The Legend of Zelda: The Orb of Bannon Ch. 20

Dark Link sat on a wooden chair facing the door of their room, listening to the quiet breathing of four of his companions. He had much to think about at this late hour. The Goddesses had filled his mind with the history of the lands of Hyrule, legends passed down for generations, and a few that were forgotten.

It intrigued him, he knew from experience the different forms Ganon could and did take, and even a few smaller evils that came when Ganon did not. But the memories he gained told of other evils, some as powerful as Ganon himself, each with their own goals and mannerisms. So many beliefs, so many changes, so many similarities, so many pieces to the large puzzle that was Hyrule's past.

He even saw creatures like himself, shadows of the hero created before him. Each were destroyed, performing the duties they were programmed to fulfill. Dark sighed; he envied them, them and their mortality. If Link had truly killed him back at the Water Temple...

The door to the room opened and Ranik strode in. Dark's eyes flicked up at him for a moment before returning to the floor. The vampire eyed him as well before taking a seat on another chair across the room.

"You have a new confidence about you."

Ranik jumped slightly at the shadow's voice, barely audible to the mortal ear. He looked over and their eyes locked, both pairs glowing red in the near-blackness.

"I met my ancestors in the cave…" Ranik said, his voice as soft as Dark's.

The shadow smirked, "That must have been one hell of a family reunion."

"They told me I was the last of my line."

His smile vanished, "… O-oh… I'm sorry, forgive me."

Ranik shook his head, "They also gave me hope. My…" He swallowed a forming lump in his throat, "My new-born daughter may be still alive. If she is…" His eyes flashed with determination, "I will find her."

Dark bowed his head, "You're learning to fill the void, good… Purpose gives meaning to our pathetic existence… It gives us…" He let out a small laugh, "Something to live for…"

"… Have you found one?"

His lips curled into a soft smile as he rubbed his arm, "Yes… yes I do believe I have…"

xxxxxxx

Wind blew across the massive plains, making the grass ripple underneath the travelers' feet. The sun shone down upon them from high in the sky. They had been walking since early morning, passing Lon Lon Ranch only a few hours ago. Those who could get tired were exhausted, and the increasingly hilly terrain was not helping matters. Dark set a rigorous pace, always a few feet in front of the pack. Ranik was nowhere to be seen.

Adlez ran a weary hand through her sweat-moistened hair, "We need to rest!"

"Not until we get to our destination," Came the snappy reply.

"Pleeeeaaase Dark!" Ruto protested, "I don't know how much longer I can take this pace! At least slow down a little!"

"No."

"Goddamn fuckin' slave driver," Link muttered.

"Link," Adlez scolded, completely out of breath, "Don't… don't swear in front of… in front of… ah, fuck it…"

Rhynn was completely silent as he clutched Link's shirt, the only indicator that he was alive was his moving feet. A long silence fell between them, the sound of the wind the only thing that was heard.

"Dark?" Adlez's voice was quiet.

"What?"

"Where's Ranik? I could have sworn he was behind us…"

"He needed some time to think. Don't worry, he'll show up sooner or later."

Link let out an annoyed growl, "How come he can set his own pace?"

"Because he can sense me, he won't get lost. Now shut up and keep walking."

"Damn."

xxxxxxx

The plains were silent as Ranik ghosted over them, his mind wandering to memories seeming so long ago. His wife, his family, his entire livelihood gone, gone and he never even realized it. Tears cascaded down his emotionless face as he walked, submerged in his thoughts. Lyra… He'd never see his beautiful Lyra again. Never witness her warm smile, her bubbly laughter, her body close to his. This thought left him emptier than any lost connection with Marinal could ever make.

He still remembered the look on her face when he had told her he had been chosen to infiltrate Marinal's forces. She had begged him not to go, that it was too dangerous. He remembered her hands groping at his shirt as she buried her face in his chest, sobbing violently. He had assured her he wouldn't be found out, it would just be like having any other job, he would see her on weekends and holidays. This excuse had had her looking up at him with dreadfully serious eyes. Her next words would forever ring in his mind.

"That job is cursed, only death comes from fighting that wretched vampire. Only death. Please… forget about your honor and refuse the elders. I don't want to lose you…"

But he had ignored her pleas and continued with the operation. Yes, death had come… but not for him.

Ranik stopped in his tracks, he could hear voices close by, coming from just over the next hill. As he drew closer their words became clear.

