New chapter time!
Sorry about the wait. Life happened.
Chapter 10: Return to the Light Realm.
Stopping a hallway away from her room, Midna leans her back against the wall and lets out a tired sigh. Seeing that she's alone for now, she looks down at the mark on her right hand that's mostly covered by her long sleeves. Flaring her mana sightly, the Triforce of Power starts to glow. Staring at the mark she takes a moment to process everything that's happened over the last day.
Midna's not quite sure how to feel about now having the power that was responsible for all the trouble that her and the Twili went through the last year.
'There is a certain irony in that I now have the power of your "God", huh Zant. While one of the Light Dwellers you hated so much has the power of the very god you used to worship when we were children.' She thinks. 'This is one third of the power our ancestors fought so hard to get. They caused so much destruction and death and got banished to get this. And now I have it. Fate is a mysteries thing.'
A small part of Midna wonders what her cousin would say if he was still alive to see all of this. Would the presence of the God of Twilight matter to him? Or would he still be too far gone in his madness and jealousy? She almost wishes he was still around to ask him. The princess could ask Eclipse, he is a death god after all. Probably was the one to guide Zant into the afterlife. ...And now that she's come to him, Midna considers the behemoth in the room.
Eclipse, the God of Twilight, member of the dark trinity, one of the guardian deities of the Twilight Realm, said to rivel the golden goddesses, is inside her now boyfriend's head. 'From what Link relayed to me, Eclipse sure acts, different than what I was expecting from a god.' He's one of their more mysteries gods as there aren't many stories about him. The biggest myths about him are that he was the one to create the Twilight Realm. And he was the one to show the Twili a new way to use their magic after the Fused Shadow was divided and hidden. And in those stories, he was always depicted as a reserved god who didn't show or care for emotions.
'But from the way Link was talking, our tales might have gotten some things wrong. Both about Eclipse and his sword.' It still surprises her that the Twilight Sword even exists. 'The legends say that it was destroyed along with the last king of the Zuna by the golden goddesses. But here it is completely intact. Although, I can't help the feeling that something is off about the sword.'
'It's just like it's depicted in the ancient myths. Black sword, draconic winged guard, immense dark power coming from it. All that is there. If I get the chance, I should ask Eclipse about it to get to the heart of the matter. It's probably just something the myths added or removed.' Midna then gives a chuckle of amusement. 'I wonder what Zelda will say when she learns about us having conversations with a god inside Link's head about me and Link's love life and the validity of myths. She will definitely freak out. Wonder if I could get her to teach me how to properly use the Triforce of Power so I don't waste all my mana on a single spell.'
Dropping her hand as her mana settles and the Triforce piece stops glowing, Midna pushes herself away from the wall. Walking down the hallway the twilight princess files that away for the moment. That stuff can be done later. Right now, she has to calm the other Twili and call the council. Things have to be ready in case they are attacked again. Before she can make it five steps the twilight princess catches her reflection in one of the windows. And she's a mess. Her lipstick is smudged, her hairs a mess, and she has got several hickey's dotting her neck.
'Well, that won't do. Probably for the best I don't let anyone see the aftermath of me and Link's private time.' She thinks.
Focusing the barest amount of mana she can, Midna brings her right hand up and snaps her fingers, and a flash a cyan light covers her body. When it fades the Twilight Princess stands there with her hair and makeup back to how they were the day before, and the hickey's gone.
'Glad that worked, Link's lucky he has a collar to hide the marks I gave him.'
Looking at her hand and seeing the glowing mark of the Triforce, she gives a frown.
'But I still used a bit too much mana on that. This is going to be tricky to control.'
Thinking she's dawdled enough the princess walks off to go find her people.
As she gets closer to the bottom floor of the main hall Midna can hear loud indistinct chatter coming from up ahead. Stopping around the corner, right at the top of the stairs just at entrance to the main hall, Midna takes a moment and looks around. Many Twili of different ages are occupying the space. With several knights and servants going to and throe.
The main hall of the Palace of Twilight is a massive chamber going up hundreds of feet. With dozens of staircases and cyan glowing floating platforms allowing easy access to the many levels of the palace. With her bedchambers being near the middle and the throne room at the very top of the chamber. And the huge glowing royal family crest on the far wall. Filling the chamber with light.
Despite the early hour it seems most of the palace is awake. She can't really blame them with everything that had happened yesterday. Focusing, she tries to eavesdrop on some of what's being said.
