Chapter 35 - Faultline
Link lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. Midna had left two hours ago and he hadn't been able to get to sleep.
The bed was probably the most comfortable one he had ever been on. He was full from a nice dinner, had a peppery tea to help soothe his stomach and wasn't too hot or cold.
Instead, his body felt light and his head as if it was swimming. He couldn't help but replay what Midna had said to him, for the hundredth time that night.
Turning on to his side, he tried to empty his head of thought and slow his breathing. That didn't work either. He was starting to get annoyed at himself, which just served to keep him awake for longer.
Eventually he turned to face the door to the room, thinking that if he tried to process it, it might make it easier to go to sleep.
Hearing her say she had missed him was like a lightning strike to him. In an instant, he felt like his chest was about to burst, genuinely touched at what she had said.
It hadn't been perfect though. The thoughts of Zelda still lingered in his mind, making him guilty about enjoying what Midna had told him.
Getting frustrated, he buried his head under the fluffy pillow, trying to squash the thoughts out somehow.
That didn't go anywhere either, so he ended up getting out of the bed. He opened a door that led to a small balcony overlooking the western side of the palace.
The sun stayed exactly where it had been all day, cresting the horizon, bathing the area in its familiar light. A timepiece mounted on the wall showed it to be well past the Twili equivalent of midnight.
He pulled up a chair outside, put his feet up on the railing and took several slow deep breaths.
He wondered why he felt guilt for feeling good at what Midna said, but when the invasion portal opened, Zelda would be right there on the other side. She would be wounded at best, he thought with a shudder.
Zelda had done nothing wrong, helped him every step of the way and been dependable for so many people. Of course he loved her.
Then, Midna flashed across his mind again, making the guilt sink in more.
He started clenching his toes over the metal railing of the balcony. The pressure on his foot was oddly soothing, he found. Then, he tried stretching his arms as far as he could reach, feeling the tension across his back. He held it for nearly a minute, pushing the muscles further to deepen the stretch. Then, exhaling, he slowly released the tension and felt a lot better.
Getting confused between Zelda and Midna was inevitable, he supposed. They were both important to him. Still, he had never imagined actually getting to see her again. Though maybe it was a cruel manipulation of Ghirahims. It wouldn't be above him, Link thought.
Amongst all the thoughts, finally organising themselves in his mind, he couldn't deny how much he enjoyed seeing Midna again. It hadn't even been a day and they were already insulting each other happily. Things were just so much easier with her. Warmer too.
Feeling a twinge of guilt again, he stood and took another deep breath to clear his mind. Then, he went back inside, trying to get to sleep once more.
The soft bed drew him deeply into sleep as the worries and doubts fell to oblivion. It took him minutes.
Some unknown time later, a soft knock at the door stirred Link from the depths of sleep.
He groaned, rolling onto his side and buried his face in the pillow. He hadn't even dreamed. Just a deep and heavy rest. It felt like opening his eyes was harder than wading through quicksand.
The knock came again, firmer this time.
"Master Link?" Lynth's smooth, almost ethereal voice carried through the door, though it was far too polite for a real demand. "Her Majesty requests your presence for the morning meal."
Link cracked an eye open, blinking sluggishly at the golden light filtering through the balcony window. He had no idea what time it was, but it certainly felt far too early.
"Alright, alright… I'm up" he called back, voice hoarse with sleep.
A pause. Then, with perfect grace, he responded.
"Very good. I shall inform the Queen."
Footsteps receded down the hallway, leaving Link alone with the quiet hum of morning.
He exhaled, rubbing his face before stretching out with a tired groan. Midna had asked for him? He supposed he shouldn't be surprised. Still, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Pushing himself upright, he ran a hand through his messy hair. It was time to see what the morning had in store.
Arriving in the dining hall, there were fresh plates of food laid out. There were ministers at the table, some of which gave him a small but polite nod. The others carried on as normal.
Midna sat at the head of the table again. She looked composed, ready and oddly perky.
She didn't break from eating her food to welcome him, so he went to the only seat near hers.
"Morning" he said, helping himself to a cup of tea and what looked like a plate of beans and vegetables.
"Mrph!" she uttered with a closed mouthful of food, waving to him once.
Link smiled as he ate his food. The beans were oddly buttery. The vegetables tasted of some kind of herb that blended well with the beans. The morning tea now smelled like peaches. The burst of somewhat familiar fruit flavours invigorated him.
