Chapter Sixteen
"What do you want?" Midna's voice was cold, a stark contrast to her flushed body. Zant merely flashed his pointed teeth at her, saliva dripping from the fangs. His orange eyes, hatred burning bright in them, moved past Midna to Link. Link had already retrieved his sword, the weight a comfort to him but he felt the hair on his arms rising. This Twili, if it even was a Twili, looked more like a creature born from nightmares with his tear drop shaped face and large, angled eyes.
"I must admit, Hero of Light, you are proving to be more of a pain than I originally thought." His voice dripped annoyance and something else, something that hindered on the edge of insanity.
Midna must have sensed this as well for she squared her shoulders even more, her eyes shooting flames at him.
"Where have you been, Zant? Why have you done what you've done?" Her words merely caused him to chuckle, swaying his head back and forth in a disappointed gesture.
"Ah poor Midna, you still do not realize who my master is do you?" He spit the words at her, a stark contrast to his nearly serene face. "He is one that shall rule over both worlds, he is the one that bestowed upon me great power. A power greater than even our Tribe's, greater than even your own!" His voice nearly screeched as he lifted his hands skyward. "And you shall be witness to it!" A large ball of red energy appeared between his raised hands and Link grasped Midna about her waist as he leapt to the side. They hit the ground hard but the ball of energy scorched the ground they had just been standing on. Zant cackled, gathering another sphere of his black magic. Midna seethed, pushing herself up and drawing one of her small daggers.
"How dare you use that fake magic?! It will corrupt you Zant!" He paused at her last words, his eyes squinting into a puzzled frown.
"No Midna, Princess of the Twili," the sphere grew larger, "it sets me above you, a place where I am free." With that he released the black magic but Midna was already clear of it, her goal to get closer to him but Link was already there. He'd waisted no time as Midna distracted Zant, and had snuck up on his right side.
As Zant released the magic Link struck, lunging in and intending to plunge his sword through Zant's chest but a wall, a shield of some sort, appeared and knocked him back. He swore, regaining his footing but he'd already attracted Zant's attention.
The corrupted Twili waved his hand and a force knocked Link back and off his feet. The air left his lungs in one breath as his back slammed into the ground. As he fought for air, Zant crossed over to him, hovering above him and smirking.
"It's a good thing my master bestowed upon me another gift, one I will not waste." He flashed his teeth at him, "His power far surpasses your own, even that pathetic princess of the Light World. She and that shadow that protects her will be dealt with soon enough." He snickered and cocked his head. "You know of whom I speak, Hero." The mockery in his voice only drove the knife deeper as realization donned on Link.
His other half…
Was with Zelda?
Protecting her?
Zant lunged, his form a blur and Link jolted, his instincts telling him to move but another sphere of energy slammed into Zant, sending him sprawling over Link. Midna, her teeth bared, glowered at Zant as she stood beside Link who quickly got to his feet.
"Enough Zant, even with your new tricks you will never be stronger than me. I am Princess of the Twilight, the blood of the Elders runs through my veins and that is something you can never change." Her words held power, absolute power, and Zant's body shook with hate.
Link dimly wondered why…
Why did he hate?
What had drove this odd creature to these sporadic depths?
"I may not be strong enough," the words left Zant's lips with tremendous fury, "but he is!" His body wrenched up into a standing potisition, his head twisting back at an impossible angle as a scream tore from his throat. The ground trembled and shook, as if Zant's fury had somehow flowed down into the earth. A structure burst from the soil, sending large rocks and dirt pouring down on them.
Link pulled Midna down and covered her with his body, the pelts would only leave faint bruises but he didn't want her hurt. When the rain of debris ended Link lifted his head, his eyes falling to the structure that now stood before them.
The stone was withered from time, the pedestal broken and cracked but what lay at its center still shined bright.
It looked like a mirror…
Midna gasped underneath him, her eyes wide with disbelief. She stood quickly, her fingers curling into fists at her side as she glowered at Zant's mocking face.
"You're delusional." She spit at him but he just threw back his head and laughed.
"No, it is you that is delusional, Midna. I have already transformed those pathetic light dwellers into my master's pets and we will lay siege to the world of Light. You cannot stop us but," his voice softened and Link was surprised to see remorse enter Zant's eyes, "you can come with us, rule beside me as my queen." He floated to her, his hand reaching out for her own, "You know I need you Midna, I need that power you carry to create a new world, a better one." At his soft words Link watched Midna's face. It was expressionless and for a moment Link actually thought she might be considering it but she lifted her lip in a snarl and yanked herself back.