"Yes, I just went to see him yesterday. Nerii is as lovely as ever, and little Elayn is growing into quite the adventurer, just like her father."

The Shiekah blinked, that was Dark Link's voice.

"That is wonderful. I cannot wait to see them, they sound like such a nice family… Sir Dark, how long have you known Sir Link?"

And that was Yillan.

"Ever since he was young. We grew up together… in a manner of speaking."

As he reached the top of the hill the two came into view. They were sitting in the grass, Dark Link's back to him. Ranik frowned, something about the shadow's voice was not right.

"Oh wow, really? You two must be almost like brothers."

Dark laughed, "Yeah, I guess you could say that. We've been friends for so long… I don't know what I'll do when he's gone… But he's still got a good number of years to go, I shouldn't worry. Nothing bad has ever happened between us, I really think I may have beaten my curse this time…"

Ranik's eyebrows lifted as he understood, the shadow's tone and body language were different because this was him 800 years ago, before Link was killed. Yillan drooped a little at the shadow's last statement, but Dark didn't seem to notice.

"That would be wonderful…" The woman did a double take as she saw Ranik over Dark's shoulder. A smile grew across her face, "Sir Ranik!"

The shadow turned to follow her gaze, "Who is this?"

She got up and ran over to the other man, "We met just a little while ago, he's another vampire!" She smiled up at him, "Hello, it's so nice to see you again so soon."

Ranik nodded back to her, his eyes not leaving the rising shadow. He was amazed, Dark Link was lighter, with less worry and guilt on his conscience, and the optimism in his eyes was a startling contrast to the sadness he had grown accustomed to.

"Another vampire?" Dark smiled and held out his hand, "Good to meet you. Where are you from?"

"A long way away," Ranik shook the shadow's hand.

Dark chuckled, "So secretive, Marinal said the same thing." Turning to Yillan he nodded his farewell, "I must be off. It was nice speaking to you again."

"Likewise," Yillan waved after him until he disappeared over the hills. Her face fell instantly and she sank into Ranik, clutching at the fabric of his tunic, "Curse my slavery, curse it!" She sobbed, "She means to kill him, to kill Sir Link. They're best friends! Sir Dark will be crushed."

Surprised by the sudden outburst Ranik tentatively rubbed her back, "He will survive."

Yillan sniffed, "How would you know that?"

"Because I…" Ranik stopped, he couldn't tell her he knew him in the future, "I can sense he has a strong soul… He may collapse for a time, but I'm sure–"

"Well I'm not…" Her voice was quiet, "You haven't heard the things he has done, the things he blames himself for… He told me… He told me he will only forgive himself when the blackouts stop, when the blind rages cease."

Ranik smirked sadly, If only you knew…

Sniffing once more she pushed herself away from him, taking a few steps back. She stared at the ground, "I-I'm sorry, that was improper of me. I shouldn't have… I mean… I've only just met you, I hardly know you… I… I just… Feel I can trust you…"

He smiled at her, "It's fine. You are upset."

Yillan shook her head, "No. I really shouldn't ha–" She paused for a moment before looking up at him, her eyes cold and searching, "Sir Ranik, huh?" His eyes widened slightly, her voice was merged with Marinal's, "What is your purpose here brother?"

The man bowed, "Lady Marinal I presume? I am merely passing through, I will not meddle in your affairs."

A wicked smirk crossed Yillan's lips, "Good, see that you don't. This land is mine, find your own to conquer."

"Of course."

With that Yillan grew limp and collapsed, Ranik swooping in to catch her before she hit the ground. The woman grimaced and muttered a curse under her breath.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that…" She groaned, letting herself be helped back up. She looked to Ranik with sad eyes, "How long do you intend to stay in Hyrule?"

"I'm not sure yet, at least a few more days."

A smile formed on her lips and she clasped his hand, placing a kiss on his cheek before turning to leave, "I must go. Goodbye Sir Ranik…"

His eyebrows furrowed as he reached up to touch his cheek. A slip of parchment fell from his lifted hand. He caught it with ease and glanced at the neat scrawl.

Assiril Stone

Gerudo Fortress

Underneath the message was a messier, hurried message.

Three days, two miles east of Lon

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Opia: ... I seem to be having trouble with the divider button... Oh well. Hey, lookit that, another update. Yay. I really shouldn't be so lazy with these things...

Cari: Yeah, you shouldn't. Anyways... Please read and review. Reviews help her remember that she has an account on this site...