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Chapter Text

Time passed…

Once again I found myself adrift in dreams, traveling alongside first Lady Hylia, then Master Sky, then Master Link and Navi.

In one such dream Master Sky traveled alongside Master Link and Navi, his gentle laugh a welcome addition to their childish excitement, his own springing forth as Her Grace and Princess Zelda joined in our party as well.

And I? I was no longer trapped within my blade, thus I was able to answer any questions that were asked without difficulty, dancing along as Master Sky played the Goddess Harp and Master Link the Ocarina, the voices of Their Graces melding perfectly with the tune.

There were many other dreams, though they all persisted in the same manner, the children safe from harm amidst the company of their predecessors and I free to leave my blade and speak as I wished.

But then… a new scenario appeared… one of Master Link and Princess Zelda, older than they have ever been and their expressions troubled.

They murmur of dark dreams, prophetic dreams, fears and doubts concerning Ganondorf and a possible return as they gaze upon lights of gold that shine from the backs of their hands.

The curse of Demise rings in my ears and, though I do not know the exact nature of how they had prevented Ganondorf’s rise to power in this timeline… I do know that their fears of his return… have a 95% probability of becoming reality.

As to when such an event may occur I cannot say… nor am I asked, the auras of my master and Her Grace fading as they walk away, the door to my chambers sliding closed behind them.

That would be the last I would hear of either of them… for many years to come.

It is only when her time on the earthly plane comes to an end that the aura of Princess Zelda returns to my sword.

Much like her ancestors before her, she murmurs her worries for the future to me… and begs that I look after the kingdom, her children… and my master, Link, who she laments leaving behind… even as the light and the calls of loved ones past draw her away, into that warm light.

The ache from that first farewell returns… and is worsened by the fact that, this time… there is not much I can do to ease the worries that had plagued Her Grace before her departure.

And that ache only grows… when, as time passes… long past the recorded average of a Hylian’s lifespan… there is still no trace of Master Link’s soul following Her Grace to the ‘afterlife’, as the humans named it.

Now, perhaps… perhaps he had simply passed on without my knowledge.

After all… technically, our bond had not been forged in this timeline… nor had we truly developed a bond of friendship, such as that forged with Master Sky… and thus, there would be no need to extend farewells before he departed for the world beyond.

…that conclusion… causes an… ‘ache’... to form in my chest… though I do my best to push it aside… as it is irrational and uncalled for… as this Master Link had only needed my aid as his weapon, not his companion.

But then… then, I find myself… confused… as the laugh of an unknown child and a familiar, yet unfamiliar, aura brushes against the hilt of my blade.

“I ask this of you, old friend… look after this place… this forest and this sword… protect them from those who would do them harm… do not let anyone in unless they bear this mark….”

There is the soft thrum of the energy unique to the Triforce of Courage, the voice of the child calling out in amazement seconds later.

“You’ll make sure to remember this mark, right old friend?”

“We will!” the child responds promptly, “we promise! We promise we will protect this place… and never let anyone in!”

There is the sound of a soft chuckle, followed by the higher-pitched laughter of the child.

And then… then a gnarled hand comes to rest on the pommel of my sword… that familiar aura flickering oddly, yet unmistakably belonging to Master Link.

I do my best to reach out and establish contact… but the pull of sleep, that which aids in the continued breakdown of the remains of Demise, proves stronger.

Before its hold grows too strong, I am able to register an unfamiliar twisting of a mix of Master Link’s aura and a magic bearing many similarities to the Ocarina of Time.

Through it, there is a rending of time and space… and a brief opening between this world and another… one whose magic has that of the Lost Woods stirring and murmuring with curiosity.

And then… just as quickly as it had appeared, the strange magic… disappeared… and Master Link’s aura along with it.

And… even though I am on the very cusp of consciousness and unconsciousness… I find myself completely and utterly ‘confused’... and more than a little… ‘concerned’ and ‘worried’... yes, I believe those are the emotions I am experiencing.

Because… I do not understand.

Why… why was that not the ‘passing’ I had been expecting… one similar to that of Master Sky, Lady Hylia and Princess Zelda?

If Master Link had not passed on to that warm place that the others had departed to… then where had he gone? What is it he is trying to accomplish?

Time moved on… a sensation I only became aware of… when two certain days arrived.

I experience quite a bit of ‘surprise’ when the cries of a baby awaken me from my slumber anew… not centuries later, as had happened after the passing of Master Sky and Lady Hylia… instead, my sensors indicate it has been nearly a hundred years since I’d last awakened.

And yet… the aura I sense is unmistakably that of the blood of the Goddess… and with it… the Triforce of Wisdom.

Does this mean the Triforce can be passed down through generations? I wondered as I tugged lightly against the lingering drowsiness, determined to at least try to find even a sliver of an answer to this new phenomenon, or has the blood of the Goddess somehow acquired the mark anew? No, that would be impossible for a newborn, unless the family instigated some form of ritual—?

“Oh? The sword’s all shiny and chime-y,” the voice of the child from my last awakening exclaims suddenly, bringing my attention back to my immediate surroundings.

There I find a child with baggy clothing and a large hat, with equally large yellow/orange eyes and a mouth bearing razor sharp teeth, curved upward into a smile as he examines my blade with blatant curiosity.

“What is it, what is it? What’s going on?” the child hums, head tilting to the left, then the right, his body bouncing in a circle around where I rest.

Which, I am surprised to find… is no longer the inside of the Temple of Time, as I recalled it… but a forest clearing, my pedestal surrounded by greenery, which is well on the way to reclaiming the old brick walls on the edges of the clearing, as evidenced by vibrant moss and vines… and the trees growing alongside them….

“Helllooooo?” the child calls, drawing my attention back to him, his face mere inches from my blade now, “sword? Why are you glowing like this? Has something happened? I don’t sense anything in the forest….”

The child’s gaze swings from my sword outwards, tilting to the right, an instrument appearing in his matching hand while the other swings a lantern bearing a ghostly white flame.

The child then gasps, bouncing in excitement as he flings himself back towards my blade, as he exclaims, “is it him?! Is he coming back to the forest?!”

What an intriguing question, I muse silently, running a quick diagnostics check upon myself before finally attempting to leave my blade.

The child gasps as I emerge, then stares in wonder as I hover over my blade, giggling slightly when I bend down so that we are now face to face.

“Whoa! He never said a lady would appear from the sword!”

“If the ‘he’ you are speaking of is Master Link, then that is not a surprise,” I reply, “as the probability of his being aware of my presence is less than 5%.”

“Prob-a-what?”

“A probability is the extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.”

“Oooohhhh,” the child breathes, the white gear around his left eye brightening as a ray of sunlight shines upon it, his fangs flashing as he laughs, “you’re really smart! Do you know everything? Do you know when he will come back?”

“I was gifted with vast amounts of knowledge and the ability to gather more via the magic of the land around me by use of my dowsing capabilities,” I reply, endeavoring to employ said capabilities as I did.

However, the pull of the enchanted slumber quickly made its appearance once again, my power outlet fluctuating as a result and thus, disrupting my dowsing efforts.

“Uh, Miss Sword Fairy? How come you’re going all wavy?” the child asks with a touch of what I believe to be concern as his hand slowly extends in my direction, hovering just above my right wing.

“Unfortunately, it appears I must return to my slumber,” I answer, ‘regret’ and ‘frustration’ weighing heavily on my chest as a result.

“Oh, you’re tired?” is how the child apparently interprets my words, fangs glinting anew in a large smile as he lifts the instrument in his hands, “would you like for me to play a song for you? He taught me his friend’s lullaby!”

“Do as you wish,” is the only thing I can say before I am pulled back into the sword.

The last thing I hear before sleep takes me fully is the sound of a familiar tune, one I was used to hearing played on an ocarina… though it is just as lovely on the unknown instrument the child bears… albeit far louder than I have ever heard it.

I believe at least three years pass before the cry of a newborn babe awakens me once again.

There is no mistaking the Hero’s Spirit, as I can feel the same pull that was present at the births of Masters Sky and Link.

There is also no mistaking the power of the Triforce of Courage, though it seems to bear a lesser amount of power than the Triforce of Wisdom had possessed at the time of the birth of the newest bearer of the blood of the Goddess Hylia.

This proves very… ‘intriguing’, on my part, as it does seem to prove, partially, that the pieces of the Triforce have indeed been passed from one incarnation of the Hero’s Spirit and the blood of the Goddess to the next.

…and yet… there is still the lingering question… of Master Link.

Does the appearance of this new master… signal that Master Link has finally found his ‘eternal rest’ as the humans have called it?

Or… does this mean that both the Spirit of the Hero and the Triforce of Courage… can be split and/or have a separate ‘copy’ existing at the same time?

A sudden influx of darkness over ten years later lends far more credence to the latter hypothesis… as a large scale phenomenon of reversal occurred in the direction within which the newest incarnation of my master dwelled.

Fears of losing my new master to the unexpected phenomenon are quelled as the distant, yet distinct, aura of Master Link leads his successor back into this realm, before disappearing anew.

And with his disappearance returns my ‘confusion’, surprising ‘irritation’ and, the strongest of emotions… ‘concern’.

Master Link… what has happened to you? And… where have you gone?

Chapter Text

“Someone has entered the forest….”

It is to these words, whispered by the Skull Kid, that I awaken once more.

The little imp is faced away from me, head cocked upward, horn twirling in one hand while the other grips his lantern tightly.

“This presence… it’s not his… someone new has come… too bad for them… we don’t let just anyone… enter this forest!”

His horn is twirled one last time before he brings it to his lips, his magic swirling as he plays a certain tune.

In response, wooden puppets appear around him, dropping from the treetops above with a loud clattering.

A great many of them wear axes on their backs, the blades shining in the light, their edges well-kept and clearly razor sharp.

The Skull Kid then looks in my direction, head tilting in curiosity as he realizes that I am awake.

“You don’t need to worry, sword lady,” the child hums, hooking his trumpet to his hip to then pat the hilt of my blade, “just as we promised, we will protect this place. You can go back to sleep.”

With that, he and his puppets warp away, no doubt heading off to where the intruders are.

Yet, sleeping is not something I shall be returning to anytime soon… for though I do indeed sense a... peculiar darkness approaching… I also sense, within the folds of that evil infused darkness… the Triforce of Courage… and the soul of my master.

Now fully awake, I endeavor to sharpen my dowsing abilities alongside casting them outwards, in the direction of my new master’s soul.

Immediately, I can sense the faintest trace of Ganondorf imbued within the Shadow magic that has wrapped around my new master like a veil.

That will need to be dispelled as quickly as possible, I concluded, thusly aborting my dowsing in order to run a diagnostics scan.

The drain on power levels from the breakdown of the remains of Demise was, as should be expected given the time passed, far less than it had been amidst the time of Master Link, even without the additional power bestowed by the sages in the separate timeline.

This, coupled with the magics of the woods, which were happy to dance alongside my call as well as the tune of the Skull Kid’s horn, gave a 95% probability of success in stripping the cursed veil that cloaks my master.

Adding further credence to this probability is the surge of power emitted from the Triforce of Courage that my current master still possesses, which comes to life in response to the Skull Kid’s attack.

Its appearance also informs the Skull Kid of my master’s identity as ‘one who bears the mark’ whom Master Link had instructed the child to allow entry into the woods.

Unsurprisingly, the aura of my new master, alongside another who wears cursed shadows similar to the master’s, immediately heads in my direction once the Skull Kid ceases his hostilities.

As they approach, I continue to draw power to myself, for I know that, before he may draw and wield my blade, the veil of darkness will need to be cleaved from my master’s form.

In the midst of this action, when my new master comes to stand in the grove where my sword rests, I feel the beginnings of our inevitable bond forming as he calls out to me.

“... the time has come when you are needed again. Respond, Sword.”

“Yes… Master,” I reply, readying the magic I had gathered… and then sending it outwards, directly at the cursed magics that are wrapped around his form.

I am able to register the sight of a Wolf, a Sacred Beast, with an Imp sitting atop its back, before that Imp is sent backwards by the magical, purifying waves I summon.

The new master is also forced backwards a half inch before he manages to halt and brace himself against the waves of magic.

The curse that keeps him in the form of a wolf writhes and fights against the purification, but the master fights as well, to free himself from the dark veil.

He howls in challenge as I send purifying light ripping through the cursed veil that ensnares him, cleansing each particle of shadows before allowing them to reform into the shard that had originally pierced and cursed him.

That shard is quickly collected by the unknown companion, the little imp studying it briefly before her attention returns to my new master.

My new master... who has now regained his human form, hands wrapped around the hilt of my blade, muscles tensing as he readies himself to pull my sword free of its pedestal.

“The Blade of Evil’s Bane,” he calls silently through our forming bond, “The Master Sword!  From this day forward... you are mine!”

His fingers grasp the sword’s hilt tightly as he pulls, my blade transitioning to his left hand to be raised skyward as it is freed from the pedestal at last.

The second he does I can feel power surging through the sword and I, before sweeping outwards, creating new waves as wind blew powerfully around us.

“Whoa now,” the new master murmurs as he brings my sword level with his face, “calm down, sword.”

Calm down? Had I… was that surge of unexpected power a result of… excitement? Had I been excited because he’d finally appeared? Or could it be my own form of an 'adrenaline high', due to the need of removing the master’s curse?

I would have to analyze this later, as my new master rested the flat of my blade against his brow.

“I can feel the spirits of previous warriors,” he murmurs as his eyes slide closed, “and all the blood they spilled.

“Join our cause! Bolster my arm!” he prays before lifting me skyward once more.

“Yes, Master,” I reply as the sun warms my blade alongside the warmth in my chest at the reunion with the Spirit of the Hero, “I will follow your command.

“It is good to be back….”

Chapter Text

As my new master swings my sword in order to test its weight and balance, both of which he will find perfectly suited to him, I can feel our bond solidifying fully.

Alongside that, I can still detect a surge of power flowing circuitously between myself and my new master, who can also feel that same surge, as noted in his mind.

Incredible power is flowing through my body! Is this the power to vanquish evil?

Amidst his wonderings and inspection of the Master Sword, his piercing blue gaze is drawn to the triangular mark near the hilt, which shines alongside the mark on his left hand.

Does it possess the power of the Triforce? Is that what I hold… in my hand?

…his expression and the feelings that brush against our bond at the formation of these silent questions… causes a new stirring to begin within my chest… something akin to… apprehension? Worry?

…in that expression… in those emotions… I could sense it… a darkness… a smoldering darkness… one that latched onto the light of the Triforce of Courage, growing stronger, my new master’s grin warping—

“Hey, Link!”

The call of his name manages to pull my master, once again named Link, from his fascination with the Master Sword.

Alongside the shifting of his attention, the smoldering darkness dims, then fades, which in turn leads to a sense of… I believe it is ‘relief’ that replaces the ‘alarm’ that had been building in my chest.

The new companion, who Master Link identifies as Midna, has signs of a similar expression of apprehension on her face, though it eases as my master inquires about our next destination.

“...well,” Midna begins after a moment of hesitation, “if you don’t mind granting me a request… would you mind coming with me to find… the Mirror of Twilight?”

“The Mirror of Twilight?” Master Link repeats as curiosity rustles against the bond.

“Yeah, it’s hidden somewhere in Hyrule,” Midna replies, “and is our last potential link to Zant. I don’t know where exactly but… maybe we’ll find some clues in Castle Town. Didn’t that Telma woman say she had… ‘unusual’ guests visiting her bar every now and then? Maybe she’ll have heard something….”

“Oh, right,” Master Link hummed before giving a nod of his head, “sounds like a plan. Let’s head that way, then.”

Midna gave a nod of her own before calling upon her magic, a portal opening between her and Master Link in response.

Master Link, in turn, steps into the portal without a hint of reservation, Midna slipping into his shadow as the magic enveloped us.

The transition between the Sacred Grove and Castletown is as smooth as it is intriguing, the shadows wrapping and warping around our party before dispersing to reveal the new scenery.

It brings forth memories of Lady Impa’s magic when she had been awakened as the Sage of Shadows in the alternate timeline.

There is, of course, a slight edge to the magic that holds traces of Demise’s incarnation, Ganondorf, the same that wraps this Midna in the form of an imp, infused with the magic of an unknown individual.

It is not enough to completely hide the more neutral shadow magic that infuses her aura though, thus… when I sense her magic probing at the new bond I have established with Master Link, I do not employ defensive tactics.

Instead, I allow the investigation, though I do take this as an invitation to initiate investigative tactics of my own.

I have just enough time to confirm that a mental link such as that which has been formed between myself and Master Link indeed exists between himself and the Midna individual… as well as detect a slight stirring of magical essence that bears the aura of the blood of Goddess Hylia… before the woman grows alarmed and slams a barrier down between us.

“...but won’t people notice a big change at Hyrule Castle?” Master Link’s voice filters in suddenly, “or is Zant’s magic hiding it? What do you think, Midna?”

“Huh? Wh-what?” Midna’s mental voice can be heard distantly from Master Link’s side of our bonds, “don’t talk aloud idiot, we can still talk through our minds. Do you want these snooty Castletown residents thinking you’re some crazy hick?”

Irritation huffs from Master Link, both vocally and mentally, though he does strive to keep conversations with Midna within the binds of their mental link going forwards.

Naturally, it peters off once we reach our destination, ‘Telma’s Bar’ as Master Link’s memories identify it.

Immediately upon our entrance into the establishment my master is greeted by a young woman he identifies as Ilia and whose health he inquires about.

His emotions lift and flutter as she answers, though dim a fraction when he informs her of his inevitable departure.

“Huh?” is her reply, concern and perhaps disappointment in her voice as she speaks, “when will you be b–”

“Link!” an older and more exuberant female voice, suddenly calls out, “I’m glad you came! Come here.”

“Hello, Telma,” Master Link chuckles as he and Ilia dutifully move closer to the Telma we had been seeking.

“Your timing is good,” Telma hums, “I was just talking about you.”

“About me?” Master Link repeats with surprise.

“Have I told you about… my friends who are trying to do something about how crazy things are in Hyrule?”

Recognition rises alongside memories of the last time Master Link had spoken to this woman, leading him to take a fortifying breath to steel his nerves as the Telma individual leads him to the friends in question.

“Let me introduce you,” Telma offers my master as they stop before a cluster of unknown auras, her friends, whom she addresses next, “this is Link- the one you’ve been hearing about.”

My curiosity now piqued at this new offering of allies and with sufficient energy to project my vision outwards without endangering the seal on the remains of Demise, I thus endeavor to do just that.

The first of the individuals to speak is an older man with gray hair, who rises from his seat and extends his right hand to my master.

“Telma told us about your contributions. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Link. My name is Auru.”

“He’s a great old man,” Telma, now revealed to be a middle aged woman with tanned skin and dark red hair, adds, “worked in the castle. Was Princess Zelda’s teacher.”

“That was long ago,” Auru states as Master Link takes hold of and shakes the offered hand in what I assume to be a new human greeting ritual, “I’m looking into all the strange occurrences in Hyrule these days.”

Master Link nods his understanding and utters his own greetings before Auru returns to his seat and another individual rises.

This one is a woman, closer to Master Link’s age, bearing long black hair held away from her face by a headband, thick strands hanging on both sides of her head.

As she is adorned in armor, wears a sword on her hip, and bears an aura of quiet power, there can be no mistaking that she is a warrior.

“I’m Ashei,” is all she states, calling into question whether the offering of a hand to shake from earlier is indeed a new custom when, instead, she merely gazes at Master Link in silence.

“This girl once outfought the leader of the knights,” Telma adds once it becomes apparent Ashei will say no more, “she’s a bit unique, but don’t mind that. She has a good personality.”

Doubt shimmers from Master Link but it is immediately replaced with surprise when another of the individuals calls out to him.

“Long time, no see!” exclaims the individual, revealed to be a man who wears a helmet alongside his armor, obscuring the upper half of his face.

Despite that, recognition is dawning for Master Link who exclaims in a similar fashion, “that voice! It can’t be!”

A flood of emotions and memories swirl as the man reaches up to remove his helmet, revealing shaggy blond hair, and kind blue eyes which shine with emotions akin to those of Master Link.

“But it is!” the man murmurs, his voice equally affected by said emotions as it is wavering, “hi, Link!”

“Rusl!!” Master Link cries mere seconds before the man is engulfing him in a hug.

“I thought you were dead!” the man now identified as Rusl, who had taken my master under his wing, a father figure who Master Link had evidently been missing terribly, cries as he hugs my master even tighter against his chest, “I’m sorry I ever gave you a sword! I’m so glad you’re alright.”

Master Link does not reply aside from returning the hug, which lasts for almost a full minute before Rusl steps back a pace in order to examine my master.

“It hasn’t really been that long,” he chuckles lightly, “but you’ve grown into a fine man!”

“Rusl,” Master Link murmurs, “I’m shocked!”

This causes Rusl to chuckle once more as he ruffles my master’s hair before he brings up a new subject.

“I saw the children in Kakariko Village. Thanks for what you did for Colin,” his smile seems to grow more fond as he adds, “I was surprised how strong he’s gotten. It’s all thanks to you.”

“Oh, not really,” Master Link mumbles ‘sheepishly’, clearly growing a tad uneasy with this praise.

Perhaps this is why Rusl changes the subject once more, gesturing briefly to the Auru individual, “actually, Auru and I go way back. So, if there’s anything I can do…”

“I call this group the Resistance,” Telma chimes in cheerily, “though we don’t even know who it is we’re resisting!”

She then grows far more sober, her voice filled with conviction as she adds, “but we won’t let anyone take over Hyrule. So we all swear!”

All eyes and auras sharpen at this declaration and confidence flares from Master Link as he murmurs, “the Resistance… this is a fine crew!”

With that, Master Link is bid to take a seat at the table, Telma and Ilia withdrawing to bring further refreshments.

My master ends up sitting next to a man who appears to be of similar age to Ashei, bearing reddish-brown hair and blue eyes that lay behind a pair of spectacles.

Having apparently met him at the same time as the Telma individual amidst his original reunion with Ilia, he and Master Link greet each other… in a rather similar manner as Groose and Master Sky… or perhaps Master Link and Mido….

Ah, I still must assign a new designation for my previous master, I muse, as my current Master Link engages in conversation with the Shad individual.

“You’re a part of this, too?” Master Link inquires.

“Is that so surprising?” Shad hums in reply.

“I didn’t mean that,” Master Link laughs a tad uneasily.

Shad shrugs before stating, “I know Hyrule’s history and mythology… so I investigate from that angle.”

“Oh,” Master Link hums, mildly intrigued.

“Ah! And I’ve written a book!” Shad adds, his voice and expression shifting in a manner that once again brings forth memories of Groose, “I’m not physically strong like you… but my wits, brains and analysis can be helpful!”

“Here, Link!” Ilia’s cheerful voice suddenly breaks in as she places a bowl on the table before my master, “Ordon Pumpkin Soup! Mine’s not as good as Uli’s, though.”

“Thanks,” Master Link replies with about the same level of cheerfulness, ‘fondness’ and a few other emotions that bring forth memories of Master Sky bubbling against our bond as Ilia smiles and Master Link takes his first bite of the soup.

He’s allowed to ingest exactly five mouthfuls of soup before the Auru individual begins speaking, his vocal tones growing grave as he does.

“I heard from some travelers that… monsters are gathering in Gerudo Desert to the west,” he informs us, a hand gnarled with age coming to rest on the table, “their activities are troubling.”

“Auru, you said you’ve been observing the desert for a long time,” Shad states, “no one should go in there, right?”

“That desert is home to the Arbiter’s Grounds where they used to keep dangerous criminals,” Auru replies, tone and expression darkening, “they say that a cursed mirror would send the criminals off… to another world!”

Master Link’s attention perks at the mention of a cursed mirror... recalling Midna’s request to find a mirror… and since Auru had mentioned this cursed mirror would send criminals to another world….

“Yeah… he’s most likely talking about the Mirror of Twilight,” Midna confirms through the bond, a trace of bitterness detected within her tone.

“Arbiter’s Grounds? Cursed Mirror?” Shad questions, pulling attention his way now. “I’ve read nearly everything about Hyrule’s ancient history, but I’ve never heard of those. Could they just be legends?”

“Of course you never read it,” Auru’s voice rumbles, his face now angled so that it is covered in shadow, “this is Hyrule’s secret history!”

The hand that rests on the table curls its fingers slightly as he continues, “I’m telling you something no one is supposed to know. Only members of the royal family know this.”

My master and the auras of the others assembled around the table grow tense at this declaration, before all lean their bodies fractionally closer to Auru as he begins speaking once more.

“At the entrance to the desert, there was a city guarding the border,” the elder reveals, Master Link flinching slightly in response, “alongside guarding Hyrule from any marauding desert thieves that may yet dwell within those cursed sands… they also carried the hidden duty of keeping watch over the Arbiter’s Grounds… all mention of which were sealed and erased from all historical records.

“...as the Arbiter’s Grounds once housed the very worst of Hyrule’s criminals… it is believed the evil of those criminals… still drifts in the desert… or so they whispered in the castle.”

Auru inhales deeply before raising his head, gaze drifting through those sitting at the table with him, before he adds, “I think the desert may… be connected to the changes happening in Hyrule.”

“Isn’t all that near your hometown, Link?” Rusl suddenly inquires as his own gaze centers on Master Link. “The one that disappeared?”

“The border city that disappeared in a single night?!” Auru exclaims incredulously, wide eyes immediately swiveling towards my master, “that remains a total mystery. Are you from there, Lord Link?”

‘Uneasiness’ clamors against our bond, memories of Master Link’s past swirling, only allowing me glimpses of young men alongside my younger master, an unknown sword, and waves of darkness pulling everything into a void, the flash of a skeletal being clad in golden armor-

“The missing city is a matter for later,” Master Link says aloud, pushing swirling memories and emotions away as he rises from his seat, “first, I’ll go investigate the desert.”

“Wait! I’ll go, too!” Rusl cries immediately as he also rises from his seat.

Midna’s displeasure at an addition to our party is stated immediately and, as Master Link works to convince the elder man to allow him to travel alone, I withdraw my sensors from the outer world.

Instead, I work to process the snippets of Master Link’s memories I had caught sight of.

Concern is most assuredly bubbling within my chest, as the time frame of those images match that of the influx of darkness that had appeared… alongside the large scale phenomenon of reversal.

‘Guilt’ had been heavy in the swirl of Master Link’s emotions, and was still quite weighty upon the mentioning of his hometown…

And… a suspicion was forming within my mind… especially with the new confirmation via the brief dive deeper into his memory… that Master Link had, indeed, been born with the Triforce of Courage, the mark of which thrums on the back of his left hand.

…the Triforce… long has it been the centerpiece of the conflict for which I was created… and of the three masters I have served thus far… just what will become of the first of my masters to don at least a third of this powerful artifact from the very moment of his birth?

…and… if it is the Triforce itself… that has led to the creation of the darkness I can still mildly detect flickering at the edges of my master’s soul… if the power of my blade is strengthening that darkness… what could this possibly mean… for my master’s future?

Chapter Text

By the time I turn my attention outwards once more, Master Link has made his way to a store where a man wearing what my master determines to be ‘fancy’ clothes (while Midna calls them stuffy) gazes upon him with an expression… I do not particularly like….

When Master Link inquires if the shop has any shields in stock, the man immediately offers a familiar item… the Hylian Shield… which is priced at a hundred thousand rupees.

“A hundred thousand rupees?!” Master Link repeats in disbelief.

“Crafted in Death Mountain, it is made from high-quality, lightweight steel for protecting swordsmen,” the salesman informs my master, his nose rising minutely in the air.

“Do you have anything cheaper?” Master Link asks, apprehensive, as he quietly balks at the ten thousand rupee priced arrows that are displayed to our left.

The salesman sniffs at my master with clear disdain as he states, “only this is a proper match for the sword you carry. I could take that sword in trade for a cheaper set…?”

This causes ‘indignation’ to begin bubbling on Master Link’s side of our bond, and I believe I can feel a similar emotion simmering within my own chest at the man’s insolence.

Should I try making contact with Master Link? It may be that we would have no need for this shield, should we be able to recover Master Sky’s. That shield was made and blessed by the dragon Lanayru, chances are high it would still be in excellent condition and far superior to what this man is selling… although, finding it would be quite a challenge—

“Five hundred rupees is fine, Link,” an incredibly young male voice suddenly calls out, one that has recognition stirring from Master Link.

All eyes then turn in the direction of the voice, which is revealed to belong to a young boy, even younger than my previous master had been when we had first met, cheeks clearly rounded by baby fat and his brown hair short enough to only barely sustain the topknot he wears.

Despite his apparent youth, the boy’s pale green eyes shine with intelligence and shrewdness, the child gazing down upon my master and the store owner regally from where he sits atop a cushion that is strapped to a Goron’s shoulder.

“Take the shield for 500,” the boy repeats, his voice brooking no arguments.

“Malo?!” Master Link cries when recognition finally registers fully in his mind.

“B-but sir!” the salesman cries at the same time, now flustered, “the manual sets these prices for non-members!”

“Malo, you own this shop?!” Master Link cries again, apparently ‘flabbergasted’.

“Surprised?” Malo chuckles smugly as he pulls out a sheet of paper, which he then has his Goron… chauffeur? Vehicle? I am uncertain how to categorize the being in this scenario… hand to my master.

“I opened a store in Kakariko. I sold bombs and made a mint,” the young boy explains, the paper displaying much the same information in eye-catching colors alongside equally eye-catching decorations, “now it’s a chain of stores.

“Prices are higher in Castle Town, but the village price is fine for you, Link,” the young business owner continues, “because you fight for Hyrule.

“It can’t be free though. This is a business, not a charity!” Malo declares, head rising regally once more, “but I’ll sell to you for practically nothing.”

A small hand then gestures to the other products the store holds, “if you need anything, just say so.”

“Well,” Master Link begins to say, still slightly struggling to process the information just given, “a set of horse gear?”

A smug smile adorns Malo’s face once more as he claps his hands, which sets forth a flurry of motion.

In a very short amount of time, my master’s horse (who is clearly the descendant of Epona, bearing the same fiery soul of Akai and even the same name as her direct ancestor), is adorned in the new horse gear, which shines slightly in the sunlight… and has just the barest traces of protection magic.

“Thanks to you, Malo,” my master laughs in continued astonishment, “I got everything done all at once.”

“We all want to help you,” Malo replies, his usual, neutral expression lifting into a smile that actually fits his biological age as he adds, “good luck, Link!”

Fondness warms the bond in response to those words and stays in place as we set off towards the Gerudo Desert.

It takes two days of steady travel on horseback before Master Link brings Epona to a halt, Midna ascending into the air to inspect our surroundings.

“Where are we?” she asks when she inevitably realizes that there is nothing to be found but sand and a smattering of desert dwellers of the animal, insect, or monster variety within our current location.

“My homeland,” Master Link replies solemnly, “there was a city here once.”

Guilt and sadness are then quick to weigh upon the bond as he adds, “it all disappeared in an instant, leaving me behind.”

“So it really disappeared?!” Midna gasped, her surprise the lightest flicker as the wall against our own possible bond had been dropped some time ago.

Master Link’s next words draw me away from this fact and any possibilities of truly investigating a possible mental link being created with the woman, however.

“We always said that… ‘we stand at the frontier’s edge to keep desert thieves out of our beloved Hyrule’,” my master murmured, memories of the boys who’d appeared during the discussion in the bar flickering at the edges of his mind once more.

“But… what were we really protecting the country from?” Master Link wonders as he recalls Auru’s words of a secret, forbidden, history.

“What was it that… really scared the royal family?” Master Link questions next. “Was it the wrath of the dead? What did those criminals do to deserve such punishment?”

Master Link pauses, resolve firming against the bond before he continues, “that is the mystery… that we’re going to confront here in the desert.”

For a moment, the only thing that can be heard is the wind blowing gently… and then, Midna begins to speak, in a surprisingly hesitant tone.

“Link… before we go… I want you to hear a story,” she states, “I need to tell you about… the Mirror of Twilight.”

Unsurprisingly, Master Link’s curiosity stirs at those words… and I can feel my own pique as Midna continues.

“...Do you remember what the light spirit said about the Fused Shadows? How it called the crystal a ‘black power’?”

Master Link murmurs his confirmation, prompting Midna to continue her tale.

“Long ago, there was an epic battle within Hyrule… A group of sorcerers used their magic to try to capture the Sacred Realm. This angered the gods.

“They sent the Spirits of Light to steal that black power, seal it in a stone and lock it away forever. The stone they used is the Shadow Crystal!

“...That still left the sorcerers who wielded the black power. Can you guess their fate?”

There is no reply from my master, which produces a short, rather mirthless chuckle from Midna before she continues.

“The gods banished them from the Sacred Realm and exiled them to another world.

“It was a world unlike Hyrule, where the light of day never shone… a place called Shadow, where light cannot abide…

“Those sent to this Twilight Realm were never allowed to return to their home world… They and their descendants would live for eternity in Hyrule’s shadow....

“That is the history that we learn as children.”

“Midna,” Master Link murmurs as realization dawns, “you mean…”

“Yes,” Midna states, an edge of sharp bitterness creeping into her voice, “I am a direct descendant of those banished from the world of light… and into the Twilight Realm!

“...but you know,” she continues as her voice softens and fills with what I believe to be nostalgia, “it was a relatively peaceful place… filled with its own beauty and magic… even if it doesn’t equal what we lost…”

Midna then sighs, “still, though…the pain of my ancestors must have been awful. No matter how they repented… the gods would never allow the tribe to return home… and all contact with light was forbidden.

“But legend says they left a single key connecting light and shadow… That key was called the Mirror of Twilight… and was entrusted to the protectors of Hyrule.

“Zant must be using that mirror to travel between the Twilight Realm and here,” Midna reveals, “so, if we find the Mirror of Twilight, I can go to the Twilight Realm… where I can defeat Zant! So…”

Here, Midna hesitates anew, before her aura draws closer to my master and she tentatively calls out his name.

“Link… will you come with me… to the Twilight Realm?”

Chapter Text

“Link, I need you to get me to the mirror… please,” Midna murmurs, voice wavering with what I believe to be uncertainty… and perhaps guilt.

Meanwhile, the only thing emanating from my master’s side of the bond is overwhelming fondness, his voice filled with that emotion when he finally speaks.

“Of course I’ll get you there! We’re partners, aren’t we?” he laughs.

He then adds, “I think both our journeys are pointing to… the same place. So I’m counting on you too.”

There’s a soft huff and the faintest stirring of Midna’s emotions, too distant for me to determine what they are, before she confidently declares, “deal!”

Amusement joins fondness from my master in response to her answer… but then darkens into something heavier as his thoughts drift anew to a group of young boys… and an unknown sword wreathed in ominous power….

We set forth once again, following in the direction within which Master Link’s memories, Auru’s tale, and Midna’s senses, indicate the mirror may reside.

As always, day fades into night… yet it soon becomes apparent… that something is amiss.

A wind begins to blow… causing the sands to shift and swirl… yet, the atmosphere bears far more similarities to the Haunted Wasteland than that of the Lanayru Desert… which, I suppose, is to be expected.

It is not long after the full setting of the sun that malevolent auras can be detected… and not just by my sensors.

“I hear ghosts,” Midna abruptly informs Master Link, her voice and aura taking on a shaky uneasiness, “but… Zant didn’t release them. Their horrible voices rise from the earth.”

Indeed they did, the source of which originated from a singular point that my sensors had already located… and I was contemplating whether I should attempt making contact with my companions in order to convey this information.

Yet… I was curious about this new ally, Midna's, capabilities and… and, for whatever reason… hesitant… to intrude upon the dynamic built between this woman and my current master.

After all… they were not innocent children, such as Master Time, so named for the title given to him by the alternate timeline, and Navi… who might have benefitted from my guidance… from added protections against the evils they faced.

No, my current master was far closer to my first… a young man who had received training in the art of sword and knighthood from childhood… with additional training from another individual who… gave me pause… as it may provide an answer to a certain question.

Now is not the time for that line of investigation, I silently scolded myself, as Master Link asked, “where are the voices coming from, Midna? Are they… Auru’s ‘ghosts of the desert’?”

“I don’t want to listen to them,” Midna remarked with clear reluctance, “but I’ll give it a try.”

As there was at least a 10% probability of those ghosts possessing some variety of mental manipulation, or possession in general, I carefully reached for the mental bond that connected me to Midna through Master Link.

My intent was to infuse my power with hers in order to strengthen defenses against the aforementioned dangers.

At my touch, the magic of Her Grace, already draped protectively around Midna, flared and sung in welcome, melding easily with my own to form that additional layer of defense.

Midna herself only replied with a subtle ‘jerk’ with her magic and the briefest poke against my own, ‘irritation’ and the slightest hint of ‘reprimand’ pushing from her end of our faint bond before she raised her shields again.

I found this reaction quite intriguing, but chose to pursue it no further, as Midna’s attention turned fully to tracking the source of the malevolent spirits.

“Over there!” she called an exact thirty minutes later, voice magically amplified so as to be heard over the winds that now howled around us, “the voices are blowing from that place.”

“It must be the Arbiter’s Grounds!” Master Link correctly surmised, his own voice muffled by the cloak he’d wrapped around his body to shield him from the swirling sands, “we’ll find the Mirror of Twilight there, too.”

“Are you sure?”

“What?” is Master Link’s reply to Midna’s question, confusion apparent in his voice and buzzing against the bond.

“That we should go,” Midna clarifies, unease just as clear in her tone, “even I fear the ghosts’ horrible hatred…

“...and they’ve noticed our approach,” she states, a fact that had already been revealed to me, as the malevolent auras had been shifting and strengthening the closer we’d drawn towards the former prison, “they’re waiting for us.”

Master Link says nothing in response to this revelation, although… the feelings that brush against the bond now… they shift and swirl, as the Triforce of Courage pulses… and that dark spot in his heart stirs as well.

It is only for the briefest of moments, however, quickly replaced by warmer emotions as Epona emits a whinny upon our reaching the entrance to the abandoned prison.

My master rubs her neck and presents an apple from his pack as he slides off of her back, ‘fondness’ blooming brightly before he asks Midna, “can you send Epona to Castle Town? I’d rather not leave her alone out here.”

He’s mildly expecting a ‘sassy’ remark to be uttered by the woman but one does not come, the magic I can now identify as Twili swirling and encompassing Epona, whose aura quickly disappears.

Master Link then inhales deeply before discarding his cape and ascending a flight of stairs, pausing for a moment once he reaches their end… before moving forwards again.

“Uh, Link?” Midna calls uncertainly.

“We can’t hide from ghosts,” my master states bluntly, “so, let’s go in boldly!”

He is not incorrect in that statement, I note silently as Midna huffs with an air of what I believe to be feigned annoyance, her own side of the bond wavering with unease, which may be what lowered the wall between us.

As for Master Link… well, there is a boldness, a determination, that is highly similar to Masters Sky and Time… but the darkness was stirring as well.

I try to push against that darkness, registering a mixture of what I believe to be unease, fear and something heavier, something which feels similar to the roots of a weed, sunken deep into my master’s heart.

But then, they’re swept away by the Triforce of Courage as it flares to life, my sensors immediately swinging outwards to reveal the ground giving way beneath my master’s feet.

At the same time as he falls, two Stalfos appear, swords raised to strike, but Midna acts before they can.

Hair infused with magic wraps around my master’s right hand, swinging him away from the attack and holding him firmly as he draws my blade.

Power surges through the Master Sword, the Triforce of Courage eagerly adding its own, my blade slicing easily through the skeletal beings when we are swung back in their direction.

Midna then lowers Master Link back towards solid ground, right next to a massive sword, which is wrapped tightly with numerous ropes, wreathed in talismans.

Sealing magic emanates faintly from the talismans, but a surge of demonic energy snuffs out the former, thereby unleashing the monstrous wielder of the sword, whose roar echoes mightily off the stone walls.

There is the briefest flash of fear at the sight of the half reptilian, half human phantasm, alongside unease from my master…

…but those emotions are near instantaneously consumed by the dark cloud that hovers in my master’s heart, which seems to feed off both the Triforce of Courage… and the power of my own sword.

And just like that, fear and unease transform into pride and, perhaps, arrogance as Master Link calls out.

“Spirits of Arbiter’s Grounds, hear me! You shouldn’t be here… this is the world of the living. It’s not for you. Continue your journey to the great beyond!”

The phantom before us emits a hissing laugh, which is echoed by the remaining spirits that hover in the unseen realm before responding.

“How can we leave when our hate holds us here?” the phantom, Death Sword, questions, “we will linger until the Kingdom of Hyrule is destroyed!”

Master Link sighs, ‘arrogance’ growing on his side of the bond at an alarming rate, as he then states, “then hear my vow.

“I am the Brave One. And with this Master Sword,” Master Link continues, my blade rising so that the tip now points towards Death Sword, “I will strike down all who harm Hyrule!”

Death Sword snarls and lunges towards us, massive blade swinging downwards to strike, but Master Link lunges forwards as he cries, “begone!”

The Triforce of Courage hums with power, which flows directly into the Master Sword, power levels rising to incredible levels, nearly on par with that amidst the fight against Demise.

It flows circuitously between my blade, to Master Link, back to the Triforce of Courage, smashing into the form of Death Sword… laying him low with just one strike….

“Ohhh… it can’t be over!” Death Sword howls as its physical form begins to fade, “Regret! My king will yet… have his revenge upon Hyrule!”

“King?” Master Link repeats, “who is your king?”

Death Sword ignores my master’s question, instead its remaining energy sinks into the ground, numerous malevolent auras converging upon it, absorbing the remains and transforming into something new.

“This hate will… never disappear! It comes from the ancient past,” the phantom declares, even as its dwindling power and presence calls out to the other spirits, “every grain of desert sand…

“...and the bones of those who were slaughtered will gather,” the being continues, its magic twisting the sand and buried bones in question, a large mass rising before us, sand erupting outwards as a result, “to curse Hyrule!”

When the sand clears it reveals the skeletal form of what had once been a great reptilian beast, bearing massive horns, fangs and talons, its roar of challenge and rage shaking the ancient structure around us.

Master Link emits a yelp of alarm when a stream of dark miasma bursts from the beast’s mouth, immediately raising and kneeling behind his shield.

The shield in question proves itself a worthy successor of that crafted by the dragon Lanayru as it stands firm against the attack, although the force behind it proves strong enough to send Master Link sprawling.

“Link!” Midna cries from above as a skeletal hand, talons at the ready, comes hurtling towards us, “watch out!”

The Triforce of Courage pulses, power surging anew as Master Link rises into a crouch, then easily jumps through the gaps between the skeletal talons of our foe.

The attack had also caused the beast to lurch forwards, Master Link’s initial leap carrying him up and forwards enough to plant a foot on the beast’s snout.

Master Link then used that foothold to jump once more, rolling in the air, my sword clutched tightly in his hand.

Power is still surging from the Triforce of Courage into the Master Sword, to Master Link, and back into the Triforce, the holy object behaving in a manner that brings forth memories of Ganondorf at the end of his battle with Master Time.

But, of course, this is no time for such worries as, with this additional power, the Master Sword cuts through bone and malicious energies of our adversary as easily as cutting through paper, the resulting clash of demonic and holy powers creating an explosion, sending the bones flying outwards as they break and disintegrate.

Master Link lands in a neat crouch seconds later, astonishment jangling against our bond as he rises, gazing upon my blade with disbelief… with ‘rapture’...

…and then that smoldering darkness is detected anew as Master Link grins, swinging the sword outwards with a laugh that… honestly leaves me quite worried...

“Well… I did want to know how strong the Master Sword was!” Master Link chuckles, “it really is a sword to expel evil and protect Hyrule!”

…the way he is speaking at this moment… it is highly similar to Groose when he had first arrived upon the Surface…

“It’s even greater than I hoped!” Master Link continues, “with this, I can surely defeat Zant!”

“...yeah,” Midna replies, with nowhere near the same exuberance as my master.

In fact… I do believe I detect an uneasiness that mirrors my own in her tone… perhaps she can sense what I can? Can foresee possibilities of misfortune if this behavior remains unchecked?

Will you speak with him of this matter? Should I?

Neither of us is given a chance as a gate opens, drawing the attention of all in its direction.

Midna’s excitement rises alongside the gate as she surges forwards, calling out to Master Link as she does. “Let’s go, Link! I feel… the Mirror of Twilight! Right through there!”

With that, we’re racing forwards, Master Link’s excitement and anticipation, buzzing against the bond, fueled by Midna’s own.

“Look!” Midna cries after we emerge from the temple, her excitement now palpable as she rushes towards what I assume to be the mirror we seek.

But then she emits a gasp of obvious shock, before crying out, “No! Damn you, Zant! What have you done?!”

Alarmed, Master Link rushes forwards, while I extend my sensors outwards to appraise the situation myself.

I then immediately find the reason for Midna’s distress and growing despair… for there, glowing faintly under the light of the desert moon is a frame… and only a shard remaining of the mirror we’d sought.

“It can’t be!” Midna cries as she falls to the ground, “I finally made it, but…”

“Midna…” Master Link murmurs sympathetically, though the distressed woman doesn’t appear to hear him, as she begins to cry.

“If this mirror is broken,” she sobs, her voice shaking in growing anguish, “I can’t get back to the Twilight Realm! Our quest is over!”

“It is not over yet,” a new voice suddenly interjects, new auras alighting around us seconds later.

I immediately recognize the unique magics belonging to those who are known as Sages… though, of course, not the individuals Master Time had awakened amidst his quest.

Odd that I do not sense Rauru, though, I mused as I scanned the spiritual entities, their forms far different than those seen in the alternate timeline.

Where before, the sages had retained the image of their usual forms, albeit more phantasmal than physical… these individuals were near identical in their physical attributes.

All bore resemblance to Hylian men, yet also bore near statuesque features in their ethereal form, their faces akin to masks floating a millimeter away from their heads.

“An evil demon lurks in the Twilight,” one of the sages announces, drawing Master Link’s and Midna’s gazes upwards, where the ethereal beings stand atop the pillars bearing the symbols of their elements, which encircle the area we stand in.  “It houses an evil power…"

“You who have the crest,” the sage bearing the mark of fire calls out, "led by fate and chosen by gods… we are the sages."

“Since ancient times, we’ve obeyed the command of the goddesses and guarded the Mirror of Twilight,” the sage bearing Rauru’s mark adds next.

“You seek it,” the Sage of Forest correctly states, “but the mirror of Twilight has been fragmented by mighty magic.”

“That dark power,” the Sage of Spirit declares, “belongs to a certain entity. And that being’s name…"

“...is Ganondorf….”

Chapter Text

A bandit leader once attacked Hyrule in hopes of controlling the Sacred Realm.

People called him the demon thief… a wielder of inhuman strength and magic power renowned for his ruthlessness…

The gods must be capricious… for, in a divine prank… he possessed the same powers the gods usually grant to their chosen ones.

He did, however, have one glaring weakness… the hubris of one who does not respect the danger of his own power.

This rendered him blind…

In all his fury and might, he was blind to any danger, and thus was he exposed, subdued and brought to justice.

After weakening his power via a blade infused with our sacred energy, gifted by the gods… we, by order of the reigning king of Hyrule… banished Ganondorf to the Twilight Realm.

“But… how can this be?” Master Link inquires once the Sages reach the end of their tale.

“The Demon Thief is evil, but he bears the same mark… that Princess Zelda and I do.”

“The Triforce is pure power. It does not distinguish between good and evil.”

“Each person who gains the Triforce can decide how to put it to use.”

