A/N: A new chapter. I have a massive stock piled up. It's been crazy busy on my end. Moving and all. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. Crack-fic for the win.

- Prologue -

Part 3: Traveling

"So... Zelda was sent to the past..." Then Purah points at her. "You're also from the past and don't know how or why you were sent here?"

"I would not have said it, if it was not the truth," Midna growls while she watches Lila wander around the camp. It's impressive the way she's able to navigate. Midna can see the faint pulsing of green forest magic, life magic, that she's wielding. She watches the waves of magic roll out in a dome around the woman, expanding for a respectable distance before another wave flows after. She can see the energy coat everything it touches. "She is amazing. I have never seen someone wield magic so effortlessly. I doubt even my father could match her skill."

"She's using magic?" Purah's question draws Midna's eyes to the Sheikah. Her blood red eyes follow Lila's steady walk. "How can you tell?"

"I can see it. It is the most basic training for all magic users. I assumed you would be trained in the Sheikah ways. Shadow magic is your heritage, after all." For once Midna's curiosity shines over her disdain.

"No, I don't have the knack. Couldn't even if I wanted to. My sister is the only Sheikah trained in those ways," Purah replies with a shrug of her shoulders. "I think it may have been a blessing. Sheikah magic is said to be cursed with bad luck. That is why my sister rarely uses her powers. I much prefer my research anyway."

Midna draws on her own magic stores to conjure a warm flame above her palm. "Not all Twili have the ability to wield magic either. We are all close enough to the Dark that we can all sense it and see it, but – except for rare cases – only the Royal Family are blessed with true ability."

"So you're royalty?" Purah's sharp eyes fall on hers and Midna nods her head. "Interesting... What are your plans then? I know you're in an uncertain new future and if you're feeling lost, I have work that someone like you could help with."

"I am interested, but I shall not be leaving her side," Midna explains while turning her gaze back to the woman in question. She's currently using thick arms of tarnished copper magic to hold construction wood in place while builders guide the wood and nail it together. It looks like they're building a stable. "You said she has no formal training whatsoever?"

"No... but that looks really cool," Purah states with a slight touch of awe in her voice.

"I do not know what temperature has to do with anything. Sheikah, she is using ancient Twilight magic, a blend of Spirit, Light and Shadow magic," Midna breathes out feeling more than a little impressed. "It should be impossible. It is so far beyond the scope of what most mages could accomplish..."

"Really?" Midna watches the Sheikah twirl her little instrument. Something she's learned that the woman does when thinking. "How does she know then?"

Midna knows exactly how. The mere thought of it makes her heart race and her breath quicken in terror. Being frozen but aware for a century... Left with only your thoughts, darkness and dreams of a past one should never have relived. It makes her skin crawl. The fact that Lila is so sane, so functional... It speaks more to her strength than any feat of magic.

"It is her place to say, not mine. Though I can say it is because of her Demon magic that it is even possible." Midna says simply. She meets the sharp gaze of the Sheikah woman with a flat expression. She can see the burning curiosity behind those eyes. The almost obsessive need to understand. "Don't ask Sheikah, I will offer only one warning. I shall not betray her trust."

"Why do you feel such loyalty to her?" Purah asks instead. Midna lets out a long sigh. How does she answer that, when the truth is so complicated? The reasons are plenty, but what would the Sheikah accept? Her own feelings are so scrambled and intense that she isn't totally sure what the truth is.

Midna settles on sincerity. Maybe it's because Lila trusts the woman. Or maybe it's because she sees something more in the Sheikah. Either way, her ancestors would be turning in their graves. "My reasons are my own, but... truthfully Sheikah, I do not completely know. I feel drawn to her. Like I have been incomplete for my entire life and her presence fills a hole that I never realized was there. I can not even imagine losing her."

"That's... pretty intense for only having known her a single day." Purah's musing is met with an unimpressed glare.

"I know that. I am not saying that I find myself suddenly in love with her," Midna admits that there's certainly attraction there. A mutual attraction. But the draw she feels is more than that. "It is the hand of destiny, of fate. I have been brought to this future because of her. I do not know why exactly, but it has to do with Lila-va."

