"So this is it?" Midna said in disbelief as she looked at the abandoned village. "This is Kasuto?"
A snowflake tickled her nose as she looked around at the collapsed buildings and forgotten ruins. The snow had coated them with a merciful blanket, hiding the true damage added from years of neglect. Right in front of them, Death Mountain stood like a colossal giant. All this time, this village had stood hidden in its shadow, lost to the pages of history. A lonely winter wind whipped through the village. The loneliness of the village was overwhelming; the very pressure made her bones ache and her heart weak.
"No wonder why Kari was so upset. Look at this place. It's hard to believe there was ever anyone living here," Colin remarked. His shoulders felt heavy. Each step he took was more difficult than it should have been.
The youth took a deep breath and wrapped his cloak tighter around him, forming small puffs of steam in the air. The entire village was in the shadow of the mountain; the air was so cold that it hurt to breathe. With all the activity and fires back in Kakariko to provide warmth, he hadn't realized just how cold the air was.
"Is this really where he used to live?" Rishu asked. From the grimace on his face, even he seemed to be affected.
Atrayu sniffed the air. The cold air sent shivers down her spine. "Yes, it is. I always hated coming through here. The air is so heavy that you can barely walk. It's as if the village is cursed, like the loneliness has a life all its own that oppresses those who don't belong."
"I believe it," Midna said.
Atrayu directed their attention to a small cave located at the base of the mountain. "That's the entrance to Zant's lair. Once we enter, we'll have to be on our guard. He may not know we're here yet, but it's best not to take any chances."
Colin gulped as they began to head towards it. "And what do we do if Mudora finds us?"
The shifter didn't even flinch. "You run." She took a deep breath. "You saw what he did to Alpha. Imagine what he could do to us."
Midna nodded solemnly. "Then we'll have to be that much more careful."
After passing through the village's main street, they reached the graveyard just outside the cave's entrance. The number of gravestones was staggering. Though they couldn't understand the inscriptions written on them, each knew that they were all people Kari had once known and loved. For the first time, the magnitude of his loss became tangible and real to them.
Suddenly, Atrayu stopped cold, causing the others to nearly tumble into her.
"What is it?" Midna asked, peering over the shifter's shoulder. Atrayu looked intently at the ground.
"There are fresh tracks here," she replied. "They've been filled a little with the falling snow, but they still look fresh. I'd say sometime within the last day." Her gaze followed their path into the cave. "They lead back into the mountain."
Colin felt for the hilt of his sword. "So does that make them friend or foe?"
Atrayu's eyes narrowed. "Only one way to find out."
Midna looked behind them to see the Water Sage still looking intently out at the village. "What's on your mind, Rishu? You've been pretty quiet ever since we got here."
The Water Sage looked briefly in her direction and shrugged his shoulders. He looked back at the village. "I don't know, Bombchu. It just seems sad that this place has been forgotten for so long. It makes me want to write a song about it, to make the memory of this place live forever. After all, everyone deserves to be remembered for something. I want to capture what this place was like when people lived here." He smiled. "Who knows…maybe it'll even inspire someone to come and rebuild this place one day."
A small smile crept to her lips. "Wow…that's pretty deep. I never would've pegged you as that type of Zora."
Rishu shrugged his shoulders again and walked back towards the others. "Even a deaf musician plays a chord once in a while, I suppose." A wide grin spread across his face. "Besides, I haven't written a song in weeks. What better subject than a cursed village that everyone fears?"
Atrayu hovered by the entrance of the cave. "Are you two ladies done talking about your music? I thought we came here to get a job done."
They both quickly came over. As they stood by the mouth of the cave, they felt a foul wind blow from the bowels of the mountain. Colin reached for the lantern they had borrowed from Zelda and lit it. As the light bounced against the walls, they saw how the path twisted and turned, stretching infinitely into the darkness like the belly of a great serpent.
"Must we really use that?" Atrayu complained. "We might as well shout our presence."
"What choice do we have?" Midna said. "We can't see as well as you do."
The shifter groaned. "I suppose you're right. I'm just glad I'm not cursed with such a useless body."
With their muscles tense and their hearts racing, they entered into the lair of the enemy.
The further they descended into the depths of the mountain, the warmer it became. They could no longer feel the frigid gust of the winter air. The tunnel was dark and damp, with nothing to guide them but a small lantern and Atrayu's memory. Each step filled them with apprehension; there was no telling what might be lurking around each corner.
As they walked and the lantern light bounced against the worn, rock walls, dozens of beady yellow eyes opened up. Soon, the squeals of Keese filled the air. Born residents of the mountain's catacombs, they did not take lightly to the intruders on their home. They descended upon the travelers in a swarm.
Most of them swatted frantically at the flying vermin, occasionally killing one with a lucky swipe. Atrayu, on the other hand, pierced each one with precision. Even with their cries overwhelming her hearing and the lantern providing inadequate light, she was able to pinpoint them with relative ease. She felt much more like her old self. The red potion had really done wonders.
As their numbers dwindled, the keese finally let up and fled back into the darkness they knew so well. Colin and the others sighed in relief. Once they confirmed there were no serious injuries, they pressed on.
Eventually, the tunnel narrowed so much that they had to go single-file. Atrayu took the lead, followed by Colin, then Midna, and finally Rishu. They remained silent as they walked, their footfalls scuffing against the hard rock floor.