Yes, but only if they possess the balance achieved by Master Sky, I silently correct, otherwise, it appears the Triforce shall split, such as it had amidst Master Time’s quest…

…in fact, perhaps that is the true reason why Ganondorf still possesses the Triforce of Power… and why both Master Link and the current Princess Zelda were born with the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom respectively…

…perhaps, despite the return to the past… the Triforce still remained split between the holders of that separated timeline? Remained attached to not only Master Time… but also the Zelda and Ganondorf of this timeline as well?

This line of conjecture is cut short as the Sages begin speaking once more, ethereal voices now shaking with emotion.

“Ganondorf’s abiding hatred and greed … his lust for power… became manifest… turned to purest malice…”

“Perhaps that evil power has been passed on to Zant…”

“It does us no good to know the source of Zant’s power!” Midna suddenly cries, anger and ‘despair’ evident in her voice, “it’s… it’s far too late to…”

“The Mirror of Twilight is not gone,” the sages are quick to contradict, “the only one who can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight is… the leader of the tribe recognized by the Twili.”

“Zant was only able to break it into pieces… once broken by magic, the Mirror of Twilight became fragments… which even now lie hidden in various lands of Hyrule.”

This new information given by the sages has both Master Link and Midna ‘perking up’ and giving their full attention to the following information.

“One is in a mountain of deep snow…”

“...another is inside an ancient forest grove…”

“...and the final piece… is in the heavenly sky…”

“Worthy servant of the gods… you must collect these three shards.”

Midna comes to hover next to Master Link, the two exchanging a look, then a nod alongside confident smiles, before slipping into more ‘stoic’ expressions as Master Link addresses the sages.

“I will find them!” he declares confidently, “and then I’ll reveal the true power of the Triforce!”

The sages regard my master with solemnity for a moment before nodding their acknowledgement, issuing one last warning as their forms begin to fade.

“You must go. But take care. The shards’ magic is powerful.”

“Mortals from the world of light… must not touch them.”

“If you do, then terrible forces… will possess you!”

And with that, it is only the three of us, standing in silence until Master Link poses a question to Midna.

“Midna, did you know it was Ganondorf?”

“No,” Midna replies, her tone troubled, “we know that the world of light sometimes befouls our land… but Ganondorf’s punishment was long ago. No one in the Twilight Realm knows his name.”

She then emits a contemplative hum, “his taint has possessed Zant… maybe that’s why he changed so suddenly. That would explain a lot.”

“I still don’t quite get it,” Master Link mumbles, “the Triforce is the power of the gods. Why would the gods not make a distinction between good and evil?! Why give the Demon Thief the Triforce?”

Midna, of course, does not answer… even I cannot give a conclusive answer... even with the added knowledge of the future that never came to pass in this timeline.

“Ganondorf,” Master Link murmurs, the sound of his voice drawing me away from my inner musings to instead focus on his own, as he repeats our enemy’s name in his mind.

“Ganondorf…

“That name echoes in my head. It gnaws at me… like something is awakening inside me. What is this restless feeling?

“I must fight Ganondorf… and I must not fail to defeat him.”

That last thought was filled with conviction and determination, but is quickly followed by confusion, Master Link faltering as a result, as proven by the next batch of thoughts.

“Why do I think that? Where is this fighting spirit coming from?

“The second I heard that name… I immediately wanted to draw my sword. What is this?

“I don’t understand… what is happening to me. I’m being prodded by mysterious events and feelings.”

Unease and fear begin sizzling against the bond before Master Link closes his eyes and inhales deeply.

“Stay calm.

“Move cautiously and remain vigilant.”

The Triforce of Courage pulses gently as my master’s line of thought drifts towards it, then my sword.

“I have the Triforce and Master Sword.

“Princess Zelda told me… to trust what I’ve learned and fulfill my mission.

“I’ve followed my guides. That’s all I can do.

“I’m sure that will lead me… to an answer!”

…that was certainly true… and it has always been my duty to be one of those guides, to the best of my abilities… however…

The darkness that dwelt on the outer reaches of Master Link’s consciousness… the odd fluctuations of power from both my blade and the Triforce… this newest reaction to Ganondorf’s name...

Could it be a result of the reincarnation cycle? Has he somehow tapped into Master Time’s memories… to Master Sky’s?

And if so… would that help or hinder?

Only a third of the Triforce, yet possessing pure power nonetheless… that does not distinguish between good and evil…

A power that may not care for what will aid or harm its holder…

“Hey! Quit staring off into space already!” Midna snaps, bringing both my and Master Link’s attention her way, an impatient scowl on her face, “we don’t have time to dawdle! We need to return the mirror to its original state without delay!”

“Do you have an idea of where we’re going, then?” Master Link asks in a teasing tone, easily and quickly leading into light banter between the two.

…is this a sign that all shall be well, as long as Midna remains by my master’s side?

… or is this simply the calm before the storm… as the Triforce and that strange darkness hum in the outer reaches of the mind…

Chapter Text

After consulting a map of Hyrule to locate a ‘mountain of deep snow’, it is decided that our next destination is to be Snowpeak, a mountain that is located in the northernmost region of Hyrule.

Master Link sighs and expresses clear dread regarding the act of traveling to the area in question… until Midna emits a ‘mischievous’ laugh as her magic swirls.

“Oh, don’t worry, I think I have an easy way of getting us there,” she says at the same time she withdraws a certain object, its own magic flaring and mixing with Midna’s.

Given her words and with no signs of danger, I allow the magics to encompass Master Link and myself, my master yelping as everything goes black, then collapses into particles.

…it is… mildly similar to how Ghirahim had teleported Master Sky and I, whilst in the Fire Sanctuary… though Midna’s magic is far less disconcerting and the transitioning a tad more pleasant… even if I find myself in a strange state of being as my master’s form shifts in response to the magic that had swept over us.

A careful deployment of dowsing allows me to ‘see’ as we ‘land’ in an area of rock and snow, my master once again in wolf form, to his surprise.

“I can’t believe I’m a wolf again!” he exclaims, his voice sounding muffled from the… I suppose the best way to explain it would be… the ‘bubble’ I find myself in.

“It’s the magic crystal!” Midna, sitting upon my master's back, chuckles, the crystal in question, that which I had extracted from Master Link when we had first met, hovering above her finger.

“This thing’s powerful!” she notes as she studies it, red/gold eye gleaming with intrigue.

“Consider it Zant’s parting gift,” she continues with a shrug and a smirk, “it’ll let you easily shift between human and wolf. Only with my help though.”

“Anytime?” Master Link repeats with clear interest, “really?”

“Sure. You wanna be human again?”

Foolishly, Master Link voices his affirmation and soon, he is shifting back into his human form, the ‘bubble’ I had been enclosed within dissolving alongside his wolf form.

“It’s really true. Wow!” my master exclaims in amazement.

…which lasts an exact two seconds before the frigid temperatures register and he begins shivering violently, arms wrapping around himself in a futile attempt to fight against the cold.

“It’s freezing!” he nearly screeches, “make me a wolf again! Hurry!”

Midna is already laughing at this point, but does as requested, Master Link’s thoughts filling with newfound appreciation for fur…

…until a howl, separate from that of the wind, is registered.

“Did you just hear something?” he inquires of Midna, as I endeavor to deploy my sensors further outwards, “like the cry of a beast…”

“No,” is Midna’s reply as her gaze sweeps around the area, “I doubt anything’s alive in this frozen place.”

She then shivers before declaring, “it’s cold, so I’m gonna hang out in your shadow.”

Master Link murmurs his understanding before sweeping his gaze about the area himself.

“Yeah, you’re probably right Midna,” he says, picking up the conversation from earlier… just as a new presence is detected by my sensors, “it’d have to be a Yeti…”

“Master, to your right!” I cry… just as the large creature is spotted by Master Link himself, his surprise slowing his reaction time…

...and thus, leaving him unable to escape as the creature’s large hand looms over us.

So, this is a Yeti, I observed as I analyzed the six foot, bipedal creature, the legends of the land slowly filtering into my databanks, the creature humming quite cheerily as it dragged my unconscious wolf master along.

Covered in white fur that worked as perfect camouflage within the snowy environment, everything about the creature was large and suitable for intimidation purposes… from the tail that looked to be capable of bludgeoning prey… hands and feet big and strong enough to scale the mountainside, if not encumbered by my master and the fish in his hands… and equally large fangs that were on full display, even when his mouth was closed.

Midna and I, of course, had been alarmed by the Yeti’s appearance and assault upon Master Link… but, with the snow still raging around us and the unknown variables of the creature that had captured us, there was little either of us could do at this point.

“Today…was a good catch!” the Yeti exclaims happily… just as we reach an area where the afternoon sun shines down, unencumbered by the previous blizzard… and Master Link begins to regain consciousness.

With his stirring Midna is quick to shift Master Link into his human form and, while still quite groggy, my master is equally quick to switch his leg for a stick as he slips free from his captor.

Said captor, however, immediately realizes something is amiss, coming to a halt as he peers over his shoulder with a curious hum.

Curiosity that quickly turns to shock as his gaze lands on the stick in his hand, then bewilderment as his large head, which is adorned with a horse saddle for a hat, swivels from left to right.

“Huh?! What just happened?!” the yeti cries at the same time Master Link emits a pained groan, rubbing his own head as he moves into a sitting position.

Eventually, the two catch each other’s gazes, human and Yeti both gaping at each other in clear astonishment, disbelief quick to follow for Master Link as he realizes that he truly is in the presence of the fabled Yeti he’d spoken of in jest.

“Whuh?! You’re human!” the fabled creature exclaims. “You scared me. Where did you come from?

“And where’d the green wolf go?” the yeti continues before Master Link can answer, “I was holding him but…? Weird! “It’s strange to see a human out here,” the creature then states, once again switching topics, Master Link flinching as the yeti looms over him, big eyes filled with curiosity.

“Hunters rarely come. Why are you here?

“Are you,” the yeti begins to ask, one large finger pointing at Master Link and large eyes squinting at him, “on a journey of… self-discovery?”

This yeti talks a lot! Master Link inwardly cringes, while aloud he states, “yeah… that’s it.”

The result of his response is the yeti bursting into raucous laughter, what was most likely meant to be a light-hearted slap on the back sending my master tumbling into the snow as the creature chortles, “oh, you kids!

“It’s a cold world out there! You gotta learn to trust folks,” the yeti exclaims. “One more time. Try telling the truth!”

Master Link spits out the snow that managed to make its way into his mouth as he breaks free from the powdery substance, emitting a mildly ‘disgruntled’ sigh before amending his previous statement.

“Actually, I’m looking for something.”

“Looking for something?” the yeti repeats, “like… a mirror shard?”

My master startles at the unexpected mentioning of the item we sought, though the yeti seems not to notice as he continues.

“If so, you’re lucky! I found a shiny object… like a mirror.”

The yeti then waves his hand northward, “come to my house and see. Stay for dinner.”

This is too good to be true, Master Link can’t help but think, wariness setting in, but I gotta check it out. Let’s go.

“Don’t worry, I’m with you!” Midna calls out, voicing my own thoughts as we set off.

In the interest of preserving energy, I elect to withdraw the sensors that allowed sight of the outside at this point in time, as it seemed unlikely to be needed with our new guide.

The next few minutes then finds us traveling in relative silence, until Master Link finally ventures to ask, “um… are you a yeti?”

“I’m called Yeto!” the yeti laughs goodnaturedly, “and you?”

“I’m Link,” my master replies, to which Yeto responds with a hum, before announcing, “look there, Link… that’s my house!”

Surprise is quick to bloom from Master Link, instigating curiosity on my part and thus, prompting me to briefly cast my vision outward again…  just long enough to reveal a large mansion, made of fine stonework, standing before us.

A yeti lives in such a magnificent house? Master Link can’t help but marvel as he follows Yeto into the structure.

“Heya! I’m home!” Yeto calls out as we enter the abode, his aura beginning to move away from us, but stopping as Master Link puts forth a question.

“Is this really your house?”

“Yeah,” Yeto replies, his tone full of innocence as he adds, “no one was living here, so I made it my house. It’s huge and totally awesome!”

I knew it! A vacant house, Master Link concludes silently as we continue following along behind our host. I wonder who lived here before?

“Hey, Yeta!” our guide calls excitedly, bringing my master’s attention back towards him…

…just as my sensors come alive… as a familiar aura is detected, if only faintly… prompting me to cast my vision fully outwards, diverting 70% of my power into both sight and aura analysis.

“Welcome home, dear! I was worried,” a soft voice calls, its owner another yeti, of the female variety, her form much smaller and rounder than her counterpart’s, “it’s getting late.”

“How do you feel, Yeta?” Yeto inquires as he moves to stand next to the newly identified Yeta where she sits by a lit fireplace. “I caught a fish. I’ll make you some soup.”

“Thank you. I’m fine,” Yeta replies with a smile before eagerly leaning into Yeto’s embrace as he loops an arm around her.

“You shouldn’t wander out too far on my account,” Yeta sighs as her cheek nuzzles against Yeto’s side, “I can’t walk the way I used to… so I can’t go after you. I worry about you.”

“Don’t fret. I’d go to the ends of the earth for you,” Yeto declares.

“But I’m saying don’t!” Yeta huffs, her face scrunching up with what I believe to be ‘exasperation’.

It’s quick to relax into something much happier, though, as Yeto hugs and nuzzles against her head while declaring, “I love you.”

“I love you too, dear,” Yeta laughs as she leans into Yeto’s ministrations, until she finally notices my master, who was still standing by the door.

“What an adorable visitor!” she exclaims, which causes Master Link’s hand to rise and rub the back of his head in a familiar fashion, a light flush coloring his face pink.

“Hi there,” he greets while bowing his head respectfully, “pardon my intrusion.”

“This guy, um,” Yeto chimes in, albeit in a clearly nervous fashion, “he wants to see the mirror.”

“What?!” Yeta cries, immediately growing uneasy and relctant, “but… you gave that to me.”

“But you immediately fell ill and monsters started appearing,” Yeto argues gently, “those aren’t good things.”

“No!” Yeta suddenly yells, my sensors ringing as the aura I had detected earlier grows stronger, “that mirror… is important to us!”

So, it really is as expected, I conclude, immediately withdrawing my sensors to begin initiating various programs to enhance purification abilities, in preparation for worst case scenarios.

As I do this Master Link speaks up in the hopes of aiding to calm Yeta, “uh, ma’am? You don’t need to give it to me… I just want to see it.”

“See? He just wants to look,” Yeto quickly reassures in turn, “don’t worry.”

“Well,” Yeta murmurs, still uncertain but clearly calmed by the reassurances as she finally relents, “if it’s just a look.”

She then grows far more cheerful and energetic as she adds, “it really is wonderful! Go on! Have a look!

“I locked the mirror in a bedroom on the third floor,” she continues until a coughing fit suddenly overtakes her, causing her soft voice to grow even fainter, “but since I got sick my mind has been foggy.”

Her brow furrows in thought and humming is heard, briefly, before she adds, “I can’t seem to remember where I put the key. Umm…”

Two minutes pass with Yeta only emitting small and rather nonsensical mutterings, in between bouts of coughing, before Yeto cuts in.

“I’ll start on the soup,” he declares, just as his aura begins slowly moving away, “you’ll remember soon, dear.”

“Yes,” Yeta sighs, exhaustion tugging at her voice, “I’ll try to.”

“C’mon, Link,” Yeto calls, startling my master, though he is still quick to follow the male Yeti, thus leading me to slow and decrease power to the purification programs as we move away from the strange aura.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of the potential danger, ‘fondness’ had begun to hum against our bond as Master Link had watched the Yeti couple interact, a small chuckle leaving his lips as a result.

They really are a cute couple, his thoughts hum pleasantly, so sweet and caring.

‘Nostalgia’ is then quick to join, as his thoughts turn to the Rusl individual and his wife, Uli, causing him to hum as he notes comparisons between the Ordonian and Yeti couples.

Wonderings over the Uli individual’s health and the process of the woman’s pregnancy are put on hold, however, as Yeto suddenly emits a heavy sigh.

“My wife looked pale, right?” the Yeti inquires with clear worry. “She’s been ill since I found the mirror… She keeps getting weaker.”

‘Concern’ blooms from Master Link, alongside the correct suspicion that the mirror Yeto had found was, indeed, one of the shards of the Mirror of Twilight, the aura of which I’d detected draped over Yeta, like a shroud... and thus, was likely the cause of her illness.

Yeto himself is still speaking as this occurs, “that’s why I’m making her soup. The fish from the Zora Village are nutritious!”

Then, suddenly, the sound of sniffling can be heard, the yeti’s voice beginning to waver.

“It’s my fault Yeta got sick,” Yeto sobs, “if I hadn’t picked up that mirror…! But she loves it because it’s from me. What have I done?”

‘Sympathy’ is quick to form from Master Link, whose voice grows soft and encouraging as he says, “Yeto, hurry and finish making the soup. It’s sure to help her.”

There’s a short period of loud sniffling before Yeto speaks again, “it’s too bad…

“...they say wolf meat is healing… so I wanted to give Yeta some. How did that wolf get away?”

A shudder travels down my master’s spine at those words, driving him to make an excuse to leave the room as quickly as possible.

“I almost got cooked in his soup! Yikes!” Master Link hisses.

“Heh heh! Game over!” Midna laughs ‘dryly’, before adding in her usual tone, “let’s go to the third floor. I can open the lock. We should get the shard away from his wife quickly.”

Master Link agrees and we set off, steadily moving closer to the aura of the Mirror of Twilight, only stopping when something catches my master’s attention.

“It’s… a picture of Hyrule Castle?” he notes, ‘curiosity’ stirring, then growing stronger as we move to another room…

…which I only give 50% of my attention to… as a new aura is faintly detected… but only briefly, disappearing just as I try to pinpoint its identity and location.

“Is this… an armory?” Master Link wonders in the meantime, “there are a bunch of spears… there’s even a cannon.

“Was this the home of someone connected to the castle?” he hums… just as a figure, cloaked in white fur and bearing a distorted visage of the yetis, swoops down upon us.

Thankfully, Master Link was able to detect the new presence at the same time as I, thus managing to block the incoming strike of the individual, the clashing of metal ringing out as the swords meet.

She managed to get this close to us with only a brief moment of revealing her aura?! Even her bloodlust was hidden until the last minute!

Truly, this was a formidable individual… one that, fortunately, is an ally, which she is quick to realize, as proven by the fact she calls out my master’s name, once recognition dawned and their weapons disengaged.

Said calling of his name had surprised my master, confusion and suspicion buzzing strongly against our bond until the woman’s yeti-like head covering was removed.

“Ashei?!”

Ashei nods, then tilts her head to the side, “sorry about that. I thought you were a looter.”

“That’s okay,” Master Link sighs as his body slowly begins to relax, “dressed like that, I thought you were a monster.”

The woman huffs out a brief laugh before her expression morphs into something more analytical, “I’m surprised you easily blocked my attack!

“I once wondered how good you were,” she hums, eyes and tone now colored with a warrior’s intrigue and respect, “now I see you’re really skilled!”

“You too,” Master Link replies as he sheathes the sword, his tone mirroring Ashei’s as he does.

“That was a great strike,” he adds, still in much the same tone… yet, the darkness I’d felt before pulses, briefly. “If I had been a hair slower… you’d have gutted me.”

This results in another huffing laugh from Ashei, Master Link’s own laughter quick to join.

With no further threat of possible danger, I withdraw my sensors anew, as we then naturally wander away from the armory, Master Link speaking up some time later, “why are you here, Ashei?”

“This is my house,” she replies, casually.

“What?!” Master Link exclaims in understandable surprise.

“Well, it was my house,” Ashei amends.

“I lived here when I was young,” she begins to explain, “I learned fighting and strategy from my father… who was a knight.

“I was in the area… while investigating the strange happenings throughout Hyrule, for the resistance… so I came to my old house and thought… I’d found a thief,” she laughs. “It’s been empty a long time, but…”

“...it seems there are still residents,” Master Link ventures to remark, after Ashei neglected to add anything further.

“I know the yeti couple are living here,” Ashei states. “They’re harmless, so I leave them be.

“But… what are you doing here, Link?”

“Uhh,” is my master’s regrettable beginning in his answer to Ashei’s question, “I’m also… investigating.”

“Did you climb this far in those clothes?!” Ashei exclaims, her tone far sharper now, leading to my master growing alarmed and flustered.

“Umm… well…” is all the answer his scrambling mind can produce at this point.

Which is why the growing suspicion in Ashei’s voice is no surprise at all as she states, “something’s not right.

“What is it you know?” she then asks, her tone suddenly taking on a likeness to Ghirahim’s, nearly sweet, but dripping with venomous warning, as her aura presses close to Master Link.

“What do I…?”

“I’ve wondered that ever since we met at the tavern,” Ashei reveals,” you hint that only you know some important thing.

“I don’t like such arrogance. Why won't you tell us?” she nearly growls. “You may fool that idiot Shad, but you can’t fool me.”

‘Unease’ grows at those words, both from Master Link… and myself, more memories of Ghirahim bubbling to the surface of my mind… though her next words help to ease growing worries… well, for me, at least.

“It’s so condescending to say you ‘don’t want to endanger regular people’!” Ashei snaps. “I’m not just anyone! I’m a member of the knights of Hyrule!

“I want to know the identity of the evil that’s invading Hyrule!”

Master Link remains silent for a moment after her outcry, emotions swirling, before he emits a small noise of guilt.

“I’m sorry, Ashei. I didn’t mean to insult you,” Master Link states with earnest sincerity. “I’ll tell you what I know.”

Unfortunately, before he can do so, Yeta’s voice calls out, the small yeti padding towards us, her cheerful voice the strongest it’s ever been.

“I remember where the key to the bedroom is!” she declares, “I feel better after eating Yeto’s soup. This way! I’ll show you the mirror!”

Master Link sputters in bewilderment, before directing an apology towards Ashei.

“I’ll explain later!” he promises, before hurrying after Yeta.

…I, meanwhile… have already restarted activating purification enhancement protocols… as the yeti’s aura, upon our reunion… had grown even further entangled with that of the Mirror of Twilight.

“Come in. It’s over here,” Yeta calls, her small form tottering into a well- furnished bedroom of relative size.

I do not bother to take note of the decor, barring the two suits of armor, that resides in the room… as the aura of the Mirror Shard… and the evil energy seeping out of it… is of far more importance.

“See? Here it is!” Yeta exclaims, the happiness in her voice… tinged with something dangerous.

“Isn’t it a lovely mirror?” she hums and sighs as my master approaches her cautiously, “so pretty… ever since Yeto brought it home… I can’t stop looking at it.”

“Yeta, you shouldn’t get so close to this mirror!” Master Link cries, ‘worried’, as he pulls Yeta away from the item in question.

This is the incorrect thing to do, as Yeta’s face goes blank, the evil energy of the mirror clearly affecting her mind, which is further proven by her next words.

“You! I knew it!” she hisses, “you were lying! You want to take my mirror!”

“No, I–!” Master Link tries to deny, before Ashei, who had been following after us at a slower pace, unfortunately calls out.

“What are you doing?”

“A woman!” Yeta screeches, voice wavering from a high to low pitch as the corrupted magic of the mirror truly begins to awaken and affect the yeti, “who are you?! Tell me!

“M-my m-mirror,” Yeta hisses, the evil energies flowing steadily now, “you… you’ve come to steal it!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ashei states bluntly, confusion and wariness lightly coloring her tone, “I don’t want your mirror.”

“That’s a lie!” Yeta spits, voice still pitching erratically from higher to lower vocal tones as her body begins to shake, “you greedy woman! My mirror… you want to take it!”

Before either Ashei or Master Link can say anything further, the yeti suddenly lurches forwards with a scream.

“Yeta?!” Master Link gasps, but the yeti does not hear him, her head shaking from left to right, the rest of her body convulsing.

As this occurs, the lighting in the room begins to dim, casting Yeta’s face in shadow as she looks over her shoulder, briefly, in our direction… before turning around, curling in on herself…

“YOU CAN’T HAVE MY MIRROR!” she roars, face contorted with rage, jagged fangs now filling her mouth and previously gentle, blizzard blue eyes burning a malicious red.

Both Master Link and Ashei recoil in response to the abrupt transformation, all of us watching, transfixed, as the little yeti begins to float, alongside the mirror shard.

“This… mirror…” Yeta groans as she and the mirror in question begin drifting towards each other, “...is… mine!”

With that declaration, the windows of the room are shattered, snow and ice, infused with the Mirror’s magic, surging in from the new openings.

They quickly encapsulate Yeta and the Mirror Shard, before flowing outwards to encase the entire room with ice, snowy winds still blowing, wrapping around the suits of armor and transforming them.

“Darknut warriors,” Yeta’s distorted voice calls from the icy mass, “destroy the humans! Smash them!”

“Yeta turned into a monster!” Master Link exclaims, “is that what the Mirror of Twilight does?”

He then gasps in pained shock as the blizzard fully turns its wrath upon us, immediately affecting his exposed skin, his current attire providing no real protection for the rest of his body, either.

“M-Midna, turn me… into a wolf—”

“No! Ashei would see!” Midna snaps.

“B-but… i-it’s so… cold!”

I am about to interject and argue about how much prioritizing the secret of the wolf form was of lesser importance than preserving Master Link's life at this point in time...

...especially as one of the Darknuts readied itself to attack, Master Link’s reflexes too impaired by the chill to move into defensive maneuvers…

…when Ashei surged forwards, displaying her high level of skill anew as she managed to take down both Darknuts with one strike each.

Once she confirms their destruction she then moves to my master’s side, removing one of the furs she wears and draping it over Master Link.

“It’s so warm!” Master Link exclaims, apparently regaining his senses thanks to the warmth in question, quickly moving to properly secure the garment.

“I know!” Ashei chuckles, even as she keeps one eye on our remaining opponent. “It’s the pelt of a beast from Snowpeak. Wearing one will protect you well below freezing. And they’re twice as effective if you double them up!

“...though, I don’t know how effective they’ll be if that thing keeps lowering the temperature,” she adds, turning attention back towards the Twilit ice mass, “nor if our swords will be able to cut through this enemy.”

Indeed… even my own sword would not be able to break through the current thickness this enchanted ice possesses, I note, unfortunate that the previous efforts to enhance purification abilities appears to have been for naught….

“Why are you still moving?” the transformed Yeta cries, interrupting any further musings, “hurry up and freeze!”

“Let’s try these things!” Master Link suddenly suggests, as he takes up one of the abandoned ball and chain weapons left behind by the Darknuts, “they might be able to smash through the ice!

“Strike together!” he cries as he begins spinning the weapon over his head.

Ashei quickly does the same, the two of them allowing speed and momentum to grow, then letting the metal balls fly the second an opening is spotted.

The weapons crash into the ice mass, the combined force shattering the icy barriers to reveal the possessed Yeta.

“She’s weak,” Ashei remarks, clearly unimpressed that the battle had concluded so quickly, as the small yeti writhes from where she hovers in the air.

The assimilation between Yeta and the mirror was incomplete, likely hindered by Yeto’s efforts to separate the two, as well as our own, quick response to the threat, I quietly hypothesize.

“She was so cute before!” Master Link sighs, worry for Yeta still strong…

…until such time the Mirror Shard materializes over the yeti’s head… then drops towards the ground at a fast pace.

The mirror! It’s falling!! Master Link gasps inwardly, panic blooming and prompting him to start running towards the plummeting mirror, if it breaks again… if it shatters… I’ll never find all the pieces!

“Master, no!” I cry desperately, “the mirror is not so fragile to break from such a fall! Master Link, STOP!!!”

But it’s already too late as my master dives forwards, hand outstretched, fingerless leather glove a nonexistent defense against the evil magic reaching towards him, even as I activate my own magic, rushing to try and intercept–!

Hair infused with magic sweeps in mere seconds before Master Link and the Mirror Shard make contact, silencing that of the shard’s as Midna draws back into its usual, short braid, breathing raggedly.

My master thus lands safely, my own defensive magics deactivating with the danger now gone…

...well, the dangers from the mirror itself, at least.

“Midna!” Master Link cries as he lifts himself into a sitting position, “w–”

“You idiot!” Midna bellows, her fury unmistakable as she unleashes it upon my master, “don’t try to grab it!

“Do you want to end up like Yeta?!” she hisses. “The Sages said that only the leader of the Twili can break the mirror! A simple fall wouldn’t shatter it!”

My master’s emotions spin and swirl as this happens, that darkness from before quivering at the end as Midna then spits, “don’t get too cocky, kid! You have no idea how awful the mirror is!”

...the darkness within my master's heart... that which has been persistently appearing, ever since he'd drawn my blade... detects and latches onto Master Link's growing ‘indignance’... the Triforce pulsing in response as ‘anger’ begins to burn—

“Yeta?!” the shocked voice of Yeto suddenly cries, drawing the attention of all to where he stands in the doorway of the bedroom, gazing at the prone form of his wife, on the floor, in horror.

Ashei, wisely, had retreated to the far corner of the room, but Master Link was not so fortunate… thus getting slapped aside, quite forcefully, as the panicked husband rushed towards his wife.

Thankfully, Yeta regains consciousness quickly, though her voice is still rather weak as she inquires, “h-honey… w-what was I doing?”

“Don’t worry,” Yeto rumbles soothingly, “it was just a nightmare.”

Yeta makes a noise of confusion, then alarm, “my lovely mirror! The gift you gave me…”

By this time, Master Link is carefully climbing back onto his feet, he and Midna gazing upon the yeti couple with slight ‘nervousness’.

Which proves unnecessary, as Yeto shakes his head, “it’s all right. Look into my big eyes instead. See your beautiful face reflected there.

“We don’t need… that mirror anymore.”

With that declaration and the following displays of love, any worries of the yetis demanding the return of the Mirror Shard vanish… as does any remaining anger from both Midna and my master.

“Sorry for yelling, Link,” Midna murmured, “I didn’t mean to insult you.”

“I know,” Master Link huffs in a fond tone, “you were only trying to help me.

“Let’s hurry and get the other shards,” he adds, determination now in his voice, “before anyone else gets hurt.”

“Actually… I’ll go look for the shards,” Midna interjects, ‘shocking’ Master Link, “I think we should split up for a while.”

‘Disbelief’ and ‘confusion’ jangle against the bond… which then, alarmingly... become consumed by that dark cloud… which grows as Midna voices her (valid) concerns.

“The Mirror of Twilight is more dangerous than I thought for people in the world of light. While rooting around searching for the shards… you could accidentally touch the mirror.

“I don’t know what might happen… if you did,” she murmurs, softly. “If you got hurt… due to my mistakes… I don’t think I could live with it.”

“Midna, you’re thinking about this all wrong,” Master Link interjects… in a tone that… that I had never expected to hear… not from my master… not from one who inherited Master Sky’s spirit.

“Of course I value your advice,” Master Link says in a dismissive (dismissive?!) tone, “but I’m not who I was before!

“Now I have the power… to defeat shadow, Darkness and Twilight,” he declares… his tone similar to Groose, when he was certain he was the superior ‘hero’.

No… perhaps worse than Groose had been… a certain golden light beginning to shine… insidiously.

“The gods chose me… and I accepted their call!” Master Link declares… the hand wrapping around the hilt of my blade… lacking any of the… the warmth and comfort that had always been present, since the time of Master Sky.

“I bear the Mark of the Triforce on my hand,” Master Link proclaims, the matching mark on my blade pulsing in time with that of which he spoke, “so I can help people and try to defeat evil! And…

“...with this sword in my hand,” he cries as he pulls the sword in question free of its scabbard, brandishing it before him, “that’s precisely what I’m going to do!”

…something has gone wrong, I find myself… ‘fretting’... as the Triforce of Courage hums… and the Flames of the Goddesses stir…

Chapter Text

“For the first time I feel… like I’m overflowing with incredible power,” Master Link states, voice dripping with ‘rapture’.

“I feel like I couldn’t lose to any opponent!” he laughs… he laughs in a manner that has a figure in white flashing through my memory. “It’s like I’ve found my reason for being!

“I no longer feel… that nagging inferiority, like I’m being chased,” he nearly growls… before that awful laugh rings out again.

“I’m in peak condition!” he exclaims. “This doesn’t happen often! Just training doesn’t give that feeling!”

“Yes… you’re right,” Midna replies… though her voice sounds far more uncertain… and uneasy.

“Please, speak to him!” I try to request, tugging on the faint bond between Midna and I, but Master Link begins speaking again first.

“I have to use this opportunity… to utterly crush Zant! Right now, while I can.

“So don’t change things up,” Master Link continues… tone now bringing forth memories of Groose, when first interacting with the elderly Impa… the behavior that had Master Sky warning him of Henya ‘having Groose’s hide’. “Let’s collect all the shards so you can get me to the Twilight…

“...Realm…?” Master Link falters as a new presence suddenly materializes, a Stalfos emerging from the shadows, sword and shield rising as it growls.

But Master Link is quicker in action, the power of the Triforce now throbbing unpleasantly as it courses through my blade… which cuts the Stalfos down with a single strike.

“Guess we missed one,” Master Link scoffed as the remains of our enemy clatter onto the floor below.

His voice is the coldest it's ever been and that, it seems, is what finally prompts Midna to speak up.

“Link, this isn’t right!” she cries, “can’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?!” Master Link demands to know.

“Your overconfidence. Your pride,” Midna replies, aiding in identifying part of what I had, indeed, been feeling from Master Link.

“You’re not perfect. In fact, you’re in real danger!” Midna correctly informs my master. “Your attitude… your approach to this mission has completely changed….”

There is a moment of silence… and then the Triforce of Courage pulses… and Master Link sighs.

“Of course it has,” is how he begins his reply. “An average person couldn’t handle this. It requires someone chosen by the gods themselves!”

…any protest I might have made against this statement… is quickly forgotten… as the Flames of the Goddesses stir once more… Wisdom burning the hottest.

“I must throw off the person I was so I can become,” I hear Master Link saying, even as I run diagnostics, trying to ascertain what is happening with the flames, “the Hero of all Hyrule!”

“Listen to you! Talking about how powerful you are… how the gods chose you!” Midna cries, anger now laced in her voice.

“You’re all puffed up with your own importance… drunk on your own pride! Does that sound like a hero? Wake up!”

There is another moment of silence… and I dare to hope that Midna’s words are having some effect… but it is quickly dashed.

“I’ve changed because I woke up,” Master Link states, again in that cold tone. “Everything we’ve done has led me here.

“Don’t worry. I will not fail my mission.”

Wisdom is burning, the Flames of Power and Courage beginning to crackle alongside, as silence descends upon us anew.

“You’re not hearing a thing I’m saying,” Midna growls in clear frustration. “And if you won’t listen… then I won’t be your guide anymore until you come to your senses.”

Master Link startles at those words, as do I, alarm building as familiar Twili magic begins to swirl.

“You’ll have lots of time alone… to think about what’s really important… and what a fool you’re being!”

A regalness has entered Midna’s voice at this point, the dark magic that always encases her form briefly overwhelmed by a surge of her Twili magic.

“Midna!” Master Link cries at the same time, startled, “hey, wait! Hey!”

His calls are ignored, of course, the magic quickly fading away… which then leads to ‘irritation’ growing… as it appears Midna has truly left us.

Again?! Master Link’s inner thoughts cry, after I’ve traveled so far, grown strong, and I finally got the Master Sword.

We were going to the Twilight Realm to face Zant. Isn’t that what Midna wanted? Now I’m back at square one.

‘Frustration’ and ‘indignance’ bubble up from the darkness within Master Link, the Triforce of Courage pulsing erratically while the Flames of the Goddesses flare.

Why would you leave me at a time like this? What’s your problem? When will you take me seriously?

Master Link then scoffs, I guess a hero must go it alone. If I defeat Zant, maybe Midna will finally understand.

Unfortunately, it is right as this dangerous thought emerges that my master notices the skull of the Stalfos he had cut down previously.

Having managed to avoid being crushed, dark magics were now swirling about its form in a manner that has a 90% probability of possible transformation, perhaps into the form of a Bubble.

“A servant of Zant!” Master Link cries, his hand shooting out to grab hold of the creature, “take me to your boss! The Hero of Hyrule commands you!”

“Alas, noble fool,” the skull clacks, “my lord is busy destroying the center of Hyrule.”

That is all the creature says before suddenly crumbling away, ‘horror’ developing from Master Link until Ashei calls out.

“I thought I saw a skeletal monster… but it disappeared!” the knight cries. “What’s going on?!”

“We must hurry down the mountain!” is how Master Link chooses to reply, voice now frantic, “hurry Ashei!

“They’re going to attack Castle Town!”

Per Master Link’s urgings, we thus quickly descend Snowpeak, mounting the steed Ashei had stabled nearby and racing for Castle Town, Master Link attempting to explain the situation as we go.

“Speak up! I can’t hear you!” Ashei unsurprisingly snaps as the sound of galloping hooves effectively drowns out the human voices, “what’s a ‘Shadow King’?”

“Just ride fast!” Master Link cries in response. “We’ll talk later!”

“Too many mysteries!”

“Of that, we are in agreement, Ashei,” I cannot help but remark, as I continue trying to once again analyze the darkness that hangs over Master Link and has, alarmingly… managed to attach itself fully to sword power outlets.

Even more alarming still, the analysis I have been able to perform so far… gives a 90% probability… of that darkness… being highly influenced and strengthened… by the Triforce of Courage… thus, attempts to dispel and disengage… are met with high resistance.

And all the while the Flames of the Gods are flaring, are dancing, in a manner that has me clearly feeling uneasy… which grows the more Master Link’s attitude warps and twists away from that of his predecessors… and the personality that had been shown amidst his time with Rusl, Midna and the Yeti couple.

“I’ll explain it all later! I promise!” Master Link shouts, “so go faster!”

Eventually, the gates of Castle Town come into view, no signs of the promised attack within sight…

…until such time a presence is detected, moving under the ground, before bursting upwards, screaming in challenge as Ashei’s horse rears in surprise.

“Diababa!” Master Link cries in recognition, “I beat you at the Forest Temple!”

“Yes, but that involved getting swallowed by the creature, after an incorrect throw of the Gale Boomerang. It would be best to take a moment to strate—”

“I can handle this!” Master Link declares, hand grabbing hold of the sword’s hilt. “Hurry to Castle Town, Ashei!”

And with that, he’s leaping off the horse, directly towards the Diababa, one of the heads opening wide in greeting.

“I’ll cut you down,” Master Link growls, angling the sword so that it is parallel with the gaping maw, the unwelcome power of the Triforce of Courage crackling against the blade anew, “over and over until you stay down!”

With that declaration, the Master Sword cuts straight through the Diababa’s head, then body, destroying the core as if it were no more than a glass ball, Master Link landing in a crouch as the remains are blown away.

There is no time to rest, however, as a new opponent appears, the familiar form of Stallord, Twilit Beast of the Arbiter’s Grounds, rising from the earth.

“You’re next, huh?” Master Link snarls as he climbs to his feet, “bring it on!”

The beast's reaction is to open its jaws wide, a breath attack imminent, but instead of reaching for his shield, Master Link only raises the Master Sword…

…and at the same time… an odd phenomenon occurs… which even Master Link is able to detect.

What’s going on…? It’s like time has stopped, he notes as he jumps over the blast of fire… which is, indeed moving at such a slow pace that saying time had stopped was not wholly incorrect.

I can see everything! Master Link cries internally as he spins towards the next attack, Stallord’s clawed hand attempting to drop down upon us.

These creatures… are slow, Master Link concludes as he slices through the skeletal creature’s wrist, then neck, and… so very weak!

The Stallord thus collapses and begins to fade, not that my master notices, too caught up in the ‘ecstasy’ that shudders from his side of the bond.

One thrust… one swing… and my enemies fall!

On the other hand… I am quite certain I am experiencing ‘helpless terror’... with a bit of ‘nausea’ creeping in as well… when a group of Bokoblins leap towards us.

It’s the first time, Master Link revels… as the Bokoblins are being cut to ribbons, body parts flying all around him, I’ve ever felt this way.

Suddenly… fighting is fun! Cutting down my enemies… is a huge rush!

Soon, all that is left of the Bokoblins and accompanying Bulblins are the dead or the dying, Master Link standing in the middle of the carnage.

“B… boss…?” one of the Bokoblins calls weakly… before a boot heel cracks down upon its head.

“More!” Master Link cries, uncaring of the pained shrieks below him, “give me more power!”

“The Triforce is pure power. It does not distinguish between good and evil.”

“Each person who gains the Triforce can decide how to put it to use.”

That is what the Sages had warned… how they’d explained Ganondorf gaining possession of the Triforce of Power… its Flame counterpart now smoldering.

“...the Triforce… the greatest power in this world. ...a select few- those with an unbreakable spirit- can wield its might… But spirit alone wasn’t enough….”

This… this was why Master Sky had to go through his trials… this was why spirit alone wouldn’t be enough…

Amazing! Master Link’s thoughts cry in exaltation, now… there can be no doubt!

I am the greatest hero ever!

As for Master Time… perhaps, due to still possessing the mind and heart of a child… as well as having lost fights against both a Stalfos and Ganondorf… and the weakened state of my blade, due to the magical sleep I had put him in… he had avoided any possible corruption, from the Triforce of Courage.

But this current master… this current Link… had been born with the Triforce of Courage residing within his body… and had reaped benefits from it, unknowingly, for years… perhaps that is why…?

Any further attempts at trying to understand how this situation had come about is interrupted… by the sound of a heavy, metallic weapon hitting the ground… and the sudden stirring… of evil and spatial magic.

“You again?” Master Link hums as the figure his memories identify as the Bulblin King, moves to stand before him, “you’re next, huh?”

I do not bother to extend sensors outwards to analyze the king further, as I am already deploying my dowsing ability, trying to ascertain just what kind of spatial magic was starting to form… alongside the analyses being run, not only on the possibly corrupted Triforce of Courage… which still had a tight grip upon power outlets for the Master Sword…

…but also the continued abnormalities coming from the Flames, the warmth they usually generated fluctuating erratically…

“I crawled outta Hell to face you!” I faintly hear from outside the sword, the voice of the Bulblin King bristling with anger and hatred. “Now you’re gonna die!”

“Ha! I’m sick of all you half-dead monsters!” Master Link scoffs, “I want a tougher opponent!”

Nayru’s Flame gains intensity in response to this statement, perhaps due to the sheer foolishness of it all, the flames of Din and Farore following suit shortly thereafter.

“Wha…? Foul child!” King Bulblin sputters in the meantime, which only has Master Link laughing derisively.

“At the Bridge of Eldin, you said… you only trust your own strength,” Master Link hums.

“I finally understand what you meant,” he states, the flames of the gods beginning to dance in a manner that leaves me just as uneasy as his words and the tone of his voice. “I was a fool then… prattling on about protecting the weak.

“Nonsense from a boy with no clue what strength really is.”

“Master, please, that is wrong!” I cry, disregarding past worries and the resolve not to intrude upon the relationship between Master Link and Midna.

“Your initial stance was not at all foolish, it was exactly that kind of outlook that carried your predecessors to victory! Please, regain your true self and leave this place, before the trap that is forming ensnares you!”

But it is no use, Master Link does not hear me… and the darkness that dwelled in his heart… truly begins to swell, now, as he cockily blocks the incoming attack from King Bulblin with ease.

“I admire your tenacity, but,” Master Link snickers with contempt dripping from his voice, “you aren’t as strong as before.”

“Perhaps, but I’m still,” King Bulblin roared as he strained against the strength gifted from a clearly out of control piece of the Triforce, “strong enough to kill you!”

“Then do it,” Master Link states mockingly… before knocking the king back and delivering a series of sword slashes.

A quick look at the outside world reveals the Bulblin King now splayed out upon the ground, a large chunk of a horn clattering beside his equally large form, blood seeping from a number of wounds.

Still, he is alive, as proven by his attempt to rise, though he slumps back down three seconds later.

And Master Link… disgust radiates from the darkness that has consumed his side of the bond now… and drips from his voice when he speaks again.

“Even for a demon… you’re pitiful!” Master Link spits, his grip on the sword tightening, “let’s finish you off.”

“Master, please! That’s enough!” I cry, desperate to stop this atrocity and what was to come…

…and… Master Link was stopped from slaughtering the Bulblin King, like he had the underlings…

…but not because of me… he stops because of the dark space, formed by the magics I had felt earlier, which had snapped shut around us… and the illusions it creates…

With the magic sharing a distinct similarity to that which had beset Master Time with phantasms amidst our time in the Haunted Wastelands, I thus endeavor to employ the techniques that allowed me to ‘see’ what Master Link was seeing.

…that, it turned out, was another familiar sight… a dark copy of Master Link… albeit one that seemed far more refined than what Master Time had faced in his Kakariko Village… and more talkative.

“How does it feel to be so strong?” the dark double asks, “quite a rush, isn’t it?

“That sword is awesome!” it exclaims, maliciously gleeful. “It makes you invincible! You can defeat anyone!”

It is at this point Master Link falters, the dark cloud receding a bit as he gazes anew upon the carnage he’d unleashed, a shudder traveling through his body.

“Master!” I cry, hoping to take advantage of the momentary lapse and pull him away from both the inner and outer darkness besieging us. “Master Link! Strength by itself will solve nothing! The enemy we face now requires Wisdom, thus you must calm the Triforce of Courage!”

But, once again I am ignored, Master Link’s attention captured by the illusion of the dark double, ‘arrogance’ and ‘annoyance’ stirring as a result.

Convinced he is faced with a demon making him fight himself, Master Link moves to engage, the double mirroring his every move, just like its predecessor had done with Master Time.

…but, unlike Master Time… my current master… does not seem inclined to analyze and outmaneuver our opponent… instead, he puts all his faith into ‘the might of the Master Sword’... even going so far as to throw aside his shield.

Again and again the swords clash, every single swing from Master Link copied and thus parried by the dark twin.

C’mon Master Sword! Master Link calls at one point, what are you waiting for? Hurry up… and beat this guy!

“The Master Sword alone is not the answer! Please Master Link, this is not the time for Strength! You must exercise Wisdom and true Courage!”

But it is of no use… Master Link is as deaf to my cries as he is to those that emanate from his shadow.

And all the while the Flames of the Goddesses are blazing, swirling all around, crackling harshly in a manner that briefly pulls my attention away from Master Link.

What is it? Why are they behaving in such a manner? What does this mean?

A sudden cry from Master Link draws my attention back to the outer world… just in time to witness my master managing to drive the Master Sword through the dark copy’s chest…

…but that… is exactly when the ‘truth’ of this dark space is revealed… as roles suddenly reverse.

Now, instead of the dark copy… it is Master Link’s chest from which the Master Sword now rests… the dark copy standing before him, unscathed.

“Such strength!” Dark Link laughs in a mocking tone, “you even… killed yourself.”

“Master Link, do not be fooled! You are unharmed, it is simply an illusion!”

Alas, my words still go unheard as Master Link staggers backwards and ‘coughs up blood’, ‘confusion’ growing as he lifts his right hand, then left.

“Wait… why are my hands black,” Master Link mumbles, adding as he notices another detail, “and my hair is white? How did this…?”

He then gasps as he notices the dark copy now wears his image, its smile cold and mocking as it points its finger at Master Link and declares, “you… imposter!”

Master Link then stumbles back as he realizes he has taken on the visage of the Dark Link, ‘fear’, ‘desperation’, too many emotions to register buffeting against the bond we share.

“Be… gone… fake!” the true fake orders… before its face twists into a smirk filled not just with maliciousness… but madness.

“No! It can’t be!” Master Link cries, that dark cloud writhing alongside his emotions, the added stimuli from the Flames on the verge of overloading my systems.

“I’m a hero! The Master Sword recognized me as the Chosen One!” Master Link continues to cry, voice becoming ever more ‘panicked’, more desperate.