"I see. In that case, perhaps you would accompany the Lady to Kakariko Village," Purah cocks an eyebrow as Midna inhales a sharp breath. The Sheikah village... she should burn it to the ground and salt the earth. "I have received a report that strange ruins have appeared around the village. They may be tied to what has happened with the new floating islands and ruins falling from the sky. I need Lila to go take a look. She's good at seeing things that the rest of us miss. She shares that with Link. They both see secrets in the world that the rest of us are blind to."

Midna wets her lips as she tries to cull the intense hateful fire in her bones. It isn't her own rage. It is from the Royal Blood in her veins. As sacred as that blood is, she refuses to bow solely to its whims. If Lila can trust and appreciate the Sheikah woman, then she can make the effort.

"That seems to be a prudent plan... I will admit Purah-ji," The woman's name tastes strange on her tongue. Midna straightens her spine and holds out her hand towards the inventor. "You are not the kalba I took you for. I would make a formal apology for my harsh words."

Purah takes her hand and shakes it firmly. "Apology accepted. I look forward to working with you, Midna." Pale lips draw into a smile as she continues, "For what it's worth, Lila seems to trust you too. She never lets anyone touch her. The last time I tried, she shocked me terribly. I still lose feeling in my fingertips sometimes."

Midna's eyes widen before a slow grin crawls across her face. "Yet everyone thinks she is a fragile flower," Midna chuckles as Purah shakes her head.

"I think she lets us believe it on purpose. She leans into it." Midna watches the white haired woman turn her eyes towards Lila once more and hesitate for a long moment. "She's dangerously intelligent and used to getting her way. None of us have been bold enough to challenge her. But I think she needs someone who can do that in her life."

"Why are you telling me this?" Midna questions as she follows Purah's gaze. She can see Lila's head turned towards them from across the field. Almost like she's watching them. The thought raises gooseflesh down her spine.

"Consider it a gift, to our new friendship," Midna allows herself an ironic smile at the thought. A Twili befriending a Sheikah, her ancestors would strike her down at this point. "Advice and a warning in one. I've yet to see Lila when things don't go the way she wants them to, and frankly... I don't have the desire."

Midna stiffens as Purah pats her shoulder with more affection than she'd expected. The Sheikah then walks away and returns to her workshop. She watches the woman open the door and pause, "Oh by the way. Go talk to the guard in the center of the Lookout and have them open up the emergency shelter for you. They'll have supplies to start you off on your journey."

Midna watches the door fall shut before glancing up. The day is still young, with noon around just an hour or so away. She supposes that it's as good a time as any to get started. She moves unhurriedly across the wooden platform, down the creaking stairwell and towards Lila.

The people she passes eye her with a distant interest. Like they're curious but not overly surprised. Honestly, Midna is likely more curious about them than they are about her. Lila's the only Lorulean she's seen, for one, and she can't help but wonder if that's a coincidence. What a strange time she's fallen into.

As she approaches the woman, a thick strand of translucent green magic flows out towards her. Midna meets the life energy with her fingertips, gently tracing its length as she walks. The action makes the violet haired woman suck in a breath, likely in surprise, but it's hard for her to gauge. It was once considered an intimate thing, to use life magics in such a way. She wonders if Lila will grow to recognize her heartbeat and her breath.

The magic dissipates as she comes to a stop next to Lila. She seems to have finished helping with the construction and is talking with the carpenter. The man bows to them both before returning to his work.

"Hello Hililini," Midna greets with a warm tone. She sees Lila's lips pull into a small smile.

"Hello, Midna," The Lorulean states while the woman's pale hand reaches towards her. She offers up her arm and Lila carefully loops her thinner arm around Midna's own pale blue. The pair start a slow, meandering walk through the Landing. "Did you have a good conversation with Purah?"

"I suppose so," Midna grumbles out reluctantly. "She is not so bad, for a Sheikah. Speaking of... She has requested that we journey to Kakariko Village. Apparently, there are some strange new ruins that have appeared. She wants to have you examine them for potential clues about the new situation."

"Hmm... I suppose that it's better than sitting on our hands here," Lila sighs out and Midna pats the hand resting on her arm gently. "So it's 'we' then?"

Midna feels a warm flush in her face at the teasing tone. "If you remain unopposed to my company. I would like to stay at your side. I think we could make a good team," Midna's reply is thick with more vulnerability than she's comfortable with. It's not a lie though. Lila is obviously powerful and Midna would like to see her in action.