Colin felt himself becoming more and more claustrophobic. He could feel the ceiling of the tunnel only inches from the top of his head; he could touch both walls without even fully spreading his arms. He tried not to think about how far below the surface they were descending or what would happen if there was a cave-in. He felt his brow beginning to sweat. He wasn't sure if it was from his anxiety or from the heat of being deep beneath the volcano. He slowly clenched and unclenched his fists as he tried to release some of the tension.
Now was no time to allow his nerves to get the best of him. If they turned back now, they might never see Link again. They had no choice but to continue diving into the unknown.
Colin looked behind him; Midna and Rishu were further behind than he expected but still within sight. Luckily there was only one path or else he'd fear losing them.
"How much further do we have?" the youth asked.
Atrayu continued looking forward. "It's impossible to tell. Time has no meaning down here. For all we know, we could've been walking for days by now."
They continued walking through the narrowing passageway, sometimes ducking their heads as parts of the ceiling lowered around them. More than once Colin almost hit his head.
"This is strange," Atrayu muttered loud enough for Colin to overhear. "Where are all the monsters? I should at least be able to smell them if not hear them. It's like this entire path is deserted."
Colin was thinking the same thing. Ever since entering the tunnel, a knot had formed in his stomach. The further they traveled, the bigger it grew. Something about this entire raid made him uneasy. Perhaps it was because things were going too smoothly, as if they were being allowed to enter. How was it they hadn't been caught by now? Besides the keese, how was it they hadn't yet encountered a single one of Zant's monsters in the hideout?
He voiced the source of his concern. "Could we be walking into a trap?"
Atrayu shrugged her shoulders. "We could be. But what does it matter? We need to find Link, don't we?"
Her response caught him off guard. "Yeah…but…" his voice trailed off.
"Is that fear I hear in your voice?" she asked accusingly, turning back to look at him momentarily.
"Of course not!" Colin lied. "I…I'm just concerned we'll encounter something we can't handle."
Atrayu grunted her disapproval. "What's the worst thing that could happen?"
"We could die," Colin said automatically.
"Exactly."
"And that doesn't scare you?"
Atrayu grunted smugly. "Death itself has never scared me. Only dying without honor. However, since I have already lost my honor, I have had to accept that as well. I have nothing left to lose."
Colin looked down at the ground and stepped over a part of the rock wall that was sticking out. "I still don't see how you can stare death in the face so calmly."
"I suspect you and I view death very differently." She stopped for a moment as they reached a junction. The path split in two directions. She chose the right path while the others followed. "Colin…do you still mourn for your father?"
A twinge of pain jolted through him. Why was she choosing to bring this up now?
"Why are you asking this?"
"Just answer my question," she replied sharply.
Colin felt his anger bubble to the surface. He had to stop himself from raising his voice, so he let his tone carry the venom brewing within him. "Of course I still mourn for him! Wouldn't you do the same if you lost someone dear?" he hissed.
The shifter continued to walk ahead with the lantern in her hand. Clearly, she hadn't heard the question. Colin didn't want to risk fighting now, not when there was already enough to think about. He looked back to ensure Midna and Rishu were still behind them. Midna gave him an affirmative nod and Rishu flashed a quick grin. They must not have heard him. All the better.
"Actually, I wouldn't," Atrayu replied suddenly. She remained silent a few moments longer. "I would envy them and celebrate their death as long as it was an honorable one."
Colin bit his tongue hard enough to leave marks. He resisted the urge to call her and her people monsters. The words came all too quickly to him. He decided instead to keep silent.
"Our people believe in a world and an existence that extends beyond this world," Atrayu continued. "In that place, there is no death, disease, or war. It is the way the world was meant to be before it was corrupted, according to our legends anyways. Here, people are able to reunite with the loved ones that have gone before them. It is a paradise beyond even our wildest imagination. That is where we go when we die if we have lived honorably." She paused. "Do your people believe in such a place?"
Colin checked once again to ensure Midna and Rishu were still behind them. Thankfully, they had taken the correct fork.
"Of course I do. Just not like you." There was a hint of bitterness in his voice. "We try and appreciate the time we have here with each other before rushing to our deaths."
Atrayu was silent again. Colin could almost hear her thinking over his words. There was something different about her that he couldn't quite place. Why was she asking him so many questions all of a sudden? He remembered a time when even fighting him was barely worth her time. Perhaps her encounter with Alpha truly had changed her.
"Colin, I am sorry about your father's death," she said.
The youth had to clean out his ears. Was he hearing things? Did she actually just say that?
"What did you say?" he asked in disbelief.
"I said I am sorry about your father's death," she repeated.
"So I did hear you right."
"Your hearing isn't as good as mine, but yes, you heard me correctly." She took a deep breath. "Allow me to explain. I am not sorry that I killed him. From my perspective, he is in a much better place. He was an honorable man and a skilled fighter, and I wanted to ensure he reached paradise in a manner befitting to him." She paused. "But I am sorry for the pain it has caused you. I did not realize the full extent of it until only recently. It never occurred to me that you and I view death differently. Now, I understand the truth. I'm only now beginning to comprehend how my actions have affected others."
Colin was speechless. What was he supposed to say? What was anyone supposed to say when their sworn enemy was apologizing for the very thing you hated them for?
He managed only a weak response. "I see."
The rest of the way passed in a stiff silence. Colin was grateful when Midna and Rishu finally caught up. He didn't want to be alone with Atrayu anymore. His head was spinning with dug up memories of his father's grave. Even if she had apologized, he wasn't quite ready to forgive her. He wasn't sure if he ever would. Forgiveness wasn't going to bring Rusl back.
Finally, Atrayu's eyes brightened in recognition. She turned towards them with a cautious expression.
"We're here at last. If Link is where I think he is, he'll be just around this corner."