“I’m not a fake! I’m a hero!

“But then how…?”

His words devolve in a piercing scream… before everything suddenly stops… the illusory magic withdrawing near instantaneously, leaving my master reeling, breathing ragged.

The dark cloud starts to calm, minutely, though the Flames still crackle energetically, slowing my own recovery time from the effects of what had just occurred.

I am able to detect Master Link’s ‘relief’ as he finally realizes that he had been under the influence of illusions… but that relief is short lived… as a laugh begins to ring out… one that has ‘fear’ shaking from a far more tenuous bond.

No, not now!

“Ohh… that was priceless!” a warped voice chuckles, the aura slowly approaching us bearing one of the distinct signatures that had warped both Master Link’s and Midna’s forms.

“Ha! I can’t stop… laughing!” Zant cackles, a look into the outside world finding the tall male spinning in a circle as he does so… before dropping into a mockery of a bow, the eyes of his grotesque mask leering.

“Welcome… hero of light… to a world of black insanity!”

There is then another burst of laughter before he speaks again, “hearing your confused screams… was truly delightful!”

“Master Link, please, you must control your temper!” I plead helplessly, even as that temper stirs, darkness and Flames churning alongside.

“I’ve never been so entertained! Never!” Zant howls in laughter, which, unfortunately, proves too much for my master.

“ZANT!” Master Link cries, anger in full bloom as he grips the Master Sword and attempts to step forward…

…only to immediately fall to the ground… at the same time as alarms blare from my space within the sword… and the Flames rage.

Error!

Error!

Error!

Current wielder deemed unfit to wield Master Sword!

Error!

Error!

Error!

What?! How was this possible?! This couldn’t be possible, this… this was Master Link, he who bore the Soul of the Hero, forged by Master Sky!

Override Denied!

*Fi* Admin privileges temporarily restricted!

At the same time this message appears, overlapping triangles of green, blue and red suddenly appear beneath my feet, a blended light barrier rising to surround me.

This… was this the work of the Flames?! Were they more sentient than previously believed?!

What’s happening?! Master Link’s thoughts can just barely be heard asking over the continued blare of the alarm.

The Master Sword… it’s so heavy!

Error!

Error!

Error!

Just a moment ago…

Error!

Error!

Error!

“Oh dear! What’s the matter?” Zant’s voice giggles in a mocking tone. “Can’t you lift that sword you’re so proud of?”

Current wielder deemed unfit!

“Is this your doing?” Master Link growls.

Error!

Error!

Error!

“Sadly… I have nothing to do with this,” Zant states, tone suddenly more refined.

Error!

Error!

Error!

“That sword repels evil, doesn’t it?”

Error!

Error!

Error!

“If my magic affected it then it would be a fake.”

Error!

Error!

Error!

“So…”

Current wielder deemed unfit to wield Master Sword!

“...it must be the hero who is the fake!”

“Master Link, control your temper!!!”

The warning, the plea, is once again of no use, the mocking laughter evidently proving too much, as Master Link attempts to lunge towards the cackling Twili.

Zant’s response, of course, is to launch a blast of magical energy, which easily sends Master Link flying backwards, landing hard a foot away.

Master Link, of course, immediately tries to rise, but then Zant is looming over him, magic at the ready, my master’s consciousness flickering as the spell crackles through his body.

Yet, his grip upon the Master Sword remains tight, that familiar stubbornness now a disadvantage as he staggers to his feet, dragging the Master Sword behind him as he tries to mount a counterattack.

“Master Link, stop! You must regain control of the Triforce of Courage! Calm yourself, regain balance, MASTER!!!”

The new weight of the Master Sword thus prevents any attempts at dodging Zant’s next attack, which once again sends my master flying.

This time, his grip upon the sword is lost, bringing a stop to the alarms that had continued to sound and the barrier around myself to weaken as the error windows begin closing.

Not that this brings any relief, for I can still hear Master Link’s pained cries and the continuous, mocking laughter of the Usurper King.

“The hero on his knees! Quite a sight!” Zant cackles, an extension of senses indeed revealing Master Link crawling towards me, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead as well as from the corner of his mouth.

And I… I had never felt so helpless… not when I had been separated from Master Sky… or even the entirety of the quest with Master Time… as I do now, when the second his hand lands upon the Master Sword’s hilt, another blast of magic slams Master Link to the ground.

“Master Sword… why?” I can just barely hear over the return of the alarms as Master Link forces himself back onto his feet.

“You exist to banish evil,” Master Link’s mental voice cries, ‘despair’ growing in strength, especially as he again falls to his knees and coughs up blood, a testament to the severity of his wounds, “so why won’t you respond?”

“The darkness in your heart has proven too great of an imbalance, you must find a way to bring it back under control. Do not continue to seek Power, look to Wisdom!

“Master Link, please, HEAR ME!!!!”

Error! Current wielder deemed unfit to wield Master Sword…

Outside of the sword, Zant now stands before the kneeling Master Link, magical energy building, Master Link’s emotions swirling.

“No! This can’t be!” his thoughts cry. “I can’t allow myself… to fail!

“I must…”

Both hands grip the hilt of the Master Sword tightly.

“...defeat…”

The magic is hurtling towards us, too big to dodge, even if Master Link were not already wounded.

“...the Shadow King!”

The blast overtakes us, Master Link still managing to keep hold of the Master Sword with his left hand, even as he’s sent flying anew, though consciousness is flickering, even before the hard landing.

“Pathetic,” Zant remarks as he moves to tower over my master’s prone form, “without that sword… you’re just another powerless human.”

These words send a ripple through the dissipating dark cloud of Master Link’s emotions, growing dim alongside his consciousness.

I do not pay it much mind, however, as my master’s vital signs are of far more importance, his pulse fluttering worryingly, the damage from the numerous magic blasts severe.

“Such a shame,” Zant hums as he extends a tasseled sleeve over my prone master, magic gathering for what can only be a finishing blow, “to think… that we’ll never meet again."

Scenarios are already running, the lifting of my administrative ban and the remaining energy from the rampaging Triforce of Courage giving me more than enough power for a counterattack.

It was down to two options, either using the energy to manifest myself and attempt to fight off the Zant individual…

…or, transfer the energy to the one within Master Link’s shadow… whose own magic was being gathered as quickly and stealthily as possible… and see if she would be able to turn the tide in our favor…

…but it is a third option that occurs… as a new, yet familiar, aura is registered, the owner’s magic slamming into the dimension we’d been imprisoned within.

“What’s this?” Zant cries, startled and thus halting his attack as the other magic continues its assault, “cracks in space?!”

One more, carefully placed attack then creates a hole in the space in question, light streaming in, shining brilliantly off the coat of a golden wolf, who howls in anger and challenge.

The golden wolf immediately lunges towards Zant, who shrieks in terror of the approaching fangs, which rip into the metallic mask, tearing off the piece that covered the Twili’s mouth.

The wolf then moves to stand protectively over Master Link, growling in warning, that familiar aura burning strong and and lending further evidence in revealing his true identity.

“Y-you!” Zant cries with a tone of recognition himself. “You were with Princess Midna!

“I disposed of you then! I know it!” the Usurper exclaims, voice becoming higher and more fearful with every word. “Why… how are you here?!”

The only answer this question receives is a guttural growl as the golden wolf slowly stalks towards Zant, who cowers before him.

“I… I’ve done nothing,” Zant stutters, “I didn’t create the dark double.

“I simply… watched as this fool stomped around in the darkness… biting his own tail.”

The Usurper King had been steadily backing away as he said this, clearly fearful and wary due to the golden wolf’s previous assault and current behavior.

“Hmph! He’s a worthless human!” Zant dares to say, as his magic swirls and his form begins to fade. “He’ll destroy himself without any help from me!”

It's only once Zant’s form has faded away completely that the golden wolf’s growling ceases… and a familiar voice calls out, once the wolf's rigid posture relaxes.

“What took you so long?!” Midna cries, tone trying for anger… though the way it shakes and the expression on her face as she leaves Master Link’s shadow leans more towards fear giving way to relief.

“My apologies, princess. It took longer than expected to break into this dark space,” the golden wolf replies as he presses his head against Midna’s stomach.

The Twili is quick to wrap her arms around the wolf in response, releasing a shaking sigh as she buries her face into his fur.

A choking cough from Master Link then brings attention back towards him, Midna muttering what I assume to be Twili curses under her breath as she moves to begin inspecting his injuries.

“Damn it, Link, why couldn’t you just listen to me!” she growls, voice an odd mixture of annoyance and concern.

“I told you that you were drunk on your own pride, I tried to warn you about this danger but did you listen to me?" she asks as she carefully removes his pouch, spatial magic humming as she begins rummaging around in it.

"No! And then you wrapped yourself up so tightly in ‘light’ that you couldn’t even see or hear me anymore and where the hell have all your medical supplies gone you idiot?!”

“It seems another lesson is in order,” the golden wolf remarks as he moves to stand beside Midna, his expression one I cannot quite decipher as he gazes upon Master Link.

“First, of course, we must see to his injuries. Princess, if you could aid me in getting this foolish pup onto my back?”

Midna nods, returning the pouch before infusing her hair with magic and carefully transitioning Master Link so that he lays upon the wolf’s broad back.

The movement manages to finally break Master Link’s hold on the Master Sword, which then clatters to the ground.

It does not stay there long, however, as the golden wolf’s head lowers and his jaws wrap around the sword’s hilt, picking it up with ease.

“Master?” I cannot help but call, as a bond once lost (not even meant to exist in this time period) stirs with new life, new questions forming as the golden wolf’s true identity is fully confirmed.

But Master Time gives no indication of hearing my call, releasing nothing but a small chuff as Midna returns to the shadows before setting off.

Chapter Text

“Uh… where the hell are we?” Midna asks once Master Time’s magic, which had encompassed us, dissipated.

Curiosity piqued by Midna’s question, I turned my sensors outward to find that we now stood in an area of brown coloring.

Any plants that remain are nothing but husks… and the houses in the distance appear to be in need of extensive repairs… bringing forth memories of the Lanayru Desert.

“This is the best place for the next lesson to be taught,” Master Time replies as he lowers himself and Master Link to the ground.

“But what about Link’s injuries? We should’ve headed to Kakariko—”

“Do you trust me?”

There’s a huff, Midna’s expression twisting with what I believe to be annoyance and a touch of anger… before it and her voice softens as she murmurs, “you know I do…”

‘Fondness’ and ‘love’, akin to that which existed between Master Link and Rusl, warm the bond in response to those words, Master Time carefully nuzzling against Midna, bringing a smile to the Twili’s lips.

A smile that tilts into confusion as Master Time then begins walking away from her, “where are you going?”

“To get some help.”

“With the Master Sword?”

“The Master Sword is hereby confiscated. The pup may have it back after the lesson is learned.”

With that said, Master Time continues walking until such time he is no longer within sight of Midna.

His magic then awakens, space shifting alongside his form… the mouth holding my sword becoming a gloved hand… which, once the spatial magic fades and we stand in a familiar clearing, where the Hylian Shield and my sword’s scabbard lay… swings the Master Sword experimentally.

“...heh… all these years… and an entirely different timeline… yet this blade still fits perfectly in hand,” he murmurs, now in a Hylian form, though the majority of his features are hidden by a cape wrapped around his body.

This is how he then reappears before Midna and Master Link, my sword strapped to his back, alongside a second blade, both of which lay hidden beneath his cloak.

Midna is startled, but doesn’t interfere as Master Time gathers Master Link in his arms and begins walking in the direction of the dilapidated houses I had detected earlier.

An unknown aura is detected once we draw closer to that area, the voice of a young woman calling out soon after, her tone filled with suspicion and clearly unwelcoming.

Despite this, Master Time requests her aid in caring for Master Link, paying little mind to the protests of either the girl or Midna, who hisses from Master Link’s shadow.

“Can you not see the state my village is in?! I have enough trouble taking care of myself!” the girl cries angrily.

“I am not asking you to do this for free,” Master Time replies with the utmost calm, “hopefully this will suffice as my token of thanks…”

There is the rustling of cloth, followed by a few more protests as Master Time begins moving away from the girl, Master Link and Midna, whose own protests can just faintly be heard.

Not that Master Time pays either of the women any heed, simply walking on until he is again out of sight, leaving him free to use his magic once more.

This time, the spatial magic is joined by that which was unique to the Ocarina of Time… albeit slightly different…

…and when it fades… I can tell instantly… that we have moved into an entirely different realm… one where Master Time’s aura flares, becoming much more vibrant.

“Well… looks like it's just the two of us now,” he hums… the sentence quite odd… as I can detect no other auras within the current vicinity.

There is the sound of cloth rustling at the same time my sword is removed from Master Time’s back, alongside the soft sound of a body sitting down upon solid earth with just the barest hint of rustling grass.

Wind whispers past, the only sound made for a time before Master Time emits a small sigh, rustling clothing briefly replaced with armor clanking, before rustling returns again.

“What… don’t feel like talking to a former wielder of your blade?” Master Time asks, his voice… suddenly changing to that of when he had been a teenager…

…and then the childish tones of when we had first met, “or is it that… you are still unable to talk? Or you just… don’t want to talk to me? I won’t lie… I’d be rather disappointed, if that were the case….”

‘Sadness’ and ‘loneliness’ color his voice… and quiver against the bond… this, coupled with my own curiosity… prompts me to run a quick diagnostics scan… alongside an additional analysis of the current realm we dwell within…

…which then prompts me… to exit my blade… upon which I find myself under a starlit sky, a large and silvery moon serving as the main source of light.

In the distance can be seen major landmarks of Hyrule, such as Death Mountain and Hyrule Castle, as well as Faron Woods, Gerudo Desert and just the barest glimpse of the Domain of the Zoras.

All of this information is taken in as quickly as possible… for my true focus and interest lies in the one who sits before me… Master Time, currently in the form of the child I had first met, large blue eyes gazing up at me with evident surprise.

Surprise that shifts into curiosity as his head tilts… and then a strangely ‘playful’ smile curls his lips as he asks, “spirit of the sword?”

“You are correct, I am the spirit who resides within the Master Sword,” I reply with a respectful nod. “My personal designation, rather, the name I was given, is Fi. Please accept my deepest apologies for not providing this information to you sooner, Master Link.”

“...neither that title… nor that name… belongs to me anymore,” Master Link hums, playful smile taking on a strange tilt, alongside his emotions.

I take a brief moment to analyze this statement, alongside the sudden shift in his vocal tone, body language, as well as his emotions… before carefully beginning my response.

“...with all due respect… even though it is true… that you have never technically drawn my blade within this timeline… and another master has appeared and laid claim to the Master Sword… your status as my master will not change. You are, and shall always be, one of my masters… whom I am proud to serve.”

This leads to surprise blooming upon my former master’s face, as well as the bond, but I continue before he can respond or raise a possible retort.

“However, I will acknowledge that confusion is liable to occur in referring to both you and the current Master Link with the same designation… and, as it so happens… I had already taken the liberty of referring to you as Master Time… if you do not mind the moniker, perhaps I could simply continue to refer to you as such?”

“Because they called me the Hero of Time, in the other time?” Master Time inquires, form suddenly shifting to that of the young man with whom I had traversed in said other time.

“That’s fair, I suppose,” he chuckles, chin coming to rest in the palm of his right hand, “not like I can come up with a better nickname…”

“Very well then, Master Time,” I reply with an acknowledging nod… before lowering my head as I add, “and… regarding that other time… I offer my most sincere ap–”

“Stop,” Master Time cuts in sharply, amusement gone in an instant, his gaze now hard… before deflating into something far more tired… and sad.

“...I’ve spent decades… being apologized to, for what happened in that timeline,” he sighed.

His form began steadily aging with those words… from an adult to an old man… right up to the skeleton in golden armor that I had caught glimpses of within Master Link’s memories.

His expression and emotions mostly lean towards sadness… yet they are also full of love… as images of a figure clad in Sheikan garb, but also that of Hylian royalty, flashes from our bond.

“I’ve heard more than enough apologies,” he states firmly, skeletal eyes burning with a crimson light… before the child returns… a tired, yet hopeful and inquisitive smile now adorning his face, “so, instead… tell me about yourself… where you came from, what you’ve seen… tell me everything that you couldn’t, before.”

“...very well, Master Time,” I acquiesce, “shall I… start from the very beginning, then? From the time… before even my first master?”

Curiosity shines brightly from Master Time, now, his body squirming as if he truly had completely reverted to the boy he’d been when we’d first met, as he vigorously nods his head.

“This is a tale that humans had passed down through uncounted generations…”

And so I tell him… Master Time… of the fourth goddess, Lady Hylia, whose name has disappeared from humanity’s memory… of Demise, the original demon king and the reason for my creation… as well as Master Time’s predecessor, Master Sky…

I tell him of Skyloft, his eyes shining as I describe the Loftwings and the bonds with their riders… sharing my hypothesis regarding Akai and the horses named Epona, upon his inquiry…

I tell him of Groose, his personality when we’d first met and how it had changed, Master Time smiling fondly as his thoughts drift towards Mido…

I tell him of the Spirit Maiden and how her unexpected fall set destiny in motion earlier than Lady Hylia had planned… this and descriptions of Ghirahim leading to a short reappearance of the Golden Wolf, who snarls in protective anger…

Descriptions of the Skyloftians, Kikwis, Mogmas, Parellas, the Robots, the Dragons and the Gorons of that time bring a smile back to his face, of which I am glad…

Upon additional request, I perform both the songs and dances associated with Farore’s Courage, Nayru’s Wisdom, Din’s Power, the Song of the Hero, and of course, the Ballad of the Goddess, slight recognition dawning from Master Time when he hears that particular song…

His child body leans in close as I describe how the Master Sword came to be… then again, when Master Sky came into possession of the entirety of the Triforce, eyes and bond shining with ‘awe’ and ‘respect’ if not a touch of ‘worry’ when I described the Silent Realms and their trials…

Master Time is an adult when I tell of the Imprisoned One, ‘concern’ buzzing as the battles against the beast are described, giving way to ‘pride’ and ‘admiration’ each time the abomination is brought low…

He is a teenager, no older than Master Sky, when I tell him of Lady Hylia’s full plans, expression and emotions becoming… complicated… especially when the Triforce and Lady Hylia’s hypothesis regarding it are relayed…

His eyes shine with unshed tears when we reach the part where Lady Hylia sealed herself within the amber crystal to strengthen the seal on Demise… memories of his own Zelda, encased in an entirely different crystal, drifting to the forefront of his mind…

‘Fondness’ and ‘pride’ shine when the Triforce is gained and used to eradicate the Imprisoned One, giving way to ‘empathic joy’ as I describe the reunion between Master Sky and Her Grace.

That joy is quickly replaced by shock, the wolf growling fiercely in various forms of anger when Ghirahim strikes, ‘respect’ growing as I tell of the battle against the horde.

The teen wears a vicious grin when Ghirahim falls to Master Sky for the last time, but it quickly twists with horror when Lady Hylia’s soul is devoured by Demise.

The adult’s expression is tight throughout the entirety of the battle against Demise, through the description of the alternate space created by the Demon King… though there is a brief, and odd, twisting of his expression and emotions when I tell him of how the eternal being had conquered time itself.

Then there is nothing but tension and worry, as the battle rages on, his face paling when I relay the fact Master Sky had had no alternative but to channel the demonic lightning summoned by Demise, only relaxing minutely after my assurances of having cleansed that lightning to the best of my abilities.

There is the briefest flash of relief, excitement, and pride as we reach the battle’s end… and then…

…and then there is nothing but a… a ‘stony’ silence… as I relay the final act of treachery… of pettiness… performed by Demise, in the form of the curse he placed… upon the blood of the Goddess… and the soul of the Hero… the creation of the cycle with no end, of which Master Time and Master Link were a part of… alongside the Princess Zeldas… and the demon king known as Ganondorf.

“Demise himself was then eradicated… and the remains of his residual consciousness absorbed into the Master Sword… which are still being broken down, to this day.”

“Does that affect you in any way?” Master Time asks, voice and emotions carefully neutral and his mind blank of anything but this… rather surprising question.

“...in the time of your own quest… it did lead to a great drain upon the power that could be harnessed by the Master Sword…”

“Especially when you deduct the magic used to seal me away for seven years, while also allowing my body to grow? Even if the Triforce of Courage might have been helping you with that endeavor?”

“That is correct,” I reply with a nod… before tentatively inquiring, “you… truly will not accept an apology… for being sealed away, in that time?”

“Will you accept an apology, for putting you in a position of having to spend what energy you had to not only seal me away but provide me with the body needed to fight Ganondorf?” the teen Master Time counters, surprising me as he then chuckles and flexes a bicep, “working to regain those muscles the long way was no easy feat, you know?”

I… am uncertain how to respond to that… leading to a lapse of silence… which is broken by Master Time’s sigh, his body drooping forward before he leans back, gaze focusing on the sky above.

“...I won’t lie… I do have regrets… most of them having to do… with the sword skills I was unable to pass on… the nagging feeling that they would be needed… due to the fear of Ganondorf returning… his final words, in that other time, have haunted quite a few of my dreams…”

Master Time is an old man as he sighs again, then the armored skeleton, before the teen returns, scowling at the golden light that shines from the back of his left hand, which he raises skyward.

“And then there is this… this damned mark that stayed on my hand… on Ganondorf’s hand, despite having never opened the door to the Sacred Realm… as well as branded this new Link and the Zeldas… perhaps even ‘aiding’ me in acquiring my current state of being, alongside the Ocarina of Time….”

My head tilts, curiosity stirring as I have yet to see even a glimpse of that legendary instrument, even though its magical signature can still be faintly detected around Master Time.

But now is not the time to be asking after that instrument, as Master Time begins speaking once more, “to be honest… a very small… and rather ugly part of me… is glad that I might not be the one who started this madness… the darkness by the name of Ganondorf… who casts such an evil shadow over Hyrule….”

A strange pang and fluttering sensation rises in my chest, prompting me to ready myself to build a defense for Master Sky…

…but the smile that is suddenly directed my way, by the child Master Time… causes that sensation to instantly evaporate.

“More than anything, though,” Master Time continues, “the story you shared of my predecessor… after hearing of everything he went through and overcame… I’m proud of him and what he accomplished… though I fear he may be disappointed in what I have done to his legacy—”

“Master Sky would only be proud of you,” I cannot help but interject, startling both myself and Master Time.

‘Uncertainty’ wavers from the child, briefly… before giving way to ‘fondness’ as he chuckles, the smile he directs at me as warm as Master Sky’s had always been.

“Still, though,” he abruptly remarks, now with a far more theatrical sigh, “the Triforce of Courage has left quite an awful mess for us and that rambunctious pup of ours… one that even Sir Sky wouldn’t be able to overlook.

“Now don’t be making that face!” he snaps as a small finger is jabbed in my direction, surprising me quite a bit as I had not realized I was ‘making a face’. “From what I’ve gathered from talking to you as well as hearing your story, you weren’t anywhere near equipped to deal with this situation.”

“I was created by the Goddess Hylia, gifted with acute analytical senses and a plethora of knowledge in the art of battle—”

“Yes, yes, but your child raising skills still need work, right?” Master Time counters, the look on his face and tone of his voice resulting in a strange huff escaping me for reasons I could not entirely understand.

His reply is to emit a childish laugh before suddenly shifting into his more elderly form, a large, warm hand coming to rest on my head.

“Not that there’s a foolproof way of parenting,” he hums, the hand rubbing my head gently, “especially when the child in question also possesses a piece of the Triforce… in this situation… I'd say a bit of tough love is in order….”

“I do not believe I am familiar with ‘tough love’,” I state at the same time Master Time straps my blade upon his back once more.

He’s a teenager when he turns to me, a smirk on his face, mischievous but tinged with various other emotions as he says, “oh, I’m sure I’ll be giving you an example soon.

“It’s time to see the pup again….”

Chapter Text

Soon, Master Time’s magic is flaring then dimming, his form transitioning so that his features are once again enshrouded by the cloak he wears, which flaps in the wind.

He appears a short distance away from the barn where Master Link’s aura can be detected, Midna startling from where she hovers next to the entrance when we draw near.

The recognition in her eye is dim and tinged with wariness, indicating a 96% probability she truly does not realize this current form and the Golden Wolf she holds such strong trust and fondness for are one and the same.

Nor does Master Time seem intent on informing her of this fact… and, since this does not lead to a confrontation as he moves to enter the barn, I do not question why this is so.

My attention is then immediately directed towards Master Link, who lies in a pile of hay, a bucket of water stationed next to him and a blanket covering his form.

At least until such time he registers Master Time’s entrance, blanket falling from his upper body as he jerks upright, mouth curled in a defensive snarl…

…which then immediately twists with pain, his body curling in a similar fashion and a cry slipping from his lips as he falls back into the hay, though he manages to brace himself on his arms a few seconds later.

“It seems he has not fully recovered, yet…”

A slight brush against the bond is the only answer Master Time gives to this observation, which clearly unnerves Master Link.

“Who are you?!” Master Link demands to know as Master Time moves to the center of the barn, “another nightmare?!

“No… are you death?” he inquired, voice now quivering in bitterness, “have you come to take my life?”

Master Time’s emotions swirl, as does the form under the cloak, in response to those words... before they finally settle and he begins to speak.

“Power does not inhabit a blade without bravery,” the skeletal voice booms, tone cold and stern, “I told you that.”

Master Link flinches, eyes widening as recognition dawns, while Master Time moves to stand directly before him.

“You lost to Zant?” Master Time scoffs as he towers over Master Link. “What a poor state you are in.”

These words are… quite confusing, to me… for they had not been what I had been expecting from him.

This is not how the instructors of the Knight Academy acted when addressing Master Sky… although, it might be similar to Impa… both of them, in varying levels…

“Why did you help?” Master Link suddenly inquires, even more bitterness coloring his tone, now. “I no longer have any right to be a hero… and my life has no value.”

Master Time’s emotions swirl once more, my own following suit with this new… and ‘upsetting’ statement.

“That is not for you to decide,” Master Time declares, his thoughts drifting to memories of the other time.

“Even if you suffer defeat, fall,” he continues, memories of his child self being easily batted aside by a Stalfos, then Ganondorf, first by the butt of his sheathed sword, then with what was obviously his weakest spell, flowing from the bond, “and flee, unable to bear the fear and shame…

“...even if you hope for death… you do not have that freedom.”

Master Link flinches, eyes widening with shock, before his face twists into a pained grimace as he chokes out, “why…?”

“‘Why’?” Master Time repeats, a strange mixture of a laugh and a growl in his voice as he does.

“Why have you been fighting?” he then questions, “what for?

“What do you fight to protect? Answer.”

Master Link falters, his expression becoming… ‘lost’, as his gaze drifts away from Master Time.

“You were drunk on the sword’s power,” Master Time informs Master Link. “How do you feel now, looking back upon yourself at that time?

“Answer.”

There is a short pause, Master Link’s hand coming up to cover his eyes before he murmurs, “I don’t… remember.

“What was the real me?” he continued, mouth and voice quivering, “a storm was raging inside me.

“Rapture… arrogance… pride… despair… and fear,” he lists, one eye briefly emerging from under his hand, the brow above it furrowed, “I feel like I experienced many emotions all at once.”

His eyes are then hidden again, by his hand that has curled into a loose fist and his hair this time, “more… more! More!! Desire without limit welled up inside.”

Master Link then completely fell back into the hay, voice seeming to shrink as he said, “I completely lost control.”

“Resentment is dangerous,” Master Time remarks. “It comes in through the slightest crack in your heart.

“It easily upsets the balance you’ve tried so hard to maintain… and casts you into darkness.

“And what creates that resentment?” Master Time inquired, “answer me.”

“...my immaturity?”

“Not good enough,” Master Time admonishes. “What do you mean by immaturity?”

Silence descends upon the room, the length of which then leads to Master Time’s next remark.

“To understand yourself, question your past… why did you pull out the Gaurof Sword that day?”

The Gaurof Sword… that sword had appeared within Master Link’s memories… a ‘secret’ sword that had been embedded in a stone which lay in the desert city where Master Link had spent his childhood.

He and his three friends, Rioma, Zeu and Darpa, all young knights in training… had, like most others in the city, heard tales of the Gaurof Sword, which described it as a sword that was stronger than magic… a sword thousands had tried to pull out, but failed.

“...Darpa, my friend… said that if I could pull that sword out, I’d be a hero… and when I was young, I wanted to be a hero… the best knight in Hyrule… with status and fame such as no one in my homeland had been able to achieve.”

Master Link sighed heavily after saying this, a ‘humorless’ laugh escaping him, “I thought, ‘if I pull out this sword… everyone will praise me’...

“The king would recognize me and praise me and give me a title… and my portrait would hang inside a castle.”

“Do all knights receive castles now?”

“Not now, Fi dear.”

“My apologies, Master Time.”

“I imagined such a future,” Master Link continued, oblivious of my and Master Time’s exchange. “And with my own hands… I lost all of that.”

Master Link then covers his eyes with both hands and his voice quavers as he asks, “why… why do I so often… taste this sense of loss?”

“You carry a smoldering darkness inside you,” Master Time replies, relaying that which I had detected and the two of us had concluded.

“Unease, fear, guilt, and lack of confidence. Resentment is the other side of that. It is your shadow.

“It is a false… and fake gold.”

Master Link flinches at those words, though his hands begin slowly moving away from his face as Master Time continues.

“Resentment is a trap of the heart into which everyone falls. However, the average person would not summon so much shadow and lose control of it.”

Master Link’s eyes widen and mouth ‘drops’ open slightly at this and what comes next.

“What made you lose control… was the power of the Triforce.”

Master Link gasps slightly, gaze briefly becoming distant… perhaps due to recalling the words of the Sages? Of the ‘pure power that does not distinguish between good and evil appears according to the will of its bearer’...

“Are you saying this happened because I have the sign of the Triforce?” he asked, expression morphing into something I could not quite identify.

“The Spirits told me many times… that I was chosen,” Master Link murmurs, head dipping so that his bangs now covered his face. “Why me?

“Why?!” he cries, “I didn’t have time to think about that. I was just blindly… fighting the big waves overcoming me.”

His hands then rose to clutch at his head, “monsters attacked and I became a wolf…

“...I had to go there and collect this and fight that, and with all these sparks falling on me, I never thought about what I wanted!

“Test…

“...after test…

“...after test!

“I’ve had enough! Set me free!

“Why?

“Why?!”

Throughout the entirety of Master Link’s outburst Master Time had remained silent, his emotions somehow shrouded from me…

…which is why I am just as… ‘startled’... as Master Link, when Master Time suddenly grabs his throat and pushes him down further into the hay.

“Why?” Master Time nearly growls as he leans in towards Master Link.

“Because you were born into life with a destiny. You cannot run away from that!"

His grip tightens and his voice quivers for a brief moment,“no matter how much you struggle against it, scream that it is unfair, or try to flee, it will reappear… and strike at your throat.”

“Master Time! Is this not being too tough?!” I cannot help but call as his hand is still gripping Master Link’s throat, the mark of the Triforce of Courage shining on the backs of both their left hands as Master Link glares and takes hold of Master Time’s wrist.

The shroud over Master Time’s emotions had dissolved under the sudden surge of anger… anger that turned to an ‘aching’ weariness and sadness just as quickly as it had appeared.

“...if possible… I would relieve you of this burden… which will not disappear even when you are nothing but dust,” Master Time said, as his grip finally began to ease off of Master Link’s throat. “However, the Triforce chose you.

“There is nothing… I can do about that,” Master Time sighed, Master Link’s eyes widening and mouth twisting with renewed confusion as the hand that had been gripping his throat moves to lay upon his chest.

“Do not lament your destiny,” Master Time states, voice no longer that of the Shade, but an old man.

“There is no easy path,” he continues, voice now holding the strength of an adult, “but you can definitely overcome it.

“Do not stop walking and,” his voice, now bearing an age very close to Master Link’s own, commands, “become a true hero.”

Master Time is the same age as Master Link.

Then an old man, white hair spilling out from underneath the cloak, blue eyes just as piercing as his successor’s.

“I am one who has,” he continues, as blue eyes become red and the Shade returns, “walked the same path.”

Master Link gasps, prompting Master Time to pull his cloak a little more securely around his skull, though the hand upon Master Link’s chest does not move.

“Take suffering as your companion,” Master Time advises, his voice managing to maintain the warmth of his human form, despite his skeletal appearance.

“And unease and fear as friends. If you do, darkness will become light.

“A true hero… must shoulder a heavy responsibility… a thousand times, ten thousand times more than a normal person.”

His thoughts have drifted towards Master Sky and his endeavors as he said this, to which I respond with soft reminders of his own trials and accomplishments.

“Your path to this point… the trials you have suffered…

“Taking in each of those things that knocked you down and made you grind your teeth… and then standing up again… is what makes a true hero.”

With that, Master Time removes my blade from his back and extends it towards Master Link in a rather dramatic fashion.

Master Link, in turn, emits a small gasp, his gaze and the hand that rises shaking slightly with uncertainty.

“Take care of the kids, Fi,” Master Time murmurs as Master Link’s hand clasps the Master Sword.

“Of course, Master Time,” I reply as his hand releases my blade, our bond fading as the one to Master Link is rekindled.

The pain is gone, Master Link notes, now holding my blade with both hands, the Flames staying silent and the darkness undetectable.

I can lift it! The Master Sword!! Master Link rejoices, my own feelings ‘bubbling’ in a similar fashion.

Master Time, too, seems pleased at the sight, though it is hard to tell as his skeletal form turns towards the door.

The fluttering of his cape snaps Master Link’s attention back in his direction, just in time to witness he had shifted into the Golden Wolf.

The great canine pauses just before heading through the barn exit, his mouth twisting into a very humanlike smirk as he peers back at Master Link over his shoulder, before slipping past the half closed door.

“W-wait!” Master Link cries, managing to climb to his feet, left hand extending outwards as he stumbles after Master Time, “don’t go! Let’s talk… a little longer!”

At this point he’s managed to make it to the door, the old wood creaking as he pushes it fully open…

…revealing a startled Midna, whose visible eye widens even further when Master Link calls out her name.

“M-... Midna,” Master Link stammers, falling to his knees as the adrenaline that had sent him rushing after Master Time fled in the face of the Twili, “you came back?”

Midna’s eye narrowed and her voice was relatively cold as she replied, “no.”

Master Link flinched, emotions briefly swirling towards ‘despair’ and ‘desperation’...

…which then vanish completely as Midna’s lips curl into a small smile, “I’ve been by your side ever since. You just couldn’t see me. Now you can see me again.”

Surprise patters against the bond in response to her words, the expression on Master Link’s face apparently resulting in Midna emitting a light huff, her smile growing more ‘fond’.

“I was waiting the whole time,” she continues, “because I was certain… you would come back.”

‘Fondness’ is also bubbling against the bond, alongside ‘relief’ as Master Link reaches out, my sword coming to rest on his thigh as he wraps his arms around Midna in a hug.

“I’m sorry… Midna,” Master Link sniffles as his cheek nuzzles into the Twili. “I was lost without you. I was lonely.”

Midna’s expression had morphed into surprise when the hug had been initiated, but quickly softened back into a fond smile as she returned the hug, small arms looping around Master Link’s neck at the same time her hair wrapped itself lightly around the both of them and even my sword.

I can feel my own happiness buzzing in my chest, as warm as the sun that can be seen rising over Midna’s shoulder, prompting me to begin humming the Ballad of the Goddess.

“Welcome back, Master Link…”

Chapter Text

We stay like that for an approximate three minutes before Master Link slowly pulls away from Midna, just enough for him to direct a smile her way.

“I’m alright now,” he reassures, “I can set out anytime. Let’s go.”

“Yeah,” Midna replies with her own smile and a ‘thumbs up’, “we must continue our journey.”

That smile falters when my master’s rise to his feet results in a pained grunt and a touch of unsteadiness.

But, with a firm hand on the door, then door frame… while the other uses my sword as a makeshift cane… he manages to take his first step outside.

How long has it been, he wonders as he gazes outwards, to the mountains in the distance, since I felt the wind?

The wind in question then directs his attention to a shirt, a simple thing of off-white coloring, the fabric fluttering in the gentle breeze.

“That girl hung it there,” Midna remarks, most likely referencing the young girl Master Time had entrusted Master Link to, as my master takes the shirt into his hands, “I think that means you can wear it.”

“For now, I’ll borrow it,” Master Link states as he pulls the shirt over his head, “I have to ask her where my clothes and equipment are.”

With that, we set off, slowly but surely, Master Link’s curiosity and concern rising as he took in the dilapidated houses around us, the door of one such house banging against the wall as the wind blew by.

A bowl is also sent rolling by the wind, bringing attention to other abandoned or broken utensils and tools, all scattered about houses which sport holes in their walls and roofs.

“Is this village… uninhabited?” Master Link wonders aloud, “an abandoned village?”

That is certainly a possibility, I acknowledge silently, however… given the presence of your caretaker… as well as the comments she and Master Time made previously… it is far more likely something terrible fell upon this village.

Musings are then interrupted as we finally come upon the village girl in question, a look of surprise directed our way when Master Link emitted a small cry of excitement upon sighting the girl himself.

She had been sitting on the ground some distance away, her surprise from Master Link’s call quickly transforming into anger when, upon our drawing near… she caught sight of my blade.

“Don’t come any closer!” she snaps, causing Master Link to flinch and stumble to a halt.

The confusion that bubbles in response to the girl’s anger… is then quick to be replaced by surprise… and the previous concern rises even higher… as Master Link’s gaze catches upon the stone blocks that lay behind her.

Separated from the rest of the village by a simple wooden fence… set in neat rows and evenly spaced from one another… lay a large number of these stones… missing any of the engraved writings or embellishments that usually adorn such objects… but still recognizable in their significance.

“Is this… a cemetery?” Master Link inquires, gaze traveling from one grave to another… all of them disturbingly fresh.

‘Concern’ is still ringing clearly from his side of the bond as his gaze settles upon the young woman, who has turned away from him at this point.

“Are you living here alone?” that concern presses Master Link to ask. “What in the world… happened to this village?”

“If you’re feeling better, leave at once,” is how the young woman chooses to reply as she climbs to her feet.

Her face, when she turns towards us once more, shows clear anger as she speaks again, “I hate people… with weapons!!

“Go away!!” she screams… sorrow twisting alongside anger now, causing Master Link to falter before the force of it.

He does not move to leave, however… and not even Midna breaks the silence that falls… only the wind can be heard, a soft howl joining with the rustling of the girl’s cloak and Master Link’s borrowed clothing.

No words are exchanged… the girl simply glares, her shoulders hunched and her fists clenched tightly… Master Link gazing upon her irate form with continued concern and confusion.

...until, eventually... his head and gaze shift downwards and to the right… before lifting slowly as he inhales deeply… memories of him sitting alone in an empty desert where a city had once stood, swirling in his mind.

The expression those memories shape his face into… has the girl’s brow furrowing further… her mouth curling further downward…

And then tears begin to form… the girl quickly turning back towards the graves as they begin to fall down her cheeks.

One sob is heard… then another as her hands rise to cover her face and she falls to her knees.

Memories now drifting towards the Ordonian children... which then overlap with that of a younger Master Link, sitting scared and confused in the desert... prompts his current self forward as soft keens are heard.

The girl is properly crying by the time Master Link comes to stand next to her, her body curled forwards and shaking as he carefully lowers himself into a sitting position.

My sword is used as support as this occurs, before carefully lowered to lay on the ground opposite from the girl.

Master Link's free hand then extends with the same, slow care… his arm curling around the girl’s back until such time his hand comes to rest on her shoulder.

Her sobs halt abruptly, no doubt due to the sudden presence of Master Link’s hand… while at the same time my master emits a deep sigh.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly, head lowering as memories and emotions swirl, “it’s been hard, huh?”

There is silence… then a sniffle, Master Link shifting slightly closer, while the girl shifts so that her arms are wrapped around her knees, face pressing against them as she cries.

“About one year ago… it began when a hole opened in the sky and three black monsters fell through.”

This is how the girl begins her story, once the tears had run their course, the afternoon sun shining in a way that shadows sway on the edges of where she and Master Link still sit.

“They caught three villagers and turned them into the same type of black monster,” she informs us. “The whole village was terrified and everyone panicked.

“We were talking about abandoning the village and fleeing… when a group of soldiers from the castle happened to pass by and said they would get rid of them. They killed all three.

“Then an incredible number of monsters… poured from the sky and up from the ground…”

The girl’s body shrinks in on itself as she continues, “a monster that looked like a dark priest with a pointy head commanded them… and they turned the soldiers into monsters, and then they all attacked us.”

Recognition dawns from Master Link at the mention of the dark priest, thoughts briefly drifting towards his encounter with Zant, before the girl’s voice draws him back to the present.

“They killed everyone who faced them… I got scared and hid myself in the hay, inside the barn…

“...and the next thing I knew, I was alone.”

A ‘haunted’ expression then overtakes the girl’s face, “if they hadn’t stood their ground and had just run away, the monsters wouldn’t have slaughtered them… but people with weapons involved this village in the fight.

“My father, mother… my big brother… my relatives and friends… everyone died.”

There is a brief moment of silence before ‘realization’ dawns and Master Link gasps, “surely… you didn’t bury all of them alone?

“And you’ve been here alone the whole time keeping their graves?” comes the following question soon after, as the first possessed quite an obvious answer.

“Didn’t you think about leaving and seeking help?”

“This is the house where I was born and raised,” the girl finally replies, her head lifting and turning towards the only house still in moderately good condition, “I can’t leave my family.

“But I was alone, so the empty houses fell into ruin… and even though it had been a pretty village surrounded by greenery…

“...it became a wasteland… where not a single flower blooms.”

Her head then lowers to bury her face into her arms, which still clutch her knees, voice slightly muffled as she declares, “I hate those monsters.

“I hate them for taking everything away!” she cries, “but I can’t do anything.”

There is a moment of silence after that… Master Link’s thoughts swirling… before he begins to speak.

“Those monsters also attacked… my own village and Hyrule Castle too.”

The girl startles at that information, brown eyes wide with surprise as her head lifts and turns towards my master as he continues speaking.

“The king and Princess Zelda are gone too,” he reveals, head lowering as he frowns. “I tried to defeat the Shadow King leading those monsters… but I lost and that man carried me here.

“But I got back up again… thanks to you,” he says with a grateful smile directed towards the girl.

The girl, in turn, gazes upon Master Link with surprise… which then shifts towards mild curiosity as she asks, “what will you do now?

“You lost, right?” she asks as curiosity shifts into concern. “Fighting monsters you can’t beat will only increase the number of sacrifices.

“You should run away or hide.”

Master Link takes at least two point three seconds to consider her words, his hands, which had been clasped and laying in his lap… squeezing each other, briefly, before he replies.

“I can’t do that.”

The girl blinks, ‘disbelief’ twisting her features and coloring her voice, “why keep fighting until you’re just a broken wreck?

“The king and princess are gone, right?” the girl inquires, before crying, “so fighting is pointless!”

“That’s not true!!” Master Link exclaims as he leaps to his feet.

“My life has a purpose,” he states, renewed ‘confidence’ flaring alongside ‘conviction’, “it’s not for the royal family.

“I’m here to protect… people like you!!”

The girl’s mouth falls open, yet no words escape as she gazes upon Master Link, whose own gaze travels skyward, before fixing upon the gravestones before us.

“In order for people like those now resting here… to never again experience such horror and suffering… I must protect every precious life.

“As long as a single life remains in the land of Hyrule,” Master Link continues, fangs of the proud beast bared, “we must fight… and never give up.”

He pauses, then directs a smile towards the girl, “yes, I lost and found myself here… and now I truly realize that.”

Midna huffs and grumbles in response to what has been said… but I find myself releasing a small laugh… as ‘relief’... ‘happiness’... and ‘pride’, alongside other ‘warm’ feelings I have yet had the opportunity to identify… build within my chest.

“You were right, Master Time… this was indeed the best place… for the necessary lesson to be taught… for the reminder of Master Link’s true self…”

More than Master Time and even Master Sky… Master Link was a guardian… one who fought to protect, not just those of his beloved Ordon Village… whose ferocious fangs and heart… would not hesitate to defend all within Hyrule.

“I’m… nothing more than dirt,” the girl suddenly murmurs, bringing attention back to her as she curls in on herself. “I’m not worth all that effort.”

“No, you have strength,” Master Link immediately counters. “You made this cemetery all alone in this place… and you’re trying to protect your home village.”

His head then lowers, alongside his mood, voice growing somber, “long ago ago, I lost my hometown… and I don’t think I could have done this alone.”

He then lowers himself onto his knees, hands bracing themselves on the top of his thighs, head cocking to the left as he regards the girl.

“You’re greater than any hero, no matter that hero’s feats.”

The girl’s response to Master Link’s words is to emphatically shake her head before lowering it to almost rest atop her arms, which are again folded together and laid to rest atop her drawn up knees.

“I don’t really understand,” she murmurs, “I just think it’s hard.  Just living is hard, so saving someone else is…”

“And yet you saved me,” Master Link argues gently.

“When I was on the edge of death and couldn’t move at all, you saved me, so I’m truly grateful,” he states with a ‘self-deprecating’ laugh. “I feel it in my bones.

“Everyone is weak,” he continues, his face turning skyward, the wind gently tousling his hair, “even great fighters aren’t much on their own.”

His face is far more… ‘peaceful’... gaze clear, as he adds, “just focusing on strength alone… is the way a child thinks.”

“I washed and mended your things,” the girl informs us, once we had moved to her house and she had retrieved Master Link’s clothes and equipment, including the Hylian Shield.

“You’re treating me so well, but I can’t offer anything in thanks right now,” Master Link states with another self-deprecating laugh.

“That isn’t necessary,” the girl replies, seemingly working to ensure she is facing away from Master Link by bustling around the house, as she does, “I wanted to do it.”

Master Link directs a fond smile in her direction, before stating, “I’m Link. Won’t you tell me your name?”

“Me?” The girl asks, face showing slight surprise as she finally turns our way, “Anika.”

“Thank you, Anika,” Master Link states with full sincerity.

Anika’s eyes widen at the sight, then drift away as her cheeks redden.

“It’s a little weird… I’m kind of embarrassed,” she states as she turns and takes three steps away from us. “It’s been a while since someone said my name.”

She turns back towards us, though her gaze quickly flits away again as she adds, “those clothes you’re wearing were my older brother’s.”

Her gaze and tone then become distant, but fond, as she recalls, “he was a hard worker. I often mended his clothes when they frayed. And he often brought me flowers from the pastures…”

Her voice trails off as a tear falls to the ground, her hand rising to her face in response.

“I’ve never cried this much before,” she sniffs, the back of her hand rubbing rather roughly against her eyes, “maybe once you do it, it becomes a habit. I don’t want that.”

“It’s alright,” Master Link murmurs gently as he moves to stand beside the younger girl, a hand coming to rest on her shoulder.

“There was no one here before and you couldn’t cry alone,” he states. “Someone is here now, so now the tears come.

“Today, you can cry a whole year’s worth.”

Anika’s hand lowers enough to reveal one eye, brow crinkled as more tears drip down her cheek.

Then both hands are lowered, her mouth trembling as she sniffles.

“...Link…” she sobs softly, before her face crumbles into pure sadness, even as she says, “Link… thank you for coming!”

Master Link makes no reply to her words, other than allowing her to grab hold of the borrowed shirt he still wears… his hand raising to gently stroke her head as she truly begins to cry.

It is with the rising sun that Master Link dons the Garb of the Hero once more, a firm resolution burning against the bond as he takes up the Master Sword.