"A team huh?" Lila muses and Midna watches as the woman bites her lip. "Is that what we'll be?" The Lorulean stops and Midna turns to face her. Lithe, silken fingers from Lila's free hand glide up Midna's arm. "Or are you being sent along as my guardian?"

Midna makes a small noise of amusement at the thought. She takes a bold step forward while Lila's hand comes to a stop atop her shoulder. "Hililini... I've witnessed you splitting your magic at least four different ways today. Not to mention, Purah-ji told me she still goes numb sometimes from your little shock." An amused smirk pulls at Lila's lips and Midna's heart skips. This woman, she thinks, truly is dangerous. "I think that, if anything, you would be protecting me. So, for the sake of my pride, I request that we call ourselves a team."

Lila's sharp playful grin warms her chest. "I knew that I liked you for a reason," The shorter woman teases. "I suppose that I could lower myself to such equivalency. If I simply must."

Midna puffs out a soft laugh before pausing beside the town square. "Then, how about you go see about getting us horses prepared, while I go gather supplies for our trip?" She smirks at the surprised part of Lila's lips. "You know... Split the duties, since we're partners now?"

The woman's thin lips draw into a small almost secret smile as she replies, "Yeah. I can handle that, partner."

"Sarqso. We will make good time, at this rate. I shall meet you by the..." Midna pauses before looking around the Landing. "Which gate would be best? I am not exactly sure which way to go yet."

"East, darling," Lila states before stepping closer to her. Midna flushes as the woman's hand glides up her arm until it finds her neck. She lets herself be pulled down until the shorter woman leans forward to press a light kiss to her cheek. "I'll see you shortly. Don't forget to bring my tea please."

"W-will do!" Midna stutters out as she watches Lila saunter off while giggling into her hand. She presses her fingertips to the tingling patch of skin on her cheek and feels skin as warm as the emotions blooming in her chest.

/-/

Lila sighs with relief as Midna calls out, "I see the stable ahead, Lila. We're about a five minute ride away."

The sound of insects has begun to fill the mid-spring air with song. A cool wind blows into her face, carrying the scent of forest and damp river mist. The taste of the venison jerky she'd been chewing still lies heavy on her tongue. Each gentle step of her mount lulls her to a comfortable peace.

There's always been something freeing about riding her horse. Ashei, a birthday gift from Link, has been a faithful companion for about four years now. It had taken some rather rigorous training with the mare before Link was satisfied with allowing her to ride alone. He'd even taught the mare to stick to the obvious paths and roads, unless led astray by himself.

She tries to imagine Ashei's pure white coat marred only by a dark spot on her forehead and halfway up the length of her legs. She can't help but think that she always has the wrong image.

Lila hears the gentle plodding of Midna's mount as it falls into step with hers. "How are you holding up, Hililini? I know that I am ready to be off this rrusha for a while. I have never done well with extended riding periods." Lila brushes her hand gently across Ashei's neck, enjoying the feel of the thick hairs against her palm.

"I'm holding up alright. Though, I am definitely ready for a break. It's starting to get a bit nippy out," Lila states even as a shiver wracks her spine and gooseflesh raises along her arms. She suspects that the sun must be setting at this point. "What time is it?"

"We shall be arriving at the Wetland Stable just before nightfall. Are you thinking we should call it a night here?" Lila nods her confirmation. "Sounds like a plan. Do these places usually have warm meals prepared, or are we cooking?" Good question. The jerky they shared was enough to tide over the last leg of the trip, but she's hungry too.

"They'll feed the horses, but we'll have to feed ourselves," Lila explains while considering dinner. "What sounds good?"

"When we took a break in the... Applean Forest, I think it's called?" At her confirmation, Midna continues, "Right. Well, I grabbed some apples. Using the supplies I got from the Lookout I can put together a nice Meat Stew. If I mix in some apples then we will have a nice savory, sweet dinner. Nothing like a warm stew on a cool night."

Lila can't help but salivate at the thought. "That sounds amazing. Marry me?" She breaks out into laughter at Midna's sudden coughing fit. "Sorry, sorry. I forget that you're an old timer. I was jesting." She grins as Midna's sputtering intensifies before she goes quiet with a deep breath.