She motioned to where the tunnel turned sharply, indicating the corner she was referring to. An eerie blue light flickered off the walls of the tunnel, sending a shiver through all of them. Each person's heart raced as they prepared for the inevitable conflict ahead. Colin unsheathed his sword, Rishu tested the tension of his bow, Midna focused her magic into the palm of her hands, and Atrayu restlessly scraped her claws against one another.
Trap or no trap, they were determined to face whatever awaited them.
With a deep breath, they brushed around the corner and snuck to the entrance. To their surprise, Zant and Mudora were nowhere to be found. Neither were any of their monsters. But they were far from alone. They heard someone's frustrated mumblings echoing off the walls. They decided to investigate further.
As they entered through the doorway, Colin, Rishu, and Midna were surprised by how large the chamber was. A large steel door hung on the back wall. Two large torches stood at the center of the room, where the mumblings appeared to be originating. Standing between the flames was an altar with a person lying on it; someone was standing behind it with their hand on the other person's forehead.
The figure noticed them immediately. The eerie blue light made it difficult to see from the far side of the room who it was. At first, he silently watched as they approached. When he realized that they didn't recognize him, he spoke.
"What…what are you doing here? How did you find this place?" a familiar voice asked.
Colin and Midna recognized his voice immediately. That meant the identity of the individual lying on the altar could only belong to one person.
They had found both Link and Kari!
Link was able to reach the cave by morning. Though dawn now peeked over the horizon, it did little to dispel the dark atmosphere hanging over the swamp. A rancid stench filled the air as Link waded through the murky water to his dark destination. An early morning fog hung over the air, dampening the distance he could see ahead. Nonetheless, all his other senses were on full alert as he approached the ominous-looking cave. He could hear small splashes besides his own in the distance from whatever wildlife called this disgusting place its home. It gave him no cause for alarm, however, since whatever was out there could be no bigger than a small fish.
He had to train his thoughts to keep from dwelling on Marin. If they remained on her for even more than a second, he felt his resolve drain away like the sand in an hourglass. He dispelled those thoughts by reminding himself of the task at hand. But the cycle would always repeat itself, and the battle with his thoughts would begin anew. Sometimes he felt like his own worst enemy.
Nonetheless, something in his spirit told him to keep fighting; this was the place he needed to be. He wasn't sure if he would find a way to leave the island or not. But he knew he had to try.
After wandering in the fog for longer than he liked, Link at last reached what he thought was the Bottle Grotto. He stepped onto a flat landing elevated above the swamp water. Right in front of him, clear as day even with the fog, stretched an ominous cave-like opening. Overgrown vines formed an elegant frame around the entrance, climbing up either side and meeting in the archway just above. If Link wasn't so hesitant about entering, he would've thought it pretty.
He let out a low growl and started with one paw in front of the other. Once he entered, there might not be a way back. He had already accomplished the most difficult part in his mind: he had left Tarin and Marin behind without saying goodbye. Now, he just had to finish what he started.
His eyesight as a wolf adjusted fairly quickly to the dark. His enhanced hearing and sense of smell supplemented his enhanced vision, making the darkness less of a problem than he anticipated. As he came out of the initial hallway, he was surprised to enter a rather large and surprisingly furnished room. The floor, a smooth surface formed by cut stone blocks, had clearly been created by someone. Lit torches hung on each of the walls, illuminating all sorts of vases and pottery about the room. Unfortunately, the disgusting smell of the swamp still permeated even inside. A door on either side beckoned for him to explore.
The fur on Link's back stood on edge and his eyes narrowed. Someone was watching him; he could sense it. He couldn't pinpoint where he felt this mysterious presence as he looked around, but his instinct had been right too many times in the past to start ignoring it now. He thought he caught a glimpse of two beady red eyes watching him from the shadows, but by the time he looked again, it was gone.
Whatever it was, he would have to be careful. He knew exactly what type of place this was. He was in a dungeon; he never would've suspected such an elaborate structure to be found on such a peaceful island. Even so, he felt his blood bristle with excitement. It was just like old times.
Once he realized this was a dungeon, he also knew what to expect. He wasn't going to be able to find the Conch Horn so easily. In all likelihood, this was just one of several rooms in a labyrinth-type arrangement. Each one would have some sort of puzzle to solve or enemy to fight before he could advance to the next room. He became human again and reached for his scabbard, suddenly realizing it wasn't there. In fact, it never had been. This island was so peaceful that he had never realized its absence until now.
He sighed to himself. Tooth and claw would have to suffice for now.
As he advanced through the rooms, he was grateful none of the monsters were any real threat. Even as a wolf, he was able to dispatch them relatively easily. All his time hunting over the years had made him quite comfortable with his wolf body. Even so, it took him longer to navigate through the dungeon than expected. After a while of wandering, he finally found the dungeon map. After that, everything else fell into place.
He had to solve a number of puzzles involving pushing blocks and lifting pots, but it wasn't anything new to him. Only one room in particular gave him trouble. Large rifts divided the room like faults from an earthquake. He had several close calls jumping across them. Once he was safely on the other side, he made a mental note of the room's location and avoided traveling through it again at all costs.
As Link worked his way closer to the room with the Conch Horn, he began to hear voices. They were only whispers, but it was enough to put him on edge. There were several of them, each belonging to a different speaker. It was impossible to discern what they were saying. The feeling of being watched stayed with him as well. He could sense an ominous presence moving in the shadows. Once in a while, when he was lucky, he would see a glint of two crimson eyes fading into the darkness before the creature would vanish. Whatever it was, it was agile and clever. The closer he got to the Conch Horn, the more Link suspected it would be waiting for him at the end of this dungeon.