Tea seemed to be significant here too, Link thought.
As everyone finished their own meals, there was a sense of focus in the air. Everyone felt ready for whatever the day had for them. Link meanwhile only had a handful of ideas. Midna would likely have a better idea.
"Thanks" he said honestly to his host. She nodded simply to him as she finished her own tea.
"So, what's your plan for the day?" she asked.
"Well, I have some more instructions I could give for your troops to practice. It'd certainly help to make sure they could recover from dangerous attacks" he explained. "Other than that? I'd like to know more about the magic you use"
Midna's eyes snapped to his in a brief flash of fear, alarming him. She leaned closer and whispered urgently.
"Not here" she said, before sitting back in her chair.
"I expect you will have promising results from the training?" she asked a little more firmly, for those eager to overhear her.
"Of course. I've already seen what needs to be improved" he followed, not missing her lead.
She smiled slightly, then addressed her other ministers. None of which seemed to have heard Link's question.
She informed them of her plans for the day. She would be overseeing the evacuation route being worked by her craftsmen later in the day. The caves were large but not easy to traverse, so she would ensure a clear path was cut through it.
The various ministers informed her of their plans too, most of which was preparing ways out for the population of the town. Some were providing caravans for children and the elderly, others were securing enough supplies to ensure everyone would be fed along the way.
Satisfied, Midna dismissed them. Gradually, they began to filter out of the room.
As the last one left, she stood from her seat.
"There. Now we have a degree of privacy, tell me what you wanted to ask about"
Link leaned against his chair, wondering why there was such a need for it to be just them.
"So…your magic. Why do we need an empty room to talk about it?"
Midna exhaled and lowered her head a little, drawing a peculiar look from Link. She took her regular seat.
"Twili magic…it's descended from our ancestors who first got expelled here…after their failed conquest of the Sacred Realm."
Link listened intently. He recalled the tale of the Interlopers whose unlimited ambition led them to try and conquer the realm of the goddesses for their own gain. Furious, the deities summoned their spirit guardians to banish them to the Twilight Realm, however long ago.
"I had a feeling it was something like that. But is it taboo to talk about it here?" he asked.
Nodding, she continued. "We are all taught from a young age that arrogance, pride and ambition together are fatal poisons. The kind that caused our entire race to be cast from the realm of light."
Midna sighed, looking vacantly at the table.
"I told nobody that I used my descendant magic whilst I ran around with you in the world of light. Hyrule, I mean" she said with a small smile, recalling the adventures.
"If it was found out, then I would face such intense scrutiny and judgement, you'd think I was already guilty of murdering a child"
Link blinked at her, trying to wrap his mind around the level of hatred the Twili seemed to have for their own magic.
"I…don't know what to say…" he said quietly.
He recalled the moments when she had used her powers to help him kill Zant's shadow warriors, move him across vast distances in an instant or just help him reach higher ledges. Thinking back, he likely would never have made it out of the prison cell where he first met her.
"But…if it wasn't for you, then I likely would never have been able to turn the crisis around…you and your magic were vital!"
"I know! That's what makes this frustrating. That it can be used for a great many things but our old superstitions just serve to hobble us" she said bitterly.
Link realised something.
"Wait…you said that when I crashed through your ceiling, that you stopped the glass from falling? There's no way you could have done that without your magic. Did nobody say anything?" he wondered.
"No. They were too distracted by the explosion of glass and you slamming into the table. I was quick anyway" she said with a proud look on her face.
"You did good! May have also saved someone from a glass haircut" he remarked.
Midna managed a warm smile. Not enough to laugh though.
Link thought more about the magic of the Twili. It had certainly made things easier for him during the Twilight Crisis, but he hadn't thought it'd be rooted in so much stigma. Looking back to her, he knew he needed to explain more.
"I appreciate you telling me this. I actually wanted to ask more about this because I want the troops to be able to use this magic. Assuming you all have the ability to use it of course"
This time, Midna shot him a wide eyed stare.
"Did you…hear a single thing I said?" she said, incredulous.
"Of course I did. But you're facing a massive invasion! Any advantage you can gain is essential here!"
"I get it! It's stupid! But have you ever changed an entire society's opinion overnight?" she snapped back.
"No! But you're the queen here, aren't you? Are you able to enact an…edict or something?"
She narrowed her eyes.
"There's no way you're this naive. What if I'd asked you to start eating Hylian flesh when I was in the light world? That's how repulsive this is to the average citizen!"
