A/N: I really like this chapter. It took me a while, however. It started out with me being away from computer for a week. And then some writer's block. And then mentally I went downhill and couldn't find the motivation to do anything : D Heck yeah. Anyways, it's finished, at least.
But, I am starting up school again on the 23rd, so I may slow down with writing due to business (I've got a college level class to study for and lots of orchestra-related things to do after school, and homework :P) so I hope you'll still stick with me through that !
Eh. I'm done explaining. Enjoy !
Link and Midna faced the council, the palace's top security, and Khina, with the portal to the light realm at their backs. The preparations had been made; the palace secured. Midna raised her head and grinned.
"When my parents arrive back at the castle, if they are to do so while we're away, please let my mother take care of things. My father will mess up my plans." Midna raised her brows and smirked. Turning to the council, she continued to speak. "Please keep an eye on the group of Zant's followers. If there is any trouble seen of them, please take action to stop it immediately. Just do whatever you can."
With a nod, the head councilwoman grinned. "Of course, your highness."
"Thank you," Midna responded. Facing Link, she slightly lowered her eyelids and gently smiled. "Shall we go?"
With a curt nod and grin, Link waved to the council and Khina before turning around and slinging a small bag filled with his and Midna's belonging over his shoulder. Midna waved to her parliament and turned to face the portal. Taking Link's left hand in her right, she began to lead them forward, to the portal. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the portal, Link following on her tail.
Within seconds, they were standing on a sandy stone, bright light shining down on them, their eyes burning from the sudden shift of lighting. Once their eyes adjusted, Link lifted his head and looked out into the abyss of sand of the Gerudo Desert. The Mirror Chamber, located at the top of the Arbiter's Grounds, gave a scenic view of the dust bowl.
"Aye." A voice from the other side of the chamber startled Link away from the scenery.
Both Link and Midna scanned the area for a possible origin of the voice. And then, a familiar face revealed itself. With a long tendril of hair hanging from her face, the androgynous figure emerged from behind rubble. With a small grin on her face, Impa approached Midna and Link.
"I was expecting you two," Impa greeted. "Zelda told me to stay on watch after she sent the message to your council."
Taking in a deep breath, Midna rested her hands on her hips. "Well, we're here now. I'll teleport us all back to the castle." Taking a pause, Midna lifted her chin up slightly and made contact with Impa's eyes. "If that's okay with you. We can travel by foot if needed."
Shaking her head, Impa shrugged. "Nah. It's too far to walk. Besides… we really have no means of getting back out of the desert if you don't teleport us."
Eyes widening in an instant, Midna's face flushed red and she emitted a small bit of laughter. "I knew that." Exhaling and rolling her eyes, the twili reached her hands out, entangling her right hand with Link's left, and her left hand holding on to Impa's arm. "Well, to the castle we go."
Closing her eyes, Midna took a deep breath before the three dissipated into black squares into the portal above. In moments, the three reformed in Hyrule Field immediately outside Castle Town.
Impa gave the twili a concerned look, but Midna only responded with a blatant answer. "This was the closest portal to the castle."
Shrugging, Impa stretched her arms and began to take a few steps forward. "You two wait here, I'll go call for a carriage. I'm to assume you two are tired."
Clenching his brows, Link cocked his head, as it was just the 'morning' hours in the twilit realm. But, as he looked around, he noticed the setting sun and amber sky. Never before had he realized that the 'morning' in the twilight was Hyrule's evening. Returning his attention back to Impa, he was shocked that she was already gone.
With a sigh, Link turned his head over towards Midna. "I'm guessing she won't be long."
"Nah. I doubt she will. " Midna crossed her arms and gazed across the bridge of Eldin. "Goddesses, I haven't been here in so long. I forgot how pretty the sun paints the colors of the sky."
"Ah," Link exhaled, grinning. "It does. I missed it. But the twilight has a beautiful sense to its darkness."
"Not compared to the realm of light. Compared to this painting, the twilight doesn't really have much to offer." Midna lowered herself to sit in the long grass, motioning to Link to do the same. "All that is there is the light of the sols and the inclination for change. Hyrule… it doesn't need change. This place is as close to paradise as I can get."
Link placed himself next to Midna in the flowing grass and wrapped his arm around her hip. "I wouldn't say that. The twilight has plenty of beauty flowing in its veins."