"A better world? How is that a better world Zant? There are meant to be two, the Light and the Twilight, that is how the gods wanted it and that is how it shall be." Her tone held the same ice in it as before, the same disgust and Zant's jaw clamped as he fumed.
"The Gods?" His face darkened, "It was the Gods that banished us here for all eternity for a mistake our Elders made! They are cruel and unforgiving and everything they've built should be torn down, destroyed!" He seemed to rage at the heavens more so than Midna, but that did little ease Link's unease.
There was something sad about this creature…
Something broken…
His thoughts ended when Zant focused his eyes on them once more. His lips trembled as he spoke. "That is what my master and I intend to do, with or without you." He pivoted, putting his back to them while lifting his arms. The ground trembled and Link's eyes widened when the mirror began to shine bright.
"No Zant don't!" Midna cried but it was too late and Link found the world tipping, spinning out of control and he desperately sought Midna. She was trying to make her way to Zant, had nearly succeeded in doing so but Zant saw her coming and formed a dagger out of the red energy. He sent it flying at her and Link was running before he realized it.
His arms wrapped around Zant, knocking him off balance and breaking his concentration so that the dagger steered off course. It wasn't enough and Link saw it heading for Midna's stomach instead of her chest but a figure seemed to appear out of thin air. It scooped her up and Link took a breath of relief when he saw Zabine.
They're eyes met once before Link felt the world spinning faster and faster, despite Zant's struggles to rid himself of Link. He heard Midna shouting something, what he couldn't tell over the winds that seemed to tear at his clothes, but he held on, the mirror growing brighter and brighter.
Zant cursed at him, raved at him while pelting him with blow after blow but Link shut his eyes and hung on until the light from the mirror was nearly blinding. Suddenly he felt as if he was being sucked in. His eyes flashed open to see that the mirror had created some sort of gateway between this world and another. He didn't have time to be confused for he knew what had to happen next.
He was going through…
And taking Zant with him…
VVVV
What was he doing?
Dark held her close, his arm like a vice around her waist as his mouth plundered hers. It was all a whirlwind but she knew one thing, this wasn't right.
She yanked herself back and slapped him…
Dark was actually knocked back a step and her hand ached from it but she was furious.
Livid in fact…
Dark stared at her, his eyes dazed and she glared at him, her chest rising and falling with hard breaths.
"What do you think you're doing?!" She hissed, her whole body shaking with anger…and something else but she wasn't about to admit that she was happy to see him.
He blinked at her again, his hand reaching up to cup his jaw as he slowly worked it.
"I suppose I deserved that," he murmured and her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Suppose?" She lunged at him, her intent to beat him senseless but he was ready for her this time and caught her hands easily.
No matter…
She brought her heel down and connected with his toe. He sucked in a pained breath and she switched the grip he hand on her hands and before she could think, twisted and promptly dumped Dark on his ass. Shocked, he looked up at her but she didn't care.
"You pompous arrogant, no good-" she went to kick him but he grabbed her leg and pulled her down. She yelped as he promptly rolled on top of her and pinned her. She wiggled, kicking her legs but it was no use and she resisted screaming at the tops of her lungs in frustration.
"Get off me you ass!" Her temper had finally snapped and she glowered up at him, fury whelming up inside her as he just simply looked down at her but one sleek brow rose as a smirk played about his lips.
"Such a dirty word to come out of such a pretty mouth." He whispered and despite her temper, she felt her anger resolve but not entirely.
"What do you want?" She demanded, her fury causing her chest to rise and fall in hard breaths. She was very aware of how close their bodies were, that every time she took in a breath her chest would brush his.
She hated this…
Hated how he could do this to her…
To her shame she felt her throat closing and her eyes water but she clamped down on the sensation, refusing to cry in front of him.
He could go rot before she did that…
Despite her attempts he seemed to sense that she was on that edge and loosened his grip on her. Pulling himself off he sat beside her and she did the same, watching and waiting for him to answer her.
"I…" his voice was almost hoarse but she wasn't budging.
Not this time…
"Princess I…I can't…" a rough sigh left his lips and she kept her eyes on his face. "You can't just release me from your service. I don't follow your orders, or your father's, my life is tied to this." His face was hard, his voice trying to become so, "You can't do this by yourself, Princess and since you refuse help from the people that are supposed to help you, that leaves me." She could hear the conviction in his voice and she found something bubbling up inside her.