“Anika,” Master Link begins, after the girl in question had walked with us to the village exit, “if it’s too hard being alone… It’s far away, but you should go to a village called Ordon in the southern Faron Woods.”

His tone then becomes filled with fondness, “when I was wandering after I lost my hometown, I stayed in that village.

“The villagers there are very kind,” he adds. “If you go there, I’m sure they’d welcome you. If you say you heard about the village from me…”

His voice trails off as ‘uncertainty’ flares and he begins fumbling about his person, “maybe show them something… I don’t have anything to give you! What should I do?”

That is true, anything the Ordonian villagers might have recognized disappeared upon your first transition from a wolf into human wearing the Hero’s garb…

“It’s all right. Don’t worry about it,” Anika interjects, though her words do nothing to deter my master from his search.

Eventually, he finds a small knife in one of his pockets and, following a spark of inspiration, he quickly uses that knife to cut off a lock of his hair.

“This is all I have, but” he begins as another pocket provides a piece of paper, which he folds the hair into before offering it to Anika, "the villagers are sure to know it’s from me.”

“Thanks. I’ll take it,” Anika replies with a fond smile as she receives the offering, “goodbye.”

Master Link bids his own goodbye and then we are off, Midna withdrawing from his shadow once we are safely out of sight.

“All right,” Master Link says as Midna moves to hover on his right side and I withdraw my sensors, “let’s go.

“Onward… to the next Mirror Shard... and restoring the peace... both for Hyrule... and the Twilight Realm!”

Chapter Text

As it would turn out, the village from whence we had just departed dwelt within the more mountainous region of Hyrule.

Wanting ‘a bit of exercise’, as well as a ‘proper look around’, Master Link thus engages in climbing these very same mountains.

As Midna is there and fully capable of providing aid, should my master lose his footing, I do not argue against this plan.

Reaching the summit of one such mountain also affords a look at the forest we seek, which Midna brings to my master’s attention.

“It’s deeper in the sacred area of the forest where the Master Sword’s pedestal was,” she informs my master, “there’s a grove that sacred power protects.

“And deep in that grove is a Temple Where Time Sleeps for Eternity.”

“Is there a shard of the Mirror of Twilight there?” Master Link inquires.

“I don’t know,” Midna replies, visible eye trained on the forest. “But I believe you must search for the power of an ancient civilization… and use it to save Hyrule.”

“The Temple Where Time Sleeps,” Master Link repeats in a low murmur, “and the power of an ancient civilization, huh?”

He then directs a new question to Midna, “so… does that mean you definitely can’t teleport us there?”

“What happened to wanting some exercise?” Midna teasingly inquires in turn, adding after Master Link emits a sigh and a brief period of grumbling, “unfortunately, no.

“The sacred energy is preventing me from creating a portal,” she hums, tone more intrigued than annoyed, “so we’ll have to go the old-fashioned way. Hope your poor little feet don’t fall off.”

In point of fact, my master’s feet do not fall off, though he himself comes perilously close to plummeting from one of the cliff sides during our trek, as a vine he’d been climbing snapped.

Midna is quick to catch him, however, her magic infused hair wrapping around Master Link and I with ease, ‘witty’ banter starting anew as she returns us to solid ground.

From there, we eventually find our way back into the territory of Skull Kid, whom I am able to contact and inform of our presence before he engages defensive tactics to protect the forest.

Then, immediately after communications with Skull Kid are completed… a familiar aura is detected, prompting me to activate my dowsing.

In the meantime, Master Link and Midna reach, and conduct a search of, the area near where my sword had previously rested, my master’s attention eventually catching on a certain structure.

“This statue… is unlike the two farther on,” he remarks. “That must mean something.

“And behind it… is just a door,” he continues. “Was this once the main entrance?”

“I’m certain this is the sacred ancient grove,” Midna chimes in. “So where in the world is the temple?

“All that’s here is ruins fallen into decay.”

And that is precisely what remains of the Temple of Time, I hum silently, yet, all has not been lost…

It had been undetectable, at the time of my initial awakenings and when Master Link had drawn my sword, but now… now the thrum of Master Time’s magic… and that of the Ocarina of Time… was quite prevalent.

Which then led to the question… of whether I would be able to relay the new information I had just received… as Master Link drew near the exact location needed to reveal the next step in our quest.

“The pedestal of the Master Sword,” he murmured.

“Master Link,” I called as we came to stand before that pedestal and a great deal of magic began filtering into my blade. “Master Link, hear me…”

Master Link startles and, possibly reacting to a physical manifestation of the power now filling my blade, Midna cries out.

“Is the sword saying something?!”

‘Curiosity’ hums from Master Link’s side of the bond as a hand brushes lightly against the sword’s hilt, prompting me to speak once more.

“Master Link… place the sword into the pedestal… this shall open the way…”

No words are spoken by my master, but my blade is unsheathed, both hands coming to grip the hilt as the sword is turned downward.

And the second the sword sinks into the pedestal… the magic that had surrounded us comes together, then shoots outward, in a manner incredibly similar to when openings were created in the cloud barrier, amidst my time with Master Sky.

“What was that, just now?” my current master inquires, evidently having sensed the shifting magical tides, pulling my blade free and sheathing it before setting off, “I’ll go back and look!”

With the correct suspicion already at the forefront of his mind, I thus elect to speak no further as we climb back up to the statue Master Link had been inspecting earlier.

“The statue disappeared!!” my master exclaimed once we arrived, before startling anew… as the doors that had lain hidden behind the newly vanished statue slowly creaked open.

With their opening came a strong rush of magic, that unique to the Timeshift Stones and the Ocarina of Time, which attached itself to and swirled around the door.

They managed to create their own Gate of Time, I realized, as the magical signatures of Master Time and his Zelda can be faintly detected within the portal, most impressive, I must say…

In the meantime, Master Link and Midna were still studying the gate, my master quickly running to the opposite side of the door.

“Looking from behind… Nothing,” he murmured. “That’s odd.”

“This must be the Temple Where Time Sleeps Eternally!” Midna correctly deduces, as Master Link returns to her side. “If you go through the doors, I bet time will turn back!”

“All right,” Master Link said as ‘determination’ flared, “let’s go!”

We thus step forwards and, much like the original gate, magic swirls around us, though it manifests itself in a bright light instead of a gear-shaped path.

Regardless of the manner of transport, the shifting of time is made immediately apparent, as proven by my master’s next comment, once we fully pass through the gate.

“It’s shiny and new,” he observes quietly, as his gaze travels about the ‘shiny and new’ tiled floors and walls of a temple that, to me, is also ‘new’... yet familiar. “I wonder how far into the past we’ve come.”

The answer to that question was rather complicated due to a number of factors, one of which is then noted by Midna as she points outwards.

“Link, look. The same statues are standing there!” she exclaims, referencing the statues that, at some point amidst my slumber, had evidently been placed as additional guards of the temple.

“Which means back here is,” Master Link began, though his voice trailed off as he ran past the guardian statues…

…before slowing to a walk as we entered into the chamber that had held my sword… which had also been altered from what I remembered amidst Master Time’s era.

Where before, the area had been largely constructed of stone walls with only one window set high above to let in a bit of light… now, light poured in through not only an array of stained glass windows that circled the room, with similarly circular patterns of green, red and blue... but also an intricate glass dome that lay directly above where my sword had rested.

And it is to this pedestal Master Link walks to, studying it intently as Midna floats along after us.

“What’re you gonna do?” she asks.

“Will something happen if I stick the sword in there?” Master Link hums contemplatively.

“I suppose it would go back to the way it was,” Midna hypothesizes, Master Link releasing another hum in answer.

I, in the meantime, had been scanning the area, as well as running further analyses of the magics… when those magics suddenly shift, the attention of my companions captured by the sound of footsteps that began ringing out 2.1 seconds later.

An enemy?! Master Link gasps silently, body tensing as he turns towards the noise…

…then reels backwards, slightly, gasping outwardly now, as he spots a small form sprinting towards us.

A child?!?

A memory, I correct... as the child version of Master Time phases right through Master Link, who’d moved to try and intercept the young boy in green as protective instincts had flared.

The memory of the young Master Time, of course, remains oblivious to his successor, his attention focused solely on the memory form of the Master Sword, tiny hands soon wrapping tightly around the hilt.

Master Link is too confused to do anything more than watch as the young Master Time pulls his Master Sword from the pedestal, until such time a bright light appears, causing his eyes to close and hand to raise and provide further protection.

When the light clears, Master Time’s teenage form is revealed, Master Link emitting a gasp of surprise as he gazes upon Master Time from behind, their physical attributes nearly identical.

‘Shock’ joins ‘confusion’ in response, Midna’s own facial expression mirroring Master Link’s emotions, but neither are given any time to call out to either each other or to the memory of Master Time.

Instead, the only sound they can emit are new gasps of alarm as a blast of magical energy comes hurtling towards us.

Master Link quickly raises his shield and braces for the impact… but it is only the memory of Master Time and his own Hylian Shield that meets the attack, the force of which sends him backwards and through Master Link’s form once more.

Master Link is thus left with nothing to do but watch, gaze darting from the form of Master Time, who fights to rise back onto his feet, left hand grasping for the hilt of his Master Sword while Navi appears and flits nervously over his head.

Attention the darts towards the direction from which the attack had been sent, the shadowy form of Ganondorf floating before us, hair billowing in a wind that is not felt in the present.

Did the Temple Where Time Sleeps cause this? Master Link wonders as Master Time and Ganondorf lock blades. Is it showing me a fight from the past?!

Indeed, I hum as the form of the previous Princess Zelda appears, locked in her crystal prison, hands pressed tightly against the pink wall before she disappears and the scene shifts.

Now it is against Ganon that Master Time fights, the beast roaring with mindless hatred.

Master Time, meanwhile, stands firm before the beast, my sword gripped tightly in his hands.  He is the picture of a noble warrior, steadfast and solid before his enemy, as he raises the sword over his head, mouth opening in a silent scream of challenge…

…until everything is suddenly washed away by a bright light, particles of magic drifting in the air… before slowly fading as a familiar aura and figure appears.

“We meet again,” Master Time, once again in the form of the skeletal warrior, says as he emerges from the fading light.

“Yes,” Master Link chuckles, once he recovers from his surprise, alongside all the other emotions that had stirred amidst his viewing of the memory.

“The warrior I saw earlier… that was you, long ago,” Master Link correctly deduces. “And the large man you were fighting, that beast, it was Ganondorf.”

“Correct,” Master Time confirms with a nod.

“My soul separated from my flesh long ago,” he states, skeletal head tilting slightly. “I am not completely free, but through the power of thought, I can cross time, space and dimensions, and change my form.”

“You did not share the last bit of that information the last time we met”, I note; a strange feeling stirring in my chest at the thought.

Master Time, of course, makes no reaction to my words, instead continuing with, “this temple was once the place where I traveled through time.

“I fought back and forth across time, so some called me the Hero of Time.

“I defeated Ganondorf. Then Princess Zelda turned back time seven years… and Ganondorf was executed before he could do anything… so no catastrophe befell Hyrule. History changed and the fight between Ganondorf and me never occurred.”

Master Time’s gaze had begun drifting about the temple as he relayed this information, but now it returned fully to Master Link, “what you saw earlier were events in a flow of time that branched away and broke off. Aside from Princess Zelda and me, no one knows this.

“No…” Master Time suddenly corrects, tone growing ‘rougher’ “...to be precise, three people, including Ganondorf, are aware of it.”

Red ‘pupils’ then alight within Master Time’s eye sockets, tone growing grim, “Ganondorf was sent to the Twilight Realm, but he has returned across time. “Now he has begun moving to obtain all three of the Triforces. And perhaps…

“...he will turn his desire for revenge against you.”

The Wolf stirs in response to those words, though Master Link remains silent, allowing Master Time to continue.

“Ganondorf burns with a great flame of hatred… and must be thrilled with his plots to crush you. That’s who he is.”

There is a moment of silence, Master Link’s emotions swirling… before everything calms and he begins to speak.

“Who am I to wear these green clothes?” he inquires softly.

“Who is Ganondorf? Why do I have to defeat him? Watching the fight just now, I understood.”

He pauses, ‘uncertainty’ flaring briefly… before ‘resolve’ steps forward to take its place.

“I can accept the way I am now… without reservation,” he declares. “I have no unnecessary fear of facing my enemy.

“There is a voice in my heart,” he murmurs, eyes closing as his left hand, curled into a fist, comes to rest on his chest, “it says to be faithful to my role.”

Master Time is now the silent one as Master Link says all this, red pupils faded.

“I saw my predecessor fight,” Master Link continues, ‘pride’ directed towards Master Time in both his voice and smile, “and nothing could bestow any more courage on me.”

His tone then becomes more ‘somber’, “until now, I have narrowly escaped death many times… and had many wild fights. But…

“...have I ever fought like that? I still… don’t fight like that.”

There is a pause and then Master Link declares firmly, “I want to fight like you.”

The red ‘pupils’ flare in response to those words, Master Time’s body language shifting in a similar manner to Master Link’s emotions.

This stirs up memories of my own, when I became sparring partners with Master Sky, even moreso with Master Time’s next words.

“You need sword techniques that will serve you against a powerful opponent who wields magic. But there is considerable danger to one made of flesh and blood,” Master Time cautions. “Nonetheless, do you wish to learn?”

“That was quite the foolish question,” I cannot help but chuckle, as one of the personality traits all my masters possessed thus far flares.

“Please, teach me your techniques,” Master Link replies quite eagerly, “I want to inherit all of them.

“Even if it shaves away my life… I cannot put aside my hope now.”

“Very well,” Master Time replies in turn, as he reaches for his sword.

Master Link is quick to do the same, the two warriors moving away from the pedestal towards the more open space as swords are drawn.

Master Link’s excitement is buzzing and I believe I can feel that emotion humming in my own chest as he and Master Time ready themselves, Master Time crying out.

“I will teach you all of my secret techniques!”

Chapter Text

“Your foes are never ordinary,” Master Time states, “you’ve faced unusual opponents.

“Fast enemies… and sword masters. Opponents clad in armor harder than stone… wielding flame, freezing air and bearing super-strong weapons.

“It’s difficult to engage enemies who use ranged weapons like magic blasts,” Master Time continues, no doubt referencing Ganondorf. “However, even a monster that at first seems to be unkillable has a weakness.

“For example,” Master Time adds as he lifts both his sword and shield, “if an opponent hides behind armor and you only attack head-on, you may be missing an opening.”

Then, faster than Master Link’s eyes can track, Master Time slips behind us, delivering a light tap to Master Link’s back, causing him to turn just as Master Time spins to a stop.

He could have struck me from behind! Master Link quickly realizes.

“Move behind a vulnerable opponent and strike them from the rear,” Master Time instructs, the flat of his blade tapping lightly against Master Link’s back, “that’s a back slice.

“If you can’t because they’re wearing armor or moving too quickly,” Master Time continues, taking a few steps back, before suddenly rushing forwards, shield thrusting towards Master Link.

My younger master manages to raise his shield in response, but is unable to keep from stumbling backwards as Master Time performs a Shield Bash.

“...press the attack and force them back,” Master Time instructs, already leaping forwards, the flat of his sword tapping against Master Link’s head as Master Time sails over us.

“Strike from above, move behind… and immediately attack,” my elder master states as he lands, then spins, his sword stopping an inch away from Master Link’s head, “that’s a Helm Splitter.

“You’re only human, but by improving your technique, you can beat magic or dark powers without relying on the Master Sword,” he continues, sword lowering as he returns to his original position.  “Turn an opponent’s strength against it. Speed and accuracy never fail.

“You can definitely improve your speed,” Master Time declares, “you must move more nimbly than a water droplet flying through the air.

“So show me!” Master Time orders, red eyes flaring, Master Link’s competitive spirit following suit as the two warriors raise then cross their swords together.

With that, the match is on, Master Link launching himself at Master Time, who meets every strike, their speed steadily increasing as time goes on.

As it did, more of Master Time’s abilities are displayed, including one with which two additional copies of himself are produced… a new kind of ‘warmth’... a ‘pride’, very similar to that which Master Link had experienced after witnessing Master Time’s battle against Ganondorf, ‘blooming’ within my chest, as each is displayed.

“You have become quite skilled indeed since last we met, Master Time…”

Meanwhile, ‘determination’ was blazing from Master Link’s side of the bond, the instructions given by Master Time at the forefront of his mind as he sought to adhere to them.

“Faster…

"...faster…

"...faster!” Master Link continually chanted within his mind, striving to push his body to do just that.

…at least, until such time his body protests against such treatment, causing him to abruptly fall to his knees, gasping for air.

My heart is… about to explode, his mind cries, my analyses of his health negating that assessment, though there is a great deal of strain upon the organ in question.

“It may not make much sense to you, but,” Master Time begins to say, red ‘eyes’ gazing down upon his young pupil, “this training accelerates time.

“In other words, it is shortening your life span.”

So, that is why this training is dangerous…

“But explaining all that,” Master Time continues, as Master Link manages to stand again, “isn’t necessary.”

“Okay,” Master Link pants in apparent agreement, “c’mon.”

“Rest a little,” is how Master Time responds, startling Master Link.

“Let’s go!” he cries in protest, but this only leads to Master Time sheathing his sword.

“Impatience gets you nothing,” Master Time states, his entire body relaxed, his guard dropping completely.

“I’m not impatient!” Master Link continues to protest, truly believing the lesson was ending, “I—”

Whatever it was Master Link was about to say is cut short as Master Time suddenly surges forwards, his blade ruffling Master Link’s hair before he can even blink, hovering dangerously close to his neck.

“You can do nothing. This is the Mortal Draw,” Master Time begins to explain, Master Link doing his utmost not to move a single millimeter.

“Hide your intentions, leave your guard down, jump in close… and quickly deploy this technique,” Master Time explains, as he lowers his sword and takes a step back.

“It is a risky maneuver,” he then cautions. “Your foe will see if your intentions aren’t hidden completely… and the slightest delay will cost your life.”

“Got it!” Master Link replies with a nod, not a trace of fear to be found in his voice or through the bond.

Indeed, the only thing that can be felt from him is ‘excitement’ as the training continues… and even Master Time seems to be experiencing something similar.

…they are almost too excited, unfortunately, as a blow from Master Time sends Master Link falling backwards… directly towards the stairs that led to the pedestal for the Master Sword.

His head is on a direct collision course for the edge of one of the steps, but Master Time manages to realize this quickly and grabs hold of Master Link’s wrist, gripping it tightly enough to stop the backward momentum.

The resulting image of Master Time standing over him, alongside the firm grip around his wrist, once again brings forth the memories of when my two masters had first met, amidst the chaos unleashed via the Gaurof Sword.

“That time… you grabbed my arm,” Master Link murmured. “I… always thought it was death trying to pull me down.

“But that’s not it at all. Were you… helping me that day?!” Master Link inquires.

There is a moment of silence, as Master Time helps Master Link back onto his feet, before my elder master states, “I had… an urgent premonition.

"I wouldn’t save everything,” he continued, gaze wandering, briefly, before focusing upon Master Link again, “but I couldn’t lose the next hero who might be able to save Hyrule!”

“Were you… watching over me this whole time?” Master Link inquires next, to which Master Time shakes his head.

“What I was watching over… was the Twilight Realm,” is his reply, which produces a gasp from Midna, who had spent the duration of the training session watching from a safe distance on the other side of the chamber.

“You’re… the Hero of Time!” she cries, as she moves to hover before Master Time, crimson eye inspecting him anew. “You turned into a Golden Wolf and stayed by me… and watched over the awful changes happening in the Twilight Realm!”

Once again, there is a moment of silence... before Master Time bows his head, his skull disappearing into shadow as he replied, “yes, Princess Midna. I am ashamed of my inability to protect you.

“Zant should have killed me, but… I was already an incorporeal being in this world,” he continued with his head still lowered. “Bearing my shame, I came to you like this.”

Midna had worn a shocked expression up to this point, though it softened before she shook her head.

“He… you,” she tried to begin, before emitting a sigh and a ‘soft’ smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I didn’t have many friends I could trust, so… you have no idea what a comfort you were.”

Master Time’s head lowers further in response to those words and a new moment of silence encompasses the room, before he turns to address Master Link again.

“I will tell you one more thing,” Master Time said. “Your hometown that the darkness swallowed… still exists somewhere in the Twilight Realm.”

Master Link emits a gasp of surprise and his emotions swirl wildly as Master Time continues.

“The worlds of light and shadow are two sides of a coin. The gods forbid their people from visiting the other world… but there are a few places where they connect, like windows.

“Most of those holes are sealed, like the Gaurof Sword,” Master Time reveals. “When opened under certain conditions, the darkness may swallow the light, creating a phenomenon of reversal.”

“The people of the border city,” Master Link begins to inquire, ‘hope’ quivering like a candle flame in the wind, “are they still alive?!”

Chapter Text

“I do not know for certain,” is how Master Time begins his reply. “But you may find out… if you go to the Twilight Realm.”

Once again, Master Link’s emotions swirl, Master Time’s words repeating in his mind, before it drifts towards memories of his old friends.

Darpa… Rioma… Zeu… I miss them, he laments silently, before ‘hope’ glimmers faintly, they may be alive! We might be able to meet again!

Any further musings, discussions, or further lessons in sword techniques, is then interrupted as the sound of a bell rings out… and a familiar presence is detected.

“Was that a bell?” Master Link inquires, confused, while Master Time takes on a defensive stance.

“I sense Shadow,” he informs Master Link, gaze directed towards where the source of that familiar aura lies. “The Mirror of Twilight that came here across time, and the power of Shadow that now holds it…

“They are beginning to encroach on this space.”

With that declaration, Midna’s aura flares, her visible eye closing as her magic extends outward. She locates the Mirror Shard with impressive speed and is soon flying off, my startled master calling out her name before running after her.

Another sounding of the bell brings us to a stop before the instrument, Master Link emitting a small gasp as it rings again, without any signs of someone, or thing, to prompt the ringing.

“What does it mean?” Master Link inquires, ‘intrigue’ mixing with ‘wariness’, before being replaced with ‘surprise’ and ‘alarm’... as everything around us begins to age and crumble.

“The temple was in good condition before,” Master Link remarks as ‘concern’ begins to form. “Why is it suddenly aging?”

There is a 90% probability this is the result of the encroachment perpetrated by the Mirror of Twilight and whatever power currently holds it. They must be disrupting the spatial and time magic of the temple…

Master Link emits a cry of alarm as cobwebs suddenly begin to appear, coating him in their sticky substance as the bell rings again.

“When the bell tolls, time suddenly advances!” Master Link cries as he breaks free of the cobwebs.

“But it isn’t affecting my body,” he notes as he manages to shake off whatever webbing had remained on his person.

“I gotta finish my task before the temple collapses!” Master Link then cries as he breaks into a run up a nearby flight of stairs. “Where’s Midna?!”

We enter the room found at the top of the stairs, Master Link gazing about with both intrigue and wariness… which is proven valid, as both the aura of the Mirror of Twilight and that of a creature known as a Darknut, lie straight ahead.

Encased entirely in a suit of black armor, the Darknut is initially facing away from Master Link and I, gaze locked upon the mirror fragment that sits on a pedestal behind it.

Upon detecting our presence the Darknut turns, a large broadsword clasped in one hand while the other holds a sturdy shield, both drawn and at the ready.

“I protect this mirror,” the Darknut proclaims, two dots of dark purple light flashing from the slit in its ‘helmet’, locking onto us, “and destroy intruders!”

Master Link quickly draws his own sword and shield, then is forced to immediately jump to the side as the Darknut swings its sword in a downward chop.

He is then forced to roll out of the way of a horizontal slash before finally gaining enough distance to climb back onto his feet.

It looks heavy… but it’s fast! Master Link observes as he carefully studies our opponent, my own sensors analyzing the Darknut at the same time.

Both are interrupted, however, as a stone pillar that the Darknut had been standing beside suddenly begins to fall, large chunks of the stone having disintegrated under the onslaught of time.

Not all of the pillar disintegrates, however… in fact, a particularly large piece of stone hurtles towards the Darknut, Master Link emitting a short cry of surprise as this occurs.

He then quickly ducks behind his shield at the same time he takes three steps back, bracing himself as the stone pieces make impact, the form of the Darknut disappearing beneath the rubble and dust.

However, it is not even 1.58 seconds later that the rubble begins to stir, before crumbling to dust, the Darknut’s hunched form reappearing immediately after.

“I destroy… intruders!” the Darknut proclaims anew, as the last of the rubble falls away from its body.

“Not a single scratch, huh?” Master Link notes grimly, before launching a quick attack.

Unfortunately, the attack merely bounces off the Darknut’s hard shell, which seems to amuse the creature as it cries, “your sword… cannot even dent my armor!”

“Not alone, no,” I hum, while Master Link assumes a familiar position, “but, with recently learned techniques…”

Master Link inhales, then exhales, grip on the Master Sword tightening as his gaze narrows.

He is then surging forwards faster than the Darknut can react, Hylian Shield quickly deployed to deliver a Shield Bash.

The very second the Darknut stumbles, Master Link is jumping skywards, rolling as he sails over our adversary in order to deliver a solid blow to the head, in a flawless execution of the newly learned Helm Splitter.

This causes the helmet to go flying and the rest of the body staggers, leaving it wide open to a flurry of attacks, ending in a spin attack.

The Darknut emits one last scream before exploding into a black cloud as Master Link comes out of the spin attack, body still tensed against further assault, until such time Midna’s form is spotted behind the fading Darknut, hovering beside the Mirror Shard.

“A fragment of the Mirror of Twilight!” Master Link exclaims, evidently only just now noticing the presence of the mirror in question, as he rushes forwards.

“Wait!” Midna hissed as she threw her arm out to block my master’s path.

This causes ‘confusion’ to bounce against the bond, but I am immediately able to detect her cause for concern, as the tainted aura of the Mirror of Twilight flared.

Alongside that aura is a much smaller one, belonging to a spider, which had just descended from above via a strand of its silk.

The unfortunate creature then makes the mistake of landing and then crawling upon the surface of the mirror, the dark aura of which pounces upon the spider as quickly as it might pounce upon an insect caught in its web.

The evil energy thus consumes the spider, causing its body to begin to grow and mutate, Master Link and Midna gasping in alarm as a large eye cracks open atop its abdomen.

“Target lock: Armogohma,” I begin to analyze as the creature screams and my master readies himself anew for battle. “The large eye on its back carries a 95% probability of emitting a laser-like attack, which the creature is sure to deploy should it ascend to the ceiling…”

The eye in question narrowed right at that moment, leading Midna to emit a bark of laughter, albeit a shaky one.

“It smiled!” she practically spat, a clear dislike in her tone, with undertones of what I believed to be nervousness. “Do it, Link! I’m sure you can win!”

Armoghoma seems to take that as its own cue, for the mutated spider chooses that exact moment to lunge towards us.

“Be mindful, Master Link. The carapace of the spider is being steadily strengthened by the power of the Mirror of Twilight! If the creature is not defeated quickly, your sword will not be able to cut through it!”

It is unclear if this information is properly relayed to Master Link, as at the time he is preoccupied with dodging an attack from one of Armogohma’s legs.

He is successful in the endeavor, as well as delivering a counterattack, the armor of the transformed spider not yet at the hardness needed to prevent the offending leg being cut from the body.

Master Link then manages to gain some distance as Armoghoma screams in pain.

That distance is short lived, however, as pain transforms into anger and the spider surges forward, another leg slamming into the Hylian shield as it is quickly raised in Master Link’s defense.

Master Link emits a grunt in response to the exertion needed to keep the leg at bay, which is soon followed by a gasp of alarmed disgust as Armogohma’s chelicerae is further mutated by the growth of sharp, spindly ‘legs’, that then try to wrap around the Hylian shield.

My master is quick to recover his composure, however, and deploys the Master Sword to cut away the appendages before rolling away from the monstrous spider, who is once again screaming in pain.

But, instead of rushing towards us a second time, Armogohma chooses to retreat up the nearby wall.

“It ran away!” Midna exclaimed.

“No, it is creating distance in order to initiate a new plan of attack!” I cry as the spider skitters further up the wall, “the previous probability of it possessing a laser-like attack is now at 99%!”

Armogohma soon proves the authenticity of this probability once positioning itself upon the ceiling, the large eye opening wide in order to direct a fiery beam in our direction.

Master Link is able to jump clear of the attack, then lifts his shield as an idea strikes him.

The sturdiness of the shield is high enough to provide an equally high probability of success, thus I do not argue against it when Master Link positions himself to intercept the next blast from Armogohma.

My master is then able to perform a flawless counter with his shield, which does indeed manage to send the attack back into our adversary’s eye, a new shriek of pain erupting from the creature as the eye is ruptured.

Still, the creature continues the fight, this time by opening its spinneret in order to drop a number of eggs around us (and thereby confirming its gender to be that of a female).

“Huh? Whoa…!” Master Link exclaims, stumbling amidst the sudden deluge, “the eggs they’re…!”

“Hatching, Master Link,” I confirm, as the infant spiders begin swarming around us, the magic of the mirror having mutated them as well, leading to both an enlarged size and an extremely aggressive behavior.

“Ungh… I…” Master Link groaned as his grip upon the Master Sword tightened, “guess I’ll handle this all at once!”

He manages to achieve this with a precise execution of a Spin Attack, eliminating the swarm of Gohma spawn in one fell swoop.

This leads to a newly enraged scream being emitted from Armoghoma, who foolishly launches herself towards us, in what appears to be a fit of surprising, motherly fury.

This, of course, leaves her open to an attack of our own, a careful portion of sacred energy allowed to flow through the Master Sword, strengthening it to deliver a blow powerful enough to cut the creature in two.

Once ascertaining the monstrous spider had indeed met its end, my sword is lifted so that the winged hilt lightly brushes against Master Link's cheek as ‘gratitude’ is directed towards me, to which I transmit my pleasure to serve.

The Master Sword is then sent into a short series of spins before being returned to its sheathe, a sense of ‘accomplishment’ sweeping from Master Link’s side of the bond.

‘Accomplishment’ that soon shifts to ‘surprise’ and then a strange mixture of ‘eagerness’ and ‘nervousness’ as Master Time appears.

“You handled that well. You used what I taught you splendidly,” Master Time praised. “Remember that timing… and rededicate yourself to the sword."

‘Happiness’ unsurprisingly flares at Master Time’s praise, though Master Link endeavors to keep that happiness under control to retain a ‘serious attitude’.

A ‘serious attitude’ that is made even harder to maintain with Master Time’s next words, “I have other secret techniques to teach you but… we must part for now.”

This announcement leads to ‘surprise’ emanating from Master Link, alongside ‘confusion’, which does not ease when Master Time adds, “if you learn everything all at once, it will overtax your body.”

“When can we meet again?” Master Link inquires, ‘disappointment’ ringing clearly from both the bond and his voice.

“That I do not know,” Master Time replies… as a fog suddenly begins to fill the area, obscuring his form, even as it begins to fade, “until the day the need arises… do not neglect your training.”

“Please, wait!” Master Link cries, a hand extending towards Master Time as he tries to run towards the elder man. “You said you’d teach me all of your secret techniques! Hero of Time!”

“Believe in your own strength,” Master Time’s voice can be heard saying, even as his aura grows ever fainter. And go forth… without fear… and without hesitation.”

And with that, Master Time is gone, only the faintest traces of his aura left behind as the fog, too, disappears, leaving Master Link standing before the mirror shard, alone.

My master’s head lowers with his following ‘disappointment’, though it is quick to give way to ‘surprise’ and ‘confusion’ as Midna then comes to hover before him.

‘Confusion’ that only grows as she then glares at him before clapping her palms against his cheeks as she states, “I thought you’d grown up a little… but you’re still just a spoiled boy.”

She then quickly turns and begins to fly away, albeit slowly, “only one shard of the Mirror of Twilight remains! We must go after it right away.

"There’s no time,” she adds while directing a smirk over her shoulder, “for sentimentality!”

That statement deepens my master’s confusion even further, his head tilting subconsciously while his mind asks, what is it?

“Is it ‘tough love’?” I inquire, though, of course, I receive no reply to my inquiry, as Midna retrieves the mirror shard.

“Let’s go!” she then calls, as she opens a portal, her form shifting into that of a shadow as this occurs, “don’t drag your feet.”

Thus prompted, Master Link jogs forwards before carefully stepping into the portal, which pulses gently.

Before fully activating the magic to teleport us, however, Midna murmurs, “did you see how that spider became a monster?”

Her gaze is directed outwards, her tone contemplative… and wary, “the power of this shard… of all the shards… is more powerful… and dangerous than you can imagine.

“We may be gathering something unspeakably terrible,” she hums. “Perhaps it would be best if it disappeared from the world entirely.”

Master Link does not say a word, though his emotions are as ‘troubled’ as Midna’s vocal tones had become. Midna herself seems to have nothing further to say… leaving us all in silence as her magic swirls and whisks us away from the Temple of Time.

Chapter Text

“Broken by magic, the mirror fragments even now sleep in various lands of Hyrule.

“One is at a mountain of deep snow…

“...another is inside an ancient forest…”

“And the final piece,” Master Link recalls as his head tilts towards expansive blue, “...is in the sky.”

“That’s all well and good, but how do you propose we get up there?” Midna cuts in, just the barest hint of annoyance in her voice, the two falling into their usual banter soon after.

I find myself tuning said banter out, however… as something begins stirring within my chest… at the same time memories begin to ‘wash over’ me.

Is this… excitement? …longing? I wonder, as I try to make sense of this stirring, if the last shard of the mirror is truly within the sky… does this mean that the land of Skyloft still exists?

No… it may only be small remnants of the sky islands, as it has been well over a thousand years since Master Sky’s time…

This of course begs the question Midna voiced earlier… of how, exactly, we are meant to travel to the Sky, as the Bird Statues are highly unlikely to have survived up to this point… even with the magic gifted to them, they were still made of stone and thus, there is a 99.9 probability that they have long since eroded away…

A sharp gasp and burst of ‘alarm’ pulls me away from any further musings over future endeavors or feelings I may or may not have been experiencing.

Instead I immediately project my sight outwards, to ascertain the source of both Master Link’s alarm and growing concern, while simultaneously readying myself and the Master Sword for possible dangers.

The latter activities are just as quickly aborted, however… for what I find indicates whatever battle that had occurred... had come to an end before our arrival… and not without cost.

This is made clear the very second we step foot within Castletown, where smoke still drifts in the air and rubble lays upon the streets… though there are Castletown residents already working to clean and repair the damages that have been wrought upon their home.

At least, those who were still able to move about, for it soon became apparent the buildings and stalls were not the only casualties, my master’s fear rising as we passed by the injured, those caring for the injured… and the cloths that covered those past the point of aid.

Master Link is at a run by the time we reach the stairs that lead to Telma’s bar, ‘panic’ very close to overwhelming him as a figure with short blonde hair and a sweet smile consumes his thoughts, only coming to a halt when her voice calls out his name in the present.

“Ilia!” my master cries, ‘worry’ still strong even as ‘relief’ blooms once he catches sight of the Ordonian girl.

“Are you alright?” Master Link inquires once he makes it to Ilia’s side, his hand extending to rest upon her arm as he inspects her, “you’re not hurt, are you?”

“I’m fine,” she reassures my master, her expression mirroring Master Link’s relief as she gazes upon him. “You came back safe. I’m so glad.”

Her words cause warmth to bloom from Master Link’s side of the bond, though a new voice calls out before he can say anything further.

“Link! You’re back!” Ashei remarks as she walks towards us, new relief emerging from Master Link when he catches sight of the female knight, followed quickly by remorse as he recalls how we parted from the woman.

“Sorry I’m late,” Master Link said with a repentant bow of his head.

“No apologies needed,” Ashei replies with a succinct tone and brisk shake of her own head. “There were some losses, but we beat back the enemy.”

Attention is then stolen by Telma as she beckons everyone into her bar, ‘relief’ sighing once more from Master Link as we find Rusl, Auru and Shad sitting at ‘their usual table’.

Of course, the same tilting of emotions occurs when Master Link and Shad properly encounter each other, especially since the only chair that is open for my master’s use is, once again, positioned right next to the other male.

“Hi, Shad,” Master Link greets with a level of ‘coolness’. “It’s been a while. How’ve you been?”

“Hello… you took long enough,” Shad greets in a similar fashion, leaving a strange image of Groose somewhere in the middle of when I’d first encountered him and when he’d become a true friend to Master Sky, “we were worried.”

My master emits a light huff before turning to address the entire room, tone growing serious as he declared, “I have a lot to tell you all!”

He thus proceeded to tell the Resistance members the near entirety of the current state of affairs as he knew them, just as he had promised and started to explain to Ashei, before we had separated from her.

Excluding his transformation between wolf and Hylian, as well as Midna’s presence and involvement, he nonetheless explains about the separate realms of Light and Twilight, alongside the identity of Zant and his goal of conquering both worlds, to rule over as the King of Twilight.

“So this Zant guy is trying to invade Hyrule?” Rusl inquires at the end of the report. “I’ve never heard of this Twilight Realm. Does it really exist?”

“Long ago, the royal family hid its existence,” Master Link explained, before shifting to address another of the Resistance. “Isn’t that right, Auru?”

The elder startles, his eyes growing progressively wider and his skin paling as Master Link continued.

“In the Gerudo Desert there’s a prison called the Arbiter’s Grounds. There they used a cursed mirror to send criminals to the other world. That’s the hidden dark history of Hyrule.”

“Link, did you see,” Auru gasps, his voice shaking subtly, “the cursed mirror?!”

“The Mirror of Twilight was a gate connecting the worlds of Light and Twilight,” is how Master Link chooses to answer, once again addressing the room, “but Zant destroyed it. The pieces are scattered across the land.”

“Pieces, like what the Yetis found?” Ashei inquired, eyes narrowing, “the one that transformed the female?”

Master Link nodded, “I’ve collected two of those shards and I’m searching for the remaining one. If I restore the Mirror of Twilight, I can go to the Twilight Realm! I can defeat Zant!”

“Oh… I see,” Telma hums, her expression and tone mirroring the others as they regard my master contemplatively, most likely further analyzing all he has told them.

Master Link does not pay this much mind, however, instead turning to address Shad next, startling the other man.

“Weren’t you writing a book about the City in the Sky?” Master Link inquires. “Have you learned where it is or how to get there yet?”

“Huh?!” Shad exclaims, startled even further by this question, leading to a slight delay before he provides an answer, “well… I’m decoding an ancient book I recently found.”

“An ancient book? What does it say?” Master Link inquires, rising from his seat in excitement and leaning towards Shad.

“Hey, uh… Link…?” Telma interjects, a strange smile adorning her face, “the city in the sky is an old fairy tale. Do you actually believe Shad’s blather?”

How ironic, to have the land of Skyloft relegated to the realm of fairy tales by those who now live upon the land their ancestors believed to be of the same fanciful tales, I cannot help but note… quite uncertain as to how I feel regarding this observation.

My master, of course, suffers no such qualms nor doubts, as he firmly states, “the City in the Sky exists! I’m certain the final fragment of the mirror is there.”

Telma blinks in surprise at that statement, but Master Link is already turning back to Shad, “so, Shad, if there’s anything you can…”

His voice trails off as the Shad individual suddenly clasps my master’s right hand within both of his own, causing Master Link to falter a bit, especially once he catches sight of the other man’s… rather ‘intense’ expression.

“Shad?” Master Link calls, tone a mixture of curiosity and slight uneasiness… that unease growing as the other man’s expression begins twitching and shifting quite erratically.

“Umm… Shad?” my master calls one more time, his body leaning backwards while Shad’s own body curls forwards as well as begins to shake.

This is only for a brief moment, however, before the red haired man’s head lifts again, directing a complicated smile towards my master as he exclaims, “Link… you’re a great friend!”

After inspecting the ancient book further, as well as examining a number of symbols left on various statues that bore the shapes of owls, the latest of which had been found and copied by Rusl, upon his own discovery of an owl statue deep within Faron Woods... it is soon determined that answers may lay in a final owl statue which was to be found in Kakariko Village.

We thus quickly set out for the village in question, the children of Ordon Village, who had all ended up at Kakariko through various means amidst the Twilight Invasion, greeting my master with great adoration and excitement (excluding Malo, who was evidently busy with matters concerning his shops).

“Long time, no see, Renado!” Master Link calls when he catches sight of the village head, a tall man with long black hair, held away from his face by intricate hair ornaments, his long robe reminiscent of Headmaster Gaepora’s, though this man bears a warriors physique and is approximately ten years younger than the headmaster had been.

Renado inclines his head in greeting at the same time his young daughter, Luda, calls out her own salutations to my master, her excitement as great as the other children’s, though they all fall quiet once the shaman begins to speak.

“The owl statue is under the sanctuary,” Renado informs us, a hand gesturing to the building in question, “let me show you.”

We thus enter into the sanctuary, where Renado activates a series of hidden switches, causing the statue of Eldin that sat in the middle of the room to shift away from the passage that lay underneath it.

“It’s here,” Renado states, gesturing for my master and Shad to descend via the ladder that sits within the passage, “watch your step.”

That last warning is only needed by Shad, who nearly misses a rung once, but otherwise everyone descends to the bottom safely, at which point Renado retakes the lead.

“This is it,” he announces as we exit a tunnel into an adequately spacious cavern, the owl statue we sought embedded within part of the stone walls and immediately catching everyone’s attention.

“This is different from the other owl statues!” Shad exclaims.

“Really?” Master Link inquires, to which Shad nods vigorously in the affirmative as he rushes forwards, hand extended.

“There’s writing engraved on the wall!” he exclaims as he runs his hand across the engravings in question, “it’s the same characters!

“I’ll apply them to the ancient book!” he then declares, after retrieving the book in question and quickly flipping through its pages, “maybe it will unlock a spell!”

“A spell?!” Master Link repeats, though Shad pays him little attention now.

Instead, he pulls out a small notebook and pen, dropping to one knee on the ground while he uses the other to keep the book steady, gaze continuously darting from book to pad as he begins writing furiously.

“It says, ‘awaken me with the words of unsealing’,” Shad reports thirty five seconds later, gaze still darting back and forth. “But those pages are damaged or torn… so I couldn’t figure out what those words are!”

“So this statue is a gate to the sky?” Master Link inquires, head tilted upwards to study the eyes and beak of the statue. “It does sort of look like a gate, but…”

There is a brief moment of silence before Shad mutters, “hmm? This place… is an entrance to the City in the Sky?!”

One more moment of silence passes, giving me time to analyze the area, within which can indeed be detected a very faint aura of both familiar and unfamiliar magics, thus lending credibility to there truly being an entrance, a passage, with which it may indeed be possible to return to the sky…

…but, for it to be placed beneath not just the ground… but an entire structure?

The probability of the Sanctuary being damaged by even the magic of the original bird statues, placed by Lady Hylia, is at 95%.

Even without this prediction, Master Link has already chosen to err on the side of caution, as proven by his next words to the shaman.

“Renado, get everyone out of the sanctuary and away… because something might happen.”

“Very well,” Renado replies, his aura withdrawing from us seconds later.

And it is not long after that Shad cries out, “I solved it! At least I think so! Let’s give it a try!”

…so he says but, even though he moves to stand directly before the statue… he fails to do anything after that.

“What’s wrong, Shad?” Master Link finally ventures to ask, causing Shad to flinch, before slumping forward, his shoulders drooping.

“I… I’m scared,” the older boy finally admits, a worried frown glimpsed on his face, even as he keeps his gaze fixed pointedly on the paper in his hands, “maybe nothing will happen.”

“If so, then we’re still missing something. We’ll just go on searching for it,” Master Link replies, a reassuring smile directed towards Shad, when he turns our way, “there’s no need to be afraid. It’s just one step closer to your dream.”

Shad’s eyes widen, then crinkle as he smiles before turning back to the paper in his hand, “you’re a good guy. I envy your optimism. I’m always so pessimistic.”

That last remark surprises my master, then produces a wry laugh before he admits, “I’m actually… pretty negative too.

“But… I have to do this,” Master Link continues, conviction now strengthening his voice. “When I feel uneasy or afraid I just think, “this is my mission!”

“Mission? How noble!” Shad chuckles, “I just follow my impulses and obsessions.”

“That’s not true!” Master Link immediately negates, “I need to get to the City in the Sky. And to do that, I need your research.

“You’re helping me!” Master Link declares firmly, “your research is part of my mission!”

Surprise crosses Shad’s face and, though uncertainty still lingers, there is also a new tilt of determination when he then smiles and in his voice, “when you say it like that… it gives me courage.”

He then inhales deeply before swiveling to face the owl statue, raising the paper still clasped in his hand to eye level as he declares, “here we go!

“‘I return to the heavens with the awakening of the Owl’. Sadi… nadi… ded-yoo-wa… too-ay!”

With these words, the sleeping magic awakens, soon causing the owl statue to shine brightly, before disappearing completely, thus permitting entry to the space behind it.

A brief moment is needed for Master Link and Shad to process what has occurred and then we are heading through the new opening.

And on the other side is revealed to be a cavern even larger than the one we had just vacated… which is to be expected, as within the cavern, an impressively sized machine is found.

“W-... what is that?!” Shad cries.

“Wow!” Master Link exclaims at the near exact time, as he and Shad gaze upon the rounded and tubular metal object which sits in the center of the room.

“Incredible! This thing,” Shad exclaims as, in his excitement, he takes a few more steps into the room, arms rising skyward, “it’s the Sky Cannon from the tomes!

“I knew this was the place! My instincts were right!” he laughs ‘giddily’, hands then lowering to rub at his eyes as hints of tears begin to appear, “I did it!”

“You sure did, Shad!” Master Link laughs alongside as he slings an arm around the other man’s shoulders and draws him in for what appears to be half of a hug.

Much of the excitement is quick to fade, however… once the next question is vocalized, “but… how will this get us to the City in the Sky?”

It is at this point Midna, who had been strangely silent ever since our time in Castle Town, slips free of Master Link’s shadow, her equally shadowy form lightly tapping my master’s shoulder with her finger, thus drawing his attention to her as she rises to float above him.

“Midna! Can you help?” Master Link inquires hopefully… though, that hope ‘dips’ towards worry, as Midna then simply gazes down upon him in silence, before suddenly turning away.

“You people in the World of Light!” she scoffs as she rises higher into the air, “you understand nothing… yet think you’re so great.”

She pauses, her hair swirling about her form before she performs a half turn to address my master again, “I was listening to the conversation in the tavern earlier and that kind-looking man said… ‘I’ve never heard of this Twilight Realm. Does it really… exist?’ And that’s a thoughtful person?

“If you don’t know it, it’s not real. So self centered. The outside world doesn’t matter to them,” she laughs in a manner that seems to be both mocking and bitter.  “It reminded me of just how much that attitude here in the Light World… has caused harm to us in the Twilight Realm.”

“Midna…”

“Oh, don’t look so serious,” Midna chuckles, voice suddenly lighter and in a more gently teasing manner, the opposite of her earlier tone as well as Master Link’s. “You just want me to make the Sky Cannon work, right?”

That’s all the warning she gives before sending a bolt of her magic into the cannon in question, awakening the sleeping magic within, while also startling Shad, who had still been examining it.

“W-what just happened?!” Shad cries as he takes an instinctive step back from the machine. “For a moment, the Sky Cannon lit up!”

No one answers him as the attention of all is quickly captured by the cannon itself as its gears begin to turn, legs suddenly revealing themselves as the cannon almost seems to shake itself, like a Loftwing readying itself to take flight.