"I heard from some of the knights that the thing that attacked us was sent by lord Malladus. And that this is only the beginning." Said a man standing with a group of four others, two other men and one woman.
"Yeah. I was out there in the battle. We were almost completely unable to fight back against those. Phantoms I think they were called? At least that's what that squid called them. Our weapons were useless, didn't even make a scratch. And any magic we tried barley slowed them down. Don't know how we beat them. I was too far away from the action as I was guarding the main doors to the palace." Said one of the others with a shake of his head.
The lone woman pipes up. "I was fighting close to where the princess and sir Max were battling. After sir Max was taken over this gold light began shining from the Princess. After this huge magic circle appeared in the sky, thousands of light swords came down like rainfall and completely decimated the enemy. I was knocked out by the second wave, so I didn't see what happened then." She then rubs the spot on her head that got hit when she was thrown to the ground.
The last man put his hand on her shoulder and gave her concerned look. "You sure you're ok, Honey? The doctors did say you should rest some more."
She turns to her husband and gives him a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm fine, Calix. Just a little headache. Can't sit around and do nothing while the other Twili are facing this apocalypse, can I?"
Calix drops his hand and sighs. "Fine, Amara, I'll believe you. Just promise me you'll take it easy today and not do push yourself too hard. Ok?"
Amara leans over and gives a quick peck to Calix's cheek. "Promise." She said.
Midna then looks over across the room to another group, this one consisting of only five women.
"I heard that we were once again saved by the Blue-eyed Beast of the Light Realm." Said one of the women.
"You saw everything didn't you, Cassia? I heard from your brother that you were on the frontlines with him." Said the second Twili to the one leaning on a wall a little away from the group.
"...Yeah, I saw it all." Said Cassia, a frown going across her face. "That thing knocked away chairman Sebastian's daughter, Mia. Then as it raised its sword and we heard it say it was going to mutilate the Princess and take her with him. Me and my squad were trying to get to the princess, but we were being held off by one of the Phantoms and couldn't get to her. Right before the sword came down, this massive white light shined on the battlefield. It was so bright that everything just stopped for a moment. Then out of the portal to the Light Realm I saw his body from. He then attacked Bellum and threw him away from the Princess. All in the span of like five seconds."
"Is it true that he then said he was going to rip out that things heart for hurting the woman he loved!?" Said the third one that was one of the two in the group wearing a maid uniform in excitement.
"Yes, he did." Said the fifth one, an interested gleam in her eye. "I was part of the group, I heard him. Do you think the rumors were true and that the Princess and this Hero had some kind of love affair while she was in the Light Realm? Could we be looking at a royal wedding in the near future? Maby a new hear to the throne?!"
"Well, they did disappear for the whole night. And Pavlina said that she last saw them was in the Princess's chambers when she brought them food. So, it's a possibility!"
The fourth one that was wearing a maid uniform spoke up. "Wait before we get anymore off topic. I thought princess Midna said she destroyed the Mirror of Twilight? How did the portal open?"
Cassia looks over to her. "You've heard the rumors going around the palace, right Sara?"
"About her Highness and the Hero?" Said Sara, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
"No. About the Hero having lord Eclipse's sword." Cassia said rolling her eyes.
"Oh! Yes, I heard that some Twili saw him with it. But I thought they were mistaking. The Twilight Sword isn't supposed to exists after all."
"Well, it seems our head priests have been wrong for the last few hundred years. Not only did I see him with the sword, but I also saw him use the Flames of Twilight. And they were the real thing. I have never felt a dark power that at the same time was so soothing like that in all my life." Cassia said with a far off look in her eye.
The first one speaks up then. "What do you think all this means? Could this Hero somehow be the reincarnation of lord Eclipse, come to save us from lord Malladus?"
As the chatter continues Midna feels her cheeks warm from what they were saying. 'Just what kind of things are they saying! We've been together less than a full day! It's too early to be thinking about marriage! Wait, no. That's not the important thing at the moment. Focus Midna! You need to call the meeting and put to bed some of these more out there rumors.'
With a shake of her head the twilight princess walks down the steps and into the main hall proper.
As she walks through the crowd of Twili Midna hears the voices die down as she feels everyone's eyes start to burn a hole into her back. Walking into the center of the four black orbs that need to be filled with magic energy to materialize the first cyan platform, Midna turns and faces her people.
Staring into the unblinking gaze of her fellow Twili, Midna puts her behind her back and speaks.
"Good morning, everyone."
And with that one statement, pandemonium ensued.