Laughter came up past her lips and she shook her head, laughter still emitting from her as she stood.
"Is that your idea of an apology?" Zelda shook her head again, feeling naïve for thinking that he would apologize.
And mean it…
"Apology?" The surprise in his voice was evidence enough that he'd had no intention of apologizing and she couldn't even muster the rage she should have felt.
Instead she just felt empty…
"I was wrong about you," her voice was broken, so soft and Dark stood, "you're a coward." The biting remark hung in the air but she wasn't backing down.
"What did you say?" His words were like ice but she raised her chin.
"You're a coward Dark." She jabbed him in the chest with her finger, "You're a coward for not facing your fears, for burying your feelings, for hiding them behind a wall of stone. You're a coward and I'm sorry I ever met you." She went to blow past him but he grabbed her arm.
"I am not a coward." He growled and her brows rose.
"Oh? It's one thing to lie to the world, but to yourself?" She clicked her tongue disapprovingly and yanked her arm from his. "How very sad indeed." She snorted and rage crossed his face.
"Sad? I'm not looking for your pity Princess," he snapped back and she threw her hands up in frustration.
"Then what do you want?!" She screamed, her voice on the edge of tears.
"I don't know!" He shouted in return, his face twisting into a mixture of pain and anger. He thrust his hand through his hair, his shoulders trembling as he sought for control. Zelda watched him, quieted by his lack of composure. "For the first time in my life," his words were raw, "I don't know what I want." He turned back to face her, his ruby eyes bright from the overhead moon. "For the first time in my life I've been dealt a hand that I have no idea what to do with. I have no idea what to do with you." The biting retort caused Zelda to stiffen, her fingers curling into her palms but he wasn't done yet. "All my life I have been looked at with scorn, hate and fear and I learned very quickly my place in this world, what my destiny was." His face turned cold, hiding the pain beneath. "Little has changed from the world but you..." he trailed off.
"But me?" Zelda prompted softly, hoping that perhaps she'd finally gotten through to him.
"But you, Princess are stubborn and stir things inside me that should never be there." His voice had turned cold and she could see that the armor he placed about himself had been rebuilt and put back into place. "I am one of the villains in this story, and you, are the heroine out to save her prince." Zelda jolted at the last words, her cheeks starting to burn and a smirk tugged on Dark's lips. "Yes, I'm not blind. I know how you feel about Link, and I know how he feels about you." Her eyes flickered at his words, confusion covering her face.
Link...
Cared about her?
"What do you mean by that?" She demanded, her fury gone at the new information that Dark was giving her.
"I mean, Princess, that the Hero of Time has feelings for you. Where do you think mine stem from?" His biting response inflicted pain, more so than she could have thought and she squared her jaw. His words drifted back to her, how once the curse was broken he would no longer care for her.
But why tell her this now?
If this was so crucial then why did he not say anything beforehand?
"Why tell me this now?" Zelda demanded, looking straight into his eyes. He did not move, remaining impassive like stone.
"Because I am tired of living a lie, I want no more fantasies from you. All I wish to do is see this through, so that I may pick up my life before this, before you, and continue on with the roll I am meant to play." He was serious, she could see it.
Fine...
"Fine, we'll kill this monster and then you can be on your way." The words left her mouth without her seemingly to hear them and she swiveled, wrapping her cloak tight around her. Ignoring the dead carcass of the spider she continued up the path, Dark following quietly after her.
VVVV
Dark was surprisingly calm...
He could tell that he'd hurt her...
But it was for the best...
He'd lost his control earlier, only thinking about himself and yet again he'd hurt her.
Not anymore...
She didn't deserve this...
And he didn't deserve her...
It was better this way. Zelda needed a hero by her side, one that would be loved by the kingdom, one that could support her in anything she did, could be by her side at all times.
He knew now...
That it could never be him...
And what he'd said was true earlier, Link did care for her, and he knew she cared for him otherwise she would never had set out on this quest. He watched her, watched how she moved, the way little wisps of her golden hair escaped her hood, the way her sweet mouth was pinched in the corners as her brows were drawn tight. She was beautiful, but she was radiant when she smiled.
He suddenly wanted to see her smile, see her laughing, see her fears put to rest.
The sad thing was...
More pitiful in fact...
Was that he wanted to be the one behind her smile, he wanted to be the one to make her laugh, to put her fears from her mind and have her solely rely on him but that was a fantasy. One he could no longer entertain.
