A/N: Oh my gosh… so I felt so dumb yesterday trying to upload chapter 2. . It took me forever to figure it out… but I finally did! I'm new to this website. Well here is chapter 3, and don't worry! It is going to get more interesting… I just have to subtly lead into the action.
I do not own Legend of Zelda or any of its characters.
Chapter 3: Bonding Time
"Do you want to give it a try?" Link asked Dark, referring to how they were going to have to jump across the ledges in order to reach the exit. Link preferred this route over the other, which was walking cautiously through the corridors of the maze just waiting to be impaled by a giant's deadly spear. Dark looked uneasy. He had enough of a hard time simply walking; he didn't think he was going to be able to leap across four foot gaps. He sighed knowing Link was going to have to help him. He despised the feelings of being helpless and inadequate. Dark just stared at Link, hinting that he knew very well the answer to his own question. Even as they were now, Link had to hold up Dark just so he could stand on his own two feet.
"…Okay, so how should we go about this?" Link asked wanting suggestions. He couldn't just chunk Dark across to the other side, plus that could possibly injure him. He also doubted his own strength when he thought the idea of leaping across with Dark in his arms. Dark didn't answer. He just looked at the ground, "Okay Dark, get on my back."
"You can't be serious?" Dark moaned thinking of Link giving him a piggy back ride.
"I'm very serious. It's the only way. Now get on my back." Link answered bluntly. Dark really had no choice. He walked behind Link steadying himself with his hands on Link's shoulders then weakly tried to jump onto his back. He partially made it up but Link had to bounce him a couple times to get a better grip. He wrapped his arms tightly around Dark's knees and Dark held on firmly to Link's shoulders, "Okay, giddy up." Link had to laugh at this. Although Dark had said it in such a dull tone, at least he was making jokes. Link took a couple of steps backwards so he could get a running start and with that ran forward and bent his strong legs jumping across to the next ledge. He continued with this pattern until he made it to the end of the series of ledges. Link finally jumped down to the ground, Dark still in tow, and started to walk towards the exit tunnel which resembled a giant hollow tree trunk on its side.
"Aren't you going to let me down?" Dark asked as Link continued to walk. Link turned his head to glance up at him, his golden locks swaying in the gentle breeze.
"Do you want down?" Link questioned seriously, coming to a stop. He thought it was much easier to just carry him along on his back than have to constantly hold him up while he walked. After some consideration, Dark finally answered.
"Yes, yes I do." He stated firmly. Link knelt down on one knee so Dark wouldn't have to struggle getting off of him; however as soon as Dark attempted to walk forward, his legs started to wobble and his knees gave out. Before Link could come to his aid he muttered, "Just let me do this." He took a few deep breaths and started up again. He took a mere 4 or 5 steps before he heaved over and held himself sturdy with his hands on his knees. Dark was seething with rage. He didn't want to have to rely on Link to be mobile. He wasn't a helpless infant.
Link knew what Dark was thinking and wanted to help him. Link glanced around the forest and then spotted what he was looking for. He ran up to a nearby tree and jumped up and grabbed a long branch. He broke it off, then pulled out his sword and began cutting off excess twigs and harsh bark from the branch so that it would be smooth. He handed the stick to Dark, "Here. Use this to help you." Dark accepted the walking stick and used it to push himself up. Link smiled as they began to walk slowly, but surely into the tunnel.
Dark was amazed at how well Link was able to navigate throughout the Lost Woods. To him, everything looked eerily similar. After they would walk though one tunnel they would just come to a clearing where there were 3 more tunnels that looked exactly the same on each side of them. Link never once hesitated as he moved swiftly and confidently throughout the forest. Every couple of minutes they had to stop so that Dark could take a small break. They would lean against one of the trees or take a seat on a rock while he recuperated. During one of their rest stops Link pulled out a bottle of Lon Lon milk and took a small swig, then passed it to Dark.
"What is it?" Dark asked holding the bottle in his hands and gazing inside suspiciously. Link couldn't help but laugh.
"It's milk Dark. It's good for you, it gives you strength." Link replied and after Dark had taken a small sip he smiled at the look upon his face.
"Wow… it's delicious." Dark had never drank anything except for the dirty water in his room in the Water Temple. It always had a pinch of sand or dirt in it and tasted foul. He never had a reason to either drink or eat because he was simply a creation of Ganondorf's. They did not feel hunger or thirst. However, every once in a while his mouth would become parched and dry and it always seemed natural to drink the water. Dark had some amount of human qualities in him.
He already felt a bit better after that first sip and he looked at Link as if to ask if he may have another. Link grinned then nodded, "You may have the rest." Dark began to chug the rest of the bottle appreciatively.
