have dozed off again but, with a sickening 'splat', something smelly landed just inches from his nose and jolted him awake. He snarled, an alarmed sound, but to his delight he was able to make out hints of shadows and light around him now. Some of his sight was already returning! He could vaguely make out the shape of something nearby and, as he caught the scent, he relaxed a little.

"Your eyes seem clearer. Any sight there, buddy?" The figure moved closer but he couldn't make anything out yet, no matter how much he squinted at her.

"A bit. I can see shadows…"

Her laugh would echo in the room they were in and, amused, she'd sit beside him now. For a moment Link couldn't' help but wrinkle his nose, offended. Why was she laughing?

"Well that's good. I had hoped for better since you've been out for so long."

Link's stomach flopped a little and, as he tried to sit up, he'd suddenly realize it wasn't as excruciating a task as before. His muscles seemed far more willing to cooperate with him now and he furrowed his brows, looking towards the shapeless blob that was his hostess. "How long?"

"Nearly a full day. Still it's probably a good thing you're getting some rest. Your Linda friend is about the same off as you, really."

Linda was still alive? Good; very good. He'd grunt a little as he sat up fully now and, for the first time in gods know how long, he was able to stretch his aching limbs. However he'd notice that smell again and, wrinkling his nose so much that his teeth bared, he squinted down at the unknown substance. That smell was familiar though…and he knew instantly that it was not human. It wasn't even red meat!

"Thank you for the fish."

He fumbled a little, feeling for the slick scales and he'd soon enough his fingers along the creature. He carefully lifted it, a decent sized thing, and he felt his gut almost instantly twist in angry, hungry knots. Saliva flooded his mouth and, while he'd meant to dig for answers again, he found himself lost to his hunger and he began to eat instead. It wasn't until he was sure nothing edible remained that he'd lick his fingers clean and any sense of rational thought slipped back into his mind…at which time he noticed that the presence was already a good distance away. He'd growl and, shakily, he tried to find his feet. "Wait!"

He had no idea if she'd stopped or not but, try as he may, he couldn't quite gather the strength to stand up just yet. The silence that surrounded him was disappointing and, baring his teeth, he glared ahead at the misshapen world before him and slumped back down to the ground in defeat. Damn this woman. She had helped him without having a real reason to help him, she knew who Darus was, and she apparently agreed with him on what that bastard really was. So who was she? The scoff he heard made him jump a little and, lifting his head, he could dimly make out the shape near him.

"Don't be so dramatic, Link. Do you need something?"

"A name would be nice." He snapped, feeling properly frustrated and able to finally express it. "I've asked you before and, if you truly are an ally, there is no reason you'd keep that from me."

"My name?" She sounded a little surprised and, irritatingly, she'd laugh again. "I suppose identities still mean a lot to you then? Like I said, Link, don't be so dramatic. My name is Zaria."

"Zaria?" All at once his irritation melted away and he perked a little more. "The same Zaria that Veshte spoke of?"

And, just that quickly, all the humor would leave her voice and she'd draw closer, her words low and cold. "Don't speak of that lowly coward to me, Link. Whatever he said, he's lying."

"Lying? But he-"

"I said don't!" He felt the sting of something strike him and, wincing, he growled lowly as the fresh scratches adorning his face began to bleed. She'd get close; her breath warm on his face as she growled lowly in warning. "Veshte is just as bad as Darus, got it? Whatever he told you is a lie and I will let you know this: that bastard will run out of blood long before I am done making him bleed. Now shut up and sleep. I have things to do."

She'd leave him then and Link couldn't help but settle down with anger in his heart at what she'd just said. Darus was a cruel man and Shane was the very same in Link's eyes. But Veshte…what on earth had he done to earn a black mark in Zaria's book? He hadn't been terrible to him after all. Unsettled, he found sleep harder to come by this time. Was there anyone in this madness that made sense? He was seriously starting to doubt it.