Link felt as if he'd slammed into a brick wall. He sat silently for a moment as he thought over what she had told him. The analogy certainly painted a clear enough picture. Still, if there was no other food available…maybe he could…
Feeling his stomach churn, he rapidly shut the thought down.
"Look, this is obviously deeply rooted in you and your people. I didn't mean to make it sound like I didn't care. But my point is still valid. You used your magic and without it, none of what we did together would have been possible. It could prove vital." he explained as Midna sighed, holding her head in her hands.
"As grim as the thought is, cannibals exist too" he shrugged.
"Link…not after we just ate breakfast…" she moaned.
Privately, he reminded himself to never make a cannibal comparison again.
"Sorry, Midna" he said earnestly.
She sat back up and straightened her posture. She actually seemed to have softened at his apology.
"I appreciate that." she said with a gentle smile. "And maybe, just maybe, I got defensive too quickly"
Link felt an urge he couldn't ignore.
"What was that last part? It was very quiet" he said, putting his hand to his ear.
Then, her face lit up again. She stood, walked over to him and leaned close to his ear. Her breath tickled.
"You've gotten much more arrogant and simple minded since I last saw you. Maybe I should have you arrested and locked up?"
"Ow…" Link said, unable to hide a smile himself.
Happier, they both sat together in the empty hall. Link thought about other options, on what advantages he could create.
"There's one possibility, though incredibly slim" she said.
Link raised an eyebrow.
"There's a place a few miles outside of town. It's considered a holy site by some of our people" she explained. "It's where our ancestors first landed when they were cast into this world."
She took a breath, bracing to share something she wouldn't have shared with any outsider.
"I may be queen, but the custodians who manage the place? Our entire people go to them before they learn much else. They ensure we all understand our origin…our history."
Closing her eyes, and sighing, she continued.
"Every one of us values them higher than me. Myself included. These are the people you'd need to convince to allow the regular Twili to use their magic. And honestly? You won't be able to change their minds. They…are a serious bunch."
Link thought over everything she had said. It had taken her some effort to be able to share it with him. No matter their traditions and teachings, he still felt it vital that the regular Twili be allowed to use their magic. Ghirahim's force vastly outnumbered the Hylian army by five to one as far as he knew.
In the Arbiter's Grounds, he could have raised even more and all of them would be pouring through a portal in a few days. No matter how well prepared they were, it was an optimistic defence at best as it stood.
"I think it's worth trying. The worst they could do is tell me 'no', right?" he asked.
She turned her head to him. There wasn't a trace of levity in her now.
"If they feel you're enough of a threat to our people, they could call for your exile at best, or execution at worst."
"Oh…"
"Yeah, they nearly did that with me when I was young"
"Wait, what?" he said, nearly jumping at the idea
"I was a handful as a kid…"
He paused, trying to imagine a bratty version of her. Or a brattier version.
"And as an adult" he teased.
"Oh, shut up." she smiled.
He got caught in a daydream, wondering what she could have done to nearly warrant her own execution as a child. She looked to him and seemed to read his curiosity easily.
"If you're wondering what I did, I told the head custodian that I thought he was stupid"
Link stared at her. That was all she did?
"That was it?" he asked.
She nodded sheepishly.
"Well…I guess I'll put my best diplomatic face on?" he shrugged. "Could we go now? The sooner we get this done, then the sooner we can focus on everything else."
She nodded and got out of her seat. She was already wearing travelling clothes. Link felt proud of her. The only person as proactive as her was Zelda, he realised.
Leaving the castle together, they set off for one of the town gates. People stepped out of her way and bowed as she didn't break her stride. The gate guards bowed low as she instructed them to open the large stone doors, dividing the outer lands from the settlement they were in.
As the gates began to close, they were already on their way.
The town eventually began to fade from sight as the path became more rough and the landscape more wild. The leaves of the trees were massive and the darkest Link had ever seen. The same was true of the bushes and smaller plants clustered tightly together where the paltry amount of light managed to reach.
The town had been developed and was full of life. Barely a mile outside of it and it felt more isolating than anything Link could recall. He wanted to distract himself, as he realised it felt similar to the depths of Lake Hylia.
"I've just thought of something" he said aloud.
"What?" Midna asked.
"Well, we're both from different worlds. How is it I can understand you? Wouldn't you speak an entirely different language? Instead, it's like you were Hylian all along."
