The Dark Side of the Light - ch. 24

Instructions

Chapter 24: An Old Fear Zelda's POV I called out to Link, but he ignored me and took another blind step toward the sword. I watched as Link reached a steady hand out toward the sword's handle. His finger brushed against it, and the sword lit up. I couldn't do anything. I just stood there, watching as he gripped the sword with both hands, it's light glowing brighter. With one, graceful pull, the sword slid out of the pedestal. The sword beamed as Link lifted it to the sky, it's light shining over everything around him. I shielded my eyes. It was a few moments before I could see again, and I lightly gasped at what I saw. The entire pedestal was surrounded by beautiful flowers, their blue and white petals glimmering softly. Midna stepped up beside me. "Silent Princesses." She whispered, looking at the glimmering flowers in awfully hidden awe. "Silent what-now?" I asked. Link startled me as he appeared in front of me and lightly rested a hand on my shoulder, his smile making my heartbeat speed up even faster. I noticed the sword was now sheathed in a blue and gold sheath on his back. "I...should probably...go." Midna said, turning and walking away with practiced ease. It took me a few moments to realize that it was just me and Link, with his soft hand on my shoulder. Link's POV My heart raced as Zelda's deep green eyes locked on mine, her expression soft but slightly alarmed. I pulled my hand back quickly, the tips of my ears warming. I turned to leave. My heart jumped when I felt Zelda's hand grab mine and turn me around. The way she looked at me made me feel all too warm and fuzzy inside,and I couldn't help but think... ...that maybe this was it. This was the moment I was hoping for. "...Link." Zelda said. I blinked, trying to push down the warmth creeping up my neck. Zelda looked at me with hope and calm, but I saw behind her eyes what she was trying so hard to hide. I placed my other hand over hers, where she gripped my other hand tight, but not too hard. Her eyes widened slightly, but her expression stayed the same. I took a step closer to her, telling myself that I shouldn't do this. I should turn and walk away. I shouldn't start something I couldn't finish. But something deeper told me otherwise. I took another step forward, leaving only a few inches between me and Zelda. I silently cursed, slightly leaning down. "Oh my goodness, is this really happening?" A voice said excitedly behind us. I quickly took a step backwards away from Zelda, pulling out of her grip and turning to the voice. A korok floated there, it's leaf helicopter thing keeping it up. The korok was high enough to be square with my head. The korok species was known to be very sneaky. I should've remembered that, before I tried to...wait, what was I doing with Zelda? I gave the korok a very dissatisfied look and strode off into the inn. I was guided to a bed made almost entirely of leaves, all except the bed frame and the bamboo string that tied the leaf blanket together. I settled in the bed, cursing at the many times where the bed almost broke or when the leaves broke off the tightly compressed block they call a mattress. As sleep pulled my eyes closed, all I thought about was what could've happened today---even though I knew it could never be possible. Zelda's POV I woke with a gasp, my mind ringing and my heart pounding. I gripped my shirt, trying to anchor myself for what just happened. An awful dream crossed my mind. I was...home, I guess. There was fire and smoke and blood---and Link. He was there, but he wasn't there. His clothing was different. Entirely black. His skin was gray, his eyes were red, the sword was pulsing with dark light. Blood dripped from its blade, and my parents were there, their chests sliced open and weak gasps coming from my father. I shivered and rubbed my arms in an attempt to comfort myself. I gently peeled the rough blanket off me and got out of my underdress and into my normal clothes. I quietly walked past Link's room and stopped for a second. Link was half on the bed, half off the bed, but even in an impossible position like that, he looked comfortable. I smiled despite myself. As I walked out to the pedestal, I strained to see in the dark, sometimes accidentally almost tripping over small roots. I stopped by one of the glowing flowers, lightly brushing my fingers across the delicate petals. "You really are special, aren't you?" I whisper to the flower. It catches me by surprise when the light ripples through it, as if it responded. "It's dangerous to be out alone, Goddess." A cold voice said behind me. I stood and turned quickly, my hand lightly brushing the hidden knife in my garments. (Continued below)