

### Silent Hero

a tribute to Nintendo's _The Legend of Zelda_

Christine E. Schulze

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Silent Hero: a tribute to Nintendo's _The Legend of Zelda_

Copyright © 2012 Christine E. Schulze

{Revised 2014}

Cover Art Copyright © 2012 Christine E. Schulze

Edited by Christine E. Schulze

This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to www.smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the U.S copyright and the author's hard work.

Silent Hero is a work of fiction. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

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Silent Hero: a tribute to Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda

The Triforce, that golden entity set in place by the three goddesses to protect all Hyrule, has been broken—into nine Shards instead of three this time. Darkness creeps along the fringes of not only Hyrule, but also of Termina and Twilight. These three realms, intimately linked, can only be rescued by...

A young boy who cannot speak but whose courage will emanate louder than any evil he faces.

A princess as timeless as the shadowy realm from which she returns.

These two Heroes against three great enemies: Ganondorf, Majora, and the young, ambitious Zaruman, who connects both guardians and enemies of the three realms in ways which the heir of Link could never imagine....

In a race against time, and in a mission which breaks the boundaries of time, Hero and Princess must combine courage and wisdom to collect the notes of a powerful requiem. They must use their knowledge of the ancient legends to press forward and resurrect a mighty weapon from Hyrule's past. Aided by a strange voice, Great Fairies, and their own intuition, will they succeed like the Hero who came before them?

Can darkness and light converge without creating shadow?

Thanks to all the wonderful people at Nintendo for creating a series of games which has inspired me for sixteen years now and which will continue to inspire me until the end of all times and worlds.

A special thanks to my fellow fans;

may you enjoy and be inspired as well.
Prologue

Creation

Before time was set in motion by man—for time is merely an illusion, a way for those not born of the supernatural realm to measure the feeble passing of their days—chaos reigned in the universe. A war of matter, darkness, wind, power. Until three goddesses, Din, Nayru, and Farore, gathered these and fashioned them into something far more glorious, beautiful, and peaceful.

Din—her flaming limbs unparalleled in power—crafted the red earth, taming the chaos into something formed, subdued.

Nayru, in her vast wisdom, gave the spirit of law to the earth, building upon its still quiet by setting up order.

Farore, with her vibrant soul, took all these wonders a step further, so that through peace and order, life could be born and thrive, free to explore, discover, and revel in the happiness of its new world.

Their work completed, the goddesses ascended to the heavens, leaving in their wake the Triforce. The Triforce was a small glimmer of their power, meant to keep the new land safe and to uphold the balance of the elements which had formed Hyrule: Power, Wisdom, Courage.

The Triforce was represented by the people of Hyrule in three triangles touching points so as to form a greater triangle. Should any piece be removed, a perfect triangle would no longer exist; this truth held firm beyond mere symbolism.

But as ever, with the creation of life comes free will. With free will comes such a one who would desire to disrupt that perfect balance by gaining a part of the Triforce to control all of it him or herself.

And with the presence of such a dangerous threat comes the need for...

A hero.
Part 1

Chapter 1

The Lost Hero

In the vast, deep forest of Hyrule dwelt the Great Deku Tree, towering high in a secret alcove shadowed by tree-lined cliffs. The massive tree housed the Forest Spirit who watched over all the Kokiri Wood. He'd been granted infinite wisdom by the goddess Nayru, deep compassion by the goddess Farore; these he used to fashion earth, grass, and seed, breathing life into these to create that legendary people forever cherished as the race which never grows up—the Kokiri.

Each of these pure, child-like spirits was accompanied by a guardian fairy. All save One, who would become known amongst his people—indeed, _all_ Hylian peoples—as the Great Hero of All Times.

The Hero was not Kokiri, but a Hylian. As an infant, his mother had fled through a dark, stormy night, prevailing in the midst of war and staving death just long enough to leave her son in the care of the Great Deku Tree. Perhaps she sensed some specialness about his destiny. Perhaps, like all mothers in that time, she simply hoped to find a happier, safer life for her son.

Whatever the reason, the Kokiri Wood remained one of the last corners in Hyrule that was untainted by the Great War, and, in her wisdom, the mother brought the boy there before taking her last breath. The purity of the spirits residing in the wood served as one of the last strongholds against evil. The presence of that _new_ spirit, the Hero, would provide the greatest protection of all.

Many years later, the Hero received his guardian fairy, not because he was Kokiri, but because of a great quest which would require a companion's aid. Across time and sacred realms he traveled, his quest spanning seven arduous years. At last, the great evil which had befallen Hyrule—Ganondorf, king of Evil—was banished by the Hero's blade.

Since that time...

"...the Kokiri sing of that Hero whom they cared after, for a time, and whom they loved so well."

Joller's quiet but captivating voice hushed. He turned to face his choir of fellow Kokiri. Some beamed with excitement, others furrowed their brows in deep concentration, and still others fidgeted and poked one another. With a warning glance to quiet all trouble makers, followed by a smile, he lifted his baton....

The symphony of Hyrule began.

No flutes were needed. Nor viols, drums, lutes, nor even the popular ocarina. Their voices alone swelled in a sad, sweet wave, like beams of light reaching to out embrace their brethren in the stars. The stars twinkled more fervently than usual, as if hidden goddesses or fairies echoed the Kokiri's songs from their blazing abodes.

How Link adored these moments, sitting on his favorite green hill, blanketed by stars above and embraced by trees and the scent of rich earth on all sides. Best of all, how his heart thrilled each time the Kokiri sang. He recalled legends of a time when Hyrule was split into many islands. Then, the Kokiri truly looked like a people made of wood and leaves, rather than the green-skinned children they had become.

Link studied his arm, resting on his knee, and sighed. Truth marred the beauty of the scene, reflected the mournful strain of the Kokiri's song. For him, there was no green skin. He was not Kokiri; he was seventeen, and he both looked and knew it. No guardian fairy would ever come to him. Though the Kokiri admired him, comparing him often to the Hero of old, their compliments could register only as sad insults.

He could _never_ be like the Kokiri. Nor like the Hero. Nor could he even express his sorrow and frustration at such a fate, for he could not sing. He could not create such humbling beauty that stirred the soul to unstoppable tears. He could never join those throngs who, despite their small size, echoed their great hearts through songs shining with angelic luster. _He_ _could not sing_....

He could not even speak.

Quietly, he stole up the hill, slipping into the thick of the woods like an insignificant shadow. Long ago, he'd perfected the art of complete silence. Why not? With no voice, at least that was one talent he could master.

Rushing past the trees, he was careless as their branches scraped his skin, burning with small scratches and tears. He didn't care; the pain felt good. It allowed the pain of his heart to ease just a little, to be replaced, if but temporarily. Those stinging scars helped him to blink back fiery tears of scars buried much deeper within himself....

"Link."

For just a moment, he considered ignoring her call. For just the tiniest fraction of a moment.

Then, he realized how truly upset he was to consider ignoring her call at all—meaning, he probably needed to heed that call now more than ever.

Skidding to a rustling stop on the fallen leaves, he turned towards her with solemn eyes. Eyes which tried to remain hard but could only soften with sadness as he beheld his best friend in the entire world, the one he wished he could speak to more than anyone. The Kokiri had made up their own, special sign language so that he could communicate with his hands, yes. But it just wasn't the same as if he could speak....

With Sarita though, he didn't really _need_ to. She had a gift of always understanding how he felt. Simple gestures, facial expressions, body language—these were enough for her. She was a true friend, and he loved their bond. Yet, lately, the bond they shared only deepened his impossible longing to share such a bond with others.

An anger welled inside him. Never had he wanted to be able to shout so badly in all his life. Save one other time when a band of Hylians visited the wood and he fell in love with one of their young maidens. His inability to express how he truly felt drove him into a tantrum. All he could do then was smash his hand against a tree....

And leave Sarita to tend the wound for him. Though small and childlike as all the other Kokiri, she was one of the eldest and contained an ancient wisdom of sorts. Her eyes were like two deep forests that could never fully be explored or charted.

Today, the long, feathery, dark green leaves of her hair were knit in a tight braid swept over one shoulder. He smiled just a little. He always thought the braid gave her an extra-motherly look. Or sometimes, when she was saying especially wise things, she looked like one of the sages of old.

_"Link_ ," she repeated, tenderly but firmly; he could not escape without _at least_ a small lecture. "What is the matter this time? Aren't you enjoying the singing?"

He shrugged, glancing away from the eyes brimming with concern, not wanting them to entirely soften his anger. Not yet.

"I thought the singing was your favorite part though."

He pursed his lips. _Of course_ the songs were his favorite. And like everything else, that also made them his greatest bane.

"Link, it's okay. How many times do I have to tell you _not_ to beat yourself up so? You're an excellent woodsman and craftsman. Very in shape too. I've seen you and Gil practicing with those staffs. You know how much we think you look like the ancient Hero. I think you could wield a sword ten times better than _him_."

He really tried to stop the half grin but couldn't quite. She was flattering him now, in her sincere, convincing way. More or less, it was working—if only a wee bit.

"Link..."

Crunching leaves announced Sarita drawing closer. He still hadn't looked up, but as he felt a small hand on his shoulder, light as a feather and soft as a newborn moon blossom....

He lifted his head enough to gaze into the emerald eyes watching him so intently. Sometimes, he thought she must really _be_ a sage, the way she viewed his heart so accurately. The stars' refection shone in her eyes, and within, he saw both her child-like and ancient wisdom dancing together in perfect harmony.

"You _know_ I am your best friend. I love you as you _are_. Never doubt that or let it cease to mean something _real_."

He nodded, offering her the best smile he could.

She sighed, smiling too and stepping back. She knew her work was as complete as could be for the time.

"Are you coming back, or would you like some time alone?"

He jerked his head towards the depths of the wood, signing his need to take a walk.

She nodded. "All right. Just be careful then, and I'll see you in a little while."

He gave a short, reassuring nod.

With a final glance, she skipped into the trees and disappeared from view.

Releasing a deep sigh, he stood there for a long while, gazing at the wood. He placed his hand on one of the massive trees, sensing the ancient stories rippling through its gnarled knots and patterns. Trees were often considered the simplest creatures by outside races, but Link knew otherwise. Trees nowadays were often silent, yet rooted in their branches was great purpose and deep history.

If only it could be so for _him_. If only deep and powerful secrets, or some _meaning_ at least, lay hidden in _his_ silence, it might not seem so bad....

Then again, what man was _meant_ to be born silent?

With another melancholy sigh, he drifted deeper into the wood. How often he'd traversed its paths, memorizing each crevice, hiding place, secret creek. Sometimes, instead of wishing for speech, he wished for a silent world where the trees could understand him. Maybe he could even _become_ a tree and communicate with them....

A pulsing tremor in the ground nearly threw him off his feet. Catching himself against a tree, he braced himself just in time as the earth shook violently. A brilliant flash of light erupted between the trees; long tendrils of twisting white and blue light spiraled towards him, as if a star had literally crashed into the wood and then exploded.

When all lay still, Link stood gasping against the tree, shaking. Then, fear for his life was overcome with fear for the Kokiri and an intense curiosity. Pushing from the tree, he stumbled through the wood towards the light's source.

After traveling only several yards, a faint glow sifted through the trees, leading him quickly onward. Then, emerging into the small clearing—

He halted, almost toppling over his own feet, and stared. A shallow crater had been created, as if a star really _did_ crash there. Cracks raced away from the crater on all sides. In its midst, hovering just a few inches from the ground, was a perfectly round, silver mirror. Its glass, cracked in some parts, glowed with white and cerulean hues.

Within the mirror, kaleidoscope-like swirls of black and turquoise moved fluidly. Crystal stairs of the same colors rippled down from the mirror, like someone unrolled a carpet to announce the presence of the grandest queen.

Then, that queen stepped from the mirror, and Link could only stare all the more.
Chapter 2

Timeless Maiden

She was tall, graceful, her curves not overly defined, yet just enough to tempt even the sweetest, most naive gentleman. A long black skirt with elegant white swirls stitched from finest silk trailed nearly to the ground; slits on either side revealed her long, lithe legs nearly up to her waist. Her black blouse covered young, round breasts but showed her lean, flat stomach. Every visible inch of her skin—from feet, hips, stomach, arms, face—glistened a faint silver-gray, as if she was made of moondust.

Her face itself was loveliest of all, long and angular like her nose, signs of deep intelligence and wisdom. The crimson embers of her eyes matched her fiery hair which was parted in half and braided, both braids pulled to the front and tied with a golden ribbon against her heart. A dark cloak and hood with elegant turquoise designs adorned her slender shoulders, and orange ribbons were woven in her fiery hair.

She studied him intensely at first. While part of him felt unease, wanting to look away, the other part could only stare spellbound.

After a time, her eyes began to soften, dancing playfully.

A smirk lighted her dark silver-blue lips. Eyes sparkling with an impish delight, she lifted her head a little and said, "What? Am I _still_ so beautiful you've nothing left to say?"

He opened his mouth, as if the power of her beauty must grant some magic enabling him to speak, to offer some compliment or reverence towards her. He knew her from the legends of old: Midna, princess of the Twilight Realm. But he could not _know_ her as she _wished_ him to....

The longer he stood there, gazing deep into her eyes with apology and longing, clouds began to veil the crimson flames of her eyes; a frown pulled at the corners of her lips, until she said quietly,

"Oh...I forget how swiftly time passes in your world. Shadows are constant, only changing with the light. But light itself is ever changing, growing and bringing about new life....

"You truly are not my Link."

Even as her face fell, his heart plummeted. He could feel it as poignantly as the sword digging deep inside him. Its sharp edges would have grazed him for disappointing so lovely a lady, but now, her words pressed the wound ten times deeper, scarcely missing his heart. He was no Hero, certainly not her own. He knew this too well.

"But..."

In her eyes glistened a sad longing, digging his wound just a little deeper, yet granting a fraction of hope.

"...you share a part of his spirit. Or perhaps even all of it."

He glanced away, not quite able to hide a small smirk. An unworthy compliment, but one he could not help but revel in the mere imagining of.

"So...I hope this doesn't come out entirely rude, but...can you really not speak? Not a word?"

Glancing back up, he noted the sincere curiosity glimmering in her eyes. No hint of mockery within, though no pity as well. Good. He desired neither. Raising his head a little, he nodded.

_"Well_...." She smirked. Mischief played in her eyes. He couldn't help smiling as her grin flashed so white and perfect, like a long-sought-after pearl. "Perhaps _that_ is for the best, as _I've_ much to tell _you_. I shall be needing a quiet listener more than a rambunctious conversationalist. The old Link, _he_ always was a good listener. Of course, he was also a hairy, flea-bitten mutt most of the time I knew him, at least when in the confines of my shadowy Twilight Realm...."

Her smirk grew into an impish grin, though the glimmer in her eyes promised love in the insult. He listened raptly as she continued,

"We've a long journey ahead of us. But first, there are many important things I must explain. Will you sit with me?"

Link nodded eagerly. He waited for her to choose a spot, and as she leaned against one of the lofty trees, he joined her beneath its shade.

He took a moment to glance back at the Mirror. So many questions and curiosities buzzed inside his head. He'd heard so much of the Mirror, of Twilight, of Twilight's Princess, Midna, and how she once helped one of the Links of legend save both her realm and his realm of Hyrule. And now, she sat next to him. _In the flesh_. Heart pumping, he turned his gaze back to her.

She looked at him questioningly. He nodded, ascertaining his readiness. Slowing their pace just a little, Midna took a deep breath and began her tale.
Chapter 3

Neverending Story

"My father used to say that the battle of Good and Evil is a constant. Like two living, breathing gods, neither can be entirely destroyed. Evil will keep resurfacing, and Good shall have to arise to conquer once more. Good keeps Evil in check, but the Evil is necessary for us to know and appreciate the Good...."

Midna sighed deeply. A faint smile glimmered within her eyes, a smile burdened with great sorrow and longing. In that moment, beyond her youthful beauty, a deep age and wisdom veiled her face, as if she was some reverential sage. Sort of like Sarita, only more so.

As Link continued to watch her closely, his heart softened; an instant respect washed over him towards Midna.

"It is said," she continued quietly, "that the battle between Good and Evil shall endure until the end of time. As long as there are more good, pure hearts existing in all worlds than there are evil, time shall continue, and the battle shall recycle. Only when the amount of evil trumps the amount of good shall all worlds be destroyed and evil vanquished by the gods for all eternity. And only those purest hearts who remain shall ascend to the heavens to reign forever with those who've passed before them....

"Evil stirs again. When I returned to my realm after my adventure with _my_ Link from _your_ world, Hyrule, the Realm of Light, I took my place as the queen of Twilight, Realm of Shadow. I sought then to abandon my childish ways and gain all the wisdom I could to become the best leader possible. It's what my people deserved, especially after all the hardships they'd faced. And _my_ Link would have surely expected no less....

"But as I studied ancient languages and legends of both my realm and others, I came across several prophecies. Prophecies which spoke of the rise of evil again, an evil which would again bind our two realms, Hyrule and Twilight, plus a third— called 'Termina', as I would later know.

"The prophecies spoke of three enemies who would rise from these three realms. This evil, being threefold, would be greater than any Hyrule had ever faced; not only was Hyrule itself threatened, but the two other realms so intimately tied to it. The three great enemies would seek to annihilate the three realms as we know them—past, present, and future.

"The way to defeating these great evils would again lie in the Master Sword, that which the original Hero of old wielded, the first Link. And the Link I knew after him. And each of his heirs, right down to the one who would wield it again.

"I now believe this is _you_ , Link. You didn't need to even tell me your name. I just _knew_. His spirit rests with you. Please forgive me for being disappointed at first. Somehow, I expected to be greeted by that same Link I knew so well. But you truly _are_ his heir...."

The first time she'd even _implied_ he was the Hero's heir, Link inwardly scoffed. The second time, he realized how serious she was, and a million questions and possibilities began zooming around inside his head. _He_? The heir of the first Link? Heir to a _hero's_ blood? But shouldn't that mean...

Glancing down at his hand, he stared. A Triforce crest etched on the back of his hand. Three triangles connected at the points to form a bigger triangle. When in all Kokiri did _that_ appear? Was it when Midna arrived and he was distracted? But _why_? Unless she too was a destined bearer of the Triforce and her closeness brought his own crest to light....

Glancing over, he saw he was right. The Triforce was etched on the back of her hand, also split into nine triangles. Though for her, one of the nine, tiny triangles was colored in, a solid, faintly glistening gold. She already held one of the Triforce Shards.

Struggling to set his buzzing thoughts aside, he focused as much as he could as she continued,

"When the Triforce crest first appeared on my hand and I saw it was split into nine instead of three, I delved into research. I sent out servants and spies to search for clues. And this is what I've found....

"Ganondorf, the Great King of Evil who's tried so many times before to take Hyrule, the Realm of Light, for his own, has escaped and again seeks to do just that. However, this time, his plot is broader. He wishes not only to take Hyrule for his own, but also two worlds intimately linked with Hyrule, the Realm of Light: Twilight, my own Realm of Shadow, as well as Termina, known commonly as Hyrule's alternate dimension.

"Ganondorf sought allies with past enemies of those two worlds—Majora, a wicked sorceress and spirit from Termina, and Zaruman, one of my chief rulers from Twilight, a man I once loved and trusted very well....

"Ganondorf stole the Triforce of Power, splitting it into three and granting a piece not only to himself, but one each to Majora and Zaruman. He claims them as his equals, but I feel this is some trick of his; he's never been known to share power.

"Now, when the Triforce is split, it is always split equally. That's why you see all three triangles split into three smaller triangles, giving a total of nine. One piece of Wisdom already rests within me, which is why it is illuminated on my hand. Where the other two are, I know not.

"However, I _did_ learn what must be done to find _your_ Shards, Link, the Shards which will make up the Triforce of Courage. You will need the Triforce's power to defeat the three enemies, and we also must not let Ganon obtain the full Triforce; to do so would make him unstoppable.

"Your Triforce pieces are hidden away, protected by three bearers. Two of these are in the land of Termina, and one inside my land of Twilight. Not only will these three bearers impart to us a piece of the Triforce of Courage, but they will each give us a melody which will become important to us as well.

"The three melodies they teach us will create a Song, and this Song will somehow help us find the weapon which has been used countless times by many Links past—the Master Sword."

Midna studied him calmly again, and Link shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around everything. Then, he returned to what he'd started doing as she spoke, concentrating, trying to organize all the important bits she's just shared with him.

Link scratched a picture of three music notes in the dirt, alongside a picture of three triangles and the best stick figure of himself that he could muster. Then, he grinned up at Midna, hoping she could make sense of his scribbling.

"Not bad, Hero," she said with a smirk. "Better than myself; art was certainly never my forte....

"But, yes, we're looking to collect the three Shards that will make up the Triforce of Courage. According to how the past legends work, these will all go to you; you will be their protector, and they will also empower you to defeat our enemies.

"And the same bearers who will grant us the Shards should also grant us the three pieces of song we need to form _the_ Song which shall help us obtain the weapon needed to defeat our enemies."

Link nodded, then paused, thinking. There had been _something else_....

Remembering, he hastily scratched: _Zelda?_

Midna's face fell; her brows dipped in worry, a frown crossed her lips, and her eyes narrowed, a mingled pain and sadness filling them. Link tilted his head, wanting to reach out and take her hand to comfort her even though he did not understand....

Just as he moved his hand, the sadness and hurt vanished from her eyes, hiding behind her steady, solemn, unreadable gaze. Quietly, she answered,

"I do not know what has become of Zelda, the Princess of Light, of your world of Hyrule. I do not know if she is safe now, as we are, or what part she is meant to play in all of this. I do not know if she holds the two missing Triforce of Wisdom Shards, or if she is meant to help find them. _I simply do not know_...."

Link nodded slowly, reflecting a moment on what might be going on with Zelda. But then, he shrugged it off. In the old tales, Zelda seemed always to show up at just the right time, and one could never say what she was doing or how she might appear before that. As the princess of wisdom, her ways were wise, yes, but part of her wisdom was that her ways were often mysterious, hidden not just from the eyes of heroes but from the eyes of enemies, until those ways were needed.

Dropping the subject, Link scratched another name in the dirt. He was familiar with two of their enemies, Ganondorf and Majora. But he'd never heard the third name....

"Zaruman," Midna gasped. Her steady gaze wavered once more. Her eyes closed, and she bowed her head. Her breaths came in short gasps, and he wondered what possible tears or pain she tried to hold back. Again, he hesitated, wanting to reach out a hand yet also wishing not to offend her....

Her eyes opened. They were steadfast again, calm and collected. But she could not hide all the sadness which had filled them.

"There was a man," she said quietly, "a man named Zaruman, who claimed to hail from your world. But Twilight blood also ran through him though, that much I was certain of....

"For a while, he claimed allegiance to me and my realm. He even offered his hand in marriage. I was so certain of his sincerity, and in all my years, I would like to think I was not so easily fooled. But perhaps my great longing for a companion after loving my Link and being parted from him forever blinded me. Or maybe Zaruman really _was_ that good at deceiving. Whatever the case, I believed him, and I was wrong....

"He disappeared, but with a promise to return to Twilight and take all he wanted by force. I had seen displays of his magic and power and feared he was capable.

"There was only one thing to do after his parting. I had to reassemble the Mirror connecting our two worlds and seek outside aid—something I would have forever thought impossible many, many years ago. However, in my long years of study, I had learned how to put the Mirror back together again. I never did so before, for I held only selfish reasons for desiring such a thing; the last time our worlds collided, dark and light created only shadow. I couldn't put our worlds at risk unnecessarily.

"But then, I learned of the prophecies, and of the three enemies and their plan. And the Triforce appeared on the back of my hand. And the moment I learned the first steps the Hero must take to overthrow this new evil—the collecting of the Triforce Shards and the three melodies—I reassembled the Mirror and...

"Here I am."

_Here they were indeed_. Link's head still spun painfully. Three Shards of Courage, three songs, the Master Sword—and _him_ , the one meant to wield it? He couldn't resist a smirk, though he hoped Midna didn't think he meant any disrespect. But these were just the sorts of stories he and Sarita were always telling. Stories of the past Links; they never thought _they_ could be "the one" either, even though they'd been given the same name, even the same looks as every past Link before them. The only thing Link supposed he was missing from the rest was his voice.

He looked back to Midna then, nodding, trying to give her a strong, ready gaze, though his heart raced wildly from the exciting possibilities, and he couldn't help wondering if it all wasn't some kind of dream. And if not a dream, too surreal for him to fully accept yet.

"Well, then," Midna said, releasing a deep sigh, as if relieved she hadn't overwhelmed him so much as to scare him off. "As I said, we're looking for Triforce of Courage Shards and melodies. There's three of each, and the same three bearers should grant us one of each. Two bearers are inside the realm of Termina, and one in Twilight.

"I thought perhaps we could go to Termina first, get the two out of the way. Only...to get there, well, perhaps you know where a certain landmark is? I've read the entrance to Termina lies near an ancient carving of some sort of significance.... _You_ wouldn't happen to know the place, would you?"

Link nodded towards the wood, pointing. He jumped up, leading the way, and she followed.

As they walked, Link couldn't help smiling. He knew the _exact_ place she spoke of. That "carving", made on the stump of a tree, looked like a child's drawing of a happy, young boy and an imp with two fairies, one white, the other red and bright purple. It was a portrait of the original Hero of old and the friends he made on a very special and personal journey, often called the "Legend of Link and Majora's Mask". The stump had become a favorite landmark for young Kokiri to play and win mock battles.

How often Link sat in that clearing, watching the Kokiri battle and studying the picture from time to time. Despite its simplicity, it held a certain allure. It had somehow survived even between Hyrule splitting into islands many years ago, and then reforming into one giant continent many years after that.

Its long-lasting echoed the important message of friendship and forgiveness inside the picture. Twas a friendship between boy and an imp that had come at great risk. Link admired the Hero in that, as such a young child, he had learned such courage and willingness to forgive no matter the cost, to press on and—

"Um, _hello_? You _do_ know where we're going; not just making that up, I hope?"

Midna had stopped several feet ahead of him, turning to look back. With a more fervent nod, he broke from his reverie raced to catch up.

Midna shook her head. "Just like the other Link after all. Head lost in the clouds. Without me, his head would be floating around up there with the Oocca forever....

" _This is it_ ," she gasped.

A young boy and an imp smiled up at them from the tree stump as if beckoning them forward, to come and play inside the world of their memories, inside Termina.

Yes, this _was_ it. Link had hardly absorbed everything Midna had told him and didn't know if he would be able too, namely because a few, choice thoughts drowned out all else:

Hyrule was in grave danger, as were Twilight and Termina, two realms closely tied to his.

He was the heir of the first Link and the newly chosen Hero by the goddesses to save these three realms.

He must somehow reclaim the Master Sword and find a Song which would infuse it with powers of Light and Shadow.

He must contend with three great enemies, more than the former Links had to.

The most amazing, wise, and beautiful lady would accompany him on his quest.

That was all he knew, and maybe all that mattered for now, except...

Delving with Midna deep into the woods past the stump, the trees became taller, their trunks much broader.

He led the way up several fallen trees which had formed a twisted path of bridges leading only one way—up.

At the top of a ledge, they entered a small cavern and stopped short, nearly toppling into the bottomless pit before them. Catching each other just in time, they stared down into the abyss.

Link's heart pounded with excitement as he realized that, in all his years, this was the closest to anything daring, dangerous, or even rebellious that he'd ever come. The Kokiri elders always warned the Kokiri not to stray too far beyond the stump, lest they tumble into the "endless" abyss which, in truth, was _not_ so endless but provided a portal to Termina, Hyrule's alternate world. Even now, Link wondered how they'd ever get back up again once they wanted to leave. Midna must have wondered too, because she cast him a side-ways eye roll that read, " _Seriously_? You're absolutely sure this is the right way and we're not about to plummet to our deaths splat on the floor of some cave?" Link almost grinned but held back, not sure if Midna would feel his amusement....

But then he supposed the first Link had gotten back out some way or other. And while he still wasn't so convinced he _was_ the Hero's heir, this was no time to show doubt. With a final nod, he gripped Midna's hand, and together, they leapt over the edge.

A weightless black soon enveloped them.
Chapter 4

A True Fairy

Link held tight to Midna's hand, though not so much out of fear. All fear dissipated, quickly replaced by pounding adrenalin and excitement, as they began to fall slower, floating towards their destination. Though nothing could be seen, no evil could be felt either. This seemed a good sign that they hadn't stumbled into some random hole. Link found himself feeling, for once, more than a little useful.

Then, gradually, flashes of green began to glisten and fall about them. As they grew more defined, Link stared in awe at the small bushes, flowers, and then whole trees cascading gently with them. Or perhaps it was Link and Midna falling, into a world steadily solidifying about them. It was hard to say.

Link knew only that, at some point, everything sped up again until the world was a blur of greens and browns. Then, so abruptly he didn't even feel it at first, firm ground rested beneath their feet; he and Midna stood in a forest.

"Well, then," Midna sighed deeply, seemingly with relief as she brushed off her dress, "I suppose we've found it. Good job, Hero."

Link grinned, nodding—

At a rustle in the trees, Link froze, glancing about cautiously. Midna did the same.

As the rustlings grew louder and more frequent, Midna slipped her hand from Link's, whipped out a bow from beneath her cloak, and set an arrow on the string—

An abrupt cry alarmed her, the arrow whizzed through the air—a loud pop, a flash of bright red, another cry of mingled surprise and terror—

And then, Link and Midna looked down, both intrigued and confused.

He was a middle-aged man, though no taller than four feet. A scruff of a pathetic beard clung to his stubby chin, and traces of wrinkles lined his eyes and mouth. He was clad from head to foot in a tight-fitting green suit which defined features Link wished it rather didn't; Midna's nose wrinkled as though stared at something nasty, and Link knew she must feel the same.

A large, deflated, crimson balloon trailed behind the little, the thing Midna hit with her arrow and which no doubt before that held him aloft in the trees. He smiled broadly at them, doing a little jig. Then—of all unwanted horrors—he attempted to sing,

"Lucky, lucky boy of the fairy forest;

"Lucky is Tingle to meet such a friend,

"To meet such close kin:

"Let our divine friendship start now and not end!

"Tingle, koo-loo limpah!

"Tingle shares these special words only with _you_!"

_"Why_?" Midna breathed, staring in a horrified sort of way, almost as though his oddness pained her. She was so horrified as to be frozen to the spot, unable to tear away. "Just... _why_...?"

"So, would you like to buy a map?" Tingle piped.

Midna raised a skeptical brow. "Come again? Buy maps from _you_?"

"Oh, yes, my lady—indeed, the finest maps in all the land...."

As Tingle prattled, Link leaned over to catch a glimpse of one of the rolled up maps secured to Tingle's back _. 500 rupees for_ one _! A clear rip-off, especially from_ this _incompetent weirdo_....

Link subtly shook his head at Midna. She nodded in a small sign of understanding. Then, she said, "Look, all we really want to know is who we might talk to in Termina to gain some good advice. You know, like a prophetess or seer or—"

"A _fairy_?" Tingle wriggled his eyebrows, rubbing his shoulder against Midna who truly looked ready to wrap her long fingers around his neck.

Pulling away from him, she muttered, "Yes, a fairy. Preferably not one of your... _breed_...."

Tingle shook his head enthusiastically. "Oh, no, indeed. Tingle is _much_ too humble to give himself the credit of understanding dreams and quests and such...."

"Thank all the goddesses," Midna breathed; Link fought hard against a pressing grin.

"...no, no, Tingle leaves such weighty matters for the Great Fairies of Termina. There is one such Fairy in a little cave in the northern part of Clock Town, which is the great city in the midst of Termina Field. It's just a little ways north through these woods. If you'd like, I've the perfect map—"

"And you're certain this Great Fairy can help?"

"Oh, yes. Just tell her Tingle sends you. My good lady, Tingle has 'connections' and... 'favor', if you will, with _all_ the Great Fairies...."