At last, Link approached the large door that led to what he sought. He had seen it earlier during his trek through the dungeon, but knew entering would be futile without the Big Key. Thankfully, that was no longer a problem. Twisting the key around in his hand, he inserted it into the lock and watched as the chains crumbled to the ground. The door opened for him.
He had taken no more than a few steps through the door when it slammed shut behind him. He tensed, but not out of surprise. This happened in every dungeon he visited. No, he was preparing for battle. He felt a hunger for combat rush once again to his mind. His instincts came alive. It surprised and alarmed him. Since his time on Koholiant, this was the first time he'd felt like this. It was as if part of himself had been sealed here. Somehow, coming to this place, he had reunited with it.
His eyes peered through the darkness for whatever awaited him. He saw something move through the shadows with two red glinting eyes. At last, now was his chance while the creature was off guard! He transformed into a wolf and dashed towards it. Better to strike the first blow.
As he got closer, he realized it was…a Stalfos? And it was unarmed?
The monster had its back turned towards him, so he had no trouble pouncing on it. As he took its skull in his jaws, Link ripped it off from the rest of the skeleton. There was a quiet screech as the dark magic giving life to the monster slowly left it. Soon, the bones collapsed into a heap. A familiar ring sounded in his ears and the door to the Conch Horn opened.
Had it really been that easy? If so, it looked like Tarin's fears were indeed ill-founded. He transformed back into a human and sought out his prize.
As Link entered the newly opened doorway, he found the Conch Horn sitting on a pedestal just like he expected. This really was almost too easy, but he wasn't about to complain. The instrument was a bright violet and curved like a battle horn. It looked to be made of the same material as seashells.
As he reached out to touch it, a strange thing happened. The instrument held his hand there and pulled him into a trance. The strange whispers suddenly grew overwhelmingly loud, to the point that they were shouting at him.
"LINK! LINK! CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
"LINK! YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP!"
"LINK! GET YOUR BUTT OUT HERE OR I'LL COME IN THERE AND GET IT!"
The sudden noise caused him to rip his hand away. The shock was too much. He didn't know what he had just experienced, but he had no intention of repeating it. He took off his tunic and wrapped the conch shell with that, leaving his chain mail and undershirt exposed. As long as he didn't touch it directly, the voices weren't loud enough to overwhelm him.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. Something was off. Normally, when he reached the goal of the dungeon, magic warped him back to the entrance. Today, this wasn't the case. He didn't know if the rules were different here in Koholiant, but he wasn't looking forward to the long trek back to the entrance.
He looked carefully at his body and then his surroundings. Even finding the Conch Horn hadn't transported him off the island. It looked like he was here to stay. A rush of excitement pumped through him. Now he could return to Marin!
As he made his way back to the room where he had killed the Stalfos, a shiver ran down his spine. He could once again feel the presence that had been watching him. It was still very much alive and well.
The door shut behind him once again, sealing him in the room for a second time. This time, at least he had the Conch Horn.
As he stepped further into the room, the Conch Horn clasped closely to his chest, he peered through the darkness, his muscles ready to react at a moment's notice. The shadow stood close to the wall, the same one that had been watching him this whole time. There was no mistaking its eyes as it leered at him from its perch. Slowly, it stepped away from the wall and into the torchlight. As its figure emerged, Link gasped.
It looked exactly like him!
"Why isn't he responding?" Midna hollered in frustration, slamming her hands against the altar. "He should be awake by now!"
Kari shook his head. "I tried to tell you, Midna. This is no ordinary sleep. It is a powerful curse that can only be broken a certain way. After all, I was trapped in this ageless slumber for several hundred years."
They had all been surprised to find Kari in this pit of a mountain. They had all been prepared to fight him if necessary. His betrayal was not far from any of them. Although Rishu and Atrayu were more cautious than angry, the sting of Kari's treachery stung deep in Midna and Colin's memory. The Sheikah's eyes grew wide when he saw and recognized them.
Atrayu recognized when someone lacked the will to fight. Kari's slumped shoulders and downcast eyes were telltale signs that he meant no trouble. Though she didn't know him very well, there was something pitiable about his expression. Whatever he was going through, he was at the end of his rope. She could relate.
She found herself instructing everyone to lower their weapons. Rishu immediately complied, but she was surprised to find Colin and Midna more reluctant to do so. Weren't they supposed to be friends?
The tension of Kari's betrayal stood like a barrier for Colin and Midna, but they soon learned he wanted Link back as much as they did. Whatever his reasons, he was trying to help them now. As long as they were working towards the same goal, they were willing to set aside their differences and trust him for the moment. For now, bringing Link back to the waking world was all that mattered.
"Then how did you break it?" she snapped at him. "You got him into this! Now get him out! We didn't come all this way only to fail now!"
Of course, that didn't mean they had completely forgiven him. Especially for Midna, some scars were too deep for healing.
The wind tamer avoided her gaze. "I only remember hearing a familiar voice calling me back to this world. I followed it and finally awoke to find Link." He looked at the sleeping hero. "For some reason, he can't hear us."
"I can always play my guitar," Rishu suggested. His grin stretched from ear to ear. "I have a proud track record of not letting a single head nod off. The more those eyes close, the louder I play."
Midna was not amused. "This isn't a joke, Rishu." Her gaze was colder than winter itself, causing the Zora's smile to freeze right off his face.
Kari shook his head. "Mere noise will not wake him anyways. How many times do I have to tell you that his slumber is caused by magic?"