Eyes wide Midna moves her head side to side as she tries to make out a coherent sentience from all voices speaking at once.
"Princess is it true that Malladus attacked us!?"
"Do you think he's enraged with us that Zant took over and is taking his anger out on us!?"
"Does the hero from the Light Realm really have lord Eclipse's sword!?"
"How are we going to fight against a god!?"
"Is this hero your new suiter!?"
"Do we know if lady Nivana and lord Eclipse are going to get directly involved!?"
"What will it mean for us if our gods are fighting each other!?"
"Are you going to elope with this hero or have a ceremony!?"
Blinking at the many questions at are being thrown her way, Midna doesn't know how they expect her to answer them when they just keep asking one question after the other. With an annoyed look on her face the Twilight Princess takes her right hand from behind her back and raises it to her face. Wrapping her lips around her middle finger and thumb, Midna lets out a loud whistle, piercing the air and silencing the other Twili. Seeing that did the trick she puts her and back behind her back and speaks in a loud clear voice.
"Ok, one at a time! I will try to give you all answers, but I can't do that with everyone talking at once. Also, I will say this once; I am together with Link, no we are not eloping, we did not have a 'love affair' in the Light Realm, and I am not with child." Shes not even a hundred percent sure she and Link could even have kids. 'And besides neither of us are ready to be par-. Focus Midna! Stop getting distracted by these dumb rumors!' She gives her head a shake to regain her senses and looks to the Twili.
After a few moments several hands from the crowd went up. Looking around Midna points to the hand belonging to Cassia.
"Do we know why we were attacked?"
"Bellum wanted a gem that was in my possession. Unfortunately, we couldn't stop his friend Vaati from taking it."
She then points to Calix.
"Are we going to be attacked again?
"I don't know. But we will make preparations in case we are. We will not be taken by surprise again."
Midna moves her finger over to the maid.
"Does the Blue-eyed beast really have the Twilight Sword?"
"Yes, he does. I don't know how, but it is the real thing."
Midna next points to Sara as low chatter starts to come from some of the Twili at the last bit.
"What are we going to do next, Princess?"
"Me and Link need to return to the Light Realm and figure out what's happening. I will call the council and inform them. I do not know when I will return so they will take over ruling for me while I am away."
She then moves to a man in a servant uniform.
"Are you really sure that we can trust this 'Link' guy?"
"Would it help if I swore on my life to do all I can to help?"
Before Midna can answer that she hears Links voice as he rounds the corner and stands on the landing.
Silence falls over the chamber as the other Twili just stare at the hylian and the black sword strapped to his back.
"...Uh..hi?" Link said raising his right hand.
Most of the Twili do not offer a greeting back, except some of the younger children present, who wave back at the hero.
Walking down the last four steps the crowd of bodies part for the hero, making a direct path to Midna.
"...Ok." Link said in puzzlement.
As he makes his way over to her the Twili give him a wide berth. All of them still quite and staring at the Twilight Sword.
Finaly getting to the space with her and facing the crowd with Midna Link speaks out the side of his mouth.
"Sorry it took me so long. I got lost a few times."
"How could you possibly get lost?" Midna said out the side of her mouth while glancing at Link from the corner of her eye.
"I don't have my map anymore, and our new friend isn't the best with directions."
Ten minutes ago.
"This is another dead end!" Link exclaimed coming to the end of the path.
"I could have sworn you needed to have turned right at the second hallway."
"This is the fourth dead end you lead us to! How do you, a god, not know where we are going!?" Link thought that Eclipse would be able to guide him now that the commotion from before had stopped after that high pitched whistle.
"I'm sorry, but do I look like a fucking map and compass to you? I haven't been in this us forsaken palace in a goddess's dammed millennium. Last time I was here this place was only four floors. Now they've gone and doubled it!"
"I apologize that I am of no help as well, master Link. I have not yet memorized the layout of this location." Chimed in Fi.
"Well that's just great. Now how am I going to find Midna! Link said in exasperation as he felt an odd tingle sensation go across his face.
"You are looking for princess Midna?" Said a female voice behind him.
Turing around Link sees that same pink long haired nurse from yesterday coming down the hall with a try of food in her hands.
"Yes." Link said, a little worried she might have heard him talking to nobody.
...And it was at this moment that Link remembered that he never cleaned off Midna's lipstick marks from his face.
"She didn't. She only heard your last exclamation. I also removed those the second she stepped into the hallway. You may show gratitude later."