Midna raised her eyebrows at the question.
"Very perceptive, Link!" she said, looking smug again. "This is actually something to do with our original ancestors. Their magic was incredibly powerful, but also capable of being subtle as well."
Enthusiasm shined from her as she began to explain.
"According to what the custodians told us, our ancestors foresaw that we may need to form trade with anyone we could as we developed and lived here. So, they weaved a subtle magic into themselves, then by extension, all of their descendants."
She pointed to her own head.
"There's a part of our brains which is enveloped in a unique magic that determines what anyone speaks, as long as it's not drunken mess, then translates it for us. It's another one of those vital things that's helped us survive over the years, as well as let me speak to you"
Link walked in a kind of surprised daze. Midna didn't know his language but it seemed as if she always had.
"So…does it affect me? I don't have magic like that, as far as I know"
"That's the other part. Whoever we focus on when we talk becomes the… 'reciever'? Basically, the magic is shared with you and lets you understand what I'm saying too."
"Wow…that's convenient…" he said, wondering now what she and her natural language normally sounded like.
She seemed to read his curiosity.
"You thinking what I sound like without this filter? Because I can switch it off"
"Oh! Yeah actually, I'd love to hear the real you" he said energetically. To think, he had gone this long without even considering a language barrier.
"Alright. I'll also be able to hear what you sound like. I'll be disappointed in a high pitched voice from you, you know." she teased.
She closed her eyes, squinted and then opened them a moment later. With no idea what to say, she smiled and laughed. But this time, it sounded entirely different. What was a rich laugh from her previously, now sounded entirely otherworldly. Each thrum of her voice seemed to echo quickly before fading.
It sounded even more charged and potent than when she spoke with any amount of passion.
"That…sounds really interesting actually…" he said aloud. Midna however frowned, like he had just told her left was in fact right.
Then, her natural voice came through.
"O'mai zhaa-lunth. Ryuu ni'kath… vorr'thi sae?" she said.
Link stood still for a minute. He'd never heard this before and he just wanted to hear more.
"No clue what you just said… but I think I like it" he admitted, flashing a grin.
She looked to his hand and smiled impishly.
"At-ato. Mei' hai-alth te vu ne…" she said, softly this time and then blushed.
He raised an eyebrow back to her.
"What?"
Midna's impish grin deepened, but there was something about the way she laughed. Soft, shy, and rippling like distant chimes. It sent an unexpected warmth through Link's chest.
Looking back to him, she closed her eyes and squinted as she had before. Opening her eyes again, she switched back to the voice he knew.
"Are we…on the same page now?" he asked tentatively.
"We are." she replied simply. Though he was grateful they could talk openly again, he still spent time wondering about her natural voice.
"So. What did you say to me exactly?" he asked.
"Not telling"
"Oh come on!"
"No! Learn the language if you really want to know" she said defiantly.
"You know what? I will. Once this mess is all over with, I'll do what I can to learn it. Right after I've learned Gerudo too"
"Gerudo?"
"Heh. That's a hell of a story. So, it all started back in Ordon Village a few weeks ago…"
They kept on walking to the holy site of the Twili as Link explained how he had come to meet the Gerudo. He didn't mention his child with Ilia, thinking he'd bring that up later on. But he did detail the first time he met Sabbah and how she had worked for Ghirahim. Then, how Zelda had lost her hand to him.
"What?! He just straight up mutilated her? Is she alright? What happened?" Midna said in an angry flurry of words.
"She's fine, she got her hand back thanks to the Triforce piece I have. But what happened next…"
Then, he detailed how he had lost all control and broken Ghirahim into a bloody mess in front of her, terrifying Zelda, Ilia and the Gerudo.
"Oh… that sounds intense…" she said quietly, trying to imagine what it must have been like. "What was it like when you saw me use the Fused Shadow? When I broke that shield around Hyrule Castle?"
He thought back. She had turned into some kind of colossal dark spider. It had jumped on to the huge shimmering shield around the castle before shattering it with an abundance of magical power.
"It was incredible! It felt like there was a chance we could actually beat Ganondorf. Seeing what you became was a surprise, yeah, but I quickly got over that"
She remained quiet as he continued telling her the rest of the story. He explained his recovery and then getting to know the Gerudo carefully and then just having fun with them.
Eventually, he told her about the afflicted Zora he and Zelda had been investigating, but how the Gerudo also came along to observe how Hylians worked.