Colin folded his arms and watched them go back and forth with various ideas. He felt his own bitterness against Kari slowly dissolving. Even from the beginning, he didn't want to believe in Kari's betrayal. He had been forced to accept it. Yet, as he saw Kari working feverishly to bring Link back, he began to hope that their friendship could be restored. After all, everyone makes mistakes.
"We're getting nowhere with this!" Midna hollered in frustration, her voice echoing loudly throughout the chamber. She began to pace restlessly. "There's got to be something we're not trying!"
Atrayu folded her arms. "Perhaps Rishu's idea of playing music is not so far-fetched." She reached into her satchel and pulled out the Spirit Pipes. "There is a song I know that is said to be able to awaken anything that is asleep. Quite plainly, it's called the Song of Awakening. It might be worth a try."
Colin couldn't take his eyes off the shifter or his instrument. He recalled Mudora's words about her being one of the sages. He knew if they were to tell her, she would vehemently protest against the idea. Yet, if they could awaken her power, it might be just what they needed.
"What are you staring at?" the mercenary demanded, looking straight at him. "Do I have something on my face?"
Colin quickly pulled his eyes back to Link. "It's nothing." He then looked at the wind tamer. From the look on Kari's face, he too seemed to realize the significance of the instrument and its owner without being told.
He pulled out the Wind Waker. "I can conduct if you wish."
She leered at him. "Why do you need to conduct?"
Kari returned her gaze. "My instrument will magnify the power of yours. It should increase the chances of him hearing it."
Atrayu's eyes shifted to the door. She sniffed the air and grimaced. "Well if we're going to do this, we'd best do it quick. We have company heading our way."
"Goddesses! Why now of all times?" Midna cursed. She looked towards the entrance that had brought them here. She could hear the hollers and whoops of what sounded to be dozens of monsters heading their way.
"Because we walked straight into a trap," Colin muttered beneath his breath, drawing his blade. "His voice rose. "Atrayu and Kari, you focus on waking Link. The rest of us will try and hold these beasts back."
Midna saw the Master Sword lying by Link's side. She grabbed it and held it awkwardly. "Well, it's not my weapon of choice, but it'll work." She leered at the entrance. The monsters' howls and laughter was getting louder. "I needed something to get my frustration out anyways. Let's go."
The three of them rushed to the door to meet whatever monsters awaited them.
Atrayu smirked. "I never thought I'd be the one to sit out of a fight." She looked at the hero. "But if we don't wake Link, then all our efforts are for naught anyways."
Kari redirected her attention. "Then let's get started. This may be our last chance."
"What's the matter, my brother? Do you not even recognize your own flesh and blood?"
The shadow taunted him from the middle of the room. As Link looked it over from head to toe, he saw a mirror image of himself. The skin was dark as night and its eyes were crimson as blood, but besides coloration, they were identical. Unlike him, it was armed with both a shield and sword.
"What…what are you?" Link stuttered, clutching the Conch Horn closely to his chest.
The shadow's face grimaced in anger. "How dense can you be? We have been together all these years and you don't even recognize me?! How much more do we need to look alike for you to get it?" It pointed towards Link. "I am you. And you…are me."
Link shook his head. "But that's impossible. I would've felt your presence."
The shadow's mouth turned into a sadistic grin. "But you can feel my presence, just as you have felt it many times before. In the fireplace in Holodrum. During your bloodbaths as Ordona. And what about that time you bit Colin?" The shadow paused. "But I must say, I feel like you and I really acted as one when we killed that Sheikah together. Our rage was in perfect harmony. Quite a beautiful and rare occasion if I say so myself." He brought a finger to his lip. "What was his name again? Zili?"
Link's temper flared. His shouts echoed off the enclosed room's walls. "You and I are nothing alike!" Slowly, he regained composure. "I don't care if you are my dark side. We are not the same person. I don't take pleasure in the things you do."
The shadow gently tapped his chin. "Dark?" He began to pace around pensively. "I like that name. I think that's what I'll call myself from now on."
Link eyed his dark half nervously. "Why are you even here?"
The shadow suddenly disappeared into the darkness and then reappeared behind him. He placed both hands on Link's shoulders, bringing his head eerily close. "To prevent you from making a grave mistake, my brother," he whispered.
Link broke away, still clutching the Conch Horn in his wrapped tunic. His breathing was quicker. "My only mistake is letting you live inside me."
The shadow shrugged his shoulders and ignored the statement. "Tell me, my brother, you were planning on leaving this island, weren't you?"
Link said nothing.
"Did anyone ever tell you what would happen once you leave this place? If in fact, you are able to find a way off?"
Link shook his head. To be honest, he still wasn't sure if he wanted to leave. But he knew he had to.
Dark continued. "Since you haven't figured it out yet, I'll go ahead and tell you. This cave, this entire island, is a dream. You and I, we are all a part of that dream. Right now, you are actually asleep somewhere."
"So you…me…all this is in my head?"
"Precisely." A sinister smile crept to his lips. "And what do you think happens when you leave this island and wake up?"
Link wasn't quite sure if he believed the shadow, but he humored him nonetheless. "I would assume the dream would disappear just like any other."
Dark continued to grin malevolently at him. Link felt like he was missing something. "Exactly. Like a bubble that touches the point of a needle, everything will disappear forever. And I mean everything."
Link looked blankly at Dark as he tried to figure out the cryptic meaning of his words. What was he trying to get at? And why was he smiling so deviously? Why would he care if everything on this island disappeared forever?
