Dark's POV

Rusl leads me through the dense forest, his grip firm but not harsh. Link walks beside me, and while things are tense between us, his presence still brings me some comfort. The moon has risen, its light filtering through the canopy, casting an eerie glow on our path.

As we reach the outskirts of the forest, the terrain begins to change. The trees thin out, and I can make out the faint outline of a makeshift camp in the distance. I'm surprised to see well over a hundred people moving about, their silhouettes outlined by the flickering light of campfires. The resistance has been busy.

As we make our way through the camp, everyone and their mother seems to gawk at me, I bristle, uncomfortable with the attention. Finally, we arrived at a large green tent in a secluded area. Rusl lifts open the door flap, walks me to a chair at the central table and indicates for me to sit.

He turns to the fighters behind him, "Daruk. Ria. Jax," The large Goron from earlier, the archer and a Gerudo warrior step forward." Will you stay here and guard him? We need to have a council meeting."

"C'mon only three" I smirk. "That's a little insulting, don't you think?"

Rusl side-eyes me.

"Sal. Brahk. Vex. Will you watch the entrance?" The three warriors nod and step outside the tent to assume their positions.

Link looks to Rusl then back to me. "It will be okay, I'll be back soon."

If it was anyone besides Link their sympathy would make me sick, but what can I say, I have a soft spot for heroes.

As he leaves, I'm left alone with my guards and my thoughts.

—

Link's POV

As we walk to the meeting tent, Rusl steps in line beside me. "Link," his voice is low and serious, "Before we step into that meeting, we need to talk."

My expression hardens slightly, but I nod, urging him to continue.

"I know he's your friend, and I know what it means to you to have him back," Rusl says, choosing his words carefully. "But you have to understand what he's become under Ganondorf's influence. We've seen firsthand the destruction he's capable of."

My eyes darken. "I know, Rusl. I've seen it too. But I believe there's still good in him. He wasn't always like this."

Rusl sighs, glancing back towards the tent where Dark is being held. "Believing in him is one thing, tusting him is another. He's done terrible things. Executed Renado, tormented villages, and killed dozens in service to Ganondorf. Those actions can't be undone."

I clench my fists, a flicker of pain crossing my face. "I'm not naive. I know what he's done. But if there's even a chance that I can bring him back to the light, I need to try."

"I admire your hope, Link. Truly, I do. But you need to be cautious. He has been deeply twisted by Ganondorf. His mind, his soul... they're scarred."

"I won't let my guard down. But I won't abandon him either."

"Just promise me one thing, Link. If he shows any sign of betrayal, any hint that he's still loyal to Ganondorf... you must be ready to act. For all our sakes."

My jaw clenches. "I promise. I'll do what needs to be done."

Rusl's expression softens slightly. "Good. We're all counting on you. Hyrule needs you to be strong, now more than ever."

The council tent is filled with a tense atmosphere as we enter, my eyes scanning the faces of those gathered around the long table. Amara, Enzlo, Mizu, and Telma are already seated, discussing weapon stock.

I choose to stand near the corner, not wanting to intrude, while Rusl takes his seat at the head of the table. He clears his throat and says, "Thank you all for coming. As you know, our plan has succeeded and Ganondorf's knight, Dark, has been captured. We need to decide what to do with him."

Telma, the fiery new leader of Kakariko Village, speaks up first. "We should execute him. He's responsible for Renado's death and countless others. He deserves no mercy."

Enzlo nods in agreement, his expression grim. "Telma's right. Dark is a danger to all of us. Keeping him alive is a risk we can't afford."

Amara shakes her head. "We need to think strategically. Dark is valuable. We can use him as leverage."

Mizu, the fierce Zora warrior, adds, "Amara has a point. Ganondorf would likely do anything to get Dark back."

Rusl looks around the table "I am hoping to find a solution here that doesn't involve more bloodshed. What do you suggest, Amara?"

