Veil of Twilight

Chapter XI
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Link opened his eyes and they were back in the cavern spring. The water in the pool rippled pleasantly as they appeared. Ilia was standing beside him, still grinning from ear to ear. Midna was at his other side, levitating at shoulder. He frowned as he saw the look on her face; she looked detached, wary. As he noticed, he felt it, as well. Something was wrong; there was an unnatural chill in the air, almost subliminally, but further evidenced by the sound of Ilia shivering.

“Midna…”

They spun around in unison, facing the entrance of the cavern. The Twilight King stood before them, his grotesquely animated headdress staring blankly.

“It’s been so long, my dear,” Zant said in his unsettling voice, high pitched, always on the verge of cracking. “Although I imagine you’ve been busy with your new friends.”

Link’s hand was on his sword in a second, drawing and swinging in one fast, unpracticed motion. A blade appeared from Zant’s baggy sleeve, parrying the blow expertly. With his free hand, he made a sweeping motion, knocking Link off his feet. He saw Ilia in the air with him, tumbling beside him towards the water’s surface, yet he hardly noticed. He felt himself changing, that terrible, painful transformation.

They hit the water, soaking his newly grown fur, his paws hitting the water exaggeratedly, struggling to keep himself afloat. Ilia was beside him, gasping for air. Far away, he heard her cry out that his sword was sinking. She dove beneath the water to retrieve it. Still he hardly noticed, his eyes fixed toward the entrance of the cave, helpless to intervene. Midna…

Zant retraced his blade, smirking beneath his mask. What a pathetic swordsman, he thought. His master had warned him, telling him that the hero would have some skill. Apparently not.

Zant’s arm was outstretched, the hand beneath his sleeve curled in a gripping motion. The little imp before him was choking, her hands at her throat helplessly.

“How tenacious of you, Princess,” Zant said to her. “I went through a great deal of trouble to hide those Fused Shadows. I’m afraid I cannot tolerate stealing; What’s mine is mine.”

He waved his free hand, and golden light flashed around Midna. The strange stones they had collected, the Fused Shadows, appeared around her. Zant outstretched his hand, and the three pieces locked around his wrist, coming together on him like some mighty gauntlet.

“Now for your punishment,” Zant said to her, smiling at her suffocating features. “This is the end for you. Say hello to your parents for me.”

He made an exaggerated gesture, and there was a deafening sound as the ceiling became loose. A beam of bright, midday sunlight poured through the hole in the ceiling, falling directly upon Midna. The Twili emitted a terrible wail of agony as the light touched her. Zant watched her burn for a few seconds, then cast her body against a wall, satisfied as her limp little body crumpled motionless at the ground. With a snap of his fingers, the Twilight King disappeared.

Ilia pulled herself out of the pool, Link’s sword in hand. She reached back in to help the struggling wolf out. Some part of her was confused and alarmed that she had just watched Link turn into a dog, but she put it aside; Midna needed them.

They rushed over to her, praying that she was alive. Ilia picked her up, holding her close.

“She’s breathing,” Ilia said, tears streaming down her cheeks, hardly noticeable. “She looks bad, Link. What are we going to do? Kakariko is so far…”

Link, frustrated that he couldn’t answer, tugged at her leg. He knew one other place they could go. Hopefully it would work.

…

Night fell as they approached castle town. The moon was full, illuminating their path. Link sprinted through the field, as fast as his four legs would carry him. Epona galloped beside him, forced to hold back, since they were following his lead. Ilia rode atop the mare, Midna curled up before her. He could hear her breathing, even below Epona’s hooves; ragged, shallow. The sound hurried him onward, the city walls rising before them as they approached.

Link waited for Ilia as she hurried Epona to a stable, standing just outside the wall, poised protectively over Midna’s weakened body. He watched her, unable to do much of anything to aid. Her eyes were closed, and her chest rose and fell spasmodically with sharp inhales and exhales.

What if she died? he thought against his will. He tried to push the notion from his mind, but it lingered. A stage play of images paraded through his mind’s eye, all of them of his friend. All the times they had fought. The things they had said to each other. Neither of them meant the things they had said, she had known as well as he had. Now more than ever, though, he wished he had told her. He didn’t hate her, or wish she would disappear. He was more fond of her than he had ever thought possible, and didn’t want to say goodbye.

“Link…” he looked up from Midna. Ilia was back, watching him anxiously. “Link what are we doing here? Are we going to Telma?”