"Oh, really?" Midna smirked, raising a brow.
Nodding ahead, the blond confirmed his answer. "Yup!" Link looked over at his wife with a wide beam across his face. "There is. I guess it's rather normal for you and the twili, but the way the markings on your skin glow in the darkness. You don't see any bodies or forms, just blue, luminescent, vessels running up your arms. I don't know how to describe it, but, I like it. I've stayed up late and watched you. You look so peaceful when you sleep. And, your markings…" Link paused and took Midna's arm in his hand, pulling back her sleeve, tracing his index finger along her markings. "They pulsate in their lamination with each breath you take. It's rather… calming."
"I never really knew you had such fascination with that…" Midna spoke softly, retracting her arm from Link and resting it over his shoulders. "I mean like, it is normal for the twili. We never really notice it. Call it unique. Or find it interesting. I guess it's like what you all have…birthmarks?"
"I guess so."
"Where's your birthmark?"
Link sighed and took his arm from around Midna's waist and held his left hand up, pointing out the marking on the top of his hand. "I don't really have a typical birthmark, but rather I was born with the triforce on my hand. At least, that's all I've ever seen."
Midna nodded her head and then leaned against Link. The two sat in silence for several moments. Off in the distance, at the castle gate, Link spotted a small carriage with Impa leading the driver to their location.
"I wonder how Zelda's doing," Link sighed.
"I'm sure she's doing fine." Midna turned to Link and looked him directly in the eye. "She has the triforce of wisdom. Zelda will make better decisions than anybody we know. I doubt there is a reason to worry about her."
"True," Link whispered. Looking in front of him, Link saw the carriage approaching. Standing, he reached down and helped Midna stand.
As Impa pulled the carriage up beside them, halting the horses, she smirked while looking Link in the eye. "There's somebody inside who you're going to want to see."
With a grin, Midna nodded a thank you to the sheikah and entered the carriage while Link held the door open for her. Following his wife, Link took a step into the carriage and closed the door behind him before he sat down and saw the person across from him.
Before he could even recognize the face of the person in front of him, Link only felt the air get knocked out of his lungs as he was thrown back against the seat in a large bear hug. Although he couldn't see her, Link heard Midna throw her head back in laughter as the grip around his chest tightened.
"I can't… breathe!" Link squeaked in an airy voice.
With a small jump, the hugger released his handle on Link and retreated to the seat across from him. "Ah, I'm sorry bud."
As soon as Link picked up the sound of the person's voice his face lit up, a grin spreading across his cheeks. "Eric!" He reached his hand forward and met it with the man's with a small slap and a knuckle touch. "Man… it's been so long. How're things going? How's Zel?"
"Everything's all as well!" Eric gleamed, leaning back in his seat and crossing his legs. Unlike how Link had known him before, the red head no longer wore a chainmail tunic with soldier's garbs. He wore, rather, royal clothing. "Zel's just in a stress pit and won't let me help her. She only wanted you two." With a nonchalant expression, Eric shrugged his shoulders. "As for me, I've finally got a boyfriend. It's really nice to have somebody who loves you in that way, you know?"
"I sure do," Midna giggled, wrapping her arm around Link's shoulders and pulling him to her. The twili felt the heat from her husband's face against her side and grinned down at him. "Aw, Link, no need to get so blushy."
Pulling away, Link crossed his arms and slouched in his seat, a cheesy smile plastered on his face. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too, ya' dork."
Eric turned his face away when the couple's lips intertwined. Peeking over when they broke apart, he returned his gaze to them. "So, Zelda had said she sensed something going on with you guys. That's not what she was going to talk about, but she brought it up."
"How did she know something was up?" Link furrowed his brows while raising one of them.
"You two both have the triforce. I guess it has something to do with that." Eric shrugged his shoulders. "But, anyways, what all happened? I was quite concerned about you two."
The silence from Link and Midna haunted the small carriage. Both of their gazes met their laps while their hands barely brushed together.
"Well," Midna dryly began to speak. "We lost a baby. Not naturally, either. A member of my former council had done the dirty work. He and those we have confirmed direct action to have been executed."
"Both… done by me." Link sighed, his eyelids covering most of his eyes. "I don't like killing people, whether they like it or not."