With anther wriggle of the eyebrows, he sidled over to rub against her again, but she stepped back just in time for his shoulder to miss the mark, sending him sprawling and maps fluttering everywhere.

"Good-bye, Mr. Tingle. It's been a pleasure."

As Midna swept from the small clearing, Link hurried to keep up. Casting a backward glance at Tingle, Link felt a little sorry for him. Until—

"My lady plays hard to get," Tingle said, sputtering dirt from his mouth as he wobbled to sit up. "But _Tingle knows_...you will be back, my sweets, whether for one of Tingle's wonderful maps or a something a little more...special...."

"I am _not_ even expected to respond to that," Midna muttered. She picked up her pace, as did Link, suppressing another grin which was, by now, truly ready to explode from him.

Once completely out of Tingle's range of sight, Midna returned her bow to its mysterious perch beneath her cloak. Link again felt himself losing points; what weapons had _he_ thought to bring on such an epic—and epic-ly dangerous—quest? He shook his head. Like the real Link, he would have to wing it and worry about that only once the need arose. Besides, Midna was in such a hurry, she hadn't exactly given him time to prepare.

After only a half hour or so, the trees thinned and at last receded altogether into sprawling green hills. They'd reached Termina Field. The massive wall encircling Clock Town rose up, not far in the distance. After only another half hour or so of travel, Link and Midna gave a friendly nod to the guard and slipped through the gate.

If the field and woods reflected utter quiet and peace—save the presence of Tingle—Clock Town proved the utter opposite. They'd entered the Western marketplace which bustled with townsfolk admiring clothes, jewels, freshly baked bread, and a wide array of other trinkets which various merchants sold from carts set up outside the more official stores.

A balding man sniffed in a displeased manner at another man selling turkey legs right outside the window of his Bomb Shop. Then, he slipped in and shut the door with meaning loudness. Another man shouted down at a woman calling for people to buy her fine Zora-woven silks; apparently, he was no shop-keeper but had a headache and needed his sleep. Children ran to and fro, some playing, others trading embroidered handkerchiefs for small bits of cakes and muffins.

Link stared at the turkey legs. He quickly veered towards the south though, abandoning temptation.

Midna tapped him on the shoulder, a curious frown on her lips. "Shouldn't we...you know...head to the _north_ of Clock Town, where the Fairy's cave is supposed to be?"

Link shook his head, hoping his eyes revealed his meaning of "not yet" instead of a simple "no". He just had a feeling that they should first examine the place where the first Link began his ventures in Termina—the Clock Tower in South Clock Town.

"What—? Do you have another 'master' plan? An epiphany I haven't been let in on yet—?"

"Rogue tomato! Get yer rogue tomato here—makes a great pet for the wife!"

A man sporting a long, curled goatee and wisps of hair which stuck out at incredibly weird angles—weirder still was how those wisps stayed perfectly in place—held out a gargling creature. It was red, shaped like a small tomato, save its vines had formed into waving arms and legs. A large mouth with sharp teeth smiled wide, nipping at Midna who jumped to the side.

"Um...not to be rude, but is this place some indication that Hyrule has _also_ gone completely psycho since the last time I visited?" Midna mumbled. "It _is_ meant to be an alternate universe, after all...."

Link could not contain another wide grin.

Rounding a tall wall, they entered the Southern portion of Clock Town. Townspeople milled to and fro. Several carpenters carried large beams of wood to some sort of scaffold being erected. In the midst of all the action towered the unmistakable Clock Tower. Midna and Link paused to admire.

Constructed mainly of reddish wood, the face of the clock was its most elegant feature. Intricate designs of clouds, golden wings, and a moon face gleamed brilliantly in freshly polished stain glass. A gold-gilded frame encircled the massive clock. Below that, two large, wooden doors. They were ordinary but legendary. As Link motioned Midna forward, they slipped through the crowds and crept inside....

Upon entering, they paused, stilling their breath as the music played, beckoning them to listen. Once drawn into its spell, it soothed all the aches contained in their hearts for so long.

The red-headed man faced away from them and towards the small organ, his fingers rippling effortlessly across the keys. A bulky sack and several masks lay on the floor beside him. Link knew at once from the old legends who he was and that he played the Song of Healing.

After repeating the song several times—twas a song which could never become monotonous, no matter if one must hear it played over and over for all eternity—he allowed the notes to fade. Link's heart fell a little, aching dully, though he knew it would have taken much longer for the song to heal every single one of his past sorrows and regrets, far longer than they could stay to listen.

The man swiveled around on the organ bench to face them with a wide grin. His teeth gleamed perfectly straight and white. The thin slits of his eyes narrowed even more as he grinned wider, making his eyes almost disappear.

"You're the Happy Mask salesman," Midna gasped.

"I am indeed," he said, jumping up and bowing in a low, dramatic arc. "But I have been waiting for you because I have become _more_ than that, over time. I am a guardian spirit of sorts who travels often between Termina and Hyrule. Knowing your plight, I have sat here, playing the Song of Healing for a long time now. None other has heard me play; indeed, if one of the townsfolk was to enter right now, they would think you spoke to the wind. My song is meant to resonate only in the heart of the Hero and those who aid him. Tis what drew you here in the first place, my boy, though you probably couldn't have known that....

"Now, I have nothing to give you, except a small bit of advice before you delve into your quest:

"In your journey, look often to the tales of the first Link. Even as Termina mirrors Hyrule in many ways, so your journey shall mirror the first Hero's— _in many unexpected ways_.

"With that wisdom, I leave you with this final thought:

"You must always believe in your strengths— _believe_!"

With a bow, he vanished like a wisp of genie's smoke. Midna and Link gasped. The organ had vanished as well. Link wondered if the mask salesman had departed to another realm, or if perhaps he remained right where he was, invisible, playing his song for the next soul in desperate need of obtaining its healing balm.

"Well," said Midna, "shall we make _now_ for North Clock Town?"

Link shook his head.

"What do you mean 'no' _again_?" Midna growled, following after as he sped from the tower, feet intent on a singular location. What the Happy Mask salesman said resonated with him deeply. Certainly, there _was_ some purpose in their meeting the salesman first, and in his wisdom of saying to _follow the tales of the first Link_....

Link led Midna up the short ramp, down the alley, and towards the small pool where the townsfolk often came to wash laundry and such. How perfectly the whole place was etched in his mind. Though meant to mirror Hyrule, Termina seemed not to have changed physically at all from the descriptions told many a time in the old legends, though Hyrule itself had changed much. Then again, perhaps Hyrule had come full circle after reforming into one giant island, becoming that much closer to the original.

In the old tales, the first Link had to find several smaller fairies which would, once joined together, restore the broken Great Fairy to her original state. One of the first places the first Link found such a piece of the fairy's soul was in the small laundry pool in South Clock Town. And this, of course, had all occurred in conjunction with meeting the mask salesman in the tower.

Sure enough, as Link and Midna entered the laundry pool enclosed by a high wall, a tiny golden fairy floated above the water. As they neared it, the Triforce emblem glowed brightly on the back of Link's hand. The fairy floated near, then slipped into his pocket without a sound.

_"Really_?" Midna scoffed. "So, in this 'version' of the story, the Hero just uses his Triforce symbol to lure the fairies? I mean, that's a lot easier than the original Link running around wearing that _ridiculous_ Great Fairy's mask. Because, no offense, but she was a little peculiar looking—especially on Link's head...."

As Link smiled wide and motioned Midna back towards the main part of town, they were nearly knocked over by a girl with bright purple hair sporting a yellow mask.

"They really all _do_ love masks around here," Midna mused. "Then again, I suppose the land of Termina is known for wearing a 'Hyrule' mask; according to my studies, _nothing_ of Termina's was really ever its own...."

Midna continued to spout random bits of information on Termina, some interesting facts, others just expressions of her annoyance—such as the carpenters' incompetence to watch where they swung their lumber and actually try _not_ to hit tall people like herself in passing. Link only smirked, bemused at her quiet rantings, leading her into—

"North Clock Town! _Finally_ —ah, my goddess—it's _Tingle_...."

Indeed, while a group of children chased each other between the few trees in North Clock Town, laughing and shooting spitballs at one another, Tingle bobbed high above, suspended by his red balloon, a passel of maps strapped to his back. Link waved cordially in passing. Midna didn't even _dare_ make eye contact as Tingle called down, "Hullo, best friend and best friend's friend—who, of course, is _Tingle's_ friend too!"

"How comforting a thought," Midna mumbled as they hurried past. "You know, didn't the first Link ever find it a little creepy that Tingle just shows up in whatever new location he travels to? Does Tingle have all these creepy doppelgangers, or is he just _that_ much of a creepy stalker...?"

Link continued to laugh in his heart as they scaled the long but gently sloping hill, ducking into the small cave at its crest. Sunlight poured onto the glistening pool inside the cave, dancing upon its ripples like fallen stars. Hovering over the water were dozens of tiny fairies just like the one in Link's pocket. As Midna's and Link's toes touched the fringes of the pool, the fairy soared from his pocket, rejoining the others. They swirled in an elegant dance, knitting closer and closer until their glow unified like one brilliant sun. Then, in a burst of light, the Great Fairy hovered before them.

Her skin glowed golden like the sun, as did her long, thin, delicate wings. Her hair fell in an ocean of golden waves which matched the softness gold of her eyes. Elegant white silks hugged her body, while tiny vines and rosebuds curled about her arms and legs, mirroring the crown of flowers resting upon her head. Link guessed that the same thought probably fleeted through Midna's mind: if the fairies of old were described as garish and unsightly, then either that part of the legend had lied, or else the fairies had changed greatly since then.

Smiling down with a warmth almost as strong that of the Song of Healing, she said, "Welcome, Heroes. I have been waiting a long time for the Hero's heir to come—that heir who would know, by the goddesses, to retrieve that broken part of my spirit and make me whole again, as did the first Link. I have changed in many ways over time—as do many—but my spirit remains the same, as does that of the Hero; it resides vividly within _you_ , Link.

"Sadly, our time must be short. You come to me for a specific purpose, that I may grant the tools you need to start your quest. First though, I shall grant you knowledge and speak more of spirits.

"As you may already know, there are bearers who carry parts of the Song you seek, as well missing Shards of the Triforce of Courage. These three bearers are all spirits. Two of the three spirits dwell here in Termina.

"I have felt their presence stirring in Termina for some time now. One is said to dwell East, atop the cliff-tops of Ikana. The other lingered last with the Zorita of the western ocean, though his spirit has wandered abroad for some time now....

"I would first seek the song-holder of Ikana, the great Goddess of Time herself. She resides in a Temple high atop the stony cliffs. In order to reach her, you will need the aid of this ancient but still applicable tool."

The Great Fairy stretched her arms wide. In a flare of brilliant, gold-white beams, something flashed silver between her and Link, hovering in mid-air betwixt the two. Link stared, trying to steady the trembling fingers which closed around and held it carefully, while Midna took in her breath.

"The Hero's hookshot!"

The fairy nodded with a proud smile. "Indeed. One of his most unique and valuable tools. Old Dante proved true in thinking it would come in very handy someday. Ah, how the spirits know so much more profoundly than we....

"It is old but still in excellent condition. Watch over it carefully, and it will aid you in the trials to come.

"I bless you both now with good health, strength, and magic.

"Good night, my children, and the goddesses grant you all speed."

She arched her wings up and folded them around her body like a bat preparing for slumber. Then, she dissolved in a golden rain back into the pool which glistened gold until she vanished altogether. All lay dark, cool, and tranquil.

Link fingered the Fairy's gift in awe. Made of wood and metal, the hookshot contained springs which, when released, shot forth a grappling hook. That hook would stick firm into many surfaces, making travel to hard-to-reach places much simpler—or, in some cases, possible at all.

"Well, then," Midna said, drawing herself up confidently. "I suppose it's off to Ikana then?"

Link gave the hookshot a final, reverential look. Then, securing it to his belt, he gave Midna an affirmative nod. Together, they turned and slipped from the fairy's cave.
Chapter 5

Goddess of Time

The journey to Ikana began with a long, monotonous stretch of field followed by a long, monotonous stretch of rocky, bumpy path between jutting cliffs. When their travels extended into the fringes of twilight, the sun's fading rays made yet frailer by the new presence of grey, wispy clouds, they finally graced the borders of Ikana.

No living thing seemed to grow. All was solid rock, and even its constant, reddish tint bored their already-weary minds and bodies. The path wound up and up and was easy to follow, mostly smooth at the first but littered with more and more potholes and craggy snares the further they traversed.

At last, the path grew very steep; Link and Midna had to grab onto each other, propelling each other along, using one another as walking sticks.

Then, stepping up over a final ridge, it loomed before them—the legendary canyon and the high cliff tops rising far beyond it.

From the vast expanse of the canyon, whose depths were hidden by ever-scrolling mists, several towering, rocky spires rose up. On top of each lay a flat surface so that they were very skinny plateaus of sorts, with just enough room for two people to stand upon and perhaps pace back and forth a bit. They created precarious stepping stones up to the cliff-tops high above where Link felt certain the Goddess of Time must reside. The one mystery was how to bridge the huge gaps of empty space between the stepping-stone spires.

Their only clue was a wooden post jutting out of the bottom-most spire, a target painted on its surface. If the legends were true, Link knew what that meant. Detaching the hookshot from his belt, he turned its gleaming silver over in his hands.

Suddenly, it didn't seem like such a big or mighty tool, especially next to the unseeable depths of the canyon, and especially comparing _its_ weight with _theirs_. The stories of the Hero crossing such abysses so effortlessly no longer sounded so exhilarating.

Glancing over at Midna, he saw her staring at the canyon with the same profound horror he felt; it glared like a gaping, hungry mouth which is never satisfied. If they were to tumble inside, they would be like two, insignificant leaves fluttering down, down, down....

But what else could be done? The target post was a sign. It was their _only_ sign. Link would need to be the strong one here. Midna already backed slowly away from the cliff's edge, whether consciously or no. She was a strong young woman, but in such fear, it might be hard to persuade she who was also a _stubborn_ young woman that this was the best way....

Apologizing fervently to her inside his mind, he swooped her up in his arms. She let out a small squeak of surprise, but before she could realize what he was up to, he aimed the hookshot, pulled the trigger—

The iron chain shot forth, and the iron claws at its end stuck fast in the post. He yanked hard to make sure there was no pulling them out.

_"Link_!" Midna cried pitifully, almost making him release her, but as she began to squirm, he knew it was now or never—

He released the trigger; the suspended chain contracted in what seemed the blink of an eye and yet a long, terrifying minute all at once. Midna hugged Link so tight it hurt, but he tried to focus on the target they swiftly flew towards. It really _did_ feel like flying. That was the most frightening yet exciting part—the weightlessness. Air was the most solid thing surrounding him and Midna as they flew—

Their feet touched down, and they were safe.

Breathing hard, Link tried to set Midna on the spire's flat summit. At first, she would not let go her tight grip at all, so he kept his arms wrapped close around her, waiting for her to calm; her heart beat wildly against him. Gradually, her fingers slipped from about his neck, her arms loosened, her body grew less rigid. She slid from him like a snake carefully slithering from danger.

At last, she stood on her own, closing her eyes—or maybe they'd been closed the whole time—and heaving a huge sigh before reopening them, their fires blazing lethally at Link.

_"You little Imp_ ," she snapped. "Honestly, if I'd _wanted_ a horrific joyride, I'd have saddled up with Tingle on his hot-air balloon...."

Link grinned.

"All right, all right—no, I _wouldn't_ have. I suppose, in the end of things, you _did_ do a good job, Hero. Got us this far, at the least...."

She glanced uneasily into the abyss. Link felt it too—too much freedom, too much open air enclosing them. He clutched the hookshot tightly, feeling a little better, though he knew it couldn't just magically spring forth and save them should one of them accidentally tip over the edge.

"Now what...?" Midna asked, gazing up at the next spire.

Link and Midna didn't have to glance around long before she exclaimed, "Look! There. That tile. It looks different from the rest of the stone...."

Indeed, right next to where they stood, on the other side of the post, a square tile lay, very slightly raised from the rest of the spire's surface. Its coloring was different too. Holding the edge of the post tight, Link carefully inched his way towards the tile; he had plenty of room to move about but felt more than a little claustrophobic, even a bit wobbly. He smirked at such irony. That he should feel so encased surrounded by so much nothingness.

Stepping on the tile, it lowered and clicked like a switch. A small rumble. Then, looking up, they saw a hookshot post appear atop the next spire up in their path.

"Brilliant!" Midna beamed, starting her way towards Link—

Then, she stopped short.

"There's only enough room for _one_ to stand on _your_ side of the post," she called, loudly as if they stood far apart. Link couldn't deny it _felt_ that way; he didn't feel comfortable at all standing where he was, unable to assist her if something went awry.

"You'll have to come back on _this_ side so we can both use the hookshot."

Link carefully stepped off the tile and made his way back over. He cast an apologetic look at Midna who tried to smile, though she looked like she'd rather eat a whole bowl-full of wriggling, hopping tektites than travel by hook-shot again. Then, scooping her up in his arms, he turned to aim the hookshot—

There was nothing to aim at. The post had vanished from the next highest spire. Link frowned. Midna frowned too, though he thought she looked a bit happier about the delay than she ought.

The next moment though, she was pouting, glancing uncomfortably at all the empty space still surrounding them. Link started back towards the tile, but she gently grabbed his arm.

"No, don't," she mumbled.

He stopped and sighed, knowing she was right, though he'd hoped she wasn't. He'd heard of such puzzles. They would need some way of weighing the switch down so that the post would stay raised and they could hookshot their way across.

"Hmm..." Midna half-sighed, half-growled. Link's head spun with hopes of conjuring a solution; Midna quickly grew agitated, though she fought hard against it with close-knit brows and clenching fists. He feared as she paced in such a small space, turning sharply very close to the cliff's edge. If she grew too upset and absorbed in her rantings, she might just topple off the edge....

He sighed deep relief as she plopped on the stony crag beside him.

"Well, _now_ what?" she growled clearly this time, then mumbled, "What would the Hero do if he was stuck in a tricky situation? A puzzle of sorts? Consider all options, look for the simplest solution not yet tried...."

Link had not heard much of the ancient temples and other trials endured by the Hero on his quest. However, what he _had_ heard told him Midna was thinking along the correct lines. There _must_ be something _truly simple_ they were missing.

Link looked over at Midna and found her critically scanning the cliff-tops. Link began searching as well. Despite his usually-sharp gaze, he espied only the rising spires they were supposedly meant to climb to the top; how they should do so remained a mystery.

So, he took up Midna's other suggestion—to search what they had on their person, considering all options. He couldn't think of any objects they'd received lately which might help. Save the hookshot, which was obvious, _if_ they could figure out how to keep the post raised. Rummaging around in his sack, Link's fingers tripped over some rope, a small hunting knife, twine, matches, then grazed a handful of rupees, and beside those—

With a grin, he pulled out a late birthday present from Sarita. His ocarina. Sarita had crafted the egg-shaped flute from the golden wood of the Kokiri's finest Makar trees with her own hands.

As it gleamed with an egg-white sheen in the fading sunlight, Midna glanced over and smirked. "Of course. Of all things. If the Hero couldn't figure something out, _play a song_. Figures _you'd_ be a weirdo with a musical egg as well. Go ahead, pipe away...."

Placing the ocarina to his lips, he blew the first song which came to mind—Saria's Song, that of the ancient forest sage whom Sarita was named for.

After playing a couple of rounds, nothing happened. Of course, there was always the off-chance he simply didn't play the _right_ song, but....

_"Really_? It could take _ages_ for us to figure out what notes we need— _if_ that's even what we're supposed to do!"

Despite Midna's continued huffing, Link remained patient. The music at least calmed his nerves, allowing him to think more clearly. Standing up, he began to pace, repeating the song—

And was almost knocked backwards into the abyss as, with a small rumble, something rose from the square tile like a swiftly sprouting stalagmite. Lowering the ocarina, Link steadied himself and stood back with Midna to admire the statue which now stood on the tile, keeping the switch pressed firmly down. An exact replica of Link himself, playing the ocarina. It was strangely eerie how life-like the statue looked, vibrant color and all.

Midna shuddered yet gave a small grin. "Good call, Hero—or maybe just good _luck_. At any rate, it _is_ a little unnerving looking at that thing, so...let's get a move on, shall we?"

Link nodded enthusiastically and turned to the hookshot post clearly jutting from the next highest spire. Holding Midna close while she hugged him for all it was worth, he aimed the hookshot and released. The metal talons grabbed the post. As he released the trigger again, the chain shot them over the abyss, Midna shrieking the whole time until their feet touched down on the next rocky surface.

Midna sighed relief then glanced up disdainfully at the stretch of five more spires remaining before the final cliff-top. Making a nasty sort of face at them, she then turned to Link and said, "All right, Hero. Do your thing."

Link played the song. And played. And played once more. And played over and over until his fingers grew sore.

This time, Midna's attempted growl morphed into a weary sigh as she slouched to the ground.

"A good try, Link." She smiled up at him, but he noted the tired glimmer in her eyes. It was not a physical tiredness but an emotional and mental one. He understood well; Midna was not one to _not_ understand how to do something or else figure it out easily enough. She'd reassembled an entire mirror spanning their two Realms. Now, that something _so simple_ should hold them back when she was just as eager as he to see their mission already completed....

Determination washed some of the weariness from her eyes as she looked up at him again. "Perhaps just a different song?"

He gave a firm nod, set the ocarina to his lips—

"Link...Link..."

"What is that voice?" Midna breathed, rising slowly to stand beside him.

Tremulous, Link's hand rushed instinctively to his belt—only to realize that no sword hung there. Not that he _owned_ a true blade, but even the wooden ones he practiced with would have served as a better defense than none at all.

"Here," Midna drew a long, thin, silver rapier. "It is yours until you obtain your own."

Gripping it tightly, Link moved close to Midna, scanning spires, cliff-tops, skies, and the space on which they rested—which seemed, of a sudden, even more compact with the statue's presence—for any sign of where the voice and its perhaps-eminent danger might flow from.

"Link...and Midna too...

"Do not fear. You are indeed on the right path. I come to aid you with this riddle:

'What is done within must be repeated without.'

"Remember, Link..."

The voice faded like a zephyr. All lay still in the twilit night once more.

Midna shivered. "What do you suppose...? Did you _feel_ it, Link? Did _you_ feel it too?"

She did not need to define "it" for him because he _did_ feel it. A strange power emanating from that voice, commanding him to be still, despite its gentility and delicateness. It was that very gentility which made him _want_ to listen, even as its secret power also _made_ him listen.

"What do you suppose?" Midna repeated. "Surely, only the voice of one like a goddess could hold such power—and, I dare say, pop in at such a perfect time with the wisdom we needed to continue.

"What sense do you make of the riddle, Link? She said we were on the right path—I assume with the ocarina and songs. 'What is done within must be done without....'"

Link thought hard. He thought hard over everything he'd done to make the first statue appear, trying to break down each step into the tiniest details, not wishing to miss anything which might be important. He'd played the song atop the tile. Then, he started pacing, yet playing. The statue appeared, along with the hookshot post....

Hadn't he done all that just now? He'd played and kept playing and playing and—

Looking down, his eyes trailed to Midna. And the different-colored stone tile peeking from beneath her cloak. He had paced. He had played. But never upon the new tile. Gently tapping her and pointing, she studied his gestures with a curious frown before raising her brows in understanding and scrambling from her place atop the tile.

Standing on the tile, Link played Saria's Song. When nothing happened, he played a few more rounds. When Midna excitedly breathed, "What must be done within must be done without," literally dragging him off the tile, understanding flooded him as well, and he repeated the song—

The stone statue appeared beside them on the tile, a new hookshot post on the spire up above.

With an excited laugh, Midna grabbed onto Link, closing her eyes tight this time as they glided across the expanse, eerily weightless for a few moments. She still squealed but, as they landed, urged him excitedly to make the next post appear.

Over and over, he repeated the process, playing Saria's Song while standing atop the tile, then repeating the song after he'd moved aside so the statue could appear, pressing the switch and causing the next post to pop up. Up and up they flew, until the end when Midna cried out with exhilaration, laughing as they reached the very top of the cliffs.

"I think I am actually sad now to see an end to that, now I've gotten used to it," she laughed gaily, and Link grinned.

Then, they looked up, and as the clouds sifted aside, starlight glittered upon the temple of the Goddess of Time.

It was a small structure, strange but magnificent once one's eyes adjusted. The first thing Link couldn't help but notice—and saw Midna's eyes stare curiously at as well—was that the Temple was built upon some sort of ruins. As if some ancient tribe or other, having torn down the temple of their enemy's heathen god, decided to flaunt their victory to the world by just leaving the ruins there and building the new temple for their own goddess atop. The Temple itself, strangely enough, appeared perfectly level atop the ruins, as if the victors had taken pangs to rearrange the rubble to make it so. The Temple was an ordinary stone structure, tall but small, with pillars flanking the grand double doors. All was gilded in a glass-like gold, gleaming like a yellow diamond in the moonlight. Though beautiful, Link thought it seemed a small structure for a deity gifted with so great a title as "Goddess of Time". Then again, if she truly _was_ master over all time, perhaps she was not as bound by the elements of space, desire for the material, and boredom as humans were. Or perhaps she simply made her home in many temples scattered across time and space.

As Midna and Link crept over the rubble towards the Temple, Link glanced with interest at the bits of shattered past strewn about, wondering about the place's history, hungry to know more should he ever get the chance to return. Glimpses of faded paintings and carvings on the ruins—giant, leering eyes, and stars, and a hideous scorpion-like creature—intrigued his curious mind.

Reaching the steps scaling up to the towering double doors, they slipped up and crept inside.

The doors closed without a sound, sealing them within a room simple but fair. The floor was tiled with marble squares alternating pearly black and glittering white, their magic sparkle enhanced by the moonbeams sifting through the tall arched windows, peeking between the pillars towering on either side of a golden carpet. The carpet flowed up the length of the temple, up the steps of a white marble dais, to rest at the feet of an immense, white marble thrown. Nestled in the throne, sitting tall, straight, but comfortably, as if she'd always belonged there, was the Goddess of Time herself.

Billowing gold and white robes swathed her delicate body, sweeping the floor like moonbeams; real moonlight set all a glitter—the robes, her silvery-copper skin, her night-ebony curls, her apricot eyes.

"Welcome, dearest descendant of the Hero, and you, Midna, Heroine of Old...."

Her voice flowed as richly as the sun represented in her eyes, echoing with a soft but certain power throughout the temple. Its power did not frighten but rather soothed, like a lullaby. This truly was where they were meant to be in that exact moment of time.

"A long time have I waited here to greet you—and to _thank_ you, Link. It is your ancestor who freed me and allowed me to return to my rightful place of dwelling and worship. In all these many, many years, no evil has befallen my Temple again....

"But now, as you know, a greater evil would seek to assail my whole Realm, as well as yours and Midna's. Thus, I will not prolong your stay. I will grant what you need and send you on your way; time indeed is of the utmost essence, especially now...."

From beneath her flowing folds, she presented a glistening harp made of golden glass. Even the strings shimmered, strung of the delicate stuff. Fingers long, graceful, and light as feathers touched the strings which vibrated, quietly but with an unexpected sound, like a choir readying itself for a great performance. Link smiled to himself, thinking upon the Kokiri choir.

"Link, take out your ocarina...."

Link did so, setting it to his lips, ready.

"...and Midna. I believe you, as the Sage of Shadow, know what is expected?"

Link stared, his mind stumbling on the word "Sage;" Midna, a _sage_? On top of being the Twilight queen _and_ the one holding one of the Wisdom Shards? How had she left out that important detail?

Midna didn't seem to take note of his reaction. She nodded at the Goddess and drew from her own cloak a long, silver flute. She set her lips and fingers in place, and then looked up at the goddess who began to play.

It was not long before a whole chorus of sweet but powerfully resonating voices, as well as the pure strain of the flute, flooded the Temple and swelled Link's heart. Link played along, filled with the passionate melody. The notes the goddess granted were few, and she and Midna repeated them many times to ascertain Midna mastered them well. Even still, Link's heart seemed to break a little as the celestial climax waned into an echoing hush.

Link slipped his ocarina inside his satchel, and Midna returned her flute beneath her cloak and gazed up at the goddess with new reverence. Peace glowed upon her face, as well as an eagerness, as if she and the goddess were now connected by some unbreakable bonds Link wished he could be fettered by as well.

Seeming to understand, the goddess smiled warmly.

"Yes, the song is now a _part_ of you, Midna. It is _yours_ , you _own_ it, and you will feel and know this every time you play it.

"I have just granted you the first of three parts of the ancient Song you must reassemble.

"This Song is called ' _Midna's Requiem_.'"

Midna could not suppress a gasp. She studied the goddess with furrowed, curious brow, even a bit of concern.

Link squeezed her hand. It was a true honor to have the Song they sought named after her. Still, its title was frightening, and he hoped it represented a temporary sleep, or—if truly a more permanent one—that it was meant to somehow _quell_ death rather than _create_ it.

Though her eyes remained fixed with concern upon the goddess, Midna squeezed his hand back fervently, a silent thanks for his support.

The goddess only smiled calmly before continuing,

"You may wonder why two parts of the Song lie in Termina, one in Twilight, and none in Hyrule. One part _used_ to lie in each realm, but the holder of the second, the Many-Link, travels across _all_ three realms and currently resides in Termina. Thus, here he is, and here you shall continue until you find him.

"I can grant you also my piece of the Triforce before you go; as a spirit, I have no need of it, nor shall I die in its passing on, as would befall the living. I am already of the Spirit Realm, dead to your own Realm.

"Step forward, Hero of Time, and accept my gift...."

The goddess folded her silvery hands and closed her eyes, as if in reverential prayer. The Triforce glowed brilliantly but a mere moment upon her hand before vanishing and glowing instead upon Link's hand. Link gazed down in awe. One of the nine triangles was now completed upon his hand, his first of the three Courage Shards. Already, he felt stronger, more capable.

"Go now, dear Heroes. The path ahead lies that way...."

She swept one arm out to her right. Link and Midna looked over at a sapphire warp crystal standing vertically several feet off, ready to transport them from the Temple.

Link gave the goddess a solemn look but one he hoped was full of the gratitude and exhilaration washing over him at having obtained their first piece of the Song, as well as a Triforce Shard. The same excitement gleamed thoroughly in Midna's eyes as she bowed her head in a final gesture of thanks.

Then, together, they stepped into the blue light which began to wrap its warm folds around them.

_"Well done, Heroes_..."

"The voice again!" Midna had just enough time to gasp before the crystal's sunny folds enclosed them completely.

***

They landed on the rolling hills of Termina Field, close to the wall surrounding Clock Town. Strangely enough, it was dusk again. They wondered if a whole other day passed so quickly, or whether the goddess simply reset time. It was not theirs to say though; time was _her_ forte, after all. For Link's part, he was grateful for a little extra daylight.

"Well," sighed Midna. " _That's_ a relief. Perhaps we can even walk to the East Coast by nightfall...."

She glanced up at the sky swathed in a rainbow array of sunset shades. Then, she glanced with both hope and skepticism at Link. He smiled gently. He _was_ tired, but far too excited to sleep a wink just yet. Though night would stretch late over Termina before they reached the beach and the Zorita's domain, he was willing to at least begin the trek.

With a smile of agreement from Midna, they started off.

The journey did not last nearly as long as they counted on. After a mere two hours or so, cliff-tops rose from the east. Midna groaned and gazed up with loathing. Link half wanted to laugh and half really hoped these cliffs did not prove such an awful trial as the last.

After traveling a little ways, they found themselves slipping between the cliffs, and then emerging onto a sandy beach beside the ocean; its small waves frothed like silver fairies dancing in the moonlight. To their left, another path curved between the cliffs. To their right, the cliffs wound down the beach and out of sight.