"I saw her in the main hall while I was going to get some food to bring to Mia and Max." She said gesturing to the tray in her hands. "If you fallow me, I can show you most of the way there. After that Its only down a few flights of stairs."
Giving her a grateful smile Link said. "I would really appreciate that. Miss?"
"My name is Lydia." She said as she gave him a small smile.
"I'm Link." He replied.
"I know. We kind of met last night."
Link grimaced. "Sorry."
"Oh don't worry about it. You did seem a bit distracted. And we weren't properly introduced. So I don't blame you for forgetting. Now it's this way." Lydia said walking back down the hallway with Link right beside her. Both making some small talk as they go.
"I'll tell you later." Link said to Midna.
"...Ok." Midna said, curious as to what he could mean by that.
"Why would the chosen hero of the golden goddesses even want to help us?" Said the same man from before while a lot of her fellow Twili start to look apprehensive. "It was the goddesses that were the ones that locked us away in here. What reason would you have to help?"
Facing the Twili fully Link specks. "Because none of you have anything to do with the Interlopers that attacked Hyrule back then, and it's the right thing to do. I might be chosen by the gods that threw you in here, but they can't decide who I help. I know some of your history, Midna has told me a little about it while we were traveling together. And I don't see any of you as monsters. Your just people who are still being blamed for something that your ancestors did long ago. It's my hope that you all could come to trust me one day."
Nobody says anything for a moment as a few of the Twili start to look more accepting of Link. After a beat one last voice specks.
"Are we really, truly, going to war against the God of Darkness?" Said Amara. A worried look on her and some of the others faces.
Sighing, Midna replayed. "As much as I want to tell you all no, it looks like for whatever reason lord Malladus wants us dead. So yes, we are going to fight." She then pus her hand on Link's left shoulder. "But do not despair. Link has found lord Eclipse's sword. The fact that it even still exists and he found it when we needed help the most is proof that someone out there is looking out for us. Be it him, lady Nirvana, or maybe even the golden gods. We will make it through this crisis, wont we!?"
"Yes, princess Midna!" Coursed her people.
"Good. You three." Midna said pointing to three knights standing by the door. "Inform the council members that we will be meeting in two hours."
"At once, Princess." Said one as they all bowed then walked off.
"The rest of you to your duty's. And I want no more of those rumors going around, am I clear?" Midna says in a loud voice to the rest of the Twili.
"Yes, your highness." Said most of the people before the crowed started to disperse.
"Well, that wasn't as bad as I was expecting." Link chimed in after most of the Twili had gone.
"Yeah honestly, I was expecting everything not to go over so well with the others. There are still a few Twili that think the same way as Zant did after all." Midna replied dropping her hand from his shoulder.
Link looks over to her. "Do they cause trouble for you?" He said in worry.
Midna shakes her head. "No not really. Most of them aren't a threat as they are just a handful of servants. But there is one we should keep an eye on."
"Who's that?"
"Councilman Raphael. Out of the remaining members that survived being turned into shadow beasts, he is the only one that backed Zant as the next ruler of twilight. He won't be, joyful, that me and you are courting. And I have no idea how the others will react."
"I'll keep a look out." Link said after a moment, and she guesses that Eclipse probably said something to him.
'...And that's still going to take a bit of time to get used to.'
"Come on, let's go. I want to check on Max and Mia before the meeting." Midna said grabbing his hand and walking back to the steeps with Link right beside her.
"Sure." Link said allowing himself to be pulled along by his girlfriend.
As the go up the steeps Midna tries very hard to keep the humor out of her voice as she turns her head slightly to him and asked when there is nobody else around. "So, how exactly did you get you get lost with a god in your head?"
Link just sighs, knowing he's not going to hear the end of this for a while.
"Heheheheh!" Midna laughs with her right hand covering her mouth as her left bracers against the wall next to the doors to the infirmary to keep her from falling over.
"Ok, it's not that funny." Link said pouting with his arms crossed.
"It really is!" Midna said through her laughter.
"Gods give me strength." Link said putting his head in his hand.
"Nope sorry man. You're on your own." Eclipse said in amusement.
"Why are you enjoying this?" Link thinks to the god.
"Because I'm not the one who left his map of the palace at his home in another dimension." Eclipse replied. "Not your smartest move, hero."
"Hey! Without Midna I had to be choosey about what I brought with me! I can only carry so much!" It took him forever to figure out where to put the Ball and Chain.