"I'm impressed!" she remarked. "You seem like a natural at bridging gaps between people, especially ones who thought you hated them"
"Yeah, put me in a room of enemies and they won't be for very long" he snarked back, causing her to laugh.
He then told her about how the Gerudo had started helping out and some of the Hylians had even tried to learn their language. Midna walked and listened as he talked, absorbing all the detail she could.
Eventually, he got to the part where he had returned to castle town and had eventually come to speak to them in the canteen at the castle. He took a deep breath after it.
"I was right wasn't I? I said yesterday that there's truly no rest for you. I didn't realise I would have been that accurate" she said, half surprised and half smug. "Maybe a year on that beach wouldn't be such a bad idea" she added.
As they crested a low ridge, the ancient building came into view. A monolithic structure of black stone, rising from the landscape like a grand sentinel. It wasn't imposing in the way of a fortress, nor did it exude the malevolence of a villain's lair. Instead, it felt like a warning.
Twisting spires reached toward the sky, carved with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the golden twilight. The entrance was flanked by two massive stone reliefs, their faceless forms draped in flowing robes, each raising a single palm outward. A gesture of command, maybe caution. At their feet, engraved into the rock, were intricate swirling patterns, as if depicting something being sealed away.
Even from a distance, Link could feel the weight of the place pressing against him. They approached the heavy wooden doors, their surfaces worn and etched with ancient inscriptions. Despite their age, the wood remained untouched by rot or time.
Midna stepped forward.
For the first time in their journey, Link saw her expression shift. The teasing glint in her eyes vanished, replaced by something firmer and colder. Deference. She squared her shoulders, lifted a hand and knocked twice on the heavy door.
As they waited, Midna turned to him. Her voice was measured.
"Listen to me" she said. "I brought you here, but I will not stand against the custodians if they refuse you."
Link raised an eyebrow. "Not even if they're completely unreasonable?"
Her eyes darkened slightly. "It doesn't matter. This is their domain. What they say here… carries more weight than what I would."
He frowned. "You're the Queen…"
She huffed softly. "And they are the will of our ancestors. That is something our people still respect far more than a throne."
There was something in the way she said it. A quiet resignation that unsettled him.
"Besides, a queen who has absolute rule over every single facet of her people? That's a surefire way to breed resentment"
Then, from deep within the structure, came the sound of footsteps approaching the door.
Creaking open, an elderly looking Twili emerged. His robes were plain, the large hood seemed symbolic rather than practical and minimalist lines adorned it. His face looked weathered and his eyes betrayed no emotion.
"You were not expected, nor appointed" came the deep, thrumming voice.
"I have come with a guest, who wishes to speak to the custodians, honoured one" Midna said, bowing slightly.
The old Twili man looked to Link, evaluating him.
"A light dweller. He has no bearing here." came the blunt reply.
"Only the custodians could answer his question, honoured one."
"Hm."
There was silence for a moment as the man continued to look over him, unblinking. Link looked straight back at him, hoping it was the right thing to do.
"Enter" said the man suddenly, turning around and heading back in.
Looking to Midna, she nodded, inviting him to go first.
As he stepped into the building, the very design of the structure had sharp edges everywhere. Ornamental spikes lined the walls and ceilings. They looked to be made of bronze.
The walls were wrapped from one side to the other in an elaborate tapestry. From what Link could glance, it seemed to detail the history of the Twili's arrival in the Twilight Realm.
There was a blank section halfway around the room, possibly for the next major event in their civilization.
The old Twili stopped and turned, his arms folded behind his back.
"Speak, Light Dweller"
Link took a breath, going over his plan once more.
"Honoured one" he said, bowing to him.
He couldn't decide if he should be blunt and direct or try to be respectful. So, he aimed for somewhere between the two.
"Thank you for allowing me to be here. I bring news of an imminent invasion from the world of Light."
The old man remained quiet and unflinching, waiting for more information.
"An agent of Ganondorf, former invader of this realm, has raised an army numbering more than a thousand. In a bid to invade and claim a piece of a holy relic of the light dwellers, that we believe to be somewhere in this realm."
Still, he remained unfazed.
"I stand against this agent of Ganondorf, along with her majesty" he said, nodding to Midna. "She has bid me to train guardsmen into soldiers, capable of turning the tide against this plot"
Still no change.