With a frown, Eric bent forward and rested both of his hands on their knees. "Ah man, that sounds terrible guys. At least it's all in the past. The future will be brighter, I can promise you that." Eric met his eyes with Midna's and Link's, giving a smile in an attempt to cheer them up. "You guys are going to try again though? You're not just giving up after that… right?"
Link shot his head up and looked Eric right in the eyes. "Of course we are."
With Link's confirmation, the red head's face lit up with a small grin. "Good. Good. Very good. I can't wait to see the little one whenever you have them."
"Of course you'll meet them," Midna giggled. "You'll be Uncle Eric. Neither Link nor I have siblings, so, you'll be the Uncle."
Eric only felt his cheeks turn red as he rubbed the nape of his neck. "Ah, man, that's sweet. I'll be the best Uncle. I promise." The man's facial expression faded when he felt the small rock of the carriage, a sign that it had stopped. "Well, looks like we're back at the castle. We'd better hurry inside. I'm pretty sure that Zelda wants to see you. She heard of your arrival. That's why she sent me."
Link nodded his head as Eric opened the small door and exited the carriage, holding his hands out for assistance to Link and Midna. The blonde followed out right after the red head, and helped his wife hop out. Taking her hand in his, Link and Midna began to follow Eric as he led them to Zelda's chambers.
"So Eric," Link whispered, gesturing to the red head's clothes. "What's with the new get up? Last time I saw you, you were wearing the typical guard uniform."
"Ahh." Eric nodded his head and turned to look at the blond. "Zelda promoted me to strategic chief. So, if we were to ever go into war or battle, I won't exactly be in the field all the time, but I will be coordinating all of our attacks and positions. After what happened with Zant, Zelda rid of the former guy. He got too scared and backed down."
"Oh," Link quietly answered.
"Were you here the day Zant invaded?" Midna raised her brows and voice as she asked the question.
With a slight nod of his head, Eric answered the twili's inquisition. "I was. I was one of the guards by Zelda's side that day. It was… scary." Shaking his head, Eric clenched his jaw and shut his eyes. A signal to Midna that he didn't want to bring it up.
While the rest of the walk through the castle was silent, Link and Midna exchanged several looks, while observing Eric's expression. It changed – like he was reliving that day in his head. Midna frowned; she hadn't realized what he had been through that dreaded day. About to exchange another glance, the red head halted in front of a pair of large, wooden doors, which were familiar to Link.
"She's inside at her desk," Eric mumbled, his head facing the floor. "Go right in. I've got to go… I've got to do something."
Taking the door in his hand and pulling it open, Link looked over his shoulder to witness Eric purposefully striding down the hall. With a sigh, Link lowered his head and entered Zelda's chambers, Midna entering directly after him. Letting the door shut behind them, the two welcomed themselves further into the room, standing in front of the princess' desk.
In her seat behind the table, her chair was turned so that she faced the windows that usually sat behind her. Turning her head over her shoulder slightly, she barely met eyes with the twili. "Oh, hello. I'm glad you two were able to come. Please, have a seat." Turning her chair to face Link and Midna, she put on a halfhearted grin and fell into the trance of tapping her fingers against her desk. "So, how've you two been? I felt something wasn't going so well. I couldn't pin point what, though."
"Ahh… well." Link gritted his teeth and furrowed his brows, before his face relaxed and he closed his eyes, releasing a heavy breath. "We'd rather not talk 'bout it right now… we're rather…"
"We're mentally exhausted after explaining it once already," Midna finished Link's sentence, staring directly into Zelda's eyes. In the brief moments before she spoke, she had run her focus all over the princess' face. She had analyzed each and every detail. "But, forget us. How've you been? You seem a bit… overworked."
While Zelda's eyes jumped open and her cheeks filled with a light, rosy red, she squinted her eyes and grinned. "No, no…I'm just fine. Just a bit… tired. I've stayed up too late, I suppose." Releasing a small laugh, the princess tilted her head just slightly, and fell back to swaying her feet and tapping her fingers even faster.
Frowning, Midna leaned forward and rested her arms on the princess' desk. "Zelda, seriously. We know something is up. Let us know so we can help you."
Returning her face to its neutral, stoic expression, Zelda's eyes focused on the floor. "I was told that I had to get married to keep my power because I am a woman. I do not wish to get married though. If I were to marry a man, he would get all the power because he has a floppy penis. I can't trust anybody to make decisions for Hyrule but myself. Because… I… I'm the one with the triforce…"
"The triforce of wisdom," Link continued for her. Taking a moment to pause, he sighed. "You would be the only one to make the best decisions for Hyrule."