And then suddenly, it came to him. His eyes shot open. His whole body tensed and his breath caught itself in his throat. He finally understood.
Tarin…Marin…if he left…they and all the others would be gone forever. Not only would he never see them again, but they would cease to exist.
Dark's laughter filled the room. The utter horror on Link's face made his body shiver with pleasure. It had taken longer than he hoped, but the reaction was worth the wait.
"If you leave now, you will destroy an entire world," Dark muttered. "You already have enough blood on your hands. Can you really handle any more?"
Link shook his head. "It would be on your head too!"
Dark shrugged his shoulders. "But as you said, I take pleasure in that. So why would that harm me?" He pointed an accusatory finger at the hero. "You, on the other hand, I fear would be overwhelmed by it."
Link bit his lip. Dark was right. He wasn't sure if he could handle it. He had grown to care for this island. He had come to care for Marin. She had bestowed upon him a gift of healing and joy, something he had given to others but rarely experienced for himself. She had taught him how to focus on the present and forget about the pain of the past. She had taught him to appreciate things as they were. She had been a dear friend to him.
And yet, she had hopes and dreams of her own. She longed to escape the island one day. She wanted to explore the lands beyond and sing for their inhabitants. Could he bring himself to erase her existence, and her hopes of achieving those dreams, with one selfish decision?
Dark sneered as he watched the doubt paralyze the hero. He relished in it, basked in it. For far too long, he had been banished as the hero's shadow and locked to the corridor of Link's mind. Occasionally, he was able to exert influence, especially when Link was too exhausted to think for himself. But even then, Dark had always been bound by the hero, forced to submit to his will. He was never in full control, for he was only a shadow. That was, at least, until Mudora had released him with his magic. Now, he was a separate entity entirely, and he relished in it.
Dark silently drew his sword, a dark replica of the Master Sword, and quietly approached the stunned hero. In a matter of seconds, he would be able to take destiny into his own hands. Link could stay in this dream world for all he cared. All that mattered was that when Link's body finally awoke, he, the shadow, would be in control at last. And then, and only then, would he finally be free from this hero's obnoxious light.
Link was too shell-shocked to hear the shadow approach. Slowly, he looked at the Conch Horn wrapped in his tunic and wondered if he was doing the right thing. Did he really have the right to destroy Marin's dreams? Just so he could leave? Maybe Dark was right. Maybe he should just stay here where he was happier.
A slow, upbeat melody began to play in his ears, drowning out his own conflicted thoughts. He couldn't quite the place the instrument; it sounded a bit like a flute. There was something soothing about it. Somehow, it helped dispel the dark thoughts circulating through his head.
Slowly, subconsciously, his hand unwrapped part of his tunic and reached for the Conch Horn. When his fingertips touched it, a chill sharp as ice ran down his spine. The voices rang in his head again, fully audible.
"COME ON, DUDE! YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP SO YOU CAN HEAR MY JAMS AND TRY MY SOUP! I'M ALL FOR SLEEPING LIKE THE NEXT GUY, BUT NOT WHEN THAT'S ALL YOU DO. COME BACK TO THE WAKING WORLD, MAN!"
Slowly, the haze lifted from Link's mind. The music seemed to be having an effect on him. And was that Rishu's voice?
"LINK! I'M SORRY FOR WHAT I SAID TO YOU! JUST COME BACK!" There was a short pause. "I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG WE CAN HOLD ON AT THIS RATE!"
Blood rushed through Link's body. He recognized that voice. Was that Colin?
The music stopped for a moment as another powerful voice rung through his head.
LINK! YOU'RE STRONGER THAN THIS! YOU DEFEATED ME! IF YOU LET SOMETHING LIKE THIS STOP YOU, WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT ME? NOW LET YOUR INNER BEAST OUT AND FIGHT!
The Triforce started glowing on his left hand as the music started again. Was that Atrayu? What was she doing there?
"LINK! YOU PROMISED WE'D ALWAYS BE TOGETHER! IF YOU DON'T KEEP YOUR PROMISE, I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! YOU'RE LUCKY I'M OCCUPIED WITH THESE MONSTERS RIGHT NOW, OTHERWISE I'D COME IN THERE AND CLOBBER YOU! NOW WAKE UP!"
Link's eyes shot open. Midna! He had forgotten what her voice sounded like. He suddenly missed her intensely.
LINK! MY FRIEND! I DROVE YOU INTO THIS MESS. IF YOU DON'T COME BACK, I CAN NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF. YOU MUST RETURN, IF NOT FOR MY SAKE, THEN FOR EVERYONE ELSE YOU CARE ABOUT!"
Link nearly choked. That was Kari! He knew it! But why was he hearing his voice? Was this part of the dream?
Suddenly, he realized. These were voices from the real world. They were waiting for him, aching for him to return to them. The longer he stayed here, the longer he kept them waiting.
The Triforce glowed brilliantly on his left wrist now.
"What…what's happening?" the shadow hissed, shielding his eyes with his hand.
The hero glowered at his shadow. "I've realized that I don't belong here anymore. This place has healed me, but I have been here, been asleep, for far too long. It's time for me to return to my own world." He looked up to the sky, as if he could see them in his mind's eye. "Guys, wait for me a little longer. I'm on my way."
The smooth confidence in Dark's voice was gone now. His cryptic smile was replaced with an angry scowl. "And you would willingly condemn Marin to die? You're okay with that?"
Link smirked. "She'll be fine. I wasn't the first person to come to this place." A picture of Kari floated to his mind. "And I won't be the last."
