Chapter Four

Disclaimer: Nintendo owns Legend of Zelda, not me. :3

Chapter Rating: T

Link rubbed his arms as he walked through the alleyways, eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of his other half. It was freezing outside- how was Dark able to stand it!? Or was he even outside, Link wondered. He'd be crazy if he was; though he wasn't so sure that Dark was anything less than crazy. He had, after all, done... what he had just before.

Sighing, the blonde came to a stop, not much liking the fact that he could see his breath in the air every time he breathed out. Since when did Hyrule ever get this cold? Oh, wait... He had never been in Hyrule during winter- his adventures had been in Summer and Fall, and he had spent all his winters previously in Kokiri forest- which never got cold.

He wondered if it would ever snow? The only time he had seen snow was... well, it was still there- Zora's Domain was still frozen over. Which totally brought him back to the thought of how cold it was right now at this very moment.

Where the hell could Dark be?

Just as Link turned to give up, his long ears picked up a sound, a melody of some sort. He listened closely, and he was mildly surprised to hear the eerie sound of an Ocarina, playing the Nocturne of Shadow. The sounds were so familiar to him, only the melody was much lower than how he played it. Maybe it was the type of Ocarina?

Either way, the only person he could think of who knew that was Dark- or at least the only one in the area who knew it.

The Hero of Time narrowed his eyes determinedly and he set off, following the sounds of the Ocarina.

Dark opened his ruby red eyes and looked at the sky as he played the sad melody that he knew quite well, somehow. Perhaps it was because he was a shadow? The Nocturne of Shadow and the Serenade of Water were the only melodies that he knew how to play exactly- the others he only knew the basics.

The Shadow lowered his crimson ocarina and lay it in his lap, pulling the cloak he had around him. He was used to the cold, having been in the water temple his whole life. What Link said to him was ringing through his mind, though. He couldn't seem to shake it out of his head.

"Don't ever do that again or I'll use my blade! If you don't mind, I'm going to get some sleep. Just... stay away from me."

Dark's face scrunched up a bit as he tried to think of why what he had done had upset Link so much. He just didn't understand at all- he still had a lot to learn. But he would stay, because of that fact- he wanted to learn. He wanted to learn everything about Hyrule and to learn how to live.

Well, then again, he was asking a bit much from the person he had tried to kill. And Link had a point- he was Ganon's creation. There was no telling if he'd turn on Link, right?

"I found you," said a voice from behind him, and Dark turned his head to see who it was. It was none other than Link, obviously. "Why are you sitting up here on the roof of a building when it's below freezing?"

"You said to stay away from you," Dark said, though he didn't say it with a mocking voice- he was being totally truthful that he thought Link truly meant what he said.

"You weren't really supposed to leave, though," Link replied, seating himself beside Dark. "I was just confused, is all. Guys... aren't supposed to do that with other guys," Link explained, happy he didn't turn pink at discussing such topics.

But he was surprised. Normally he was the one being taught, since he lost so many years. But now he was the one teaching?

"I see. I wish I had known that sooner, then," Dark said, hands curling around the Ocarina in his lap. Out of the corner of his ruby eyes, he could see that Link was shivering. Dark took off his cloak and put it around Link, grinning at the obvious contrast of green and black. "I'm used to the cold, anyway."

Link blinked and looked at Dark, about to say something, but he closed his mouth. Link had to learn to just accept things. He pulled the cloak around him, quite thankful for the extra layer, though he still felt a little bad.

"Play with me?" Dark suddenly asked, turning his head to look at Link.

"E-eh?" Link sputtered, blinking his sapphire eyes. Play with Dark? Play what?

Dark grinned, his fangs showing, "The Ocarina. Play the Ocarina with me." He said, lifting his to emphasize.

Link stared at Dark for a full minute before he realized what he said and took out his own, blue Ocarina. "Alright, but what songs do you know?" He asked, "You were playing Nocturne of Shadow before, but is that the only one you know?"

"How about Serenade of Water? I like that one too," Dark said, lifting his Ocarina to his mouth. He inhaled through his nose, then exhaled into the Ocarina, moving his fingers over the various 12-holes as he began the melody.

Link smiled for the first time in awhile as he, too, lifted his Ocarina to his mouth and joined right in on the melody. Truthfully, the Serenade of Water was at the top of his list, as well.

The two sat there for what seemed like hours, playing their Ocarinas, with Link teaching Dark some new melodies as well. However, as the moon rose steadily higher into the night sky, Link realized it was getting really late.