Amara leans forward "We send a letter to Ganondorf. Offer to exchange Dark for Princess Zelda's release. It's a risky move, but it might be our best chance to free her."

Telma's eyes narrow, "And what makes you think Ganondorf will honor such an exchange? He's not exactly known for keeping his word."

Amara sighs, her voice tinged with doubt. "I know Ganondorf. He is cruel and manipulative. There's no guarantee he will give up the Princess for Dark. We need to be prepared for the possibility that he might refuse, or worse, that he might use this to his advantage. But we have to try something. We can't just sit here and do nothing."

Rusl sighs, rubbing his temples. "It's a gamble, but one worth taking. If there's a chance to save Zelda, we have to try."

Telma crosses her arms. "And what if Ganondorf refuses? What if he takes Dark back and kills Zelda anyway?"

Rusl met her gaze, determination in his voice. "Then we fight with everything we've got. We have our secret weapon now," He winks at me. "So victory has never been more possible."

There's a moment of silence as everyone considers the plan. Finally, Enzlo nods. "Alright. We send the letter. But we need to be ready for any outcome. Our forces need to be prepared to march, and we should post extra guards on the perimeter.

Rusl takes out parchment and begins drafting the letter. "We need to make it clear that this is a one-time offer. Any sign of deceit, and the deal is off."

Mizu nods in agreement. "We also need to ensure Dark is secure. We can't risk him escaping or being rescued, then this whole plan falls apart."

As the letter takes shape, Telma speaks up, her tone grudgingly accepting. "Fine. We try it your way. But if this backfires, we need to be ready to deal with the consequences."

The tension in the tent eases slightly as the plan comes together. As Rusl finishes the letter, sealing it with the resistance's emblem, a sense of resolve settles over us.

Rusl looks around the table. "We have our plan. Now, we prepare for whatever comes next." The council members stand and disperse to attend to their other duties.

I stop Rusl before he leaves. "I'll inform Dark of our decision. He deserves to know what we've planned for him."

He nods and then heads out.

As I leave the tent, I run into Amara, who is lingering by the entrance. "Amara, before you go… Can we talk?"

She nods, her expression guarded. We step around the corner of the tent, away from any prying eyes. "What is it?"

I hesitate, then ask, "What's it like in the castle, serving Ganondorf? What was it like for Dark?"

Amara's eyes soften. "It's hard to put into words. The castle is a place of constant fear and manipulation. Ganondorf controls everything with an iron fist. For those who serve him, it's a life of survival, doing whatever it takes to stay alive."

She looks away, pain evident in her eyes. "Dark… endured a lot. I've heard some terrible rumors… but it's not my place to share his secrets. He will talk to you when he's ready."

My stomach drops. "I know… I just... I need to understand."

"If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you. I'm here to support Dark too, when he's ready… "

I give her a half-hearted smile. "Thank you."

As I leave the council tent, and approach the tent where Dark is being held. I notice the guards posted outside are tense and visibly irritated. I quicken my pace, hoping that he isn't causing them too much trouble.

As I approach, I can hear the voice of one of the guards, an intimidating woman named Jax. She sounds exasperated. "Just shut it. You're lucky we haven't already killed you for all the trouble you've caused us."

Dark laughs, his voice dripping with sarcasm and defiance. "Lucky? Oh, I feel so fortunate to be here, tied up and surrounded by such charming company. Really, it's a dream come true."

I step into the tent, and his eyes flicker to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, if it isn't Hyrule's golden boy himself. Come to grace me with your presence, hero?"

I ignore his taunt, addressing the guards instead. "You can leave us. I need to speak with him alone."

Jax and the others exchange looks but nod, stepping out of the tent with clear relief.

—

Dark's POV

He looks so unbelievably beautiful, angelic, with the candlelight softening his serious expression. I still can't believe he's alive.

As the guards leave, I let a hint of playfulness show in my eyes. "Trying to get me all alone, hero?"

