From Shadow to Light

By Michael Muirhead

Chapter 1

Return

Summary: Suffering from a strange illness, Midna has returned to Hyrule three months later. But the people of Hyrule still remember the darkness and fear what the Twili may bring should they return. Hunted down, Midna searches for the only one who can help.

It was a scene of dead silence as the hot desert winds blew across an ancient temple floor. As the sands rippled across the heated stone, tiny specks of lights could be seen shimmering against the moonlight. To the naked eye, they would only appear as small pieces of glass, a few bearing at least some form of carved marking, spread out over a large area. However, this was not always the case.

Three months prior, the temple had bore witness to a great evil. It was here that the glass shards had formed a gateway between two worlds, known as the Mirror of Twilight. From it emerged a people who had resided in darkness, the Twili. Enslaved by their king, the Twili invaded the land of Hyrule and began to cover it in eternal twilight. Only through the efforts of one brave young man and one magical creature had the cataclysm been averted and the mirror destroyed. Never again was the gateway supposed to open.

As the sands beat away at the small pieces of the mirror, a small amount of energy began to crack between the larger clusters of the material. Bolts of dark energy began to form and course through the floor. Some of the pieces touched by this strange power began liquefy and gather together. Within moments, a pool of what could only be described as liquid metal had formed along the floor, taking the shape of the former mirror.

As the pool formed, ancient insignias began to form on the surface by an invisible force. Slowly they began to glow white as magical energy built up from within. As the energy within the mirror reached its peak, it sent out rings of light upon a slab of obsidian rock that was across the room.

As the light revolved upon the obsidian rock, the face of the rock became distorted. Gradually, a cloud of dust seemed to appear from within the obsidian and make its way toward the face of the wall. Just as the insignias began to flicker, the cloud of dust had made it through the portal and began to circle around the room. As the dust cloud began to settle, the waves of light ceased and a giant crack appeared on the mirror. The doorway was sealed once again.

The cloud of dust circled and gathered at a point between the now shattered mirror and the obsidian rock. Slowly, the particles began to merge together and form. Within moments, a feminine figure was seen lying where the cloud had gathered.

"I made it…I made it…" the figure cried to herself as she slowly got on her hands and knees. Her body was wracked with pain from the experience, yet she refused to just lay still. She had come for one purpose only and refused to let anything stand in her way.

As she got on her hands and knees, she looked down upon her hand. The first thing she noticed was the tiny bracelet that she wore. The bracelet was a silver metal band that had tiny green insignias running across it. Embedded in the middle of the bracelet was a white glowing orb that pulsated with magical power. Already, the figure could feel the power within. Though small to the power she once had, it was enough to sustain her.

She then noticed something was wrong with her hand. To her surprise and horror, her hand was now all black and covered in green symbols. Quickly she turned to the other hand and saw the same problem. Fearing the worst, she got on her knees and began feeling over her entire body. A look of dread permeated her face as she began to see more and more of the features that she so dreaded. As her worst fears came true, she let out a painful scream that echoed throughout the temple.

The little creature sat hunched, crying out in despair. Her eyes were closed shut as she beat the sands. Once more, she felt fate had dealt her a terrible hand. It wasn't until she felt a sudden rush through her stomach that she had stopped her angry curses.

Doubling over on her side, the figure clutched at her body and tried to soothe the pain within. Whispering a series of incantations, the figure grasped her hand over the bracelet. Gradually, the power within the bracelet helped end her torment. Once the pain was bearable, the figure stood up and rubbed her stomach. "I guess the trip took more out of me then I thought," she said. The figure then brought her hand up and examined it against the night sky. "I guess the Twilight Princess no longer exists. Only the imp," she cursed to herself.

* * * * *

Colin brought his wood sword down just in time to deflect a blow aimed at him. He then swung it to his opposite side as Link continued to make his assault. Though the blows were slow and followed a set pattern, the point of the exercise was only for him to get the feel of holding the sword properly. "How's that?" Colin asked as they finished the exercise.

Link gave a nod of approval.

Colin smiled as he felt a sense of pride wash over him.

"Come on Link! How about showing us how to attack instead of these stupid exercises!" shouted Talo off to the side.

Colin and Link turned to look at him.