"Ugh... I will have you know, Lila-va," Midna finally replies with a matter of fact tone. One she's heard from Purah plenty of times. "I'm only twenty-four years of age. Hardly an old timer. As a matter of fact, I think you are ol-"

"Finish that thought," Lila interjects with a warning in her tone. "And I shall douse you in water. Never speak to a ladies' age Midna, it is considered bad manners."

Midna's voice cracks with laughter as she retorts," Wh- You just did!"

Lila makes a dismissive noise and raises her nose into the air. She does her best to adopt a haughty air as she says, "I do not know what you speak of. I'm an innocent, helpless blind woman. I can't believe you would throw such accusations around so callously."

"Is that how it is to be then?" Midna's tone is dry as she adds, "Well, I suppose that you were wanting to eat jerky for dinner tonight."

Lila gasps and covers her mouth. "You wouldn't!" She wouldn't... right?

"Hmm... You are pretty cute... I suppose that I can let it go this once," Midna hums out and she hears the woman's horse slow to a stop. She gently pulls on Ashei's reins until the mare stops as well. "We are almost there."

Lila waits until she hears Midna's light footsteps on the dirt road before reaching out her hand. Her companion is there in seconds, taking her hand and guiding her off the mount. She lands fairly gracefully before stepping closer to the taller Twili. Lila places her hands on the other woman's shoulders before leaning up on her toes. She leans in and presses a gentle kiss to her cheek. The sharp breath that Midna takes makes her smile against the woman's cool skin.

"I think you're pretty cute too," Lila mutters, then it's her turn to gasp as Midna's arms pull her into a loose embrace. She feels the woman shift until pillow soft lips are pressed to the corner of her mouth. The fingers on Midna's shoulders tighten reflexively before she turns her head slightly. She wants those lips on hers, desperately. Midna leans back with a hand on the middle of her chest.

"H-hold on... Just... Not yet," The Gerudo woman is breathless and Lila understands. She's breathless too. Her heart is pounding in her chest and her stomach is fluttering in pleasant ways. "If we start... I don't think I could stop..."

Midna's concession draws a low whine from her lips. Still she respects it and is, begrudgingly, grateful for the other woman's self-control. The stables aren't known for their privacy after all. That doesn't stop her from leaning in until she's almost nuzzling into Midna's throat. The woman smells like sweat and prairie winds. Lila doesn't have the same self-control. She's had it for years and now that there's someone here in her arms – someone she desires and she knows desires her – stopping is the last thing she wants.

"L-Lila..." Midna gasps out her name. How is she supposed to control herself? She presses her lips the pulse point, feeling the vein swell with each rapid beat of Midna's heart. When the woman is gasping her name, her heart is racing, and those strong arms are pulling her even closer? The other woman lets out a quiet low moan and Lila feels her face pressing into her hair. "By Hailiya... how do you affect me so?"

"Midna," She whines against the other woman's throat. She sucks lightly at the skin and pulls at it with her teeth. The Gerudo is trembling and gasping in her arms. "I need you... I need you so badly."

"W-we... we really... Lila hngh... What if someone sees..." Midna breathes out and Lila groans out her frustration. "I want to... I want you, Lila." Hearing those words destroys her. She mewls against the woman's flesh and nearly collapses into her. She's already so needy, the evidence pooling between her legs is upsettingly demanding. "Soon, I promise..."

It takes all of her willpower to pull away, to stop her lavish assault on the other woman's throat. She clutches desperately at the bare shoulders under her palms. "Stop... sounding so sexy... It's not fair," Lila groans as she struggles to calm her racing heart. "I can't even kiss you yet. It's a cr- Mmff!"

She's dying. She's going to die. She's dead and her spirit is fading. That's what is happening as Midna's soft velvet lips connect with hers and the woman swallows her words. Lila's knees do give out but the other woman supports her weight effortlessly. Her sharp noise of surprise and approval is met with parted lips and panting breath. She feels Midna's forehead against hers. She's aware of all of their contact.

Midna's chest heaving against hers, the powerful arms around her waist and upper back, the sound of a thick swallow beneath their panting breath. She can feel Midna almost quivering beneath her hands. She glides her fingers up the woman's throat and along her jaw until the smooth, unblemished cheeks are beneath her palms. She pulls Midna's mouth against hers once more. This time, prepared, she nips and sucks at the woman's lower lip. Lila doesn't care who might be watching. Hearing Midna's throaty, dark moan consumes her thoughts.