"Ah, Dark, it's getting late, let's go back," the Hero spoke, putting his Ocarina away and standing up.

Dark nodded, doing the same thing and grabbing Link's wrist. "I have a short cut, though you might feel a little weird afterwards," he snickered.

Before Link could ask what he was doing, he was pulled against Link and he found that they were... descending into the shadow from the chimney!? It felt weird- it was weird!

And before he knew it, they were rising through the shadow of the desk in their room, until they stood firmly on the hardwood floor. Link dropped to his knees, eyes wide at the sensation he suddenly felt. "What was that!?"

"I'm a shadow, so I can use shadows to my will, in this case, as transportation. That's how I got out of here without making a sound, it's very handy," Dark explained, squatting in front of Link so he could be eye-level. "What'd you think of it?"

Link stared into those Ruby jewels and he blinked to get out of his trance, "It's useful, I guess, but it felt so weird! Like... like I was being sucked into a vortex in the Water Temple..."

Dark tilted his head, "Really? I feel nothing when I do that, but that's probably because I'm a shadow, after all. You know, I can even become your shadow, since when I'm in this flesh form, you no longer have a shadow."

Link walked over to the bed, taking a seat. They still had to solve this bed problem- he would NOT sleep with Dark. He looked up, and was surprised yet again when Dark was not in the room. "What? Dark? Where..." He trailed off and instinctively put a hand on the hilt of the Master Sword.

Look down, Hero. This solves the bed problem, no? Heh, looks like you still don't fully trust me yet, hm?

Link blinked when the whisper of a voice echoed throughout the room. He did as he was told and looked down, seeing his shadow, only with the difference that it seemed to have... red eyes? Well, they were fading. "Oh, I see..." Link stated, then he frowned slightly, "it will be hard to trust you completely just yet, especially with these vanishing tricks you have."

He blinked in surprise when the red eyes came back- it seemed that they appeared when Dark talked?

Ah, then maybe I'll just have to not vanish so often. I'm really not a bad guy, Link, especially with Ganon dead. After all, I had been ordered to kill you, else lose my life. Though now that I think back on it, I wonder that even if I killed you, I would have died...

The eyes were fading again, so Link took it as his cue that Dark was finished and he could speak, "I don't want to dwell on this topic, let's just get some sleep."

The Hylian lay on the bed, thankful that it was actually comfortable. He stared at the ceiling for a long while, until he finally began to drift to sleep.

It was dawn when Link awoke, sitting upright pretty fast. So he hadn't been killed in his sleep? Then Dark truly did mean him no harm... Shaking the thoughts from his head, the Hero stood and gathered his things, belting the two swords to his belt and then sliding his shield and bow onto his back.

"Dark?"

Coming.

As the words faded, the shadow of the Hero seemed to rise from the ground, and then finally he took solid form. His ruby red eyes opened, and the shadow grinned. "'Morning, Hero."

"Can't you just call me Link?" Link asked, distaste in his voice. He didn't much like being called Hero, not all the time like that. He could deal with it from random townspeople, but from people he knew? No.

"Fine, okay, I'll call you Link from now on. Until I come up with a nickname, of course," Dark said, then waved Link along. "Can we get going? You've all of Hyrule to show me! I'm not getting any younger, and you aren't either. Oh, and I'd love to meet this Princess I hear a lot about! I want to know everybody you do."

Link blinked as he was forced out of the room and out into the quiet alleyways of Castle Town. "I don't think I'll be able to show you all of Hyrule in one day, it's pretty large. And I don't think it will be wise to introduce you to Zelda- she wouldn't take too kindly to a creation of Ganon."

Dark blinked, seeming quite saddened, "Zelda? That is the Princess? Now that you say she won't like me, I'm itching to meet her." As he walked ahead of Link, the Hero could have sworn he heard Dark cackle a bit.

"Dark, wait! There's no telling what she'll do to you, we can't-"

"If I'm with you, everything will be fine! Besides, you can just tell her not to kill me! You are the Hero of Time, are you not? You have power, like it or not," Dark said, ignoring the stares he received as he made his way for the Castle. The people of Castle Town most likely didn't forget yesterday, for the same young boy from before pelted a rock at him.

Dark caught it before it hit his face, and he narrowed his ruby eyes, "Think that's funny? How would you like it if I threw this as you?" He raised his hand, about to pelt the kid with the rock, but his wrist was caught.

"Dark! What are you thinking? You can't just hurt a kid like that!" Link scolded, forcing his wrist down. "If you make even one mistake, even if we say Zelda will accept you, she will no doubt use it against you."