"Well, then..." sighed Midna, plopping rather ungracefully into the sand. Link grinned then fell down beside her, his body realizing the same, abrupt weariness. To just collapse and not have to move an inch felt incredibly, suddenly amazing.

Neither spoke. It was obvious both were too weary to search for the Zorita that night. Nor could they even begin to know how. At the same time, Link still felt too awake—maybe even too tired—to fall asleep. Instead, he fiddled inside his sack, and, with a wider grin, pulled out his ocarina.

Link played a slow tune, its strains melancholy but hopeful. Like rays of light, it sifted through the coldness of his heart, driving it away.

He felt Midna watching him, eyes soft but bright, studying carefully. He saw from the corner of his eye as she reached beneath her cloak. A glint of silver in the moonlight, and then, a higher, purer strain joined his. She played beside him upon the silver flute, which was long and delicate like the silvery fingers so tenderly and deftly stroking its keys.

Long they played their song, improvising bits here and there, varying pitch, key, and volume so as to instill the song with passion, making its notes not mere notes but rather weaving some secret story from their hearts.

When the last, long note faded, they each lowered their instruments. Link looked up uncertainly, but Midna smiled wide. Link smiled too, glancing away shyly.

As he looked up again, her smile lingered, though softer, and she said quietly, "Long has it been since I'd anyone to play with. And I am glad that you too know the ancient songs of the Hero. The Serenade of Water...it truly is one of my favorites...."

He nodded fervently. How often, as he and Sarita played it, had that song's passion had flowed through his fingers, down through his veins, to the core of his heart. It truly was a favorite of his too.

As her eyes continued to watch him, he tried not to break that uncomfortable gaze. Her eyes, like two rubies...he'd never beheld such unique or lovely eyes. But it was awful to be thus scrutinized and not know what she thought....

"You know," she said quietly, "we haven't really gotten a chance to talk. I haven't really gotten to know you. If you like...I'd like to do that."

His eyebrows arched high. This time, he nodded enthusiastically without any care as to how he looked.

Laughing lightly, she said, "Good then. You first..."

Link opened his mouth—forgetting, as ever seemed to happen in her presence, that he could not speak. Mind scrambling for some other way of communication, he almost began signing...but then realized she probably would not understand the signs taught him by the Kokiri, and he didn't want to look a fool.

Finally, he reached inside his satchel for a small stick and grinned. How frail the little stick was, with just a few, tiny leaves hanging on. He'd kept it though as a memento from Sarita; she so joyed in giving him small gifts on her continuous explorations of the woods. They'd dueled with branches that day, and in her defeat, the edge of hers broke off. She'd granted the little stick as a symbol of his victory.

His mind was so engrossed in recounting the memory that he hardly noticed, til almost done, that he'd drawn a picture of the scene with his stick in the sand. It wasn't a half-bad picture either, considering his limited tools and lack of artistic skill.

Laughing a light but true laugh, Midna said, "Not bad, Hero. We should consider making you into an artist of some sort once all this adventuring is through....

"But who's the _girl_..?"

Her lips twisted into an impish half-smirk. Link blushed but smiled, shaking his head.

"Just a friend then?"

He shook his head, quickly scribbling, _My best_. _A Kokiri_.

"Oh, I see. Your _best_ friend. You must have many wonderful memories together...."

A sadness glimmered in her eyes, and he searched for some distraction. Jumping to his feet, he drew her rapier, pointing its shining tip at her.

She stared at it, then up at him, raising a skeptical brow. " _Really_? _You_ want to teach _me_ to spar? And just _what_ am I to fight with anyways?"

Shrugging, he glanced towards the measly stick.

Midna looked over, and then up at him again. Lips twitching with a smile she tried hard to hold back, she said, "Yeah, umm, I don't _think_ so."

He shrugged again, as if to say, "Suit yourself," then plopped back down on the sand, granting her another smile and setting to drawing once more.

Many stories he wove in the sands, relating all of his simple ventures with Sarita and other of the Kokiri. At first, he wondered if he might bore her, but that fear soon dissipated. She watched with keen, bright eyes, hanging upon each scribble as if her life truly depended upon them.

Only when his arm ached and he could think of nothing else to draw did he sigh, slip his hands behind him, lean back lazily, and gaze at her with expectant eye.

"Oh." She took a deep breath and released it as a long sigh. A bit of the light faded in her eyes again, for which he still felt disappointed. But he really couldn't think of any more narratives to share. His mind was empty and exhausted.

Except, there was one thing. Perking up as he remembered, Link scratched: _Why didn't you tell me you were a Sage?_

For once, a subtle red flushed in Midna's cheeks. Quietly, she said, "I don't know, really. All of this is so new to me as well. Me, being the Sage of Shadow? A Sage, equal to the Princess Zelda and those other sages who've protected your realm in the past?

"And then, to find out my Song is called 'Requiem....'"

She glanced up at him uncertainly, but he took her hand, watching her with calm reassurance.

A soft smile crossed her lips, and she said, "Thank you, Link. And I suppose it's pointless trying to hide anything from you anyways. You seem to see everything going on inside me...."

Not as much as he wished. But he didn't let this thought show. He squeezed her hand again. Then, brightening his face with a smile, he tilted his head in question.

"Hm..? Oh. Well, I suppose it _is_ only fair I tell you a bit about myself, after all you just shared. So—"

She gasped, head whipping towards the ocean at the sound of the large splash. Link looked there too and stared in wonder and amazement.

Not far from shore, a half dozen creatures or so leapt from the water and back down again, glinting like silver stars in the moonlight. Suddenly, one of them sprang up from the water and high into the sky where, instead of plunging back down, she hovered, and her brilliant silver-blue wings burst open wide.

She hovered there a moment, studying Link and Midna with sapphire-bright, inquisitive eyes. Then, she soared towards them, even as the others frolicked after through the shallows.

"Well," Midna breathed. "I believe we shall no longer need to worry about finding the Zorita. Thank the goddesses, it seems they have found _us_ instead...."
Chapter 6

The Promise of the Zorita's Eyes

As the winged lady lighted before them, as gently and noiselessly as a butterfly kissing the snow, and as the others walked up behind her, Link stared with a new sort of awe, respect, and even a bit of the childish curiosity that Sarita so often possessed when studying some new corner of the wood.

When their wings folded, it looked as though long, shallow turtle shells rested upon their backs. Moonlit water glistened like thousands of miniature aquamarines upon their blue-green skin. Their faces, noses, and ears were long, angular, bearing an elven sort of elegance, as did their long arms, legs, and the graceful fins arching from both wrists and ankles. Silver hair spilled down the backs of the ladies, while the silver locks of the men were woven in a singular, tight braid down their backs. Their eyes gleamed like inquisitive sapphires.

"Welcome," said the front-most lady, "heroes and friends. I trust by the green garb you bear—" her eyes darted swiftly to Link—"that you are indeed the Hero from my dreams—and thus a descendant of the Hero of old. And _you_ , my lady. Who might _you_ be?"

Her calm, wondering gaze turned to Midna, who bowed her head. "I am Midna of Twilight, my lady. I too have been visited with dreams and now aid the Hero on his quest."

Link felt himself blushing vividly at such high praise from such lovely ladies; he hoped the moonlight wasn't bright enough to reveal too much of his reddening cheeks.

"I am Ava, princess of the Zorita. My people and I have patiently yet anxiously awaited your arrival. Come. There is one of ours, in our valley, who can tell you more about finding the song you seek...."

The Zorita turned and drifted up the sandy slopes towards the cliff-side. As Midna and Link followed, they exchanged glances between each other and the silvery shell-like domes upon the Zorita's back.

"If I may," Midna ventured, "about your wings...I would think they'd get wet, and you couldn't fly, but..."

She paused, as if uncertain how to continue. Ava smiled sweetly, eyes twinkling. "Aye, it is indeed of no hindrance, for we were ingeniously crafted by the goddesses. When we fold our wings, the feathers fold nicely inside. On the outside, a thin but sturdy film of lightweight, waterproof leather keeps everything snug and dry. So, if we are swimming and an emergency arises which needs flight, we can leap from the water, burst our wings wide, and take to the sky the next instant."

"Ingenious indeed," breathed Midna, gazing almost jealously at the silvery, folded wings.

"Certainly a great gift from the goddesses," agreed Ava. "Certainly a _very_ great gift...."

All fell silent then as they wandered up to the cliffs. Ava ran her fingertips casually along their rough surface, as if searching for some very familiar clue. Then, she turned and seemed to disappear straight into the wall.

Link stopped short, stunned at first. Midna paused too, brow furrowed as a confused little frown graced her lips.

Then, Midna felt the wall, and her arm seemed to go right through. She too disappeared. Link found himself stepping up to the wall and feeling for it—only to find open air, a narrow gap between the cliffs so carefully hidden that the naked eye would have great difficulty in detecting it by day, let alone by the dead of night. Slipping between the folds of the cliff, Link found himself making a sharp left and sloping downward towards the gaping mouth of a cave which Ava and Midna had just disappeared into.

The caves led them to a series of winding chambers lit by soft, sleepy torchlight. Ava paused before two rooms long enough to announce that these were two of the empty guest rooms they were welcome to sleep in for the night. Midna thanked her quietly, and Ava led them forward once more, declaring they'd nearly "reached the end".

Upon emerging from the network of caves, a valley of brilliant green hills stretched before them. The hills were surrounded by high cliffs, except for a gap on the far side where the ground plunged straight down to the ocean. Crystalline waterfalls spilled from the high cliff-tops and into deep lakes.

As they walked forward, the grass greeted their feet like old friends. How plush the grass felt, like a soothing balm. Link wasn't used to such soft footfalls in the forest, where brush and bramble and old leaves were ever underfoot. His feet were toughened, but even they had grown weary in all the walking he and Midna accomplished in so short a time, and the grass was a definite relief.

Even as he enjoyed the grass' subtle comfort, another pleasantry drifted to his ears. The music of a guitar, a cheery tune which made him think of magical dreams.

As their trek turned upward, Link saw they scaled one of the hills, at the top of which sat a male Zorita, tall and straight, though as he strummed the guitar, he could not look more relaxed, reveling in his craft.

They waited until he'd finished his song, and then Ava gently cleared her throat.

His round, intelligent eyes snapped up. With a smile, he rose to his feet.

"The Hero and his Lady. Forgive me, sister. I did not see you approach."

"Nor hear us, I trust," she added with a smirk. "Though for good cause. Your work is always well worth it....

"Asher, these here are Link and Midna. And this, my new friends, is my brother, Asher."

"An honor," he said, bowing low, and Link and Midna returned the gesture. His voice flowed like a serene, soothing wave, and Link felt instantly more at ease.

"Please, sit." He motioned with his arm, and together, the four of them sat upon the velvety hill.

"You come seeking the path to a certain Song," Asher began. "Our people have treasured its secrets for a long time now. We treasured it during the time we were Zora—when we were first created and entirely fish-people, dwellers of the water. We treasured it in the time we evolved into Rito—winged beings who dwelt on land yet stayed close to and loved the seas. And we treasure it now, when we are Zorita, a combination of our ancestors, the Rito and Zora. All this time, through all these generations, have we honored the Hero, hailed him, remembered him, and wished for a time when we might aid and bring honor to his name.

"They say that, a long time ago, that Hero—the first Link—dwelt in Termina for many years, until his death. They say he lived right along these shores, though perhaps they looked different in that age....

"You see, when Link, as the Hero of Time, traveled back in time after completing his first quest to save Hyrule, _two_ Links were created—a child in the past, and an adult in the future. The child or past Link journeyed onto Termina and ended up completing a great quest to save this land.

"Along the way, he helped heal troubled spirits who, in turn, granted him masks which allowed him to transform into their race. One such mask allowed him to morph into a Zora. With the transformation, Link looked almost exactly like Mikau, a young Zora who had been in love with the beautiful Zora singer, Lulu; only, Mikau died trying to save Lulu's eggs, and as Link granted his souls peace through song, Mikau gave him the Zora mask in turn. Lulu, of course, thought Link was Mikau, and he never told her the truth. His child's heart didn't wish to disappoint her so....

"After saving Termina, and upon returning to Hyrule...it is said he no longer felt 'part' of that world. Though a child, when inside Mikau's body, he began to feel things for Lulu he never had felt for anyone before. He felt a strong bond, a need to be near her. And that was one thing he _could_ understand as a child, for he'd ventured to Termina in the first place in search of a dear, long-lost friend....

"So, Link returned to Termina to live out his days with Lulu. He never took the mask off. She never knew. _No_ one ever knew until he was very old and revealed his tale to a few who would keep the tale sacred and safe for generations to come.

"We Zorita honor the Hero of Time for his love and devotion to one of our own. Truly, he had a Hero's heart."

"The spirit of that first Link," said Ava, "is said to still wander about Termina—and it is he who holds a part of the Song you seek. Some have claimed to see him amongst the forests, while others claim to have heard him playing a merry tune there upon his ocarina. It is said too that he took the masks with him to the Spirit Realm, so it is hard to say what form one might catch him in...."

"So, we should turn next to the forest?" Midna turned to Link with bright eyes. "We might have passed near to him without knowing. Then again, figures if Tingle just up and scared him off...."

"Oh dear," Ava shook her head. "Sorry am I you had to endure the likes of one such as _Tingle_ on your first visit to Termina. He means well, of course, he has a good and faithful heart. But he is an oddity, to be sure."

"Indeed," muttered Asher before Midna could get to it; instead, she granted an agreeing smirk.

"Well, then," Asher said. "If you all might excuse me, I shall be getting to bed this evening. Plan on rising extra early and working on a new song of mine. Good night, my friends. Again, it has truly been an honor...."

After exchanging nods of respect and farewell, Asher took up his guitar and drifted down the hill.

"Mm..." Ava sighed long and deep. "Well, shall you two head off to bed as well?"

Midna's eyes glistened brightly. "I don't think I could sleep. It's so beautiful here, the perfect place to rest, yet it's such an exciting place. It's calm but so breathtaking. I think I shall sit here a spell and enjoy the beauty of the night."

"Good," Ava nodded. "I should be glad of the company."

Her eyes scrolled then to Link. With a shrug, he rose and pointed casually down the hill.

"Going exploring?" Midna asked with a gentle grin.

He nodded, returning the grin as he remembered Sarita and all their explorations which he'd shared with Midna that night. Already, that conversation seemed a lifetime ago; they had just learned so much again, and so much new lay before them to accomplish....

But for the present, his one goal was to enjoy the short reprieve in the Zorita's Domain as fully as possible.

Link truly did set out to explore every nook and cranny possible. He roamed around the rolling hills, peeking behind the waterfalls, and wound through many of the caves' passages. A few Zorita milled quietly about, seeming also to stroll aimlessly yet not without purpose.

Only when his feet began to ache, noticing days of past weariness, did he return to the hills and their star-cast sky. He started towards the hill Midna and Ava still sat upon, but they seemed very involved in their conversation. So, choosing a hill a little ways off, he settled gratefully onto its velvety folds.

He just prepared to lay back, maybe even fall asleep in that spot, when the mention of his name caught his attention. He tried to ignore what he was certain must be a private conversation, yet years of self-training made him unable to block out such clear words:

"Link. What do you think of him?"

"What do you mean 'what do I _think_ of him'?" Midna tried to snap, but the last words came off as weaker, breathy.

"I have little seen you and certainly do not know you, yet...Zorita can sense many things. A special connection exists between the two of you."

A painful pause. Then, with gentle curiosity, "What do you mean?"

"Well, for starters...he reminds you of another."

A long pause in which Link held his breath, at least until he realized he began to grow light-headed. Exhaling slowly, he began gulping long, quiet breaths which did not at all match the erratic rhythm of his heart.

At last,

"He shares the soul of one I once loved. Or at least, I _think_ he does, or else I _want_ him to. But... _we_ could not be together either way. Darkness and Light only create Shadow, don't they?"

His heart calmed, not with soothing, but with sadness. Surely, _she_ was _his_ superior, an ancient princess of the Twilight Realm and far advanced in wisdom and magic. How could she doubt _her_ worth, never mind she was from a Shadow realm, when measured against an immature, inexperienced, and defective forest rogue as he?

"Perhaps..." said Ava with careful slowness. "Or perhaps, as Dawn proves every morning, Darkness can only be overcome by Light."

Link's Kokiri-trained ears were far more steadfast than his Hylian eyes which longed to wander. He wished to know her thoughts, her feelings, everything that Midna _was_ at this exact moment. He could not know without glimpsing the crimson windows into her soul or at least glancing at the stance of her body— _if_ she revealed any emotion at all. He supposed so many years made her good at hiding such things. Then again, she sounded so much more open with another who understood her....

Two stars suddenly streaked past, spiraling about each other in a magical sort of dance, releasing brilliant white sparkles as they waltzed out of sight. Then, birds sang gently in the trees not far from where he sat, and two Luna moths circled about his head, one landing softly on his folded hands.

"We Zorita...we believe that Nature, as the foundation for the world the goddesses created for us, contains some of the deepest wisdoms.

"Take all these signs, especially the song of the moon blossom birds. Mates for eternity; the only creatures who can consummate their love within a nest made of moon blossom petals which they eat afterwards. In doing so, they are granted the eternal life of the moon blossoms, and for so long lasts their love....

"I do not know what these things may mean for you. But do not close your heart. Better to love and find out that he is not the one, than to never search and _find_ who that one is. And if the love is true, even if it turns out it is not what the goddesses deem best, while there will be sorrow, there will be no regrets of the time you spend together."

His heart culminated again into such a swift dance he thought it might explode if he didn't spare just the smallest glance at her again....

She sat with hands folded about knees drawn close. Her eyes scanned the heavens as if imploring the voices of the goddesses to grant the answer. On one of her long, delicate fingers rested the other Luna moth.

Link glanced away, head reeling. Could such be possible? Could she feel for her what _he_ thought he began to, and could the gods deem it a good thing? Even so, how could he ever express his love for her? Drawing a picture for that seemed far too insufficient.

This sole trouble he pondered as he sat for long hours still upon the hill. Midna and Ava spoke little afterwards, and when they did, it was in tones too hushed for even his sensitive ears to make out the words.

Occasionally, he would glance up at Midna, and yet more rarely, study her for several minutes. Her eyes and mind seemed so entwined with the starry heavens that, if she felt his eyes watching, she made no sign of it. In fact, she made little sign of _any_ thing. Her face was placid and pensive like a guardian goddess' might be. What thoughts might stir beyond that sweet mask, he could not tell.

It was late when she and Ava rose at last and began drifting down the hill towards the caves. Only when some time had passed did Link rise and saunter down the hill as well, wandering into the cool caves and finding the guest room Ava had shown them earlier.

As he prepared to slip inside, the softest footsteps perked his ears. Looking up, he saw Ava floating down the hall. Quietly passing him, she did not pause—but her _eyes_ paused upon him. A subtle nod mingled with that lingering look granted him some sort of promise and hope. His heart leapt within him, though he couldn't tell why.

Then, she was gone.

He was left to stand in a strange sort of daze until he realized this, ducked inside his room, and snuggled beneath the cloud-soft sheets of the bed.

The more he thought about everything—the strange, sudden flood of new emotions, the way he'd seen Midna act and possibly _react_ tonight, and the way he'd reacted in turn—the less sense it made, to the point of coming full circle and making sense once again:

He was in love. Or _thought_ he was. At any rate, he'd never felt such strong passion, protectiveness, and a desire for nearness and companionship from anyone else before. And perhaps, just perhaps—if the promise of the Zorita's eyes spoke truth—perhaps Midna felt a small glimmer of something for _him_ too. Wishing this dream inside his sleepy mind, he drifted into a deep and contented sleep.

***

Link woke with the dawn, meeting Ava and Midna on the cool morning sands of the beach. The sun set everything glistening with a pale golden hue; even the flames of Midna's eyes seemed subdued, gentler, in that warm gold light.

She smiled at him, sweetly but calmly. It was as though the conversations of last night had never occurred. And yet, it was like the very opposite all at once. Link felt his heart jump towards her as if to draw her into a tight embrace. He refrained from showing any sign of this, but a wall seemed to have been broken between them. Perhaps it was that wall which had forbid either of admitting feelings for the other. He couldn't be certain. Even so, despite the fact that no words were exchanged on the matter, the two of them as a whole _were_ changed.

Ava smiled warmly. Link, trying to clear his head, focused respectfully upon the Zorita as she took Midna's hand and said, "Well, my friends. Tis to the forest with you, I suppose. I pray the goddesses grant much mercy and wisdom on your travels. May you find what you seek and save us all as did the ancient Hero....

"One, last thing. When you return to Hyrule, remember my sister, Miya. She may aid you on your quest, should you have need of it, if you mention our meeting."

Link nodded, and Midna gently slipped her hand from Ava's. "We will."

Then they turned and descended, leaving the rolling hills of the Zorita's Domain behind them. As they crossed the land bridge and approached the outskirts of the beach, Link felt an urge to look back. As if sensing this, Midna took his hand and said quietly, "Don't. It may be the last glimpse of beauty we see for a while. It would only disappoint you...."

Link looked up. He studied her beauty for a moment, knowing that it could never disappoint him. Then, he looked away, continuing beside her in solemn silence.
Chapter 7

The Voice of the Goddess

When night stretched long across the fields of Termina, they stopped beneath a small cluster of trees to sleep for the night. They managed to slip past Tingle undetected several times, much to Midna's mingled annoyance and then relief, as he seemed to somehow float about in every new region they entered.

As they curled against the trees now, soaking up the warmth of the fire, Link began to doze in and out of sleep. His lids opened and closed slowly, and with each opening, he smiled sleepily. The firelight danced like little red fairies across her silvery skin. Her breasts rose and fell so gently he could hardly sense the movement. Her black cloak draped elegantly upon her long, slender curves....

_"Link_... _Midna_... _Link, awaken, Link_..."

Link sat up, staring first at Midna, then at the treetops. The chime-like, echoing voice felt familiar, yet his sleepy mind could not place it.

_"Link_..." yet more fervently.

He stared hard at Midna to be sure she did not play some trick on him. He jumped back as her eyes opened wide and she sat up, drawing her cloak close about her.

"Were you really watching me _that_ closely while I slept? Gee...."

_"Link_... _Midna_..."

"The voice!" Midna gasped.

The voice? Of course! The voice from the cliffs of Ikana. The voice Midna felt certain could only be from someone great, like a goddess....

"We're listening!" she addressed the twinkling heavens.

"Good, my children. Then listen well. I have much to tell you. I have been following you to ascertain you are indeed the prophesied heroes. Truly, the Hero of Time of this age sits beside you, Midna."

Midna nodded in agreement.

"You are not the _only_ ones I have followed in secret," the voice continued. "I now know many things regarding the enemy and the evil threatening the Light Realm, Twilight Realm, and Termina. Listen carefully, and I will reveal all I have learned thus far.

"Majora, Ganondorf, and Zaruman—a traitor within the Twilight Realm—are the three evil ones, as you know. All three desire the Triforce, Ganon having promised the other two a piece of the Triforce of Power, if they help him obtain the Triforce of Courage and the Triforce of Wisdom.

"To do so, the enemy seeks to destroy those who hold Wisdom and Courage. Ganon has broken Power to give a little to Majora and Zaruman already. Having more knowledge than them, he knows that with their deaths—which he hopes _you two_ might accomplish _for_ him—the pieces will return to him, as the one who took and broke it in the first place. In the meantime, Ganon uses their powers to help him obtain Courage and Wisdom....

"You already seek the missing pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom and Courage. And you also seek to complete Midna's Requiem, a Song which holds a vital part in completing your quest. This Song can help resurrect the Master Sword, which has vanquished evil countless times. This Song will also infuse the blade of Light with the powers Shadow needed to defeat the three evils of the three realms. You fight against enemies from both Light and Shadow Realms. Thus, both Light and Shadow will be needed to defeat them.

"Know that, on your journey, some sacrifices may need to be made. The bearers of the Triforce Shards of Courage—these are all spirits who can impart their Shards to you safely. However, some mystery remains regarding who bears the last two Wisdom Shards. If these bearers are also spirit, your path will be easy. However, if the bearers are living, they must be willing to sacrifice their lives—for only in death can Triforce Shards be given up.

"The way will be hard. Know though that while the goddesses watch over you, I shall as well, following and helping where I may.

"Take heart, dearest Heroes and friends. The goddesses bless until we meet again...."

With a dying echo, the voice vanished, leaving Midna and Link to stare into the starry night.

"Good night," Midna whispered, with a hushed sort of awe.

Then, turning to Link, she took a deep breath and released it slowly.

"Who do you think she is?"

Link shrugged, then smirked. All the amazing, pivotal things just revealed to them concerning their mission, and Midna focused on the _voice itself_ and what it might be. Though, he couldn't deny his _own_ curiosity....

His teasing grin must have lingered, for Midna gave an annoyed little frown. "What? Don't tell me _you_ don't want to know too. I mean, it's strange, actually. Random voices telling us all sorts of inside information on the Triforce and whatnot. She _could_ be a spy of Ganondorf's leading us to our most untimely dooms...."

Even as she curled upon the grass, wrapping herself in the generous folds of her cloak, Link continued to smile. She didn't think it was too strange. Nor even that the voice was random. She believed in its providential destiny as much as he wanted to. Link considered himself a bit of a skeptic but admired her steadfast faith. He supposed that was the mark of the bearers of Wisdom—utter faith in the goddesses who granted their wisdom....

Even as these thoughts skipped through his sleepy mind and he looked up to grant Midna a softer smile, he found her fast asleep already. Laying his head on his satchel, he granted that smile anyways, hoping that—by the goddesses—its meaning might find her in her dreams.
Chapter 8

The House of Many Links

After a good night's sleep, it was back to the forests on Termina's southern borders.

When they journeyed hardly a day and the forest's fringes loomed in sight, Link realized how small a world Termina must be. Hyrule itself was not huge though diverse, but in comparison, Termina seemed like a little doll house replica.

Link and Midna combed the forest in silence, listening carefully for any hint of an ocarina. Midna voiced that it might be easier to _hear_ than _see_ the spirit of the first Link because they didn't know what form he would appear in or how well he might blend in with his surroundings. Music, however, was not so easily hidden.

After a long search, and as they began to settle down for a much-needed break, Link's ears perked at the sound of something. At first, he excused it on a bird's call and a delirious desire for it to be more. But then, the call solidified into a complex melody with tones Link was far too familiar with to call them anything but that of an ocarina. The next moment, Midna tugged on his shoulder and whispered, "Look."

The two stopped short, and Link peered through the thick branches of the trees. Between the green, a tall figure could be seen. The foliage and its shadows concealed much of his image, but Link caught sight of the old green tunic and hat, as well as a glimmer of blue eyes. Meeting Link's gaze to ascertain he'd been seen, the Spirit Link turned and danced away into the trees, leading Midna and Link like children after the pied piper.

The spirit moved quickly, and Midna and Link tried to hurry through the tangled wood, keeping the music in check and catching a glimpse of the moving figure every now and then.

After a while, the music began to fade. Midna and Link picked up pace, but regardless, the music waned until settling into a complete hush—

Just as they stumbled into a little clearing, where the mouth of a cave loomed.

Link glanced at Midna with question. She shrugged. What else was there to do? Together, they started forth into the cave.

For a while, their path lay completely swathed in darkness. Link felt carefully along with his feet, gripping Midna's hand tight in case she suddenly lost her footing.

Gradually, a faint orangish light glimmered in the distance. Emerging from the wide corridor, Midna released a small cry, and Link felt more than thankful he held her hand as she teetered on the edge of a great abyss. Pulling her back, he gazed solemnly into the black, depthless expanse which nearly swallowed her whole. Then, he looked up.

Far beyond the abyss, another ledge awaited them, jutting from the cave's opposite wall far beyond. The ledge led to a small door. On the walls, a few torches flickered, granting little light, but enough to see by.

"Well, how do you suppose we're to get across _that_?"

Link's mind and eyes already roamed though. His gaze rested upon something hanging between two of the torches, and he knew at once the riddle of this cave. The thing on the wall was a mask. Round, wooden, sporting a green hat. It represented one of the Deku, the tree people of old. It also represented one of the forms which the first Link shape-shifted into during his Termina quest.

"The mask!" Midna breathed, spotting it too. "Link—your hookshot!"

With a nod, Link unlatched it, aimed, and soon, the mask flew into his hands. He held it admiringly; it felt nearly weightless, insignificant as air. Yet he knew the strong power it had wielded over the Hero, and soon, over him....

"Link, wait—are you sure that's—?"

Midna's question was drowned in a loud cry as Link donned the mask and instantly felt his body begin to change. For a brief but horrifying moment, he burned all over as if engulfed in unending flame. Then, his limbs began to shrink; this wasn't painful, though uncomfortable because of the intense pressure. Finally, he stood before her as a dwarfish creature, body no longer covered with skin but soft bark, a tuft of golden hair peeking beneath the green cap.

_"Awe_ ," Midna crooned, eyes gleaming half with delight and half with mischief. "Aren't _you_ adorable? We should keep you this way the rest of the quest, don't you think?"

Link furrowed his eyebrows—or hoped he did; he felt stiff and unlearned in this temporary body. He quickly shook it aside though. This was no time for silly squabbles. The next matter of business was figuring out _why_ he was in this body to begin with. He scanned the room again....

And, so low to the ground, his eyes quickly espied a large, pale pink blossom he didn't notice before. Knowing again what to do from the legends of old, he hopped on the flower which sucked him in like a Venus fly trap—though painlessly—then released him.

Up into the air he soared and did not fall back down. In his hands, a broad petal which acted as a glider of sorts. He leaned forward and soared across the gap, dropping the petal to land safely on the ledge beyond.

"I think this may be one part of the quest you have to do on your own!" Midna called across. "That's okay though—I can wait right here!"

Link frowned—or _felt_ like it at least—and pondered. Indeed, even if he took off the mask, how to send it over to Midna?

Then, his eyes strayed to a small, square tile slightly raised—a switch. Smiling—or however Deku express happiness—he hopped on, pressed the switch—

He and Midna both jumped back as something large fell from the ceiling, landing with a heavy BOOM! A land bridge connected both sides of the room. With a proud grin at Link, Midna rushed across.

"Really," she said, "we _should_ keep you this way. You're quite useful...."

Link shook his head. Yet, in trying to pull the mask off, he found it wouldn't budge. Nor could he even tell where its edges began so that he _could_ pull it off.

"It's okay," Midna said, placing a hand on his shoulder, all signs of playfulness vanished from her eyes and replaced by sincere kindness. "Maybe we'll need it for the next room. Let's see...."

As they stepped through the door, they were indeed met with a very similar room. Two ledges, a wide expanse between them, a door beyond, torches on the walls. The one difference was that a ramp of jutted out of the ledge they stood on, aimed towards the abyss. Link's eyes found the mask on the wall, and he began hopping and pointing enthusiastically.

Midna granted him a sweet smile, though mischief crept back into her eyes, just a little, as if she truly contemplated keeping him like that. But then she nodded, and Link soon had aimed the hookshot and brought the mask flying to him.

Donning the brown face, he transformed into a creature representing a much bigger race of people—the rock-eating Gorons. After some uncomfortable swelling and stretching, he stood nearly Midna's height, broad-shouldered, intensely muscular. Dark eyes twinkled from a round, bald head. Protective plates covered his dusty-colored back, arms, and legs.

Almost like the instincts an animal might possess, Link jumped to the ground, curling into a tight ball, armadillo-like. Then, he began rolling across the floor, practicing for a bit before surging towards the ramp, rebounding off its edge, and somersaulting through the air at an amazing height and speed.

He landed beyond, on the opposite ledge and atop a switch which sent another land bridge crashing down. As he jumped up into standing position, heart pumping with adrenaline, Midna rushed across, grabbed his hand, and shouted, "That was pretty amazing! C'mon—let's see what's in the next room!"