"I mean, what good is a sword if you can't attack with it," Talo added.

Link's eyes rolled in slight annoyance. He had to admit that teaching Talo on how to use a sword was proving more difficult then he originally thought. Talo had proved to be very impatient and saw the sword as nothing more then a 'club' to wield. He was more interested in trying to slice the head off a wood dummy than learn the basic techniques needed to move the sword properly.

Fortunately, Collin had proven just the opposite. Though a little hesitant about picking up a sword, he followed Link's instructions to the letter and was slowly getting the basics down. If not for Collin, Link felt he would have given up teaching the two of them how to wield a sword.

"Like you know anything about swordplay," Beth replied as she sat next to Talo.

"Hey! I'm good with a sword!" Talo replied.

"As I recall, Colin whooped you last time during practice," Beth added as she smiled at Colin.

Colin blushed slightly. Ever since he had saved Beth from a Bulblin attack a few months ago, she always seemed to have some form of 'crush' with him. Although she never made any romantic gestures towards him, her gentle, yet somehow 'wicked' smile always spooked him a little.

Talo turned away in embarrassment. "Colin only got lucky."

Link only smiled as he remembered the events of that day. When both Talo and Colin had fought against each other, Colin had blocked all of Talo's moves and managed to slap his sword against Talo's behind when Talo over exerted himself in a lunge attack.

"If we were using real swords instead of these wooden sticks, it would have been different," Talo added.

"But these exercises are used to help us wield a sword," Colin explained.

"No one asked you!" Talo growled.

Before Link could intervene in the matter, he heard the sound of approaching hoof beats. He turned to their source to find both Mayor Bo and Rusl approaching on horseback. The two of them galloped toward where Link was and halted their horses.

"Link! Grab your sword and Epona!" Rusl ordered.

Link looked up at them puzzled as to what was going on.

"We just got word that Bulblins might be attacking a trade caravan that was on its way here," Mayor Bo added.

All the kids looked at Mayor Bo in surprise and horror.

"Another one?" Colin said in surprise.

"Those things just don't give up," Talo said angrily.

Beth only shivered in fear as old memories began to surface again.

It took a moment for the information to sink into Link. Link knew the green skinned trolls only to well. He fought with them many times in the past on his great quest. Though slightly smaller then a person and out of proportion, they were very aggressive creatures. The one that Link recalled the most was King Bulblin, the largest of his race. Link felt small shivers run up his spine as he remembered the many battles he fought against the monster.

"Come on Link! Saddle up!" Bo ordered

Link nodded in agreement and made his way to a nearby tree where his Ordon blade and shield lay. Once he had them securely fastened, he pulled out a wishbone shaped flute he had tied around his neck and blew a gentle melody from it.

As the song echoed through Ordon Village, it was answered by a rich brown steed. Link wasted no time in saddling Epona as soon as she had arrived. As he settled himself in the saddle, he gave Rusl a nod to show he was ready.

"All right. Let's go!" Rusl ordered.

With great speed, the three warriors sped off into the distance.

* * * * *

"What do you suppose it is?" Elise asked as she looked to her older brother.

"I don't know," Randy answered as he looked at the strange black creature that was lying by the river.

"Do you think it could be a Bulblin?" Elise asked.

"I don't think so. Aren't Bulblins green?" Randy replied.

"Then what is it?" Elise asked.

Randy was as perplexed as his ten year old sister. Both he and his sister had gone out exploring away from their camp many times, but never once did they encounter a creature like this. The creature looked something like an imp that was only four feet tall. Its body was a combination of an offset white and the purest black. The black part of its skin seemed to cover the being in a pattern similar to an elegant dress. In contrast to this was a ponytail that was as red as flame.

"Do you think its dead?" Elise asked.

To answer this, Randy picked up a nearby stick and gently poked the shoulder of the creature. The creature remained still as it was prodded. "I don't know," Randy replied.

"What do we do?"

Randy thought for a moment before he responded. "Go get Dad. I'll stay here and watch it."

Without a second of hesitation, Elise got to her feet and quickly ran back to a nearby wagon that was camped near the river. The covered wagon had been used to deliver goods between the provinces and had just finished its routes. As Elise approached the wagon, she saw her father talking with a person who could easily be mistaken as her grandfather. "Daddy! Daddy!"