"I know. That's my concern with the whole ordeal." Zelda sighed, turning her head away for a second.
Interjecting right after the princess spoke, Midna raised a brow. "Well, who is there to marry? I mean, if they were willing to marry you, I'm quite sure that they would allow you to have say in the country you owned before them."
"The princes that my advisors have suggested are all from other kingdoms," Zelda stated. "Those men are too bullheaded and crude. I would never want to marry them. Even as a means to form an alliance, I still wouldn't do it."
"I see." Midna's tone diminished and she played with her fingers, furrowing her brows as if in deep thought. "Do you have to marry a man from another land? I mean – "
"I do not wish to marry at all. I have no desire for romance or the pleasures that come along with it," Zelda sternly told the two. "I have never dreamt of it, or thought of it as a fantasy, and I never will. I am content being alone."
"What about an heir to the throne?" Midna raised her brows.
"I'll find somebody suitable to have a child with. I will not be married, though. Never," Zelda whispered. "If I really needed to, I'd help the orphaned children. So many of them need homes."
Link nodded and exhaled. "I see, I see." Stretching his arms up and yawning, Link continued, "We've got your back, though. No matter what. Got that?"
Grinning slightly, Zelda tucked her hair behind her ear and responded, "I got it." Standing from her seat, the princess walked over to the door. "Now, it's getting late. How about you two go get some rest. I have a room already set up for you two."
"Is it the same one I had stayed in before?" Link stood from his seat, simultaneously with Midna, and took her hand in his while approaching the door.
"Exact same."
"Ah. I know where it is then. Go hit the sack, Zel. You lied about being stressed. You've got too much on your mind. Just take it easy, ok?" Link grinned at the princess.
"Of course I will." Zelda blushed a tiny bit, turning her focus to her feet. "Tomorrow, though, you two have got to tell me what's happened over in your realm. I sensed something was up, and I want to know about it." Looking back up, she glanced at Link for a few seconds, but turned to Midna and stared deeply into her eyes. She raised her brows slightly, signaling that she needed to talk, right then, right now.
Placing her free hand the princess' shoulder, Midna gave her a warm grin. "No worries, it will all be sorted out tomorrow." Letting loose her grip on Link's hand, she turned to him. "Honey, can you grab our bags? The guards put them outside the door. I need to, er, talk to Zelda for a minute."
With a quick nod, the blond stepped outside the room and closed the door behind him, leaving the two women to talk amongst themselves for a brief time. Looking to the floor, there were only two small bags for them. With a shrug, Link leaned himself against the wall, allowing himself to slide to the floor. Not expecting his wife to come out anytime soon, he closed his eyes, lulling himself with daydreams and memories.
Inside the room, Zelda and Midna returned to the seats in front of the princess' desk. After she placed herself in the chair, the princess crossed her legs and raised her brows at Midna. "So, is there something you'd care to tell me?"
"About what?" Midna smirked at the princess.
Groaning and rolling her eyes, Zelda playfully shook her head. "I don't know if you remember about me and my study of magic, but I know there's something that you haven't told me. I sensed it with my magic, Midna. You're hiding something from me."
Only raising one brow, scrunching her nose, and lightly parting her lips, Midna spoke softly, "Zelda, I don't know what you're talking about. I've told you everything I have to say, except for the incident that Link and I will explain tomorrow, when we have more time."
"Oh, so Link knows?"
"What does he know that I don't?" Midna furrowed her brows.
Taken back, Zelda's eyes widened and she sat up straight. "So neither of you know yet… I sensed that really early…" as her voiced softened, her head lowered and she faced her lap, mumbling rambles that were inaudible to Midna.
"What is it that we don't know that you have sensed?" Midna's expression grew serious and stoic, her lips pursed and eyes locked onto Zelda's.
Taking a breath, Zelda sighed. "I'll tell you two tomorrow, then." Soaking in Midna's glare, she grinned halfheartedly. "If you don't know yet, I shouldn't spoil it too soon. And if we're discussing heavy topics tomorrow, it would be best if I hold it off until then."