"I believe they can be made capable within the time we have left. However, they number one hundred. We expect reinforcements from the world of light, who intend to stop this invasion. But they number two hundred. We will be outnumbered three to one and that's being optimistic."
Either the old Twili didn't care or had expert composure, betraying nothing from his expression.
"I came to ask you to allow these hundred Twili…use of their magic as granted by your ancestors. In a bid to turn the tide against a relentless enemy that threatens to annihilate them"
Link exhaled quietly, hoping he'd done well enough.
"Interloper, your aim is valid and seeking of advantage against a superior force, wise."
Link dared to hope.
"We shall, however, not grant any such advantage to you or any Twili" came the sharp reply.
He narrowed his brow, waiting for what came next.
"You know not the story of our ancestors who first came here, banished for their ambitions. The old ones of our people grew drunk on their power and lost their reason when they tried to invade the realm of the goddesses."
Link started racing through other options, to try and plead his case more.
"We restrict such magic for its intoxication is powerful. Its safe use cannot be guaranteed. As such, you are denied" came the firm reply.
Link took a breath as he steeled himself.
"Your denial could very well spell the doom of the Twili. The enemy is relentless and unfeeling. No prisoners will be taken and no mercy given. Would a temporary use of this magic not be better? Especially if it serves to save lives?"
He could almost hear Midna tense.
The custodian however remained still.
"Do not speak in hypothetical terms, interloper. Zant's breach of our restriction nearly brought about the ruin of us all."
Then, his eyes narrowed.
"What of the one you call Ganondorf? He who gave a measure of his power to Zant. It would seem that any time we get involved in the business of the world of light, it threatens our existence."
He had a point. A lot of their misfortune had been due to his own people's influence. The goddesses sages cast Ganondorf to the Twilight Realm in a moment of desperation, causing the entire Twilight Crisis.
"I make no deflection or excuse for this. What our sages did was foolish and threatened your realm." Link said. Then, he kneeled before the custodian, bowing his head.
"An apology alone cannot make up for the suffering we caused you. I do however promise to you that I will do my utmost to defend the Twili people in a bid to restore safety and harmony."
He looked up to the elderly man.
"All I ask is for your permission to help turn the tide that comes"
The custodian lifted his head, ever so slightly. Link stood to face him.
"You speak of using this power as a tool, as if it can be set aside when the battle is done," the custodian murmured. "But you do not understand the nature of Twili magic. Once it is embraced, it does not sleep, rest or forgive."
His gaze was level and his voice became far more firm.
"Even if these Twili win, what happens when they return home and find that power still whispering in their minds? Will they simply give it up? Will their children? Will their rulers? You do not ask for a weapon. You ask to uncage a beast and trust that it will return to its cage once the battle is won."
Link opened his mouth to speak, but the custodian continued.
"Zant was a fool, but he was not the first. He was merely the most recent. The latest in a long line of those who believed power could be controlled, only to find themselves swallowed by it."
Link remained silent, whilst desperately trying to think of a way to counter him.
"You wish for a lesson in our history, light dweller? I will give you one."
The old Twili stepped forward.
"Long before your people even knew of us, before Zant, there was another. A queen who believed as you do. That magic could be a shield, that it could serve her people without warping them in turn. She trained warriors, the first of our kind to wield such power since our banishment."
He leaned in slightly.
"All despite our protestation. By the time she realized her mistake, her own soldiers had burned her alive. Entirely without meaning to"
The custodian narrowed his eyes.
"There were not even bones left to bury"
The more Link tried to think of a counter-argument, the less options he could think of. It wasn't just their history, it was as if the mere existence of magic was as big of a threat as Ganondorf ever was.
"You see only the battle" the custodian said, growing louder. "I see what comes after."
"If I grant this, I do not simply hand power to the Twili in training. I hand it to every Twili who sees them fight. I tell our people that the laws that have governed them for centuries may be rewritten on a whim."
Link had nothing he could think of.
"When this war is over, how will I silence those who say they deserve the same? When merchants, scholars and thieves all claim they need magic for their own survival? What answer shall I give?"
The custodian stood silently, staring straight at him.
"Finally, kneeling to me and trying to show respect? All you truly want is a tactical advantage. Your manipulation has failed."
"Wait, no! I…"
"Silence!" barked the custodian. It wasn't a suggestion.
Link stood as his knees felt weak. He didn't want the custodian's impression to remain so cynical. Link bowed at his waist.
"I apologise. I meant no disrespect to you or your laws. I shall not ask again."