"It's just a single kid! Besides, he threw it at me, first!" Dark retorted, flashing his fangs in a scowl at the kid- who in turn, ran away, yelling 'monster, monster!' The shadow snorted angrily, "I hate kids- how can you stand them?"

Link sighed, "Well you sure are acting like one," he let go of Dark's wrist and hoped that Dark didn't do anything- which he didn't.

"Whatever, lets just go to the castle, already," Dark spoke, not really knowing which was to the castle, but then again, way that had the two guards stationed out front seemed the most logical guess. And he was right.

"That's the castle? It's huge!" Dark exclaimed as he came to a stop, hand shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked up.

The new castle that had been built with the magic of the sages was surely more magnificent than its predecessors. It was stunningly white with several patterns of gold, especially along the edges. Above the oak wood door, which was large, was a golden mark of the triforce.

Just before the door, there was a statue of what seemed like the three Goddesses each holding a piece of triforce, representing power, courage, and wisdom. The statue was in the middle of a fountain, surrounded by flowers of all sorts- the work itself was stunningly haunting.

Off to the sides of the castle were gardens, but they were not visible because of the brilliant white wall. There was also a small moat that surrounded the castle, with a bridge that led to the main walkway that would lead you past the fountain.

The grounds outside the castle area had been restored to their former glory- with grass and trees and flowers. The guards were stationed all around this area, and the gate was rebuilt to showcase what it had once been.

Dark whistled as he took everything in. It was truly amazing, he had to admit.

Link waved Dark along as they headed for the gate and followed the path. The guards immediately recognized Link, and were about to open the gate when they realized that Dark resembled Link almost flawlessly. However, though they were a bit hesitant, the guards opened the gate for them without question.

Link would have to mention that Zelda's security at the gates needed improvement. Nevertheless, Link and Dark continued on their way to the castle, without question from any of the guards. They crossed over the moat and then went through the doors that were opened for them.

The first thing that Dark noticed were all the blues and golds. The carpet that let down the large hall and towards the thrones was royal blue lined with gold edges. The thrones themselves held three different colors- the red and gold one for the King, the royal blue and gold one for the Queen, and the violet and gold one for the prince or princess. Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, was currently upon the Queen's throne.

Her eyes moved from her advisor to the doors where Link and his counterpart stood- and they widened considerably. She had not expected to see Link in the company of another come to her castle- not so soon. And this other... she sensed a dark energy from him. The Princess stood, walking down the few, small steps that there were and advanced a few paces.

Link and Dark Link made their way to her, and Zelda gasped when she saw Dark up close- he looked just like Link! "Link! Who is this that looks so much like you?"

"My name is Dark Link, but you may call me Dark, Princess," Dark addressed her himself, causing Link to tense somewhat. The way Dark had said it... was he mocking the Princess in some way?

"Dark Link...?" Zelda repeated, and she took a step back, then pointed at him, "Link, do you know what he is? I can sense the energy from him- he is an evil creature made through dark arts, and no one could have done that but Ganon himself! Why would you bring such an abomination into this castle? And why does he look almost exactly like you?"

Link stepped forward, "Zelda, he is no more evil than I, if not a bit on the mean side. He... is my shadow, a creation of Ganon, yes. He was made to kill me, and I defeated him in the Water Temple. Somehow he was revived, how we don't yet know, and he has been with me since we ran into each other in the Market," he explained. When he saw Zelda about to retort, he continued, "I fought him in the Market, and he won, but he did not kill me as he could have done very easily. And he did not even try to kill me during my sleep. Hear me out when I say he is not evil, Zelda. I would not bring him here if I thought he would kill us."

"But just his origin is enough to execute him! Nayru, Link! He was created by Ganondorf! There's no telling when he might turn on us or when he might try to bring Ganon back!" Zelda cried, panic starting to rise.

Dark took his chance to speak, now, "I'm standing right here, you know," the shadow began, "and why would you even consider the fact that I would bring that cursed man back to Hyrule- I would just be condemning myself to torture!" Dark sighed slightly- this woman was unable to be swayed. Maybe Link was right not to come here...

"How dare-!"

"Zelda!" Link stated harshly, interrupting the Princess. "Do you not trust my judgment? You don't have to fully trust him, but you should trust me enough to allow him a chance. If anything happens, I will slay him myself, but right now no harm will be done by allowing him to live."

"Link..." Zelda trailed off, backing away and shaking her head, "I just can't... allow him to live. As my duty as Princess, he must perish! Guards! Seize the one in black!"