They rounded the final bend, the looming mouth of the cave rising from the grown to embed itself back into the mountain side. The sign post out front showed that they were in the right place and Zelda only paused a moment, giving him one final look. He could see the pain, the fury, the anguish in her blue eyes and he ached to bring her back into his arms, apologize for all the lies, for all the hurt but in the end it would be of no use. No one would accept him besides her, and he couldn't take her kingdom, her home, away from her because of his selfishness.
So he remained quiet...
Cold...
And he saw the final flame of hope leave her gaze before she turned back to the entrance.
"Let's go," she murmured before striding forward. A sigh left Dark's lips, one so tired and weary that only a select few would understand and he followed after.
As they entered the cavern, the cool night air melted into a lush heat that had Dark adjusting his cloak before finally shedding it. Zelda did the same, revealing the blackened veins as she rolled her sleeves up. She paid them no heed, but worry gnawed at Dark.
Time was running out...
As she finished rolling up her sleeves she stooped to pick up two vials, slipping them into a leather pouch on her hip. He saw her wince as she used her arm, and instinct had him stepping towards her before he could stop himself. Her sapphire eyes found his and he inwardly swore before swerving towards the entrance to the next room. After tweaking the leather pouch Zelda followed.
"The beast should be in the mouth of that," Zelda pointed to what appeared to be a giant skull farther inside the cave as they crossed the threshold. Dark took survey of the room, noting the pillars and lava. The monsters had made themselves scarce due to the increased activity of the Gorons but the Gorons stayed close to the entrance, so there was no telling what lay deeper within the cavern. Ladders at what point where constructed to help navigate the pillars but due to age and the dry heat they had withered away to nothing but broken pieces of timber. That affected Dark little, for he could cross the gaps with ease but Zelda on the other hand.
He cast a sidelong glance at her. Her brows were pinched as she mulled over the same problem. Without thinking he went to offer up a sarcastic response in order to goad her into a biting retort so he could see those brilliant eyes flash but he stopped himself.
Things had changed between them...
There was no longer an air of companionship...
Not that he had thought there to have been much of one beforehand, but she'd always treated him with a guarded openness that he no longer felt.
Just coldness...
But what should he have expected? He mused quietly to himself, aching to shed the memories and sensation of wanting her back.
"I can carry you, if you wish." He offered but the suggestion was quickly turned down by a derisive snort from Zelda.
"I can manage, thank you." She quipped back, her tone no longer holding bite to it. He nodded, adjusting the shield and sword on his back before dipping his head to her in a solute.
"Suit yourself, Princess," he answered and leapt across the gap. He landed with ease, swiveling back to see her disgruntled expression. She didn't waste time however, and retreating a few paces she took a running start and jumped. She clipped the side, managing to balance herself but Dark was there to haul her in. He felt her stiffen but he released her, turning so that he avoided looking at her. The entered the mouth of the skull into the next room where a few Fire Keese roamed. With a few flicks of his sword they were taken care of. Zelda peered about, mulling over which way to go.
"Let's try this," she suggested and through the door they went. They entered another large room, a hole in the center of it. For once Dark was glad that Link had come before them, clearing out the major boss and taking care of the little minor details. It made his job much easier.
"How do you want to do this one?" Dark asked, his old mocking tone back as he peered down the hole. Zelda cast him a dark look before thinking it over.
"I'll go first then-" he shook his head, cutting her off.
"I'll go first, when its clear you jump down and I'll catch you." He didn't wait for her to agree, partly because he knew she never would and the other part because he wanted to hurry up and get this over with, and jumped down. It wasn't far as he thought and he let his knees bend, rolling into the fall to come back up on his feet. He drew his sword, waiting and listening. The lava pit had dried up years ago, the carcass of what could only have been the Big Dodongo that Link had defeated barely visible. Seeing nothing and hearing nothing he sheathed his sword and called out to her.
"It's clear, jump down!" He called and could barely see Zelda shake her head.
"No! It's too far!" She responded and he bit back an irritated sigh.
"Just do it!" He snapped and he thought he could hear her mutter response, about him being a jerk, before she leapt. He caught her with ease, for she barely weighed more than a feather. Just having her close had his heart thumping hard but he set her down quickly. Her eyes took in the empty cavern, at first shock, then worry, then confusion crossing her face.
"Where is it?" She wondered aloud and Dark shrugged one shoulder, his ruby eyes roaming the walls.
He happened to glance up...
And wished he hadn't...