A moment of silence stretched.
"Then leave this place. Do not return."
Link closed his eyes, defeated.
"Then I hope we all survive this invasion"
Then, he turned to leave. Midna followed his step.
As the large doors shut behind them, he felt relief. The pressure of the old man had been unshakeable.
"I didn't think you were trying anything underhanded." Midna said quietly.
Link sighed. "Yeah, that wasn't the plan. Though I guess from his point of view, I was trying to change something fundamental."
He rolled his shoulders, trying to shift the sense of defeat from himself. He had claimed so many victories before. To be stopped so short felt wrong on some level to him.
Link exhaled, rubbing his temple. His mind still replayed the conversation, the way the custodian's words cut through every argument before he could even find the right counter.
Defeat wasn't new to him. But it had never felt quite like this. Like trying to split a boulder with empty hands.
"…So, what now?" he asked, shaking off the thoughts.
"There's the evacuation route through the caves I need to look at. After that, we both go and watch over the training. Then? Food."
He managed a small smile to her.
"Alright. How do we get to the caves then?"
"Simple. I lead the way" she said, wearing a cocky grin once more.
Walking back through the woodlands they had come through, they eventually made their way through it a few hours later. The walls of the town came into view a few miles away, spires of the buildings broke the silhouette of it. A fork in the road gave a path to the mountains further north.
True to her word, Midna began at a brisk pace. Link kept up with ease.
"I had expected them to deny you…yet hearing it didn't help. It's frustrating to hear the confirmation you expected sometimes" she said as they stepped over a small hill.
Link blinked as he heard her, thinking that he would have to tell her about Zelda at some point. That he and her had fallen for each other. Now didn't feel like the right time.
"It didn't hurt to try" he shrugged. "Plus, they didn't call for my execution"
"Yet"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"It's certainly possible. Try not to worry though. They may have more authority on societal rules, but they respect the rulers to a degree. You're an outsider too and you were far more diplomatic than Zant was."
"Oh? Did he try to make demands of them or something?"
"No. He just showed up and encased them in stone"
Link stood still and looked at her.
"I…what?"
"As soon as I got back here, I started by undoing the damage he did whilst he sat on my throne. That was one of them."
He continued walking with her as she set the pace again. As he thought back to when he had first visited the realm, he recalled that only the palace had been accessible. The land itself seemed fragmented and isolated from the rest of the Twilight Realm.
"So…what about how the palace was sort of…floating in the air?"
"Well, when you killed Ganondorf, it killed Zant too, undoing most of his magic. He had isolated the palace and surrounded himself with people he had mentally dominated. Or rather with people who couldn't plot against him." she explained.
Her face took a solemn look. Half smiling, but half weary too.
"When I got back, the lands were returned to how they had always been before"
"Isn't that a good thing?" he asked, probing.
Opening her eyes a little more, she looked at him.
"It was" she replied with a simple nod, unwilling to say more.
For now anyway.
"Alright… let's carry on for now" he said, setting the pace this time.
She joined him as they both treaded the rocky path heading into the mountains. Link had no concept of what time it was, with the sun remaining fixed in place.
They stepped over rocky terrain and nearly lost their footing a few times. Soon after though, they found a carved path, heading in to a wide cave mouth.
"Here we are!" beamed Midna. "The workers have been busy, it seems"
She looked over the freshly carved path, her gaze following in to the cave.
"Ah, up ahead. I see them"
She took off quickly, eager to learn about their progress.
Link saw a team of some twenty Twili inside the cave. They had set up some equipment and had various tools for working the stone. Piles of rubble sat in large boxes at the caves entrance.
The inside was restrictive, but the team of workers had been widening out the path to allow more through when the time to evacuate came. He soon caught up to Midna.
The lead worker spoke to her quietly.
"...another week."
"We do not have that long."
"I know, your majesty. My apologies. But if we push further, we risk a cave-in or a collapse of the ground beneath our feet"
Link braced himself as he rejoined her.
Sighing, she slumped her head.
"I heard a little. Something about a possible cave-in or a collapse?" he asked.
"Yes. The path ahead is narrow. Too narrow to get the entire population through in a reasonable time. So, we need to widen it out. The issue is that there's a lot of loose dirt above a thin layer of rock. Then, beneath, a drop of some five hundred feet or so."
"Alright. Have you seen any other obstacles further down the path?" he asked.