He ambled after her only to find a much different sort of room. A small lake, crystal clear so that they could see it was only a few feet deep. Set into one wall below the surface was a tunnel which all the water rushed rapidly into. On the wall above hung the torches and mask. Link aimed, shot, and drew the mask to him, placing it carefully upon his face, only to transform into—

"Mikau," Midna breathed in awe, wonder flashing in her eyes as the story replayed in her mind. The story of Mikau and Lulu. A love story which, as a woman studying ancient Hyrule and Termina tales, Midna certainly knew well, even before Asher had shared what he knew.

Link examined the fins curving so gracefully from his arms. They were beautiful but sharp; he could feel it as he sliced the air. He looked much like the Zorita with his aqua skin, blue eyes, angular facial features, and tall lithe body. The greatest difference was that, as a Zora, he bore no wings or hair.

Looking over at Midna, he found her examining the water in confusion and concern.

"Okay, how am I to get across _that_? Because I can't just hold my breath forever if you get lost down there, you know...."

Link nodded slowly, only half-hearing her. He knew how it worked in the legends. If they got sucked down the wrong passage, they _should_ be returned to this room, where she could get air. He supposed Midna could go back through the cave and wait for him, provided the land bridges remained. Glancing over his shoulder though, he found the door they'd passed through no longer existed and subtly glanced away, wanting to give her no reason to panic.

They would just have to chance it and hope the goddesses remained on their side.

Link swooped Midna tightly in one arm, then dove beneath the rapidly rushing water, her screams stifled as she took a deep breath and was plunged under.

The current carried them with unparallel swiftness, bumping them against the walls and floor of the tunnel. How they could even see down there was a mystery; a soft, blue-white light seemed to illuminate everything yet shone from nowhere.

It seemed ridiculous that anyone should be expected to navigate such currents. But then he remembered he _wasn't j_ ust anyone. He was a Zora. Holding Midna tight in one arm, he began to kick his legs and maneuver his long body to make it more easily stream-lined. Soon, he glided _with_ the currents instead of being _controlled_ by them. As the tunnel branched to the left and right, he chose right. Several more branches cropped up, all of his choices random as he hoped for the journey to last soon, for Midna's sake—

It all stopped. So abruptly, that Link hovered in the water, stunned for a moment. Then, realizing, he kicked swiftly to the surface, jumping up with all the skill of a dolphin and landing on the ledge above the water.

Midna gasped a huge breath, coughing and sputtering, "Oh, this had _so_ better be a different ledge than the one we just left behind...."

Glancing up, Link noted the door which meant it was—thank the goddesses—indeed a different ledge. Link helped Midna her to her feet, and they scrambled into the next room—

And were met immediately with a wide, endless abyss.

Midna sighed. "At least I can _understand this_ one. No risk of you nearly drowning me here...."

Link wasted no time in drawing the new mask to him. A large, plain, ugly, grey thing. As he donned it, he felt his body stretching into its new form. Even as the slight pain and discomfort faded, he continued to grow and grow and grow....

Until his head nearly touched the ceiling. Studying arms and legs, he surmised he was back to his old self, save much, much huger.

Link bent down, gently scooped Midna in one hand, and effortlessly bridged the abyss in one step.

"Okay, because that would have been _really helpful_ back at Ikana; why are these things always done out of order...?"

Link smiled softly as he set Midna down. Then, making certain both feet stood on one side, he removed the mask and shrunk back to his rightful size.

It was only after this that he realized his amazement at being able to take it off at all—and then, _poof_! With this thought, it vanished from his hands.

He and Midna shared a curious look, and then faced their final door.

Passing through, they appeared to have entered a perfectly ordinary square room. Not very large, a dusty stone color, with torches illuminating three of the walls, and on the fourth, a mask. A mask which looked like Link's face drawn into a fierce, determined stare. Intensely furrowed brows lingered beneath the white tufts of hair protruding from a silver-black cap. Red and blue paint streaked his cheeks and forehead.

When Link placed this final mask upon his face, not only did he begin to grow in height, but muscles pulsed vibrantly in his every limb. A new power surged through him, and with it, a before unknown adrenalin. When he at last stood in his new form, a head above Midna and wielding a massive blade constructed of two sharp, iron beams twisted together, forming a lethal point at the end, Midna gazed up with awe and reverence, as if beholding a demi-god.

Clad in silver-black tunic, silver-blue gauntlets and tights, and thick leather boots, Link hardly knew how to contain the energy flowing through his veins. He turned away from Midna so she would be safe as he swung the blade in a much-needed release—

Metal sang as the blow was blocked by another individual who fell swiftly and silently from the ceiling, which seemed suddenly not to exist, save in an endless black expanse. Link looked up in surprise at the person mirroring his exact image. Then, as they both drew back their swords, the fight was on.

Both Links maintained a feisty, challenging grin, but no malice existed in either. Instead, they almost seemed to play rather than fight—the play was fierce, but Link reveled in leaping, twirling, spinning his blade to artfully block another of his rival's blows. When they battled for a good ten minutes or so, keeping Midna watching in clear amusement, the other Link leapt back, held up a hand, and shouted, "Halt!"

Link stopped. The other Link threw something which exploded in a flash of blinding light. Then, as the light faded, Link saw he stood back in his original form. The other Link created the same brilliant light next to himself—

Spirit Link stood before Link, almost his twin, save in height, his semi-transparency, and the fact he wore the long, green cap which served as his trademark amongst legends and the paintings accompanying them.

He grinned wide, bowing at them, and they returned the gesture.

"Forgive me. Time has enabled me to master many skills, including that of illusion. In truth, the cave is really my house; all this elaboration I made up just for your test. If you walk out that door there, you'll be back in the woods, right where you started."

As he pointed, a door materialized in one wall, and the walls themselves morphed into simple wooden slabs. A fireplace roared in one wall, while a comfy arm chair cropped up from the floor like a new tree. Though sparsely decorated, it seemed a homey enough dwelling for the spirit of an ancient Hero.

"No forgiveness is needed," Midna assured. "We are truly most honored to meet you, great Hero of old."

"And honored am I to meet my successor and his princess. For only the true heir could have obtained the tool which allowed him to obtain the masks. The masks would have correctly fit only the one who bears my blood in his veins. And, I dare say, only a descendant of mine could match my own Fierce Deity with such art, skill, yet grace as well."

Link grinned broadly, bowing in thanks.

"Well," Spirit Link said, "I would bid you stay longer and share much with you, save I know the importance of timely quests—and _all_ quests are timely, if some more than others...."

He smirked in amusement, as if recalling how his Hylian ventures had spanned _seven years_ , while he was forced to save Termina in _only three days_.

"Thus, without further ado..."

He revealed a cloud-blue ocarina, its smooth surface gleaming like new. Midna took out her flute, Link his ocarina. Together, they played until all mastered the new part of Midna's Requiem. Even as his fingers rippled over the notes, Link felt a warmth on the back of his hand; there, a new Triforce Shard solidified within the Triforce symbol. Two down, with only one left to find. He looked up at the Spirit Link who gave him a playful wink, and Link remembered: just like the Goddess of Time, this Link was also a spirit; he could easily pass his bit of the Triforce onto the living, without suffering harm.

When they ceased playing and put away their instruments, Spirit Link nodded to the fireplace. The fire within morphed into a brilliant blue, and Link soon realized it was no longer fire but a warping crystal.

"This will take you back to your own world," Spirit Link said. "And I must return to mine...."

In his hands, the Zora mask rested. He cradled it gently, stroking its smooth, worn, but much-loved and cared-for surface.

"How I do miss the Zora. But now, my part here is over, and I can return to my place amongst the Zorita. Do you think they will find room for a bass guitarist in their new band?"

Midna laughed lightly, "I think they will," while Link gave a strong, enthusiastic nod and wink.

Then, the two of them backed into the warp crystal whose sapphire rays immediately began knitting close around them. Before the light entirely blocked their view, Link caught a glimpse of the Spirit, transformed already into a Zora and plucking a few, proud notes on a skeleton guitar.

The blue light enclosed them, and when it faded a few moments later, they stood in the Kokiri Wood. Midna's mirror stood nearby.

"Come on," Midna said, eyes gleaming with a new wakefulness and excitement. "I'm having far too much fun exploring different worlds with you to stop now. Let's make for Twilight and find the last bit of song straight away!"

She danced up the steps leading to the Mirror, and Link followed. Pausing before the portal, she cast him a radiant smile and held out one of her long, delicate hands.

Link took the outstretched hand. With a playful whoop and laugh, Midna danced into the swirling black and aqua designs of the portal, pulling Link along with her.
Chapter 9

A Link to Twilight

Soon, the kaleidoscope tunnel encircled them on all sides. As far as eyes could see, endless swirls and symbols which Link thought must be a beautiful language of sorts danced all around him and Midna. Midna's eyes danced with the same vibrancy as the bright turquoise hues; her laughter echoed like sunrays piercing through darkest clouds. Link couldn't help but smile and wished more than ever he could laugh too, for hers was certainly contagious. As they skipped along, Link felt almost weightless, floating like a cloud through the portal.

"Welcome to my world; _this_ is Twilight!" Midna said proudly, drawing him along. Then, in a chime-like, echoing tongue, she spoke something else, her eyes sparkling. He did not understand a word she uttered and knew she must be speaking her own language, that of the Twili. The words captivated him, drawing him like a child to a music box. The pitch of her voice rose and fell like music, morphing into a soft, high, sing-song tone.

At last, a golden-grey light appeared beyond the black and turquoise, and Link knew they neared the end of their journey. He even felt a little sad, wishing he could revel in the magic of her world a little longer. Then again, perhaps he _would_ be able to as they stepped from the portal into the actual Realm of Twilight.

Emerging from the portal with a final laugh, Midna pulled him onto the topmost step of a wide staircase much like that they'd entered by. He grabbed her other hand, twirling her about playfully, and she released a cry of delight—

Then, she stumbled to a halt. All glitter vanished from her eyes, like a candle extinguished.

Link glanced at her with concern, then looked up at what Midna stared at with such terror, unblinking, her breath quickly culminating into sporadic gasps.

They must have stood in the throne room of the Twilight palace. Beside them, a stone dais with an elegant throne of muted silver. The room was vast, simple, yet not without splendor. Pillars carved with the same turquoise designs as within the portal supported an immense ceiling. Many tall, arched windows allowed the ever-grey, serene light of Twilight to filter in, granting the grey walls, floor, and ceiling a dreamy, silvery sheen. Black and turquoise curtains hung freely beside the windows, stretching to the floor.

Beside one of those windows, clutching the curtain, was a tall, cloaked figure. Certainly, he must have heard their rowdy entrance. But he made no sign of recognition until his name spilled from Midna,

_"Zaruman_!"

His body tensed. Then, he spun. Midna's hand grew rigid in Link's. He squeezed it firmly, hoping to soften it with the life flowing so vibrantly through her entire body only moments ago.

She did not relax an ounce though. Rather, a series of shudders waved through her body. Link gazed at her with intense concern at first, and then turned angry eyes upon the individual who could instill such a reaction within her.

Clad in dark armor, cloak, and hood, it was impossible to make out any of his features—save the eyes. They gleamed a dark but vibrant blue, like two storm-tossed oceans. They loathed, desired, and reveled in Midna's fear.

"Thank you, little love," he crooned, strolling forward with an entirely confident—even cocky, Link would venture—gait, "for revealing the portal to me. I had forgotten where you'd placed it. But now, with your appearance, it is no longer invisible to me...."

"Liar," she hissed, keeping her voice low; tremors rippled through her body. "You left this world and returned to it by your _own_ means. You don't need the portal. Nor had I even resurrected it when you left."

"No...but the magic I used to get here has now failed me."

He paused at the foot of the stairs, tilting his head, eyes gleaming with bemusement.

Link knew he probably gripped Midna's hand too tightly, but he didn't care. She needed to know he was still right there for her, and he could hardly contain his rage.

"Why are you here, Zaruman?" Midna asked, a little louder, perhaps encouraged by Link's presence.

"Mm...just reclaiming a few things of mine I'd left behind from, you know, our little past...."

Midna shivered again. Glancing over, Link found more hurt than fear in her eyes.

"Liar," she hissed again. "You came here to torment me, though in what way, I _know_ you won't say...."

"Midna, my dear," he shook his head, "for shame, always the dramaticist. You know, that's really no way to speak to your old lover...."

Link's eyes snapped to Midna's who closed for a moment, as if in not seeing Zaruman, neither would she see the painful memories his existence had created.

"I see you've a _new_ lover. A much more...silent and compliant one? It should please you to be granted that extra bit of control...."

Midna's eyes remained closed a moment more. Then, they reopened with a new hardness. "Link and I are equals. He treats me as such, and I him. Don't you _dare_ lay another word against him, or I'll...."

As Zaruman scaled the steps, her voice faded. Link's free hand hovered over the hilt of his sword. As though Link didn't even exist, Zaruman waltzed right up to Midna, towering over her, forcing her to look up.

"Little love, for all your wisdom and subtlety, you do not possess an _ounce_ of the power needed to destroy me, tether me or even stand against me. You couldn't even run away now if I allowed it. But...

"Have I not always been merciful enough towards you?

"Thus, until next time, my sweet..."

He gently lifted her hand to his shadowed lips. Link couldn't help but shudder and contort his face in disgust.

But then Zaruman straightened, stepped back into the portal, and, with a final grin, vanished into the swirling black and turquoise.

Link glanced over at Midna with question, wondering if it was possible that the bizarre meeting they had just witnessed was true. How could it be, and why did Zaruman not attack? Was it _really_..?

"No," Midna gasped, struggling to control her breath as if breathing was suddenly, literally painful. "No, that was really him. _That_ was Zaruman...."

Link's eyes flashed anger, disgust, spite; how he wanted her to know his loathing for such a foul beast who dared call himself a man.

But his eyes softened as, with a final tremor, she collapsed to her knees, sobbing.

"Why?" she breathed as Link dropped beside her. "Why must he yet torment me? He _knew_ how I loved him and how I _thought_ he loved me. What, even now, is the point of him troubling me still?"

Link hesitated, and then slid an arm gently around her shoulder, leaning her head against his chest. Long she cried, and when at last her sobs quieted, she looked up at him with a small smile, whispering, "Thank you, Link. You _are_ a good man, and a good friend...."

He returned the soft smile, wanting so much to tell her everything would be okay—

A noise, like a whoosh of air.

Link's and Midna's heads snapped up.

A dark figure stood across from them, several yards away in the midst of the room. New anger rippled inside Link as he thought perhaps Zaruman had returned....

Anger steadily merged into confusion and a fear of his own as the figure grew more and more eerily familiar. He was entirely black, partly transparent as if made of shadow. But beyond that, he was an exact replica of Link.

"Dark Link," Midna gasped, fear quenching her tears from flowing.

Link knew what he was. A figure representing all the evil potential of his own heart.

However, in more recent legends, Dark Link had become Shadow Link, no longer an evil entity but just a shadow representing all the former Links who'd passed into the Spirit Realm.

Perhaps that was what _this_ creature was. Link crept slowly down the stairs, Midna following behind, their footsteps echoing across the stone floor.

As Dark Link made a sudden gesture with his hand, Link stopped short, Midna behind him.

Link squinted into the grey light which seemed suddenly darker. A golden light shimmered faintly on the back of Dark Link's hand. Link gasped as he recognized the Triforce. A grin spread across Dark Link's face, a wicked, gleeful grin. Link's heart pounded; Dark Link's docile nature was one legend which fast proved untrue. Darkness gathered until Dark Link could barely be seen, a shadow amongst shadows—

Link jumped and Midna shrieked as Dark Link's eyes glowed crimson. His smile vanished, and with a cry, he surged forward with incredible speed, sword raised high as he leapt into the air—

Link stumbled back, hardly blocking the blow as Dark Link landed artfully on all fours, turning and snarling like a cat. Link's eyes urgently bid Midna to flee. She turned and rushed behind a pillar, watching from the shadows.

Wherever Link and Dark Link battled, the shadows followed, clustering in a stifling mass which made fighting difficult for Link. Dark Link's speed was hard to match, his agility and skill with the sword unlike any Link had ever come up against. Link's only sign of where Dark Link stood and moved were his unblinking ruby eyes.

After what seemed an entire age, Link began to grow weary; Dark Link blocked all of his blows, making it nigh impossible to strike, and dodging the enemy's attacks proved just as taxing. Link soon lost count of close calls and extremely near misses....

Amidst the mad battling, another part of the legends swirled in the back of Link's mind, trying to push its way forward. If only he'd the time and energy to figure out what it was, perhaps it would aid him—

Dark Link stumbled back with a snarl as something silvery-white pierced the dark like lightning, sticking fast in his arm. One of Midna's arrows. Link glanced over at her in wonder and thanks, but she didn't notice, intent on lining up another shot—

Then, it came to him. The one time the first Link confronted Dark Link in battle. Dark Link not only embodied all of Link's evil potential but mirrored him in other ways as well. Dark Link anticipated _his every move_ ; that's why he could block all his blows and attack whenever the true Link did....

But Dark Link could neither know nor guess _Midna's_ moves. Incapable of focusing on anyone but Link, he continued to circle as Link circled, parrying one of Link's blows with an exact replica of his own. Link's heart raced, the test proved true. He need only bide his time, keep Dark Link distracted.

Arrow after arrow flew, sticking fast in their victim. Even then, Dark Link seemed not to slow, not even when the blood matching his crimson eyes began to flow from many wounds. His eyes narrowed to determined, enraged slits....

Then, of a sudden, as the seventh arrow pierced him, he stopped, released a shout of fury at his defeat, and vanished in a wisp of black smoke.

The shadows cleared, and the room lightened once more, flooded only by the peaceful, sleepy grey pallor.

As Midna rushed over, Link looked up, breathing hard but granting her a small, grateful grin. He wished he had strength to do more, but she understood, smiling and placing a hand on his shoulder—

Her face blanched, and she gasped. Link's gaze snapped up to the dark form hovering before them, and he inwardly groaned.

But Shadow Link held up his hand in a sign of peace. His face calm, his eyes their normal, shadowy selves, he spoke in a solemn, quiet tone, "Forgive me for frightening you so. I had meant to meet you here on peaceful terms to grant both the song and Triforce Shard. However, Zaruman overran me and cursed me so that I returned to my old, evil state. I was forced to be his puppet, though but a short time....

"But now, let me impart that which is _more_ than due you, my Hero and Princess...."

He took out an ocarina which gleamed like a black diamond. Midna revealed her flute, Link his ocarina.

With a nod, Shadow Link played the last notes of Midna's Requiem, and Link and Midna copied, several times over until the song was carved fervently upon their hearts.

When everyone lowered their instruments, Shadow Link smiled. "Good. Now you own the whole Song. Return now to your world and wait for instructions on the next steps in your quest....

"Ah, but not without this...."

He held up his hand. There, his Triforce Shard glowed brightly—until it did so on the back of Link's hand. Link stared in amazement once more; now, three small triangles filled in one of the larger triangles on his hand. His Triforce of Courage was now complete. He was ready to take on any great enemy who dared stand up against him.

"You now own the whole piece of the Triforce Courage," Midna gasped at the same wonder he marveled over.

"Indeed," said Shadow Link proudly. "And much courage shall be needed in the trials ahead—but do not forget wisdom too. Power is strong and needs both Courage and Wisdom to be overcome....

"Now go, dear friends. Return to your Realm, and rest. The first part of your quest is done, but I trust the next part will be just as arduous, if not more so...."

Midna and Link bowed their heads at Shadow Link, who did the same before backing away and disappearing into the shadows.

Then, they turned back to the portal, Link with a sigh. How he wished he'd explored more of her world with her, but they never even so much as stepped outside her throne room.

As if reading his heart, Midna took his hand and said, "Perhaps we'll return someday, after all this is over with."

They shared a hopeful smile. Then, Midna led him up the steps and into the portal.
Part 2

Chapter 10

The Voice Speaks Again

Link and Midna sat on either side of the blazing bonfire beneath Link's tree house in the Kokiri Wood. Upon returning to the Light Realm of Hyrule, both realized two things: they had no clue what their next step was meant to be, now they'd obtained the Song as well. The weight of many days' journeying rested heavily upon their shoulders, and with it, a tremendous tiredness which demanded sleep.

Yet, even as they sipped the last of their water and Link swallowed the last of the berries Midna had picked, something stirred on the wind. Something called to both their names.

At the first, they both scanned the heavens, half-asleep, as if expecting the stars to rain down and speak to them in person. But then, as it called louder, more clearly, Midna gasped, "My goddess!" and she and Link perked up, suddenly awake enough to heed whatever wisdom the voice might grant.

"Yes, my Heroes, it is I once again. And again, I apologize for not yet revealing myself to you. That shall come, in time, as do all good things to those who wait....

"But now, my time is limited. I know your adventures thus far have proved pressing and you would seek rest. But please, listen long enough to what I would tell you. The next part of your quest depends upon it, and I do not know if I could return to tell you these things again....

"Din, Nayru, and Farore, the three great Creators and Protectors of Hyrule—they preserved small bits of the ancient, original Hyrule, sealing these bits in secret times and places. These parts of Hyrule serve to house and guard three ancient Spiritual Stones, which aided the first Link. The goddesses hoped that, in preserving these Stones, Hyrule would be granted a final chance in its hour of greatest need. They hoped too that Hyrule might become what it once was in the beginning....

"Hyrule, as it is now, is much vaster than it was at the start. The remains of the original Hyrule are hidden within, in places only the Hero can access. If played in the right places—places each guarded by a sage in _this_ Realm—Midna's Requiem, now completed, can transport you to these ancient glimpses of Hyrule's past. In Hyrule's past, you can collect the Spiritual Stones. And the Spiritual Stones will open your path to finding and resurrecting the Master Sword.

"One Stone lies hidden in the Empress of the Wind.

"One Stone rides the Spirit of the Seas.

"One Stone is buried within the Goddess of the Sands.

"Ganondorf would seek to find and destroy these last strongholds. If Hyrule's past falls, so does its future. You must find the sages guarding the Stones, harness the Stones' power, and thus resurrect the entrance into the Sacred Realm.

"If you would hope to find the first goddess, travel to that place where your journey began. Truly, it shall become more sacred than either of you can yet imagine.

"One, last thing. As the height of your quest draws nigh, so does my desire to reveal my full identity to you. This I cannot yet do, but I do grant you a name: Pami...."

This last, poignant word echoed like a fading zephyr, then stilled into an absolute hush.

Link and Midna stared at the heavens a little while longer, truly hoping to see the face of the one who had so wisely guided them thus far. At least they had a name now: Pami. But Link thought the presence of that name only made him desire a face to attach to it all the more....

Slipping from his reverie, he gazed at Midna through the flickering flames, and she said, "Well, then, I suppose that answers what we are to do with the next leg of our journey. Back to the Mirror, it is, to find the first Spiritual Stone. First though, let us sleep—I feel we _majorly_ need it and won't get half a wink until this next part is through, once we start out."

Link nodded, curling on the ground as Midna did so beyond the fire. Link knew they should both be in such incredible awe at the idea of traveling back in time and space to the original Hyrule that sleep was made impossible. Perhaps the idea was immediately too surreal. Or perhaps their exhaustion really _was_ that great.

"You know," Midna yawned wide, "not only have we heard nothing of Zelda on this quest, but we've had no trouble from Ganon either. The voice keeps saying he wishes to hinder our path...but we haven't seen a trace of him...."

Link's weary mind tried to wonder at the same things. Midna made a good point, but he was far too tired to think much on it right now. Besides, their trials had proved hard enough without throwing Ganondorf into the mix—why tempt fate?

His last vision was of the firelight sparkling upon Midna's silver cheeks and lips like a million dancing rubies. He smiled faintly and did not have the strength to blink back the few tears trickling down his cheeks. Her eyes studied him with careful gentility, and though he studied hers, they were unsearchable as ever, their serenity hiding so much more than they revealed.

Then, as her eyes gently closed, veiling the windows to her soul for another night, he closed his too and allowed sleep to come.
Chapter 11

The Stone Princess

Rising with the dawn, Link had hoped to bid farewell to Sarita before departing with Midna into the Kokiri Wood. Yet, search as he might, he could find her no where. None of the other Kokiri had spied her since yesterday afternoon, and none could tell where she might have vanished to since then. Link could not tell either, as Sarita was known for evasiveness and clever hiding. Overturn every stick and stone in the forest, and one still might not stumble across her....

Link's heart fell into solemn silence. He felt reserved as he led Midna along, suddenly weary despite his deep sleep. He realized how much he missed his dear friend and wished that, regardless of the late hour upon which they'd returned last night, he'd popped in to see her. The last time they parted, he feared it would be the final time he ever beheld her freshly flushed face and beaming smile. Now, he feared that same again, only more poignantly the second time around.

Midna said nothing, though she glanced with concern at him from time to time. She kept a respectful distance away, giving him the space he needed to try and collect himself. Yet, upon entering the small clearing containing the Mirror, Midna breathed quietly, "Look..."

Link had been entirely absorbed in his thoughts, eyes staring fervently down at the ground. But he looked up at the gentle command and took in a wondering breath.

Before the Mirror sat a small girl, green skin and hair revealing she was a Kokiri. Two crowns of small white blossoms skillfully woven rested on her head. Having exhausted her immediate supply of flowers, she instead plucked blades of grass, crafting a third crown.

Link stepped purposely on a branch. Her head snapped up. Then, with a cry of delight, she flew into his arms.

They hugged close, and he knelt down to gaze straight into her shimmering eyes.

"I was making the crowns for you," she whispered. "I was told I would meet you and another here, to lead you to the Gorons' City. I was told you would arrive this morning, but I waited here since last night, just in case...."

She removed one of the flower crowns and handed it to Link who donned it with a proud grin.

As he stood, Sarita peered shyly but curiously around him. Then, creeping up to Midna, she extended the other crown.

Midna tenderly took it, fingering it with a soft, admiring smile before setting it atop her head.

"Hello," she said quietly, "I am Midna. You must be Sarita. Link has told me much of his dearest friend. It is truly an honor to meet you."

With a warm, motherly smile, Midna reached down her hand while Sarita extended hers up with a shy but bright grin. The tiny hand of the small child hugged the delicate fingers of the tall woman. Both were his princesses in their own rites; he loved them both.

"Come on then," Sarita said as their hands released, drawing herself up all business-like. "We've a mission to complete—an important one at that. I shall lead you to the caves, and from there, to the Goron's City."

She cast a smile and wink at Link before slipping with effortless dexterity into the tangle of the woods. Midna floated after, seemingly unhindered by all the bramble, leaping skillfully across fallen logs and slipping about gnarled bushes. Link took up the rear, casting a final glance at the Mirror and wondering when it might bring their two worlds together again.

"So," Midna ventured slowly, "if you know the way, are _you_ then the Sage of Wind meant to lead us to the first Spiritual Stone?"

"No," she shook her head. "At least, not that I _know_. And I should hope that if some great deity bestowed such a title as 'Sage' upon me that I _would_ know about it."

She shared a smile with Link, eyes twinkling with old friendship and fresh joy.

"No, as Link will have told you, I am a curious thing. I discovered the entrance to the Gorons' city in one of my explorations of the Kokiri Wood. Then, I thought it was just a cave. But with a vision from a strange, cloaked woman, I know now it is something more...."

Midna's and Link's eyes flashed to each other with wonder and a singular question: Pami? What other strange voice floated between realms, granting random advice? Strange though, and interesting, if _Sarita_ actually saw her physical form....

They remained silent on the matter though, as if quietly agreeing it was not terribly important to figure out at the present moment. Especially as Sarita stopped them before what appeared an entirely ordinary tree; no different in size, its gnarled branches twisting up in the same, odd patterns as all the other trees. She knocked a short but specific pattern on its bark, then stepped back to watch as a door scrolled aside to reveal an arched opening. Midna and Link watched in awe, Link shaking his head. If no one else could detect a difference in each and every tree of the Kokiri Wood, Sarita could. And if not her, then probably no one at all.

Sarita walked right inside the tree, disappearing into its dark shadows. Link and Midna had to duck under, almost doubling over to fit, and then, inching forward a little—

Midna shrieked and Link would have as the ground vanished beneath them, like someone tugging a rug from beneath their feet. The next moment, they landed hard and slid downward at a fast.

After a very long, bumpy, and not altogether comfortable ride, they found themselves shooting onto a firm, flat surface, rolling roughly before coming to a halt. Coughing at the dust swirling about, Link sat up. He smiled as Midna sat up looking stunned, wide-eyed, and disheveled for perhaps the first time in her life. A little frown crossed her face as if suddenly made aware of this, and she scrambled to adjust her cloak and fix her hair.

On his other side, Sarita hopped up and brushed the dust from her tunic, smiling up at Link. "That was _fun_. I should have brought you here to try it _ages_ ago...."

"So," Midna said, still fussing with her hair which apparently didn't cooperate how she thought it should. She at last dropped her hands, giving up. "So, how are we to get out of this place anyways?"

Sarita nodded, and Midna and Link looked up at a small stone door.

"That will take you to the surface. And that—"

She pointed to an archway which led to a small corridor lit by torches.

"—I assume leads into the Gorons' City. I was never brave enough to explore it. I just like to ride the slide now and again...."

Link cast her a mock-hurt look, as if she betrayed him in never sharing such a wonderfully curvy slide. She smiled sheepishly and blushed, and he would have laughed; sometimes she discovered some things just too good to share, at least at the first.

Link then rose to his feet, walked over to Midna, and extended his hand. As Midna took it and helped herself up, she said, "Well, then. I suppose the only thing to do is to go through that doorway and see for ourselves...."

The corridor led to another lit by torches, and that led to another and another, and that led to a branch of hallways which they had to choose between. Sometimes their path wound up, sometimes down, sometimes twisting. In the end though, it was all mundane, solid stone and an uncanny lack of life or any sign thereof, as far as they could hear or see.

"Where _is_ everyone?" Midna breathed as they wound along.

"It's emptier than the Kokiri Wood during a thunderstorm," marveled Sarita, slipping her hand absent-mindedly into Link's; he smiled to himself, reveling in the snatches of warm memories that gentle touch induced. "Very much quieter too...especially minus the thunderstorm...."

After some time, they emerged into a huge, oval-shaped room. Stone doors ran about its perimeter, but otherwise, it appeared fairly plain. Until they looked up and Midna breathed, "Ah, my goddess..."

The room stretched up and up several stories; they could see balconies of the upper levels extending from the walls, and way up, they managed to make out the ceiling.

Midna heaved a huge sigh reflecting the vastness of the place. They could comb it for hours and still never locate anyone or anything.

"Well then," she said, marching forward with determination. "Let's keep looking...."

They passed through one of the open doorways.

When they had wound through the caves so long that everything began to merge into a solid blur of indecipherable brown stone, they turned a corner and stopped short. At last, a break in the continuity. Another stone door, yet before it, a cluster of several dozen huge, perfectly round, dark grey stones.

"Good," said Midna, "maybe this is a sign of sorts...."

No sooner did the three start forward though then they stopped short, startled, as the round stones jumped up and limbs sprang forth. After a mad explosion of arms and legs like a strange fireworks display, the Gorons stood before them. Broad-shoulders, round, squat heads with large, bright black eyes and flat noses. Muscular arms and legs covered in stony plates, as were their backs.

It was then Link recalled his own transformation and the Gorons' ability to curl into a ball and travel with extreme speed and skill; as they were now, they could only amble along awkwardly and slowly. Still, Link, Midna, and Sarita stood perfectly still and respectful, knowing their strength to be unmatched.

"Welcome," greeted the front-most Goron, throwing his arms out wide in a welcoming gesture. "Welcome, dear Brother, Sister, and Little Sister too...."

He smiled warmly, eyes darting at each of them, and Sarita released a small giggle as the intense but kindly eyes rested upon her.

"Are we to assume you are the chosen Hero and his helpers?"

Midna nodded. "We are."