Link crosses his arms and sighs, his attention still focused on the tent entrance. "The council has decided to offer you in exchange for Princess Zelda. They sent a letter to Ganondorf, proposing the trade."

My heart room seems to close in on me at the thought of facing Ganondorf after failing him a second time. He won't kill me, he'll just make me wish that he would. I clench my fists, pressing my wrists against the rope, letting the painful burn of the light magic distract me from reality.

"Really? You think he'll go for it? Executing me would be so much easier for everyone involved."

"Don't say that. This was the only solution they could come up with that ends with Zelda free and you, not dead." He looks up at me and his eyes narrow as he sees the expression on my face.

I try to appear nonchalant and hide my dread behind a mocking tone. "Tell me, Link, do you ever get tired of being everyone's savior? If I was you and everyone thought I had died, I would have used it to my advantage and disappeared. Fuck 'em."

He ignores me.

"You know… we have another option. You could work with me to stop Ganondorf. We can use the exchange as an opportunity to draw him out of the castle and then attack him with our full force."

I scoff, though there's a pang in my chest. "Work with you? After everything I've done? You really believe the others will just accept me?"

Link swings over a chair and sits down in front of me, our knees touching. He is so close now. My heart screams to hold him, to kiss him, to never let go of him ever again.

"They will if you show them you're willing to change."

"Do you think I'm capable of change?"

"I know you are. Despite everything, I know your soul is good. It's not going to be easy, but you don't have to do this alone, Dark. I'll be with you every step of the way."

The idea of fighting alongside Link again, tugs at something deep within me. Yet the weight of my past makes it hard to believe in such a possibility. I drop my gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

"I don't deserve it." I mutter, the shadows of my past clawing at me. "I don't deserve your faith."

Link reaches out, gently lifting my chin until our eyes meet. "Everyone deserves a second chance, Dark. Even you. Especially you."

His touch is like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of despair. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"Alright, I'll do it." I whisper. "Not for Hyrule, not for the resistance… but for you."

Link's eyes tear up and he moves to untie the ropes binding my wrists. His movements are careful, almost reverent, and I can't help but be struck by the tenderness in his actions.

As the ropes fall away, he grabs my hands in his, offering me a small, encouraging smile.

"Let's just take it one step at a time."

For a few moments, the only movement is Link's thumbs as they slowly caress the back of my hands. I can feel the pull between us, the magnetic force that has drawn me to him in every lifetime.

Before I can overthink it, I kiss him. It's desperate and tender, filled with all the unspoken words and emotions that have built up over the past year—a kiss that asks for forgiveness, for redemption, for love.

Link responds with equal fervor, deepening the kiss. At this moment, nothing else matters. All that exists is us.

His fingers thread through my hair, pulling me closer.

I flinch as his fingers tighten in my hair. A traumatic memory flashes—a harsh grip, pain. I pull back slightly, my breath catching, eyes wide with an old fear.

Link immediately loosens his hold, his eyes filled with concern. "Dark, I'm so sorry," he says gently. "Did I hurt you?"

I take a breath, forcing the memory back into the shadows, and offer him my best attempt at a reassuring smile. "No, it's okay, Link. Just… took me by surprise."

He cups my face again, his eyes searching mine, his expression serious. "I would never hurt you, and I will never let any else hurt you, ever again."

I see the sincerity in his eyes, and the fear melts away. I slide my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. We stay like that for several minutes, just holding each other.

"I missed you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "Every day, I thought about you. I never gave up hope."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, "I missed you too. More than you can possibly imagine."

He kisses me again, softer this time, but no less passionate.

When we finally part, we stay close, our foreheads still touching, our breaths slowly calming. Link's eyes are filled with a fierce determination that matches the fire in my own heart.

"We'll figure everything out, Dark. Together."

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in a long time, I feel like maybe, just maybe, there's a way out of the darkness. And with Link by my side, I'm ready to fight for it.