"Are you finished now?" Link said seeing Midna calm herself and stand straight as he ignored the gods chuckles.
Giggling a little she said. "Yeah. I'm good for now. Let's go in." Opening the doors the couple step into the infirmary.
Looking around Link gets a good look at the place. Stretching out about two hundred feet is a long chamber with large windows let in the ever present light of dusk, casting the room in the soft orange light. Twenty beds covered with white sheets sits on both sides, making forty beds in total. Dark brown curtains hang on a set of rails around each bed, able to be pulled closed if the occupant wanted some privacy. Half the beds in the space are occupied. With most of the people in them still asleep.
Halfway across the infirmary on the right is the man Link guesses they are looking for. Max, heavily covered in cloth wrappings with some going over his face covering is right eye, is sat up slightly on the bed as Lydia and the blue haired maid, Mia he's pretty sure that's her name, sat in chairs on his left side, talk softly to him.
As the two walk up to them they can hear the last of what Mia is saying, her statements accompanied by enthusiast hand gestures.
"...And then he raises the fucking Twilight Sword up, the black fire going crazy on it, lightning flashing in the sky and swings it down on you! I swear, it was like something out of the old myths! Shit went crazy!"
"Sounds like it." Max replied, voice low.
"Good morning you three." Midna said as they came up to the side of his bed.
"Morning Midna, Link." Said Mia and the other two nodded at the princess. "I was just telling Max about what happened after he was possessed by that fucking squid. He doesn't remember much."
Midna nodes her head then looks at the injured man. "How are you feeling?" She asks.
"Like I was sliced up and nearly burned to a crisp. Your boyfriend really beat me into the ground." Max said. He then raises his hand to his banged eye. "The doctors said I'll heal fully, except for my eye. They think the damage was too much. Guess only time will tell now."
"Yeah, sorry about that." Link said as he raised his hand and rubbed the back of his head in shame.
"Link, right? No, I get it." Max said as he sat up and rested his back against the headboard. "I'm a solder, this is what I enlisted for. If it's to protect the Princess and the Twili, I will gladly give up my life."
Facing Link, Max holds out his banged right hand. "As a member of the royal gaud, and as one of Midna's oldest friends, I want to give you my sincerest gratitude for all that you have done for the Twili."
Link grabbed the offered hand and said. "I'm glad I could help. I just wish I was able to get here sooner and stop all this from happening."
"Even if you were here at the start of the fighting, I doubt that would have stopped Max getting possessed." Said Mia.
"She makes a point. Even if you knew about Max being possessed by Bellum from the start, you would still have needed to weaken him before you could have gotten rid of the squid."
"But I still feel guilty." Link said out loud for everyone to hear. "I didn't to hurt anymore innocent Twili. I had to already kill enough of you during the Twilight Invasion last year."
"Princess Midna told us about that." Said Lydia, causing everyone to look at her. "You and the Princess had no way to turn any of us back when you were traveling, and only was able to break the spell when you found the Sol's. I can't speak for everyone, and while I do miss my brother and my husband. I am grateful to you that they aren't suffering anymore."
"None of the Twili you have slain blamed you or Midna. They knew what would likely happen when they were made to attack the Light realm. Their anger and resentment ley with the one that turned them. But know they are now at peace."
"We Twili are masters of magic." Said Mia. "We know how hard it is to break a curse. You shouldn't blame yourself. You needed to save your home, any of us would have done the same thing. No, the only one that should get the blame is Zant! I pray to Eclipse that basted is burring in hell!"
"Funny that she should say that."
"I told you before, Link." Midna said putting her hand on his shoulder. "The best we could have done at the time was put a stop to their suffering. It was the only way."
"Yeah, I know." Link sighed. He then placed a hand on Midna's and gave her a sad smile. "Still doesn't stop me from wishing I could have done something. The last thing I want to do is hurt your people, Midna."
Midna gave him a sad smile of her own, showing that she feels the same way as him.
"I heat to interrupt, but I must take my leave now." Spoke up Lydia. "My shift is about to start." She then stands from her seat and steps over to Max's side.
"Of course, Lydia. Don't let me keep you." Said Midna, while Link nodded.
"See you later Mrs Ariti." Spoke Mia.
"Ok Mom. Have a good shift. Love you." Max said.
"Thank you, Sweety. Love you too. You make sure to get some rest and I'll come check on you later." She said as she leaned downed and kissed the top of his head. "And actually sleep, Max. Mia's offer to tie you to the bed stills stands, young man."