The cannon body then dips, bringing its muzzle downward, before swiveling to bring the muzzle skyward, gears turning and magic gathering rapidly for an exact five seconds…

…before releasing in an explosion powerful enough to not only blast through the ground and building that lay above us, as well as lift Master Link and Shad from the ground…

…it also manages to generate an updraft that, while not as refined as Lady Hylia’s… possesses more than enough power to lead us where we must go.

“Is this airflow… the pathway into the sky?!” Master Link cries from where he clings to part of the cannon as the winds tug at eagerly, gaze fixed skyward in amazement.

And then, that familiar courage, determination, and nigh unrestrainable curiosity sets in, prompting my newest master to release his hold on the cannon and work to maneuver himself into the center of the airflow as he declares, “I’ll give it a try!”

…said try is then quickly disrupted as, upon losing his own grip on the cannon, Shad is quickly swept towards us and manages to latch himself onto Master Link.

“Don’t grab on to me, Shad!” Master Link cries.

“Help meee!” Shad cries in turn, completely ignoring or oblivious to my master’s words as he clings desperately to Master Link’s waist.

What an odd reversal of Groose and Master Sky’s collision and interaction amidst Groose’s descent to the Surface, I note, briefly, before turning my attention skyward.

I believe… that ‘excitement’ and ‘anticipation’ were coursing through me, growing ever stronger as we ascended further and further into the sky… and, perhaps, that is why I only just realized then and there… that there may have been a certain something that I should have suggested Master Link acquire… before activating the Sky Cannon.

Landing may be quite the ordeal without the use of a Sailcloth…

Chapter Text

When the clouds clear, they are instantly replaced by the brightly shining sun and a familiar expanse of all-encompassing blue… of which we are given all of three seconds to register before gravity retakes its hold upon us as the magic winds fade.

Master Link and Shad emit short cries of alarm as they begin to fall but, even without the aid of Sailcloths, their lives are not in immediate danger.

This is because directly beneath us lies a deep pool of clear water, more than capable of providing a safe landing, my master immediately swimming back to the surface once he registers his submergence.

Shad surfaces not long after, albeit with far less grace than Master Link, the two soon exiting the water via the stone steps that have been carved into the sides of the pool.

As this happens, my sensors have already begun analyzing the area… and, unsurprisingly, no true similarities can be found between Skyloft and the current landscape… most of which is made up of structures bearing spinning propellers beneath them, acting alongside unfamiliar magic to keep them aloft, moreso than that of Lady Hylia’s…

…still… the distance from, and intensity of the sun… the shade of blue that lies all around… and the winds that can be detected flowing about the area… all of this, at least… bears over a ninety percent similarity to that which existed amidst the era of Skyloft… and my first master.

I have returned… Master Sky…

It is after this silent call that I turn my attention back to my present companions, who have slowly begun to explore our current surroundings… allowing the building excitement from my master’s side of the bond to aid in pushing away what small fragments of ‘sadness’ might exist within me… alongside comparisons of Master Sky’s reaction upon first reaching the Surface and those currently playing out in the present.

“This place,” Master Link murmurs with a shaky voice as his gaze travels from one direction to the other, while he carefully takes a few steps down an unfamiliar pathway that is an intriguing mixture of pavement and grass.

“Shad!” he calls with quite the ‘giddy’ tone as he turns towards the other man, seeking confirmation of his suspicions.

“Y-... yeah,” Shad replies in an equally shaky voice, disbelief prevalent in his tone as he stands at the edge of the pathway, gaping at the sky and floating buildings.

This only lasts for 2.94 seconds, however, before an excitedly triumphant smile overtakes his face as he cries, “I’ve discovered… the City in the Sky!”

Any further declarations or possible celebrations are then interrupted as a small creature flies past us, startling my companions who track the being as it splashes down into the pool we’d just exited.

“W-what is that?” Shad murmurs, inching closer towards Master Link as the creature turns to examine us, my master and Shad doing much the same, “is it a human being…

“...or a bird?” Master Link finishes the understandable inquiry, as the creature does indeed possess the physical attributes of both a human (most notably seen in the oblong head and humanoid facial features) and a bird (the closest of which to compare being that of the Cucco family).

The creature in question cocks its head in a similarly curious fashion as my companions, at the same time its child, whose form consists of a humanoid-like head with tiny wings sprouting from either side of its… body, such as it were… comes to hover next to it, the two murmuring between themselves just like my master and Shad are doing.

“I think it’s a bird,” Master Link remarks, “it’s chirping.”

“No! Those are words!” Shad gasps before pointing directly at the newcomers. “That’s the Sky Language! The Ooca are the inhabitants of this city!”

Correct, they are indeed the current inhabitants of this city and descendants of those who dwelled within the Sky for generations…

While Master Link continues to marvel at the Sky Beings, Shad eagerly steps forward, muttering, “this is my chance to speak the Sky Language I studied!

“Umm… dado I wa di gu tuire gate mo?”

“Hello, do you live in this city?” I instantly translate from this strange mixture of Skyloftian-era Hylian and Loftwing, the fluency with which Shad deploys it impressing the Ooca as well.

“Gracious! Young man, you can speak Sky Language?! That’s rather amazing!”

“Yahoo! We communicated!” Shad cries excitedly… though, that excitement is short-lived as my master points out a certain fact.

“I understood that!”

“As well you should since, even with a rather heavy accent, she is speaking current era Hylian.”

“Are you Hylians? You’re from Hyrule, right?” the Ooca inquires, her wings flapping slightly, most likely in response to her own excitement. “I speak a little Hylian because I’m a tour guide. Welcome to the City in the Sky!”

“Oh… r-really?” Shad nearly wheezes as this information causes his enthusiasm to deflate rapidly.

“Don’t be so disappointed,” Master Link chuckles, though not without sympathy as he lightly pats the other male’s shoulder.

“It’s been hundreds of years since we’ve had Hylian visitors,” the Ooca informs us, evidently completely oblivious to Shad’s change in demeanor. “I’m called Oocoo. I’ll show you around the capital!”

“Umm… we’re not here for sightseeing,” Master Link tries to interject…

…but anything else he might have said is cut short as Oocoo’s son cries out in alarm, at exactly the same time my sensors detect the aura of the mirror shard… and its newest victim, which flies into my master’s view seconds later.

“A dragon?!” Master Link cries in alarm as the creature in question flies overhead, its black form quite distinct amidst the blue sky.

“Oh no!! The dragon is awake!” Oocoo cries, as the dragon flies past us, quickly disappearing into the skies once more, “I need to tell everyone!”

“Uh… hey!” Master Link cries in turn as Oocoo races towards the building that lies straight ahead of us, he and Shad quick to follow after, “wait!”

The building in question is then found to be filled with quite a large group of Ooca, who naturally become quite distressed as Ooccoo relays the information about the dragon.

Ooccoo herself is then quick to notice our arrival and moves to perch atop a nearby desk before addressing us again.

“Oh, sorry. You came here to have fun,” she apologizes, to which Master Link replies with a shake of his head before shifting the conversation to the matter at hand.

“Can you tell me what’s happening?”

Ooccoo hesitates for a moment before emitting a small sigh, “that dragon used to be a golden dragon… and it protected the city from outside enemies. But recently it suddenly turned pitch-black and began rampaging!”

She then moved to gesture at a nearby display that hung on the wall, “as you can see from this sightseeing map… the city used to have fifteen floating structures, varying in size.

“But the dragon has destroyed most of them," she adds, voice filling with 'dismay', as large red marks appear over the structures in question, "so now there are only four left!”

“What?!” Shad cried, his shock and distress mirroring my own in response to this news.

For as changed as it was, this was still what remained of Master Sky’s original homeland… of the place where I had recorded the precious data of our time together… thus, hearing confirmation that it was, indeed, under threat was… upsetting.

“The Mirror of Twilight must have changed the dragon,” Master Link deduces. “If we get the shard, it should return to normal.”

My master then goes on to explain further, “the Mirror of Twilight is incredibly magical. And a piece of it is here in the City in the Sky. I came to search for that.”

“R-really?” Ooccoo gasps in both alarm and worry, “oh dear… something so frightful is here? Did the dragon eat it? And if so, how will you get the shard?”

“I’ll defeat the dragon,” Master Link replies simply, which only further agitates the Ooca.

“Th-that’s too dangerous!” she cries with a nervous flapping of her wings, “what if you get hurt and die?!”

Her worry likely stems from Master Link’s youthful and deceptively small appearance, but an opportunity to show the strength he possessed was already on its way to present itself.

That opportunity being when the monstrous auras that had been steadily heading towards the shop finally landed, opening the door in a predictably (and pointlessly) violent manner seconds later, drawing the attention of everyone inside the shop their way.

Taloned feet then stomp inside, lizard yellow eyes locking onto the shopkeeper and dragon wings ruffling before settling against human-like spines as the newcomers move to tower over the shopkeeper.

“Give us grog,” the smaller of the two winged lizardmen demanded, fanged jewelry swaying as it leaned towards the Ooca.

“I don’t sell grog,” the shopkeeper informs the winged lizard with an understandable amount of nervousness as a reptilian tongue slithers in and out of sight, revealing the sharp fangs that lay within the new ‘customer’s’ mouth.

“It’s an order from da boss! Give us grog!”

“They showed up when the dragon started rampaging,” Ooccoo informs us as the winged lizards continue to demand grog from the increasingly nervous shopkeeper. “Now they act like they own the place! They bother everyone!”

“Thugs?” Shad murmurs with a mixture of disbelief and nervousness, “there are thugs up here too?!”

“If you got no grog, we’ll eat you!” said thug then bellowed, evidently reaching the end of what little patience it possessed as it grabbed hold of the shopkeeper, who immediately began to cry for help.

“Hey! Stop that!” Master Link orders as his own patience wears thin, prompting him to head towards the ‘unruly customers’, “let him go… and get outta here.”

The winged lizard wears a ‘mocking’ smirk when it begins turning towards us but that expression drops once the ‘thug’ realizes the tip of my blade already hovers at its throat.

The fight that follows is finished mere seconds later with the inevitable defeat of the ruffians, Master Link turning with a smirk of his own, bearing the correct amount of confidence once our opponents fall to the floor.

“As you can see, I know how to fight,” my master informs Ooccoo as the Master Sword is sheathed with a rather dramatic flourish. “Feel better, now?”

“Gracious! You’re our savior!” Ooccoo exclaims, her wings flapping with excitement. “Okay! Let me show you the way! But first…”

Ooccoo then hops down behind the counter she’d been standing on before, the sounds of rustling and objects being moved heard for a moment before she emits a cry of satisfaction.

Soon after a chest is set upon the counter, which Ooccoo quickly opens with the declaration, “take this. A previous visitor left it. It’ll help you get around the city.”

And there, sitting in the soft velvet lining of the chest’s interior… were Clawshots, bearing a great resemblance to those bestowed upon Master Sky after his completion of Nayru’s Silent Realm, barring changes to color and decorations.

This… could this possibly be Master Time’s doing? I wondered as I analyzed the tools, Ooccoo did state that a previous visitor had left them behind… and it’s far too forward in time for them to have survived from Master Sky’s era, even with preservative or restorative efforts taken, not if they are to be used… and Master Time never specified just how far back into time he could travel, in his current state…

“Thank you,” Master Link said as he strapped one of the tools onto his hand, examining it, “a Clawshot, huh? This will be handy!”

And with that, we headed out, Oocco leading the way and Shad quickly following after with a cry of, “Link! Wait! I’ll come too!”

“The dragon is back there,” Ooccoo informs us as she leads down a nearby path, “the wind is strong, so be careful!”

My master goes to reply but is stopped as movement caught from the corner of his right eye has him turning in the direction from which the Twilit Dragon, Argorok, is flying towards us.

“There it is! Get down!” Master Link cries before he and Shad both jump forwards, just barely avoiding the rampaging creature as it slams into the area we’d been standing previously.

“The bridge!” Shad cries before leaping to his feet and, rather foolishly, rushing back towards the edge of the damaged area, ignorant of my master’s concerned call of his name.

“Stop it!” the scholar yells, voice shaking with the emotions that fuel this burst of foolish (albeit, moderately understandable) set of actions, “don’t wreck this beautiful city any further!”

Those words, and the emotions behind them, has the scolding my master had been preparing to give the other man transforming into a sigh, before he placed a firm hand on Shad’s shoulder.

“Let’s go!” Master Link encourages, giving the other man’s shoulder a light squeeze, then tug, before setting off again.

Thankfully, both Shad and my master’s moods are quick to return to the excited curiosity that had emerged upon first reaching the City in Sky, as evidenced when Shad exclaims, “what amazing architecture!”

“Did the Oocca make this?” Master Link inquires as his gaze travels about the area.

“I don’t really know,” Ooccoo replies with an apologetic tone from where she hovers next to Master Link, “the ancients had all sorts of magic.”

I cannot help but examine the architecture myself as this exchange occurs, curious to note the continued differences between the era of Skyloft and Ooca…

…which… is why I am unable to warn Master Link that Shad, whose attention had been caught by another Ooca, walking upon the nearby wall as easily as Hylians walked upon a path on the ground… was wandering far too close to the edge of our own path… until such time the older man was stepping off.

“Yaaaah! Link!” Shad screamed with an understandable amount of fear as he fell, the cry alerting everyone to his new predicament.

“Grab the vines!” Master Link cried as he rushed towards the end of the walkway, falling to his knees at the edge as he frantically scrambled to equip the Clawshots.

He manages to equip the right Clawshot at the same time Shad grabs hold of the vines Master Link had spotted near the falling man, which briefly halts his involuntary descent.

But the vines are not at all suited in supporting a being of his weight and, though Master Link manages to send the Clawshot towards the scholar, his aim fails to account for the sudden drop caused by the snapping of the supporting vegetation.

Nor is there any time afforded to attempt another retrieval with the Clawshots, as gravity quickly pulls the scholar out of their reach, leaving us naught to do but watch as his form drops out of sight.

“Shad!” Master Link screams, gaze desperately searching the empty blue in a fruitless attempt to locate the fallen man, gripping the Clawshot tightly, “Shad!”

There is, of course, no answer, nor any possibility of my master locating his form with the new distance between them, my master’s emotions beginning to spiral upon realizing this fact.

“No… hey!” Master Link mutters, ‘disbelief’ quaking in both the bond and his voice. “No way!”

Before the emotions of ‘guilt’ or ‘grief’ can grow too strong, however, Shad’s aura suddenly halts, then reverses its descent, Ooccoo’s voice calling out five seconds before she returns to our current location.

“It’s all right, young man. This happens all the time,” she informs us as she flies into view, a visibly shaken Shad held firmly in her talons. “We’re wandering around all the structures.”

Does this mean the Ooca still learn and employ the curriculum and procedures of the Rescue Knights of Skyloft?

“Sorry,” Shad mumbles sheepishly from where he still hangs from Ooca’s talons, “I’ll try not to bother you anymore.”

His words do little to soothe my master’s temper, the emotions from earlier now kindling for his anger as he grabs hold of Shad’s collar and yells, “hey! If you die here, you really are just a nincompoop!

“You’re here to record everything you see and take it back,” Master Link continues, his free arm gesturing towards our surroundings, “so you can prove your theory was correct, right?! So do whatever it takes to survive!

“I have my own job to do!” my master reminds Shad at the same time he releases the scholar’s collar and begins storming off, “so I can’t watch over you all the time!”

“Got it,” Shad replies, a quick scan of his facial features and vocal tones revealing a 95% probability that he truly did ‘get it’, a new resolution seeming to shine in his eyes as we began properly moving forwards again.

The actual act of moving forwards, however, proves more laborious, as no proper pathways can be found to travel upon in the direction we are headed, leaving Master Link to deploy the Clawshots.

“It would be best if the dragon didn’t notice us,” Master Link remarks whilst perched against the wall of one of the floating structures.

“I’ll go on ahead,” Ooccoo informs us as she and Shad take the lead.

That lead only lasts for 3.4 seconds, however, before their path forwards is cut short by a large mass rushing past them, startling Ooccoo.

This unfortunately leads to Shad coming loose from her talons, both human and Ooca emitting sounds of alarm as he begins falling again.

But the alarm is as short-lived as his newest bout of falling as a Peahat, a harmless breed of flying plant that possessed thick roots which formed a sac-like shape, had been flying just below our companions and provided a suitable landing spot for the scholar.

“Is this plant floating in the air?!” Shad cries as he scrambles to procure a tight hold and proper seated position upon the Peahat.

There is no one to answer his question, however, as attention is captured by the one who had caused his fall, yellow reptilian eyes glaring at Master Link.

“Target Lock: Aeralfos. These winged reptilian monsters are usually armed with swords and shields, such as the one before us is holding…”

“Who are you?” the Aeralfos hissed as it glared down at us, “this city is ours!”

My master is temporarily startled by the appearance of this new adversary, but the words of the Aeralfos aid in recovering his composure as well as conviction.

“The Oocca have lived in this city for ages,” he informs the creature. “You’re trespassing, so get lost!”

This appears to amuse the Aeralfos as a new hissing sound leaves its mouth, “you’re nothing but a bug that crawls on the ground! You can’t fly… I’ll knock you down!”

Master Link’s response to these words is to carefully position himself against the wall he is currently anchored to in order to remove the free Clawshot from his hand, as well as ensuring the remaining Clawshot is truly secure.

Once assured, he then braces himself, focusing power into his legs, then launching himself outwards into the air, free hand unsheathing the Master Sword at the same time.

This manages to startle the Aeralfos, though not long enough to prevent the creature from blocking my sword with its own, the force of the resulting clash causing Master Link to swing backwards via the Clawshots chain.

This, unfortunately, reveals the major weakness we possess whilst fighting in this manner and, in a moment of surprising intellect, the monster is quick to notice and take advantage of this weakness.

With a single swipe from its talons, the Aeralfos knocks the anchoring Clawshot free from the wall, a malicious cackle sounding as Master Link gasps in alarm.

“Fall to your death, fool!”

That last taunt proves to be the creature’s own undoing, however, for my master is quick to deploy the Clawshot anew and, in an act of both wisdom as well as a bit of annoyance, manages to maneuver the chain in much the same way as the ‘lassos’ used in Ordon Village, wrapping it around the Aeralfos neck.

From there, it was a simple manner of retracting the chain until such time Master Link was able to seat himself upon the monster’s back, the Master Sword resting in clear warning against its neck.

“Fly me to the dragon’s nest!” my master commands. “One wrong move and it’s off with your head!”

With our new mode of transportation thus subdued, we once again press forwards, Shad and Ooccoo trailing along behind us, until such time we arrive at another Sky Island, this one bare of any structures, aside from four tall and grated steel pillars that stand in the four corners of the square shaped landmass.

Three seconds after drawing closer to this sky island our target appears, the blue skies quickly transitioning into stormy gray as the Twilit dragon throws back its head and emits a roar that causes Master Link’s ears to throb and nearly scrambles my sensors.

Target lock: Twilit Dragon Argorok. Its size nearly matches that of Volvagia and its body appears to have been completely encased with shadow armor, which will be near-impossible to break through, even with the Master Sword…

“Doesn’t that dragon have eyes?” Master Link wonders as Arogorak draws nearly level with us, affording my master a closer look of our latest adversary, “ah! They’re covered by black armor!”

“Master Link! Making too much noise is certain to draw Argorak’s attention in our direction!”

“Ooo! Be careful!” Ooccoo’s voice calls as the dragon’s head begins to turn. “The dragon is quick to breathe fire! So keep clear!”

The Ooca’s warning comes not a moment too soon as a ball of fire is then launched towards us, Master Link quickly deploying the Clawshots to pull us towards the pillar that stands on our left and away from the attack.

Once there we all take a moment to study the dragon, Master Link calling out to our Twili companion as her shadow form moves to hover next to his shoulder.

“What should I do, Midna?”

“Aim for its back!” she correctly advises, visible eye narrowing as she tracks Argorok’s movements, “there's a seam in the armor, see it? It’s the dragon’s weak point.”

“Indeed and, hopefully, the removal of said armor will also separate dragon and mirror shard with minimal damage to Argorok itself, such as what occurred with Yeta and Levias…”

My thoughts briefly drift towards another dragon, twisted by dark magics and forcibly used to wreak havoc upon Hyrule, before manually turning my attention back towards Midna as she begins speaking again.

“This is the last one. It’s been so long,” she said, her voice and the hand that has come to rest on my master’s arm shaking, “but once I get this shard… I can finally return to the Twilight Realm!”

Master Link glances towards Midna, then directs his attention back to Argorok, ‘resolve’ humming strongly against the bond as he vows, “leave it to me. I’ll end this quickly!”

As if in reaction to his words, Argorak turns towards us once more, emitting what might be a roar of challenge before sending another burst of fire towards us.

Midna quickly withdraws back into the shadows at the same time Master Link uses the Clawshots to move to another pillar, thereby avoiding the attack once again.

At the same time, blue skies begin to darken and the familiar sound of thunder rings out, giving only seconds of warning before rain is falling, lightning illuminating the sky in random intervals.

When the latest flash of lightning reveals Argorok hovering right before us, Master Link attempts to use the Clawshots to latch onto the dragon, but the claws are simply deflected by the black armor.

This causes my master to emit a short growl of frustration as Argorok sails past and out of reach, “I need to get behind it!”

“Umm… excuse me,” Ooccoo suddenly calls out, the Occa herself moving to hover beside us, “I’ll distract the dragon… so you make use of that opening!”

“Wha-?! No!” Master Link cried as ‘alarm’ and ‘concern’ flared up from the bond, “it’s too dangerous! What if it roasts you?!”

“Don’t worry! Watching you has given me courage!” Ooccoo exclaims, briefly flexing her wings in the same way Groose and Master Time had flexed their arms to display the muscles, “I fly fast, despite my appearance.”

She then immediately displays that speed by flying away from us, despite my master’s last call of concern, darting in front of Argorok and twirling in an enticing manner.

“Hey, dragon! This way!” she calls, the sound of her voice drawing the blind dragon more than anything, “over here!”

To my master’s surprise, this soon has Argork’s back turning towards us, the sight of the weak point quickly spurring him to action as he deploys the Clawshot, which manages to anchor onto the dragon this time.

Master Link thus quickly activates the mechanism that draws him towards Argorak, landing securely upon the dragon’s back at the same time Ooccoo effortlessly dodges the ball of fire that is sent her way before she withdraws to safety.

“Yes! Thank you, Ooccoo!” Master Link cries as he removes the left Clawshot in order to draw my sword, readying to thrust the blade into the seam of armor.

Unfortunately, before he can accomplish this action, a familiar blade comes hurtling towards us, thereby forcing Master Link away and diverting his attention to the ‘newest’ assailant.

“Bwa ha ha! It’s payback time!” the Aeralfos from earlier cackles as it dives towards us, nearly knocking us off of Argorak’s body as it retrieves its blade and swoops towards us again.

This time, Master Link manages to jump and grab hold of the creature, my sword clashing against its own as the two grapple, Master Link crying out, “I don’t have time to mess around! Don’t interfere!”

Unfortunately, the decision to engage the Aeralfos proves to be a mistake as, amidst their struggling, the monster manages to knock my sword free from Master Link’s grip.

Thus am I subjected to the sensation of deja vu, as the rain and lightning infused skies mix with the fiery, ash filled skies of Eldin, Master Sky’s screams echoing from my memory as Master Link is kicked away from the Aeralfos.

The sensation of falling does not last as long as the time amidst Eldin volcano’s eruption, however, nor is the ground within which my sword becomes embedded the same, hardened stone of that fiery territory.

Still, the memories of that time and the similarities of this current predicament, has the odd weight that had seemed to appear within my chest reappear and linger, even as an extension of my senses reveals my current master deploying the Clawshots to take him to safety against the nearest pillar.

Without the Master Sword, Master Link will not be able to defend himself, let alone cleanse Argorok of the corrupted magics that entrap the creature. But even if I exit my blade, the probability of removing it from the ground, let alone returning it to Master Link—

My quite possibly ‘panicked’ thoughts are interrupted by the sudden approach of the auras belonging to Ooccoo and Shad, the latter of which is once again clasped within the former’s talons.

Upon landing Shad sprints towards my location, his intentions all too clear and I quickly begin rerouting power sources and deactivating defensive programs as ink stained hands wrap around the hilt of the Master Sword.

“LINK! CATCH!” Shad cries as he pulls my sword free of the ground and throws it with all his might towards Master Link…

…which, given his current level of strength… just barely manages to send it hurtling towards the lower levels of the structure my master had been perched upon… the sword twirling as it ricocheted amidst Shad’s cry of ‘d’oh!’ and Master Link’s cry of ‘gah!’

Good enough, is my own response as I immediately reactivate power outlets to one hundred percent, adding them to the remaining kinetic energy while also adjusting the direction within which I am traveling to a more appropriate target.

Seconds later the Master Sword is plunging through the chest of the troublesome Aeralfos, the feeling of what I believed to be ‘satisfaction’ blooming in my chest as my renewed descent halts and the creature screams.

That feeling dulls as Argorok’s attention is directed towards my current location, a growing heat signature indicating the dragon was preparing to send a blast of fire at us.

The probability of the Master Sword sustaining damage is less than ten percent, rounded up, but it is still a relief when the chain of the Clawshot wraps around the hilt of my sword and, with one final application of my power aiding it, pulls me free before the dragon fire consumes my vehicle.

From there, I am finally returned to Master Link, though there is no time to celebrate this fact, as my master must immediately deploy his other Clawshot in order to bring us back onto the dragon’s back.

I thus quickly redirect any and all remaining power into cleansing abilities as Master Link fights to properly position himself whilst Argorok roars and flails in the air.

Eventually, my master is once again faced with the weak point and the Master Sword is raised, then quickly thrust downwards, the dragon screaming as I pour cleansing magic through the new opening.

The dragon emits a final, piercing scream as this occurs before a gagging noise is heard.

This is followed by something akin to a cough, the familiar form of a mirror shard emerging from the dragon’s mouth soon after, which prompts Midna to emerge from Master Link’s shadow, her hair already in the form of a giant hand.

“Got it!” she cries as she catches the final shard of the Mirror of Twilight, ‘triumph’ surging through my bond with Master Link.

That triumph is short lived, however, as he, Shad and Ooccoo move to stand next to the fallen Argorak, who now lays motionless in the center of the sky island.

Memories swirl anew, once again returning to Volvagia, resulting in ‘worry’ stemming from both sides of the bond… until such time the sky begins transitioning from gray to bright blue… and black scales to gold, sage green eyes slowly blinking open before Argorak begins to rise.

Master Link and Shad cannot stop themselves from emitting small laughs of relief as the dragon performs a small shake and launches into the air, Ooccoo crying out happily in her native tongue at the same time a number of her people join Argorak in flight.

“How majestic! A guardian the City in the Sky deserves!” Master Link exclaims, to which I add my silent agreement.

“So, that’s it’s true form, huh?” Shad hums, eyes quite wide as he gazes after the departing dragon.

Ooccoo, in the meantime, half flies, half jumps into my master’s arms, her wings extended in an attempt to wrap him in a hug as she cries, “thank you, young man!”

“No… we only succeeded because we all worked together,” Master Link corrects her, “so thanks to you, too.”

Interestingly, this causes Ooccoo’s cheeks to redden and her wings and tail to flap, briefly, before she turns to Shad, jumping to deliver a light slap to his back as she says, “you did good too, professor!”

“I just got lucky,” is how Shad responds to that praise, a complicated smile adorning his face.

Any further interactions are then brought to a halt as a portal appears before Master Link, giving strong indication that Midna is ready to move on.

This prompts a small chuckle from my master, before he addresses our companions again, “now the Mirror of Twilight is complete. We can go to the Twilight Realm!”

Shad’s eyes widen at this information, then blink a few times, before he points a finger at himself, “but… I’m not going, am I? How will I get back down to the surface?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you!” Ooccoo chimes in before worry can set in, which results in a relieved sigh from my master.

“Bye, Shad,” Master said as he began to turn to the portal, a small wave accompanying his verbal farewell, “see you in the tavern!”

“W-wait a second!” Shad suddenly cries, Master Link finding the other man’s hand extended towards him when he turns back around.

‘Surprise’ flares briefly, but it doesn’t stop Master Link from clasping and shaking the offered hand as Shad states, “thank you, Link. Thank you very much. You’ve made my dreams come true.

“I’m not a failure anymore,” he continues, a grateful smile adorning his face. “I think I’ll be more confident from now on. I’ll write all this up in a book.

“This was a thrilling and really fun adventure.”

A new warmth blooms from Master Link’s side of the bond in response to those words and there is a new fondness in his voice as he states, “I look forward to reading about it.”

“You’d better!” Shad laughs as the handshake ends, newly freed hand rising and waving as Master Link steps into the portal, “see ya!”

“Come again anytime!” Ooccoo calls next as she jumps into the air, wings half fluttering, half waving, “bye-bye!”

Master Link waves in turn as Midna’s magic wraps around us, thoughts drifting to his past as our surroundings begin to change.

Traveling with Shad made me feel… like my old self for the first time in a long while. It’s comforting just hanging out with a friend.

His thoughts then shift, an image appearing of a younger Master Link running alongside a taller, Grooselike boy, spiky black hair tied back into a short ponytail, a shorter and more stocky built brown haired boy, and a much slighter boy with silver hair.

My friends and I used to romp and goof around… and get into trouble. I miss those days.

Will I ever… see them again?

That was a question even I could not answer… and Master Time had only been able to provide a possibility of this scenario.

All shall be revealed upon reaching the Twilight Realm… may the answers we find there be those you hope for, Master Link…

Chapter Text

Given the sharp decrease in spiritual energy, due to all that had occurred within the City in the Sky, I thus endeavor to enter into energy saving mode, powering down all non-essential functions.

This includes the extended sight that allowed me to witness all that was occurring outside of the sword, though I am still able to sense and hear things.

Not that there was very much need of either as, having arrived back on the Surface in the hour of Twilight, the decision to make camp and rest was voiced quickly.

“A last look at the moon from the World of Light, huh?” Master Link hums some time after, voice quiet and thoughtful.

“That’s right,” Midna hummed in turn.

“...since I met you… we’ve traveled a long way,” my master murmurs, his thoughts drifting into memory, “and a lot has happened.”

“Uh huh,” Midna hummed once more.

For a moment, then, there’s only the sound of a fire crackling... until such time Master Link speaks up again.

“I know you’re in a hurry, so sorry for this break. But once we go to the Mirror Chamber… we’ll be nearing the end of our journey.

“I’m a little hesitant,” he then sighs, “and I want to reflect a bit.”

“That’s alright, Link,” Midna replies. “This is our last chance to think.

“As I’ve said… I got you into this fight… so I don’t mind if you pause now. People of Twilight must solve the problems of the Twilight Realm.

“Once we go to the Twilight Realm… we don’t know what will happen,” Midna then warns, “you may not be able to return to the light.”

“My determination hasn’t wavered, Midna,” Master Link immediately responds. “You asked me to come, right? Even if you tell me not to, I’m still going!”

Indeed he would, just as his predecessors before him would have... the reminder of this fact, of this stubborn and courageous trait they all shared... resulting in what I believe to be ‘amusement’ stirring within me.

“The two of us have to restore the original peace,” Master Link continues, tone growing serious, “between the worlds of Light and Twilight. We’ll defeat the false king… and we’ll return the true leader– you, Midna!”

My master’s voice is full of conviction and confidence as he declares this… while Midna’s is quite the opposite as she murmurs, “I don’t know if I really am… the true leader.”

This, of course, startles my master... prompting him to inquire, “but you’re the princess of the Twilight Realm, right?”

“I was the leader of my people, but I ran away and left them. I have no right,” Midna replies in a solemn and rather dejected tone.

For almost an exact ten seconds, there is nothing but the sound of the fire crackling, before Master Link tentatively ventures to request, “will you tell me what happened… before you came to the Light World?”

There is the crackling of fire… and then, slowly, Midna begins her story.

“...it was probably planned for quite some time… yet it all seemed to happen so fast.

“I had just returned to the palace, after going for a walk in the forest with the Hero of Time… only to find the palace under attack... and filled with Shadow Beasts.

“All of it was the work of Zant, with the help of Ganondorf, as we now know… and though I fought with all the power I had… I was unable to stand against him... or to even protect the Hero of Time, who was in turn, trying to protect me. With him gone and my magic no match against Zant’s… needless to say, I was utterly defeated and then Zant…”

Midna’s voice grows shaky... grows fainter and fainter... until it suddenly fills with anger and frustration, these feelings bursting out as she cries, “he cursed me... this ugly imp-like form, it’s Zant’s curse! He also stole my magic so I can never again return to the royal palace!”

‘Shock’ and ‘sympathy’ can be felt from the bond briefly, though they manage to settle as Midna continues her tale.

“I’m not sure how or why, but I managed to get away, stumbling around in the Twilight, trying to adjust to this horrid form…

“All I had left after I lost everything… the one thing Zant had overlooked… was a Shadow Crystal shard.

“...and in my heart… a growing hatred… and a fierce need for revenge!”

There is a sharp crack, the sound of a log breaking and collapsing in the firepit, accentuating the short pause in Midna’s tale, before she starts again.

“Where I come from… we’ve long believed that heroes could become holy… divine beasts.

“So… when I saw you transform into a wolf… I thought you were there for me to use.”

There suddenly comes a shift… in energies and auras… as well as Midna’s voice, the high vocal tones of the imp suddenly deepening...

This prompts me to reactive outward sight, whereupon I spot the form of a woman, a few years older than my master, bearing pale blue skin and familiar fiery red hair, much of which was covered by the hood of the long black robe she wore.

Equally familiar red/gold eyes, cold and bearing hints of madness gaze upon my master, a matching smile curling lips that are colored wisteria purple, culminating into a rather cruel expression, which matches the tonal shift her voice had taken, as she reveals, “that way… I could get revenge against Zant… and take back my world!

“I didn’t care what happened to the world of light,” she continued, Master Link unable to stop himself from either flinching or grimacing as she added, “I didn’t even care if everyone there died. In fact, I was fine with them dying!”

This statement and the lingering anger and madness that distorted Midna’s face and voice, leads to ‘nervousness’ beginning to build from Master Link’s side of the bond… until such time her hands rose to cover her face, her body seeming to deflate alongside the previous emotions.

With this, and no true signs of danger, I thus withdraw my extended sight once more, at the same time as Midna, voice now filled with sadness and ‘shame’, murmurs, “I’m horrible. I don’t deserve the kindness you and Zelda have shown me.

“The true and fearful evil… the enemy that you should destroy… is me!”

…that statement made very little sense, given much of her actions… both during my time with her and even amidst my master’s earlier memories… where, even when she acted cold and uncaring... even ruthless… there were also many instances where care and kindness had been displayed, both towards my master and others that had been met along the way.

Thus my master’s response to her words comes as no surprise as he cried, “don’t say that! I will absolutely help you.

"I’ll rescue you from that darkness. And then…”

...there is the crackling of fire… a shifting of auras and energies… before my master emits a small gasp, ‘confusion’ building soon after.

A dream…? His thoughts inquire, as no sign of the blue-skinned woman, whom he had evidently wrapped in a hug before finding himself by the fire again, can be found. A hallucination? It seemed so real! I can still feel… my hands embracing her.

‘Confusion’ quickly shifts to ‘alarm’ as my master is then unable to find any sign of Midna, prompting him to begin calling out her name, as the worry of her having truly gone on alone, enters his thoughts.

“Stop shouting,” the imp’s voice calls from where she floats above us, just on the edge of the fire’s glow, “you aren’t a lost child searching for his mother.”

Her tone quickly softens, however, as she adds, “I’m not going to… disappear.

“So, shall we go? Partner?”

‘Surprise’ blooms, but quickly morphs into ‘conviction’ as Master Link voices his agreement, dousing his campfire before hurrying after Midna.

As he does, his mind drifts back towards the mysterious figure he’d just seen and conversed with, causing ‘confusion’ and ‘uncertainty’ to buzz against the bond.

That woman with the blue skin… I think… I’ve seen her somewhere before.

How much of that… did I hear from Midna?

Was it a dream, Master Link silently questions again, or a hallucination caused by smoke from the fire…? …or… surely not!

His gaze then drifts back towards Midna, it’s hard to ask. What should I do?

Was it my own imagination?

That last option bore a probability of zero percent, as I, too, had witnessed the woman… and while the the woman’s true identity held no true mystery… the explanation for her appearance could only exist in the realm of conjectures… one of which shone brightly above us, the silvery sheen lighting the way to our next destination.

Chapter Text

By the time we reached our destination, the sun was just beginning to rise, lighting the final leg of our journey.

“The Mirror Chamber…!” Master Link cried upon arrival, “here we are again.”

Midna’s magic alights, summoning the mirror shards from where she had stored them, her and the mirror’s own magics sending the shards towards the mirror frame, where they quickly clicked back into place, cracks disappearing as the magic fully awakened.

In response to this, a large stone slab, which had been wrapped in chains and hung in the air before the mirror, began to fall to the ground as the chains disintegrated, causing a slight tremor.

Once settled, however, the slab was soon illuminated by a light emitted from the Mirror of Twilight.

This light then awakened a magic that bore a 0.2 percent similarity to the Gate of Time that Master Sky and I had used to travel to the past so very long ago.

“Here in the Light, some call the Twilight Realm a world of shadows… or by names like the ‘otherworld’,” Midna began to murmur, pulling my attention away from the new gate, “but that makes it sound unpleasant…”

Her gaze is distant, ‘longing’, as she explains, “the twilight there holds a serene beauty… it’s a peaceful, beautiful place… like this world when it’s lit by sunset.”

Her expression then becomes pained, “those living there had pure hearts and serene forms in the gleam of that twilight. But… things changed once that foul power… once Ganondorf and Zant…”

“Let’s go, Midna,” Master Link urges, when Midna seems unable to speak further.

His tone is confident and determined as he states, “light and shadow… we’ll reclaim true balance for both worlds.”

Surprise crosses Midna’s face, before shifting into a fond, then equally determined smile as she nods, then slides back into Master Link’s shadow.

My master then steps forwards, prompting stairs made of solidified light particles to appear, which Master Link is quick to ascend.

Once at the top, magic that bears an 85% similarity to Midna’s, when teleporting us, activates and begins pulling us into the mirror.

Before we are transitioned completely, however, the auras of the sages are detected... and, though I am uncertain whether my companions are capable of it, I am able to hear their parting words.

“It was all our doing…

“We overestimated our abilities and power as sages. We thought we could control evil magics… and thus, put an end to Ganondorf’s evil magic.

“Please forgive our carelessness and hubris…

“O Twilight Princess.”

When the teleportation magic clears, my sensors immediately begin attempting to analyze the new realm… which proves to be moderately difficult, due to a similar mixture of warping magics as that which encases Midna into her imp form.

Still, I am at least able to determine an absence of danger, in the form of monster auras, where we currently reside.

…and, although I have yet to truly establish a baseline of what is beautiful… I suppose there is a certain charm in the purple/black clouds that drift in the sky, which transition into a pink hue before giving way to a soft mixture of yellow and orange… which indeed bears a 97% similarity to the sunset of the light world… though, the small particles of shadow that float through the air seems to be a feature unique to this realm.

“So, this is… the Twilight Realm!” Master Link exclaims as he steps out of the magic circle that had been created by the mirror, his boots softly clacking against the stony ground that lay before us.

“It took us a long time to get here,” he continued, voice grim, before softening as he addressed Midna, “so, this is what your home looks like?”

There is no reply to his query, however, aside from our Twili companion’s expression ‘dropping’, prompting my master to softly call out, “what’s wrong, Midna? You missed your home and now you’ve returned.”

His gaze then travels to observe our surroundings, as he inquires, “what’s troubling you? Has the landscape changed a lot?”

Not an entirely implausible question, given the distinct auras of Zant and Ganondorf that can be detected, as well as what occurred amidst the other timeline with Master Time…

Midna’s response, however, is different than our expectations as, after approximately five seconds of further hesitation, she admits, “I’m scared.

“Whatever my reasons were… I fled the Twilight Realm… and left behind the people who knew and admired me as their leader.

“Those people may not be glad to see me again. They may look down on me. They may even hate me!” Midna cries, her voice becoming more tremulous and ‘upset’, as she wraps her arms around herself, hair following suit, as her body curls into itself.

“What will they say about my return, about the hideous little imp I’ve become? They’re sure to feel let down… so, I’m scared.”

Master Link’s emotions veer towards ‘upset’ themselves, in response to Midna’s words, though he endeavors to settle them, his voice gentle when he speaks.

“When you’re scared and can’t move forward… you can always retreat into my shadow, like usual,” he offers, bending downwards so that he and Midna are eye level.

“That way, when I walk, you’ll walk, too,” he states with a ‘reassuring’ tone and smile, “it’ll be alright because we’re together.”

Midna’s eye widens in surprise, then narrows as she smiles, fondness and gratitude in her voice as she says, “thank you. If it gets to be too much, I’ll do that.”

She then inhales deeply and shakes her head briskly before turning away from Master Link, though she looks over her shoulder and is still wearing a smile as she declares, “I’m fine. Let’s go to the palace.”

“Before that, it may be best to ascertain the reasoning for the appearance of the Shadow Beasts currently heading towards us…”

Once again, I am uncertain if my words are heard or not, though it matters little as Master Link and Midna do come to notice the presence of the Shadow Beasts in question.

This is more due to their sudden appearance right next to us, which has my master instinctively taking hold of the Master Sword, preparing to draw and fight… before Midna stops him.

“Link, wait!! Don’t attack them!” she cries, panicked, as she evidently realizes the true identity of those before us, “they were my servants in the palace!”

They also lacked either the auras of those who would attack as well as the body language… and even the armor or weapons of those my master had faced before, hence why I had not endeavored to alert my companions of their approach.

“Zant changed their forms,” Midna continues to explain, gazing upon the three beings, whose sizes ranged from quite tall and skinny, to medium height and relatively stocky, then finally quite short and round, all of them bearing small patches of green, stylized markings, similar to Midna’s own, on their black bodies “...and they can’t talk.

“I don’t even know if they’re conscious,” our Twili companion sniffles, a tear trailing down her cheek in clear evidence of her distress and sorrow. “I’m sorry… I simply wasn’t strong enough!”

“Midna,” Master Link calls softly, his own ‘sadness’ draping over the bond in a way that brought to mind the image of a rain cloud.

But curiosity is quick to disperse the metaphorical cloud, as the tallest of the transformed Twili began shaking its head from right to left, causing its plate-like head and mandibles to wobble.

“It seems like it wants to say something,” Master Link remarks, “maybe it recognizes you?”

Midna’s head whips towards my master, her expression showing clear signs of surprise, hope tentatively tinting it as she turns to look at the tall Twili.

At this point, that same Twili turns and begins shuffling down the path to its right ten paces, before stopping and turning its metal plated 'face' back in our direction.

This once again piques Master Link’s curiosity, prompting him to point toward the individual whilst addressing Midna, “I think it wants to take us somewhere. Let’s follow it and see.”

“But… what if it’s a trap set by Zant?” Midna rightly questions. “They may all be puppets under Zant’s control.”

The probability of that scenario is at least fifty percent, I note quietly.

“We’ll handle any traps when we find them,” Master Link replies, already beginning to follow after the unknown Twili, though he at least takes sword and shield in hand. “Anyway, let’s go see!”

This causes Midna to sputter, briefly, before finally following after us, at which point I choose to disable the sensors allowing me sight outside of the sword, in order to preserve sacred energy.

I am, however, still able to hear conversations that occur from the outside, such as the one Master Link commences approximately ten minutes later, with a question.

“What was Zant’s original role here?”

There is a brief pause, but eventually Midna does answer, “he was an advisor… who served my father, the late king. When I was a child, I often saw him walking behind my father.

“He was incredibly intelligent… so he was made my tutor.

“He came from a noble family and had refined manners. He was adept at dealing with those in power… and my father liked him.

“I was a child, but to me it seemed like he was just fawning… so I didn’t like him very much.

“He thought he was nearly perfect and was so arrogant… that even the slightest error caused him to fly into a tantrum.

“I used to tease him about his ridiculous personality,” Midna reveals, before pausing, her tone shifting as she adds, “maybe I was a little too mean.”

Master Link is surprised by this, as well as slightly ‘baffled’, but before he can say anything, corrupted Twilight and dark energies surge towards us.

My companions are made aware of this fact via the appearance of Shadow Vermin, small, black squid-like creatures that squirmed and writhed within a dark fog, which was quickly drawing towards us.

Master Link immediately draws the Master Sword to defend against the Shadow Vermin, though it is the fog that presents the true challenge.

That challenge presents itself the very second my master makes contact with the fog, the swing of his sword instinctively changing to fangs rending shadowy flesh, as he transforms from human to beast.

“I changed?” I hear Master Link note in obvious confusion, once the enemies are vanquished, from the ‘bubble’ I once again find myself within… though this one does not bear the magical signature of Midna… nor does it respond to any experimental probes of my power.

“That’s right, Link!” Midna gasps, before beginning to explain.

“Zant used magic to make this dark fog. It’s made of shadow crystals for absorbing light. This is what stole the spirits’ light and plunged Hyrule into Twilight.

“When you touch the mist, you can’t have a body from the World of Light.”

And since the power of the Master Sword could not prevent you from being forcibly transformed, the likelihood of the purified Shadow Crystal transforming you back, without possible side effects or strains upon your body, are less than five percent… rounded up….

“I’m going to be in wolf form the whole time? That’ll be problematic,” Master Link sighed.

"Once the mist is gone your human form will return,” Midna replied, tone clearly unconcerned and more than a bit amused. “I don’t mind. It’s been a while since I rode on you!

“That’s why the Hero of Time took the form of a Golden Wolf here,” Midna continued, voice growing fond now. “I think this form is beautiful. I like it.”

“Do you like it better than my human form?” Master Link chuckles.

“Yes… perhaps,” Midna chuckles in turn, at which point Master Link begins walking, though not without an additional request.

“Midna, go on with what you were telling me before.”

“All right,” Midna hums, “now, where was I…? Oh, right…

“...Zant gradually gained influence… and some even suggested he become leader when my father passed away. Zant himself strongly desired that.

“However, opinion among the elders was divided… and the people made their voices heard as well. So it turned out that I succeeded my father.

“But Zant coveted the throne no matter the cost… so he proposed marriage to me.”

That revelation startles my master, though he does not make any verbal response, Midna herself lapsing into silence…

…which means there is nothing to distract me… when a new power is detected… and makes contact, in the form of an exploratory probe.

This, coupled with the fact the magic bears a 99% likeness to Midna’s magic, that which lies underneath those of Zant and Ganondorf... I thus allow the probe, while executing my own, though I divert 5% of my attention back towards the outer world, as Midna suddenly cries out.

“The Sols! They’re still here… and unharmed?!”

“Sols?” Master Link repeats, the usage of the name causing the power I am studying, or rather, the source of the power… I suppose it can be loosely described as ‘becoming agitated’... or something along those lines.

“Sols are lights that shine on this world! They are the source of life,” Midna explains, the magic of the Sols trying to wrap around her as she does.

…it is not done in a predatory manner… nor does it seem to be attempting to drive her away.

Instead… it appears to be trying to dispel the cursed magic that clings to her form… to wrap around Midna, perhaps in an attempt to form a protective shield around her? …to hug her?

“It’s a monarch’s job to manage the Sols,” Midna continues, clearly oblivious to the magic that still tries to wrap around her, “their existence is a secret known only to the closest advisors.”

Data is slow to receive, most likely due to the ‘bubble’ I currently reside in.

Despite that... I am, eventually, able to detect the existence of… of a consciousness… no, perhaps a collection of consciousness… perhaps that of Twili past, of spirits… the use of an unknown magic possibly giving them form and power?