"You know there's a rumor about these woods that I heard from the Kokiri. The Kokiri are a tribe of forest children that never grow up. Each one has their own personal fairy," Link stated gazing into the trees. Dark peered out at him from behind the bottle from which he was drinking. Listening and chugging at the same time, "They say if you come into these woods without a fairy, you will get lost. Hence, Lost Woods. And anybody who can't find their way out turns into a Stalfos."
Dark wiped his mouth with his sleeve now very interested. He knew what a Stalfos was. He knew them all too well. They were one of Ganondorf's favorite minions. They were large horrendous skeletons, sometimes reaching 7 feet tall. They were warriors, carrying a large circular shield and a sword at least twice the size of Link's master blade. Dark let out a grunt of distaste, "Those creatures are some ugly sons of bitches. Good thing you have a fairy! Hey, why do you have a fairy anyway? You can't be a Kokiri."
Link let out a slight laugh, "Well actually, Navi is fairly new to me." He looked up at his loyal companion and she smiled, "We met not too long ago. The Great Deku Tree assigned her to me to help out on my quest before he died…" Link trailed off but then continued, "I'm not a Kokiri. I'm Hyrulian. My mother came to forest deeply wounded from the war that went on 18 years ago and she begged the Great Deku Tree to please take me into his care. Shortly after, she passed away." Navi flew to Link and hugged his face with her tiny arms.
Dark's face held some sort of sympathy but then again he didn't know what it was like to have a parent or a guardian, just a creator. Although, he was curious about this tree and why he was so great, "What is the Great… Deku Tree? How did he die?" Dark asked.
Link's face grew pale and he stared at Dark with an almost offended look, "You mean? You don't know?"
Dark shook his head. Link could tell he was being honest and explained, "The Great Deku Tree was the guardian of this forest. He looked after and protected the Kokiri. He died after Ganondorf put a curse on him…" Link finished then stood to his feet and walked a couple of feet away. He pretended to fidget with his weapons with his back turned to Dark. He did not want him to see his tears. Link always felt an incredible amount of guilt from what happened to the Deku Tree. The first dungeon he'd ever conquered was actually the inside of the tree himself. Once he had finished slaying the monsters and defeating the boss Queen Gohma, he couldn't be happier to see if his efforts had saved his guardian. Unfortunately it had been too late.
"I'm… sorry Link. I didn't know." Dark apologized trying to show him he was sincere. Link closed his eyes tight letting the last of his tears fall and wiped them dry. He turned around and gave Dark a forced smile.
"It's alright Dark. A new Deku sprout has since been born and he will take his place… We should probably get going now. Shall we?" Link suggested and offered his hand to help Dark to his feet. This kid has a heart of gold… what the fuck is wrong with him, Dark thought. Dark allowed Link to help him up and they continued on until they exited the forest.
They soon entered the small village where Link had grown up. It was full of tree houses and small children dressed in green, running and playing in the grass their fairies close behind.
"So these are the Kokiri, huh?" Dark asked. Link nodded with affirmation and he motioned him over to a particular tree house that was separated from the rest. It rested towards the back of the village and unlike the others; it had a ladder leading to small balcony where the front door was located.
"This is my house Dark," Link stated proudly after they had entered the home, "It's a bit too small for me now… I mean look, our heads are almost hitting the ceiling." He laughed, "But I was hoping you would stay here and rest up while I go finish the water temple…?" Link's face was full of hope and optimism as he stood there with his hands clasped together, beggar's style.
"Link I don't think I could get very far if I wanted to. I could barely get up that ladder by myself but I didn't want you to think I'm some weak shmuck." Dark replied with a half-hearted grin, "Go kick some ass, hero. I'll be here when you get back." Dark assured him then plopped on the bed and put his arms behind his head. Link looked a bit uncertain and hesitated to leave the room. Dark noticed and answered his questionable thoughts, "Link, I may not be a saint but I do believe in honesty. I will be here when you return. Do not doubt me and do not question my character." His piercing ruby eyes gave Link all the assurance he needed.
"…Okay Dark. I'm trusting you. I shouldn't be very long. I can teleport there and back so that'll save time on traveling. Plus, I was getting very close to completing the temple before we… you know… had our little incident." Link trailed off looking at the floor and fidgeting his feet.
"I'm not too worried about it… and be careful when you get to battling Morpha. She may be just a blob but she sure packs a punch." Dark advised sitting up in the small bed, "… I'm serious." Link nodded and laughed, partially at the fact that Dark's legs were halfway hanging off of the tiny bed.
"Alright, thanks Dark. I'll see you soon." Link replied and ran out of the door, smiling and waving goodbye. Dark smirked, this guy is crazy. How can he be so damn chipper all the time?
It had been three days before Dark had decided to go search for Link.
A/N: And I leave you in suspense! *Maniacal laughter* Mwahahaha! Sorry the chapter is so short… It started to get late and I'm having mixed thoughts and emotions about how this next chapter is going to turn out. I'll probably write another one tomorrow night. Thanks for reading, and please review!