A pair of large eyes, the spheres a bright, luminescent green, shined down at him. A moment later ooze, the same green as the creature's eyes, gathered at the mouth of the beast and sent the acid hurling at them. Dark hooked Zelda about the waist, shoving them forward and clear of the area. They rolled clear, Zelda letting out a startled yelp before getting back on her feet. Dark drew his sword again, the dark metal catching the green off of the creature's eyes. It scurried across the ceiling of the cavern, the body looking like a long lizard. Zelda pulled her daggers from the sheath but Dark shook his head.
"Don't even think about it, Princess, you're to weak to take this thing on and I can't be distracted with worrying about-" his sentence was cut short when the beast shot another gob of acid at them. They split, going to separate sides of the room. Angry that it had missed, the creature gave out a low hissing sound as it whipped around, scurrying away. Dark swore, wishing he had a bow.
"How are we going to get it to our level?" Zelda shouted across to him. Dark answered honestly with a lift of his shoulders.
"Antagonize it?" He suggested and Zelda let out a sarcastic snort.
"Then it should take no time at all especially with you!" She called back and given the present situation Dark may have found humor in her biting retort. The beast however, did not and locked its eyes on her.
It was always Zelda...
Why couldn't they leave the damsel well enough alone?
Dark hefted his shield, drawing the hilt of the Dark Master Sword across it. A satisfying bang erupted, echoing about the cavern and catching the creature's attention. Its gaze snapped to him and he held back a sigh of exasperation, not that he wasn't thrilled that the beast had switched targets due to Zelda being unable to dodge the monster's attack but he wasn't entirely thrilled at the prospect of having skin melting acid shot at him. Knowing that closing the distance between himself and the target would give him a better chance Dark charged, thrusting his sword across his shield with every stride so as to aggravate it. The creature twitched, the noise seemingly to do the trick, as the acid continued to drip from its open maw. For a moment Dark toyed with the idea of shouting insults at it but he decided it'd be futile in the end considering his barbs would be wasted on the dumb beast and in doing so waste his breath. As he came closer, the creature hissed and Dark could now make out what the creature was. It appeared to be a Lizalfos, what kind and stage of evolution it was at Dark didn't know and as it tightened its body, preparing itself to leap down on him he particularly didn't care. He was relieved that the beast had decided to pounce on him, for it was quite large and if he timed it correctly he could easily dodge the attack. However, if it shot its acid at him he'd be a puddle on the floor.
The monster landed on all fours, swinging it's head down with the intent of biting Dark's arm off. He was ready for it and slipped underneath the creature's scaly chin. With a swing of his sword arm he left a long gash that caused the monster to squeal in pain and rage. It yanked itself back, lashing out with one of its forelimbs. Dark raised his shield, blocking the claws that had sought to gut him. His arm vibrated with the force behind the blow and he inwardly swore to himself. He wasn't going to be able to block attacks like these for long. The creature pulled back, prepared to land another blow and lowering his shield Dark charged once more. Going underneath the monster's belly he sliced the beast's legs, blood gushing from the deep wounds. It wailed, jolting away from him to fall on its side. Dark congratulated himself to early for as he went to mount the monster's side so that he could reach its head the beast's tail appeared and struck him in the side. He sailed backwards, landing hard on his back twenty or thirty feet away. His shield was torn from his arm in the fall but his fingers were still curled tight around the pummel of his sword. The small victory seemed to give the creature strength and it managed to stand, a low hiss rumbling in its throat as it prepared to douse him in its acid.
Swearing Dark managed to sit up, pain flaring up his side as he did so but he didn't care. He had to keep moving, had to. Stumbling onto his knees he looked up to see the creature getting ready to hurl it at him when something odd happened. A small piece of silver pierced the beast's neck, right underneath the point of where it's jaw connected. It wailed, flinging its head from side to side as the acid dropped from its mouth to eat away at the stone at its feet.
Confused Dark frowned...
Then it hit him...
Zelda...
She stood below the beast, holding her infected arm but taking the last of her silver daggers in her hand sent the final one flying. Amazingly enough the dagger found its target, embedding itself beside its twin and going deeper into the monster's flesh. It let out a final scream, twisting sideways as its body tipped. Zelda, realizing she was in the landing zone, turned and stumbled away but the thrashing of the creature's tail connected with her. She hit the ground hard, sliding only a few feet but it was enough to make his heart stop and his blood freeze inside his veins. He sprinted to her, going down onto his knees to scoop her up. He didn't care about the monster now, for she'd done it, she'd pierced the creature's vital artery and it now lay virtually silent, it's life blood pouring out onto the cavern floor. He didn't care, looking her over as he held her close. She had a shallow gash on her temple, but other than that appeared fine, a little dazed but fine. She blinked, her eyes trying to readjust and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"You dumb Princess," he murmured while shaking his head. Her blue eyes found his face, her brow creasing at his words and she gave faint, but still angry snort.