Or could it be that they are beings such as I, artificially created by the very knowledge and magic that had caused the ancient Twili’s banishment to this realm? Or could they actually be some form of deity…?

“Instead of obeying their incompetent leader… they protected the Sol from Zant,” Midna reveals, her voice beginning to shake from emotion.

At the same time, a portion of the magic of the Sol has begun to wander away from Midna, hovering over the aura of our guide, then my master.

There is 85% probability they are being studied by the consciousness that dwells within the Sol, similar to how I, myself, am being studied, whilst I study the Sol and magic in turn.

“Thank you,” Midna says, most likely addressing the Twili that had led us here, “I promise to return you to your true forms.”

The magic stirs anew at these words and, as my master steps towards the physical orb, sniffing curiously… a telepathic connection is offered from the Sol… and a request made.

“Please… save our children… save the Twili… and the Twilight Realm…”

The magic of the Sols then flares, the light washing away the form of the wolf to reveal my master’s human form, startling us all.

Surprise then grows even stronger as golden light then begins transferring from the Sols, into the sword, power levels immediately rising as this occurs.

“W-what’s happening?!” I hear Master Link cry.

“The Sol’s light is filling the Master Sword!” Midna cries in turn, voice filled with awe.

In the meantime, I am quickly running diagnostics, summoning protective protocols as the Twili magic meets that of the Flames of the Gods.

Despite initial misgivings, however, neither the Flames nor the magic of Hylia resist the addition of the Twili magic, nor does Twili magic lash out at the presence of the gods.

Instead, it merges and blends just as easily as the sages from the other timeline, a quick application of my own magic filtering it throughout the Master Sword, which outwardly glows with the golden light of the Sols.

Master Link, in a manner similar to when he’d first drawn my blade, then lifts the sword skyward, before transitioning into a downward slice, then a short Spin Attack.

This, of course, sends the golden light outwards… which, in turn, causes the shadows that had begun drifting towards us again, to retreat instead.

“One swing and the dark fog disappeared!” Master Link exclaimed, “is it because of this golden light, the power of the Sols?”

“Yes, most likely,” Midna replies, sounding rather dazed, “the power of the Sols truly has been transferred to your sword… this has to mean the guardian deities of my world are on our side, too!

“They want you to save this world from disaster… so they have entrusted that power to you!”

‘Surprise’, then ‘gratitude’ can be felt from my master’s side of the bond, as he lowers his head to press it against the flat of the blade, much like when he’d first drawn the Master Sword.

“Thank you, guardians of the Twilight,” he murmurs, “I promise to use this gift wisely, in defense of this world and its people…”

Piercing blue eyes then snap open, shining with the determination that also burns brightly through our bond, as he declares, “with this sword I will vanquish Zant!”

Chapter Text

We thus make our way to the palace, within which we face a number of enemies and traps before finally reaching the throne room.

Unsurprisingly, Zant is immediately found in the center of said room, sitting upon a throne of luminescent stone, the sight of which has my master’s temper flaring and the grip on the Master Sword, held at the ready, tightening.

“Thank you for waiting… O false king,” Master Link calls coolly as he moves to stand at the foot of the stairs that lead up to the throne. “We have come to unseat you.

“I’m here to repay you for what you’ve done,” Master Link growls, causing Zant to flinch.

He still wears the Lizalfos like mask, thus much of his expression is hidden.

However, the part that had covered the area around his mouth is absent, revealing the slight downward curl of his lips… until he shifts his attention towards Midna, leading to the appearance of an ‘insincere’ smile.

“I’m surprised you have returned, Midna,” Zant then chuckles, tone full of that insincerity and mockery as he adds, “but it wounds me that you bring a worthless fool clinging to your side.”

Midna does not respond to these words, aside from directing a silent glare towards our adversary.

Master Link, on the other hand, grows irritated, prompting him to point the Master Sword at Zant as he cries, “that throne rightfully belongs to Midna! Get out of there this instant!”

This clearly irritates the rogue Twili, the remainder of the steel mask retracting until the face behind it, twisted with annoyance, is fully revealed.

“How dare you speak,” Zant snarled, yellow orange eyes narrowing and the Twili markings on his head warping as his brow furrowed with anger, “to the king that way?!

“Midna!” the usurper then snapped, head following suit as he once again turned his attention towards our comrade.

“Why do you betray me by siding with someone from the light?! Do not aggravate your crimes! Repent now and I will forgive you!”

Still, Midna does not speak, causing ‘worry’ to begin lightly buzzing against my bond with Master Link, while Zant grows further agitated… and thus, talkative.

“The people of our tribe… a tribe that mastered the arts of magic… have been locked away in this world like insects in a cage,” he hissed, the edges of his long and tasseled sleeves curling against the arms of the throne.

“In the shadows we regressed… we weakened… so much so that we soon knew neither anger nor hatred… nor even the faintest bloom of desire!

“We are many times better than those bumbling humans in the world of light!” Zant suddenly screeches, madness creeping into his voice now. “They oppress us through their arrogance! How can you forgive such unprovoked abuse?!”

A good portion of that madness then recedes, as Zant’s attention shifts, contempt now finding a new target, as he jumps to his feet and cries, “it’s the foolishly useless royal family’s fault for not desiring more than this Twilight Realm!

“For years I served that rotten, do-nothing royal family that had resigned itself to this miserable half-existence,” Zant continued, as his upper body began to slowly twist around, “in order to…

“...ascend to the throne and free the people of the Twilight Realm! To resurrect their honor!” the usurper exclaimed as his twisted form bent backwards, arms twining around his head as if to frame it as he gazed at us from his contorted position.

“That was all I ever wanted!” Zant cried as he suddenly burst out of the contortion and performed two, stomping jumps while screaming, “However!

“The elders refused to recognize me as king! They would not give me the power to rule!” Zant nearly wails as he suddenly lunges towards us, prompting Master Link to raise the Master Sword defensively, though the maddened Twili quickly spins away from us as he screeches, “that was unforgivable!”

When he comes out of the spin he then jerks backwards, head bending even further back as he cackles, “all those old fools ever did was natter! Their inaction hurt us… so the first thing I did was silence them!”

This further ignites my master's rage and contempt, prompting him to speak, even as Zant continues to laugh rather maniacally, “you’re the one who’s harming this realm! What kind of king makes his people suffer and then laughs about it?

“You just want to satisfy your own ambition and lust for power,” Master Link growls, temper truly burning now, “and I… don’t call someone like that a king!”

“I’m not speaking to you! Shut your mouth, scum!” Zant once again shrieks as his own anger flares.

And then his mood changes again, strengthening suspicions of questionable mental health, as Zant seems to grow ‘sad’ and whines, “Princess Midna… why do you always reject me?

“Answer me!” he shrieks in renewed anger, levels of his sanity lowering further than Ghirahim’s the longer this display goes on.

It is at this point that Midna does, indeed, speak up, however… her tone understandably disapproving and ‘disgusted’ as she states, “you’re obsessed with the ancient magic. But… I’ll never give it to you!

“You cannot be trusted,” she continues, her voice filled with a true regalness, “as king… or as a companion.”

Zant’s response to this is another, high-pitched whine before he cries, “you turn your back on your own people! You say you cannot trust me… and yet you trust that boy– an enemy of our people?!”

His voice then suddenly deepens as he states, “I’ve watched over you longer than he has! Can you really trust him?!”

A more wheedling tone is then introduced as he inquires, “shouldn’t you… show your favor… to me a little more?!”

Midna has lapsed back into silence at this point, watching Zant with a narrowed eye and an unimpressed expression.

Not that the mad Twili pays this any mind as he prattles on, his voice now possessing the deeper, more refined tones from earlier.

“Your beauty and strength always hurt me,” he declared as his arms extended towards Midna, “I was always a prisoner to your charms.

“But try as I might… I could not have you… no matter what!” Zant cried as he fell to his knees, body slumping forwards.

“So… I decided to rule you instead!” he then cackled as his head jerked upright, revealing his crazed yellow orange eyes for a brief moment, before the rest of his body began rising into the air.

“Only by ruling all,” Zant cries as the Lizalfos helmet returns to completely cover his face again, “could I have you!”

“...are you saying that cursing me… and transforming me was an expression of love?” Midna inquires softly, before scoffing as she adds, “and you want me to accept that? Such ego!

“I refuse you… forever!” she cries, which evidently proves to be a breaking point for Zant, who emits a piercing shriek, his magic building rapidly.

The air around us pulses and the light dims, then glows blood red as a magic circle appears behind Zant with a wave of his arms as he yells, “then I’ll send you both to Hell!”

With this declaration, Master Link and Midna quickly fall into defensive positions while I ready the powers of the Master Sword, the magic of the Sols pulsing with what seems to be ‘eagerness’.

“Foolish rebels!” Zant calls in his ‘regal’ tones, “you will regret defying me!”

His arms wave in circular patterns before crossing in front of his body, then shoot outwards, sending a large blast of magic towards us.

Thankfully, my master intercepts the attack with the Master Sword, which quickly and easily absorbs the energy, which I then purify with the aid of the Flames and Sols, Master Link seemingly raising the sword skyward instinctually as this occurs.

He then performs a quick downwards slash which is then angled forwards, at which point I release the gathered magic, sending it flying back towards Zant, who emits a scream of shock and pain as he is knocked out of the air.

“Th-this c-can’t be!” Zant stutters as he struggles to rise from the ground. “You repelled my magic! How can this be?!”

As if in response to his words, the magic of the Sols flares, causing the Master Sword to shine with bright gold.

“The light of the Sols fills the Master Sword,” Master Link declares solemnly, “to defeat you Zant!”

Zant flinches at these words, then begins shaking, in body and in voice, “a S-Sol… i-in your sword?! No! You’re lying!”

He then begins frantically sliding backwards, a task made difficult by his continued shivering, “the one thing I cannot touch resides in your hands…? It’s impossible!”

“The spirits of your ancestors are lending their power,” Master Link informs the quivering fool, channeling his wolven spirit as he stalked after Zant, “so that I… can rescue the Twilight Realm from the rule of a false king.

“Stop this pointless battle!”

“S-... Silence! I am king!” Zant squealed as he managed to stumble onto his feet. “And I’m the one who rescued the people of Twilight from tyranny!”

He then raised his arms, magic swirling through his sleeves, then shooting out of them in a barrage of smaller energy blasts as he screams, “die, demon!”

What an interesting choice of insult, given your new power derives from he who was born of the Demon King’s curse and was recently named a demon thief, I note silently, before redirecting my attention back to the absorption and purification of the attacks sent our way.

This is achieved by Master Link’s skillful deflection and redirection of the attacks, while also slowly making his way forwards, until such time he draws close enough to deliver a flurry of his own attacks upon Zant, cutting away a high percentage of the Twili’s physical and magical defenses.

“Y-you’re… not at all like before!” Zant groans as he stumbles away from us, after the latest combo of such attacks had reached its end, voice quite high due to his mounting panic.

“That’s right. I was defeated and left sprawled out on the ground,” Master Link acknowledges, “in a sense, I saw Hell.

“But I gained a lot from that loss,” Master Link declares. “I encountered death and conquered my doubt and fear… and was able to improve myself.

“Now my sword is clear and true.”

Indeed it was, the magics of the gods, the Twili ancestors, and even the Triforce of Courage all swirling through the blade, keeping power outlets at a steady 100%, not a single trace of the earlier darkness detected.

No, the only darkness resided within the Usurper, who flinches and falls backwards as the Master Sword is levelled towards his throat.

“S-stay back… stay back!” Zant cries shrilly as he shuffles backwards along the ground.

“‘Just another pitiful human’,” Master Link said as he calmly and easily kept pace with the retreating Twili. “That’s what you called me then. So what are you afraid of?”

Zant screams, fear and fury clearly in his voice as his magic surges, helping him to his feet, at which point scimitars emerge from within fluttering sleeves.

“You worm!” Zant cries, scimitar blades glinting in the low light as the Usurper brandishes them at us, “who… says I’m afraid of you?!

“I’ll just chop you up!!” Zant screeches as he begins spinning rapidly, blades extended outwards.

“Watch out, Link!” Midna calls from above as the cyclonic attack surges towards us.

“I’m alright, Midna!” Master Link quickly reassures as he uses sword and shield to defend against the berserk-like onslaught, “stay out of this!”

The reassurance is then called into doubt as one of the scimitars manages to draw close enough to cut away a few strands of Master Link’s hair, startling him.

But he manages to break away and create some distance from the mad Twili… though this fails to return the advantage to us in this fight, as Zant’s magic surges.

The next thing we know, a multitude of Zant copies are filling the area within which we are fighting, mocking laughter echoing and bouncing throughout, as scimitars are raised all around us.

The short burst of surprise from my master nearly leads to injury as one of the Zant’s surges towards him.

Unfortunately, his attempt to counterattack does not yield the same result, as the figure he attacks is a false copy, through which the Master Sword slides as easily as mist.

This leads to Master Link becoming both distracted and unbalanced, leaving him vulnerable to Zant’s next attack, a magical blast slamming into my master’s back and sending him to the ground.

“Behold,” Zant cackles, the maniacal laughter still bouncing around the arena within which we are fighting, which is quickly becoming crowded with copies of Zant, “the enormity of my magic! Behold!”

There’s only one truth, Master Link quickly reminds himself, the whisper of Master Time’s voice murmuring from the depths of his memory. The rest are false. Look for the real one!

In point of fact, I had already activated my sensors, analyzing the newest bout of magic and deploying my dowsing, as the Zant figures were replaced with giant versions of the Twili’s steel mask floating in the air.

“Foolish human! Insolent worm,” Zant’s voice boomed as the floating heads surrounded us. “Weaklings like you should just shut up and obey powerful beings like me.

   “You should be happy serving me.

      “Know your place!”

It took 0.4 milliseconds to determine the heads were no more than an illusion, an increase of power allowing my dowsing to cut through it with ease and pinpoint Zant’s true location.

At the same time, a magical barrier was detected directly behind the illusion, within which lay Zant, thus the next course of action was analyzing the barrier and determining the best way to break through.

However, Zant was not content in merely hiding behind his delusions and barrier, as proven by the sudden opening of a gate, through which three Shadow Beasts tottered.

A quick diverting of 15% of dowsing determined the newcomers posed little to no danger of delivering physical harm to my companions… however, the same could not be said for psychological harm… as they possessed no form of weaponry and bore familiar green markings.

This prompted me to increase power to dowsing, even as Zant began to speak.

“My beloved servants, tell me,” the Usurper King droned, once again in ‘regal’ tones, “are you happy living in my land?”

There is a 99% probability Zant then used his magic to force the Twili citizens he’d pulled into our current space to show physical signs of agreement to his query, though I endeavored to continue to run analyses and scenarios over the best course of action instead of casting my sight outwards to confirm my suspicions.

Still, I retained the ability to hear what was occurring outside of my sword, as unknown voices began speaking.

“Zant… great king.”

“Is a god.”

“We are habby…

“…are happly…

“We… are… We… are… ha-...”

There’s a small gasp and then Midna is heard calling out, albeit faintly and with a clearly shaking voice, “are… you… the head librarian?!”

From her tone, it is likely this head librarian was someone of importance, and perhaps fondness, to her, which was unfortunate as well as an efficient manner of torment on Zant’s part.

Whether it is all truly by Zant’s design or not, the head librarian seemed to recognize Midna, as proven by the fact the transformed Twili had started to call out her name… before evil magic flared and the sounds of snapping bones filled the air, accompanied by a pained scream.

“Oh dear… something’s wrong with your head!” Zant’s high-pitched voice cackled cruelly, before a deeper, icy tone asked, “who is your lord?”

“My lord,” the voice of the head librarian whimpered, the voice itself even more warped than before, “the king… is… Za-... Za-...

“...Mid-...”

There is the sound of a loud crack, followed by an anguished scream, which warps into a far more animalistic cry as Zant delivers a cruel warning.

“You can only be human under my rule. If your allegiance wanes even slightly… you’ll become even more deformed!”

By this time, I have managed to fully analyze Zant’s magic, alongside the barrier, as well as formed a solid strategy in dispelling it all, which I attempt to relay to Master Link…

…but, of course, the recent events have caused his emotions to begin running wild, a new outburst from Midna leading to ‘anger’ gaining strength as she cries, “Zant, stop! Stop, please!

“Forget me, everyone! Don’t think!” she desperately orders, growing ever more frantic as snapping bones can be heard again, “stop! I said don’t think!”

“Master Link, stay calm! This can easily be resolved with Zant’s defeat, which can be achieved by–”

Unfortunately, my call is cut short, most likely not even heard at all, as ‘anger’ pushes my master to leap forwards with nary a plan in mind as he cries, “I won’t let this happen!”

He then unleashes a Spin Attack, which drives away the illusory Zants, while the transformed Twili fade back into the shadows.

The attack does not, however, make contact with the true Zant, as evidenced by a new burst of our enemy’s crazed laughter.

“Fool! You cannot hit me!” Zant cackles, as my master still endeavors to do just that. “Shall I make you like them?”

“Pay his words no heed, Master Link! You need simply—”

“Coward!” Master Link cries angrily. “You’re nothing but tricks! Stop running!”

“I am not running,” Zant replies, ‘cockiness’ returned fully to his voice now, “I am merely so lofty that you cannot see me.”

He then renews his laughter, fanning the fuel of Master Link’s rage and leading to further attempts of attack against the hidden usurper, despite my calls for calm.

These actions are quickly depleting my master’s stamina, his breathing becoming labored, yet still he remains deaf to my calls, his feelings of ‘frustration’ and ‘helplessness’ giving name to that which seems to be building within myself.

What must I do for him to hear me?

“I’d say a bit of tough love is in order…”

Whether the voice is a product of memory or the result of a renewed telepathic connection to Master Time is uncertain.

It does, however, lead to the remembrance of the demonstration of the ‘tough love’ Master Time had spoken of… and thus, the formation of a new plan of action.

“Argh! What can I do against… an invisible opponent?” Master Link growls in clear frustration and continued anger… at the same time I am calling upon and gathering the power that dwells within the Master Sword.

Power which, upon gathering a sufficient amount… I then send straight into Master Link, in the form of an electrical shock, powerful enough to finally draw his attention away from his hunt for Zant.

“Master Link, calm yourself… hear me… our enemy’s magic may fool your eyes, but it cannot fool my sensors. Follow my instructions… and I shall lead you to victory…”

The maelstrom that was Master Link’s emotions begins to slow, then still as I speak... and, for just the briefest moment, there is a strong impression of a pond, the ripples within the water coming to a complete standstill.

It is within this stillness that I once again cast my dowsing outwards, resuming the  previous hunt via the spread of traps, directing my master away from an incoming attack, then preparing him for the counter.

Simultaneously calling upon the powers of the Flames and the Sols, I lead Master Link to the weakest point of the barrier that covers our enemy, through which the empowered Master Sword cleaves as easily as a sheet of paper.

This, of course, causes the newly revealed Zant to gasp in horrified shock, his head swiveling in clear alarm and confusion as he cries, “my magic barrier is gone! How?!”

“Now strike, Master Link!”

With a howl of challenge, my master does just that, a flurry of attacks raining down upon the Usurper, until such time the Lizalfos helmet shatters under the onslaught, a shaken Zant stumbling backwards.

“This is the real you,” Master Link states coldly as he stalks after the false king anew.

“You aren’t big or imposing. You wear a steel mask just to look tough, while the truth is that you’re just… a tiny coward!”

Zant trembles, mouth turning downwards, then twisting as he emits a shriek and lunges forwards, scimitars thrusting forwards.

But a single strike from the Master Sword, blazing with the holy light of the Sols, shatters the scimitars as easily as the mask, causing Zant to stumble, then fall to his knees.

“Why…?” Zant pants and growls from where he kneels upon the ground. “Why won’t you go away… or die? It’s infuriating! I want to crush you… to be rid of you, but…”

“Do you really hate me that much?” Master Link inquires, rather unimpressed.

“Yes… I hate you!” Zant grinds out, before a hint of the previous ‘haughty’ tone returns.

“You’re so self-righteous! What would you know?!” the fool cries. “You grew up comfortable in the world of light… and no one oppressed you!

“You can’t conceive of my resentment! My suffering! You’ve never lost anything! You’ve been handed everything… so you don’t understand!”

It is at this point my master’s patience, which had only just begun recovering from earlier events, runs out anew... leading to a hand darting out to grab hold of Zant’s cloak with which to yank him up from the ground.

“I’ve never lost anything? Me?!” Master Link growls, his mind drifting towards the memory of his original hometown and the night it disappeared.

This causes him to briefly grit his teeth, trying to control his anger, before ultimately failing and unleashing it as he shouts, “out of petty jealousy and selfish greed… you wound people, treat them like possessions and take their lives… so what do you know about real suffering?! Give me a break!”

With that last outburst, he then delivers a swift punch to Zant’s face, sending the fool sprawling onto the ground once more.

At the same time, three certain objects emerge from his body and fly towards Midna, who emits a gasp of surprise as they swirl around her.

“The Shadow Crystals… that Zant stole!” she cries, her own magic flaring, fusing into her hair which then properly collects the floating crystals.

Meanwhile, Zant has begun to stir again, weakly cackling as he staggers onto his ‘hands’ and knees and attempts to crawl up the steps he’d fallen onto, back towards the throne, “you’re right… I was lying. I don’t hate you because you’re from the world of light.

“It’s those eyes!” he hisses as he glares back at us from over his shoulder, “they shine with your belief in yourself.”

The beaten Twili then collapses into a sitting position upon the stairs, head hanging low, “when I see them, I’m filled with irresistible jealousy and hatred. I… cannot be like you.

“I can never truly believe in myself,” he laments, “so I am ugly… and despised.”

With these last words, ‘pity’ suddenly blooms from Master Link’s side of the bond, prompting him to make his way towards the fallen Zant, though he at least keeps my blade unsheathed as he comes to a stop before the other.

“Zant… your problem is that you demand absolute perfection,” Master Link murmured, catching the slumped Twili’s attention, yellow orange eyes lifting to study my master, as he continues to speak.

“Everyone is weak and has ignoble thoughts sometimes. True goodness is rare in this world. Selfish thoughts fight for dominance.

“Most people put themselves above others. They want to protect the people and things closest to them. They want to be safe and happy… and loved.

“That’s the way people are… and no one can deny it,” Master Link states, tone and emotions 'darkening' as he recalls what had occurred the last time we had encountered Zant. “I can be ugly and weak… and sometimes I give in and nearly break.

“For a while I grew drunk on my power and the pleasure of defeating my enemies. That’s why you beat me.

“I don’t believe in myself. I believe in guiding principles,” Master Link then clarifies.

“Even if everyone in the world despised and doubted me… those principles would still be worth believing in. That’s what I believe,” Master Link declares, tone full of certainty.

“As I tried to get back up after losing… I realized that’s what belief is.”

There is a moment of silence, Master Link gazing upon Zant, hoping his words have had an effect upon the Twili, who gazes back uncertainly… then turns away, his body beginning to shake.

A ‘coldness’ overtakes him and, gathering his remaining strength, Zant leaps up the remainder of the stairs to sit himself upon the throne.

“You’re trying to steal my throne through trickery,” Zant spits and pants, “but I won’t fall for it! The royal throne belongs to me!”

‘Surprise’ and ‘unease’ shiver against the bond in response to this display, while I endeavor to prepare for any likely attacks the desperate Twili might attempt to launch, even as Zant begins talking once more.

“I struggled and fought and finally rose to power! I will not forfeit it to you!” Zant cried, the level of insanity detected within his vocal tones rising with each syllable.

“When I suffered rejection and sank to the depths of despair… a god came to me!” the mad Twili cried, ‘rapture’ and ‘awe’ quickly joining madness.

“Yes… his great visage appeared within the heavens, his power washing over me!

“My power… shall reside within you.

“If you desire something… then that is my desire too.”

“Those were the words of my god! I was chosen…! No… I chose that god!”

“Zant… stop it already!” Midna cried, evidently unable to tolerate Zant’s increasingly nonsensical words any longer.

“Just how dumb are you?! What you call a ‘god’ is the Demon King Ganondorf! He’s using you!”

Zant wheezes for a moment, then growls, “you try to trick me with your lies! Midna, you are a foolish traitor deceived by a creature of light!”

He then directs a sneer towards Midna as he informs her, “I cannot remove your curse.

“It was placed on you by the magic of my god! The power you held as leader of the Twili will never return!

“My god has already descended and found new life in the world,” Zant then gloats, causing ‘alarm’ to form, which only fuels the Twili’s crazed euphoria.

“As long as my lord Ganondorf exists,” Zant giggled, tongue lolling out of his mouth in a distorted likeness of Ghirahim, “he will resurrect me without cease!

“May Light and Twilight become one Darkness!” Zant cried, arms lifting skyward with malicious glee.

In contrast to this glee, ‘anger’ has clearly been building within Midna, the powers now residing within her fluctuating alongside, causing her hair to twitch and flex… before bursting forwards, unknown Twili magic crackling visibly and transforming the strands into powerful spears.

These spears easily pierce through Zant’s body, the usurper squealing and flailing as he is impaled, then begins to inflate as what must be the ancient magic of the Twili flows into him… until such time he pops, as if he were no more than a balloon.

With his destruction, Midna’s hair quickly retracts as well as reverts to its usual form, the ancient magic fading just as quickly as it appeared, Midna’s facial expression transforming into that of shock once it had.

“W-What happened?” she inquired with a shaking voice, her hands resting on her cheeks while the rest of her body curled into itself. “I only had a little power left in me, but…”

“The Shadow Crystals,” Master Link murmured, his own ‘shock’ and ‘unease’ apparent in his vocal tones, mirroring those of everyone else… including myself… as he inquires, “perhaps they awakened the ancient magic?

“Is that just a portion of the magic left by the ancient people?”

Midna does not respond to my master’s inquiry, though I do believe a small percentage of fear joins her expression of shock as she considers this probability.

There is a 99% probability of dangerous complications arising, should she lose control of this new power, I silently observe, already running probable scenarios and forming strategies to possibly counter the complications in question, I shall need to keep a close eye on this…

At some point, Master Link and Midna’s attentions turn back towards the empty throne that sits before us, their emotions growing somber, as evidenced by Midna murmuring, “Zant… you foolish, pitiful man.”

My master emits a small sigh as his only response… before ‘determination’ flares anew, “Midna, let’s go back to Hyrule.

“When Zant said Ganondorf had returned to the world, he probably meant the world of light. Ganondorf is in Hyrule Castle!”

Midna’s visible eye widens, then narrows as she nods her understanding… before drifting to the side as she says, “first, there’s something I should do here.”

This causes ‘surprise’ to ripple across my bond with Master Link, the resulting expression upon his face causing a small smile to appear upon Midna’s.

“I must return what was taken,” is how she replies, before her teleportation spell flares and whisks us away.

Chapter Text

Despite the aid from the Sols and Triforce of Courage, power levels are extremely low at the end of the previous battle, thus do I endeavor to deactivate all non-essential functions.

This includes the extended sight into the world outside my blade, though not before the teleportation magic clears, allowing me to register the paved area that sat before the stairs leading to the palace we had just vacated… as well as the cheerfully relieved call of Midna’s name, originating from a small figure standing within a crowd of people bearing pale blue and white skin that shone gently under the clearing Twilight.

“You’ve all changed back to the way you were?!” Midna exclaims with evident happiness and relief, as the auras of all present gather together, “head librarian!”

“Midna!” the voice of the head librarian cries in a similar tone, though their voice quickly shifts towards worry as they notice a certain detail.

“We’ve returned to our original forms, so why haven’t you?”

There is an approximate two minutes of silence after that inquiry before Midna slowly replies, “it’s Zant’s curse. He said he couldn’t remove the curse on me.”

Her vocal tones then take on more uncertainty as she adds, “I may be like this for the rest of my life. Can you still… think of me as your leader?”

Once again, a short silence follows before a great deal of rustling cloth is heard, followed by a more elderly voice stating firmly, “our sovereign, the monarch of the Twilight Realm… is you!”

“You haven’t changed, Midna,” the voice of the head librarian chimes in next, prompting a number of unknown voices to also call out.

“Yeah! What you look like doesn’t matter!”

“We’re just glad to have you back!”

“I think you look cute too!”

“Yeah, yeah!”

“Isn’t that great Midna?” Master Link inquires with a gentle voice as this occurs, his aura drawing closer to Midna’s.

Midna’s response is a small sniffle, followed by a clearing of her throat, before she addresses her people anew, “thank you, everyone.

“We defeated Zant, but the crisis isn’t over. The dread demon king Ganondorf is on the move.

“Long ago, Ganondorf was banished here… and he used Zant’s ambition and the Mirror of Twilight to return to the world of light,” Midna continued to explain. “I will return to the world of light with this young man, the hero Link. So take care of things while I’m away.”

That latest announcement causes a burst of murmurings to be emitted from the crowd, until such time the elderly voice speaks up again.

“I’m sorry… but do you really have to fight the demon king?” he inquires. “I am thankful to the hero from the world of light for defeating Zant… but someone as important as you shouldn’t be put in such danger.”

His voice then hardens as he adds, “the demon king Ganondorf is a problem for the people of the world of light.”

There is a 0.5 second period of silence, save for the renewed murmurings of the crowd, before Midna responds to the elder’s words.

“Chief Advisor, I thought so too until recently. But I learned that wasn’t true. Light and Twilight— our two worlds are connected.

“They exist only in harmony with each other. So misfortune for one means misfortune for the other. We will only be safe when both worlds know peace!

“That… is a certainty.”

There is another brief pause before Midna speaks anew, her tone accented with an emotion I cannot quite name as she admits, “I always… thought the people of the world of light scorned and discriminated against the people of Twilight. I guess you all thought that too.

“But Link… risked his life and fought for us all as well as others,” Midna adds, fondness now coloring her tone. “While traveling with him, my feelings have changed.

“And there’s one more person…

“A dear friend in the world of light… who sacrificed herself so that I could live.

“I must go help her,” Midna stated softly, but firmly. “Please forgive me.”

Silence descends anew, but again only shortly, as the newly identified Chief Advisor replies, “if there’s someone you owe your life to… we must all do our utmost for that person!”

Throughout this exchange, Master Link had been doing well in keeping his emotions under control, ‘faith’ in Midna never wavering, though ‘relief’ still blooms in response to the Chief Advisor’s words, prompting him to offer thanks to Midna, after she’d given her own to the elder Twili.

With that topic settled, Midna then turns the conversation to another as she states, “I must ask one more thing of you all.

“Several seasons ago, a city disappeared from the world of light,” she then informs her subjects. “It seems that city moved to the Twilight Realm, as if inverting. Does anyone know anything about that?

“That city… is Link’s home.”

Voices then ebb and flow, no doubt in accordance to the Twili conversing amongst themselves… until such time the voice of the Head Librarian speaks up again.

“I should have told you, Midna,” they state with a remorseful tone. “The palace gardener says that the survivors of that city are living in a forest to the east.”

“Wha-! Really?!” Master Link cries in response to this information, ‘hope’ rising quickly from his side of the bond.

“I can take you there,” the Head Librarian then offered.

“Yes, please!” my master requested eagerly, at which point we then began heading away from the crowd at a moderately quick pace.

As we traveled, the Head Librarian provided us with more insight into why Midna, despite being the princess and chief of their tribe, had not been made aware of the arrival of the misplaced city.

“They say that people from the world of light are criminals and monsters… who spread poison in the Twilight Realm. So the late king ordered the elimination of anyone who appeared from the world of light.

“When the gardener found them, he wasn’t sure whether or not to report it. There were so many elderly and children… and they didn’t seem harmful.

“To execute them would have been a crime… so he let them go and secretly took care of them.”

“And… everyone is safe?” Master Link ventures to inquire, his emotions swirling.

“Some lost their lives in this unfamiliar place,” the Head Librarian admits with a regretful tone, “but the community has managed to survive.”

This admission causes ‘guilt’ and 'sorrow' to throb against the bond, though the Head Librarian’s next words pull him away from any ‘gloomy’ thoughts that had begun to form.

“Actually, I heard that story from the gardener shortly before Zant’s rebellion.”

“Where is that gardener now?” Master Link inquires.

“Well… he disappeared when Zant changed our forms,” the Head Librarian states sadly. “He was old, so perhaps his body couldn’t take the strain.”

“How tragic…!” Midna exclaims, voicing my master’s own thoughts.

Nothing further is heard after that, aside from the sounds of our party making their way through the forest itself, grasses and leaves rustling as we pass.

Quite some time passes like this, until eventually Midna speaks up, surprise in her voice, “this is a remote forest where we rarely go. I never noticed that anything had changed! But I’m surprised that no one other than the gardener knew, either…”

Leaves and grass rustle once more until Master Link gasps and exclaims, “a castle wall?! And… the Rufurio family crest!”

“Master, above you!” I attempt to warn Master Link, as he moves forwards at the same time an unknown aura appears, mere seconds before the source of that aura calls out.

“Who goes there?” a male voice demands to know, clear warning in his tone as I detect the sound of a bowstring being drawn, “who are you?! Answer me!”

“Darpa?!” is how my master responds to that last demand, due to the archer’s vocal traits triggering memories of the individual in question.

And it appeared Master Link’s identification was correct, given the sharp intake of breath and the addition of bewilderment that colors the would be archer’s tone as he again inquires, “who are you?”

“It’s me,” my master exclaims with a ‘joyful’ and ‘relieved’ laugh, “Link!”

“Wha-... did you say Link?!” the voice of Darpa inquires at the same time the sound of something sliding through vegetation and against stonework is detected, followed by the sound of that something landing.

Footsteps are then heading towards us and there is the sound of cloth rustling, as Darpa calls out, “Link! Is that really you?”

“Yes! It’s me!” Master Link cries as he moves towards Darpa in turn.

“Why are you here?” Darpa questions once his aura reaches an acceptable distance for proper social interaction.

“I came to help you!” Master Link exclaims.

“Help…?!” Darpa repeats.

“I’m so glad… you’re alive!” my master cries, voice heavy with the emotions that swirl from his side of the bond. “I never forgot you! Not for one moment!”

Despite that emotion and the words spoken, Darpa’s voice… suddenly becomes cold and ‘biting’, as, after a brief pause, he murmurs, “I wondered what had happened… when only you disappeared.”

The new tone causes Master Link to flinch and retreat a step, ‘guilt’, ‘pain’, ‘regret’ and ‘sadness’ building as Darpa continues speaking.

“But you were alive in our original world… just you!” Darpa snaps. “You sent us to this backward world… and went on your merry way.”

“Given the fact that you were the one who first led Master Link to the Gaurof Sword, which in turn was the cause of the transitioning of you and the border city to the Twilight Realm… as well the one who encouraged my master to pull that same sword from its resting place, the ratio of blame sits far more prevalently upon your shoulders, pre-Surface Groose,” I find myself remarking.

At the same time my master, clearly shaken by the other man’s words, is only able to stammer, “D-Darpa… I…”

His words trail off and, in the ensuing silence, I… do believe I experience something like ‘anger’ building within me… before Darpa’s next words send both Master Link and myself into a state of confusion.

“Aw… is that what you thought I’d say?” the other boy inquires, before bursting into laughter as he exclaims, “the look on your face!”

To his very small credit, the laughter does not last long before an apology is offered in a much softer tone, “forgive me. The others gave me a hard time because this never would have happened if I hadn’t suggested pulling out that sword…!”

“No one knew that would happen!” my master counters, far more quickly than I thought necessary, as I found myself still relatively distrustful of this possible Groose.

“That’s true, but… we’re the ones who did it,” Darpa states, still with a trace of laughter in his voice, especially as he adds, “so I said unkind things about how we had to make you take partial responsibility. Sorry for killing the mood!”

My master’s only response to this is a huff of laughter, before new auras draw near, voices calling out soon after.

“What’s going on, Darpa?” one new voice calls out curiously.

“Did something happen?” the second calls, before both cry out in surprise.

“Huh?!”

“L-... Link?!”

“Rioma? Zeu!” my master cries happily, “I’m glad all three of you are safe!”

“What happened? How did you get here?!” the voice of Rioma cries with emotions similar to Master Link's detected within his vocal tones.

“I never thought we’d see each other again!” the voice of Zeu cries at the same time.

“Me neither!” Master Link exclaims in response to the second statement.

The four boys then fall into excited chatterings for a moment, until such time Rioma catches sight of the Master Sword, voice becoming rather subdued as he remarks, “that’s… quite a nice sword.”

‘Hesitance’ and ‘uneasiness’ then buzz against the bond, though they ease as Zeu chimes in with a much more cheerful tone, “yeah. And a shield and armor.

“And you’ve bulked up. I hardly recognize you. Could it be you're captain of the knights now?”

“No, I haven’t gained much status,” Master Link is quick to correct. “I’m still training.”

“Right. Well,” Darpa chimes in now, that Groose confidence on full display, “I’m the commander entrusted with defending this city. These two are my subordinates.”

Even without extending my sight outwards, I am able to deduce the subordinates in question are Rioma and Zeu, alongside the high probability that an incredibly cocky grin likely adorns Darpa’s face as he adds, “how about that? I’m a big success, yeah? Guess that means… I outrank you!”

‘Surprise’ rings from Master Link in response to these words, another burst of laughter from Darpa sounding, possibly due to whatever expression adorned my master’s face at the time, before Darpa states, “just kidding!

“Anyway, let’s go inside,” Darpa then suggests, before his voice takes on a surprisingly authoritative tone, “Zeu… tell everyone Link is here!”

“Got it!” Zeu replies at the same time his aura begins drawing away from us.

At this point, Midna and the Head Librarian’s auras draw closer to us, prompting my master to call out to his childhood associates.

“Darpa, first I want you to meet someone. This is Midna, ruler of the people of Twilight.”

“Can I go into the city with you?” Midna then requests. “I don’t mean any harm… I’m Link’s friend.”

“Uh… sure, of course. Come in,” Darpa replies, albeit with clear confusion and uncertainty in his tone, most likely due to the child-like appearance of Midna’s cursed form. “I’ll introduce you to the mayor.”

Before we start moving towards the city, however, Darpa addresses my master anew with the proposition of, “let’s spar later, Link! I wanna see how much of a swordsman you’ve become.”

The other man then begins moving away from us, though Rioma’s soft voice delays Master Link from immediately following after.

“Ever since that day, Darpa hasn’t missed a day of sword training,” Rioma confides. “Sometimes I’d lose hope. Worried that we might never leave here. So I asked how he stayed so focused.

“He said he wanted to be ready when the time comes,” Rioma chuckles with clear ‘fondness’ and ‘respect’, “and now that time has come!”

“Yeah!” my master confirms, before the sounds of a nearby crowd catches his attention.

“...from the world of light?! Help is here?!” an unknown voice cried excitedly.

“Can we go home?!” cries another, before a great many more voices drown out the individuals.

“So many people!” Master Link happily exclaimed as cheers sounded all around us, until such time Darpa’s voice rings out.

“Calm down, everyone!” Darpa calls, that surprising tone of authority returned and deployed rather skillfully. “Make way so I can take Link and Lady Midna to the mayor.”

“I’m shocked,” Master Link then murmurs, once we begin moving again, “the city is exactly like I remember it.”

“For you, the familiar location disappeared,” Rioma begins to explain. “For us, our world changed around it. At first, we were confused about what had happened.”

The topic of discussion then abruptly changes, evidently due to catching sight of an area from their shared past as Rioma exclaims, “there’s the training ground, remember?”

“Yeah! I remember!” Master Link confirms happily. “That’s where the four of us competed every day.”

“Link, you always said,” Zeu then chimes in with a fond tone, “you were going to be Hyrule’s best swordsman. And Darpa said he’d be captain of the knights or commander in chief. And Rioma and I said we’d serve… and protect the monarch.”

“That’s right… that really takes me back!” Master Link chuckles. “It really wasn’t that long ago… but it feels like forever!”

“I reached my goal of becoming a commander,” Darpa chimes in next. “I guess I had bigger dreams, but I’m proud to defend my city. Everyone counts on me, so I’m satisfied with my current lot in life.”

“I was surprised earlier at how commanding you were,” Master Link remarks, “you’ve changed.”

“Ha! Are you trying to say I was a little brat before?”

“It’s just that you’ve really grown up!”

“You’re just reaching your peak!” is how Darpa chooses to reply to that last comment. “When I first saw you, I wondered who this old geezer was. I didn’t recognize you!”

“I’ve gotten… old? Geezer?” Master Link repeats with a strange combination of ‘amusement’ and ‘annoyance’. “Yeah, well… I’ve been through a lot.”

It’s at this point the other boys choose to intervene, starting with Zeu as he states, “it’s alright. You dress a little different… but you’re still our old friend!”

“That’s right!” Rioma agrees. “You never forgot about us… and now you’ve come back! That’s proof of friendship! I’m really glad!”

“Rioma…!” Master Link softly calls out, as ‘fondness’ grows even stronger, bubbling against the bond.

“Yeah!” Darpa then chimes in again. “No matter how long we’ve been apart… when we get back together again, we talk like this… and go back to being friends!”

“Yeah! We’ll be friends forever!” Zeu adds with the same amount of cheerfulness, all four of the boys lapsing into laughter for a moment.

“It took so long to get here,” Master Link then murmured, when the laughter had died down, “so very long…”

“Say, how did you get to the Twilight Realm, Link?” Zeu inquires curiously.

“Yeah. That’s what I wanna know!” Darpa chimes in.

“Well…” Master Link begins… before a certain item stole his attention entirely.

Th-... that sword!!

Eventually, we are finally led to Mayor Grisna, the current head of the Rufurio Family, which according to my master’s memories, was quite a prestigious family that had ruled the border city for generations.

“Mayor, allow me to apologize,” Midna begins, once proper introductions had been made, “not knowing about this city, I left you isolated and in need. If we had provided you with aid, you might have suffered less.”

“That is not true, Lady Midna,” Mayor Grisna surprisingly contradicts. “Several people of Twilight have helped us.”

“Huh? You mean,” the voice of the Head Librarian exclaims, their surprise obvious, “it wasn’t just the gardener?”

“Everyone said we should stay hidden,” the mayor began to explain, “so they brought us food and taught us about the local herbs. So we are truly thankful for all their help.

“Ever since I was a child, my parents told me that the Twilight Realm… was a hellish place to imprison monsters and criminals in the bowels of the earth! We thought it hateful even to speak of it.

“However, we were mistaken. It may be dark with no sunlight… but this place is by no means Hell.

“The people here may look different than we do, but they have hearts like us… and have treated us with earnest kindness. Without their help, we would never have survived.”

There is a small laugh full of fondness emitted from Midna in response to those words, before she states, “come to my palace anytime. The people of Twilight will always welcome you.”

“Lady Midna… I accept your offer,” Mayor Grisna replies solemnly, causing my master’s emotions to brighten even more than they had already been.

Good, he quietly hums to himself. If these people return to the world of light… they can dispel many misunderstandings concerning the Twilight Realm. I’m sure Princess Zelda would be overjoyed!

“By the way, Link,” the voice of Mayor Grisna suddenly calls, pulling my master away from his thoughts, “can you tell me what is happening in both worlds, Light and Twilight?

“You said the source of all the trouble is a being known as the Demon King Ganondorf.

“Ganondorf was sentenced and punished a hundred years ago… and exiled to the Twilight Realm.

“Legend says our city was built to observe the Arbiter’s Grounds in the desert.

“Now Ganondorf has returned to seek his revenge and aims to seize control of it all— the Twilight Realm and the world of light.”

“Hold on, Mr. Mayor,” a new voice suddenly calls out from the crowd that had gathered with us during the meeting with the mayor, “I’ve never heard this story. The Demon King Ganondorf…?”

“Isn’t that strange? Why didn’t we know something so important?” another voice chimes in, this one with anger coloring his vocal tones. “Or rather… why didn’t someone tell us?!

“The monarch… the royal family hid it from us. Were we victims of a conspiracy?!”

“Be calm, Segor! The royal family must have had it’s reasons,” Mayor Grisna scolded, but the newly identified Segor clearly had no intentions of being calm.

“Reasons? Like what, Father?!” Segor cried. “For ages our people have protected the border along the desert! No one told us who we were standing against, or prepared us to fight them! But the royal family knew!

“It’s terrible to think it, but perhaps the monarch… didn’t actually care about our lives!”

“Silence!” Mayor Grisna roars. “We serve the royal family of Hyrule! It’s our duty to protect the border come what may! Your words constitute treason against the royal family!”

“It isn’t treason!” his son argues, “I just want to know the truth!”

“That’s right,” the other man chimed in. “What about it, Link? Please, explain!”

Master Link hesitates, uncertain how to answer, but it is Midna who speaks instead.

“Why didn’t the royal family tell you about Ganondorf?” she repeats, her voice calm as she adds, “this is just a guess, but… perhaps the monarch of that time wanted to completely erase all mention of the Demon King.

“If the legend lived on, the people would still speak of him and his influence would continue. The monarch may have feared that and tried to erase him completely from living memory.”

She then emits a sigh, “for a long time, you people from the Light acted like the people of Twilight didn’t exist. How is this any different?”

Her words lead to murmurings sounding all around us, until Master Link speaks at last, stating, “I bet Princess Zelda could answer your questions.”

“Princess Zelda?” the voice of Segor repeats, surprise and perhaps awe coloring his voice, “you’ve met Princess Zelda?”

“Yes, I have,” Master Link replies. “She told me to follow the lessons I’ve learned and fulfill my mission.”

Chattering now fills the room, Darpa’s voice just barely detectable above it as he questions, “she said that to you… directly?!”

“You said you hadn’t achieved much status,” Zeu then laughs ‘goodnaturedly’, “but it sounds like you’re really important!”

My master chooses to ignore that last remark, instead stating firmly, “Princess Zelda holds Hyrule in her heart… and desires to save its people even at the cost of her own life. You must believe that!”

He then goes on to declare, “I will help Princess Zelda! I’ll defeat Ganondorf… and return peace to Hyrule! That’s why I have fought all this time! In Hyrule there’s still something left worth defending!”

…his intentions had only been to assuage the townsfolk’s fears and doubts regarding the princess… but my master had evidently forgotten the majority of those who currently filled the area were warriors themselves.

Warriors who, evidently, felt their fighting spirit set aflame, starting with Darpa, who exclaims, “in that case… I can’t let Link do this alone! After all, I’m commander of the guards!

“I won’t let anyone threaten Hyrule!” he cries, voice filled with determination. “I’ll fight the Demon King and rescue Princess Zelda!”

“Me too!” Zeu quickly cries as well.

“Me too!” Rioma cries at the same time, “that’s why we train everyday!”

“That’s right!” calls another voice, with even more chiming in, until their voices are practically a roar.

“Now is the time to fulfill our duty as a protective city!” Darpa rallies, to the cheers and roars of determination of the crowd… and my master’s growing 'alarm'.

“Wait! Wait a second, everyone!” Master Link implores. “The opponent is the demon king. He isn’t an enemy that mere humans can fight!

“I’ve seen many soldiers and people fall to the demon king’s minions, and the demon king himself must be even stronger.

“You’ve managed to survive for so long! I would hate for you to lose your lives now.”

A hush falls over the crowd… until such time the mayor’s voice breaks it, as he inquires, “aren’t you human too? Your words hint at some hidden meaning.”

‘Dread’ suddenly flares from Master Link’s side of the bond, which only grows as Mayor Grisna continues speaking.

“We received a royal decree from the king himself commanding us to defend the land from the demons. Perhaps you can defeat the demon king… but are you saying that we cannot?

“Answer me. How are you different from us?”

