this one was originally written in early 2012
ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AGAIN HAVE A ONE-SHOT
[in case I update this story for whatever reason, the reupload day is Dec 20, 2014}

Run.

Keep running.

Keep going.

Can't stop, can't stop, don't stop, won't stop.

Help her. Save her.

She's dying.

She's dying.

Go, go, run faster, try harder, damn these bulbkins!

Midna, Midna, please hang on. Don't die, please don't die.

What would I do without you?

Why couldn't you have taken me closer to Castle Town, Lanayru!

"H-hurry... to where... Princess Zelda... waits..."

I'm trying, my friend, I truly am. My paws can only go so fast!

Why can't they go faster!

Crack. Boom.

Thunder splitting the sky.

A crackling whip.

Rain.

So much rain.

Everything's blurry. So blurry.

So blurry.

I can't see.

I can't see!

Senses, my senses. They'll tell me where to go. Is this the right way?

Goddesses,let this be the right way.

Why is this castle so far!

"Hurry..."

I can feel every labored breath you take. I know it hurts.

I know it hurts.

You're panting in my ear. I don't want to hear it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Because I hate knowing I can't end your suffering.

And I hate watching you suffer.

Is this a punishment from the goddesses?

This is all my fault.

… No. No, it isn't.

This is Zant's fault.

Zant.

Zant.

You'll pay for this, I swear it.

You were never meant to take that blow, Midna. You've done no wrong.

Once I get my paws on him, I'll tear him to pieces.

Vengeance will be sweet.

To Princess Zelda's. She'll know what to do.

She will.

… Won't she?

She has to.

She has to.

Almost there, I can see the bridge.

We're almost there, Midna. Hold on. Just a little longer, I promise.

I promise.

How could I have let this happen?

No, no, don't make that noise. I hurt you more doing that, didn't I?

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

I'm running as fast as I possibly can.

I don't want to jostle you. Hold on tight. Don't let go.

Don't let go.

Click. Click. Click.

On pavement. Almost there.

Almost there.

Move! Yes! Run! Scream in fear!

Just get out of my way!

Growling. Barking.

Out of my way!

Can't you see she's dying!

She's dying!

She's dying!

Why are there so many of you!

Can't you see that it's raining!

Clear the streets!

Must you really be out at such a crucial time!

The bar. A detour.

Dammit, let me into the bar!

"... Plea... Please... Princess... Zelda..."

I know. I know.

Stop talking.

Enough.

You're making it worse for yourself.

You need every breath you're wasting talking to me.

Breathe. Breathe.

You know damn well I can't answer like this anyway.

Whimpering. Ears flattening.

A bark accompanied by a whine.

Please, spare yourself.

Say no more.

I know.

Through the sewers, not much longer, I swear it.

Don't let her cure me, let her heal you.

Wolf, human, it doesn't make a difference to me.

But if you're not living...

I'd fail the goddesses. I'd fail Hyrule. I'd fail Princess Zelda.

I'd fail you.

author's notes

Remember that scene in Twilight Princess when Midna was injured by Lanayru's light in in Lake Hylia and you had to get to Castle Town? This is that scene.

The fic is named after the piece Midna's Lament/Midna's Desperate Hour. It's best if you listen to it while reading this.

Thank you for reading.