Link shook his canine head back and forth. No, Telma couldn’t help them now. There was only one person he could think of, one that might be able to save Midna’s life.

…

It was hard to go unnoticed in the streets. Ilia tried her best to conceal them, succeeding in the end, but not without close calls. A mangy wolf with a dying creature upon its back was always conspicuous.

Once they got into the sewers, though, things were easier. They crawled through a small tunnel, trying to ignore the smell. Link let his nose lead him; it seemed to have a better memory than he. Despite her unconsciousness, he felt Midna clinging to his fur. It reassured him; there was still time.

They wandered through the network of tunnels, taking endless lefts and rights. Ilia followed close behind, her hand over her nose at the smell, but remaining somber and quiet.

After what seemed like forever, the surroundings began to look more familiar. The decrepit staircase came first. Ilia had to take her time crossing it, sidling across walls and leaping courageously. Then they were in the castle, sneaking through corridors, making their way to the tallest tower.

They reached it, after much toil and stealth, the double doors of that familiar room before them. They were open, like last time. They entered, Ilia staring warily at the black robed figure at the window, watching the stars. She turned to meet their gazes, her eyes widened in shock as her eyes fell from one of her visitors to the next.

“Link?” She choked out. “Midna?!” She rushed over to them, peering out her doorway before closing the door. Ilia spoke to the princess.

“That creep with the mask tried to kill Midna,” she started, trying not to get ahead of herself with panic. “Link brought us here. Can you help her?”

Zelda looked from the girl to Link, Midna upon his back. She was dying, Zelda could tell. She almost smiled as she realized what needed to be done. A sacrifice, but a necessary one. If it would help to save her kingdom, then it was her duty.

“I can,” she said to the girl. She turned to Link. “Listen carefully, Link. You must travel to the Forgotten Woods. Deep within the forest, you’ll find the ruins of an old temple. There’s a sword there, the one the old Hero used to vanquish evil. It will break Zant’s curse on you, and may aid in your quest. Do you understand?”

Link replied with a nod, memorizing the princess’s words. Find the sword in the Forgotten Woods. Zelda smiled solemnly.

“You must leave as soon as I finish. Zant will find you here.” With that she stepped back, closing her eyes in concentration. There was a feeling of energy in the air, making Link’s hair stand on end. Zelda parted her lips slightly, and from between them came a golden white light, blinding to the eyes. Link and Ilia watched as the orb of light traveled from Zelda towards Midna, falling over her body, seeming to sink into her.

Zelda collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily. Her skin was pale, and her brow was beaded with sweat. Still, she did not pause to rest.

“She will wake soon,” she said to them breathily. “Now you must go. You’ve already been here too long. Don’t fail us, Link. Be courageous.”

Zelda waved her hand, and once more, he felt the physical lessening as he was transported out of the room.

…

The double doors burst open as the trio disappeared. Zant stood in the doorway, just catching that fleeting glimpse of light as they fled the castle. He was numb for a second, shocked to a dumbfounded, motionless silence. Then his gaze wandered to the princess, kneeling in exhaustion on the cold stone floor. He felt rage creeping into him, not thinking as he approached her blindly.

“You Little Bitch!” He hoisted the gasping princess by her throat, watching her legs kick in the air. “You traitorous fool! How dare you! How dare you!” He was going to kill her this time. Midna and that dog were still alive. He’d have to deal with them once more. But no more for the princess. She had inconvenienced him for the last time.

“What do you think you are doing…?”

The voice spoke within Zant’s mind. He shuddered in fear, yet did not release his grip on Zelda’s neck.

“She has to die,” he spoke aloud to the voice in his head. “She has to. This cannot be forgiven.”

“Put her down…”

Zant almost whimpered. Zelda’s face was so pale, so near death. But he did as commanded, terrified of where obstinacy might take him.

“Good…” his master commended him. “All things are a design of fate, my friend. The boy and the imp may yet live, but the princess has paid dearly for it. Her life is dwindling. We must save her…”

“Save her?” Zant looked at the princess before him, down on her hands and knees, gasping for air pathetically.

“Yes. We shall spare her life. And in return, she will serve my intent. Remove your mask.”