Max went a little pale at that last part. "You got it. No need to worry. I'll sleep when princess Midna is done with me."
"You better. You almost collapsed last week because you went four days without sleeping. Sophia was panicked when she found you." She said staring into the black eyes of her son. A disapproving frown on her face.
"Don't worry, Lydia. We won't be long." Said Midna.
Lydia gave a bow to her ruler. "Then I will be off." She then walked down the rest of the length of the infirmary and disappeared into the room at the end of it.
As the four of them watch her go, Mia eyes the still joined hands. After a moment she spoke up.
"So, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is a thing." She said gesturing to their hands.
Dropping her hand from his she moves over to the now empty seat. Coughing into her fist Midna said as she sat down with Link standing to her left. "Yeah. A lot happened after Max was taken back inside and you fallowed him."
"Looks like it." Max said giving a pointed look to the Twilight Sword strapped to the back of the green clade hero.
Giving a bashful smile, Midna said. "Well Max, Mia, I got a story to tell you two."
Half an hour later Max leans back on the bed as Midna and Link leave the infirmary. Mind processing all that they were told.
"Well, fuck." Mia said sitting back in her chair.
"...You can say that again." Max said for a lack of anything better to say.
"Well, fuck." Mia repeated, head leaned back and staring at the ceiling.
Max let out short laugh as Mia sat up straight and looked at him.
"So, we really are going against one of the dark trinity, huh?" She asked.
"Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is any way to claim it's a falsehood." Max replied looking at her. "That 'Vaati' that attacked Midna and Link out right said he works for lord Malladus. And I know they were vague, but someone led Link to the Twilight Sword. It's probably a safe bet to say that was lord Eclipse's doing. Those dreams they mentioned don't really sound like something that lady Nirvana would do."
"What makes you so sure it wasn't one of the golden goddesses?" Mia asked wanting to know how he sounds so sure.
"I doubt that they would let their 'chosen hero' wield the weapon of another god, let alone one of the dark gods."
"You have a point. Guess we will need to start preparing to fight a war." Mia then scoots her chair closer to his bed. "But before that, you need to rest and fully heal."
"Fine, ok." Max said as he leaned back, and they both fall silent. His eyes moving to the exit he keeps his gaze locked on the closed door Link and Midna left through a moment ago, while Mia's roam around the room awkwardly.
After a few minutes of silence, Max speaks up. "Hey, Mia?"
"Yes?" She said moving her blue eyes back to his as they still stayed locked on the door.
"It's, not just me, right? Midna seems, happier now." He said.
"...Yeah. I noticed it too. When she came back after her adventure, she didn't seem as 'happy' as she should have been. It was like she left something important behind in the Light realm." She too looks to the door. "Guess we know finally understand what or who that was. You know, the only thing Midna ever told me about the Light realm was that she could never tell Link how she felt about him. But now looks like she got a second chance."
Max sat there for a moment thinking that over. Looking at Mia's beautiful face framed by her blue hair and light by the eternal twilight sky. He comes to a decision and summing the courage he should have had three years ago when Zant told him to grow a pair. Max reaches out with his left hand that isn't covered in wrappings, and takes hold of her hand.
Mia's gaze immediately shoots to their joined hands, then to his eyes, hers widening in surprise and a dark blue blush coming onto her face. Before she can even form the words to ask Max speaks.
"Mia, I almost died yesterday, you almost died yesterday. And nearly by my own hand. I know this is probably a horrible time to tell you, but we are fighting a god and all could be dead tomorrow. I don't want to die without telling you how a feel. This is the second chance the gods gave me and I'm not going to waste it." He reaches out with his other hand and grabs hers.
"I'm in love with you, Mia. And I have been for the last four years."
Mia sat there; eyes wide and not blinking. Before a huge smile takes over her face and a few tears well up in her eyes. She then leaps from her chair and wraps Max in massive loving embrace.
Letting out a grown a pain, Max hugs her back with a smile on his face.
"What took you so long!? I can't believe you! Telling me that you love me after nearly fucking dying." She said as she buried her face in his shoulder.
"Can I take that as an 'I love you too'?" He said with a small laugh.
Mia pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. With a deviant look in her eyes she shoots forward and captures his lips and passionate kiss.
After a moment she pulls back and said. "That answer enough for you?"
"Hmm. I don't know. You weren't very clear. A guy could get the wrong idea." He said with a cheeky smile.
"Max."
"Yes, Mia?"