"A simple thank you would do you know," she snapped back faintly before pushing him away. He knew she would, but it still surprised him and what surprised him even more was the hurt he felt. Ignoring it he stepped back and spying his shield he scooped it up, pretending to be busy with slinging it over his back. Zelda, not watching him anymore, instead looked at the beast.
"It was bigger than I thought it would be," she murmured before withdrawing the vials. Her arm had gotten considerably worse, the veins turning a sickly purple and Dark tried to swallow his worry but it didn't work. Zelda ignored the pain and approached the creature. Much like a poisonous snake, the venom came from the creature's fangs but considering the size of them the venom dripped freely from the tips. Holding the vial steady she filled it and then the other, sealing them away back inside her pack. As she'd done this task Dark had watched her, the final realization that this was it, that they'd accomplished their little quest, that they would go their separate ways, was sinking in.
It was too soon...
He was so lost in thought that he missed how pale her face was, how her hands were shaking, her glassy her eyes looked, but he didn't miss when she tipped. He steadied her, a dark frown marking his face.
"I'm fine, leave me be." She tried to make her words harsh, but they sounded like a mere whimper.
"No, you are not Princess," without thinking and knowing that he'd regret it later he scooped her up into his arms. To his surprise and delight but also worry she didn't try and put up a fight, instead nestling her face into his chest. "Do you know the way out?" He questioned, turning and glancing about but to his dismay he could only see the way they'd come in. She shook her head, her eyes closing as she melted into him. "Stay awake Princess," he ordered, shaking her a little and she lifted her head a moment before laying it back on his chest once more.
Perfect...
Just perfect...
He had to find a way out and soon.
As if in answer to his prayers he heard a shout and looked up. A Goron looked back, three in fact and he was never so relieved in his life.
"Ho down there!" One shouted, waving its arm and shoving a torch down and through. "What are puny little humans doing down there?" It called and Dark promptly answered.
"Zelda, Royal Princess of Hyrule is down here and I command you to get us out! She needs the aid of a healer and quickly!" He shouted, putting iron in his voice to help mask his fear. The Goron who had spoken first jumped, alarm covering its face before looking to its brethren.
"Go warn Big Brother Darunia and bring the rock cart!" It called and the other two quickly scampered off. "Help on the way tiny humans!" It called down to Dark and he clamped his jaw. They could be dense creatures but he was grateful to them none the less.
Zelda sighed, drawing his attention away from the Gorons and he felt her shivering. Her body temperature had already dropped so drastically. He cursed himself, wishing he'd brought his cloak with him. There was a ruckus above him from one of the two Gorons returning.
"We lower cart, you climb in!" A voice called and a rickety contraption was lowered down through the hole. It was merely a metal cage with wheels on it but as long as it would hold Dark wouldn't be picky. Gently he placed Zelda inside before climbing in beside her. She was mumbling something, her eyes trying to open but he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear which seemed to soothe her.
"We're in!" He shouted up to the Gorons who then started to haul them up. The cart tipped and rocked, so much that it nearly caused him to lose the contents of his stomach but he held it in. Zelda didn't like it either, grumbling and turning, trying to sit up but he stroked her cheek, hushing her. Once they'd cleared the hole the Gorons grasped both edges of the cart, lifting it free and setting it on solid ground. The were easily triple his size but he wasn't intimidated, thanking the dim lighting that would help hide his appearance. "Quickly," he lifted her into his arms once more and together the group left the caverns.
It was the longest, run/walk of his life as they left the caves behind them. The Gorons pestered him with questions, being oddly talkative for a race that was usually silent, but he answered them with curt responses. They were at the exit, almost to the road when he saw a lumbering shadow. He recognized the figure and knew that the figure would recognize him due to the light of the moon.
It didn't matter...
Dark stepped out from the shadows of the caves, the two Gorons flanking him with Zelda in his arms to see Darunia standing there. The Elder Goron blinked once in surprise at seeing Dark and then another at seeing Zelda and then once more at the condition she was in. Anger then replaced the surprise but Dark didn't have time for this.