Zant unquestioningly did what he was told. Zelda watched as the Twilight King removed his helmet, having never seen him unmasked before. His face was… timid. Small, soft featured, not very intimidating. Just two eyes of those sunset colors the Twili were known for, blue-turquoise skin, hardly a nose to speak of. Zelda gasped in disgust as Zant smiled at her, revealing his needle teeth. He paused, as if listening to something, and then nodded.

“As you wish, my lord…” he smiled at her, a predatory grin. He approached her, hoisting her up once more. Zelda was much to weak to resist. She hoped dearly that he would not take advantage of her. She would much rather die.

Her fears, however, seemed destined to be realized. Zant pulled her close to him, pressing his lipless mouth to hers. She could feel his razor teeth digging into her lips, tasting the blood drawn. She felt fear, disgust, and shame as the Usurper King kissed her.

And then, she felt something else. A strange relaxation, a warm, comforting feeling, touching the top of her head and trickling down. She closed her eyes, embracing the feeling, letting it carry her from her nightmarish reality.

Zant felt something, as well. He felt a lessening, of sorts. The longer he kissed the princess, the more diminished he felt. He could not remember when he had last felt so weak. He watched the princess close her eyes, as if she were falling asleep, and then go completely limp in his hand like a rag doll. He pulled his mouth from hers, releasing his grip on her. Rather than collapsing on the ground, Zelda landed perfectly on her feet, sleeping standing up.

Zelda then opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Zant’s, paralyzing him in fear. Her eyes were a malevolent yellow, shining bright with malice. He had never seen those eyes, yet there was no mistaking whose they were.

“You have done well, my friend,” Zelda said, her feminine, regal voice underscored by another, one much more sinister. “Now come, there is work to be done…”

…

Link opened his eyes. They were outside the castle walls, in the field. Ilia was beside him, looking in his direction, but not at him. He felt a stirring on his back, and turned to see if he wasn’t imagining things.

“Where are we?” Midna’s voice was small, as if she had only just awoke from a nap. Her eyes suddenly focused and she looked around warily. “Where’s Zant?”

“He’s gone,” Ilia said. “The princess saved you.”

Midna’s face fell as she heard this, as if she had just heard terrible news. Before she could say anything, though, there was a deafening crack from the castle town. The trio wheeled around and watched as the castle changed. Twilight was surrounding the castle building, trickling down around it in a protective shell, like some golden black shield. Mayhem could be heard within the town walls, as the townsfolk panicked.

“Get the horse,” Midna said, none of them looking away from the castle, it’s silhouette visible beyond the golden haze. “We have to go.”

Ilia left them momentarily, retrieving Epona from the stable, and soon afterwards they were sprinting across the field. Crossing from one province to the next, heading towards the forest, leaving the castle and the princess behind them.

…

Zelda stirred, not opening her eyes. The first sensation was feeling; gritty stone beneath her, chilling her skin through her dress. She opened her eyes, looking upon the black of the stone she felt, the grey turbulence of the sky above. She was, it appeared, at the edge of the a cliff. A crimson glow pulsed from the edge of the drop.

Zelda stood up, catching her balance on a wall beside her. She slowly approached the edge of the cliff, not wanting to get too close. She came near enough to see over the edge, gasping. Hundreds of feet below her, swirling and churning, was a sea of red fire. It stretched on for as far as she dared to look, surrounding her, confining her to the island of land she stood upon.

She turned around to view the rest of the landmass, and was once again met with surprise. Rising up before her was a tower, black granite and adorned with twisting towers. It looked like a macabre caricature of her own castle. She stood just before the entrance, a black void within the doorless opening.

“Welcome, princess…” Zelda heard the voice, but there was no orator. The words seemed to be coming from the sky itself. “What do you think of my castle? It’s been a while since I’ve been here, myself, but I find that it still suits me.”

Zelda steadied herself, not showing fear.

“Where am I?” Her question was met with a sinister, throated chuckle, echoing around her.

“An interesting question, my clever princess, but one I’m afraid I cannot answer.”

“Fine then,” she pressed. “Who are you?” Another laugh, more zealous this time.

“You certainly are a demanding one. You princesses are all the same. I am a… benefactor, of Hyrule’s new king.

“Benefactor?!” she spat in disgust. How could someone in aid of a murdering usurper like Zant call themselves a benefactor.

“Indeed, princess,” the voice came again. “Do not be so quick to judge. Were it not for me, you would be dead now. I saved your life. Now why don’t you come inside? The least you can do is thank me properly. I’ll be waiting at the top of the tower.”