‘Dread’ is joined by ‘reluctance’ now as Master Link clearly hesitates in answering the mayor’s questions, ‘uncertainty’ flaring alongside… when once again, Midna speaks out.

“Link is the Chosen Hero who wields the Triforce,” she informs everyone, most likely ignoring my master’s call of her name as people begin speaking all around us.

“Triforce?” the mayor repeats.

“Chosen Hero?” Rioma and Zeu murmur.

“That symbol is also on Princess Zelda’s right gauntlet,” Midna continues, at the same time I feel the Triforce of Courage awaken, its power gently aiding in restoring my own in the process. “She said that she too wields divine power. Fate has decreed that Link shall fight Ganondorf.”

“The symbol in the royal crest?!” Mayor Grisna gasps as the Triforce of Courage continues to shine.

“The only one who can beat Ganondorf is Link who has the Master Sword— the Sword That Banishes Evil,” Midna then concludes, a new round of chattering traveling around the room once she does.

“The Sword That Banishes Evil…?” Rioma can be heard repeating, “the Master Sword?!”

“Just like Princess Zelda… he has power from the gods!” Zeu repeats in turn… before suddenly emitting a gasp.

“I don’t know how strong that power is,” he then begins to contemplate, “but Link was able to draw the Gaurof Sword… perhaps only Link could have drawn it!

“So… if Link draws that sword one more time… maybe the city will return to its rightful world?” Zeu hypothesizes, piquing my master’s interest, as well as sending one last round of murmurings around us.

“Give it a try,” Midna encourages. “If it doesn’t work, everyone can return through the Mirror of Twilight.”

And with that, we make our way back to where the Gaurof sword lay, its aura vibrating strangely against my sensors as we draw near.

“Did someone put it back in the stone?” Master Link inquires.

“No,” Darpa replied, a small trace of unease detected in his tone, “the next thing we knew, it was stuck back in there. And as before, no one could pull it out.”

“Please, Link,” the voice of the mayor murmurs, his request obvious.

In response, my master states, “I don’t know what will happen… but I’ll try.”

And with that, we draw level with the aura of the Gaurof Sword, its magic flaring alongside that of the Triforce of Courage, as Master Link emits sounds of exertion, no doubt due to his beginning his attempt to draw the blade from its resting place.

I am then quite surprised to feel the aura of Master Time appear, nearly overlapping with Master Link’s aura, as he continues to pull upon the Gaurof Sword.

And then... the blade is coming free of its resting place…and the sealed hole that connected the two worlds came undone, activating the phenomenon of reversal once more.

The phenomenon only lasts for the briefest second, however, before fading away... whereupon my sensors detect the warmth of the desert sun bearing down on us... the undeniable proof that we have, indeed, returned to the world of light, city and all.

“Th-... the sun?!” Master Link exclaims with surprise, attention fully caught by the celestial body in question…

...and thus, remaining completely oblivious to the fate of the Gaurof Sword… the aura and physical form of which both disintegrate into nothingness mere seconds after returning us all to the world of light.

This raises a multitude of questions and probabilities… none of which are of any concern to my master at the moment, nor any of the other residents of the border city, who are beginning to cheer and cry.

“I can’t keep my eyes open!” Rioma half laughs, half sobs.

My master, on the other hand, is all ‘triumphant’ and ‘giddy’, laughing as he cries, “we’re back! We’re back!”

…at least, until a far angrier cry is detected... the source of which, I am unsurprised to find, originates from Darpa.

“Damn! Damn it all!” the man cries, the sound of flesh lightly hitting stone accompanying his cursing.

“Darpa?” Zeu’s voice calls out worriedly, his aura quickly drawing near to Darpa’s own.

“Leave me alone!” Darpa snaps in reply, though Zeu pays this no mind, as evidenced by his aura drawing even closer to Darpa’s instead of away, Rioma following close behind.

“We’re back! Isn’t that wonderful?” Zeu inquires in a far gentler tone, “thanks to Link!”

That last statement proves to be a mistake, for it leads to yet another angry and childish outburst, Zeu's aura stumbling backwards as Darpa yells, “shut up! ‘Thanks to Link’?! Everything is his fault!”

Ah… he is a pre-Surface Groose, I conclude... my own anger and irritation building, then flaring, as ‘confusion’ and ‘hurt’ tremble against the bond, whilst Darpa continues to rage, his aura pacing about the area.

“Do you know… how much I’ve suffered?” the pre-Surface Groose growls, as the auras of Rioma and Zeu drift towards him again.

There is an 85% probability this is done with the intent to calm the Darpa fool, that probability increasing to 95% as Zeu murmurs in a tone trying to encourage calm, “Darpa, I do know. Don’t say any more.”

The pre-Surface Groose pays that soothing no mind, however, as he snarls, “and he… undid it all in an instant! Does he control everything?!

“Why is my fate in his hands?! Why did that bringer of bad luck have to appear?!”

Correction, this one may be worse than pre-Surface Groose…

“You’re the ‘Chosen Hero’? We’re ‘friends forever’? Give me a break! To you we’re ‘mere humans’!” the fool continues to rage, my master’s ‘anger’ now building alongside my own. “You’re doing this to disguise your contempt… and so we won’t mess up your grand goals!!”

“Yeah… that’s right!” Master Link finally snaps back. “It’d be a hindrance if you tagged along, because I’d have to protect you! I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be at a disadvantage in battle because I’m worried about you people!

“That’s the way it is!” my master yells, the hurt that manages to remain hidden in his voice burning against the bond… which also causes me to seriously contemplate attempting to exit my blade and deliver a kick to an area upon the male body that would inflict the highest level of pain…

“But… I will say one thing!” Master Link continues, his voice beginning to shake slightly, as the power Triforce of Courage flares, “this symbol has toyed with me!

“I didn’t want this! It’s part of me whether I like it or not… but I’ve reconciled myself to that! I’ve crawled onward shedding blood and tears fighting!”

…for a moment, the only thing that can be heard after my master’s last outburst is the wind, the burning anger from his side of the bond becoming doused by ‘weariness’ and ‘sadness’.

“I… even I… had a dream once,” Master Link murmurs, the new emotions woven into his voice, before his tone hardens and he states, “but… it’s too late to go back!”

…this phrase and the new emotions seem to aid my own in shifting away from anger… transitioning more towards ‘concern’... perhaps some form of ‘guilt’... and other emotions I cannot name with absolute certainty….

“I’m going to Hyrule Castle,” Master Link announces with clear resolve, the smallest hints of ‘anger’ and ‘hurt’ still present, “and I’m going to defeat Ganondorf!

“Farewell,” he then concludes, immediately walking away from the other auras.

He does not travel very far, however, before one of the auras begins to follow us, only pausing when the fool calls after him.

“Rioma! Where are you going?!”

“I’m going to fight alongside Link,” Rioma states in what I believe to be a ‘matter-of-fact’ tone.

“Are you stupid?! Don’t!” the fool yells, thus still fully audible, even as my master continues moving away from the three. “What can someone like you do?!”

“I hate that I’m so powerless! But what use does whining accomplish?” Rioma yells in turn. “Darpa, you hate when Link bests you… but the only reason you lose is because of your lousy attitude!

“We’re spoiled brats who’ve had it easy!” Rioma continues, proving that he, at least, possesses wisdom, “Link has suffered much, much more than we have! Do you understand?! Are you going to just stand and watch as a friend goes off to face a giant enemy alone?

“I may not be a great warrior… but if I don’t do this, I’ll always be a loser!”

This is how Rioma concludes the conversation, his aura now following after us while the other two still remain in place.

Despite the growing distance between those last two, however, only the smallest application of power is needed to hear Zeu state, “Darpa… we should go too.”

“...I know. You don’t have to tell me,” the Darpa fool groans, then sighs, “y’know… I told myself the Twilight Realm would be alright… because there I could be… the best. I spent my time desperately convincing myself of that.

“So I just needed to sort out those feelings!” he then cries, “a loser? Not me!”

His aura then comes rushing after us, Zeu’s quick to follow, as Darpa calls, “hey, wait! I’m coming too! I’ll be damned if I’m not gonna fight!”

“Link! Wait! We’ll fight together!” Rioma calls out next. “We’ll all fight together!”

…throughout their exchange… my master’s emotions had been swirling… ‘uncertainty’ and ‘upset’ the most prevalent in the tangled mess… and only prompt him to quicken his pace instead of slow at Rioma’s call, as well as keeps his gaze firmly ahead.

At least… until such time Midna intervenes, as Master Link registers a tug upon his boot, halting his progression as Midna speaks.

“Take them with you. Don’t be stubborn,” she lightly scolds. “They’re good companions, right?”

There is a moment of silence… emotions swirl… and then a huff of fond laughter is heard, ‘longing’ curled around that same ‘fondness’ as they lean against the bond, keeping us in place as the three boys catch up to us.

Chapter Text

“Link… what’s happening at Hyrule Castle?!” Darpa fool calls, as all four of the boys run through the desert, trying to lessen the distance between our current location and Hyrule Castle Town, as Midna gathers her magic for teleportation.

“Zant, or Ganondorf, I guess, raised a barrier that keeps us from entering,” Master Link explains, causing alarm to rise amidst the newcomers.

“The Demon King has seized the castle? What about the Knights of Hyrule?”

“They’re busy protecting the people of Castle Town,” my master begins to reply, before Zeu’s voice suddenly calls out.

“Hey! Look at that cloud!” he cries, drawing our group’s forward momentum to a stop, “it’s dark… and creepy! It almost seems to be alive!”

That is because it was, this fact first realized by the Rioma individual as he exclaims, “no… wait! That’s no cloud!

“It’s a vast army of monsters!” he gasps, as the calls and roars of the monsters in question are faintly detected from above.

“It’s finally beginning,” Master Link states grimly, before setting off again as he cries, “there isn’t a moment to lose!”

“Link! The Demon King,” Darpa fool chimes in again, as he manages to keep pace with my master, “what is Ganondorf like?”

“I’ve never encountered him directly,” my master replies, “we’ve never met, but…

“...since before I was born… he has been the enemy I’m destined to fight!”

“I’m ready!” Midna then calls, her magic swirling around us the instant she exits Master Link’s shadow. “Prepare to warp!”

With that declaration, the teleportation magic envelops us, the surrounding deserts wiped away by Shadow… and my sensors alighting as numerous monster auras are detected all around us.

One such aura is detected directly to our left as we come out of the warp, an alert to Master Link immediately leading to the deployment of the Master Sword, dispatching the assailant.

“Looks like Ganondorf has launched an all-out attack!” my master observes as we land properly.

“We got back just in time for the big fight, huh? This’ll test our mettle!” Darpa fool then chuckles as the sound of swords being drawn is detected.

“Link!” the voice of Rusl calls soon after.

“Where did you come from?” follows Ashei’s bewildered voice, their auras detected to our left. “Where have you been?!”

My master’s reply to these questions is delayed as more monster auras try to descend upon, before Midna’s magic activates and disposes of them.

“The power of Midna, the Ruler of Twilight, brought us here,” Master Link then states as both answer and introduction, while Midna’s aura comes to hover beside us. “We’ve come from the Twilight Realm.”

“The Ruler of Twilight, you say?!” the voice of Auru repeats… his tone rather odd…

“Is she on our side?” Ashei inquires.

“Of course!” my master replies swiftly and with full conviction, “she’s a true friend!”

“I’ll breach that barrier,” Midna then informs us, “then you can take the battle inside!”

“You can do that?” Ashei exclaims at the same time Master Link voices his understanding.

“Follow Midna!” he then cries as our Twili companion flies ahead, my master running after her.

“We’ll cover Link’s flank! Defend with an umbrella formation!” Darpa calls in response, finally showing a trace of wisdom as the other boys move as he commands, all of them once again racing alongside my master, the Resistance members keeping pace as well, Rusl calling out as this occurs.

“Who are you boys?”

“We’re Link’s friends,” Rioma replies.

“And we trained together,” Darpa chimes in, “in the city guarding the border.”

“Link’s vanished hometown returned?!” Rusl exclaimed with an understandable amount of surprise.

“And you’re his friends?” Ashei chimes in, “we’re thankful for all the help we can get.”

A gasp follows her words, evidently one of excitement, as Darpa then begins babbling, “are… are you the Knights of Hyrule?! I’ve always admired them, so to fight alongside you is… like… an hon—”

“Quit yapping and focus or the monsters will kill you!” Ashei snaps, cutting off the flow of words quite sufficiently.

It is at this point I turn my attention away from the conversation around me… to instead focus my sensors fully upon Midna, as she reaches the perimeter of Hyrule Castle and the barrier that covers it.

“What a vile barrier!” I can faintly hear her cry, as her magic flares, “I won’t let you have your way any longer!”

With the detection of the Shadow Crystal materializing, I finally extended my sight outwards, allowing me to see Midna, the newly retrieved crystals gently floating and swirling around her.

I am also able to see the expression that then adorns her face… one of clear apprehension… a form of which I believe I am also experiencing in regards to her use of the crystals in question.

Unfortunately, the probability of destroying the barrier without the ancient magic of the Twili… or finding a way into the castle without the destruction of the barrier… are both less than one percent… rounded up.

Midna, too, likely realizes this, as a resolute expression sets firmly upon her face, the Fused Shadows beginning to swirl around her at a much faster pace as she raises her arms and calls out.

“Ancient magic! Grant me your strength!”

…there is the crackling of magical energy, the Fused Shadows circling around Midna… before coming to an abrupt halt… then slamming together, connecting to the Shadow Crystal Midna still wore, encasing her.

Her hands instinctively lift to touch the edges of the completed shadow structure… then fall limp… before she and the crystal begin to shake… and the magic that had destroyed Zant builds.

A small yelp is detected at the same time Midna is suddenly flung to the right, hitting one of the stone walls that surround the outer courtyard.

She then slowly rises skyward before being flung into the opposite wall… then rises again before being flung back into the original wall, the Twili emitting a cry as this process repeats… until, with a final yelp, she is flung over one of the wall and disappears from sight.

“Midna?!” Master Link cries, ‘alarmed’ and ‘concerned’ by the display that had just been witnessed… the two emotions only growing as a large hand, glowing with the light of Twili Magic, suddenly appears.

The newly gifted Twili Magic within my sword throbs, as do the continued feelings of alarm and concern… at the same time an enlarged version of Midna’s ‘crown’ appears, the head that wears it, no longer that of the imp… but, instead, a spider-like mass of Twili magic.

“Wh-... wha-... what is that?!” Ashei cries as the transformed Midna groans and sways from where she sits atop the stone structure, murmurings of fear and unease sounding from the other knights that stand around and behind us.

Even Master Link cannot help but feel ‘unsettled’ by this new form as he gazes upon it, which only furthers his ‘concern’, his thoughts fully concentrated upon our Twili ally.

Midna?! Is that what she becomes when she releases the power of Shadow?! Master Link wonders, unable to look away from the new form of the Twili in question, as a howl resounds throughout the area.

At least, that is what those who are not of the Twilight would hear, the gifted magic of the Sols allowing me to hear the words that are called out.

“Shadow Beasts left behind… in the world of light. I am the leader of the Twili. Hear me, my people!”

The power of Midna and the Fused Shadow pulses through the air, auras of Shadow Beasts appearing seconds later, responding to her call.

“Come to my side… and fight!” Midna commands, two amorphous hands rising to point at the monstrous horde upon which the Shadow Beasts are then quick to descend, ripping into their ranks with vicious fury.

“What the…?” Auru’s voice could be detected crying, surprise evident in his tone, as this occurred. “Monsters fighting monsters?!”

My master pays little attention to the man’s words, however, instead he simply rushes after the Shadow Beasts, sword at the ready, as he cries, “let’s go!”

“You got it!” Darpa calls from right by my master’s side as I turn my attention back to our current surroundings for a brief moment to ensure all is well.

Surprisingly, the two easily fall into sync with each other, fighting as if there had not been a single pause in their training together as they cut down the monsters that stand in our way.

Thus satisfied that all is well in hand on that front, I return my attention to Midna, who is making her own way through enemy lines, the giant limbs of her current form crushing the monsters with the greatest ease.

Eventually, her focus is drawn back towards the barrier over Hyrule Castle, prompting a low groan to be voiced and her spider-like limbs tensing as she crouched, then jumped forwards.

Possessing just the right strength and momentum, the action easily carries her to the barrier, upon which the spider-like appearance becomes most suitable, as the legs catch and begin to climb the diamond shaped structure.

After ascending two feet Midna then braces herself, one amorphous leg lifting, then twining around a spear made of solidified Twilight that forms, gathering magic into the tip as she draws it back, then thrusts forwards with a roar.

Light and magic then flare brilliantly, causing everyone to cry out in surprise and mild pain before they manage to cover their eyes and brace against the resulting winds as the magics clash.

My own sensors nearly overload as this occurs, but eventually, light and magic fade… revealing the sturdy and well-crafted walls of the current Hyrule Castle, standing before us, as the last vestiges of the barrier fades away.

Chapter Text

“The barrier’s gone!” Master Link exclaims with obvious ‘awe’, before ‘motivation’ combines with ‘determination’ as he begins moving forwards with a rallying cry of, “Chaaarge!”

His cry is quickly joined by those that follow behind him, transitioning into a roar that rivals those of the monsters who yet stand in our way.

Thus is the roar of challenge met with the screams of steel clashing, my master and Ashei heading the charge, movements flowing together almost as seamlessly as when we’d fought alongside Darpa, monster auras depleting at as steady a pace as our forward momentum.

“Ganondorf is in the throne room of that keep!” Master Link calls once we have made it far enough for Hylian eyes to spot the keep in question.

Anything else he was planning to relay is cut off, however, by Zeu’s voice as he warns, “here come the monsters!”

“Go, Link! Leave them to us!” Darpa then calls, “rescue Princess Zelda as quickly as you can!”

‘Fondness’ then mixes oddly with ‘worry’ as Master Link calls his understanding, though I have no time to ponder over the strange mixture… as my own worries, and predictions I had not wished to be proven correct... come to fruition.

This comes in the form of a familiar mass of amorphous Twili magic surging towards us, wrapping around my master before warnings can be properly relayed or adhered to, Master Link only able to emit a cry of surprised confusion as he is, effectively, ‘yanked’ off the ground.

I then immediately begin revising contingency plans, sorting through current options as quickly as my processing power allows, as Midna raises her spear alongside Master Link, her intent all too clear.

“M-... Midna?!” Master Link gasps, the tight grip upon his body causing breathing difficulties, adding to his ‘confusion’ and ‘alarm’, which rattle against our bond.

‘Worry’ then joins, as heavy panting is detected from within the mass of roiling Twili magic, furthering suspicions of loss of control over the power of the Fused Shadows, the words that follow solidifying suspicions into truth.

“Demon King,” Midna is detected wheezing, the words strained and her aura worryingly weak amidst the magics of the Fused Shadows.

“Demon King… I will kill you!”

Her grip upon my master grows ever tighter with these words, the spear held in the other raising ever higher, Master Link helpless to do naught but weakly cry out, “M-Midna… d-don’t!”

I, on the other hand, have already run the necessary scenarios and begun preparations for the one that possessed the highest probability of success.

Calling upon the power gifted to me, most prominently that of the Twili, I endeavor to fashion a 'spear' of my own, one unseen to the physical world.

I then ‘grab’ hold of the telepathic connections between myself, Master Link, and Midna, using them as the conduit through which I deploy my ‘spear’.

A roar of mindless rage is detected as my 'spear', and the piece of my consciousness I attach to it, 'flies', the magic of the Fused Shadows working to stop my forward momentum, as well as attempting to devour Midna herself.

But the Twili magics that form the tip of the spear only grow brighter, hotter, in response, a surge of ‘protectiveness’, not entirely of that of my own feelings, detected as the barriers created by the Fused Shadows are torn asunder.

Eventually, the 'spear' makes contact with the mental barriers that possess the highest amount of Midna’s aura, her consciousness, the mental weapon piercing deeply, before the Twili-enchanted tip transitions into something far more akin to a shield.

Thankfully, this startles, and thus invigorates, Midna’s consciousness itself, at which time I ‘pull’ upon the bonds that tie the two of us and Master Link together, drawing ‘myself’ closer to ‘her’.

“Midna! The one you currently hold is not an enemy but the hero, Link!”

“Tri…force,” is faintly groaned in response, the consciousness from which it is emitted dangerously close to becoming fractured or shattered entirely. “Demon… king… Tri… force…”

“What you are sensing is the Triforce of Courage, not Power! The Fused Shadows are distorting your sense of reality as well as threatening to devour you!

“You must deactivate the Fused Shadows immediately!” I implore, daring to draw upon more of the gifted power of the Sols, infusing my voice with its properties as I call out once more.

“Please, Princess Midna, COMPOSE YOURSELF!”

The gift of the Sols burns, the lingering consciousness that dwells within and around us writhing, as I ‘pull’ upon the mental bonds, continuing to call out… until such time Midna’s consciousness surges towards proper wakefulness.

She ‘lunges’ towards her connection to the Fused Shadows, severing the bond between and thereby, finally deactivating the raging power.

This manifests in the outside world via a bright flash of light, the Fused Shadows separating from each other, the three we’d collected vanishing into the ‘pocket’ Midna had originally stored them within.

Unfortunately, the sudden withdrawal of the power also leads to the equally sudden disappearance of the giant form that had been keeping both Midna and Master Link in the air, leading the two plummeting back to the ground.

The resulting landing can be accurately described as ‘rough’, causing my master to groan in pain, though no significant or debilitating injury is detected.

“Link! Thank the gods!” the voice of Darpa cries soon after, the boy himself coming to stand beside us immediately after.

My master, however, pays no heed to the other boy, instead rushing towards the area from which Midna lays, her body worryingly still.

“Midna! Are you alright?” Master Link calls as he gathers the Twili into his arms.

As for his question… there is a 95% probability that the answer is not one with which he would be pleased, given the state of her aura… and the difficulty with which she opens her visible eye.

“I’ve done… the unforgivable,” she murmurs, voice just barely loud enough to be detectable, “I betrayed you.”

“Hush now. You just had a little trouble controlling the power,” Master Link soothes. “But the barrier covering the castle is gone… thanks to you!”

“Really…?” Midna breathes, her gaze wandering and growing unfocused now, her breathing as labored as it had been earlier, “that’s… good.”

“Midna?! Hang in there!” my master calls as the Twili’s eye began sliding shut, ‘worry’ building against the bond as he realizes that something is amiss, “what’s wrong?!”

At this, Midna emits a 'self-deprecating' laugh, “apparently, my ancestors’ power was too much for me in my current state. It pushed my body to the brink of destruction.”

Her facial expression and tone then twisted with clear frustration as she added, “I’m not strong enough. Not good enough…”

This, of course, causes my master to exclaim, with a small percentage of ‘urgency' in his tone, “that’s alright, rest now. You don’t have to fight anymore!”

His expression and tone then softened as he added, “leave the rest to me”... which, in turn, softens the frustrated expression upon Midna’s face by a fraction…

…however… that frustration was soon transforming into confusion and concern… confusion and concern that are mirrored by Master Link’s emotions… as certain individuals moved to surround us.

“Link,” Auru called out, the tone of his voice, as well as the stance he and the soldiers standing alongside him have taken... prompting me to begin strategizing once more, “get away from that thing.”

“Auru?” Master Link calls, not yet having processed himself what is occurring... even with the spears of the soldiers pointed directly at us.

“It’s dangerous!” Auru exclaims, his voice cold, as he again orders, “get away!”

“Auru… wait,” Master Link calls again, tone ‘nervous’ but trying to be ‘reassuring’ and ‘confident’, “it’s okay. She won’t use the power of Shadow anymore.”

He raises one hand in a placating manner as he says this, extending it towards the group, but this only serves to agitate the armored men standing alongside Auru, as the spears they carry are levelled in our direction.

“D-don’t move!” one of the ‘knights’ cries.

“It’s clearly a monster!” exclaims another.

“If it goes wild, we’ll be helpless! It’ll kill us too!”

“She helped us!” my master snaps, his anger, 'outrage', stirring unhelpfully in response to the unfolding situation.

“The power of Shadow is dangerous! It can destroy the world of Light!” Auru exclaims, tone cold and hard, “we don’t need it!”

“But what would have happened to us without that power?!” Master Link tries to remind and appease.

“Link! As a defender of Hyrule, you must destroy the creatures of Shadow!” Auru then declares, paying the truth my master had tried to relay no mind.

“This is different!” my master cries, still attempting to appeal to those who were meant to be our allies. “Please, listen!”

But the fools who dare to call themselves knights, who are proving to be a disgrace to the title of knight, only thrust the tips of their spears even closer to us.

“Whose side are you on?” one of the ‘knights’ inquires, voice quivering with anger and fear. “Light… or Shadow?!”

“If you’re siding with that monster, you’re our enemy too!”

‘Shock’ reverberates through the bond… before shifting towards ‘grim determination’, as Master Link takes up the Master Sword anew, brandishing it protectively, as I begin running new calculations.

“Link! Have you lost your mind?!” Auru cries, as a wave of murmurings swept through the 'knights' behind him. “The Hero of Hyrule… turning his sword on us?!”

“I don’t want to! Why would I?!” my master cries in turn, his voice as ‘conflicted’ as his emotions, “but…

“...Midna is important to me. I won’t let anyone harm her… no matter who they are!”

A new wave of murmurings breaks out in response to my master’s declaration, the 'knights', Auru, and even Midna herself looking quite surprised.

My master then experiences surprise himself, as three figures position themselves between us and Auru and his ‘knights’, Darpa speaking up immediately after.

“Listen… we’re from the city guarding the desert border!

“The whole city got flipped into the Twilight Realm and we spent years there waiting for help. We were ready to die! How do you think we got back to this world alive?”

Darpa does not wait for an answer to his question, instead maneuvering so that he can clearly gesture towards Midna as he exclaims, “the people of Twilight helped us!”

“It’s true,” Zeu chimes in next, “they lived with us and took care of us! Thanks to them, I didn’t waste away to nothing!”

“They aren’t monsters!” Darpa declares resolutely. “They may look a little different, but they’re people just like us! They’re friends! When Mayor Grisna arrives, he’ll confirm it, and so will all the other residents!”

He is a good Groose, after all, I hum silently, pleased, but still on guard, as the ‘knights’ still murmur with clear doubts and discontent.

But those murmurs come to a complete stop with the next person to move between the groups, Ashei’s stern voice speaking up as Rusl’s calming presence comes to stand at my master’s side.

“I, for one, believe those boys,” Ashei declares, her tone filling with disapproval as she adds, “they’re much more reliable than soldiers who flee in the face of the enemy.”

The murmurings that sound after that are much more nervous and guilty, though display a small amount of intelligence by falling silent as the true knight’s stern gaze fixes upon them.

“To hide your own weakness and shame… you’re just looking for an evil you can safely oppose. Snap out of it!”

The ‘knights’, at the very least, appear properly chastised, but Auru still presses the matter as he inquires, “even you, Ashei?”

To that, Ashei’s response is, “I don’t understand, Auru. Why do you hate the Twilight Realm so much?

“Why shouldn’t we ally with them to confront our mutual enemy? Unless you think we can win this battle alone?”

Auru does not have a response to Ashei’s queries, the ensuing silence prompting my master to submit a new plea.

“Auru! We aren’t fighting the Twilight Realm! The true enemy,” Master Link cries as he rises from the crouch he’d been positioned in, to point the blade of the Master Sword towards the stone structure that still sits before us, “infests the castle! The Demon King Ganondorf!

“You don’t have to believe me,” Master Link then continues, as Auru and the ‘knights’ had remained ‘eerily’ silent, “but for right now… lend me your strength for this fight!

“If siding with the Twilight Realm is a sin... you can beat, banish, or execute me”, my master cries ‘passionately’. “But do it, after we defeat the demon king!”

The Auru individual only stares at my master with what I believe to be shock, while from Master Link I strongly detect ‘determination’ emanating from his side of our bond.

‘Determination' that then transitions into 'shock', as a Skull Mask Lizalfos leaps up from below, though said shock does little to impair his reaction time, as he swings the Master Sword that is still held in his hand, cutting through the weaker scales that lie below the skull mask of the monster.

Unfortunately, another Lizalfos had launched its own attack at the same time and, with his shield discarded in favor of keeping Midna safely cradled in the crook of his right arm, the likelihood of injury is at 99%...

…until the incoming attack is intercepted by a spear plunging into and through the Lizalfos neck, the armored man who holds it directing a shaky but determined smile towards my master as the monster falls.

‘Gratitude’ and ‘pride’ are directed towards the knight as a result, the two emotions growing even stronger as the man calls out to his associates.

“Listen up! We must fight! Don’t stain the honor of the Knights of Hyrule!”

A roar of energized voices answers his call and Ashei is briefly spotted regarding the group with what I believe to be a mixture of fondness and pride.

My attention does not linger on her for long, however, as Darpa then calls out, “go, Link! Get it done!”

My master responds with a nod of understanding… but pauses, as his gaze falls upon Midna… who, while conscious, still lies limply in his hold, causing ‘worry’ to stir.

“Can I entrust Midna to you?” Master Link then wisely inquires of his friends.

“Give her here!” Zeu quickly offers in reply, extending his arms as he does, his movements as careful as my master’s as Midna is transferred to him, “we promise to protect her.”

“N-no… Link!” Midna, who had been too startled (or, perhaps, too close to losing consciousness) to say anything in protest up to this point, cried out, a hand managing to catch hold of Master Link’s wrist.

“Don’t leave me behind!” she implored, even as her hand shook with the strain of keeping hold of my stationary master. “I want to stay with you till the end!”

‘Fondness’ and other ‘warm’ emotions buzz against the bond with Master Link as he regards Midna with a ‘fond’ smile… before leaning forwards to press his lips against her cheek.

It is a strange action as well as ‘surprising’, both for myself and Midna, evidently... for her grip upon my master releases, allowing him to step back and direct one more ‘fond’ smile in her direction… before turning away to head for the castle gates, alone.

Chapter Text

“Link!!” Midna’s voice calls after us, though my master purposely avoids looking back towards her, keeping his gaze firmly focused on the gate doors that stand before us.

Midna has to rule the Twilight Realm when this is done, Master Link’s thoughts declare as we reach those doors and he pulls them open, so I can’t let her die!

The only time he does look back is once he’s passed through the gate and closing the doors behind him, ‘fondness’ and… some other emotion that leaves me… ‘alarmed’... forming as he gazes upon the forms of those fighting on the other side.

As for the world of light… I entrust Hyrule to you… my friends!

“Fight like hell!” Darpa’s voice can be detected calling out before the doors shut fully. “Draw as many enemies here as possible!”

Now fully separated from our allies, Master Link turns back towards the path before us, though he doesn’t make it much farther down the path before lightning flashes, illuminating the massive structure before us.

The following, natural burst of thunder caused my master to flinch, the possible detection of the malevolent auras that reverberated throughout the surrounding area, either through the abilities honed by Master Time’s training or that of the wolf within him... or, perhaps, the sudden flaring of emotions, either caused by the lightning illuminating the massive structure before us... halting his forward momentum, as rain begins to fall.

Whatever the reasoning, recovery is swift, as Master Link draws the Master Sword and begins running towards the castle.

Immediately upon entering, we are beset upon by two heavily armored Iron Knuckles, equipped with far sturdier shields and armor than the last of these enemies we’d faced, as well as large iron maces. My master quickly rolls out of range of the nearest Iron Knuckle, then jumps over the second, managing to initiate half of the Helm Splitter as we sail over the demonic armor.

It is then a matter of dancing between the two Iron Knuckles, deploying combinations of additional Helm Splitters as well as Back Slices, until one of the demonic armors falls.

Unfortunately, a new and familiar aura is already descending from above, my master startling as King Bulblin lands before us, a sneer on his face as he points at himself and calls out, “why don’t you… try dancing with me!”

Master Link emits a small gasp as he properly registers the identity of the newcomer, his reaction and expression evidently increasing King Bulblin’s amusement as his smile appears to grow in size.

“So… we meet again,” King Bulblin states before beginning to laugh, as the remaining Darknut moves to stand behind him.

The sight aids my master in recovering from his earlier surprise quickly, his body shifting into a defensive position with sword and shield at the ready.

But this, as it turns out, was unnecessary… as King Bulblin then swivels to face the Darknut that still stood behind him, the giant ax he wields smashing into the unsuspecting creature seconds later.

With the damage already inflicted by Master Link and the strength the Bulblin King possessed, the Iron Knuckle is summarily defeated, remains fading away, as King Bulblin faces us once more.

His posture, now, is open with no sign of defensiveness or indication of launching an attack at us, ax held loosely in his hand.

“You…!” Master Link exclaims, ‘confusion’ clear in both his voice and buzzing against the bond as he stares at the Bulblin King, who grins again before beginning his explanation.

“You beat me… and I follow the strong. End of story.

“You’re my master now,” King Bulblin then adds, lifting his ax to then rest it upon his shoulders, “give me an order. Tell me to die and I’ll do it.”

‘Surprise’ colors the bond, followed quickly by ‘excitement’ and ‘hopefulness’ as my master exclaims, “okay then… I order you… to help my friends fighting at the castle gate.”

“That’s easy,” the Bulblin King proclaims before emitting a certain noise that had a high probability of being his equivalent of a whistle, resulting in a large and armored Bullbo appearing immediately after, the Bulblin King jumping atop its back once it reached him.

How strange! Master Link remarks silently, as he watches the Bulblin King ride off towards the castle gates, as ordered. Why did this happen?

He was the cause of so much calamity. He plagued me for so long… but there’s no denying he had… his own role to play.

Master Link lingers for ten additional seconds, gazing in the direction the Bulblin King had departed and which our allies still remained, before inevitably turning towards the next set of doors that lay between us and the destination for which we were bound.

Everyone… who lives and breathes in this world… has been entrusted… with a fate of their own.

We make our way into the castle, deeper and deeper, this line of thought still on my master’s mind even as a trio of Stalfos appear and attack us.

His thoughts then turn to his friends from the border city, calling out to the boys amidst parrying the attacks of our enemies before stepping into a variety of the techniques learned from Master Time.

Darpa… rise to become captain of the knights and defend Hyrule. Because that’s certainly your role.

Master Link gathers power into the Master Sword, then jumps high into the air to increase that power even further, sending a wave throughout the area upon release as the sword slams into the earth in a perfectly executed Jump Strike.

Zeu… Rioma… Master Link calls silently as the wave rips into our adversaries, shattering the bones which are then sent flying away from us …support Darpa.

As for me…

Master Link does not finish this thought… and the emotions that are currently detected from the bond… has ‘worry’ stirring within my chest, prompting me to call out to him.

His only response to this… if it is indeed a response… is to raise the Master Sword and press his forehead against the flat of the blade, murmuring gratitudes as ‘fondness’ is detected.

‘Fondness’ that then drifts back towards ‘determination’, shield and sword now held at the ready… as we head into the Lord’s Hall.

Chapter Text

For a moment, all that can be heard is the wind blowing and the rumble of thunder from the sky.

With the detection of a familiar, foul aura, I extend my senses outwards, taking in the sight of the hall into which my master walks, following the royal blue and gold carpet past a large, stone head that had broken off from a sculpture of what was most likely meant to be the Golden Goddesses.

“Welcome to my castle,” the voice of our enemy calls, drawing attention to where, like Zant in the Palace of Twilight, Ganondorf sits upon the throne of Hyrule Castle, “brave wielder of the Triforce.”

Master Link emits a noise of displeasure at the way Ganondorf reclines upon the throne, utterly relaxed.

His attention is quickly drawn away from the Demon King, however, as he catches sight of a figure who has been suspended above us, in the center of the sculpture of the completed Triforce from which the previously noted stone head had been broken off from.

“Princess Zelda!” Master Link cried in alarm, ‘worry’ for the unconscious woman ringing against our bond.

“At long last, the players are all onstage,” Ganondorf chuckled, pulling my master’s attention back towards him.

“So… you’re Ganondorf, eh?” Master Link inquires, leading to another laugh sounding from the current demon king.

“Yes… I am Ganondorf,” our enemy replies with his usual smile of cruel amusement and arrogance aimed at my master, “I’ve been waiting for you, boy.”

My master makes no verbal reply to that statement, leaving Ganondorf free to continue speaking, “ages have passed since they thwarted my dreams and considered me as good as dead.”

He pauses as the light of the Triforce of Power begins to shine from the back of his hand, the Triforces of Wisdom and Courage shining from their places on the backs of my master’s and Princess Zelda’s hands alongside as Ganondorf remarks, “finally all three Holy Triforces come together at once.

“The people of the Twilight Realm are pitiful,” he then added as he rose from the throne. “Long ago, with but little power, they crossed the gods and were forsaken.

“That anguish became sustenance for flesh and blood,” Ganondorf states as he grins, his hand rising and curling into a fist, “and their hatred became strength, thus awakening me.

“What did the Twili lack? It was strength!” the current demon king proclaimed as the Triforce of Power appeared upon his hand once more, “power possessed only by those whom the gods have chosen.

“The one who controls that power… is the only one fit to rule this world!” Ganondorf cried as the light of the Triforce of Power blazed.

“When the three Triforces are in my hands, my dream will be realized. The time I have so desperately desired is finally here.”

“...if the Triforce truly is the power of the gods… we should give it back to them,” Master Link declares, finally breaking his silence at the same time he raises and grips the Master Sword with both hands.

“Return the Triforce of Power!” the hero demands, “do it now. That is your only road to salvation.”

It is a kind sentiment, that which stems from the equally kind nature all of my masters have possessed... but a sentiment that is wasted on Ganondorf as, after a brief moment of surprised bewilderment, he only laughs.

“How humorous!” he chortles, “you’re the first person to ever say that to me.”

His gaze then drifts upwards, to the man made replica of the holy triangles, “the Triforce is a golden relic that the gods left on the surface of the world at the time of its creation.  It grants the first wish of whoever touches it.”

“Your wish is now our wish too.”

“Any wish is possible… and that wish becomes the will of the gods. That is the Triforce!

“It is the will of the gods that I become ruler!” Ganondorf dares to proclaim, echoing the words and conceit of his more recent past as well as his progenitor, Demise.

And, just as his predecessors before him, Master Link’s resolve is only further solidified by this display.

“That dream will never come true, not for all eternity,” the Hero states firmly. “I won’t let you trample the land of Hyrule again! The same goes for the Twilight Realm!

“With the Sword That Banishes Evil entrusted to me… I will destroy you completely!” Master Link declares as he lifts and brandishes both sword and shield.

“Even if the gods wish it… I won’t permit it!”

“Try stopping me, young one,” Ganondorf sneered as his magic, now mixed with elements of Twili essence, began to build, darkened Twilight particles rising alongside his outstretched hand.

His hand… which extends towards the limp form of Princess Zelda above us, his body disintegrating into those same darkened Twilight particles… which then surge into Her Grace’s body faster than either Master Link or I could have prevented.

The moment the last of the particles enters her body, the princess’ face twitches, brows furrowing before her body slumps forwards… then lurches backwards as she screams before falling to the ground.

“Princess Zelda?!” Master Link cries, alarmed and concerned, returning his shield to its place upon his back before rushing forwards, even as I cry out a warning.

“Master Link, it is not safe!”

“Ganondorf… what did you do?!” Master Link exclaims as his freed hand reaches towards the form that still sat limply in the place where ‘she’ had landed. “Princess–”

“Master Link, FALL BACK!” I cry as corrupted Twili markings appear upon the face of the princess milliseconds before cold, golden eyes snap open… and the tip of a rapier slices across my master’s neck.

Fortunately, though bearing a 99% probability of being by cruel design, the wound inflicted is incredibly shallow, comparable to a paper cut, the blood flow already coming to a halt as Master Link stumbles backwards.

“Fool who rebels against the king who would rule light and shadow,” the puppeteered Princess Zelda said as ‘she’ flicked the blood off ‘her’ rapier, “grovel before the great Demon King… and hand over the Triforce of Courage.

“The most noble Ganondorf… is the rightful ruler of this world.”

How could this have happened?! I questioned at the same time I began analyzing the warped form of the princess before us. Even with the majority of her life force transferred to Midna, a being such as Ganondorf should not be capable of possessing one descended from the Goddess Hylia…

“Get out of Princess Zelda’s body right now!” Master Link demands as my analysis is being conducted, which prompts a laugh from the puppeteered princess.

“This is what the princess herself wanted!”

“What?!” my master cried in response to this claim.

“Princess Zelda has joined the Demon King,” the Puppet Zelda stated smugly. “We talked it over, and when I proposed ruling the world together, she gladly agreed.”

“Don’t befoul Princess Zelda’s honor with such lies!” Master Link yelled ‘angrily’, causing the smirk that adorned the Puppet Zelda’s face to deepen… mere seconds before ‘she’ lunged towards us, rapier at the ready.

The Puppet Zelda laughs as my master dodges the attack and ‘she’ uses ‘her’ magic to rise into the air.

“If you don’t beat me, you can’t defeat the Demon King,” the Puppet Zelda calls down to my master with malicious glee, “now fight!”

There must be a plan, I reason as Master Link re-equips his shield and braces himself against the oncoming attack, if Her Grace really did arrange an agreement with the Demon King, it must be part of a plan to defeat him!

Your Grace… what are you planning?!

Chapter Text

What can I do to break Ganondorf’s spell… over Princess Zelda?! Master Link cries silently, as he dodges another, sweeping attack from the puppetered princess in question.

As of that moment, even I did not possess an answer for that question, as the analysis of the fused form of descendants of the divine and demonic forces was still underway.

It is only when the Puppet Zelda, floating high above us in the air, raises ‘her’ sword and a crackling ball of energy forms that a possible means of counterattack is revealed… one that Master Link deploys by instinct, thanks to memories of the last battle against Zant prompting my master to intercept the attack with the Master Sword.

Those same instincts then send the ball of energy hurtling back towards our adversary who, perhaps surprised by the maneuver, fails to dodge the attack, leading to a direct hit.

The body of the princess is thus illuminated by the electrical light, convulsing as the energy crackles along it… and a feminine scream of pain sounding, as the aura of the demon king suddenly fades, alongside his physical manifestation upon Her Grace, the corrupted Twili marks.

“P-Princess Zelda!” Master Link cries in horror as this occurs, rushing forwards as the princess falls to the floor.

“The sword, Master Link!!!” I cry as he moves to kneel before the fallen woman, within which the aura of the demon king can already be detected surging anew, “quickly try placing the sword against Princess Zelda’s body, so that I may attempt to drive out—!”

But it was no use, Ganondorf had regained full control even before I could properly relay that possible plan of action, Master Link startling as the Puppet Zelda’s sword was thrust forwards, skewering my master’s hat.

“Where’s all the spirit you had before?” the Puppet Zelda snickered as the corrupted Twili markings appeared on her face once more, alongside the cruel smile of the demon king. “Can’t you do anything anymore?

“Let me have some more fun!” the Puppet Zelda cackled, ‘her’ mirth only growing as electricity surges into Master Link, causing him to cry out in pain.

“Show me the loyalty, friendship, and self-sacrifice… that you value so highly!”

“Master Link, you must stand firm! While it is true that her body may sustain damage, leaving Princess Zelda in this current state will be both detrimental and dangerous to all but Ganondorf! At the very least, you must use the balls of energy as before to immobilize them!”

Again and again, I implore my master to take action… try to supply him with strategy after strategy in order to, at the very least, defend himself… yet it all comes to naught, as Master Link continues to falter, to hesitate, at complete odds to the Puppet Zelda who continues to barrage him with both physical and magical assaults.

The latest redirection of a ball of energy with his shield, which sends the attack harmlessly hurtling away from both fighters, leaves him open to a strike from the Puppet Zelda’s electrified sword, once again utilizing the false edge of ‘her’ rapier for this purpose, as it slams into his chest.

This means that my master does not sustain any injury from the sword itself, merely from the electricity that surges through his body anew, causing him to cry out in pain again as he’s flung to the ground.

It is abundantly clear that Ganondorf is merely toying with my master at this point, a conclusion the Puppet Zelda confirms with ‘her’ next words.

“You look wretched,” the Puppet Zelda cackled, landing softly and strolling leisurely towards Master Link, who was struggling to rise, “but this isn’t enough.”

A look of malicious glee and wretched insanity then contorts the Puppet Zelda’s face as ‘she’ exclaims, "it is not nearly enough to balance out… my hatred of you!”

“...hatred?” Master Link repeats with clear confusion, managing to at least rise to a sitting position as the demon king decides to provide an explanation for his words... as well as a glimpse of the madness, the pettiness, that resides within him.

“If it weren’t for you… I would have already established my reign,” the Puppet Zelda snarls, the aura and voice of Ganondorf growing stronger with every syllable.

“I would have what I desired. My hatred toward you, the one who took everything from me… will not be satisfied by merely killing you once or twice.

“I must crush your bones… rip out your organs… and relish your lingering cries of pain.”

So thick does Ganondorf’s aura become that his image... that of the Gerudo male with hair that blazed nearly as intensely as the hatred he spoke of, and eyes that danced with even higher levels malicious insanity than what had twisted the face of the princess moments prior... seemed to become part of the physical world, as he revealed his sadistic desires.

It is highly reminiscent of Demise, the remains of which begin to burn within my blade, leading to further concerns, as Master Link is still sprawled on the floor.

So muddled is he, from both Ganondorf’s words, the venom with which they were spat, alongside the electrical shocks and wounds he’s received (or at least, this the most likely cause for his current state) that he even fails to dodge the easy kick that is directed to his face.

The latest assault causes his teeth to sink into his lip, leading to a trail of blood leaking from his mouth… though that is of far less concern than the tip of the rapier that comes to rest directly under my master’s chin seconds later.

“Now… shall I skewer you a time or two?” the Puppet Zelda hums, the image of Ganondorf having faded but his aura emanating from the body of Her Grace as strong as ever.

“But where…?” the Puppet Zelda cackled, as the rapier began tracing over Master Link’s form. “In the eye? The throat?”

It’s no use… I can’t harm Princess Zelda, Master Link cries silently, teeth gritted in ‘frustrated helplessness’. I can’t do it, no matter what!

Such a statement is the height of foolishness, given the current predicament and the grim probabilities that are the most likely to occur, if Ganondorf is allowed to remain within the body of Her Grace.

The first of which occurs mere seconds after my master made his silent declaration and has me readying an attempt to materialize and engage the puppeteered woman myself... as the rapier is drawn back, then thrust forwards with a cruelly gleeful exclamation.

“First I’ll prick out that impudent… EYE!”

…except… that is not at all what happens… for even though the rapier is thrust forwards… it is also, immediately, halted… the cold, golden eyes of the demon king narrowing with confusion…

…and then, widening with alarm… as the rapier is slowly turned and then raised… towards the throat of the possessed Princess Zelda.

I am ashamed to say that I found myself just as surprised and thereby, unable to properly understand or react to the matter at hand any better than either Master Link and even Ganondorf himself at this turn of events... the latter of which stutters with confusion, as the hand that holds the rapier to, I suppose, ‘their’ throat, begins to shake.

“W-... what are you doing?” the Puppet- no, Ganondorf, gasps as the rapier inches ever closer to ‘their’ neck.

“Your Grace, you mustn’t!!!” I cry a millisecond later, as the plan of this current Princess Zelda is revealed at last, in horrifying clarity, “there are no true guarantees with this strategy, PLEASE YOU MUST STOP!!!!”

The hand still under Ganondorf’s control manages to grab hold of the rapier’s guard and works to push the blade away from their neck, with clear physical effort.

But it is an effort in futility, for the rapier immediately rises again, the sharpened edge drawing blood from their throat as Ganondorf howls.

“Zelda! NOOOO!”