Dark's ruby red eyes narrowed as he went for his sword, but Link stopped him, "Do nothing, Dark. Let me handle this," He spoke, taking out the Master Sword. The guards who had approached hesitated- go up against the Hero of Time?

Link stepped in front of Dark, "If you want to get to him, you will have to go through me first." He spoke to the guards, then looked over at Zelda, who was staring at him in shock. "Princess, you're not thinking clearly- he could be a valuable asset in the future!"

Dark, who remained behind Link, looked around him at the guards- oh how he wished he could kick their buts... but alas, that would cause trouble, like Link had warned him against.

"I guess if you feel so strongly about it, Link..." Zelda trailed off, "Hand him the Master Sword and we shall truly see if he is good or evil."

Link blinked, "The Master Sword...?" He looked at the blade in his hand. Ah, yes, that was right! The Master Sword could only be touched by those of pure heart! He turned to Dark, frowning slightly- he prayed to Farore that this would work.

Dark stared at the blade for a good minute before he extended his hand and grasped the hilt. All was silent in the Hall, and he felt two pairs of eyes on him. Nothing was happening- was that a good thing?

"I see..." Zelda trailed off, eyes softer now that the Master Sword proved Link's words true. "I am unable to deny what this means. It seems that the evil within him perished along with Ganon. Very well, he may live. If he does anything out of line, however, he will be executed."

Link let out a small sigh of relief, though it was inaudible. He took the Master Sword back and watched the Guards retreat. "Thank you, Zelda," He said, sheathing the blade. "Before we depart, however, I have a question to ask. May I hold onto the Master Sword for a little while longer?"

"Of course, Link. Return it at any time that you wish. It is, after all, your rightful sword." The Princess forced a smile as she retreated back to the throne. "Link, be safe."

Link bowed, and when Dark did nothing, he reached up and forced Dark to bow as well. "We'll be on our way, then."

Dark followed Link out of the Castle, a smug look on his face. "I can hold the Master Sword!" He stated, "Looks like I really am your shadow after all!" The male fell in step with Link as they headed for the Castle Town. A random thought entered Dark's head- "I wonder how Chief is doing..."

"Chief?" Asked Link, looking at his shadow curiously. Who was Chief?

"My... horse. Yes. Horse, that's what you call them." Dark explained, adjusting the black gauntlets on his wrists. "His name is Chief, although I did not give him that name."

"You bought a horse from Lon Lon Ranch? I didn't think you had rupees." Link said, a thoughtful look on his face- maybe Dark wasn't so bad if he actually bought the horse from Malon- who he had to visit eventually.

"I didn't buy it, she gave him to me because she thought I was you getting the horse for a friend..." Dark trailed off as he caught sight of the said horse, next to Epona. "Can they talk?"

"So you didn't buy him... figures..." Link sighed slightly, wondering how he'd tell Malon. Then he realized what Dark asked and tilted his head, "What?"

"The horses, can they talk?"

"No, they can't. Well, not to us, at least," Link replied, mounting Epona. That was such an absurd question- but he guessed it was relevant for Dark to ask.

"Oh, I see," Dark replied, jumping onto the horse. As Epona rode out of Castle Town, Chief followed, so Dark didn't really have to do much. "Where are we going?"

Link looked over as Dark got up next to him. "I don't know, I was thinking of going to Kokiri Village, just to visit. It would be nostalgic." But he wondered, would Dark be okay entering the forest? Would he? He didn't have a fairy anymore- but it was worth a shot.

"Oh, well... Then the first stop on my tour of Hyrule is Kokiri Village."

Sooo! I finally updated! Yeah. XD Longest chapter yet, right here. -Proud- Although compared to some stories, this chapter is puny. XD Oh well... I try.

Anyway! Fencing season is over- but I'm still swamped with schoolwork. Ew. And I have to do my community service hours for school... And on top of that, I won't be able to do anything on the internet for all of July- I'm going to study abroad in Austria. XD Fun!

Okay, yes, well, concerning this story! I have written down most of my ideas for it, so it's just a matter of fitting them into the story. But another challenge is moving along- meaning, introducing this 'new evil.' I can't tell you readers how long you'll have to wait for the new evil, or the lemon, but it will come eventually. Not to worry. 8D

So for now, review and make Dark happy! Because if you don't make Dark happy, he will refuse to participate in any sexy scenes with Link! O: So review!

(And I mean actually review. XD As in, constructive criticism!)

Wooo It's 5:30 am. XD I'm going to bed after this.