"Shut the fuck up and kiss me."
"Glady."
As they meet once again the two were completely unaware of the two sets of eyes watching them. One set a pair of happy brown ones peaking from behind the door at the other end of the infirmary.
And the other, a content set of purple eyes sat across from them, completely unseen and unsensed by everyone in the room. Raising his hand, he snaps his fingers, and an invisible to mortal eyes black aura covers the royal guard member. With that done he then stands off the bed and makes his way over to the exit before passing through the solid stone door.
BANG!
"I can't fucking believe them!" Midna growled out in a low voice as her and Link entered her room after the council meeting, nearly ripping her door out the wall. "Where do they get off talking to you like that!"
Link sat on the bed as she continued to pace the length of the room in her agitation. He watchers her for a moment longer then speaks. "Midna, it's fine. We expected them to give me a hard time. You said so yourself that they wouldn't exactly approve of us being as 'close' as we are."
"Yeah I know, but that was without councilman Raphael there to stir the pot. And they still gave us shit about our relationship! I refuse to play their games and justify to them that you're a better chose then those 'candidates' they want me to choose!" She then stops in the middle of the room and stairs at him. "I, also don't want you to feel unwelcome here, Link. I want the twilight to feel like home to you, the same way it does to me."
Standing up off the bed, Link makes his way over to her. Placing his hands on her shoulders he speaks. "Midna, your friends seem to like me. Your people look to be open to the idea of me staying. And your here. The twilight already is starting to feel like home. So it doesn't matter what those assholes say, I'm not going anywhere. And I know you'll show those pricks who's in charge here."
Midna lets out a breath and said. "Yeah, Sorry Link. Guess I lost my head there for a minute. Let me grab the shadow crystal and we can be one our way."
"Ok." Link said dropping his hands from her shoulders as she steps away from him.
"You know, its endearing that you have so much faith in the mother of your child. And people say romance is dead." Spoke Eclipse as Midna picked up the crystal.
"Well, you know. We've been through a lot together. It would be strange if I- did you just say that Midna is fucking pregnant!?" Exclaimed Link, the volume of his voice causing Midna to drop the shadow crystal.
"I'm what!?" Shouted Midna in shock as she spun to face him, eyes wide and face almost white.
'Well, this is an unforeseen development.' Said Fi, voice slightly strand.
"Heheheheh ahahahahaha hohohohoo!" Laughed the god. "Oh by the goddesses! Your faces! I have never once in my thousands of years of existence wanted to be Hylia more than I do now. What I wouldn't give just to replay that moment for a decade!" Eclipse laughs out and Link could just see him holding his sides as his shoulders shake from the force of his laughter.
"Eclipse, clarify please! Is Midna carrying my kid!" Link said as panic started to seep into his voice. And Midna plopped onto the bed in absolute shock.
"Heheheh, ok, ok, no, no!" The god said starting to get control of himself as Link stepped over to her side and took her hand. Coughing out the last of his laughter he said. "No, Midna is not currently pregnant, so you both got lucky there. It was mainly a joke because I wanted to see your reactions and it was the funniest way I could think of to bring up the topic. Although I would recommend that if you two wish to 'bound' in the future you take some precautions to prevent that. Her being with child would be kind of inconvenient for us."
"I...I'm...pregnant?" Midna said in a quiet voice, eyes glazed over.
"Midna? Hey Midna!" Link said snapping his fingers twice Infront of her face to get her attention. When her eyes cleared, he continued. "No, Midna you're not pregnant. Eclipse was just playing a bad joke on us."
"Really? Oh, gods." She said placing her head in her right hand, suddenly vary exhausted. "I.. I wasn't even sure you and I could have children. And suddenly my god says I'm pregnant? Then I'm not? Yeah, I'm going to need a minute."
"Ok." Link said as he took a step back.
"Hmmmm. Thats odd, why did she think you two could not reproduce?" Mused Eclipse.
'I mean, I wasn't sure either.' Link thought at the god. 'I thought since the Twili were from another dimension that we weren't "compatible" for lack of a better word.'
"Who the hell told you that load of bullbos shit?" Eclipse replied. "Biologically specking, there is practically no difference between your two races."
"Really?" Link said outload, gaining Midna's attention.
"Yup. So there is nothing stopping you two from making all the little offspring you so desire." The god replied sounding oddly joyful. "Also, fun fact!" He said with a happy snap of his fingers. "Did you know that all the races of Hyrule can interbreed?"
"I'm sorry, come again?" Link said in disbelief.