Ronald turned away from the older man to see his daughter running up towards him. "Elise? What's wrong?"

"Randy and I found something by the river! You have to come and see!"

Ronald let out a gentle sigh of amusement. "I can't play with you now. I got work to do," Ronald answered.

"You got to see! Hurry!"

Ronald let out another sigh and turned to the older man he was talking with. "What do you think, Auru? Should we take a look?" Ronald asked.

Auru gave an amused smile, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a look."

"All right," Ronald said, he then turned to his daughter. "Lead the way Elise."

Elise bounded forward with great enthusiasm as she led the way back to the river. Ronald and Auru followed at a more leisurely pace and caught up with the children a few moments later.

As the two adults entered the site, they saw the strange creature lying prone at the edge of the river. "Elise. Randy. Come over here," Ronald ordered.

Immediately, the two kids withdrew from the edge of the location into their father's waiting arms. Auru stepped forward and made his way to the creature. Immediately he kneeled down and checked it for a pulse.

"Is it dead?" Ronald asked.

"No. Its pulse feels erratic though," Auru answered.

"What is it?" Elise asked.

Auru turned the creature gently on its back and looked it over. He quickly scanned the creature for any identifiable marks. The only thing he found of interest was the strange band with the ancient language written on it. Though he could not translate the writing, he could feel that some form of dark magic was within the band.

Auru turned to the two kids. "Elise. Randy. Go tell your mother what we found."

"But-"

"Go on," Auru ordered.

The two kids hesitantly made their way back to the caravan. Ronald waited until they were back at the wagon before turning to his friend. "So what you think it is?"

"I'm not exactly sure. If its okay with you, I'd like to take her back to the caravan," Auru answered.

"What?" Ronald asked, surprised by the sudden request.

"I'd like to study her and find out who she is," Auru answered.

"Who she is?" Ronald asked.

"Yes. Whatever this creature is, it's definitely a female. She also posses a band on her right arm that has some kind of writing on it. I can't read it, but it does suggest that she might be intelligent," Auru explained.

"Are you serious?" Ronald asked as he took a closer look at the creature and saw the same band. He also saw that Auru was correct about the gender.

"Yes."

Ronald stood in thought for a moment as he weighed the possible dangers involved. With all the latest attacks on caravans by Bulblins, he wasn't sure if he should take the chance. Yet, this creature looked nothing like a Bulblin at all. In fact, it had a more pixie type look to it. "All right. But only if the necessary precautions are taken."

"Thank you," Auru responded. He then began to pick the creature up.

"Auru. You have helped me in the past and earned my trust. Please don't endanger that trust," Ronald said.

"I swear I won't," Auru promised, he then watched Ronald walk back to the wagon.

As Ronald disappeared from view, Auru turned back to the strange creature before him. He felt a small amount of guilt for not telling Ronald the whole truth. Though he wasn't sure what the creature was exactly, a deep part of him suspected that it was a member of the Twili. Unfortunately, he had no basis to substantiate it. The only Twili he had encountered were the massive ape shaped ones that wore strange stone masks. He also remembered seeing strange markings on the monsters body. The creature that he now saw had those same markings.

Could she be some other form of Twili?

Were the Twili invading again?

Auru knew that he had to find the answers to these questions and quickly. With the recent attacks by Bulblins and the government in chaos, Hyrule was in no position to defend itself should a surprise attack happen.

To Be Continued…

* * * * *

Author's Note: Help Wanted. Currently I have completed about ten chapters to this story and believe another ten or more will be needed to complete the story. Although I have worked out the general basics of how the story should proceed, I'm having trouble writing a few scenes and need some advice.

If you are interested in helping out, I would appreciate it. I'm afraid all I can offer is putting your name next to mine in writing the story or giving you some recognition for your assistance. Just send me an E-mail if you wish to offer your assistance. I appreciate any help.

I hope you enjoyed this story. I am hoping to have this story completed and will release it in chapters. I really hope to get a lot of reviews on the story. The more I get, the sooner the next chapter will come out.

All rights to the Legend of Zelda belong to Nintendo and other companies involved with its creation. It was created without their consent. I am not making any money on this and will not distribute it to make any money.