She needs it, needs to hear it again and again and a- Suddenly Midna's tongue is gently pressing to her lips and Lila's parts for her. She can't do so fast enough. She meets the woman halfway, greeting her wet muscle with enthusiasm. Midna tastes of jerky and apple and Lila can't get enough. She can't think straight anymore. She can't remember what they're supposed to be doing. Can't focus on anything other than the woman holding her so close and the need threatening to slick her thighs.

But then Midna's pulling away. Sweaty and panting and clinging Lila to her chest like she'll float away under a light breeze. "Lila... I-" Lila reaches up a trembling hand and presses it to Midna's lips. She hates it. The fact that she's found some form of coherence in the moment's reprieve. As desperate as she is, as willing as she is to be laid on the dirt of the road and taken right then, she knows Midna is right.

"Kakariko..." Lila breathes out the word. "We'll have a private space there. Then I- I need you. I need you to touch me, Midna. I don't think I can survive much longer without."

She lets her fingers fall and Midna remains stock still and silent. Lila can't gauge her reaction. She waits and waits and just when she begins to think she's made some kind of mistake Midna lets out a long sigh, one that shudders the woman's whole body. "Lila-va... you are dangerous... Are all of your people so bold?"

Lila can't help the shy smile that pulls at her lips as she shakes her head. "No... that's just me... I-I just know what I want and am unafraid to say it. I hope... that's not a problem? Have I overstepped? I'm so-" This time it's Midna touching her lips to silence her rambling.

"It is fine," Midna's breathless humor is enough for Lila's tension to leave her shoulders. Only to tense again as hot breath blows across her ear. The Gerudo's voice becomes a low whisper, "I look forward to it, to making you writhe for me. I want to hear you gasping and pleading for more." A soft whimper escapes Lila's lips as the hot breath leaves her ear. "I hope I wasn't too forward." Midna's teasing laughter makes her chest flood with warm emotions of a different sort.

Emotions that confuse and scare her. She shouldn't be feeling these things. They've known each other for a day at best. She recognizes them though, from a... crush – a simple crush, yes – that she'd had – has – on Paya. A crush that has finally begun to fade and fizzle out. The woman has just never seemed interested and Lila knows better than to waste her life pining.

Lila falls into step with the other woman after passing off Ashei's reins. She lays a hand on Midna's shoulder blade to keep herself steady as they walk in front of the horses. Midna has come along and just ruined her on other people. Even Link and Zelda have taken years to understand that she's not incapable. Not that it has been perfect. She'd had to fight them for the chance to go under the castle and explore. Had to explain that she's the most intimate person with Dark magics and they needed her to come along.

Midna understands though. She knows that Lila isn't weak. Yesterday, the other mage had been protective, but understandably so. Lila is grateful for it, for her care. She'd not been doing well, all things considered. Now that she's functioning properly though, Midna doesn't even give it a second thought. Maybe that's what makes her feel so much for the other woman. The fact that Midna sees her as an equal, that they share their magical prowess, that they're connected somehow.

She hadn't recognized it until their first kiss. It had been like something had settled in her heart, a piece that had been missing so long that she never realized it was gone. Something more binds them together, but she's never been one to despair fate. If Lila's meant to be bound to someone, then Midna's started off with a strong case for why it should be her.

The smell of the stables hits her like a truck. Hay and animals and manure. It's a powerful scent, one that reminds her of younger days. From before they were sent to the castle to train as soldiers. She and Link lived with their grandmother on her ranch, Lon-Lon ranch. They'd spent many days working stables and tending cuckoo's, many late evenings challenging each other to cooking contests and play fighting in the fields.

"Hey! Miss Lila, is that you?!" A familiar childish voice calls out as small feet pound across packed dirt. "It's me, Ami. Boy am I glad to see you." The sound of skidding feet. "Oh wow... I've never seen you before..."

"Sav'saaba. I am Midna, a friend of Lila's," She hears the warm smile in Midna's voice. "It is nice to meet you Ami."

"You too. Oh look at those swords! Wow! Are you really strong, like Miss Lila and Mister Link?" Lila allows herself a small smile. Ami, one of the stable boys for the Wetlands Stable. He's a good boy and a hard worker. His two older brothers could stand to learn from his example.

"Oh yes Ami," Lila states while reaching a hand out towards the young boy. Her fingers find purchase around a small gloved hand. She kneels down and faces towards the boy. "She's very strong. Why do you ask?"