"Yeah, you tend to stick to your 'own' so none of you really had the opportunity. But the four races, Hylian's, Humans, Goron's, and Zora's can all have children with each other. Cool right?"
"...Yeah, fascinating. Just, give me a second." Link said as he sat in the chair at Midna's desk.
"What did he tell you, Link?" Midna spoke after having composed herself and giving Link a moment to process.
"Short version; You're not pregnant. We can have kids perfectly fine, as can the other races of Hyrule. But Eclipse says right no isn't the best time. So he wants us to take a precaution. Whatever that means." Link said as he stood from the chair.
"Ok, how will that work? Is he going to snap his fingers and stop me or you from having the ability to have children?" Midna asked as he came to stand Infront of her.
"Oh, if only it where that easy. Sorry but that falls under Farore's domain since she is the goddess of life. As such I'm not allowed to mess with the process of creating new life. At least directly. No, what I will do is give you a list of herbs to make into a tea for her."
"Eclipse says we are going shopping." Link summarized.
"Ok." Midna said standing and picking up the crystal. "Let's just go before he says something mortifying again."
"Like what at this point?" Link asked as they head for the door.
"I could start giving her dreams about the most embarrassing parts of your childhood?"
"Please don't."
Coming out of the Palace the Hero asks his Princess a question.
"So, why do you think councilman Raphael wasn't at the meeting?"
Midna thinks about that for a moment before relying. "I don't know. It could be any number of reasons."
"Think he might cause trouble for you when we get back?" Link said in a grave voice.
"It's possible. If he does, then we will just have to handle him. Won't we?" Midna said with a smirk.
"Yes, we will." Link said with a smirk if his own.
As the two make they're across the courtyard Link looks around at the damage that's been done. Hearing Midna's sigh he turns is head to her.
"What's the matter?" Link inquired.
"Nothing. Just, we were almost done with the rebuilding. Now we have this to deal with." Midna said gesturing to the damage with a sweep of her arm as they pass where the Sol's rest.
"Well, I can volunteer to help when we get back. And maybe Eclipse and FI will lend a hand to us as well?" Link said with the last part being aimed at the god and sprit.
"Sorry but you got the wrong god. I am not a carpenter." Eclipse replied in a deadpanned voice.
'I can assist, Master. I have knowledge of masonry works.' Fi chimed in.
"You got me and Fi." Link amended.
Midna let out a giggle and said. "I'm sure you two will be more than enough."
Coming to the top of the sloop the two stand Infront of the small stone platform for the exit to the Twilight Realm.
"So I'm guessing I just do the same thing?" Link asked the god in his head after a moment.
"Yup. Same deal as before."
Nodding his head Link reaches up with his left hand and grabs the Twilight Sword. With the mark on his hand starting to glow purple once again, he unsheathes the sword. After taking a moment to adjust to the dark power, the hero of twilight points the blade at the empty space the portal once was and the gem on the sword glowed violet.
And a moment later the stone lit up and the familiar white lights blazed to life once again, opening the portal back into the Light Realm.
With that done Link sheaths the Twilight Sword and turns to Midna. "You ready?" He askes.
Looking around the realm and to the Palace of Twilight off in the distance one last time Midna said. "I never thought that I would leave this place again. At least this time I'm not cursed to be a hideous imp."
"You know, I thought you imp form was kind of cute." Link said as she turned to face him.
Raising an eyebrow Midna said with an impish smirk on her face and her hands on her hips. "Didn't you call me a snargal tooth monster?"
Link held up both of his hands and said with a cheeky smile. "Hey, we both said things in the Forest Temple we regret. You did call me an ass-sniffing mongrel, remember?"
Midna rolls her eyes playfully and gives him a slight shove on the shoulder. "Come on, Wolfy, let's go." She said as she stood on the platform.
"Hm, haven't heard you call me 'Wolfy' in a while." Link said as he too stepped onto the platform. "Kind of missed it."
With one last smirk, the Twilight Princess and Hero of Twilight break into dozens of black squares and fly through the portal, returning once again to the Light Realm.
And the new journey that awaits them.
Unkn0wn: Glade you are enjoying the story. Don't worry, it may take me awhile to update but I will never abandon this story. I hate it when stories I'm enjoying go unfinished. And I have too much planned to stop now.
Leave a review and let me know how you are liking the story! I'm always open to constructive criticism.
That's all for now! Join us next time for!
Chapter 11: Friend, or Foe?