Dark couldn't stand it anymore. "No! I will not be in your shadow any longer!" His sword came whizzing for Link's face. "I will be the one in control! Not you!"
Link backflipped out of the way just in time, holding the Conch Horn tightly to his chest. The voices still rang loudly in his ears. But this time, instead of distracting him, they pushed him onward.
As Dark swung the blade, Link was forced to duck, dodge, roll, and jump out of the way of his shadow's lethal swings. Without a weapon to fight back, all he could do was bide his time until he could figure a way out. Dark was skilled and cunning, however, and Link found it much harder to fight himself than he thought. They were equal in abilities and skill. Unfortunately, Dark held the weapon.
At last, the shadow managed to corner the hero. With nothing but the Conch Horn to protect him, Link was helpless. Taking advantage of his opponent's weakness, Dark took his hand and grabbed Link's throat. His blood-red eyes glared at him with hatred. Link felt the air being sucked from him.
"What will you do now, brother? If you fall now, then I will have no choice but to take your place in the waking world." He smirked. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of your body for you."
Link gagged something.
Slightly amused, Dark loosened his grip just enough for Link to speak. "What's that, brother? Was there something you wanted to say before I kill your consciousness?"
The Triforce glowed brilliantly once again on Link's hand. "Strength of the goddesses' ire, grant me the strength of Mighty Din's Fire!"
Link slammed his fist into Dark's chest, causing a large sphere of flames to engulf the two. Dark felt his skin searing and burning and immediately released his grip.
"Curse you, Link! Using such a cheap trick!" Dark hissed. He backed away, dropping his weapon to the ground with a shriek as he tried to douse the flames engulfing his clothes and skin. He sank into the shadows.
Hero of Light, play the sacred instrument and follow the voices of your friends. Only then will you awaken.
Link heard a voice inside his head. Looking around, he saw his Triforce pulse with light before fading back to its normal brilliance. Had it spoken to him?
The hero decided he didn't have time to pursue such questions. He quickly threw Dark's weapon as far as he could from him. Then, following the voice's instructions, he put the Conch Horn to his lips and blew into the mouthpiece. The voices of his friends surrounded him with a warm embrace. He could feel their strength enveloping him in a powerful light.
I will not be denied my rightful place!" Dark screamed. As Link ascended into the light, the shadow grabbed hold of Link's ankle. "Don't think this is over, my brother!" He sneered. "One day, even if it is not today, I will kill you. I will feel the warmth of your blood against my hand and taste it against my tongue. Your pain will be so great that I will deafen your ears with your own screams."
"You have no power over me," Link cried. "Now, let go!"
Dark sneered. "You don't believe me! Then let me show you!"
There was a bright flash of light. At first, Link thought he was back in the waking world. However, his surroundings were too foreign to be that. All the walls glowed with a strange, unearthly aquamarine aura. A sharp winter wind blew snow into it from a small crack in the wall. There, standing before him, was Mudora. Several bodies were passed out on the floor. One of them was Zelda!
What was happening?
"You let your guard down, brother! I'm your opponent! Not him!" he heard a voice say.
Before Link could respond, he lurched as he felt the cold steel of Dark's blade pierce through him. Pain spiked through his bones and muscles as he looked at the blood-covered tip plunging out of his chest; Dark had approached him from behind. Even though part of him knew this was only an illusion, the pain felt frighteningly real. He could feel his strength draining from him. He looked to the sacred triangle on his wrist for comfort and strength. It was gone!
What was happening? Was this an illusion? Or a vision?
"DARK!" Link screamed at the top of his lungs.
There was another bright flash of light and they were back in the room as before. A bright void had opened in the room's ceiling. The ray of light was drawing them both towards it. Dark clung to his boot like a leech. No matter how much Link kicked him, the shadow refused to let go.
"What…what was that?" Link gasped, sweat streaming down his face. He looked up. They were getting closer to the portal now. He had to get rid of Dark quickly.
Dark Link sneered. His grip remained on Link's ankle like an iron claw despite Link's kicking. Slowly, the shadow also rose off the ground. "That was a vision given to me by Mudora of how you will die. I wanted to share it with you. That is your fate. No matter what happens here, we are destined to cross blades again. What you just saw will be the outcome…I promise you that."
"Dark!" Link shouted with fury in his voice. He kicked once more at the shadow, but he wouldn't let go.
"Link!" the shadow responded with equal loathing. "Let us see who has the stronger will. Let us see who will be in control when your mind awakens."
The light drew them both through the void where a blinding flash enveloped them.
Link shot up from the altar like a bucket of ice water had been poured over his body. Adrenaline pumped through his body. His head spun as he tried to orient himself and get the layout of his surroundings. He moved his leg and placed a head around his neck. He could still feel the shadow's grip on him, even though he was no longer there. Was he truly back?
Suddenly, the howls and screeches of the battle came rushing into his ears, pulling him to full alertness. It didn't take him long to assess the struggle raging around him. His eyes honed in on the dozens of bokoblins swarming the room. Colin, Rishu, and Midna were doing their best to hold them off, but they were clearly overwhelmed.
The craving for conflict welled up in him. His hand reached restlessly for his weapon but couldn't find it.
"It's about time you woke up," Atrayu grunted, quickly recognizing the desire for battle in his eyes. She quickly stashed the Spirit Pipes away. A hint of a smile came to her lips. "Greetings can wait. Let's show these amateurs how to really fight."
Link smirked back. "I agree. Where's my sword?"
Atrayu cocked an eyebrow. "Since when has a shifter needed a weapon?"
The hero chuckled. "So you're right. Let's do this then." He looked to the wind tamer. "Kari, care to join in the fun?"