"Good. Our princess has long awaited your arrival. Come. If you pass her test, she will know you are indeed the Hero and will be most honored to speak with you in regards to how you might obtain the Stone you seek...."

As he turned towards the door, the other Gorons cleared aside. Link, Midna, and Sarita followed the Goron down the narrow path. Link tried to smile at the Gorons in passing but felt slightly uncomfortable. Their own grins were warm and inviting to be sure, but they watched him so closely, as if trying to read his soul and judge whether it was pure or false.

"Yesterday," continued the Goron who led them, "we were visited by a voice from the gods who told us that only the true Hero would be able to tell who our _real_ princess is. So, we have set up a test for you in the room beyond...."

With a stomp of the Goron's foot, a stone door raised, and Midna, Link, and Sarita stepped within—

And stared in amazed intimidation.

The room was vast, with hundreds of torches running along its circular wall. A maze of statues filled the room, all of them the same—a Goron whose skin was as black as midnight, eyes gleaming like black diamonds. White diamonds adorned her neck and head in two simple but brilliantly gleaming circlets. Arms crossed, she stood tall, muscles as firm and formed as her male counterparts', if not more so. Determination and a command for respect rested in her eyes, posture, and confident smile.

Link, Midna, and Sarita all knew that, somewhere amongst these hundreds, the _real_ Goron princess waited to be found by the Hero.

"Okay, but how—?"

Midna barely had time to turn before the door slammed shut, leaving no hope for guidance or escape.

"Well, that was just _slightly_ rude," she mumbled, turning back to the statuesque maze. "Just slightly...I mean, a _clue_ would have been nice, at least...."

"Do we start looking then?" Sarita piped, cheery as ever, eyes gleaming with excitement at the thought of such a challenge. Link tried to smile too but knew this would not be as simple as one of her forest explorations—especially since they were trapped in here until the riddle was solved.

But, with a nod that was more confident than he truly felt, he, Midna, and Sarita glided into the maze. They branched off, though not straying too far from one another, carefully inspecting the statues for any signs of a break in their pattern.

After searching what seemed an age but was surely only a few minutes, Link, Midna, and Sarita joined up again in the midst of the maze. Midna sighed and tapped her long fingers against one arm. Link scrunched his face in hard thought. Sarita gazed about with wide, inquisitive eyes which glittered undaunted.

Link began rummaging around in his satchel, half absent-mindedly. By the time Midna gave him a side-ways, knowing prompt, he already held the ocarina in his hand.

Midna smirked. "A step ahead of me, Hero. Good call, especially seeing as _you_ are supposed to be the brawn and _I_ the brains...."

Link flashed her a mock-pout, and she laughed lightly. "All right, all right, so perhaps even the bearer of courage may find a little wisdom at times; and I suppose _I_ could have used a bit of courage when first using the hookshot and the like...."

Sarita nodded. "A perfect balance indeed. But I believe wisdom shall be most needed to decipher _what kind_ of song might show us the true Goron princess...."

All drew solemn and quiet again. Link placed the ocarina to his lips, fiddling around with different notes, pitches, snatches of ancient songs. He tried the melodies of the first sages, the Six who'd helped that first Link span time and space with their music. He even ventured Midna's Requiem. When no other significant tunes assailed him, he resorted again to playing random bits, his blank mind all the while racing to think of some idea. He caught Midna rolling her eyes at one point and almost laughed; he'd always been terrible at pretending to know what he was doing....

After a time though, frustration etched itself firmly upon Midna's creased brow and set lips. Again, to be incapable of coming up with the answer they needed right now overwhelmed her. Link struggled too, knowing the way _must_ be easier than he thought...

A small tug on the elbow of his sleeve. He looked down. Sarita beamed up at him, widely, proudly, even a bit mischievously. A bright sparkle radiated from her eyes, like that of a child who has just deciphered a very difficult problem all on her own.

He studied those eyes quizzically, intensely. She granted a prompting smirk and giggle, laughing even more when he continued to stare dumbfounded.

At last, she ended his torture by humming three, simple notes.

He smiled broadly.

The beginning of Saria's Song.

Sarita laughed more vibrantly still, loud and unbridled. How could Link have forgotten? A simple, silly song, and yet, it tied into one of their favorite tales of the ancient Hero. How often Sarita would spin the tale as they sat around a blazing bonfire eluding to the torches of the Gorons' cavernous chambers—just like those blazing from the walls surrounding them now. As soon as Sarita reached the right part in the narrative, Link would play her song, and the two of them would dance and laugh long into the night, unable to resist just like Darunia, that great Goron king of old. The rest of the story would be history; they could always pick up where they left off the next night, and often did.

With a wink at Sarita who granted a final giggle, Link placed the ocarina to his lips once more and began to play Saria's Song.

Link's feet began to itch. Midna began to sway. Sarita started hopping lightly about. Soon, like a trio of pied pipers, they danced gaily to the sprightly melody, weaving in and out of the maze of statues, until—

"Oh, _baby_! Keep up that beat, that hot, hot, _hot_ beat!"

Glancing up, Link saw Midna spinning, her cape twirling about her elegantly, giving her the appearance of a night-time goddess dancing for the stars. Sarita bounced about like a waltzing flower. And beyond, several yards away, one of the statues moved, surprisingly lithely.

As the three danced closer and closer, Link playing with more spirit, varying the melody here and there with clever trills and changes in pitch, adding heightened emotion to the already-freeing song, the Goron princess came clearly into focus.

Finally, they stood before her. She leapt, bound, and twirled wildly, releasing loud cries, howls, and high-pitched calls of exhilaration. When at last Link sped to that final note and brought the song to a swift end, everyone's feet lay still. The princess looked at them with eyes brighter and far more intense than any the fake statues held. A wide grin spread across her face as she exclaimed, " _Man_ , Brother! Surely, you _are_ a descendant of the chosen Hero! Our ancestor Darunia wrote much of that song, preserving it for many generations to come. As you see, we choose to live close to the Lost Wood, every now and then catching a wisp of its enchanting melody and dancing into a tizzy. But never, never, _never_ have I heard it played so hot, hot, _hot_! Welcome, my Brother and his friends!"

She clapped Link on the back, heartily but with such force that he stumbled a little and smiled up at her sheepishly. She seemed not to notice but rather drew herself up proudly, declaring,

"I am Onyx, Sage of Wind. Strange, it seems perhaps, yet I am called this because the songs I sing control the winds of the mountain, bringing the rain needed to harvest the Gorons' special crop of bomb flowers.

"My people and I have eagerly awaited the arrival of the Silent Hero. Yes, that is how you are quickly becoming known all across Hyrule. News always travels fast in these big-type quest situations....

"And, you, the lovely lady of Twilight. How may I address you?"

"Midna, my lady." She bowed her head then motioned to Sarita. "And this is Sarita, a dear friend of Link's, one of the Kokiri children of the wood."

Sarita stared up at the towering princess with huge, round, gleaming emerald eyes, and then dipped into a little curtsy.

"We- _ell_!" Onyx laughed deeply. "Ain't you just cuter than a whole bottle o' buttons? I'm afraid you'll have to stay behind with us though. Where Link and Midna are going—it's no place for one so small. Possibly the most carefully guarded of all three Stones, I'd wager."

"Where is it?" Midna asked, mirroring Link's curious frown.

"Well, in ancient Hyrule, but you know that already. Next to the original caves of the Gorons was a volcano. A long line of dragons dwelt there. The last one known living was called 'Codiya'. Somehow or other, you got to go in there, tame Codiya, and, well, who knows the rest? Only the Hero, I'm sure—once you get in there and figure it out! Come, I'll show you the place to play the Song so you can get a move on—"

"Lady Onyx!"

"Lady Onyx!"

"Laaaaady Onyx! Woot!"

A motley crew of Gorons rolled into the room, creating a cacophony of whoops and cheers, streaming in from all sides and popping upright as they clustered around.

"Ye- _eah_!" One waved his muscular arms in the air, dancing a little jog. " _Did you hear that beat_? Man, how could you _not_ wake up—even from the deadest dead—"

"Man, that beat was _hot_!"

"Hot, yeah!"

_"Ho-ooot_ —"

"Gentle _men_!" Onyx thundered, certainly commanding, though her wide grin remained. Though their eyes still shone eagerly and several Gorons swayed or bounced a bit, the song yet lingering in their limbs, all hushed and focused with full attention upon their princess.

"All right then. Now, I'm sure Master Link, Lady Midna, and Miss Sarita here would love to return sometime and entertain us until we just up and die happily dancin' all our limbs clean off. _But_ —we _all know_ they have a very important quest to fulfill first.

"So, Gorons, lead the wa- _aay_!"

With a chorus of whoops of agreement, the Gorons leapt up, and before they touched the ground, had curled into tight balls again. They zoomed from the maze, and Link, Midna, Sarita, and Onyx hurried to keep up.

Exiting the room, they bore left and wound up and up a narrow passage, and then down, down, down another they thought might never end. When they were nearly out of their last breath and ready to collapse, they turned a corner to see all the Gorons had stopped, standing upright before a door. A faded painting of a young boy facing a dragon could be made out.

"Within," Onyx breathed dramatically, eyes vivid with emotion, and all the Gorons leaned in close as if they hadn't surely heard the tale a thousand times before, "lays the remains of the throne room of the great Darunia, true and most-hailed king of our people in the early days of Hyrule's birth. In here can the Song be played which will return you to that ancient land...."

As she strode forward, the Gorons parted like a wave, gazing admiringly at her and the three Heroes who followed.

Slipping inside the door, they stood in a small room. Its walls were faded, cracked, their glory stripped away. But the two torches in the room glowed up a singular structure which, though just as old, made Link stare in wonderment. This was the throne of Darunia, one he'd heard such magnificent tales about. Glancing down at Sarita, he smiled at her expression, mouth agape, eyes even wider than they had been during the other surprising moments of her small but significant part in the quest.

"Look, Link," Midna breathed.

Link's eyes roamed to where she pointed. Before the throne, on the floor, a Triforce symbol. The paint still gleamed with a pale, golden sheen. Link knew what that meant. Here, he and Midna must play her Requiem.

As they started forward, Onyx placed a gentle hand on Sarita's shoulder to hold her back.

"No, little one. Here is where your part of the quest must end...."

Link turned to them and smiled. Onyx's gentle but huge hand all but swallowed Sarita's delicate shoulder. Walking forward, he knelt and took her tiny hand in his.

"We'll have to come back here, Link," Sarita sniffed, stubbornly blinking back tears. "You and me and Midna too...and we can all dance with the Gorons again. Together..."

The smile easily found Link's lips. He signed that he would like that. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Midna smile and nod. She would like that too. In those few moments with Sarita, he had felt the freeness of a child, the freeness which he had always treasured about Sarita's heart and which kept him ever-young along beside her. How old he'd felt during their quest, though he didn't really realize it until they all danced together....

Rising, he felt in his heart they would feel that freeness again, together, he and Sarita. And he and Midna.

Then, he stepped onto the Triforce symbol beside Midna who already held her silver flute. Drawing out his ocarina, he and Midna shared an affirmative look. Then, they played her Requiem. The brilliant blue light of a warping crystal began to envelop them. As Link's heart began to race, his fingers played on, and his eyes smiled at Sarita between the rays of sapphire light which quickly knit together.

When only bright blue surrounded him and Midna, he lowered the ocarina, and she her flute. She took his hand and squeezed tightly, and they waited for the light to fade and reveal a different place and time.
Chapter 12

Beyond the Throne

At the very first, Link thought they had made a mistake.

Once his eyes adjusted to the soft torchlight though, he saw that, though still standing in the throne room, its paint was fresh, its walls smooth and flawless. The sconces housing the torches gleamed with new gold. Beneath their feet lay a new rug, the Triforce knit with brilliant gold threads into its dark fibers.

"Wow," Midna said, still holding his hand tight. A shiver rippled from her body and into his. "So...this is really it? The Hyrule of old, where it all began...."

Link nodded, almost mechanically. It truly seemed bizarre, surreal even. Did they _really_ stand so far back in time, in a place so perfectly preserved...?

"So, Hero, about that volcano, eh?" Midna piped, trying to sound her normal, quippish, all-important-business self.

Link didn't need to wonder about that detail. He and Sarita had retold that part of the tale often enough for its every re-telling to be etched perfectly in his memory. With a smile, he led Midna over to one side of the throne and began pushing.

After gazing at him curiously a brief moment, she understood and helped push. Soon, the throne began to budge, gradually at first—after all, it had been stuck that way a long, long time...or _had_ it? Traveling through time certainly baffled the mind....

At any rate, the throne soon inched along a bit more easily until, at the last, they'd scrolled it aside to reveal a doorway big enough for them to squeeze through. A blast of heat stifled them, nearly knocking their breath away. As Link looked down though, he noticed something else—time had preserved the red tunic which had protected the first Link from intense heat, and now, _he_ wore it himself! Glancing over, he noted Midna fingering a ruby necklace around her neck, certainly meant to protect in the same way.

"Well," she smiled, eyes gleaming up at him, "if _this_ is the compensation for a few hours of time-traveling, I'll have to make a hobby of it once we're done with this whole quest!"

Link smiled, shaking his head. He slipped through the doorway, and she followed along.

They had entered a dark tunnel of sorts, very dimly lit by a reddish tint shining from beyond its exit.

The tunnel widened, and the reddish light increased. Then, they emerged into the remains of what Link recognized as the ancient Fire Temple.

They stood inside a great volcano, atop a cliff overlooking its boiling depths below. Cliffs ringed the whole area, and before them, a stone bridge spanned across to a rocky plateau, the only way forward. Midna and Link looked at each other and took a deep breath before venturing forward, Link now truly grateful that Sarita did not follow them to such a place. She would have been terrified upon catching the first whiff of smoke, let alone witnessing so much flaming lava below.

Passing across the bridge and through the door, they were met with a solitary square opening in the floor and a ladder reaching down into immeasurable depths. Again, the only way forward. Link had a fleeting desire to motion Midna to go first, but that kind of chivalry was not warranted in such a dangerous place. Taking the plunge, he placed his feet and hands on the ladder and began the descent, Midna following not far behind.

The climb lasted for a good several minutes, and the further they descended, the more ardently Link's heart pounded, for he knew they delved right into the very heart of the volcano. Indeed, when they finally stepped down onto solid ground and passed through another small door, they had entered the volcano's innermost chambers, a moat of boiling lava surrounding them almost entirely.

Steep cliffs littered with sharp precipices encased the lava moat; there was no escaping this place or time until their mission was completed—or until death met them, Link thought with a shiver.

Their eyes scaled the towering cliffs encircling them. The cliffs were littered with jutting crags as well as a strange sort of plant; it was black and bulbous with little green leaves, and Link remembered the bomb flowers of which the Gorons spoke, their "special crop".

Link could barely make out a round, black shape high above and beyond the curling smoke—the sky, their one chance for freedom, save the doors running about the perimeter of the room, including that they'd just entered. Small bridges arched from the doorways to the centermost platform which was cracked in a few places from old age and wearing.

Link and Midna took a few steps forward—

And jumped at the chorus of booms, Midna grabbing Link's arm tightly. Only when Link's heart, having jumped clear out of his chest, returned to its proper place did he realize—all the doors had just slammed shut, with no way of reopening. The noise echoed faintly, taunting their fear.

Link and Midna stood close together, examining the cavern half in curiosity, a greater half in fear and caution. Link's heart pounded, and he almost imagined hearing Midna's pound in a steady rhythm matching the constant _boil, pop, pop_ of the lava pits. Up and up the cliffs towered, seeming to grow even as they stood watching.

The heat felt abruptly stifling, despite the protective tunic and necklace. Though unharmed, they were still forced to gulp down great gusts of the hot stuff, and that mingled with new fear made Link's vision blur unsteadily; his head reeled dizzily.

The next moment though, it was forced back into full focus as, with an intense boom, something erupted from the lava moat. Midna ducked under her cloak as bits of fiery rock and lava sprayed in a glowing shower. Link side-stepped then tumbled from harm's way. Then, looking up, he quickly scrambled to his feet to face the creature now snaking through the sky.

A long, serpent-like creature, scales glistening the same alternating red and yellow iridescent hues as the pools of lava from which it had emerged. Though bearing no wings, it glided through the air, the tip of its tail glowing a vivid crimson. It was a dragon, the Codiya of which the Gorons spoke.

The dragon slinked down to the ground to rest on four, squat arms, releasing a mighty shriek and a stream of fire which Midna managed to just dive under. Link grabbed her, roughly throwing her behind the shield of a boulder. He looked back to make sure she was okay, briefly apologizing with his eyes for being so harsh. Then, he turned his attentions to his new rival.

For a while, Link's was a game of dodging artfully-aimed flames. Midna drew her small bow and shot arrows at the creature, possibly aiming for the eyes or any other spot she might consider a weak point. However, after several grazed Link's sleeves, narrowly missing flesh, she ceased fire. He moved around too much for her to safely shoot, and he was too focused dodging embers, claws, teeth, and tail without worrying about arrows too.

While scrambling about, Link tried to surmise a plan, though thinking was difficult when constantly tumbling, diving, and leaping from certain death's way, bumping along, grazing skin, twisting a muscle here and there, however slightly. All these things slowed him down in ways he really couldn't afford, however briefly; as time passed, he escaped more and more narrowly....

His one coherent thought was that, according to the Gorons, he was meant to _tame_ Codiya. Which seemed to imply, more or less, that he was not to _kill_ the creature. That was no problem—he didn't even know how to _stun_ it. But then, how _even_ to stun it? How to _control_ such a massive, powerful creature—?

"Link!" shrieked Midna. "The tail!"

Link dove down, flattening himself as the tail swept in a low arc at him. Then, glancing up, he thought:

_The tail_.

Its tip glowed much more faintly than it did when the creature first rose from the lava. It might be a clue. In the stories of old, the Hero focused mainly on discovering his foe's weak point and the tool needed to conquer. After that, the rest fell to skill and speed.

Link made a quick mental inventory. He could try his sword, of course, but the way the dragon constantly flicked his tail made hitting it impossible. How else could he bring the tail to him or bring himself to the tail—?

Scrambling to unlatch the hookshot from his belt, he rolled as the dragon's vicious claws swiped down at him. Then, sprawled on his back, he aimed at the tail. It waved back and forth in a steady motion, but if he could time it _just right_....

The coil sprang, the hook released, grabbing hold of the tail. The chain retracted, and Link along with it. He hung to the dragon's tail by the hookshot. Before he could imagine what next to do, the dragon began flailing its tail wildly, screeching in rage.

Link looked at the bit of tail the hookshot clung to while clinging on for dear life himself. He frowned; the tail was entirely protected by steely plates. The hookshot held fast but didn't seem to do any damage—

_"Link_!"

With a jerk, the dragon flung him and the hookshot through the air. He landed with a hard thud, skidding across the rough rocks and off the edge of the precipice—

Midna caught his hand, yanking him and the hookshot up.

Though stunned, a sticky wetness stuck to the side of his head which he could only guess was blood. Link stumbled towards the dragon, hookshot gripped firmly, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his wavering vision.

"Link!" Midna raced after, grabbing his arm to hold him back. "You _can't_ —you'll be killed—come _here_ , you fool!"

Link blinked, washing away the blur, and looked up into her eyes. For the first time, real, unbridled, unhidden fear shone there vividly. His heart melted for a moment. Then, he hardened it, necessarily, granting her a solemn look. If he did nothing, they would _both_ die. Though her eyes glimmered with deep worry, she nodded understanding.

All the same, as he rushed after the Codiya, she followed. He would have to figure things out quickly—he had neither strength nor foresight left to both take down a dragon and keep Midna from harm.

Leaping to the side as one of the dragon's hooked claws swung at him, Midna doing the same, Link lined the hookshot up once more with the creature's tail, a ridiculous new plan surging through his head. Perhaps it was truly crazy, perhaps he was just delirious by now. There was no time to wonder though. Pulling the trigger, the hooked claw of the hookshot sped forth.

The hookshot latched onto the Codiya's tail, and as the spring retracted, Link swung himself through the air in a wide arc, landing hard, uncomfortably, but astride the beast's scaly back. Codiya released a loud screech of disdain but then fell silent and still. The next moment, he began coughing violently, and his back arched. Link was forced to dig his legs into the rough scales to keep hold. He feared he'd somehow managed to kill the poor creature; perhaps his tail contained some important life force.

But then, something bright green and shimmering spewed from the creature's mouth, landing in the hands of Midna who stared in surprise, then grimaced.

"Okay, so that's just nasty and not _at all_ as epic as they make it out in the legends...."

All the same, Midna held the gold-gilded emerald, the Spiritual Stone of the Forest, in her hands. After admiring its sparkling beauty, she carefully slipped it into the folds of her cloak.

With a grin, Link extended a hand, bidding her join him atop the Codiya. The only way out now was surely up, as none of the doors had reopened. Midna reached for his hand—

And was knocked off her feet by an abrupt jerk. She glanced about the volcano, then at Link in concern—

The quake began again and did not stop. The whole place shook frantically;, bits of fiery rock crumbled from above, creating a blinding cloud of ash. Lava in the surrounding pools began to bubble ominously.

"The volcano is going to blow!" Midna shouted, voice quavering with panic as flaming stones rained down on all sides. They landed with exploding booms, spraying dust, searing shards, and embers everywhere. Link winced as they charred his skin but didn't move from his position atop Codiya. Midna made no move to hop on, not even when Link cast her an imploring look.

"What for?" she cried. "How does climbing atop a mutant, flightless lizard help me? Of all the dragons, you _would_ have to tame the wingless kind—"

In a moment that was swifter than a flash of lightning, he watched the fiery boulder rush at her; he stretched forth a hand as if he could catch her or cast her aside with a magic flick of his wrist—

Midna looked up and barely released half a scream before her world blackened.
Chapter 13

Zora of Old

Midna opened her eyes. Blackness consumed her, but not the sort of fearful blackness she would have expected. A calm, cool peace wrapped around her, snuggling her securely as the folds of her cloak. Perhaps this was death. She thought if it was, she ought to feel worse about leaving Link behind to fend for himself and possibly perish alone. Yet, perhaps such a lack of despair was why this _was_ death.

Then, a bluish-white light descended. From how high, she could not be certain, as the blackness spanned unending on all sides. There was nothing else to do save to watch the blue light. No need to rush or worry met her mind. Instead, she focused on the light, watching curiously.

The thin column of light widened just a bit then paused to form a ring, like a circle of sapphire flame, on what might have been the floor, if such concepts as floors existed in death; while Midna felt secure, she felt weightless enough to move in any direction in the blank space she so chose.

Gradually, something silvery began to sparkle in the midst of the blue ring. Its glistening intensified then solidified into some shape Midna could not quite make out. Stepping forward, she floated towards it until she held it clearly enough in her sight. Then, with a small gasp, she halted. A stone pedestal, the Triforce carved unmistakably within its side. She knew enough lore of the world so closely intertwined with her own to know the Master Sword had once resided in that pedestal.

The silver spread out from the pedestal, creating a wide, round, marble slab which stopped to rest at her feet. Stepping up and studying its glittering smoothness by the dreamy blue glow of the light column, Midna again gasped. Not so much out of surprise—she already knew where she stood—but out of awe that, of all places, Death should lead her to such a Sacred Realm before she took that final passage to eternal slumber....

Movement caused her eyes to snap up. And then, she stared for a third and most captivating time.

A figure, half concealed by the shadows, half illuminated by the sapphire glow. As the figure stepped forward, Midna saw its skin radiated an ocean blue hue of its own. A dark cloak and hood concealed everything except the bluish arms, feet, and eyes as brilliant a cerulean as the sky at Hyrule's first Creation, when all was entirely pure and new.

"I've been waiting for you, Princess of Many Times and Realms."

A woman's voice. Soft, young, yet old with many experiences and much knowledge. Her eyes glistened with a certain sharpness demanding Midna's full attention.

"Welcome," the woman continued. "Welcome to the Sacred Realm of old. Inside a different time, a different Hyrule...yet, its memory is preserved for those who know the old tales and would seek its refuge in times of trouble.

"But as for the _true_ Sacred Realm, that of _your_ time, as you shall someday have need of it...."

She waved one side of her cloak in a great arc. For just a few moments, visions of a vividly green wood blurred by Midna in all directions. She gasped again as she recognized the glen where her Mirror lay. So that place would hold _more_ than one key in hers and Link's mission. That place would become the _new Sacred Realm_ , where they would use her Requiem and the Stones to open the path to the Master Sword....

_Link_.

"Link," she breathed. "So...if I am not dead, I must get back to him. I don't know how I may aid him, yet I can't abandon him in such danger."

The woman gave a solitary but firm nod. "I know. Tis why I come to you, though I can do so only in visions. The Codiya holds the key. It is wingless, yet not without wings. Remember the Goron's sacred crop. It holds more than one key, just like the Sacred Grove of the Kokiri."

Midna stared. Did this wise creature read her mind?

No time to wonder about such thoughts. Link. She must get back to him at all costs.

"You _will_ see me again," the woman said, starting to recede back into the shadows. "I will grant you further aid on your quest. But for now, it is _Link_ who needs the true aid."

"But I still don't understand—"

Midna held out a hand to stop her, but the woman had already gone. The blue light enveloped Midna, and she began to float up and up, heart racing as she hoped the help the woman offered would not be a waste. How could knowing of the bomb flowers help?

Gradually, the light faded, then darkened, and then, at the last...

Midna opened her eyes, sitting up with a start, coughing terribly as she inhaled a sharp burst of fiery dust and ash. Link knelt beside her, eyes closed and face raised towards the heavens, brows furrowed deeply as if he implored the goddesses with all his might.

Midna reached out a hand to touch him when her eye caught on a glimpse of red. Leaning over, she cleared aside the debris to reveal a small patch of bomb flowers, their velvet petals somewhat crumpled yet still vibrant crimson and violet hues.

_"Link_!" she cried. "These flowers—look, don't _look_ at me like I'm crazy, I don't have time to explain—but these flowers can help. Help me feed them to the Codiya!"

With a fervent nod, he scrambled over to help her start uprooting the blossoms. It was tough work as they were lodged securely in the earth, and having to dodge more than occasional razor-sharp boulder didn't help matters. The Codiya had taken to stomping about in fear, sending even more violent tremors beneath their feet.

With a final tug, they hefted one of the flowers and waved it in front of the Codiya. He ceased his frightened thrashings long enough to lock eyes on the flower, sniff it with hungry eyes, and then devour it, nearly taking Midna's hands with it.

Midna scowled at the beast, preparing a sassy retort when he lifted his face to the sky, released a mighty screech, and pushed off from the ground. Hovering only a few inches above the quaking earth, his blazing eyes encouraged them towards adventure. Sharing a look and nod, Link and Midna scrambled onto the back of the Codiya.

The Codiya swerved with lightning precision as a lethal rock catapulted towards them. Then, he shot up in the air, zooming towards the volcano's exit far above.

Link nudged Midna and glanced back with a wide grin.

"Great timing, I know!" shouted Midna, thinking not only upon the Codiya's dodge but the mysterious knowledge of the woman in the vision as well.

"You can compliment my excellency later though; steer the Codiya and make sure you grab enough bomb flowers on the way up!"

With a firm nod, Link latched onto the dragon's long whiskers which waved behind his massive head. Gently tugging them, he veered the Codiya up and to the right, avoiding a rain-fall of spewing fire and bits of lava.

Their upward climb proved rocky at first; Midna gripped Link's shoulders hard as they crashed into the walls to avoid the flaming boulders splintering from above. Soon though, Link and the Codiya worked together to weave a sort of swerving pattern, steadily climbing while zigg-zagging from one side of the volcano to another, pausing only to let the dragon gulp down a bomb flower or two and keep the flames of his tail illuminated.

"We're almost there!" cried Midna as the circular opening above morphed from smoky grey to sky blue. The outside world drew closer and closer. The Codiya protested with a weary snarl, but Link tugged the whiskers hard, spurring him on with a kick in the side—

_"Link_!"

He realized it right as she screamed it—too late.

The Codiya screeched in fear and pain as it banged against the wall. Sinking its claws into the stone, it struggled to keep hold but was fast slipping, the rock too hard for him to dig deep. The constant rumbling shook them steadily towards the bottom; already, bubbles of lava erupted between the stony crags and climbed steadily up to meet them in the middle.

Link glanced around frantically, all the while trying not to feel or look too panicked. Midna had done a wonderful job of bringing them this far, of figuring out about the bomb flowers, but now, none lay in sight—

Across the volcano, on the far wall. There was no way the Codiya could crawl all that way in time—not to mention he would probably have slipped too far down by then anyways. What would the ancient Hero have done? Probably whipped out his boomerang and nonchalantly drawn the bomb flower to himself. Figured they had received not so much as a few rupees and some songs on their quest so far—

The hookshot, _of course_. How fear blinded the mind, almost lethally so.

He tried to aim the laser. His hand shook, the Codiya shook, the volcano shook, making it difficult to focus on the bomb flower or even catch sight of the hookshot's laser. He couldn't afford to try too many shots; it would take too long for the chain to spring forth and retract several times, despite its speed. The Codiya already slipped slightly below the bomb flower, forcing Link to aim up a bit—

As the pain ripped through his arm like fire, he dropped the hookshot. If he could have cursed, he would have; pain stabbed through him as something pounded against his aching flesh. As his blurring vision cleared for a moment, he saw Midna beating the flames leaping on his arm, extinguishing them.

Shaking his head and holding his arm, he tried not to look at the stony shard protruding from seared flesh. The sight made him want to vomit almost as much as the pain, so he looked down—

Only to find the hookshot wedged between the Codiya's claws and the wall he yet clung too, sliding more steadily now. Looking up at Midna with mingled torment, hope, and urgency, she granted him a glance which read both, "Oh, you have _got_ to be kidding me," and, "I really hope I can pull this off or we're both doomed," before stretching down and, after a bit of a struggle, prying the hookshot free.

Midna looked up. So did Link. She'd have to hurry before they slid beyond the hookshot's range of reaching the bomb flower. Holding the hookshot tightly in both hands, she aimed up and released. Link remembered thinking with annoyance how, after all these years, someone should have utilized technology to create a homing device for the hookshot, as well as the fact that, between his arm nearly falling off and being assaulted by Gorons earlier, this truly was proving the worst day of their journey—

Then, the world disappeared into solid black.

He heard a victorious roar from the Codiya, followed by a deafening explosion.

Wind and heat rushed past as their speed accelerated. Whether they moved up or down at such a speed, he couldn't tell, nor whether Midna's cry was one of distress or victory.

Then, his mind and memory darkened as well.

***

"I will need to set the bone first, before he awakens... after soothing the pain, I can bring him back into the conscious realm...."

A gentle hand upon his forehead. Midna's fingers curling tight around his unbroken hand. Another pair of hands, gentle but strong, grasping the arm still radiating with pain—

The hands pulled sharply, there was a loud snap, and he faded away.

***

Link wakened once more.

At first, only darkness and peace. He wondered if he had just up and died. Last he remembered, a pain strong enough to make any man wish for death had seized his entire body.

Gradually though, as his mind cleared, he realized that while the pain had truly vanished, the blackness persisted only because he had not yet opened his eyes.

Doing so, blackness still met him. A blackness dotted by twinkling white stars, and he soon knew he stared at the night-time sky.

Sitting up slowly, he observed several things. He sat once more on the plush fields of Hyrule. Midna knelt before him, smiling with instant relief, sighing, and closing her eyes to mouth a prayer of thanks before turning her eyes back upon him; they gleamed vividly with their keen fires, trying not to look exhilarated but failing entirely.

Next to Midna knelt another being, and it was she which baffled him so entirely that he thought one of two things: perhaps he really _was_ dead, and Midna too, and they'd both found their way into the Spirit Realm. Or else he was still asleep and woke up into a truly miraculous dream of sorts.