Shaking her head and sighing, Midna stood from her chair. "If you believe that's the best thing, then okay." As Zelda stood, Midna wrapped her arms around the shorter woman and hugged her. "I'll see you tomorrow, sleep tight. Take a hot bath. Just relax for a bit." After pulling away, she walked toward the door to meet up with Link, and to head back to their room.
Opening his eyes, Link realized his surroundings were hazy and pale. Off in the distance he could see little flickers, like stars. And then his heart raced. His eyes widened in nearly a second and he jumped to his feet. Further away from him, he saw a familiar face. At instant, with a wide grin on his face, Link began to sprint toward the figure. When he saw that the figure's arms were full, he slowed himself and stopped until the person approached him.
"Kokau?" Link asked, seeing the man in front of him. "Is that you?"
Although silent until he reached him, the hazy figure looked up at Link and smirked. "Shh, he's sleeping." Kokau lowered his arms for Link to take the bundle that was in his arms.
Puzzled for only a mere second, the blond's heart dropped when he realized who was in Kokau's arms. It only hit him when he saw the striking orange hair… like Midna's. Slowly and gently, Link took the small infant into his arms and held it tight to his chest.
"Link," Kokau whispered. "I'm so sorry for what happened." He wrapped his arms around the smaller. "He would have been so handsome. But now he's here with me. Saria and I have been taking care of him. He won't get much older. He'll be stuck like a toddler. That's the most he'll age, up here with me."
"It was a boy?" Link whispered in an airy tone, small, scattered tears running down his cheeks.
Kokau grinned. "Mhm. He looks a lot like you when he has his eyes open. He has your eyes. They're a piercing blue. And then he has Midna's hair. He's such a gorgeous child."
Trying to stay silent, Link held the small baby to his face and kissed his cheek. In a very soft voice, he whispered into the baby's ear. "I love you, so much."
"We've been calling him Aiden," Kokau said. "I hope you like it."
"It's perfect," Link responded.
"Great." Kokau smiled. "I hope the next one works out better. I didn't really know of any of this until he showed up here. I haven't found a way to be able to talk to you, when you're in her realm."
"Oh?" the shorter looked up to the ghastly man. "It's harder to do that?"
Nodding his head, Kokau sighed. "Sadly, it is." Reaching out his arms to take Aiden back, he spoke, "Let me take him. You and Midna have got to rest. You have things to do with Zelda tomorrow. I'll take him back to Saria. We'll tell him all about you."
"Th-thank you… Kokau." Link smiled. He rubbed the baby's cheek with him thumb, and took a step back and waved.
Just as he had taken a step back he was jerked from the dream-like state when a thick, wooden door hit him in the side. With a groan, he laid on the floor, while he heard Midna lean down to him.
"Oh, Link, I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know you were there. "
Chuckling, he slowly stood and stretched his arms. "It's fine, I was just uh… taking a small... catnap."
Shaking her head, Midna picked up her belongings and slung them over her shoulder while Link did the same. "Wow. I guess you were pretty tired, wolfy."
"Heh… I guess so."
Walking back to their room, they entered, while Midna closed and locked the door behind them. As soon as Link put his things down, he began to strip himself of the twili garments and put on his nightshorts while Midna was in the washroom. Once changed, he flopped himself onto the bed and raised his arms over his shoulders to rest his head on his hands.
Eyes closed, he took a deep breath and exhaled, undoing the tense feelings in his arms and legs. While drowsiness tried to take him over, he was startled awake by a weight dropped on his hips. Jerking his eyes open, Link found himself staring at Midna sitting on his hips, her hair done up tight; the only thing covering her contrasting skin was rather fancy lingerie.
"Before we were married, I debated making love to you in this room," Midna whispered, leaning down and resting her hand on his chest, her lips only inches away from his. "But you weren't so healthy then. You fell asleep before I could even try."
Face flushing red, Link stuttered some gibberish before swallowing spit and making words out of his thoughts. "Midna… I… any other night I would do it, but tonight's not one of those nights." Turning his eyes away with his lids lowering slightly, and his lips conforming to a small frown. "I'm sorry."
With a small grin, Midna pecked his lips and raised herself off of her husband's hips. "Its fine, hon. I won't force you to do anything." As Link turned on his side to sleep, Midna molded around his shape, wrapping her arm around his waist. "You're a little spoon, though."