Master Link, at this point, has also realized the dangerous situation unfolding before us, the new surge of adrenaline that begins coursing through his body, sending him bolting to his feet, trying to rush forwards… at the same time I ready myself to materialize and attempt to halt this unbelievably reckless, foolish endeavor…

…when suddenly, a familiar aura draws near, Twili magic swirling, then surging forth, familiar ‘hands’ of amorphous Twili energy sweeping towards the struggling, fused form of Ganondorf and Princess Zelda.

Those ‘hands’ grab hold of them, wrapping firmly around Her Grace’s body, the voice of Ganondorf crying out in surprise and pain as pure Twili magic surges and shines.

Soon enough, the darkened Twili particles, those infused with Ganondorf’s aura, are being expelled, flowing out and away from the form wrapped tightly within Midna’s grasp.

I do belief it is ‘relief’ that I experience, when Midna’s 'hands' then withdraw and reveal the form of Princess Zelda, bare of the corrupted Twili markings or injury, her face now bearing the appearance of a gentle slumber, Midna’s ‘hands’ displaying an equal gentleness as they lower Her Grace to sit, safely, upon the throne.

Chapter Text

“P-Princess Zelda…!” Master Link gasped, ‘confusion’ buzzing strongly against the bond, alongside many other emotions, until a certain individual glides towards us.

“That was close, huh?” Midna hums as she places her arm atop Master Link’s shoulder and leans into him, her usual confidence and teasing manner in both her voice and the smile she directs towards my master.

“M-M…” my master stammers, still confused, though that confusion is quick to give way to relief, “Midna! Are you all right?”

“You’ve been through a lot. Your hair’s burnt!” is how Midna chooses to reply to Master Link’s inquiry, ruffling the hair in question as she adds, “guess the hero couldn’t hurt the princess. I thought as much!”

“Your timing and assistance in saving Her Grace, as well as your success in separating the princess and Ganondorf is greatly appreciated and truly commendable, Midna!

"However, I am afraid now is not the time for your and Master Link’s usual interactions with each other, as our enemy has yet to be truly defeated…”

The truth of my statement is revealed immediately, as the dark particles that had been forced out of Princess Zelda’s body begin to coalesce, the sound of heavy breathing reverberating around the room… as the form of a beast begins to appear.

“Tri… force!” an equally beastial voice growls as the familiar mane of fiery red hair materializes, alongside a tusked, boar-like head, though the rest of the body has a far more leonine appearance, given the clawed feet in place of hooves and the flowing red tail.

“Triforce…!” Dark Beast Ganon growled once more, as the last stages of the transformation finalized, the beast shifting its body from left to right. “That… immense power…! Mine…

“It’s all mine!” Dark Beast Ganon roared, throwing his head back as he reared up onto his hind legs.

“W-... what is that?!” Master Link cries as this occurs, his ‘shock’ and ‘alarm’ at the sight of the creature before us shuddering against the bond between us.

“Is that Ganondorf?!” Midna cried in much the same tone, though there is no opportunity to answer her question, as Dark Beast Ganon slams back onto all fours, Master Link raising his shield and working to keep his feet as the beast roars once again.

Immediately, I activate my dowsing abilities to analyze our enemy’s newest form, seeking out understanding and weakness to be used for our advantage, only allowing three percent of focus to Master Link as his questioning thoughts filter through our bond.

Is the Triforce of Power raging out of control? Or is that dark beast the very incarnation of greed?

The former seemed the more likely choice, though I refrained from running any proper calculations for this conjecture, as the analysis of the beast is of far more importance, especially as waves of heat begin to roll out of the creature’s gaping maw, alongside animalistic growls.

The Flames of Hatred radiate waves of pain, Master Link notes, his grip on sword and shield tightening as a result, that feel like they’re stabbing my skin.

Dark Beast Ganon’s glowing yellow eyes lock onto my master, a growl sounding anew as my master glares back with his own, piercing blue eyes, even as Master Link silently inquires…

Does he really hate me… that much?

The answer to that question is a complicated one… as, given Ganondorf’s earlier remarks, alongside those of Master Time… it is highly likely that this Ganondorf truly did possess memories from the other branch of time… meaning that his hatred most likely centered upon Master Time more than my current master.

What was entirely clear, however, was that Ganon truly possessed no qualms whatsoever in transferring hatred to the current Master Link, as proven anew when the beast roared, “do not interfere with me any longer!”

Waves of darkness and Twilight sweep over us mere seconds after Ganon’s cry, the effect upon my master instantaneous, as the Triforce of Courage pulses... begins to surge, in response to power, Midna calling out Master Link's name, in clear worry as wolven physical traits begin to appear.

My initial instinct is to attempt to disperse this energy and thus halt, even reverse, the transformation.

However, given Ganondorf’s current form, as well as the pros and cons of Master Link’s own forms, I quickly dismiss that first line of action, to instead withdraw into power-saving mode.

“I say the same to you!” Master Link calls to Ganondorf, as he thus continues shifting into the wolf form, “my Triforce isn’t the slightest bit intimidated by your hate!

“If your hate turns you into a beast… then anger turns me into one!” Master Link declares. “With my fangs of anger… I will shred your undying hate and greed!”

“Please be careful, Master Link,” I bid, despite the high probability that he will not hear me, even before I find myself enclosed within a ‘bubble’ once again.

And with that, Master Link’s transition into his own beast form was completed, my master emitting a howl of challenge before both he and Ganon lunged for the other.

In the ensuing confrontation, Master Link manages to sink his fangs into Ganon’s shoulder, causing the Dark Beast to howl in pained anger.

In retaliation, Ganon slams into the nearest stone pillar, causing it to crumble, resulting in Master Link being shaken loose and becoming entangled with the debris.

Midna’s voice can distantly be heard calling my master’s name again, the amount of worry in her tone increased from the last time.

That worry is unwarranted, however, as Master Link had managed to avoid injury, and was easily able to dig himself free of the debris that covered him an exact three seconds later.

“Awesome!” Midna called as she took up her usual place upon Master Link’s back, though anything further she may have said is interrupted, as Ganon suddenly charges us from behind.

The two warriors recover quickly, however, Master Link immediately pivoting to face the Dark Beast at the same time Midna’s magic flows into her hair as she exclaims, “I’ll hold him in place!”

And indeed, she does just that, her hand of magic-infused hair using the headpiece that Ganon still wears as leverage, she and Master Link trembling as the force of the Dark Beast’s charge still sends us skidding backwards by approximately two feet.

“Calm down,” Midna grunts through gritted teeth, voice and body quivering as she works to subdue our adversary, “you selfish old man!”

For a moment, it appears as if she is about to succeed in throwing Ganon to the ground… until, with a burst of power, Ganon manages to throw himself upwards, Midna emitting a startled cry as she is lifted from Master Link’s back.

This move proves to be a critical error on Ganon’s part, however… for this move reveals a glowing scar upon the Dark Beast’s chest.

The sight of this wound calls to the predatory instincts of the wolf, driving my master to pounce, his bared fangs sinking into the scarred flesh.

Continuing to ride that wave of instincts, my master begins to gnaw and rip into the body of the Dark Beast.

Deeper and deeper the wolf carves into the body of his prey… tissue, muscle, bone, his fangs shred and snap through it all until such time they snag upon the Dark Beast’s heart.

Then, with one final heave and the pained, rage-filled screams of the Dark Beast, the Sacred Beast rips the heart, still beating, out of the Dark Beast Ganon’s chest.

Chapter Text

With an audible thud, the heart of Dark Beast Ganon is thrown to the ground, the organ spurting blood.

Master Link is covered in that same blood, wolven instincts prompting him to try and dislodge some of the substance by shaking his body vigorously.

At the same time, Dark Beast Ganon manages to emit one last howl of pain and rage, before its enormous body falls to the ground, seemingly lifelessly.

I do not have the luxury of ensuring our enemy’s demise, however… as Master Link displays an aggressive, almost feral, behavior, growls sounding with his every, heaving breath, as the Triforce of Courage continues to blaze with fury.

“Master Link, calm yourself! The threat posed by the Dark Beast has been neutralized, thus there is no further need to remain in this current state!”

“Link!” Midna calls at the same time, the Twili coming to hover directly in front of Master Link.

However, my master merely continues to growl, as if he were truly no more than a wolf, my attempts to dispel that Twilight that keeps him within the beastial form met with resistance and failure.

He does not even seem to be aware of Midna’s presence… though that does nothing to deter her, thankfully, the display of aggression only met with both Midna's expression and tone of voice softening as she calls to him again.

“Link,” Midna first called verbally, before transitioning into telepathic communication as well, “that’s enough.”

One hand extends, then two, the Twili pressing her face against the top of my master’s head as she initiates a hug, Midna’s magic working to strengthen the telepathic bond that exists between herself and Master Link, an endeavor to which I quickly add my own power.

“Come back… to me,” Midna bids, pulling back enough so that her red-gold eye meets clearing blue, the Triforce-fuelled anger finally beginning to fade, alongside the form of the wolf.

Soon enough, my master is restored to proper human form, still coated in the blood of our adversary and breathing labored, but mind cleared of the battle and Triforce-drunk animal instincts.

His emotions buzz sporadically as his gaze then drifts towards the prone form of Dark Beast Ganon… ‘darkening’, minutely, as he attempts to wipe away some of the blood from his face.

‘Relief’ manages to rise above the ‘confused’ mass, however, as green flames suddenly appeared and began to consume the body of our adversary.

We did it! Master Link silently cheered… a conclusion I was unable to confirm… even as evidence supporting the statement then presented itself, as a familiar aura began growing in strength.

“Midna…?” Master Link called, as the strengthening aura in question physically manifested, “what’s that light?”

The light he is referring to briefly encompassed the Twili completely, resulting in her body glowing brightly, before the light began to leave her and flow into another.

“The power gifted by Her Grace is now returning to its rightful place and thus, the Princess is restored…”

Even as I stated this fact the last particles of light were re-entering Princess Zelda’s body, which shined brightly with the light of one descended from the divine, Master Link and Midna watching with bated breath… as soft blue eyes slowly opened.

“Midna…!” Princess Zelda then called with clear happiness, the emotion growing even more apparent upon her face as Midna flew to her with an equally happy exclamation of ‘Zelda!’

The two immediately clasped hands and drew close together, Her Grace the first to speak with the gentle order of, “don’t say a word, Midna.

“Even while imprisoned,” she continued as tears formed, “my heart was always with yours… was one with yours, however briefly…”

Midna, indeed, says nothing to these words, whether due to Her Grace’s earlier bidding, or the emotions that are most likely the source of the tears that can be seen gathering at the edges of Midna’s own eye, I am unsure.

Whatever the case, a moment of silence passes as the two huddle closely together, my master content to watch from a distance... until such time Princess Zelda called out to him.

Upon realizing Her Grace’s attention was now focused upon him, ‘mortification’ flared against the bond, prompting Master Link to scrub his face in a rather frantic (and ultimately useless) manner, before dropping to kneel before her.

“Raise your head,” the princess gently commanded as she came to stand before my master.

“No,” Master Link refused with a faint voice, “my face is filthy.”

“As befits the fierce yet noble beast that saved me,” Her Grace countered, “so I am thankful to see it.”

Master Link is unable to find his own means of countering this statement, nor a way to refuse her any longer, his nerves easing enough that a smile makes its way to his face once he fully registers Princess Zelda’s kind expression.

Of course, the peaceful moment is unable to proceed any further… as Ganondorf’s presence reappears with the crackling of demonic lightning.

“No! It can’t be!” Master Link cried, as corrupted Twili magic flared, slowly taking physical form, Ganondorf’s laugh reverberating around us as his visage took shape within Twilight colored flames.

Immediately, Master Link and Midna took up defensive positions between Her Grace and the reforming Ganondorf.

I had already been gathering energy myself, in preparation for this probability, and readied for battle as Master Link’s hand came to rest on the hilt of the Master Sword.

Midna’s own magic flares at the same time… however, the signatures of the magic are not what was expected… causing ‘alarm’ to appear, ‘rattling’ my chest… prompting me to call out, at the same time Master Link obtains his own realization of what is about to occur, evidently via the smile that is directed towards him and Princess Zelda.

“Midna, you mustn’t! Even with the Fused Shadows, the probability of prevailing against Ganondorf alone are–!”

“Midna…! What are you doing?! Don’t–!”

My master’s attempt to lunge towards our ally, alongside our cries, are cut short as the teleportation spell activates, Twili particles consuming all.

Chapter Text

When the Twili magic fades, we find ourselves in Hyrule Field, some distance from Castle Town and Hyrule Castle itself, the image of of the later outlined by the light of the sun, just past the position indicating midday, the stormy clouds that had obscured the celestial body having disappeared some time while we had battled within the King’s Hall.

“Where are we?” Master Link inquires in an understandable display of disorientation and confusion, though he immediately abandons this train of thought, instead turning his attention to Princess Zelda as she suddenly begins to sway, then fall.

“Princess Zelda! Are you alright?” my master cries as he catches and lowers Her Grace far more carefully to the ground.

“Y-yes… I’m fine, Link,” is how the princess chooses to answer, though the state of her aura and the visible distress that distorts her facial features indicates this statement only holds eighty-five percent of validity.

Her next statement then provides an explanation for her current state as she reveals, “Ganondorf is still alive… and Midna… M-... Midna is…”

“Midna!” Master Link cries at this reminder of our ally, his gaze swiveling back in the direction of the castle where we had last seen the Twili…

…at the exact same time Twili and demonic energies flare… and a bolt of lightning, eerily similar to that generated by Demise, crashes down, an explosion erupting seconds later... powerful enough that the debris cloud completely obscures Hyrule Castle.

And standing there, once much of that cloud has cleared... is a steed of shadows and fire, a perfect fit for the being who sits atop its saddle.

A laugh escapes Ganondorf as his horse rears up, the hand not holding onto the animal’s reins lifting a certain piece of the Fused Shadows above his head in clear triumph.

Master Link cannot help but gasp in ‘horror’ once he realizes Ganondorf holds the helmet Midna had always worn, ‘disbelief’ and ‘anguish’ flaring... before slowly being consumed by building ‘anger’ as Ganondorf begins to speak.

“You are indeed foolish,” Ganondorf pronounces, clearly projecting his voice so that he can be heard even with the distance between us. “The power of Shadow… is not enough to defeat the Demon King!”

The hand holding Midna’s helmet purposely applies pressure as he makes this statement, the horn within his grasp inevitably cracking, then crumbling, at which point Ganondorf releases and allows the piece of Fused Shadow, completely drained of power, to fall to the ground.

“All that awaits you,” Ganondorf then cries as he summons a two-handed, white greatsword, glowing with power, which he grips tightly as he spurs his mount forwards, “is despair!”

It is at this point my master’s anger boils over, driving him to draw my blade while howling that rage and, foolishly, rushing forwards to engage our enemy.

“Master, this course of attack is dangerously inadequate when facing a mounted adversary!” I cry, the probabilities of, at the very least, grievous physical injury increasing with each step taken towards Ganondorf and his steed.

Thankfully, the aura of Her Grace, as well as those belonging to individuals Master Link’s memories identified as the Light Spirits, flares, envelops and teleports us away before injuries can be sustained.

The spacial transitioning and appearance of the spirits in question also disrupts the anger that had been clouding my master’s judgement, replacing it instead with ‘bewilderment’, then ‘wonder’, as he registers the world filled with light-infused waters that he now stands in.

His gaze then transitions to the spirits as they withdraw into the orbs of light which they all carry in some manner, before moving to hover around the princess, who stands with eyes closed and hands clasped in prayer.

“We bestow our power,” the spirits intoned as they encircled Her Grace, “upon the Princess of Hyrule.

“Pierce the Demon King’s shields,” they then bid, their light growing brighter, stronger, “with arrows of light!”

With the spreading of her hands, the arrows in question appeared, thrumming with power, before fading out of sight, as the princess turned her attention towards my master.

“Link,” Her Grace then called, “you are the Chosen Hero. So I ask you to lend us… the last of your strength.”

The princess bowed as she made this request, surprising my master, who hesitates for 3.2 seconds… before lifting and extending his hand, palm facing upwards.

Once noticing this, the princess slowly straightens, then gently places her hand atop Master Link’s, the symbols of the Triforces of Courage and Wisdom alighting and shining gently.

We are joined by… a mysterious bond, Master Link muses silently, as he gazes upon the mark shining on the back of Princess Zelda’s hand.

Throughout time… whenever Hyrule is beset by crisis… two individuals are born.

They reappear in many forms… in many eras… and unbreakable ties bind them.

Zelda is Hyrule and Hyrule is Zelda.

Yes! I am the guardian born to protect Zelda!

It is directly after this declaration by Master Link that a familiar aura appears, the sound of her footsteps alerting my master and Her Grace of her appearance, which was most likely aided and guided by the Light Spirits.

“Epona!” Master Link gasps, quickly grabbing hold of the horse’s reigns once she draws close enough.

He then pressed his face against her cheek, his voice wavering as he murmured, “I’m so glad to see you!”

The plane of light-infused waters disappeared as this occurred, returning us from whence we came, a fact Master Link noticed quickly, his emotions equally quickly shifting towards preparation for battle.

He thus swiftly maneuvered Epona to a position fit for mounting, before extending his hand to the princess once more as he inquired, “may I offer you a ride?”

Her answer was a smile and a firm nod, a bow appearing in her hand once both were secure upon Epona’s back, as Master Link spurred the brave horse forward.

And so, the battle recommenced, Epona racing forwards at the same time Ganondorf raced towards us, sword raised. Princess Zelda immediately summoned and raised a bow of solidified light, a light arrow materializing as she drew back the string.

When she lets it fly the arrow heads straight for Ganondorf, the trajectory and speed at optimal levels.

“My darkness… will purge your feeble light!” Ganondorf cried confidently, his magic stirring as he raised his sword, which he then used to deflect the arrow of light as it bore down upon him.

Undeterred, Master Link displays a skill equal to that of Master Sky whilst riding Akai as he maneuvers Epona back into a position where Her Grace is able to shoot another Arrow of Light, then another, at our adversary.

“For a princess… you're quite an archer!” Ganondorf ‘praises’ after he deflects both of those arrows, then a third as he draws alongside us.

“But I’m sorry to inform you… your weapon is little better than… a toy!”

“I warned you not to take me lightly,” Princess Zelda stated coldly as she nocks another Arrow of Light, channeling ever increasing amounts of her magic into the attacks as she vows, “you… will not escape!”

Light flares brilliantly as the string is pulled into a full draw, the arrow blazing with that brilliance as it flies true, faster than Ganondorf is able to move, piercing and illuminating the Demon King, who emits a pained cry as that light crackles around his body, temporarily immobilizing him.

Master Link is quick to take advantage of this opening, raising the Master Sword to deliver a mounted Spin Attack, the force of which sends Ganondorf toppling from his horse, a cry escaping the fiend as he falls.

He subsequently slams into the ground with enough velocity to cause him to skid for over a foot before coming to a halt.

The Demon King then remains in that spot, unmoving, as Master Link draws Epona to a stop, he and Princess Zelda braced for possible attack… until such time my master chooses to dismount, Master Sword held tightly in hand, as he walks towards our motionless adversary.

“Wake up, Ganondorf,” Master Link commands, the predatory wolf stalking in his vocal tone, “killing you once isn’t enough for me.”

“In point of fact Master Link, this would likely count as the second time you and our allies have slain him, assuming he had truly been killed by that fall…”

As it was, the Demon King was already beginning to rise, albeit while breathing heavily, before beginning to laugh, throwing his head back with the action once he had climbed to his feet again.

“Because I killed that Twili?” Ganondorf inquired. “Ha! You’re pathetic!

“One who possesses the power to rule worlds… cannot squander it on frivolous emotions!” Ganondorf declared. “To do so is a sin!”

“I… rather dislike him saying that…”

“I’m not gonna argue with you. I’m here to fight for what I believe in,” Master Link stated.

His right hand curled into a fist, thumb sticking out to then tap his chest, “I don’t exist to serve my own personal ambitions. I want happiness for those who I love.

“And for that to happen… I cannot let you live!” Master Link declared, sword and shield readied for battle.

Chapter Text

“That’s the spirit. Hate me more,” Ganondorf taunted as he readied his weapon for combat again. “Only then will this fight be worthwhile!”

Lightning crackles and darts through the sky above us, it and the howling of the wind the only sounds detected as the current incarnations of Hero and Demon King study each other.

With the next crack of thunder, the combatants surge forwards, both executing a sweeping attack, resulting in my blade locking with Ganondorf’s own, into a bind.

The two swords screech as the wielders then fight for dominance, Ganondorf briefly managing to gain the upperhand, before Master Link applies an even greater force.

This continued pressure eventually pays off as Ganondorf is overpowered, forcing him to stumble backwards with a cry, Master Link immediately lunging after him in order to take advantage of the opening that has been created.

But the Demon King manages to recover and block the ensuing attack, as well as the flurry of attacks Master Link attempts next, until we find ourselves in a bind once more.

This time, Ganondorf manages to flee the bind, his cape fluttering as he jumps back and lands in a crouch.

Both fighters are breathing heavily at this point in time… though Ganondorf evidently still retains enough breath to renew his taunting as he states, “your struggle… is futile.”

Master Link grits his teeth in response to these words… and, unfortunately, I am able to detect ‘doubt’ begin to brush against our bond, as his thoughts drift back towards the beastial fight from earlier, alongside the tale of Ganondorf’s supposed ‘execution’ as told by the Sages.

“Many times the Hero has defeated the Demon King,” Ganondorf continued, both hands gripping his sword as he readies himself for the next attack, “or so it seemed!

“But the Demon King always returns… so the Hero never wins!” the incarnation of Demise cackled with malicious glee. “After all… that sword cannot destroy evil itself!”

‘Doubt’ grows even stronger in response to this statement and the conviction in our enemy’s voice, the remains of Demise burning alongside my master’s feelings, as if in agreement with Ganondorf’s words.

I have no time to consider this stray, fanciful thought, however, as Ganondorf then launches himself towards us, still displaying signs of that malicious glee as he declares, “you cannot kill me!

“I am immortal!”

Master Link scrambles to raise his shield and braces for impact… but it never comes… as the blade of the evil one is caught by another.

There, standing firmly between Master Link and our enemy, sword locked firmly with Ganondorf’s… stands the figure of the Hero’s Shade, gaze without fear, Ganondorf gazing back with an expression of clear surprise and disbelief.

“The Demon King may be immortal as you say,” Master Time stated as he pushed Ganondorf back, then straightened to stand tall, sword and shield raised, “but the Hero is eternal!”

“Hero of Time!” my current master gasped.

“You…!” Ganondorf growled 1.1 seconds later, Master Time directing a nod to Master Link before addressing Ganondorf.

“We meet again, my old enemy. Now cease your desperate threats.”

“What?!” Ganondorf snarled in response.

“The Arrows of Light severed the source of your magic,” Master Time revealed as he leveled his sword at Ganondorf. “Your threats are merely bluffs!

“If I am wrong, then use your magic,” Master Time then challenged… but of course, he was not incorrect.

“You should be dead!” Ganondorf cried with clear rage, with hatred even more intense than any he’d displayed thus far when fighting Master Link. “Go to hell!! Both of you!!”

The Demon King then rushes forward and so do we, Master Link’s emotions ‘lightening’ with both ‘excitement’ and ‘reassurance’ with his predecessor’s clear intent to fight alongside him.

Despite the addition in number, Ganondorf proves a formidable opponent, managing to dodge or counter the attacks from both of my masters, mitigating much of the damage inflicted upon him.

This continues until such time Master Link and Master Time regroup, gathering power into their swords, the Spirit they share singing and aiding in guiding Master Link into a flawless execution of a tandem Great Spin Attack, without verbal need of instruction from either Master Time, nor I.

For the briefest moment after the attack is executed, Ganondorf stands still, with the appearance that he was completely unaffected by the assault… at least, for those who did not possess sensors such as I.

In truth, a great deal of damage had been inflicted upon the demon king, Ganondorf soon revealing this fact by releasing a sound of pain, before falling to his knees.

These sounds have Master Link turning to assess our enemy anew, however, Master Time diverts the action.

“Your breath,” Master Time cautioned… before his tone softened and took on notes of what I believe to be pride.

“You have the soul of a true hero… and mastered all of the hidden skills…

“Despite living my life as a hero, I could not convey the lessons of that life to those who came after, to the future generations… or dispel my regret.

“But now I am at peace.”

A variety of emotions swirl against the bond… and within myself… in response to those words… as they, and the state of Master Time’s aura, give clear indication of what is likely to occur next.

“You who have marched through countless foes, each mightier than the last,” Master Time continued, extending his left hand to cup Master Link’s cheek. “You, who can now see the future with unclouded eyes.

“You will finally… restore Hyrule to its former glory. May your courage… serve you well.”

Master Link’s eyes close as he leans into Master Time’s touch… even as Master Time’s form begins to fade…

Large, warm hands… just like that one time, Master Link noted silently, his thoughts drifting back to the moment when the two had spoken in Anika’s barn... after the Triforce had run amok, when Master Time aided in banishing the darkness within Master Link’s heart and restoring his right to wield the Master Sword.

They encourage… teach… and guide me.

“Go forth boldly… my dear son!” Master Time bid… before both his physical form and aura faded, then dispersed in spheres of green and golden light.

Master Link is thus left standing on his own, head tilted skyward, where the spheres of light continue to shine down upon him for an exact three seconds more…

…before Ganondorf makes his presence known once more, albeit unintentionally, as he emits a sound of pain, before snarling, “you fool! I cannot die!”

Master Link does not reply, nor turn towards the demon king, even as Ganondorf rises to his feet.

“The power of the Triforce gives me… everlasting life!” Ganondorf proclaimed.

My master inhales slowly, deeply… before taking up a firm grip upon the Master Sword, ‘confidence’ and ‘determination’ ringing true against our bond as he spins to face our opponent again.

Steel rings against steel, the small break in the storm that raged above coming to an end and darkness closing in, lightning and thunder following suit.

So strong and violent is the lightning, now, that when a stray bolt hits a nearby mountain, it sends rocks tumbling down the side.

And all the while, the wind howls fiercely… though even that pales in comparison to the ferocity displayed by the two swordsmen, as blow continues to be traded for blow.

I’ve always looked outward for inspiration, Master Link’s thoughts suddenly hum, at the same time he parries a strike from Ganondorf.

A destiny to guide me…

He jumps high into the air, trying to execute a Helm Splitter, but Ganondorf manages to block the move, my master forced to roll in midair to avoid the following counterattack.

A duty to strengthen me… and dignity in battle!

Master Link lands in a crouch which he rises from quickly, as Ganondorf has already assumed a position that clearly indicates he planned to initiate a charging attack.

And I offered my life… to protect others.

Ganondorf’s attack is met, deflected, and the fighters circle before engaging again.

That has lifted my spirit… on this long and arduous journey.

But… I… no longer need that.

There is a pulse felt against the bond… and then a strange stirring from the Hero’s Spirit… a shifting…

I find my psyche pulled closer to Master Link’s… the surroundings around us disappearing, until such time Master Link stands alone in a circle of light, the rest of our surroundings nothing but darkness.

Yet, no evil can be detected from that darkness… nor does it elicit any negative feelings, be it unease or fear, from Master Link.

Perhaps this is what it means… to find your true self, my master contemplates, as he steps forward into the darkness. To stand on your own… two feet.

He continues to walk further into the darkness, sure and steady, without hesitation nor one single glance cast backwards…

But even so… I’m not alone.

He comes to a stop, gripping the Master Sword as he gazes ahead, that gaze clear, completely unclouded, the Soul of the Hero is inside me.

That same spirit then pulses and flares, power rising steadily, not as it had when the Triforce of Courage had been running amok… no, this was far more akin to what had occurred amidst Master Time’s final battle with Ganondorf.

“Master Link… you are now fully in tune with the spirit of the hero… and are now at maximum power.”

Instinctively, my master raises my sword skyward, power outlets rising even further as Twili and goddess energy flow alongside the power of the hero.

Thus invigorated, Master Link’s grip upon the Master Sword tightens and he inhales deeply as he brings the sword down to his side, body swirling in a slow rotation…

…which quickly gained speed, the darkened space we were in disappearing, my sword whistling through the air and tearing into the side of our enemy as Master Link slides under Ganondorf’s sweeping attack…

Chapter Text

Sliding underneath Ganondorf’s attack, Master Link uses our new location to launch a counterattack, thrusting the Master Sword upwards, nearly succeeding in stabbing our enemy through his jaw.

Ganondorf manages to evade this, the tip of my blade only succeeding in separating a few hairs from his chin, though that does little to deter my master.

Instead, he immediately pivots, using the speed Master Time had aided him in developing, launching an overhead attack while Ganondorf is still off-balance from the previous assault.

But Ganondorf is able to intercept the blow with his own sword, the demon king snarling as metal scrapes against metal, “foul boy! How I despise you!”

“Master, watch his feet!”

My warning comes too late as Ganondorf lashes out with a vicious kick, Master Link unable to either deploy his shield nor brace himself.

The force of the kick sends him skidding backwards against the ground, his armguard just barely protecting him from the friction and hard packed dirt beneath him.

When our momentum finally slows to a stop, Master Link climbs to his feet, faltering briefly as ‘dizziness’ washes over him.

In response, my master gives his head a firm shake, then readies the Master Sword again, a smile of challenge directed towards our enemy, whose yellow eyes widen in surprise, then narrow in what appears to be amusement as he sneers.

This seeming levity is short-lived, however, the anger of the wolf flaring as Master Link lunges forwards, Ganondorf’s own expression filling with renewed hatred as he moves to meet us.

Blades clash then lock together briefly before whistling through the air, Master Link leaping forward for an aerial attack with a howl.

My blood is like fire… in my veins! Master Link notes silently as he sweeps the Master Sword downwards, faster than Ganondorf can block or evade, two strikes raining down upon our adversary, followed by a spin attack once my master returns to the land.

I wouldn’t mind… if this moment lasted forever!

Fury evidently stoked even higher, Ganondorf grits his teeth, then lashes out with a sharp thrust of his sword.

Master Link just barely manages to catch the blade with his own and parry the attack, to stand against the weighted power of its wielder… yet, this does little to dampen the growing ‘excitement’ and ‘thrill’ I can feel buzzing against the bond.

I feel truly alive!

“Master, I do not believe now to be the best time to indulge in your love of sword fighting,” I cautioned as Master Link leapt to avoid another overhead attack from Ganondorf.

Unfortunately, this time, Ganondorf is able to pivot, hurling his body opposite from where his sword had slammed into the ground.

With a cry of rage filled effort, he then bashed his arm, still covered in the heavy black armor he wore, into Master Link.

The power behind the attack resulted in damage being sustained, even with the Hylian Shield deployed, causing Master Link to cough up blood.

He is also sent flying backwards again, accompanied by numerous chunks of earth, dislodged due to Ganondorf slamming his sword into the ground in two quick, successive strikes.

A number of those chunks slam into Master Link while he is still airborne, no doubt as the demon king had intended, resulting in further damage being sustained, culminating in the inevitable landing.

The scabbard of my blade comes loose at the end of our skid this time, though Master Link still manages to keep hold of the Master Sword itself.

Still, this latest assault has left him ‘reeling’, unable to immediately climb back onto his feet, his breath coming in labored heaves…

But Ganondorf’s own breathing is labored as well, albeit not to the same extent as my master’s, the truth of that latter fact driving him to begin his taunts anew.

“You are foolish… and puny,” Ganondorf growled, before roaring, “a mere human cannot defy the power of darkness!”

“This statement is false. Your predecessors have stood against the darkness and prevailed…”

“Today, this dread sword shall extinguish all light!” Ganondorf declared as he lifted his sword high, “for I am the King of Darkness! And no one can defeat me!”

“Though he may not look it, your attacks are affecting Ganondorf, weakening him! Ignore the demon king’s words and remember what Master Time told you! Remember!”

Slowly, slowly, pushing against the pain and fatigue that pulses throughout his body, Master Link begins to rise from the ground and up onto his feet again, his gaze falling upon my blade which is still grasped tightly in his hand.

“You who have found your true self… you who stand on your own two feet… you who have defeated countless foes… who are you?”

“I…” Master Link murmurs, voice wavering.

“Who are you?”

“I…” Master Link begins again, ‘confidence’ returning to an appropriate level as he declares, “am the hero, Link!!”

The Spirit of the Hero flares anew and the wolf howls in challenge as Master Link rushes forwards to engage Ganondorf yet again.

This time, my master slams the edge of the Hylian shield into Ganondorf’s stomach, causing the man to cough and gasp.

Unfortunately, he is still able to deliver a vicious punch to Master Link’s face, resulting in blood spurting from my master’s nose and mouth.

This also causes my master to stagger backwards by two steps, though this gifts him enough room and time to wipe some of the fresh blood from his face, before taking the Master Sword up with both hands.

He darts forward, ducking underneath Ganondorf’s next swing to slash at the bigger man’s side.

This time, the black armor gives way at last, blood spurting from the demon king’s side and a cry of outraged pain sounding as a result.

Unfortunately, Ganondorf is still able to deal a retaliatory blow, the hilt of his blade cracking against my master’s head before the force behind the blow sends us flying for a third time.

The head blow, of course, then provides an additional challenge in Master Link regaining his feet, the time spent endeavoring to regain his breath extended by ten seconds, while rising from the ground requires two attempts, his stance unsteady and breathing still badly labored.

Vision… getting blurry, my master notes silently, and… I can’t hear.

‘Panic’ then flared against the bond, as he questioned, where is… Ganondorf?!

“He is directly in front of you, Master Link!” I call, running analyses on both our adversary and Master Link himself, “stand firm, the damage you have inflicted upon Ganondorf was substantial! You need simply—!”

Unfortunately, Master Link’s consciousness wavers at this point... and, most worryingly, a hallucination soon blooms in the form of an image of our allies in various states of battle against Ganondorf’s monstrous forces.

Oh… right! Everyone came… to defend… the castle, Master Link silently hummed... at the same time his physical body began to list to the side.

Not that Master Link’s mind is aware of this... instead it gives him the impression that he is standing in a tranquil field of grass, his eyes closing as he prays.

Please, restore Hyrule. Take the lead in rebuilding the castle… and make our beloved Hyrule… beautiful once more.

“Master Link, now is not the time for such thoughts!” I call out hoping to rouse him from the hallucination.

But the ‘sound’ of water splashing, alongside a familiar nicker and soft laughter, pulls Master Link’s attention further away from reality.

Ilia! Did she return to Ordon Village? Master Link questions as his mind conjures up the image of the girl in question, standing beside Epona in what my master’s memory identifies as Ordon Spring.

“She has not!” I try to correct, even as the image of Ilia turns away from Epona to then smile fondly at my master, “as things stand, Ilia still resides within Castle Town, which remains under siege by Ganondorf’s forces! You must awaken immediately!”

The illusion shifts again, transitioning into the forms of even more of my current master’s loved ones, the children of Ordon and the wife of Rusl.

Colin!

Talo! Malo!

Beth!

Uli!

Everyone… is happy.

Truly… that gladdens me.

“Master Link, this is simply a visualization of your hopes and desires, not reality, not yet! Nor will it be a reality until you vanquish Ganondorf, thus you must REGAIN YOUR SENSES!!!

“As Midna would say, SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!”

Master Link emits a loud gasp, both hands gripping the Master Sword tightly as he comes out of the hallucination at last, righting himself as full consciousness returns.

Thankfully, Ganondorf had failed to take advantage of my master’s momentary lapse… or rather, had been incapable of taking advantage of this unexpected opening, thanks to the wound inflicted to his side earlier.

The wound itself splurts blood, despite Ganondorf relinquishing one hand from his blade in order to apply pressure.

His mouth opens, as if to speak, but instead the demon king coughs out even more blood, before wheezing a faint, “...boy…”

The Wolf rallies at this display of weakness, the wild instinct merging effortlessly with the Spirit of the Hero and driving my master forward, energy renewed.

With sword gripped tightly in hand and the words of Master Time whispering from his memories, Master Link transitions into the first steps of a Great Spin attack, gathering energy and speed as he bears down upon... then past... our adversary.

Chapter Text

The storm that had been raging above us suddenly fell silent, Master Link crouched on one end of the battlefield, while Ganondorf stood on the other.

The Demon King smiled with teeth bared and bloody, as my master struggled to rise… until such time his eyes roll back and he coughs up a spray of blood.

When he then falls to the ground, ‘resolve’ and ‘determination’ flare, propelling Master Link forward, then skywards as he leaps into the air, rolling to gain momentum and strength as he prepares for the Ending Blow.

O Sword That Dispels Evil, hear me…

“I hear you, Master Link,” I reply, already aware of the request that shall follow and preparing the magics to fulfill it, as my sword sinks into Ganondorf’s chest.

“Now seal this demon away… forever!!” Master Link bids, as Ganondorf screams in pain.

I have already begun administering the purifying and sealing magics, dispersing them throughout Ganondorf’s body, even as his scream falls silent... his body goes limp... and Master Link backs away.

And yet, despite this… still, this current Incarnation of Hatred does not die… he even manages to climb back onto his feet, though not without effort.

“Cretin…!” Ganondorf gasped, staggering, but still managing to stay on his feet, “this is not the end.

“It’s just the beginning… of the bloody history… of Light and Dark!”

I endeavor to increase the power of purifying and sealing further, to put an end to this at last… only to be met with the presence of the Triforce of Power, halting my efforts.

Thus do we find ourselves at a stalemate, Ganondorf standing on one side with my blade still firmly lodged in his chest, Master Link and Princess Zelda, having moved to stand beside him, on the other.

At this point, for reasons I am unable to identify, I hear Master Link’s thoughts again, despite our separation and distance.

Maybe this never ends… precisely because I defeat him?

Do I… even have the right to kill him?

Does righteousness… demand the destruction of evil?

Because Darkness believes it is right.

Which makes the Light… seem evil.

“The three aspects of the Triforce,” Master Link continues, speaking aloud now, “representing Wisdom, Power and Courage.

“By preserving… a stable balance… this infinite battle…

“...can never… end.”

Ganondorf’s response to this was a sharp burst of laughter, before declaring defiantly, “I deny… anything so harmonious!”

He then inhales slowly, as deeply as he can while also straightening his body to stand tall and with his own air of regalness, before speaking again.

“Everyone longs for… power.

“As long as humans infest the world… I will be needed. And so I will rise again.

“Defeat me as often as you like… but you cannot destroy me.”

The remains of Demise simmer, as if in agreement with those words, which buzz with familiar magic, before Ganondorf moves on to address the Blood of the Goddess.

“Princess Zelda… I… eagerly anticipate… the day when… we will meet again.”

The Triforce of Power flares and there is a brief sound of choking… before Ganondorf’s vital signs suddenly vanish, his body going limp even as it remains in a standing position.

The presence of the Triforce of Power itself then vanishes, alongside Ganondorf’s aura, Princess Zelda giving voice to what has occurred a moment later.

“Ganondorf… has extinguished his own life.”

Nothing more is said after that, the wind blowing the only sound to be heard.

And then… something surprising happens… as the aura of the Light Spirits appear… alongside a fifth aura…

…one that is incredibly familiar… and whose presence fills me with what I am certain is relief as well as happiness.

I am also certain Master Link experiences these feelings as well, after surprise and hope had dawned... all of those emotions propelling him forwards with renewed vigor, towards that fifth aura, the only one that remains after the Light Spirits depart again.

Upon extending my sight outwards, I am able to watch my master crest the hill upon which Midna rests, his steps faltering for a moment when he catches sight of a robed figure, kneeling on the ground, instead of the small imp he was no doubt expecting.

Whatever confusions or apprehensions he may have been experiencing at that moment, however, are likely soothed once the woman rises and turns to face him.

Light blue skin shines gently under the rays of the newly setting sun, fully revealed with the dispersal of the storm clouds from earlier, familiar eyes that share the same colors as the twilit skies above crinkling as they center on my master.

“Well…? Say something,” Midna chuckled, head and smile tilting in a manner as mischievous as her tone when she adds, “or has my beauty left you speechless?”

Master Link’s eyes widen, then narrow with mirth and relief, before he slowly takes five additional steps forwards, in order to wrap his arms around Midna, his head coming to rest on her shoulder.

There are tears in both of their eyes when he ends the hug and meets her gaze again, his own crinkling with fondness as he states, “I already knew how you’d look.

“At first it was like a dream,” he continued, his gaze drifting from Midna’s intricate hair ornaments, to the robe and dress decorated with Twili designs, before focusing on her face again, “but the vision… never faded from my heart.

“Midna, you are… the Twilight Princess!” Master Link declared, his smile answered with Midna’s own as they gazed at each other.

This lasts for an exact sixty seconds before Princess Zelda calls Midna’s name, my master stepping back to allow the two women their own reunion.

The last thing I see before I withdraw my sight is Master Link, his smile now tilting towards relief and fulfillment as he tips his head skywards, reveling in the light of the sun as it shines down upon him.

Chapter Text

The inevitable pull of the sealing slumber makes itself known quite rapidly, leading to a loss of awareness regarding what was occurring in the world outside of the Master Sword.

It does not consume me completely, however, and with the detection of the aura belonging to the Mirror of Twilight, I thus endeavor to turn my sensors outwards.

Both visual and auditory sensors are able to stabilize just in time to witness Midna and Princess Zelda embracing with Master Link positioned beside them, all three now standing in the Mirror Chamber.

The Mirror of Twilight hums gently and the portal to the Twilight Realm swirls and pulses behind us, giving clear indication that Midna is readying herself to return to her realm and making her farewells, even before Princess Zelda speaks.

“Midna… I wish the best for you,” Princess Zelda bids with a smile, once their embrace ends.

“As I do for you,” Midna replies with a smile of her own, “be a great queen.”

Princess Zelda nods, then tilts her head, expression shifting towards contemplation as she states, “light and shadow… two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other.

“The goddesses created the Mirror of Twilight… to bring our worlds together. That’s what I believe.”

Additional fondness seems to filter into Midna’s expression in response to Her Grace’s words, though it ‘dampens’ considerably soon after as Midna murmured, “all would be well if everyone in Hyrule… felt as you do.

“But… Light and Shadow shouldn’t mix,” Midna adds, a more… ‘regal’ expression on her face as she takes a step back, towards the portal, “we must watch over each other from a distance.”

Princess Zelda does not respond to her counterparts' words this time, leaving the only detectable noise in the area to be the hum of the mirror's magic and the blowing of the wind, which lifts and ruffles Her Grace’s hair.

That is, until Master Link calls out Midna’s name, his emotions swirling in a confusing mass as he does.

“...Princess Zelda is right,” Midna murmured, her body angled half towards the mirror platform and half towards my master and Her Grace, “the mirror will bring us together.

“Link… Zelda… I will never forget you,” Midna then declares with a clearly fond smile, “thank you for everything.”

Her expression then becomes more conflicted, sad even, as she implores, “please, always remember… there are two worlds.”

The Twili’s demeanor and words have Master Link’s emotions swirling more vigorously now, the sensation growing stronger against the bond as the staircase of light, leading up to the portal to the other world, appears.

This is goodbye, Master Link notes silently as Midna slowly ascends those stairs, but must it be… the end?

What occurs next is not truly a surprise, given the personalities of all my masters, as the current Master Link darts forwards and grabs hold of Midna’s wrist, halting her departure in order to declare, “I’ll come with you.”

There is a brief, but clear, moment of hesitation from the Twili, before she replies with a… surprisingly soft admonishment.

“Don’t say that. You’re the Hero of the World of Light. You must serve Hyrule.”

“But I still haven’t adventured with the real you,” Master Link protests earnestly, “so we can’t say goodbye!”

He is clearly unwilling to back down on this, Princess Zelda giving no signs that she might intervene in one way or the other… while I myself am… I believe ‘conflicted’ would be the appropriate term.

“Link. No,” Midna scolded once more, though her words seemed to waver this time even as she bid, “go back.”

“I don’t want to,” is how Master Link immediately responded this time… his tone quite similar to that of a child’s now…

This leads to a brief moment of silence again, before Midna emits a huff, then a sigh, voice filled with an intriguing mixture of emotions as she mutters, “...hmph… ever since we met… you’ve been… disobedient and rude.”

There is the sound of deep inhalation, the Twili’s head dipping at an angle where her face is completely hidden in shadow…

…before it lifts sharply, revealing a stern expression… at the exact same time her free hand rises in order to deliver a sharp and punishing slap to Master Link’s cheek.

The force of that slap is enough to send my master reeling backwards, but not very far before Midna slides forwards, her hand coming to grip Master Link’s shoulder in order to pull him back towards her.

Midna herself is leaning forwards at the same time... which results in lavender lips pressing against the side of my master’s own, near the spot she’d originally slapped him... in a manner that can only be described as a kiss.

“Is this also tough love?” I question as Midna then shoves Master Link hard enough that he falls down the stairs this time.

“There’s… your reward,” Midna calls as my master landed in an ungainly, but uninjured, heap at the foot of the stairs.

“I’m not trying to silence you,” she continues as Master Link rises into a sitting position, “that was a gift… from the real me.”

Her eyes then drift closed and her head lowered as a single tear formed and began to slide down her cheek.

“Farewell,” Midna then bade, as her magic flared, becoming infused with the tear, causing it to float.

With a gentle push of her hand, the magic infused tear then drifted slowly forwards… straight towards the mirror… which cracked the instant the tear made contact with its surface.

Both Princess Zelda and Master Link emit gasps of surprise and dismay, the latter emotion lingering as my master quickly turns back towards Midna.

Midna herself only responds with a sad and apologetic smile… which then smooths back into a confident and regal smile of a ruler, of the warrior who stood with us throughout our journey.

And, when faced with that… my master could do naught but kneel and bow in reverential acceptance, the emotion of ‘bittersweetness’ bubbling against the bond.

“I’m glad that I met you… Link,” Midna calls one last time, an exact two seconds before the magic of the portal to her world begins wrapping itself around her.

Soon enough, her form is dissolving into particles that swirl into the portal, her smile never faltering.

The second the last of those particles enter the portal, the Mirror of Twilight shatters, the miniscule fragments glittering in the twilight as they fly through the air around us... before slowly dissolving away, until nothing is left, the magic they held fading alongside.

At this point, my master has risen back onto his feet, he and Princess Zelda standing quietly before the stone slab that had served as portal to the other world... as the wind blew gently around us.

May you live forever, Master Link silently bids, as his gaze then drifts skywards, towards crimson hues slowly softening into starlight, my beautiful… Twilight Princess.

Consciousness faded soon after that… awareness of the outside world only returning once we neared the Sacred Grove within Faron Woods.

All is quiet as we approach the pedestal from which Master Link had first drawn my sword… after I had removed the curse that had enveloped him… and to which I would now return, with my task completed anew.

Slowly, my master removes the Master Sword from its sheathe, allowing the blade to catch the rays of the setting sun for a moment… before lowering the sword to press his forehead against the flat of the blade.

In his mind only, he murmurs his gratitude for my aid… and implores me to continue to watch over Hyrule... and the heroes that will come after him.

I, of course, renew my vow to do just that… and truly believe he is able to hear my words, given the smile he wears, before placing the Master Sword into the pedestal for a final time.

More and more of my consciousness fades, at nearly the same pace as sunlight fades into moonlight in the sky above.

Before I succumb completely to the sealing slumber, however… a familiar aura appears, in the same area as Master Link’s… one which bids me a good night as he made his presence known to his descendant.

And thus, it is to the howl of the wolf that I slip fully into sleep once more, with the moon shining down… confident both shall lead the latest of my masters… towards a new dawn.