Link frowned, not in a sad or disapproving way, but in confusion, even disbelief. She was not one of the winged Zorita of his world. She bore no wings, only the elegant flippers streaming like gentle falls from her arms, the brilliant sapphire eyes, and the delicate, fin-shaped ears, thin and soft as silk. She had no hair to speak of, her nose was long, slender, and ended with an intelligent point, and her skin glistened a lovely cerulean hue. In short, she looked nothing like a Zorita because she looked everything like one of the Zora of old. That people which had dwelt on land and water and over time had morphed into the Rito of the Sky, and finally into the lovers of sky and water esteemed in Hyrule today, the Zorita. _She was a Zora_. Of that, there was no mistake....

But there _was_ much mystery.

"Link...Link..? _Link_!"

Midna's warbled voice finally broke clearly through to his yet foggy mind. Looking up, he saw concern glittering fervently in her eyes. Stretching forth a delicate hand to rest upon his, she asked quietly, "Are you okay?"

He nodded, and the worry dissipated gradually from her eyes.

"The pain was intense; he might yet be recovering."

Link's eyes snapped with full alertness now to that other which spoke. Her voice flowed with a smooth quiet, but also with a clear and commanding wisdom such as when Midna spoke of something very important. Her eyes were just as intense as Midna's—and just as concealing. Beyond their gentility, he could not be certain what she felt.

"Forgive me, young Hero, for coming to you only as a voice until this moment. Even now, it is a risk for me to aid you here, and in person....

"But now, I owe what explanation I can give to appease your curiosity, even if only in part.

"I am indeed, as baffles you, a Zora of old, from the ancient Hyrule. This is the form I take as I travel between the Realms, guiding and watching over you as I may. I regret I cannot show my true form nor even share its identity with you; to do such would cause detriment to you, Midna, and any others involved with your quest—thus, I would harm all of Hyrule, Termina, and Twilight; all are affected for the future by how we spend every waking moment in the present.

"I must depart from you; already, I tarry longer than I feel comfortable with. Yet my heart could not leave you unhealed without regret, and the time wasted in your healing on your own would have proven a greater bane on your quest.

"Travel now to the falls of the Zorita of Hyrule. There, your path will prove a little easier, as before. After that, the final and truest tests remain...."

She rose fluidly to her feet. Then, stepping back, she floated into the shadows of the night, merging with them like a wave rejoining its fellow ripples.

"Good night, dear Heroes. Rest in peace and greet the dawn with new vigilance. The goddesses continue to bless thee...."

The night consumed her delicate form even as distance drowned her last, fading words.

Link stared at that space a long time before realizing that, with her departure, he'd stood to his feet at some point. He couldn't say when. He could say only that her leaving tore a deeper pain within him than his wounds from the volcano. The pain was brief but intense, leaving him stunned a moment, and then, to wonder. Why should her separation be anything to _him_? And even more so, why should he feel, quite suddenly for that she was so much a stranger, that he belonged by her side?

Though its wonder lingered, the feeling passed quickly enough. Glancing down, he saw Midna watching him intently, eyes aglow with confusion and concern. He smiled softly and lay on the ground, eyes beckoning her to do the same. Returning the smile, her eyes trusting, she did so. Their hands touched, fingertips kissing ever so slightly.

It was that smallest connection which soothed Link's heart, telling him everything would be all right—at least until morning, at least so long as they could own these few, precious moments to just touch and sleep and be in the wide, open fields of Hyrule. The fields were so calm, quiet save the occasional chirping of a cricket, as though no harm had ever befallen those fields and none ever would. He knew such a thought was a mere dream. He knew what was and that such imaginings were not. All the same, until dawn called to a new day and a new danger, to dream was possible. To dream was real. To dream was enough, for as long as the dream could endure.
Chapter 14

Sisterhood

To the Zorita it was, and then, the dwelling of their ancestors, the Zora.

Midna and Link spoke little during that trek, though their silence was peaceful and pensive, not laced with fear. Pami had said they might find rest with the Zorita as before, which lightened Link's heart and returned to him many of his best memories with Midna. The thought of seeing the Zorita again only made him feel that much closer to her.

Perhaps Midna felt it too, for she would cast him soft smiles or casually take his hand from time to time, more often as forest thinned and finally morphed into a wide expanse of sandy beach, cliffs rising to their left.

As night drew close, moonlight shimmered majestically upon the waves breaking against the shore. The shallows kissed their feet, warming their toes. But there was no time to stop and play or admire such beauty. Holding each other's hands, they marched on towards the cliffs.

Between the cliffs, a series of land-bridges twisted in a confusing sort of knot over a lake. From high above, a waterfall thundered, pooling into the lake. Link and Midna helped each other along the steep inclines of the bridges, climbing and winding their way up until, at the last, they stood face to face with the roaring fall.

Link looked at his feet. Beneath them, a square stone tile, old, weathered, its sheen long ago faded. Still, the Triforce crest faintly lingered. He knew this place. One of his favorite places from the ancient legends, one he visited often inside his mind as he retold the tales. Taking out his ocarina, he knew exactly what to do.

His fingers flowed across the ocarina which sang out the notes of Midna's Requiem with the same ease and grace as did those of the Hero when he played Zelda's Lullaby to visit this secret place.

The Song flowed naturally from Link's fingertips. As Midna's Requiem echoed from the ocarina, the falls calmed and parted like a curtain, revealing the cave's opening which loomed dark and beckoning.

Link lowered the ocarina, hiding it away in his satchel once more. Then, taking a small, head-start run, Link leapt over the short gap onto the ledge beyond. The waterfall's thin spray doused him like a light shower, refreshing against his weary, dirt-stained skin. Turning, he held out his hand, granting Midna an encouraging grin.

Returning the smile, she too took a flying leap, gliding through the air like a butterfly queen. The waters closed in again, forming a solid barrier between them and the outside world.

Loosely holding Midna's hand, he led the way down the dark corridor which soon wound down and brightened; blue-white lights played across the walls. Emerging from the cave's wide mouth, they paused to stare in wonder at the original Zora's Domain.

They stood at the bank of a huge lake, and across the lake, a gigantous waterfall tumbled into its depths. Stone paths wound up and around and out of sight into various rooms niched high above. Somewhere, music like steel drums and an angelic choir echoed soothing, tropical melodies, making Link think of the Kokiri's own choir. Torches lined the towering walls in elegant arcs, bouncing off the water and showering the cave with prismatic lights. What amazed Link most of all though was the presence of so many Zorita—not Zora, as expected, but the _Zorita themselves_ —flying, diving, swimming, laughing, playing, no evils existed outside their realm.

Link nodded towards a path spiraling steadily up to a ledge above. He gently drew Midna along, and she smiled as she gazed all about, Sarita's child-like wonderment glistening fervently in round, wide eyes.

The Zorita cast smiles or nods of greeting in passing. Many stared with the same curiosity as Link and Midna stared at them with. A peace glittered calmly in the Zorita's eyes, illuminating Link's heart with a new sort of hope.

As their path stretched high above the lake, it twisted towards a stair rising steadily between two walls. Link's heart pounded; again, he knew exactly where they were, what goal they pressed towards.

At the summit, they stepped into the room which felt like stepping into a dream or ancient memory. A shallow pool refreshed their feet. On a raised dais before them, a stone throne. To their left, a cavernous mouth leading to some other passage in the cave. On the walls, torchlight glistened with the same gentility found in the Zoritas' eyes....

"The most beautiful thing you've ever seen, isn't it?"

Link and Midna looked up as the Zorita graced the ledge above, stepping from the corridor behind the throne. Her soft aqua skin, long curving fins, elegantly flexing wings, ocean eyes—she was the exact replica of Ava, save perhaps being a little taller and thinner, her voice a little deeper and lined with an aged wisdom.

Her smile was just as soft and sweet though as she hopped down from the ledge to stand in the shallows before them. "I am Miya, sister of Ava of Termina, and also the Sage of Water—though you could have probably guessed that _first_ bit already."

Link nodded while Midna returned the gentle grin.

"This," Miya spread her hands wide, indicating the throne room, "is truly that room where the first Zora kings and queens ruled....

"Zora's Domain is one of the few parts of ancient Hyrule not assailed by Ganondorf's forces. Even _he_ could not get inside without breaking through the powerful magic guarding our domain—or else without being a closest ally to the Royal Family. Which you and Midna clearly are, while Ganondorf remains entirely the traitor. Thank the goddesses he never knew the requiem in his short time serving the king of Hyrule....

"We Zorita have dwelled here some time, protecting this place and preserving its ancient beauty. Sometimes, we dwell in _our_ time as well. Sometimes, we dwell in both, though we've put an end to travel between the two until all evil is safely brought to an end...."

"Yes," said Midna slowly, "your sister, Ava—she promised we would meet you here. Although I didn't know she quite meant _here_ , in the ancient domain...."

Miya nodded. "Ah, indeed. Ava. Your connection to her is yet another, unneeded sign of proof. Here—you pass all tests...."

She pulled from her cloak the shimmering sapphire, the Stone of Water. Midna gingerly took it into her hands, staring with the same bafflement coating her face as Link thoroughly felt.

"But...how?" Midna frowned. "How have we so easily obtained the Stone?"

"You already played the Song to gain entrance here," Miya smiled softly. "In doing so, you prove the test as our Hero. Besides, I think Ruto would have wanted to make the way easy for you—even if she _did_ once hold that seven year engagement over your head...."

"Engagement?" Midna tilted her head, eyes playfully demanding answers of Link. He smirked but blushed terribly, knowing the exact tale Miya alluded to.

Miya laughed a high, lilting laugh which sparkled with the same kindness in her eyes. "It is an ancient but very true tale much cherished by our people.

"The first Link, the original Hero, met Ruto—one of our great princesses of old who would later become the Sage of Water—when both were children, about ten years old. She was a headstrong thing, proud, even obnoxious, one could say. In a series of misadventures inside the belly of a fish, Link kindly helped her regain her lost treasure—the spiritual Stone of Water. Not only was this Stone vital to his quest and to him gaining access to the Master Sword, but it was also a sacred item of tradition, an engagement Stone of sorts. Ruto's mother told her only to give it to the one who would be her husband someday....

"Seven years later, when it was Ruto's turn to aid Link, she reminded him how terrible he was to keep her waiting 'these seven, long years.' Whether joking or not, it is said Ruto never forgot her love for Link, even after becoming a guardian sage. Near the end of her life, she entrusted the Stone to the Zora, commanding them to guard it well and allow no hands to touch it save the Hero's when he returned—as he surely would, she promised. Then, once in his possession, _she_ would return to sweep him off his feet—or else haunt him, if that was the best she could do.

"I highly doubt Ruto will really trouble you, especially in such troubling times. But," she added with a playful smile and a twinkle in her eyes, "you never know. Even in the midst of peril, Ruto was no stranger to taking a moment to scold Link for unrequited love....

"Go now though, my children. To the desert, to the last Stone. I would bid you rest, but since time is of the essence, use this short refreshment to journey forth and make all haste to the final chapter in your venture."

"We will." Midna gave a firm nod. "And we thank you, my lady, for making our test so easy as to be called 'refreshment.'"

"You are indeed most welcome, my children. Now go, and serve Hyrule well—past, present, and future...."

She swept a long arm in a graceful arc to their left where the gaping mouth of a corridor loomed. They started curiously towards it through the shallows, and Miya followed behind.

Their path stopped short as the shallows turned into a waterfall rushing gently over the edge of the cliff and down into the lake below where many Zorita swam, talked, and laughed without a care in the world. Right below Link and Midna, at the foot of the waterfall, the sapphire rays of a warp crystal gleamed up between frothing white foam.

Link took Midna's hand and cast a solemn, thankful nod back at Miya; she granted a gentle nod and smile.

Then, he looked at Midna, whose eyes remained steadfast upon the crystal.

He squeezed her hand, and the two leapt off the edge, soaring towards water and light in an amazing moment of excitement, joy, and a glimpse of the freedom to be theirs at their quest's end.

Crashing into the warm depths of the lake, water and light enclosed them in brilliant blue waves; they swirled downward, waltzing beneath the waves for a glorious moment—

Then they sat, completely dry and still holding hands, on the floor of the Kokiri Forest once more.
Chapter 15

Prince of Shadow

Their next journey took them West, across the fields of Hyrule. Though the trek lasted more than two whole days, they enjoyed its serenity. Despite all the continuous walking, it was good to not worry yet about the trials to face them. Though such trials fast approached, those trials seemed miles and miles away as they walked, almost like a bad dream not capable of coming true.

At some point, they glimpsed Hyrule Castle town in the distance and paused to gaze at it. So much grander and vaster than that of the original, it looked entirely peaceful, blue skies sheltering it from above. Still, they knew all that could change in the twinkling of an eye. Stepping over a ridge, they departed with that peaceful vision in their memory.

Towards the late afternoon of the third day, towering cliffs loomed. Up they wound between the stony precipices until something else loomed into sight—the Gerudo Fortress. This was the place from whence Ganondorf, the oldest enemy of Hyrule, hailed. The place housing the race of all women, save a male born every hundred years or so. The home of thieves rumored to be skilled and ruthless swordswomen, though tales of the Hero told they were not nearly as heartless as Ganondorf himself; indeed, after proving himself in skill and stealth, the women made the first Link one of their own, a regular Gerudo.

If Link knew one thing held true since the ancient tales though, it was the Gerudo's distrust of outsiders—especially men. Ganondorf had not treated the women well over time. At first, Ganondorf sought only a better life for his people. But this quest soon corrupted into an unhealthy lust for power. He'd abandoned them ever since, his search for the Triforce and absolute domination becoming his sole ambition.

So, as they approached the fortress, Link's heart pounded; his mind remained void of any ideas of how to sneak past the thieves— _if_ that's what they were meant to do. Sneak where? And do what...?

Once they crept an uncomfortably close distance to the large stone fortresses built into the cliff-sides, Link tugged on Midna's arm, and the two ducked behind a ridge to observe.

The Gerudo paced back and forth before the several entrances of the fortress. Tanned skin, vibrant red curls, purple puffed pants with sleeveless blouses revealing firm, flat midriffs. All just as Link imagined them from the preserved tales. Including the sharp spears they carried upright while pacing. To the left, a huge gate stood open; what lay beyond, they could not tell, though Link guessed it was the desert.

"Now what?" Midna whispered. "Do you think I should try talking to them? Perhaps, as a woman, they might trust me better?"

"Or perhaps, as a woman, we would see through your schemes and discover they were the pitiful set-up of a weak, back-stabbing man."

Link and Midna whirled and jumped up, Link shielding Midna as the four thieves gathered around, trapping them.

"Oh yes," the one sneered, rolling her eyes. "As if the lady was so utterly helpless...."

Link narrowed his eyes. Of course, he _knew_ Midna was capable. But he cared more for her safety....

"What?" the Gerudo scoffed, hands lighting haughtily upon her hips. "Can you not speak?"

Link shook his head, hand twitching over the hilt of his blade.

The Gerudo's eyes glanced to that hand casually, almost as if bored, and then back up to meet the challenge in Link's eyes.

"I see. Well then, I suppose your sword will have to speak for you!"

Without further warning, all four ladies drew curved blades and spun through the air at Link. He blocked one, two, three—

The fourth landed a blow to his head. Blunt, as if the flat part of the sword mercifully made contact, but hard. Even as Midna shrieked his name, his vision faded and then turned black.

***

Link slowly opened his eyes. Then, they burst open as Midna's face hovered over his.

Closing her eyes, she sighed huge relief, then helped him to sit up. He rather wished he'd stayed down though, as the sight meeting him provided no means of cheering up.

Four walls enclosed them in a small space, rising high, high up to the ceiling. A single, solitary window let moonlight in far above.... Moonlight! How long was he unconscious? Pain still throbbed in his head, dully but doing nothing to improve his mood.

At last, it dawned on them _exactly_ where they were. The Gerudo's prison.

He looked over at Midna questioningly.

"I knew I couldn't take them all on," Midna said. "And I was insistent upon staying with you, though they offered for me to talk with their leader. I thought _you_ should be there for that though, so here we are...."

Yes, here they were. But not for long. In all his frustration, his mind was not blinded to one memory of the first Link: he too had sat in the Gerudo's prison, but he escaped using a tool which had proved so useful already it seemed almost too good to be true.

As Link drew out the hookshot and Midna gave a little cry of delight, he stood and swooped her close in one arm. Aiming the hookshot, he released the chain and claw which stuck fast into the wood framing the small window. Up they zoomed, landing on the wide window sill. From there, they leapt to a ledge a couple feet below and then gazed down.

As Link watched the guards' patterns, he knew the way would not be easy. One or the other might see them in turning. Link was in no mood for games; they'd just have to go ahead and risk it and hope not to be caught again.

After waiting for the moment when all the Gerudo turned away, he and Midna leapt the few, remaining feet from the ledge onto the soft sand below. They scurried towards a ridge. If they could hide behind that and wait to judge the guards' patterns again—

"The prisoner! He's escaped! Catch them!"

Link and Midna bolted madly towards the ridge as the soft thuds of Gerudo footfall pursued. They didn't make it far though before a half-dozen, purple-clad females with fiery eyes encircled them, spear tips pointed dangerously close.

Link cursed inwardly while Midna stood close against him, body rigid, when—

"Stop, and lower your weapons—I said ' _stop_ ', you fools! Do you not stop when your leader rules it?"

The harsh command caused the Gerudo to lower their spears and bow humbly back, widening their circle to allow the authoritative figure to stroll up and pause before Midna and Link.

Her hair wisped about in curls the color of the sand. Her soft skin reflected the rich, warm tones of the soil of Hyrule Field. A fine ebony and violet velvet sash secured long, billowing, white pants about her thin waist. A sleeveless blouse matched, and delicate golden bangles jingled from her wrists, anklets, and even her dainty, pointed ears. Her eyes shone like two desert storms, imminently changeable. Right now, they promised calm yet warned defense the moment it should become necessary. A long curved sword hung in a scabbard at her side. Her arms remained crossed, but Link felt she could disarm both him and Midna in less time than it took them to draw their weapons.

Instead, a broad grin curled across her lips. A triumphant, mischievous, but definitely pleased gleam illuminated her golden eyes.

"Welcome, Hero, and Midna as well. I am Aniya, Sage of the Sands. Most proud I am—and impressed—at how quickly you solved the riddle. For, indeed, you have passed the first test.

"Only the true Hero would wield that tool which the first Link used to escape this very same sort of prison during his 'welcome' to the Gerudo Fortress."

"Thank you, my lady," Midna said, bowing her head, as did Link. "But if I may...how do you know _my_ name? None of the others we've met thus far have called me by my proper name."

The smile vanished from the lady's eyes and lips, like a candle snuffed before given the chance to fully shine. Solemnly, she said, "Come. There are tales even _you_ do not know which I must share. They shall help answer that question and more; but first, we must find a place where lesser ears cannot know their secrets...."

She turned and slipped noiselessly into the nearest doorway. Midna cast Link a wondering frown and followed after the Gerudo, and Link took the rear.

After twisting through several stony passages, they entered a small room lit by torchlight. The only items were several huge, satin pillows strewn on the floor. As the Gerudo sat on one, Midna and Link chose cushions across from her. Watching her intently, they waited.

A kind though sad smile crossed her lips; her youthful face appeared suddenly weary, strewn with a few lines of suffering and worry.

"I know your name," Aniya began, "because it was spoken often to me by another who revered it dearly—Ebonie." She closed her eyes, a frown crossing her brow as she remembered.

"Ebonie!" Midna gasped. Link tried to read her features—surprised, certainly in a state of utter wonderment. Beyond that, it was difficult for him to tell if the wonder tied to any fear or worry. He took her stiffened hand and squeezed gently, hoping to ease whatever unpleasant feeling assailed her.

"Ebonie," Midna breathed. "I knew her. Not well—but _I knew her_ , as I did each of my people. Her disappearance was a great bereavement to her family. What...may I ask what became of her?"

Midna seemed to gasp the last words, face contorting painfully in a sign that she wasn't sure she really _wanted_ to know. Yet, as queen, _knowing_ was her dutiful compassion.

Aniya paused, taking a deep breath. Then, slowly releasing it, she at last opened her eyes, as if she could not bear to envision Ebonie's silvery face, shimmering like a lost star in the thick black behind her closed eyelids.

"Ebonie certainly never returned to Twilight. I would have sent her myself if only I possessed the magic and wisdom needed, but...in the end, she died of loneliness and a broken heart.

"Ganondorf, his manly 'duty' completed with the chosen Ebonie, traveled abroad again, making plans, mustering power and allies—who-knows-what—to prepare to take Hyrule, as ever. We Gerudo always knew what he was up to. We expected it. We didn't approve, to put it lightly. But nor could we stop it....

"Ebonie's child was placed in my care, as I was Head Thief in Ganondorf's absence. He became very much like a son to me. I strived to raise him the best I could. His father's genes flowed in him, and he was a stubborn, arrogant, even dominating child. But his mother's gentility and care for all living things rested in his heart, and it was those qualities I sought to nurture while steering those of his father in the right direction. If Ganondorf had used such traits for good, great things he could have done. Great things could his son have done as well....

"When the boy was around ten or so, Ganondorf returned, declaring in his final, authoritative way he would take the boy with him on his journey. I argued in every subtle way I could, saying he needed motherly care, a proper education, stability, all the normal arguments a mother might make.

"But Ganondorf would have none of it. Without explanation or even a farewell, he and the boy stole into the night.

"That was the last I saw or heard from either of them....

"Til recently. Rumors of Ganondorf's new rise to power began to float aloft, then news of his allies, one from Termina, another from Twilight. Majora, the enemy from Termina...much was already known of _he_ r evil through the ancient tales of the first Hero. But this...Prince of Shadow from the Twilight Realm... _his_ title was new even amongst _our_ circles.

"Yet, there _was_ a time the Prince of Shadow came to Gerudo Valley. Ganondorf held one of his council meetings here. Many of us snuck down to catch a glimpse of the Prince. He was certainly handsome, with his silvery skin shining as if moon beams illuminated his every sharp feature. Eyes bluer than the stormiest sea and bright with passion, ambition, and so much potential and life. And his hair, redder than a tall campfire ablaze in the middle of a starry night.

"Few caught wind of his name. I was one of those few, but even before knowing his name, I knew his face. He was Ganondorf's son. He was _my_ son, and Ebonie's....

"He was Zaruman."

Midna gasped, bracing one hand against the floor to keep from falling over. She fought hard to control her swift, rasping breaths. She blinked back tears as her eyes swelled like the pools of Codiya's volcano, needing very much to release an overwhelming pressure too long held onto.

Anger raged inside Link, but this time, he allowed compassion to quickly overflow it. Shifting close, he hugged an arm tight around her shoulders as if maybe, just maybe, he could hold together those pieces of her heart which yet lay cracked, some even shattered in Zaruman's hands. If only Link could stitch those fragments back into a glorious, pure whole. Perhaps, after all was said and done and he could focus on that _one thing_ he would have desired to focus on this entire journey, had he allowed himself to....

He allowed himself to feel just a bit of that desire now, though not too much. He must care enough to protect and comfort her, but until all was said and done, stronger emotions would only hinder their quest—and thus her safety. No, for present, though he could not deny the existence of those feelings, neither could he yet embrace them. He rhythmically rubbed her shoulder until her breathing calmed at last into a steady, quiet pace.

Then, gently slipping his arm from around her, he looked up at Aniya whose eyes shone with both solemnity and great pain. A few tears trickled down her cheeks as she whispered, "I know. Too well. I loved him too...."

As she granted a small smile, Link understood where the weariness and age of her eyes emanated from. He wished his heart could break just a little for both of them, so he could _truly_ understand. Then again, perhaps in this case, he was needed as the stronger one.

"Well," Aniya rose to her feet, trying to wash all sadness from her eyes and replace it with new determination and a focus on what was important. "Let me take you to the place where Midna's Requiem will return you to that original sacred Temple of our people...."

Exiting the room, they wound along the stony passages once more. Link still held Midna's hand, glancing continuously at her in concern. The panic had faded from her eyes, but she did not look at him. Instead, she looked fraught with a deep pensiveness which did not allow her to really see him.

Aniya led them outside, past the fortress, and through a tall gate which led into a wide expanse of desert sand. Not far in the distance, storms raged, kicking up blinding hurricanes of sand and dust.

"The Hero used other means in the days of old to cross the desert," Aniya said. "Now, only the right Song can breach such borders, and even then, the trials beyond are said to be some of the hardest. But I have faith in you; so should you have in yourselves."

Link smiled a bit as Aniya's words echoed those of the happy mask salesman. This time, when he looked at Midna, she'd already dug out her flute with her free hand and smiled faintly at him in readiness. She gently slipped her hand from his, and he fished out his ocarina. Then, together, they played her Requiem and allowed the warp crystal to consume them one more time....
Chapter 16

Goddess of the Sands

Endless sands swirled on all sides, nearly blocking the sky and anything else from their view—though nothing else seemed to exit. For the first time in their quest, Link really felt they'd signed their death warrant. Midna began to cough and sputter horribly, shielding her face with her long cloak; the sand began to kick up into Link's eyes, making him squint almost to the point of blindness—

Then, a flash of blue. Perhaps a mirage, yet their only sign of possible hope. Taking Midna's hand, he led her forward.

They trudged through the sand storm until, as if passing some invisible barrier, the madness just ceased to be.

Glancing behind, Link and Midna saw the hurricane of sand still blustering wildly, though even its noise had been silenced on this side of the invisible border. Looking before them, Midna gasped while Link squeezed her hand in surprise.

A massive glass structure, adorned with golden filigree, stretched miles high against a sky as brilliant a blue as the rarest sapphires. It was a huge hourglass, the strangest yet most awing structure they'd ever beheld. An arched doorway was etched in the bottom dome of the hourglass, leading to the temple nestled within. The temple's walls stretched high, glistening like gold, made of sand. Grains steadily trickled from the hourglass' top dome, slowly wheedling away the temple's glory.

With merely a glance at each other, they knew there was only one way—forward. Though frightening to envision entering such a place where time was clearly of the essence—perhaps more so than with the other two Spiritual Stones—there was no other way.

It was Midna who squeezed his hand this time—perhaps involuntarily, though he hoped not—as she whispered so softly, "I wonder if we truly only have an hour to find the Stone before the whole thing collapses on our heads, burying us unknown to anyone for eternity...."

This seemed neither the time nor place for her poetic but morbid speeches. Yet, Link wondered the same, even as he understood the intense hush of her voice. Never did he hear such utter silence in all his life. Her voice, smaller than a butterfly's rushing wings, pierced the quiet like knives scraped on an iron door. Perhaps it was more than the presence of noise amidst silence. Perhaps it was also the presence of life amidst death. For the silence in this place reflected death. Link felt they would be the last two living souls to ever grace this Temple's shadows.

Gliding like two wisps of cloud, they made their way across the expanse of sand. They walked under the glass archway, entering the hourglass and crossing what they knew was truly the most irrevocable threshold they had yet passed. Then, scaling the wide, majestic steps, they entered the Temple....

And gazed about in wonder. It was a simple structure though vast; the ceiling stretched countless feet high, the walls nearly as wide, as if they'd entered the abode of an extremely large giant. The room was devoid save supporting pillars. A glass dome ceiling let in plenty of light. Three staircases ran perfectly parallel to each other up to a wide balcony above, the only semblance of a second floor, as far as they could tell. Etched into the wall above the balcony, they could just make out a Triforce carving.

"Well then," Midna said, a bit cheerily though wary. "At least we know our path ahead. Come, let's each take a different staircase. If there _are_ traps, perhaps we won't be assailed all at once...."

Nodding and still glancing about in wonder, Link started up the middle staircase while Midna chose the leftmost.

It seemed an even more tiring journey than climbing inside the caves of the Gorons, perhaps because their path was so continuous, always up with no break or change. Several times they paused catch their breath and retrieve their strength. They dare not linger long, not knowing how much time the hourglass really permitted.

About half-way up, Midna called out, "Look, Link! Isn't it breathtaking?"

He looked over. Midna pointed at a little alcove set in the wall to the left of her staircase. Nestled within was a large painting of seven pyramids. The golden-brown paint glistened, as if bits of diamond had been mixed inside.

As their trek progressed, they came across two other alcoves with such magnificent paintings, one of a glittering, truly intricate spider web, the other of a butterfly formed entirely of brilliant crimson flames. No other touches of decoration existed throughout the temple.

Upon reaching the balcony at last, Link and Midna took out their instruments, played the Requiem, and—

Were immediately swept up in a pillar of blue light. Its warmth caressed their skin and set their weary hearts at ease. Before them floated a woman whose hair, skin, and garb all shone the purest blue, like young brides wore on their wedding day, only its purity was magnified ten-fold. Her smile was sweet, and her sapphire curls wisped about her face in gentle, child-like tendrils. Link shuddered, feeling her almost too pure to look upon....

Then, she spoke, in a voice so rich and warm it nearly sang, melting even the tracest possibility of uncomfortableness from his heart,

"Welcome, Hero of Light and Princess of Shadow. And, no, do not think I judge either of your hearts. For Shadows always prove the Light's existence; there can be good or evil in either..

"I am Nayru, goddess of wisdom and mercy. I apologize that my sisters could not meet you in your quest, but their power and courage has been needed to fight the forces of evil inasmuch as they can; I alone could spare reprieve.

"I grant you now that which you so ardently and humbly seek...."

The gold-gilded ruby hovered before them for a few, humbling moments before vanishing. Midna felt the extra weight in her pocket and placed a hand over her heart, savoring the Stone's warmth.

"Now," Nayru said. "Let me grant you a few, last words of wisdom before you make the final stretches of your quest.

"Remember that there is a natural order to all things. Our world of Hyrule was founded upon certain laws and perfect order. When that order is disrupted, chaos will ensue. However, when order is maintained, there is peace. There may be trials before the peace—some life cannot be spawned without death—but even still, order with challenge is healthier than a lack of order altogether.

"Follow the ways of order and wisdom, and you will find your way...."

The sapphire brilliance engulfed her, and in a blinding flash, it vanished, leaving them to stare at the sandy stone wall.

"Well," Midna sighed, "that was surprisingly, pleasantly, and suspiciously easy—"

As soon as they turned, both stopped short. They stared first in unbelief, then, as reality dawned on them, with horror.

"Of course," Midna muttered, "definitely _suspiciously_...."

The three long staircases no longer sloped down in three, easy paths to the exit of the Temple. Instead, they'd twisted themselves into a confusing maze which looked like a spaghetti heap of endless stairs with no beginning, middle, or end.

With a deep sigh, Midna said, "Well, come on then. Let's figure this out...."

Of course, there was nothing else to do. Still, Link glanced skeptically at the glass domed ceiling. He could see the pillar of sand raining gently upon its surface from high above inside the hourglass. The waves slid gently off the glass, so lightly and innocently, yet Link wondered what might happen if the sand all of a sudden gushed down in torrents, especially if they ran out of whatever time the hourglass was set to....

After wandering about the endless twists and turns of the stairs for a while, Midna and Link found themselves scaling the steps back up to the balcony.

"Hm..."

Midna fidgeted. Link sympathized with her discomfort. This was the most dangerous puzzle they'd encountered. It wasn't straightforward, for one thing. For another thing, time was of the essence—and neither could tell _how_ _much_ time.

Link began doing the only sensible thing. Taking in his surroundings. Some clue, however small, always existed that could trigger some thought of what they were to do or where to go—

"There!"

Midna pointed across the room. Link looked too and saw the painting of the pyramids nestled in a small alcove several feet down.

"If we can figure out the path there, maybe it's some sort of clue."

Link nodded. He didn't remember seeing anything else of importance in the room before.

Carefully deciphering the path they should take, they wound along until stopping to rest not upon the balcony again, but inside the alcove with the painting.

Side by side, they stared at it.

"Hm..." Midna's fiery eyes burned intensely at the painting. " _Seven pyramids_...seven could be a hint of some sort. Or maybe...I don't know...."

Even as Link's mind remained completely blank, his body felt an urge to reach out and examine the painting more closely....