“And suppose I don’t?” Zelda defied.

“Feel free to deny me, princess,” the voice said mockingly. “But really, where else would you possibly go?”

Zelda looked around, defeated. Where else could she go? She was trapped in this place, a towering castle surrounded by a sea of flames. She sighed and, reluctantly, stepped towards the entrance of the tower.

…

The woods were intimidating, but not unconquerable. There was music, a tune Link had heard the last time he was within this forest. Ilia and Midna didn’t seem to hear it, so he supposed his wolfen ears were picking it up. He followed the melody, every correct turn within the woods causing the music to grow in volume, making it easy to determine when they were going the wrong way. When they finally reached the player, Link thought, perhaps they would find this mysterious blade.

After walking for what seemed like hours, the trees began to thin. In their place came ruins; decrepit pieces of stone protruding from the ground, some of them clearly remains of old buildings, some not so obvious. The three of them looked around in wonder as they passed through the ruined metropolis. The music was very near. Even the others could hear it now.

Well into the ruins, there was a staircase, wide and not very steep. They ascended. At the top was a small grove, circular and surrounded by trees. It was perfectly flat, save for one feature in the center. A pedestal, with a blade protruding from it, azure hilt in the air.

Ilia stood back as Link approached, watching as he began to transform, his features shifting simultaneously, until he was standing upon the pedestal with two feet, his human form returned.

Link grabbed the sword with both hands, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He yanked upwards with both hands. The sword came out easily. He felt a wonderful feeling, a powerful energy thrumming from his hands up his arms, making him feel he could do anything he imagined. No wonder the Hero had used this sword.

As quickly as the positive feeling found him, so did another. Suddenly he was doubled over, coughing dryly. He finally hacked, and out came a thick black mist. It looked like disease incarnate. He watched as it gravitated towards Midna’s hands; she rolled it into a sphere closed her hands around it, making it vanish like a magic act.

“It’s Zant’s curse,” she said, noticing Link was eyeing her strangely. “We should keep it. You never know if we might need you as a wolf again.”

Link nodded in agreement. Ilia approached him, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce embrace, glad to see him human again. Midna rolled her eyes. In the midst of all this, a strange wind blew past them, almost blowing Link’s cap off his head. It stopped just behind them, causing them all to turn. Between them and the staircase was a young man, around Link’s age, his skin a pale and his long hair paler, his garb similar to Link‘s own, violet instead of green.

“So you’re the new hero?” the young man said, his tone flat. “I was wondering when you would arrive, with all that’s been going on lately.”

Link gripped his new sword defensively, Ilia standing behind him, Midna upon his shoulder.

“Who are you?” Link demanded. The pale character bowed.

“I am Vaati, the wind mage.” he said, his voice still level. “And I’m here to help you. Put your sword away and follow me.”

Without waiting for a reply, the wind mage turned and started down the stairs. Link and Midna exchanged glances before catching up to follow him.

The wind mage led them through the ruins, taking many twists and turns around the debris. Link noticed the music getting louder as they followed him. They reached another set of stairs, and ascended. At the top was another grove, though less tidy, trees protruding from the level ground.

There was an old stump in the ground, and atop it was a woman, her eyes closed as she played a small instrument. She appeared a little younger than Ilia, her long green hair falling down her shoulders. The jovial tune she played echoed throughout the grove as she swayed back in forth with her playing, turning to see them as they approached. She stood up, smiling at the pale young man.

“Where did you run off to so fast?” she asked. “I was in the middle of the song.” She reached Vaati and embraced him affectionately, planting a small kiss on his cheek.

Vaati said nothing in reply, only motioning to the Link and the others.

“Oh, visitors!” the young girl said pleasantly. “My name is Saria. What are y-your… your…” She trailed off as her eyes traveled from Ilia to Link. Saria’s blue eye widened, as if she’d seen a ghost.

“L-Link…?”

Before anything else could be said, Saria’s eyelids fluttered, and she fell over, fainted.

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Here's the next chapter. I hope you like it. A lot's happening in this one, now that I've finally got past the whole fused shadows part.
DTAngel: That is supposed to be Sheik's old outfit. Glad you're enjoying the story.
dave: Thank's for the review. I haven't set in stone who's ending up with who yet. I usually don't worry about that initially. The characters will do what they will, I guess.
Next chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading so far, and please continue to do so. Read, Rate, Review, and Enjoy!