"Darunia," his voice was sharp, cutting off the argument he knew lurked on the Goron's tongue, "I don't have time to indulge you in everything that has happened, but she's been poisioned, along with Link and if I don't get her back to Karkariko where they can administer the antidote then she's gone. So move." He tensed, prepared to fight, but Darunia just glowered at him.
"We'll escort you," he replied and shifted to give Dark room. Not taking a moment to mull over what had just happened, Dark strode forward, his long and quick steps eating up the distance.
They were in Karkariko within minutes and spying the house where the Sheikah lived Dark descended the stairs to the door. Darunia prepared to knock, but it was opened before he could and the male Sheikah, Tyre, nearly had his face smashed in.
"Woah!" He ducked, giving a glare to Darunia but then stopped when he realized the state Zelda was in. "Come in, quickly!" He stepped back while opening the door and Dark moved into the house. "There's a bed upstairs, put her there while I fetch the Sisters." He instructed and Dark paused, confused.
The Sisters?
They were here?
But he did as he was told for once and found the upstairs bedroom. He gently lowered Zelda down, noting that she'd broke out into a sweat. Touching her forehead she felt feverish and her clothes were already soaked. Telling himself not to think he quickly stripped her down, leaving her in her shirt at least, and covered her in the blankets. He wrapped her tightly in them, stroke her temple as he fought to keep his wits. The door opened behind him and for the first time in his life he was happy to see the old crone, Mildred, burst in. The woman looked like she hadn't slept for days as she scurried to Zelda's bedside. With a wave of her hand she moved Dark aside so that the other sister, Agatha could stand beside her. Agatha held the vials in her hand, turning to the bedside table to place them there along with an assortment of other things Dark didn't recognize.
"Boy," Mildred's sharp tone got his attention, "go downstairs and wait with the others. We will take care of her." He knew this was an order, but he wanted to stay. He opened his mouth to argue but both sisters turned to glare at him and he knew all he was doing was wasting their time when they could be saving Zelda. So he said nothing and looking one last time at her, he slipped from the room.
He descended the stairs, his mind in a fog but it was soon cleared for him when a fist seemingly to come from the shadows. The knuckles connected squarely with his jaw and he stumbled back a few steps. Instinct had him raising his arms to fend off more blows but when he came to and realized who it was he lowered them. Richard glared at him, anger burning bright in his eyes. Thomas sat in a chair, his side and arm wrapped while he stared at them with wide eyes. Tyre remained in the corner, watching like a hawk but Dark didn't care. He glowered back at Richard.
"How dare you," the old Knight growled and Dark clamped his jaw, "You-" he stepped forward, prepared to land another blow but Dark simply grabbed his arm, pivoting so that Richard passed by him.
He shoved him into the wall and turning to head for the door Dark simply said, "I know," before disappearing back out into the night.
He crossed to the large tree in the square, setting his hands against it as he fought to bring air into his fiery lungs. His temper finally cooled and when it seemed like it did he heard the small snap of a branch and twisted to see Tyre standing there. The Sheikah simply looked at him, sizing him up. Dark tensed, prepared to fight yet again but then Tyre said something that took the fight right out of him.
"The King has passed." His words at first didn't sink in with Dark and Dark stared at him, dumbfounded but then the pain, the pain for Zelda set in and he grimaced, ducking his head. He'd guessed that the king was sick, but not as sick as to have passed so soon.
And Zelda...
He raised his blood red eyes to the second story where the lamp shown bright against the dark depths of the night and Tyre closed his eyes, nodding his head slowly.
"Yes, our Royal Princess will be heartbroken." His words held sadness and he too turned to look up at the window, "But she is a fighter," his eyes swiveled to glance at Dark, "you know this don't you?" He questioned and Dark didn't feel like responding with words so he nodded in return. Tyre continued to look at him, his gaze oddly piercing before continuing. "You love her," it was no question, merely a statement and Dark jolted, his eyes snapping to the male Sheikah. He considered lying but what was the use now? So he remained silent once more and Tyre turned his gaze towards the house window.
"She'll need you." He stepped in front of Dark so that they were face to face. "You also know this, yes?" He inquired and Dark glowered at him.
"You're as naïve as her," he growled and shook his head. "No one would accept me and in choosing me she'd lose her throne, her kingdom." The words were bitter as they passed his lips but they were the truth. To his surprise and annoyance Tyre only smiled.