"Well, we have a bit of a monster problem. After the castle got lifted up and the sky started falling, the monsters started getting way more aggressive. I just dug out a new well, just a little ways in the forest, because we were considering expanding. Then this group of monsters moved in and made it way too dangerous."

Lila pursues her lips at the thought. It seems that the Malice is already making life much more dangerous and difficult for her people again. Like the Calamity has come again. She feels Midna's hand on her shoulder and nods to the boy. "Don't worry Ami. Midna and I will take care of it, no problem. Would you be a dear and stable our horses and get us checked in for a bed?"

"Yeah definitely! Thank you Miss Lila, Midna!" She rises as the boy takes the reins from Midna. "The well is back that way, you can't miss it. Good luck and stay safe!" The pair linger for a moment as the horses are led away with the gentle clopping of hooves.

"I assume that those weapons are for more than show?" Lila questions after a beat of quiet. Midna's sharp laugh makes her lips curl up. "Then, let's go clean up this mess huh?"

"Sounds like a plan," Lila feels an arm loop through hers and she rests her other hand on Midna's forearm. The Gerudo's confident tone has her biting her lip as the woman says, "I'm excited to see you in action, Lila-va. If your destructive capabilities are what I think they are, I doubt that I'll have to lift a finger."

Lila doesn't bother confirming vocally, letting her confident smirk speak instead. Midna's not wrong, she thinks, maybe she could show off just a little bit. She draws on her magic stores, the power deep in her center, just below her stomach. It's always been odd that she feels it like a physical lake of liquid strength. Now that she thinks about it, Midna is a trained mage. Why not draw on that knowledge?

"Midna... why does my magic feel physically present? I've always compared it to a type of pool in my- uh... below my stomach, but I know that it isn't a truly physical force." She can't help but ask. It's something she apparently should've learned in the Twilight Tower. She longs for knowledge, yearns for it. Knowledge is Power after all and Power is her domain.

"Interesting..." Midna seems somewhat awe struck or maybe just surprised. It's hard to read the emotion in her voice. Emotion that's gone when a practiced, teaching tone continues on, "Firstly, I subscribe to the idea that Magic is related to the soul and to the personality of the wielder. This is the basis of the 'Wisdom of Nayru' school of thought. It is viewed in relativity to the location of one's affinity."

"For instance, my magic is always in the back of my head. When I draw on it, it becomes a sort of protective blanket around my mind. Though, it's not a physical thing, like you correctly assumed. It is important to note that the location of one's magic is one of, if not actually, the most personal thing that a caster can share about themselves. This is an opinion shared by every mage I have met."

"Truly?" Lila gasps out as a warm flush fills her cheeks. If it is so, then the fact that Midna gave up the information so freely... Lila's heart skips in her chest, while her stomach flutters. "I have many questions, but let's start with why it's personal?"

"Well, location is dependent on your magical affinity, this is the most important piece of information. Whether the location determines the affinity – or if affinity determines the location – has been the subject of much debate. Though it has been a rule that has – as far as scholars are aware – been unbroken, so the difference is technically moot. Unless you're a Farore, but we will not be getting into that right now."

Lila makes a soft noise of understanding and amusement as Midna continues, "For instance, mages with affinities for spiritual magics – as my sect believes them to be – find their magic centered in their torso. They all tend to build strong bonds with and are very in tune with the state of the world. We classify these as spiritual affinities. They're the elements of Forest, Metal, Fire and Spirit."

"Okay, I'm following so far," Lila mutters as they come to a stop. She leans against a tree, the rough bark pressing into her skin. "What are the other two?"

"Well, there are the emotional magics, connected to mages that tend to be very empathetic and insightful individuals. These affinities are centered on the limbs. These magics are Earth, Wind, Water and Light. Then there are the logical magics, these mages tend to be given to scholarly pursuits. These are found in the head and throat. Their elements are Ice, Shadow, Lightning and Time. Each of these types often see struggles with one or both of their other counterparts."

"Right... But where do I fit into that? My magic is Dark. Which I know is not the same as Shadow magic."

"The general consensus among all mages is that both Divine and Demonic magic are something altogether separate from the natural magics," There's a moment's pause before she adds, "They tend to be considered primal forces all their own. Destructive and Creative forces that clash and compliment in equal measure. It's unknown currently where they fall on the three elements of the soul. Or if they do at all. Very little is understood about these affinities."