"None. The paths will need smoothing, but that is a trivial matter. The caves open up further inside, but we have around fifty feet we need to widen out. But, then we risk disaster."
Link thought for a moment, trying to assemble some sort of plan. Midna pushed for further details.
"How certain are you? If work progresses, would you guarantee the collapse of either the upper or lower sections?" she asked.
"It's not a certainty your majesty. Neither is there a zero chance. I honestly do not know for sure".
"Very well. Your efforts so far are appreciated. Think of other options, because this is our only best route for evacuation"
The lead Twili nodded to her and went to join his other workers. Link went to Midna's side.
"It'd be really nice if things were just easy for once" he said, getting a humorless laugh from her.
"Maybe, but then we wouldn't be involved" she said firmly.
Midna crossed her arms, tapping her fingers against them as she mulled over the problem.
"We can't afford to take a week, and we can't afford to push recklessly."
She stopped mid-thought, her gaze flicking toward the cavern ceiling, then down toward the unstable ground. Her expression sharpened.
"We collapse it on our terms"
Link blinked. "Want to explain?"
Midna turned toward the lead worker. "You said the ceiling is unstable because of the loose dirt above the rock layer. And the ground beneath us has a five-hundred-foot drop."
The worker nodded hesitantly. "Yes, but…"
Link's mind caught up with hers, and he exhaled in realization.
"If we collapse both the top and bottom, the dirt will fall into the chasm, and we can reinforce whatever's left to form a bridge."
The worker paled. "That's a risky gamble, your majesty. If this goes wrong–"
"I know it's a risk" Midna interrupted sharply. "There are no other options. If we choose another route, then the civilians will have to walk for days before they make it to another town. Through here, it will take a day at most."
Link took another glance at the terrain. A controlled detonation might be risky, but the alternative was a slow expansion that wouldn't be finished in time. Or walking for days.
"It's absolutely dangerous. Though if it's the best option to get townspeople to safety? I'd say it's worth it" Link added with a shrug.
Midna smirked. "Then let's make a mess."
Hurrying to the lead worker, Midna excitedly explained her idea to them. Dispute the openly shocked faces, she pressed on. None of them were brave enough to fault their queen.
The lead Twili shook his head and sighed, but set about his work as he gave instructions to his men.
Soon after, the Twili workers hurriedly set small explosives along the upper layer of rock and the ground beneath them.
As the last explosives were set, wires were connected to them as the other workers went outside the mouth of the cave to wait safely. The workers moved some equipment and crates outside. Link helped by lifting some of the crates for them, to their gratitude.
"Alright. We should be safe here. Ground is solid enough so there shouldn't be any ruptures" said the lead worker.
The last of the Twili left the cave and brought a spool of wire with them. They attached it to a box with a lever on it as they primed the wire to detonate the explosives.
Midna was bouncing on her feet a little. The workers didn't notice, but Link could see how she was brimming with excitement. Had she always been so interested in explosions?
"Alright. It's going to be loud. Cover your ears and lets see what happens." said the lead Twili.
He grasped the lever on the small box.
"Five"
Midna and Link stood at the front of the group.
"Four"
The other workers stepped back.
"Three"
"Your majesty, you're a bit far" came a workers voice.
"Two"
Midna and Link turned their heads. There was a significant distance between them.
"One"
They looked at each other, suddenly worried.
"Zero!"
A loud blast rippled through the cave, sending out a rolling shockwave that slammed into Link's chest like a battering ram. His ears felt like they had nearly burst. Dust and debris erupted from the cave mouth, darkening the sky and a deafening roar of collapsing stone followed as tons of dirt and rock crashed into the abyss.
He stumbled, planting his feet against the shaking ground. He saw the massive crack that had splintered through the cave floor. It moved too fast. Faster than any of them had expected or planned.
Then, his breath caught. The crack was racing straight for them.
Midna saw it too. Her head whipped toward him, her golden eyes widening.
The thick crack lunged outward, splitting the ground beneath them.
Run! Link's mind screamed.
But before his feet could move, the ground gave way.
He felt himself lurch downward, dirt and stone suddenly pulling him with it. Midna's sharp gasp was lost in the chaos as the earth itself collapsed beneath them, sucking them into the mountain's maw.
Desperately, he reached for her.
He barely caught a glimpse of her arm stretching toward him before everything, from the light to the sky and the world above, vanished.
They were falling. The new abyss swallowed them whole.