"Perhaps, but it should be you." At first Dark didn't understand and then he did.
Tyre wanted Dark to be the one to tell Zelda that her father was dead...
That is if she survived...
VVVV
It was dark...
She was cold...
So was the floor...
Zelda looked around, trying to get her bearings but the room was too dark. She knew it was a nightmare, but it didn't stop her mind from doing the irrational and jumping at every sound. Trying to calm herself she closed her eyes, taking in deep breaths but it wasn't working.
Then she heard it...
That voice...
"Dear naïve little girl, did you really think that you and that pathetic excuse for a shadow could defeat me?" The voice was powerful, ancient, and Zelda shivered. She turned to see the figure melt out of the shadows to tower over her.
Ganondorf...
She steeled herself, lifting her chin and schooling her features.
"We did, the cure has been found and Link will be returned to us. You lost." She tried to put steel into her voice but Ganondorf just laughed at her. Shaking his head he paced around her, sizing her up. She remembered him being scarier as a girl, so tall and menacing. Not that he wasn't now but now that she was grown he'd lost a certain air of evilness. He was still dangerous, dangerous to herself, her kingdom, her people, but she'd protect them.
She'd always protect them...
"I have barely begun, dear little princess," he quipped as he came to a stop in front of her, "soon my army will wash over the lands of Hyrule and your kingdom will fall to me. As for the Hero of Light and your little shadow," he grinned, baring startling white teeth against his dark skin, "I'll prepare an exceptional ending for them." He laughed and her hands curled into fists.
Before she could react he waved his hand and the room tipped and spun until it went black.
Her eyes slowly drifted open to a candle that was burning low. A dull throbbing pain ran up her arm and she shifted, trying to get a look at it but red eyes, shining like rubies caught the light. She sighed, watching Dark's face. He looked so worn out. He hovered nearby, a pensive expression on his face and she wondered at it. He slid forward, coming into the light and sitting beside her on the bed. She was surprised when he reached out, gently running his first finger along her wrist. The veins were dark, but not as severe as they once were.
"How do you feel?" His voice was soft, holding a tone of gentleness in it.
"Tired," she answered honestly, her mind already forgetting about the nightmare as she looked at him. His expression looked almost haunted and she frowned. "What's wrong? I've been cured," she tried to lift her voice to get him to smile but it didn't work. It dawned on her that perhaps it wasn't her he was worried about, "Is it Link?" She asked, trying to sit up but he shook his head and touching her shoulder put her back against the sheets.
"Agatha and Mildred took the rest of the antidote to the castle." He sat back and at the lack of a reaction from him she felt her stomach drop.
"What is it?" She prepared herself, or at least she thought she did.
But no one can prepare themselves for that...
"Your father," he paused, regret covering his face, "is gone. Tyre informed me that he passed due to an illness." He waited for her to respond, and she just remembered feeling numb.
Her father...
Was gone?
No...
No that wasn't right...
"No," the word left her trembling lips as the tears formed, "no that's not right," a sob left her throat and Dark reached out, picking her up and holding her tight against his chest, "that's not right." She cried but she felt her walls breaking and sobbing once more she pushed her face into his chest and broke. Dark rocked her back and forth, his hand stroking her back as he kissed her head, keeping her close.
"Shh, Princess, it'll be alright, I'm here." He kissed her temple, his fingers stroking through her hair.
"He's gone!" She wailed, pulling back to look at him, "He's gone Dark, gone." She echoed, feeling hollow. He touched her cheek, wiping away a tear.
"I know, I'm sorry heart," he wiped another tear away, kissing her forehead and bringing her back in close. "I'm sorry," he whispered and his voice, the sound of his heartbeat, his scent, his touch, soothed her even as her heart broke. Finally, she didn't know when, but she finally stopped crying and exhausted she lay quietly against him. He shifted, moving her back onto the bed but she hooked her fingers into his shirt.
"Please, stay...stay with me." Zelda didn't want to be alone, not now, and Dark watched her face. His softened and wordlessly he climbed in with her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Get some sleep Princess," he murmured against her hair, "I'll stay." He kissed the side of her temple and she took in a deep sigh, breathing in the smell of the forest before letting sleep steal her away.
For she was safe...
She'd always be safe with him...
VVVV
AUTHOR NOTE: Okay sorry for the long wait, but I hope it was worth it! Life is so crazy but don't worry, I'm going to finish this story and get to my other ones soon! Thanks for the patience and reviews!