As soon as his fingertips graced the golden frame, the ground rumbled violently beneath them. Midna cried out, falling against Link who caught her while falling against the wall for support.

Just as violently as the quake began, it stopped, nearly lurching them off their feet.

"Well, that was productive," Midna muttered. "But let's go see if it opened a secret door or something...."

Link followed her from the alcove onto the staircase. Their feet echoed with an innocent _thud_ , _thud_ , _thud_ —

"Oh, _sh_ —!"

Glass shattered with all the deafening force of a supernova as a thick, black mass of cloud plummeted from above, bursting the domed ceiling open. The cloud swarmed then dispersed into thousands of shrieking keese. Link and Midna barely dodged a thick pillar of sand which dropped fast and hard like a boulder, raining steadily into the temple through the wide open space above.

"Come on!" shouted Midna. "Come on, before the sand piles up and we're trapped in here!"

Grasping Link's hand so tight it pinched, she dragged him along down the stairs. They tried to go fast, but they had to pause here and there, skipping over sharp shards of glass. There was no time for faltering, and the slightest stumble could lead them plunging to their deaths....

Midna hissed as they skidded to a stop before the pyramid painting, coming full circle once more.

Link cast her what he hoped was a hopeful look, and she sighed, "Yes, I know, at least we didn't end up back at the very top.... There must be _something else_ we've missed...."

As Midna prattled on, pacing, Link craned his neck, peering around her and suddenly catching a glimpse of—

Leaping forward, he grabbed her hand and pulled her along.

"What, Link—? _Oh_!"

Her eyes followed his eagerly pointing finger to the painting nestled in another alcove below, so cleverly hidden it was almost completely concealed.

Turning a sharp bend, they skidded into the alcove and looked up.

This time, the painting of the glistening web met their eyes.

After a brief but glance at one another, they silently agreed that touching another painting was not on their agenda. At least they'd reached another landmark. Zooming down the stairs, they headed for the door—

And ended up right back at the painting of the looming web.

Link and Midna glanced at each other again, then down below. Much time had been wasted already, and an uncomfortable amount of sand pooled on the floor below, creeping towards their only means of escape. Regardless of what they wanted, there was no time to mess around with fears and doubts. If this was the puzzle, they must initiate the next piece or never move forward.

Link darted forward, touched the painting, then grabbed Midna's hand and rushed her down the stairs. Gigantic skulltullas swung down from the ceiling on thick ropes of silk, landing with thunderous rumbles upon the staircases. Link pulled Midna along so that they just dodged the huge spiders' pinchers and the long-reaching curl of their legs. The spiders closed in, but there was no time for a long, noble battle....

When almost all the beasts surrounded him and Midna so that they could not move without being jabbed by a massive pincher or leg, Link drew his blade. He grabbed Midna's arm and pulled her towards the floor. Understanding, she ducked down, and then he swung the blade in a mighty, wide-reaching arc. Flame blazed from its tips, creating a circle of red and blue embers whose reach extended half-way across the room, consuming any spider in its path. One chilling crescendo of their dying screeches assailed Link's and Midna's ears before only the rush of sand met their ears once more.

Leaping down the steps and dispatching a straggling skulltulla, Link led her along a winding path until his eye caught on the final painting. Link again touched the picture's frame and rushed with Midna from the alcove and along the final stretch towards the exit.

Nothing seeming to happen, and for a moment, Link feared he'd done something wrong. Maybe they missed a hidden painting, off-setting the pattern, and now they wouldn't be able to reach the exit but would keep going in mindless circles again....

The final stair soon came in sight. Then, they were zipping down, eyes focused on the doors—

As soon as the tips of their toes graced the sand-covered floor, a wall of flame burst between them and the doors. From the ground rose six skeletons armed with helmet, gauntlets, breastplate, sword, and shield. Despite being dead, their eyes were filled with a fierce fire.

"Stalfos," Midna growled.

Link felt her shudder beside him. Drawing his blade, he suppressed a shiver himself as the Stalfos slowly but steadily advanced. One of the fiercest and most skilled types of warriors in the legends of the ancient Hero, Link knew they were one enemy not to be trifled with.

As the Stalfos slowly drug the long, bony toes of their feet across the sand towards Link and Midna, Link stepped forward, gently pushing Midna back and giving her a sharply forbidding look.

Then, he turned back to the Stalfos. His heart rushed not so much with fear but with adrenalin as the Stalfos closed in tighter and tighter. It seemed ages ago since his last, intense battle, even though it had been only days since his encounter with the Codiya; all the lines of time seemed blurred beyond recognition these days....

Link focused on what he must do. He had just enough strength left in him if he focused hard and released at just the right second.

The Stalfos surrounded him, so close he could hear the rattling bones created by their sharp, wheezy intakes of breath. Awkwardly raising their swords high, they prepared to bring them down in a fatal swoop—

With a triumphant cry, Link spun three-sixty, slicing the blazing blade through all six foes. Shrieking, the Stalfos burst apart, their bones scattered and motionless, save the skulls which hopped about, teeth snapping at Link's heels. Midna stumbled back, eyes wide with disgust as one chattered after her. Link quickly speared it, and it dissolved into dust.

The next bits of work were the most challenging. His strength already spent, he had to push himself to race after the bouncing heads, destroying one by one. When the last one lay silent then withering away into sand before his eyes, he looked up at the fire, waiting—

Then frowning. The flames did not cease. Why...?

"Link, look!" Midna shrieked, pointing.

He followed her fervent gaze to the far wall where one of the skulls hopped towards the remains of its body. Link could have _sworn_ he got them all; scolding himself for such sloppiness, he raced towards the Stalfos, breathless and stumbling—

But there was no way he could reach it in time. Head joined shoulders which reassembled with torso, arms, legs—and shield and blade.

Link halted before the foe, slicing slowly but purposely through the sand towards him. Looking down, Link noted the sand crawling above his ankles. Then, looking up, he ducked the pillar of raining sand just in time. He couldn't fall now; he'd be blinded by the sand then speared by the Stalfos before he had the chance to rise again.

Slowly, the Stalfos and Hero circled. Link sloshed carefully through the sand, all the while forcing himself to keep his eyes locked on his enemy's. Those hate-filled hollows and the expression in his eyebrows gave signals of his slightest jumps, lurches, and sword swipes.

As the Stalfos furrowed his brow low, Link stepped aside. The Stalfos leapt clumsily and crashed into the sand. As piles of sand rolled on top of him, Link speared the sword into his ribs, shattering them. The other limbs fell apart, but Link cared only for the head. Spotting it, he stabbed it hard.

The head disintegrated, but Link fell, flailing and sputtering sand. A firm hand grabbed his arm, pulling him to his feet. Even as he stumbled against Midna, the flames vanished. He and Midna waded towards the door where piles of sand already grew high.

Link grabbed the handle and pulled. Not the tiniest budge. Panting hard, he nodded towards Midna, certain she possessed far more strength than he for the moment.

Midna yanked hard on the door. It budged half an inch or so—or perhaps Link's panicked, hopeful mind just imagined it did—but after that, nothing. Still, Midna kept pulling until finally stumbling back in defeat.

"It's jammed," she huffed. "Too much weight from the sand, too much pressure. Now what..?"

Her eyes trailed to the swirls of sand already pooling high above their calves. Mounds of it sloped gently up, consuming the first third or so of the stairs and quickly crawling up the rest like a plague creeping upon an unwary and helpless victim.

Link breathed deep, trying to calm his mind. He felt Midna's eyes staring at him. She was out of ideas as well as the heart to conjure any. He'd seen the real fear illuminated like consuming flames in her crimson eyes. It was up to _him_ to save them both. He had to push past his exhaustion which made him long for her to take the lead....

His eyes scanned the whole of the place, looking for any small key or tool they could use. His gaze lingered upon the strands of spider silk strung from the shattered ceiling. They would be as thick as small ropes, not to mention sturdier than any rope. If only they could get up to the steps where the silk fell to, maybe they could climb the silk the rest of the way....

His eyes trailed next to something glinting in the distance. The glow stopped, and as he strained to see what the object was, the glitter started again. Looking down at his sword, he realized the light glinting off its edges reflected upon the mysterious object. He tilted his sword until his eyes locked on the object's location. Wading forward into knee-deep sand, he discovered a shard of glass, fairly thick and large enough for one to stand upon.

After struggling and sinking several times, he managed to pull himself atop. Kneeling down, he scooped his hands through the sand, slowly pushing himself. It was like gliding across freshly-fallen snow using a giant snow-shoe. Now, if only he could find one for Midna....

He located several shards, all too small to hold human weight. But then, against the wall, two pieces smaller than his own but which should accommodate if she could place one foot on each and walk across that way.

Grabbing them, he made the long trek back to Midna, and none too soon. Her back pressed close against the door, eyes wide with a terror she tried to contain but could not quite destroy; the sand crawled up towards her knees.

Gently laying the pieces of glass before her, he glanced from them to her, and she nodded understanding. It was too much of a struggle to get her to climb on them atop the high sands; they were small enough that they tipped right over when she tried to grab hold. So, he hefted her onto his giant shard, and from there, helped her slip her delicate feet onto the smaller shards, avoiding the jagged edges.

With that, they turned towards the steps and, taking a deep breath, began the long shuffle across.

It was hard work, especially as the sand kept piling up, spilling down in little waves which almost swamped their vessels several times. They had to stop to scoop the sand out before continuing. Even then, as they neared the steps, their work became more difficult as their upward slope steepened. As they stood nearly before the stair, a huge wave of fresh sand rippled towards them. Midna cried out as the sand knocked her off her feet, but Link leapt to the bottom step, whirled, and caught her hand just in time. After pulling her from the thick sand, they grabbed up their glass shards and raced for the top steps.

Reaching the balcony, Midna glanced at Link with question. Though still visibly scared, the fire in her eyes had calmed some. He had gotten them this far, and she held faith in him seeing them the rest of the way.

He held out his hand, and she gave him her glass shards. Midna helped him strap them to his back with some rope as best he could, then scanned the ceiling for what he sought....

The closest silk strands fell a couple feet from the balcony, running from the shattered ceiling to the far wall. Walking over, he leaned forward, grabbed it, then took a leap of faith—

Midna shrieked, and Link's heart lurched as he felt only free air beneath his feet. But then, his feet touched against the wall, and, still gripping the silk rope which held firm, he pulled himself up a bit. Casting Midna an encouraging though urgent glance, he began his ascent.

Midna swung out on her rope, her feet landing inches from his. With painful slowness, they scaled the silk ropes, pressuring their feet against the walls for support—or trying to. The walls themselves began to crumble. At times, their feet would fall right through the sand. By the time they reached the ceiling and helped pull each other onto what remained of the glass roof, the sand had nearly joined them there.

"Now what?" Midna asked. Overhead, the upper dome of the hourglass still stood in tact, and a steady stream of sand trickled from its opening, landing right at the edge of the temple's crumpling roof. Link looked up and understood: when the sand ran out, the whole structure would likely collapse....

Peering off in the distance, his eyes caught a glimmer of blue. He pointed, and Midna gasped, "The warp crystal...."

Yes. The warp crystal. If only they could survive that long. He felt like someone lingering on a sinking ship until the last moment, hoping to make a break for it when the ship went completely under, hoping to not be sucked under by the pressure....

The glass shards. The smaller ones would be useless now, but he and Midna could squeeze onto the larger one.

Taking it out, he climbed aboard, and then motioned to Midna. She looked at him skeptically, but he pointed behind him. After another questioning look, she clambered onto his back. It was one of few ways they might fit so that he could still steer them.

Midna held so tight it hurt, only adding to the agony of the minutes ticking by with painful slowness, despite how fast the sand rushed with a steady _whoosh_ from the hourglass.

But then, abruptly, the sand stopped pouring from above. All lay silent for a few moments, so quiet that Link marveled if Midna could not literally hear his heart pound. Then, the Temple shook beneath them, more and more violently so that Link had to grip the glass hard, its sharp edges scraping his hands, making streams of blood flow—

The walls of the temple fell inward and the ceiling tumbled after, creating a great, rushing slope which sucked the glass shard forward with all the force of a giant mudslide sweeping along a tiny tree. Midna squeezed his shoulders painfully as they slid downward, rocketing faster and faster towards the arched doorway of the hourglass.

As they sped forward with the mounds of sand, Link's heart lurched again. Would they even clear the archway, or would all the sand pile up so high they could not escape? Yet, as they reached it, he and Midna ducked, just passing under.

The sand careened them faster and faster until the glass began to spin out of control. Midna and Link were swept off the glass, becoming two of the tiny grains swirling madly. Still, the sand carried them towards the warp crystal....

"Link!" Midna cried. "Don't let go!"

One of her hands slipped from his, but he grasped the other firmly. His palm was slick with sweat, and the rolling waves rushed bumped them along. Sand swirled up, creating clouds of blinding dust. But he _could not_ let go. Not when he'd led her this far, and not now that she depended entirely upon him to make things okay—

_"Link_!"

Link's heart lurched towards Midna as he felt her hand slip so swiftly from his, but his body was helpless to leap towards her. In a swirl of choking sand that blinded him from all else, he catapulted towards the warp crystal. Then, enveloped a brief moment in sapphire blue and walls of sandy brown, he inhaled, coughed, and spluttered, suffocated by the sand's mercilessly throttling hands until they made his world turn black.
Chapter 17

Time Undone

Even as black turned again to rich blue and then faded, the blue of the sky through the Kokiri Forest's branches greeted them. Dazed as ever after such an exhilarating experience, Link lay on the soft grass, breathing deeply and wondering again if he didn't just wake from some incredible dream....

Then, three stars whisked by above him, one red, one blue, one green. With a glisten and echoing chime they circled above, drawing closer and closer to each other in their spiral dance.

_Red. Blue. Green_ —

Link bolted up, glancing over just long enough to see Midna sitting up and also staring at the hovering Spiritual Stones before turning his eyes back to them. Link's eyes darted to the Mirror, and he wondered at how they'd been returned to this place once more. Then, his eyes watched the hovering Stones.

The Stones finally united, fitting intricately like a jigsaw whose pieces have gone missing far too long. They locked together in a perfect whole of smooth gold and glittering facets. Then, music chimed from within them, creating a melody even more ancient than the Stones themselves, a song which had existed at Hyrule's Creation.

Midna grasped his hand. He didn't need to look at her. Anyone who knew the smallest sliver of Hyrule's history would recognize its solemn yet majestic, commanding strands.

_The Song of Time_.

Louder it played, its chords progressing into something truly passionate and intricate.

The symphony flooded all the wood, holding their eyes captive to the Stones which radiated with a promise that the goddesses yet watched over them. The ground began to rumble. It shook, swayed, jolted. Still, Midna and Link could not remove their eyes from the Stones. Some force seemed to freeze them in time even as the boundaries of time were utterly defied. From his peripheral vision, he could see the ground splitting as something huge erupted from the earth, building its way up and up until it surrounded them....

And then, everything stopped.

The silence felt deafening.

When he finally thought to look around, Link stared with a wonder that, were he able to talk, would have made him speechless.

"Ah...my goddess..." Midna breathed.

They sat in the midst of Hyrule Castle Town. Not as it stood now, in their time and miles away, but as it had stood countless years ago. Over the rafters, they glimpsed the highest cliffs of Death Mountain. Through the gate, swung open wide, Hyrule Field stretched. Just beyond a far ridge, they could make out the edges of Lon Lon Ranch. Behind them loomed the Temple of Time.

The First Hyrule had been resurrected and stood now in the midst of their present Hyrule.

Link could hardly tear his eyes away until his fingers crept upon something smooth and cool. Glancing down, he noted the Stones, lifeless at his fingertips, no longer glowing by their own power but merely by the shine of the sun. With awe, he picked them up, knowing what powers yet pulsed within them. The goddesses had made their mark; they meant to fight for Hyrule, and they would, just as Nayru promised.

Link looked up at the Temple, and then at Midna whose single nod signaled her agreement. Scrambling up, they hurried towards the wide, sprawling steps of the Temple.

Upon entering the tall arched doors, they slowed. So strange to literally step into a part of Hyrule's past. How many times had he heard the tales, the descriptions of Old Hyrule? True, some details had been exaggerated, as legends often will be, yet, for the most part....

_I know this place_. It was as he'd always imagined.

He and Midna stepped forward. The only sound came from the gentle sweep of Midna's cloak and the soft thud of Link's footfalls. High arched windows allowed sunlight to stream down and dance upon the stone altar set before the stone doors marked with the winged Triforce, the royal crest of Hyrule.

No sooner did they rest before the altar than the Spiritual Stones suddenly hovered above the altar meant for them. Link's heart raced. This was it. The final key which, upon its turning, would gain them access at last into the Sacred Realm, and the Master Sword....

"Link..." Midna barely whispered.

He glanced over at her. She gazed at the words etched into the altar, and his gazed followed, reading:

The Song of Time has already been completed many years ago.

_Instead, the Songs of Shadow and Light must converge in this time and place_.

A small frown played on Midna's lips. Link also wanted to frown but tried not to. He understood they must play Midna's Requiem...or he _thought_ they must. Yet what did it mean by a Song of Shadow _and_ Light?

"Link?"

Angst edged her voice. It didn't seem like Midna to panic, but doubt began to cloud his mind too. They stood at the brink, at the end of the last chapter. If they failed now....

Calmly, he removed his ocarina. With a hopeful nod, Midna took out her flute. Together, they played her Requiem.

Over...

And over...

And over til their fingers grew sore of desperately pressing the notes. At last, their hands dropped, and Link could only stare at the Stones whose shimmer did not seem so vibrant and full of power now.

"Why?" Midna breathed, "What could we have done wrong now...?"

"You did nothing wrong," echoed a chorus of voices from within the Stones which turned gently, glinting in the sun. "But the Songs of Light and Shadow must converge. If the _worlds_ of Light and Shadow are to combine their powers in this time of need, their _weapon_ must be of Light and Shadow as well. Both worlds are needed to save the other. Thus, both Songs are needed as well.

"The Songs of Shadow and Light _must_ converge here...."

The last words echoed then failed like a dying zephyr until only silence met their ears.

How quickly that silence morphed from something peaceful and reverential into something sounding the approach of Hyrule's imminent death.
Part 3

Chapter 18

Princess of the Lullaby

Link and Midna sat beneath the comforting shade of one of the trees flanking the Temple. Its familiar earthy scent provided little true comfort, rather mocking them of the mission they'd failed to achieve in saving all such trees...and peoples...and all creatures in Hyrule....

"Link." Midna inhaled a deep, difficult breath. He glanced up at her, forcing himself to watch her eyes which struggled with her last bit of strength to fight back the tears and the defeat which created them.

"I did not account for a Song of Light along with a Song of Twilight," she whispered. Her eyes fell, the glistening tears tumbling like broken waves. "In my selfishness, _I sought only to travel alone with you_ , Link, to collect the notes for my Requiem. I did not consider there being another, and that other also having a song. I was blinded because...."

Her eyes rested upon him. Grey, overcast with clouds of sorrow, deep remorse, hatred for the trouble she'd caused in their quest, spite for considering herself above all the peoples of their three realms.

But, no, she _did_ think of _more_ than herself. Through the clouds of her eyes, waves of passion with flecks of sunlight that could not help but dance through all the turmoil. As she looked at him, it was plain she could not contain such joy and hope. It was plain that her "because" _was_ _him_ and the love so clearly fixated in her heart. No words could have ever replaced such beauty in her eyes. If she had been blinded in their quest, it was by love; nothing could amaze or humble him more.

Effortlessly and almost without thought, his hand crept to her cheek. It was surprisingly warm, balancing the cool silver hues of her skin and matching the fires flickering in her eyes at his touch. He did not know exactly why she loved him. Perhaps by some memory of the Link she once knew. Perhaps entirely for who he was, though he could only be honored and humbled by such a thought. It didn't matter though. He loved her too. The same urge that had gripped him so many times on their short but vital quest again took hold, and with it, the courage that he needed to lean in close to her.

Her eyes softened as if melting; their clouds lifted as the stars' reflection peeped between the shadows, dispelling them. Then, her eyes closed, and she exhaled a sweet, zephyr which lightly caressed his hair. He drew closer, heart beating wildly. His lips could almost taste hers—

Her eyes opened, ablaze with longing but also with deep and sudden caution. Though crushed, he obeyed and instead kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry," she breathed, heaving a sigh as heavy as though the weight of so many waters crashed once more upon her shoulders. "I'm sorry, but it's possible I've already messed up our chances of saving Hyrule. I'd like to save _us_ until it is the right time. I couldn't bear to mess that up too...."

He nodded, eyes fervent with a desire for her to see it was okay. When she wouldn't look at him, he squeezed her hand. She shivered at his touch. Faintly. He almost grinned, half awed and half pleased that he could enlist such a reaction in one so sure of herself, that she would dare to let her guard down for him, however slightly. She looked up, studied him, and permitted the light dispel the storms of her eyes once more.

With a small smile, she said, "Come. We should sleep. Nothing can be properly thought over and decided upon without good rest for both mind and body."

Waving her cloak in a wide, almost magical arc, she swept it down to cover the earth then curled up upon it. Link snuggled against the soft earth. He reached out, taking her hand in his. With small but sure smiles, they drifted to sleep as one, connected by that small touch and the even greater touch of their hearts.

***

Midna stirred at the onslaught of restless dreams. None were concrete, just snatches of shadow, fire, and fear; signs of such enemies which would surely befall Hyrule, Termina, and her shadow world of Twilight if evil was not soon banished....

Abruptly, she woke. Shock gripped her, so starkly it took a moment for the gasp to escape her lips. Complete darkness enveloped her. No sign of even the stars crept from the heavens overhead. Had darkness already come? Were they later in saving their worlds than she'd even fathomed?

A light shimmered faintly. Glancing over, she fixated upon the thin stream of light cascading vertically through the dark. It was hard to tell from how high above, since she could not tell whether the light shone from sky or up from the ground or if either sky or ground still existed. She felt light, almost weightless, though also secure.

Just as this feeling began to dawn on her as familiar, a figure materialized in the column of light , and as the figure stepped from the light, Midna gasped again.

Pami.

She was swathed in an elegant, elf-green cloak which shimmered like stars in the pillar of light, bright and pure. Her Zora eyes gleamed with a smile that encouraged Midna's heart. Even if this was the end, how good to see a friend in such a time....

Pami stepped towards Midna slowly, and Midna started steadily forward in turn. But when she had half-way closed the gap between them, Midna stopped again. The closer Pami drew, the more and more she... _transformed_.

Tight curls cascaded down her back, a dark blue at first. Quickly though, the blue lightened into a golden hue like a queen lion's fur. Her skin morphed from blue to a lovely porcelain cream. Her eyes, ever a lovely sapphire, became rounder, fuller. Her ears lengthened to the prestigious points of a Hylian. The leather band about her head changed into a gold circlet encrusted with rubies. Then, at the last, the cloak fell from her shoulders to reveal a simple but stunning gown of soft pink and white, adorned with gold. Threaded with golden silk into the dress' pattern was the royal crest, the winged Triforce.

"Zelda," Midna gasped, catapulted back to a time so long ago yet seeming as though it only happened yesterday. Just as when she'd first beheld Link. This may not be the Zelda she knew, but the same spirit lingered so strongly within her; she wondered how she'd overlooked it before. Then again, perhaps she'd blinded herself to Pami's identity for the same reasons she blinded herself to other truths....

"Midna," Zelda returned, bowing her head in respect, and Midna returned the gesture. "I apologize for worrying you and Link. But I believe in doing all things in the right time. And now was the time for me to reveal Pami's true identity. Do forgive me and accept my explanation.

"I traveled in an alternate form because I was brutally sought by Ganon, especially being alone and vulnerable. I did not wish to be captured and thus not be able to help you on your journey."

"Thank you," Midna breathed. Then, in the next moment, guilt weighed on her heart. She longed to glance away from Zelda's calm, steady gaze as she spoke her next words but could not show such cowardice. Zelda was her equal, both as a ruler and a sage. She deserved to be told the truth and to be looked in the eye while hearing it.

"Thank you," Midna repeated more solemnly. "But then...perhaps you know that I have failed in protecting your kingdom, as well as my own, and Termina too. In my foolishness, I led Link on a quest to find my Requiem, forsaking the possibility of your Lullaby.

"I worried about your fate, yes...but not as I should have. I was afraid only that the past might repeat itself, that the man I'd come to love so much might be stolen away by another, more fitting to be with him. So, I didn't even think upon the real importance in finding you, learning from you. Your song was completely abandoned in my mind. Despite everything I knew about powers of both Shadow and Light being needed to resurrect the Master Sword, I never even considered the necessity of your Lullaby, which had been used so many times in the past to resurrect the Sword....

"In that, I blinded myself to everything we needed to complete our quest and save our realms. I failed, I forgot...."

"But _I_ did not."

Midna stared. The princess' smile and gaze were calm, placid as a sea of lilies. Gentle, open, welcoming, completely at peace. Mingled awe, respect, and a deeper guilt struck Midna's heart.

"You have a good heart, Midna," Zelda said. "Sure, strong, brave, and pure. I _did_ remember my Lullaby, and _you_ did all that you were meant to. As I said, I could not have peace without knowing I was helping in whatever way I could.

"You see, _you_ could not have known my lullaby, no matter if you'd looked for it after all. A Sage's Song must be first known to the Sage herself, and she, in turn, must teach the song to others. As you collected the notes for your Requiem, I followed and listened in secret. When the bearers of the songs played their notes, while _you_ heard those of your Requiem, _I_ heard those of my Lullaby. I have saved my song that I may play it for you now, in full. Commit it well to the memory of your heart...."

In a flash of light, a lyre rested in Zelda's hands, and in Midna's, her silver flute.

Zelda's eyes met Midna's with a new intensity and question. Midna nodded. Then, the Princess of Light began to play.

As the Princess of Shadow echoed Zelda's Lullaby, a mixture of new calm and excitement flooded her. Peace, and an exhilaration _because_ of that peace. The song enveloped her heart until it penetrated deep, nestling close beside her Requiem.

There was a moment in which both princess and queen somehow just knew the song was inscribed perfectly in both their hearts, and they ceased playing.

With a smile, Zelda lowered her lyre, that mingled serenity and thrill glistening in her eyes. "There. You truly _do_ have a good heart. Go now and teach my song to our Hero. He will need it to wield that final weapon against evil. I must tarry in your world a little longer as a stranger. However, know that when the time comes, I will meet the battle alongside you, whatever may come...."

Midna nodded and opened her lips to thank the princess, but already, a great light wrapped around her, blocking out all else.

Midna's eyes opened, and a small gasp slipped from her. Sitting up, she sidled over to shake Link, pausing to reflect how beautiful he looked as the soft moonlight washed over his features, so much less troubled in sleep than wakefulness.

When at last he stirred then sat up, gazing at her with all concern, she said,

"I have seen Zelda. And obtained the Song of Light. Let us make straightway for the Blade of Evil's Bane."

With a look of wonder, followed by a hearty nod, Link helped Midna pack up their few things. Then, they started towards the Temple of Time.
Chapter 19

Weapon of Shadow

As they burst through the grand doors of the Temple, the Spiritual Stones shimmered, more brightly than before, like dear friends congratulating and bidding them make haste before it was too late.

Pausing before the altar, Midna breathed, "This is it," with all the finality of one who truly knows that now, at the last, _in this moment_ , the _it_ has truly come, the _it_ which will forever send one's destiny careening down a different and unknown path.

She released the rest of her breath in a long, drawn-out gust, as if hoping to prolong that moment just a little more. Then, glancing at Link, she reached into her cloak to reveal the flute. It glinted sharply in the light of the Spiritual Stones, as if responding to their urge to complete its chosen task. Link delved into his satchel and drew out the ocarina. Then, placing it to his lips, and Midna her flute to hers, they shared a final nod before beginning to play.

Midna played the Lullaby, and Link echoed, memorizing it fast. Then, sharing a glance at each other, Link continued the Lullaby while Midna played her Requiem.

Zelda's Lullaby and Midna's Requiem. A Song of Light and a Song of Darkness. The two Songs converged with a certain dissonance, yet within that dissonance was something lovely, haunting. A knowing that the Songs were meant to be played _here_ , in _this_ place, at _this_ time.

They played until losing themselves completely in the passionate pleading of Midna's Requiem and the calm soothing of Zelda's Lullaby, until the notes began to merge in their minds as one, until their fingers almost forgot who played which Song, and then, at last....

A rumbling bid them lower the instruments and look up as the stone doors beyond the altar parted, receding into the thick temple walls. Then, all lay still, and the pathway was open. Link and Midna made their way around the altar and slipped into the dark opening.

At first, utter darkness. But then, beyond the short hallway, a pure while glow. Stepping into the circular room, they stopped short. The room was black, like a sea after a storm—or perhaps before. Beaming like a single star illuminating the water's surface was the Master Sword.

They approached the stone dais in which the sword rested fast. They slipped up the steps without a sound, hearts pounding. Here was a place even more deserving of silence than the grounds of the Spirit Temple. That was just it—this place, more than driving a need for silence into them by fear, literally _deserved_ it. A _need_ for reverence fell over them.

The hilt of the sword was encrusted with black and white diamonds. Swirls of a glittering dust steadily spiraled in a continuous loop around the sword's blade. The swirls combined in alternating bands of faint light and dark shadow, merging in places as a silvery sort of half-shadow, half-glow, embedding the Sword with new—as well as ancient—powers of dark and light.

"This truly is the Weapon of Shadow," Midna breathed.

Link looked up. How fervently the awe glittered in her eyes, and no wonder. It amazed him too that this was the weapon he was meant to use, that this would defeat the great evil they'd been pursuing for what seemed now like an age.

"Well, go ahead, Link," Midna urged, almost sounding impatient. "Go ahead and claim your true destiny as the Hero of Time's heir. Take the sword...."

Link nodded slowly, focusing on the blade. Resting his hands gently on the hilt, he suddenly felt connected by some strange, magnetic pull. His heart pounded in rhythm with the power pulsing from his fingers, up his arms, through his entire body. He feared to feel such conflicting powers of dark and light flooding him before he even hefted the blade from the stone. Would he be able to handle the sword's full potential?

But then, beyond fear, a new courage filled him and, almost effortlessly, he slid the blade from its stone. He held it aloft, and its edges gleamed with a brilliant silver hue, sharper than any blade he'd ever beheld. He held it towards Midna who continued to stare, incapable of speech or any type of reaction save utter amazement.

When it was apparent she would not break her gaze of her own will, he carefully drew the rapier from his sheath and instead slipped the Master Sword within. The sword glowed faintly within its new hiding place, but the spell was broken enough for Midna to look away, take Link's old sword, and say, "Well, I finally got my sword back. Good going, Hero."

She sheathed her own blade and shared a smile accompanied by proudly gleaming eyes; he could not resist a broad grin. The sword retrieved, some of the need for silence had been lifted. Perhaps because the two of them were now actually _part_ of the sacredness, woven into its fabric. This place was now as much theirs as it was the sword's.

"Now where?" Midna asked, face drawing serious again. "Do you think Ganondorf would hide in the castle of _this_ Hyrule, or the present one?"

Link didn't need time to respond. Ganondorf sought to destroy the old Hyrule; he only valued it for what ancient powers he might extract in the Stones and for how it might ultimately lead him to Link and Midna. Ganondorf's _true_ desire was to establish a new Hyrule where he would be King, making everyone forget the ancient, true Hyrule....

Link held up two fingers, and Midna nodded. "Choice two it is. What I would have guessed myself, actually. Come then, to the castle. I suppose that's the last stop in our journey."

With a small nod, Link took her hand, guiding her down the steps, through the doorway, and from the Temple of Time.
Chapter 20

Prince of Two Hearts

Solemnly, they made their way through the old Hyrule. With the crossing of the threshold of the Temple of Time, they'd left their time behind. Time for them as they knew it began to slip away as quickly as the sands of the Spirit Temple. They knew the end of their journey must come, and there was no need to prolong its coming. They began the long trek, winding through Old Hyrule, in search of the present Hyrule.

