The Dark Side of the Light - ch. 23

Instructions

Chapter 23 - Connection Zelda's POV Our unexpected embrace was interrupted by the Links. As soon as they came into view, we pushed apart and stood, acting as if nothing happened. We approached the Links as they were passing and joined the group. Link went toward the front of the group to talk with Twilight and Sky, assuming they're the only ones who can understand him or something. I followed behind him, far enough to where I couldn't hear what they were saying and close enough to where we weren't more than 10 feet apart. The journey seemed to take less time, according to Twilight. It still took three days, but we arrived at the entrance of the Lost Woods. Link stepped forward into the mist, lighting a torch and holding it up high in the air. "Wild, what are you doing?" Sky asked, stepping toward him. Link ignored him. He watched the glowing orange flame dance in the breeze, before going in the direction the wind was blowing the flame. "Wild!" Sky called after him. Link turned and flicked his head back in a gesture for us to follow. Without hesitating, I stepped forward and started to follow. The other Links watched us, but eventually did the same. I followed Link a few places behind, twisting through trees with faces and sometimes abruptly changing direction. The Links followed me, watching what I did since Link was too far ahead for them to see. It wasn't long before we reached Korok Village. The little plant creatures greeted us, welcoming us into their sacred home. "You have returned. How was your journey? You are welcome to stay however long you like. Rest. Eat. Make yourself at home." The Deku Tree said. Twilight approached the Master Sword. "Wilds?" He called. Link and I walked over to him. He looked at Link first. "Why have you not taken ownership of this sword?" He asked,narrowing his eyes slightly. Link gave a puzzled look, then shrugged. He turned and looked at me. "You." He said. I leaned away slightly as his gaze locked on mine. His expression softened. "Where's Midna?" He asked. "Right here." Midna's voice came from somewhere nearby. Twilight looked around with a slightly hopeful expression. He paused. Then he chuckled. "Midna." He said. "Get out of my shadow." His shadow morphed and split, before Midna stood before him, a soft smile on her face. "You're MY doggy. I'M supposed to give the orders." She grinned, slightly leaning down and tapping his nose. I took a few steps back, giving them some space, pulling Link with me. Twilight's relieved and astonished expression was hard to not laugh at, but I held myself together, watching him and Midna just...be happy. One question Twilight asked caught my full attention. "How did you get here when you're not a Zelda?" Link's POV I watched every movement Midna make after Twilight asked that question. Her shoulders trembled slightly. Her face became a mix of slight fear and concern, covered by fake confusion. Her hand slightly twitching as if wanting to grab his hand. "...I..." She said. Zelda stepped forward. "Midna." She said. Midna looked at her. Zelda softly smiled. "You shouldn't tell him here." She said. "And besides, he already knows, so don't be afraid." Midna's face almost crumbled with relief. "Yes." She said. She turned to Twilight. She brushed away some loose hair dangling in his eyes. "We shouldn't do this here." As they walked away, Zelda approached me. "It's nice to see Midna finally happy." She said with a smile. My focus, however, was almost entirely on the master sword. I took a small step toward it, feeling it...calling me somehow. As I neared, I reached my hand out and lightly rested my fingers on the handle. As soon as I touched it, a wave of certainty rolled through me. I heard Zelda's muffled voice somewhere behind me, but when I went to turn toward her, the sword kept my gaze locked on it. A voice called me. A young blue and purple woman floated just above the sword's handle. "Master." She said. "Take the sword, and I will help you protect what can be lost."