"Why is that?" Lila questions while tapping at her chin.

"There have only been two known wielders of this magic that have been submitted to study. The Demon Queen herself and her daughter. Her daughter never had any children to pass on the Darkness to..." Midna's explanation makes her gut twist in painful ways. My daughter... Tears burn hot in her eyes and rage boils beneath her skin. She does her best to quell the alien emotion.

Midna continues on, gratefully unaware of her turmoil, "Only the Great Evil has any other known connection to Dark magic. But it twists the Darkness with its malevolence and hatred. Dark magic, as you are obviously aware, is not a purely evil thing as had once been thought. The Demon Queen's philosophy is one that has been held in the highest regard since the Twilight Tower's founding. It laid the foundations for the separate schools."

"Power is a tool," Lila states. The words are written upon her very soul. How could she not know them? "It is not good and it is not evil, nor does it corrupt or create. It merely lays bare the truth of its wielder's heart and provides the means to act. No different than a blade in a warrior's hand, or a pen in a poet's."

A long beat of silence follows before it is interrupted by the sound of a snapping twig. She feels malefic eyes boring into her flesh. Lila immediately flares out a blast of power, a dome of shadow magic that repels an incoming projectile. A more personally natural form of Daruk's Protection that she developed. "Lizalfos!" Midna shouts as the sound of drawn steel fills her ears. " Three of them. One ahead, and one on each side. About fifteen feet away. A single Moblin is approaching, about forty feet away."

"Understood." Lila states while solidifying the protective dome with spirit magic, a protective pyramid of Twilight power. She expands her senses through a burst of life magics, like a wave it washes out from the dome until she finds the false life of the Darkness-born creatures. The energy outlines them in her mind's eye. She can feel each heartbeat, each breath like it is her own. Even Midna's essence stands out to her.

The Darkness burbles as if in recognition of the woman, or anticipation of the battle. It's hard to tell. She longs to draw on the Dark magic, to consume their enemies energy and life-force for herself. She hesitates though, with the memory of that malefic Gloom like a beacon in the back of her mind... she fears that it will call too much attention to them. So instead she settles on lightning. On using a skill she had learned from Urbosa.

She summons the Lightning magics to the tips of her fingers until it's concentrated enough to arc and sizzle audibly into the barrier around them. The Lizalfos are striking at the dome when she snaps her fingers. The sound of cracking, like thunder ripping through the air, fills her ears. Followed by the smell of burnt flesh and ozone. The Lizalfos' twisted cries of pain last only moments before she senses their dispersal into smoke and Malice. Lila then smirks and lets the protective magic fade.

"The Moblin is all yours, darling," Lila hums out while dusting her hands free of the vestiges of crackling energy. Midna acknowledges her with a small noise before the sound of feet pounding on the grassy ground reaches her ears.

Lila summons out her forest magic once more, sweeping the magic across the ground in search of any dropped spoils. The sound of combat fills her ears as she makes a victorious noise at the signal of faintly unnatural energies. She scoops up the rare Lizalfos tail, before wandering over to collect the more common horns and talons. Elixir ingredients are always handy, though she hasn't kept the best stock in recent years. It may be time to pick back up the old hobby.

The tell-tale sound of a monster disintegrating sounds across the quiet forest air. Lila turns her head towards the direction and loudly says, "Save me those monster parts, Midna. I'll make use of them later. Probably have you run some errands to collect insects for me too."

"Anything else I can do for you my lady?" Midna's playful retort sounds. "Maybe a foot massage?"

"Since you're offering, my thighs are pretty sore. Could use some attention," Lila smirks at the choked sound her partner makes.

"You are incorrigible, Hililini."

-ji - scholarly suffix. For career mentors, researchers and coaches. Based of Ji the word for "master; respectable adult"

rrusha - horse

Shoutout to Seiboz07 on Reddit and the Gerudo Language Academy on Facebook.

A/N: Linkle thirsty af. What else to say here. Oh right, Magic. Yeah, I hope that my take on Magic in the series ends up being a fun one. I like it and think it's pretty neat. We're definitely being exposed to the deeper end immediately here. Don't worry, we'll be going in depth with the basics and explaining how things actually work... eventually.