Dark's POV

The first sensation I register is throbbing pain in my head. I force my eyes open, blinking against the blinding light piercing through the fog of unconsciousness.

Slowly, the world comes into focus. I am lying on the cold, hard ground, the remnants of our campfire smoldering nearby. The memories of the night before flood back, each one more painful than the last. The argument with Link, the fight, the moment I lost control...

I push myself up, wincing at the pain shooting through my body. My limbs feel heavy and my muscles sore from the brutal battle. As I sit there, trying to gather my thoughts, I realize with a sinking feeling that I am alone. Link is gone.

"Link..." I whisper, my voice hoarse and filled with despair.

I struggle to my feet, my mind racing. Where has he gone? Has he left me here to die? No, that isn't like him. Despite everything, Link would never abandon me completely.

I pick up my discarded sword off the ground. "Why?" I mutter, my voice breaking. "Why does it always end like this?"

I feel suffocated by the memories of my past and my fear of the future. The darkness inside me grows stronger every day, threatening to consume me and destroy everything I hold dear. Link has seen it, and he has tried to stop me. But in doing so, he also left me alone, more vulnerable than ever to those dark thoughts.

For a moment, I consider giving in to the darkness, letting it take me completely. It would be easier, wouldn't it? To become the monster everyone feared, to embrace the power that has always been just out of reach.

"No," I say, my voice growing stronger. "I have to find Link. I have to make things right."

I figure he must have gone to Hyrule Castle, to face Ganondorf alone. That's the direction I head.

As I approach the imposing silhouette of Hyrule Castle, my heart pounds. Is it possible Link has already made his way into the castle?

The once majestic spires are now jagged and ominous, shrouded in dark clouds that crackle with unnatural energy. I can scent the metallic tang of dark magic in the air.

Stealthily, I blend into the shadows, managing to avoid the monsters patrolling the castle's perimeter. Sticking to the darkness, I make my way deeper into the castle, closer to the throne room and hopefully, Link.

Pushing open the heavy set of doors, I enter the throne room. The sight that greets me makes the very blood in my veins freeze. At the far end of the room, on a throne of dark stone, sits Ganondorf.

My eyes scan the room, searching desperately for any sign of Link. There is no body, no blood. Just Ganondorf, sitting triumphantly on his throne.

"Welcome, shadow," Ganondorf sneers. "You've arrived just in time."

"Where is Link?" I demand, my voice echoing through the vast chamber.

Ganondorf's lips curl into a cruel smile. "Ah, the hero? He fought valiantly, but ultimately, he was no match for me. He's gone. Thrown from the highest window of this castle, and left to plummet to his death."

The words hit me like a physical blow, the world spinning around me. Link, dead? No, it can't be. He's the hero, the one destined to save Hyrule. He can't be gone.

"You're lying," I spit, my voice trembling. "He can't be dead."

Ganondorf stands, his dark presence filling the room. "Believe what you will, but the truth remains. The hero is gone, and with him, your last hope. Now, you have a choice to make."

He descends the steps of his throne, each step echoing with ominous finality. "Kneel before me, Dark. Give in to that darkness in your heart, serve me as my loyal knight, and I will grant you power. Or, refuse me, and join your precious hero in death."

The weight of his ultimatum presses down on me as my mind races, torn between the desire to avenge Link and the overwhelming grief of losing him. The darkness within me surges, urging me to submit, and embrace the power that Ganondorf offers.

I take a step forward, my hand tightening around the hilt of my sword. Link's face flashes in my mind. I'm his shadow... was his shadow... and now, without him, I am lost.

"You expect me to join you?" I ask, my voice shaking. "After everything you've done?"

Ganondorf's eyes glinted with amusement. "You are not like him, Dark. You are a creature of darkness, born to serve me. Accept your true nature."

The words cut deep, and I feel the darkness inside me clawing for control. My vision blurs with tears of rage and sorrow. This is so unfair. Link and I were supposed to have a life together, a cottage by the river, happiness…

What is left for me? A life of futile defiance? Or the power to avenge him, even if it means succumbing to the very darkness I have fought against?

The conflict rages within me, the darkness whispering its seductive promises. The thought of letting go, of finally being free from the torment of my own mind, is almost too tempting to resist.

Tears swell in my eyes, burning with the bitterness of my loss. The weight of my despair pulls me down until I am kneeling before him. "Fine," I mutter, my voice barely audible. "I yield."

Ganondorf's laughter echoes through the chamber. "Good," he says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Embrace the darkness."

As his hand rests on my shoulder, a sob escapes me, and I bow my head, tears streaming freely. The darkness engulfs me, and with it, the last fragments of who I once was dissolve into the void

His dark energy flows from his hand into my body, and I feel the power seeping into my very being — a heady mix of pain and ecstasy. The darkness within me roars to life, merging with Ganondorf's power. My vision blurs, then sharpens, the world taking on a new clarity tinged with malevolence.

The pain is intense, but so is the rush of power. My body feels stronger, my senses heightened. I can feel the dark magic coursing through my veins, amplifying my abilities. It is intoxicating, and for a moment, I feel invincible.

"Rise, my knight," Ganondorf commands, his voice a sinister whisper.

I stand slowly, my body humming with newfound strength. The darkness inside me has grown, but so has my resolve. I have to find a way to honor Link's memory, even if it means playing Ganondorf's game for now.

Ganondorf's eyes gleam with approval as he watches me. "Use that power wisely, use it to crush all who oppose me."

As I stand before him, brewing with dark magic, I feel deep within, a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to make things right, to honor Link's legacy. But for now, I will play the role Ganondorf has assigned me and try to keep that spark alive as I fight the growing darkness that threatens to consume me.