No need to rush it either; they slowed at times, enjoying the quiet serenity of a wood ignorant of the evils pressing in so closely on its borders. Yet, as the birds continued to sing, the squirrels to chatter, and the foxes to frolic, it only made them wish they could share in that ignorance too. Such truly seemed like bliss, to not know the evil until it actually met you face to face, until it was too late, so late that the end would be swift and hardly noticeable. Such an end would meet the wood and much of Hyrule, if they failed. It was this knowledge which drove them on.

In such solemn silence they floated through the fields of Old Hyrule, drifting last across the wasteland of the desert whose stormy winds had entirely ceased. In the distance rose a mound of sand, shattered glass gleaming like bits of buried treasure. They dared not stray too close to such a place which felt haunted. Link shuddered, all the while driven on by the knowing he did not wish his Hyrule to ever become that way, especially not because of something he did or did not do.

The outskirts of the desert met the outskirts of the Kokiri Forest of his Hyrule, the present Hyrule.

They soon emerged into the field where the present Hyrule Castle Town rose like a hopeful beacon yet loomed like an encroaching storm at once. The skies surrounding it were bluer than a Zorita's eyes. But, hovering directly over the castle, a ring of dark clouds. Evil dripped from the sky, shadowing the castle, evil so strong it made Link shiver from where he was. Perhaps, because of the Triforce, Link felt his enemy's evil more strongly, especially as they both bore a piece of the Triforce. Link could not know, only trudge forward with purpose.

No life met them within the town walls, as if the death of Old Hyrule had already extended its reach and extinguished the remaining life within. Once, they caught sight of a man scurrying towards his shop. With a half-glance up at them, he flung himself in and slammed the door shut. Link jumped at the sound, so startling in that silence, but he understood. He had viewed only one thing in the man's eyes. Perhaps Ganondorf's power did not yet consume all Hyrule, but the _fear_ of his coming power did.

Silently, they wound through the town, heading straight for the castle. As it loomed before them, not a single guard stood in sight. The only sentinels were the amassing clouds circling overhead, and certainly they would tell no tales, save perhaps to announce the heroes' already-expected presence.

At some point, Link realized how perfectly smooth their path was. They seemed to just scroll along. Even now, they glided towards the gates, standing ajar, a perfect target for their entrance. He grabbed Midna's hand, heart pounding, glancing at her with suspicion and concern. Without looking at him, she said quietly, "I know. I feel it too...."

And what could they do but press on?

They continued. Curving through the many passages of the castle, they at last scaled a long stair and then traversed a long hall. At the end waited massive double doors, the winged Triforce painted upon them. Passing through the doors, they wound up a final, wide stretch of stairs laden with a crimson cloth which, in times past, might have signified the glory of Hyrule, the passion and rejoicing of its people. Now, the death and destruction which Ganondorf had waged in the past, coupled with the new blood he thirsted for, flowed through its ruby threads.

Approaching the top of the stair, a final doorway awaited them. However, this time, the doors were thrown open wide, as if in anticipation to their arrival. Voices echoed from within, though no coherent speech could yet be made out.

They took a few steps and stopped short in the arched doorway of the throne room.

The room was long, the ceiling vast and supported by pillars. The only light was a dismal grey gleam through tall arched windows. Mingled with the sickly glow of torchlight, it gave the appearance of stepping into a graveyard.

Three figures stood at the end of the room.

Ganondorf, his back to them, holding the wrists of a frail figure in his large hands, snarling and shaking her violently—Aniya, the Gerudo. Her feet dangled several feet off the floor like a puppet.

Half in the shadows, not far from Ganondorf, Majora stood. Tall, long, thin as reeds, skin striped with every color imaginable, her wild hair a shimmering mass of violet and ebony curls, eyes blacker than cloudless midnight. She grinned gleefully, hands folded across her lap like a patiently waiting child who rejoices in its sibling's being caught and punished, whether justly so or not.

_"You_ ," Ganondorf growled, as if the word was an entirely filthy piece of garbage ruining his tongue, " _you_ betrayed me. _You_ were my _chief wife_!"

He shook Aniya, the muscles of his arms bulging and pulsing. Link flinched, knowing the deep wounds he must inflict upon her delicate arms. She showed no sign of pain or even fear though, glaring back with all the malice and challenge in the world.

"'Chief wife'. You mean your chief _whore_!" she literally spat back at him.

With an animalistic snarl, he threw her back. She crashed hard against a pillar before toppling into a pitiful heap, breathing hard and struggling to sit up. She could only sway and stumble, her eyes blinking slowly, as if momentarily blinded.

"Forget her, my darling," Majora crooned, slinking up behind him and winding her long, lithe, snake-like arms and legs about him. Her spidery fingers stroked his cheeks and tousled the thick red waves of his hair; his body began to relax. " _I_ am your _true_ wife. The _good_ wife. I will never abandon you as this filthy wench does. I give you everything you need, my handsome prince...."

She nibbled his ear, flicking the tip of her tongue. He shuddered, and she began to massage his shoulders, kneading deep into his neck, a wickedly satisfied yet desiring grin curling across her lips—

Link swung the sword as hard as he could. Swirls of light and dark energy somersaulted down its edges, rolling off the tip; a sphere of shadow surged into the wall mere inches from Majora and Ganondorf, exploding with a noise like shattering glass magnified ten-fold. Majora's head snapped in their direction but she did not move, clinging to Ganondorf, glaring and hissing wickedly, while Ganondorf turned to behold them with the same malice—

And pleasure.

"Welcome!" He threw his arms open wide; Majora slid off his back but trailed close on his heels, one hand pressed firmly on his shoulder. "Welcome at last! Hero of Time, reincarnated and in the flesh before me, and—my, my. Dearest Midna. You really _have_ grown since I last saw you. In both height _and_ beauty, I might add. You were a rather hideous little brat when last we met, not to mention irritating. But Zaruman says you have grown in maturity, if not in wisdom—isn't that so, son?"

Even as Ganondorf's eyes strayed, Midna's darted in their direction, and Link's followed.

They hadn't yet noticed the throne at the end of the long corridor, flanked with pillars and tall arched windows. Half concealed in shadow, half illuminated by the deathly pallor streaming through the windows and the sickly orange glow of the torches' flames, the young prince perched upon Zelda's throne. He was the perfect image of his father—flaming red curls, deeply tanned skin, muscular though more leanly so. Only his eyes were his mother's, their shape and, perhaps in a different time, their temperament. Now, however, they gleamed with a steadfast iciness.

"Zaru!" Aniya gasped, crawling towards him then stopping as her limbs shook unsteadily. "Zaru, my Zaru... _look_ at me, my Zaru!"

His eyes stared straight ahead, as if peering right at her. Yet they seemed to behold nothing, nor his ears to hear her cries. Even the passion which had flickered so vehemently in his eyes the first time Link saw them seemed to have vanished.

Link glanced at Midna, but her terror of Zaruman's presence seemed to have waned into a new courage. Instead, a sort of pity glimmered in her eyes for the dark prince, and a greater pity for Aniya.

"Zaruman, please look at me—you _don't_ have to do this—please, Zaru, _please_ —"

The more frantic Aniya's cries accelerated, the less he seemed to see. His eyes stared straight at her yet saw nothing. As if blinded to her trembling body and deafened against her pleas—pleas which fractured Link's heart as though she was his own mother—he just stared, unblinking, unchanging, unreadable, as if hewn of stone.

"Zaruman, _please_!" she shrieked. That final cry diminished her remaining hope and strength, and she whispered pitifully, as if uttering her last breath, " _Look at me_...."

This time, Zaruman looked. He looked so intensely that, more than seeing her eyes which so visibly reflected the agonized longing of her heart, Link swore he must be able to survey her very soul. Yet though intense, the look was intensely _cold_. _Empty_. Like stone, but a different sort of stone than he'd looked like only moments ago. Then, the stone was yet unformed. Now though, his mind was made up, having crafted the final product. His eyes decided and remained hard, harder than the stone of the Goron's caves, completely unbreakable, not able to be fractured in the slightest. Unblinking, unchanging, he stared, granting his reply: He _did_ have to do this, and he _would_.

Even as Ganondorf's wide strides echoed dully towards him, Zaruman rose, gliding silently down the dais and along the same, blood-red carpet. As father and son passed, their shoulders lightly brushed as if in some secret agreement or promise.

Ganondorf lighted upon the throne, sitting back comfortably.

Zaruman reached Majora who laughed a high, maniacal cackle. Then, Zaruman drew his blade, and Majora's smile vanished as she presented a whip from thin air and swung it in a high arc, like a cloud swirling over a volcano preparing to blow—

The next moment, it _did_ blow, as all hell on earth broke loose within the throne room of Hyrule.

Majora's whip swung wide about the room. Midna and Link leapt over its thick leather streamers just in time, and Link barely blocked Zaruman's sword as he surged towards him with a speed only magic could grant.

"I'll keep Majora preoccupied; you focus on Zaruman!"

With that command, Midna drew her rapier, leaping across the room as if hoping to tempt the reach of Majora's whip away from Link.

Link's and Zaruman's swords sang, weaving and dancing with an almost grace and beauty as their silver gleamed and clashed melodiously. The fierce glint of Zaruman's eyes promised this was no symphonic target practice though. Link stayed fast on his feet, blocking blow after blow, managing to nick Zaruman's shoulder at one point. Though he cried out, not once did he falter; he was nearly as skilled as his father in agility, though he might not possess all of his strength.

At some point, Majora's cackle rang high, chilling Link. Then, he and Zaruman were both forced to jump out of the way, Zaruman cursing as the whip literally exploded into the pillars, sending several toppling to the floor along with bits of the ceiling. The noise echoed with the terror of a brilliant thunderstorm, and the dark clouds covering the castle loomed close between the open bits of ruined ceiling.

For a few moments, Link was blinded by clouds of dirt and dust swirling wildly on all sides. Coughing, he struggled to see as the darkness slowly dissipated.

Then, Zaruman leapt over the debris with renewed force, challenging Link as they scaled higher and higher up the pillar fallen diagonal. They leapt off, chasing each other like a wolf after his prey and back again. Once, Link glanced at the Triforce upon his hand and realized how fiercely it glowed. Glancing upon Zaruman's single piece of Triforce, Link saw his illuminated as well, though not quite as vibrantly, whether because he held only a small Shard compared to Link, or whether because what power he held began to weaken, Link could not know—

"Zaru!"

At first, Aniya's cry broke through the madness like a small, pitiful zephyr struggling to survive amidst a great tornado. Link glanced down at the woman, her eyes shining dimly like ghosts amidst her dirt-smudged face. She reached a hand up, fingers brushing the hem of Zaruman's cloak as he and Link waltzed past, swords still entwining.

_"Zaru_!"

Zaruman froze. Aniya's plea held no anger; no bitterness lined her voice, only a pure love for her son which shone vividly in her eyes, consuming like an unquenchable fire. Link paused too, sword raised high. For just a moment, he contemplated taking the chance to strike, but as Zaruman's eyes locked with Aniya's, it didn't feel right to interrupt that sacred moment....

At last, Zaruman _saw_ her. Beyond the deep vacancy in his eyes, just a little bit of feeling emerged. It was slight, so very subtle Link surprised himself in catching it. But there it glimmered.

Zaruman's hands lowered just the tiniest fraction, as if he considered withdrawing from battle. Then, his eyes and shadows filled them. Shadows of resolve, apology, and renewed coldness.

Aniya glanced then at Link, and he at her, and she nodded. After another brief pause, that final moment of hope was shattered, the pivotal decision made. Zaruman turned and swung his blade in a wild arc, leaving Link to jump back and block the blow barely in time—

Only to spin and disarm the prince, sending him tumbling to the ground, hard, and skidding across the marble floor, yelling out as he left behind him a streak of blood. Link stared at the tip of his sword, realizing he must have done more than disarm his foe. Then, rushing up to the prince, Link raised the sword high, towering triumphantly above him....

Even then, he hesitated. _It didn't feel right_. The prince deserved his chance.

But the prince's eyes, beyond the darkness, gleamed with his own, silent plea. All his chances were spent. One of them must die, and he longed for it to be himself.

With a cry, Link brought the blade down fast, looking away as it speared the young prince's heart. He glanced down only to withdraw the blade, catching a glimpse of the face lying motionless, grotesquely, but, Link hoped, peacefully so.

He turned just in time to block a blow from Majora who had aimed her whip perfectly at Midna and prepared to launch it. The whip's long, leather strands coiled about Link's sword, and she whirled, her eyes at first stunned and then full of rage. She struggled to yank her whip back, but instead, whip soared through the air along with Master Blade. Half a moment later, Midna leapt up from behind and plunged her own sword close to the sorceress' heart.

Majora's eyes widened, and a sharp gasp escaped her as Midna pulled the sword out. As Majora stumbled, Link stepped aside, swallowing the small bit of bile wanting to worm its way up his throat. He'd seen so much blood before, but not _human_ blood. Even if the one was a prince corrupted hopelessly by his evil father and the other an anciently wicked spirit posing as a lady—even then, it sickened him to see such violence. As did the silence accompanying so much blood, the silence screaming out the horrors of the graveyard which the throne room so quickly became.

Majora staggered towards the dais, eyes never wavering from the false king she so entirely adored. She, a greater and far more ancient, powerful spirit, yet consumed with a passion for _his_ passion.

Upon reaching the first step, she tripped and collapsed, no longer able to carry herself. Link winced at the thick trail of blood she'd left in her wake. Ganondorf watched on, his expression unreadable.

"I'm sorry, my sweet lord," she whispered, her voice fading, even as her feet began to dissolve into dust, then her legs, her waist, the nothingness steadily devouring her entire body. Even then, her eyes beheld only him, captivated by his unmoving stare at her rapidly withering form. She reached up a hand, breathing, "I'm sorry, my lord. I tried...and I died...for _you_. May we meet and reign in the realm beyond...."

A single nod, barely noticeable, his last gift to her. Her eyes shone with the grateful tears of a prisoner granted her last and most precious meal before her face dissipated with the rest of her. A breeze carried the dust through the window. Majora was no more.

Link tore his eyes from that spot, but his gaze fell only upon the young prince drowned in a growing ocean of blood. He wanted to look away from him too, but there was only Aniya to behold, or Midna—who winced before painfully looking away from Zaruman. Or Ganondorf, who beheld the Triforce crest on his hand with disgusting satisfaction; with the passing of both his son and lover, two new Shards of the triangle of Power were filled in. The Triforce of Power was completely his now.

The throne room suddenly felt very small, stiflingly so. Link's entire world rested in that small space, and it could not contain everything coursing through him like a million knives—fear, pain, vengeance, grief, remorse, tainted victory—

_"You filth_."

The accusation brought Link back to that reality and the someone else who inhabited it. Aniya, crawling towards her son, cradling his limp head in her hands.

_"He was your son_ ," Aniya half hissed, half shrieked, trembling violently, as if on the verge of literally falling apart. Her eyes raged a fire barely contained. "He was your _son_ — _you killed your own son_ —!"

"He knew the risk!" Ganondorf thundered. Then, more quietly, "As did Majora. Such is the price to pay. The weaker must give way for the stronger to rise. Zaruman would have done _any_ thing to win the title and glory as Hyrule's next Prince of Shadow—"

"You mean the 'Prince of Evil.' Can nothing _but_ evil filth spew from your mouth?" Midna challenged, crimson eyes ablaze.

Ganondorf glared at her. Then, his look softened, taking on the same, cold hardness as his son's, save one difference. Zaruman's stare was completely empty, unfeeling, detached. But Ganondorf _felt_ something—pride, passion, desire, and an already-victory gleamed in his eyes. Zaruman did not _allow_ himself to feel, but Ganondorf _did_ , because nothing he felt could strip him of the desire of his quest for power.

"There _is_ no evil," he said, voice quiet though teetering on the edge of an imminent choice. "There is no evil, and there is no good. Only power, and those strong enough to seek it....

"Zaruman and Majora understood this. Which is why they had to be removed, in the end. I allowed them to join me, on their request, not wanting them to become an extra hindrance, not wanting them to become my enemies. But I knew that, when they'd tasted enough of the Triforce's power, they _would_ become my enemies. So, I allowed them to join me, pretending they were my allies, knowing all the while they must be killed so that the Triforce of Power could become fully mine....

"Now, I _have_ that Triforce. And now, you are here, weakened, by having completed the deaths necessary to give me the power to destroy _you_ , the final barrier between me and my eternal glory. And what a sweet gift you bring me, so many Triforce Shards, to be mine upon your own deaths. I had hoped for them _all_ , but with those you will grant me, I can easily obtain the rest...."

His gaze shifted so quickly to Link that Link jumped, hardly seeing his eyes move. All of a sudden, Ganondorf was just _looking_ at him. And it seemed that, by the fires burning in his eyes, that nothing would now shift his focus—nothing save the sight of Link's body lying distorted, bloodied, dead before his eyes, and perhaps even then he would not turn away—

"Wait. This battle is not fairly fought without my presence. This is _my_ castle, and he _my_ Hero, after all."

Link glanced up. A tall, cloaked figure swept into the room, gliding silently as a shadow to rest beside Midna. Lowering the hood, Zelda raised her head with a small sense of pride, though a deeper humility shone ever in her eyes. As the Triforce glowed warmly on Link's hand, he noticed how brightly it shone, and Midna's, and then he saw the two Triforce of Wisdom Shards glowing brightly on the back of Zelda's hand. All the Triforce pieces were present, and they knew it, eager to be rejoined as one.

As Zelda sent a smile his way, Link realized—her pride was towards him. She'd already granted him the victory in her mind.

"You are _late_ , Zelda," Ganondorf snarled, "as ever."

"I am exactly on time as ever, I would say," she returned, folding her hands calmly.

Her eyes locked on Link; she gave a subtle but meaningful nod. Turning back to Ganondorf, Link saw his eyes still full of loathing. Link knew they had not moved from him, not even upon Zelda's entrance. Link took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he realized how truly embedded Ganondorf's hatred was, both in mind and heart.

Link waited. He waited for the venom in the dark lord's eyes to boil to the point of exploding. When it did, and Ganondorf surged from his throne, Link was ready, swinging his sword high to block the blow—

He stumbled back. What a force hit him as metal sang against metal. As the power of an ancient enemy challenged the courage of a young boy.
Chapter 21

Valliant Maiden

Blow after blow Ganondorf waged and Link blocked, seeking to land a few of his own, but his time was better spent dodging and rolling from harm's way. At some point, music perked his ears, and he caught snatches of Zelda and Midna, hands folded as if in prayer, each chanting their Song beneath their breath. As the Triforce glowed just a little brighter on the back of his hand, he knew: Midna sought to send her Wisdom Shard to Zelda, and Zelda sought to send its power and hers to him.

Of a sudden, Link and Ganondorf simultaneously swung their swords in a wide arc; dark energy spiraled off the tip of one blade, shadow and light bounced off the edges of the other—

But this time, Power and Courage did not ricochet off walls, pillars, or come close to hitting their targets. Rather, they combined, spinning together and locking in place, forming a long pillar of light and dark which connected their two swords in a beam of incredible energy. Link felt it pulse through his arms and then his entire body like a real, breathing, tangible life. He prepared to jerk his sword away, but then thought shattering the connection would bring all that energy surging at him, wounding him severely, possibly even to death. No, he must hold his own and overcome....

He and the false king braced their feet, gathering all the strength their muscles could hold and trying to force the energy back at the other. At times, the darkness crept a little further towards Link. At other times, the light and shadow crept a little further down the beam towards Ganondorf's sword. For a while, Link thought he might prevail....

Ganondorf's lips curled into a small but meaning smirk. He pushed and the darkness sped up the beam, nearly blackening the light from Link's sword. Link pushed back, stopping it from reaching the tip of his sword just in time, but the exertion it took him to do so was exhausting. Was Ganondorf right after all? Link held more pieces of the Triforce, to be sure. But could courage and wisdom truly conquer such tremendous power?

His vision began to blur; he stumbled, and the darkness slipped up the beam again. It touched Link's fingertips with an electrifying shock, waking him with a shudder. He didn't even want to imagine how getting hit full force by such Power would feel— _if_ it left him alive to feel anything at all.

Despite his urgency to press on and the increased intensity of Zelda's Lullaby, his feet began to slip. His muscles shook. His eyes again weakened, and he blinked hard, trying to focus—

Suddenly, a silver blur burst between Link and Ganondorf, in the exact midst. A tremendous explosion like lightning ricocheting with millions of tiny tendrils echoed across the vast chamber. Just as quickly and surreal as that moment seemed to occur, the next happened with startling slowness and realness....

Link saw her stumble beyond the beam of Power and Courage, its bond already reforged. He saw her look up at him, grant a small smile, eyes gleaming even in her last moment with an impish sort of victory. Then, as her eyes closed, her body collapsed. Somehow, her exhale was deafening as her soul left her body sprawling lifeless on the ground, cloak shielding her like a coverlet for a funeral....

Zelda's chanting intensified. He allowed her lullaby to enter his mind and glanced over only as a necessary distraction. Otherwise, his eyes would remain locked upon _her_ , upon his Midna, and the longer they did so, the more vulnerable he would become, and the more easily he—and all they'd fought for together—would fall....

Zelda remained transfixed, hands folded prayer-like, lips moving as she sang her lullaby. Tears streamed from her closed eyes, glistening in the glow of the thin but vibrant beams of light radiating from the completed Triforce of Wisdom on her hand. The Triforce on his hand gleamed brighter as Wisdom's power poured into him....

Power. Even as his eyes met Ganondorf's again, still cold and unfeeling save for the new taste of victory gleaming within, Link did not forbid his tears fall from his eyes burning with sorrow and fury. Ganondorf possessed power, but no courage. In lacking courage, he lacked anything worth fighting for. But Link possessed everything in the world worth fighting for—Midna, his love for her, and her love for all the living of all Realms. Power could be taken from Ganondorf, but Link's love could never cease burning, however painfully.

With a cry, Link gripped the sword tighter and pushed forward. The swirls of light and shadow rippled just a little closer to Ganondorf, consuming just a bit more of the darkness. For a moment, the false king's eyes widened, maybe surprised, even impressed. Then, any hint of a smile vanished and he leaned in, grounded his feet, and pushed back.

But Link would not have it. He _was_ Midna's love. He'd become it. He was consumed with it. It consumed his entire being, and it would consume the evil of Ganondorf's heart. He would _make_ it. He focused on that love. He focused on Zelda's Lullaby until it echoed wildly, almost deafeningly in his ears. There was only that song, that love, that courage, and all it stood against.

With a final shout of anguish, rage, and victory, Link marked a vertical slice through the air with his blade. The tendrils of light and shadow curled swift as lighting about the dark beam. Ganondorf had only time to stare in disgusted horror before he was thrown backwards off his feet, spiraling through the air and landing with a hard thud.

Link rushed over, glaring upon the false king who struggled to rise to his feet but could only glare back, entirely loathing, panting heavily. How old he looked in that moment. Power fading, he was left only with his hatred, which caused any lingering pity to flee Link for good—

The moment he plunged the blade into the dark king's heart, the king released a final, hideous shout. The shadows of Link's sword were dispersed by brilliant beams of light which radiated out, shattering the clouds over the castle, purifying that which had been marred by Ganondorf's hand.

Then, all lay still. Breathing hard, Link removed the blade. Turning in disgust from the contorted body lying motionless on the floor, he looked up at Zelda; her hands lowered but remained folded, and she smiled with sad but definite pride.

"It is over," she whispered. "It is finally over...."

It _was_ over. For him, at least. Rushing over, his knees gave way as he reached her, and he collapsed at her side, the last of his strength finally extinguished. He did not have courage for _this_. Shakily stretching forth a hand, his fingers graced her long, waves of hair. The moment he did, the sob escaped his lips. Uncontrollably. Irrevocably. Her hair was softer than dawn's first morning rays, just as he'd always imagined. Trailing his hand to her cheek, it too was soft, and especially, her lips. The lips he never....

Quiet footsteps. Then, Zelda's shadow, cast by the sunlight which streamed freely through the window, making her hair shine like the fires of Midna's eyes. Fires he would never see dance again.

"Truly," Zelda breathed, "she had a good heart...."

"Indeed," came the reply, raspy and broken by tears; then, Aniya's hand upon his arm.

He nodded slowly. Weeping, he held Midna close to his heart. Zelda quietly sang her lullaby. Link knew she meant to grant solace, but he could only scorn the melody because of its counterpart. "Midna's Requiem", her Song had been called. Had Midna known? Did she always guess her fate would be tied only to death in the end?

None of it really mattered though, because he would never know. Hugging her closer still, he allowed his heart to break and pour forth its grief in full, releasing the rush of tears. He had done all he was meant to do. The sun shone anew on Hyrule.

But it could not illuminate his heart.

He was bound to the same lonely fate as before, only worse off. Loving and losing was not better than never loving at all, as the saying went. For him, there was now only to wait until the shadows of old age and aloneness consumed him.
Chapter 22

A True Hero

With the final blow, brilliant beams of white light radiated from the Master Blade in all directions, dissipating the shadows lodged within, no longer needed, and shattering all shadows cloaking the castle. In that brief but pivotal moment, Hyrule knew peace again, most of its inhabitants ignorant of the true evil that could have befallen it....

Link could not share their bliss though. Ever in his dreams and memories, as he envisioned that brilliant moment of triumph, the dark clouds returned. They returned in the form of her face, floating before him but a final second before she snatched herself from him for all time.

Even Zelda's declaration: "Truly, she had a good heart," did not console him by granting a beautiful memory of Midna. Its beauty was marred by the fact that, at the end of all things, such beauty could not be his to hold and treasure forever.

Why? Twas the constant question bombarding his mind night after night as he lay wide awake in his tree house, staring at the stars through the window in his ceiling. They twinkled like old friends, but even their familiar sparkle could not illuminate his lonely heart. Zelda offered him grand honor as chief amongst her guard—an offer he knew she knew he would refuse—but there was nothing for him save to return to his wood. His ventures completed, he desired nothing more now than quiet. He'd tasted adventure. Tasted it with another. Now, he wished again for his normal life, except to live it....

With another. Another he could not have.

Even Sarita could not be that other. Even she, in her constant visits and encouragements, could not dispel the clouds from his heart. Even she, in suggesting a visit to the Gorons or even the world of Twilight which Link had drawn her many pictures of in the sand—though he could only imagine what most his drawings should look like—could not distract him. Even she...

Even she was not she.

And, above all things, his deepest regret was the most human thing he'd never allowed himself to feel. He never kissed her. He never allowed himself that simplest expression of his love. Before, how unworthy he would have felt to do so; now, he didn't care. If he could, but just once...

Her face, floating towards him through the darkness. Then, her entire body. This was new; his heart pounded. Was this reality instead of memory? Did she yet live? Or had he died and joined her?

But then, he realized he was surrounded by darkness, all stars vanished. He floated not in the midst of time and space but of dreams. She drifted towards him in his dreams....

"No, not a dream, silly boy," she assured with a half-smirk. "Though also not in your realm, as you might think. I am, indeed, dead to that realm. But I visit you from the spirit realm, just this once, before allowing my soul to pass on completely."

He knew he should have thrilled, attempted to throw his arms around her and hug her tight. But perhaps shock still triumphed over joy, for only anger and hurt swelled inside him. He frowned, tilting his head and furrowing his brows demandingly.

Midna bowed her head humbly and said, "Of course, you want to know why. I think, in your heart, you know why—I did it to save Hyrule and all it stands for. But of course, why sacrifice myself?

"The Goddess of Time, being a Spirit, could not die. She passed her Triforce on willingly, as did the others we encountered. But for the full Triforce of Wisdom to be obtained, either Zelda or I must perish. One of us must pass on our pieces of the Triforce to the other, sacrificing our life to do so. But I knew the Triforce could only be wielded fully by Hyrule's heir, the heir of the Light Realm. From there, Zelda could impart her power to you....

"So I had to do it. It was the only way."

The more she spoke, the more his heart softened, leaving room only for sadness, love, and a longing throbbing all over his body and at the deepest core of his heart. Just to hear her voice again...and the more its melodious sound resonated, cutting the wounds of his heart deeper while patching others....

Stepping even closer to her until their noses nearly touched, he slowly reached up a hand and cupped her cheek. She felt solid and warm beneath his skin, as if still living, whether because she brought him into the spirit realm or because they really did exist in some sort of dream together, he didn't know. He didn't care. For now, she was real. She was realer still as she raised a hand to press his more closely to her cheek. She was realer still as he leaned his face close to hers, his lips drawing so close to hers that he could taste her sweet exhale....

She was realest as she pressed a finger firmly to his lips, making him back away just enough, crushing his heart once more as she breathed, "No, Link. No."

He studied her eyes. Their fire flickered, wavered, shattered as did her heart and his both. Again, the question: Why? So clearly, she desired the same as he. What harm could it do? If it bound him to the spirit realm by some strange magic, he would do it. If it was the only kiss they ever shared and the pain lingered with him through the rest of his life, it would be worth it. If...

As Midna took a deep breath, she took his hand from her cheek and instead lifted her hand to touch his, stroking it gently.

"Link," she whispered. "I must go. I must be with them. I must find peace. I cannot take you with me this time."

Link glanced up as a soft white glow glittered in her eyes. The outlines of many white, floating souls glittered behind her, singing in soft whispers, beckoning their new child home.

"Link," she said quietly, her warm gaze embracing him firmly and with all the love she could give, "When I met you the first time, as my first Link, I thought it was good I leave you so that you could belong to one of the Light, one of your own kind.

"Now, I see you belong not to one, but to all Hyrule. If I—or anyone—was to bind myself to you, then you could no longer be that Hero which Hyrule will always need. If not in this age, then another. If the line of heroes was ever to cease, especially because of me...

"So I must break my own heart to spare the hearts of thousands. I must kiss you only in my dreams inside the Spirit Realm."

Her hand slipped from his cheek as gently as a cloud whispering good-night to the setting sun. His eyes watched her, shimmering like two oceans begging the sun to return to their horizon. If ever a man could speak his heart, none do so as fervently as did his eyes in that moment.

Her eyes mourned in return but loved just as passionately. Strength shone within her gaze, the same strength he knew he would need in the days to come without her, the only strength that could make him bear their parting, the strength which came from knowing...

They had done the right thing.

As she floated slowly back, preparing to merge with the sea of celestial souls, a single tear slipped down her cheek. Lifting a slender finger, she caught it, gracefully raised her hand, and let the same wind carrying her away carry that tear to him. It hovered over his heart and then solidified into a perfectly round sapphire. The gem dropped in his pocket, and then, gently, a brilliant light enveloped him....

He was in his tree house again. Lying snug, safe, and secure in his cot. It was as Midna said. Nothing had really changed. He was safe, okay, where he'd always belonged, if only he'd known it before.

Tears quietly filled his eyes as her absence weighed heavy upon him. But its weight was lifted just a little as he realized that he yet owned all the people of Hyrule, and they him. This was where he belonged, and as time healed him, he could take comfort in that. He was home. He was who he was meant to be. He was a friend to the Kokiri, the Hylian, the Zora, and all other peoples of their three realms.

He was forever a true hero.

The End

About the Author

Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. Her collection of YA fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books which can all be read separately but which weave together to create an amazing fantasy. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers.

Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines. She has also published several Fantasy and Christian Fantasy books which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange.

Her latest and most exciting venture includes her publications with Old Line Publishing: Bloodmaiden and Lily in the Snow with Old Line Publishing, as well as releasing The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange in both paperback and electronic forms. She is also the newest and proudest author at Book By You, a publisher specializing in personalized books, and is happy to release Song Quest, Black Lace, and Dark Embrace with them.

Christine currently lives in Belleville, Illinois in her first and most thrilling apartment.

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