Kari looked at him in shock. "You would still speak to me?"
Link shrugged his shoulders. "We can talk about the past later. Right now, I'm more concerned about scoring more kills than either of you."
At first, the Sheikah didn't know how to respond. How could Link act like nothing had happened between them? Didn't he know that it was Kari's fault that he had been trapped in that cursed sleep?
The hero continued to smirk at him. "If you keep standing there, you're going to lose. You know that, right?"
The Sheikah felt his competitive nature get the best of him. If Link wasn't concerned about the past, then he shouldn't be either. As he said, they could talk about it later. He readied the Wind Waker.
"I will not be beaten by a Hylian." It was like nothing had changed between them. A smirk of his own crept on his lips. "Let us see if sleep has made your movements sluggish."
Atrayu withdrew her claws from an unfortunate nearby bokoblin. "Boast all you want, boys, but I already have my first kill. Looks like I'm winning."
That was enough to spur both Kari and Link into action. With the three of them helping Colin and the others, the bokoblins were soon overwhelmed. Sword, claw, bow, and tooth overwhelmed each monster until there were none left standing. When the last one finally fell to his death, the room was eerily quiet.
Link felt his heart race with adrenaline as he transformed back into a human. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and regained his breath. He was still gripped in the euphoria of the fight. However, it quickly drained away as he saw Colin approaching.
"Link…is it really…is it really you?"
A sinister grin curled on Link's cheeks. His voice became dark and menacing. "That's what you'd like to think, kid. The Link you know is gone. His inner darkness controls him now."
Colin pointed his sword at Link's throat. "Then I will kill you where you stand."
Link laughed nervously. "Colin! Wait! I was just kidding!" The youth glared at him, awaiting his explanation. "I guess that was a bad joke. I was just trying to lighten the mood a bit since I know we left on rough terms. Looks like I failed miserably."
Colin's brow arched. "And you're telling the truth?"
"I've always been a horrible liar." He slowly lowered the point of the sword with his finger. "Now, please don't kill me. I just got back here; I don't want to leave so soon."
At last, Colin seemed to believe him. He sheathed his sword and his eyes dropped to the ground.
"Link, I…I remember what I said to you before you left, but I've been thinking a lot lately." His hands clasped behind his back and his foot shuffled against the ground. "We grew up as brothers. And sometimes brothers say stupid things. And sometimes brothers keep secrets from each other. But they're still brothers through thick and thin."
Link smiled. "I couldn't have said it better myself. We both have made some mistakes. Let's move past that and focus on the future."
Colin didn't seem to hear him. "I…I…I am so sorry, Link. For everything. For what I said. For not believing you. For…"
Link held a finger to Colin's mouth, quieting him. "It's okay, Colin. It's my fault for not being honest with you about some things. Okay, maybe a lot of things. But that's in the past now. All that matters is we're still friends. From now on, no more secrets. Agreed?"
Colin enveloped the hero in a hug. "Agreed!"
Link gasped at the strength of the youth's embrace. "By Din's power, I think you've gotten stronger than I remember. You'll choke me if you keep this up."
The youth laughed nervously. "Sorry about that."
"Ahem," Midna cleared her throat, drawing both their attention to her. "How come you give Colin a hug and I get nothing?"
Link smiled nervously. "Because I was saving the best person for last?"
"And you would make me wait that long?" she replied with hands on her hips.
"Am I in trouble?" he asked.
"More trouble than you can get out of," she replied with a playful smirk. "It may take you the rest of your life to get back in my good graces."
Link just laughed. "I think I can handle that."
"I hate to be the cloud that rains on your reunion," Atryau interrupted, "but we're still on enemy territory. Can all this disgusting emotional garbage wait for when we're back at camp?"
Kari frowned at the hero. "Link…were you really…you know…joking about being consumed by your dark side? Are you feeling alright?"
Midna scowled as soon as the Sheikah spoke. This didn't escape Link's notice. Whatever happened while he was asleep, it appeared some animosity had developed between them. He frowned.
Now that the monsters were gone and he was back in the real world, there were some issues he would have to confront. Something had changed in Colin since he had been asleep; he seemed to have grown up quite a bit and become more mature. The fact he willingly traveled with Atrayu was a testament to that.
Kari was a different story. Though they joked for now, Link still couldn't be sure if the wind tamer had truly forgiven him. He wasn't sure if he could forgive himself. The guilt of his actions still weighed heavily on him from time to time, but it no longer paralyzed him. He had Marin to thank for that. He knew that a difficult conversation awaited him, but now was not the time or place. He had to understand and confront the inner beast within himself first before he was ready to face Kari. For that, he hoped the Ancient Spirit would have an answer. Now that he had found a way off Koholiant, it had told him to meet him in the Temple of Time.
But for now, those things could wait. He wanted to bask in the moment. And right now, he couldn't help but smile at Kari's inability to understand humor.
"Kari, I'm glad you haven't changed a bit." Link laughed. "You still can't distinguish a joke if it slapped you in the face. It's good to finally be back."
The scowl disappeared off Midna's face as she focused her attention back on Link. She wrapped her arms tenderly around his shoulders and kissed him. "We're glad you're back too, Link. We've all missed you. Welcome home."
At long last, most of the group is back together. And they finally have all six instruments of the Sages. It's only a matter of time until they awaken all the sages.
The final battle starts in just a few chapters. Next chapter will feature a special guest I'm sure you're all familiar with. Hoping to get the next chapter out soon since we're finally in the home-stretch. Til next time…keep reading and reviewing!