Author Notice:

As the title implies, this will be a Part One Prequel only. This is set before Kagome meets Link. This is a direct sequel to "Finding A Place In Their Hearts." In this story, Kagome's characteristics will be changed temporarily; we plan to revert her back later on. In this prologue, Kagome/Zant are paired together, but that will only be temporary.

Eventually, I'll write the continuation of this story with a possible title name, "Twilight's Tears: A New Beginning." In this continuation, Kagome and Link will be paired together romantically, but as of right now, with the prologue completed, I'll be taking a break from Twilight's Tears, but look forward to its continuation.

Ψ

The horrors of the night plagued her, her quickened footsteps guiding her further into the woods, a small bundle held protectively against her bosom. With each turn past the lofty trees, dodging low branches and upturned roots, her eyes searching her whereabouts frighteningly, she knew they were rapidly gaining on her.

Wolfish howls reverberated in the distance, the animalistic noises within the woods fueling her adrenalin further as she crossed the wading waters of the freezing stream. Without decent coverage adorning her bare and scraped feet, she felt the sharpened stones upon the ground pain her, the subtle feeling of a splinter digging into her heels and between her toes.

How much distance could she travel before she fell with exhaustion? Noticing the signs of fatigue pressing upon her, the subtle darkness prickling her vision almost numbingly, her footsteps weakened and she collapsed.

Minutes felt like hours, and while she observed her surroundings weakly, her baby lying beside her unharmed and secured, covered by a thick brown blanket, she rested there. Hexagonal shapes clouded her slowly darkening vision, and the noises of the night sounded muffled. Already understanding her fate was near its end, she realized she couldn't accept it.

The night waned on, the howls of the wolves much closer than before, and she scarcely pondered how much time passed, vividly drifting in and out of consciousness.

Not long after her fall, she heard the rustling of the bushes, fear prickling her skin believing a monster had stumbled upon her. To her relief, it was neither a beast nor an animal.

An individual sauntered from the line of trees, cloaked in a black hood, the remainder concealing his attire and face from view. Lying there unmoving, she observed him curiously, hopeful he wouldn't threaten her or her child's life.

"You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?" His masculine voice rang out. Scarlet eyes scrutinized the peasant woman's frail body lying upon the forest ground, an arrow pierced through her back.

Despite his ominous words and mysterious presence within the woods, she instead pushed herself up onto her elbows, a hopeful look within her crystalline blue gaze. If anything, perhaps he could provide sanctuary for them. "Sir … please, I beg of you … help me…"

He remained unmoved by her pleads, a placid smirk gracing his face ever so subtly. "Oh, but I'm not here to save you, my good woman. In fact, I've come to deliver you to the afterlife, after all, you're nearing death's doors as we speak."

The hope she'd hung onto for so long vanished and disbelief shrouded her countenance. Could it be he was a goblin which sought to steal her soul away? Although numb to her pain, she acknowledged her fate, the energy spent fleeing from her village hours before greatly depleted.

"Allow me to ease your suffering," He replied, kneeling beside her and outstretching his palm towards her.

"My … child…"

He paused, his crimson eyes following her gaze towards the bundle held tightly against her bosom. Beneath the blanket, he perceived slight movement, indicating she was with a baby. Despite the circumstances, he knew for certain where her last words lied. Protect the baby.

"Please … my child. Before they take her…" She pleaded, her eyes shifting across his countenance for any signs of remorse or understanding, and to her dismay, only cruel indifference masked his face. "I implore you, sir…"

A disappointed noise escaped his throat. "I'm afraid you do not understand. Your child has nothing to do with me. Fate, as fickle and obscure as it might be, will decide what becomes of her. Now then, may your soul find eternal rest…"

An ethereal light flooded from his outstretched palm, and within an instant, life drained from the woman. The strength within her arms failed her, and she laid there unmoving, the soft whimpering of her baby cradled against her.

With his task accomplished, he regained his footing and turned, but he faltered in his steps, his curious gaze drifting back towards the baby. There was something oddly familiar surrounding the child, and whatever spurred him towards her, he once again knelt beside the unmoving mother. Grasping the bundle of blankets, he pushed away the cloth, his eyes scanning the child's bright blue eyes and ebony hair.

"Hm?" Squinting his gaze, he attempted to understand this strange familiarity, and after a moment's pause, realization struck him. Slanted eyes widened unexpectedly, and soon, a smile overtook his countenance. "How interesting fate has brought you to me!" He exclaimed, almost laughing. "No, I haven't forgotten our deal, after all, you and the Hero of Time share a fated connection, Kagome."

Briefly he recalled a time long ago when he acquainted himself with her and her friends back in Clock Town, during a time in which Termina was plagued by his own wrong doings. Kagome, a young girl gifted with spiritual abilities, alongside Link, a former Hero of Hyrule and the others managed to transverse time itself and in the end, brought peace to the world.

After this challenging feat, he once again met with Kagome, but their meeting was anything but pleasant. At death's door, he struck a deal with the young girl, and in the end, sealed her fate to the Hero of Time, a lover and a friend with whom she parted ways.

"I never expected to run into you right away after your rebirth, but you took me by surprise, Kagome. You were fortunate I found you before the wolves," He commented. "Perhaps even fate has tied us to each other after so many years."

A sudden commotion reached his ears, and ever so curious, he stood up, his crimson eyes flickering ahead. Within the woods, he noticed flamed torches lighting the path towards him, and not interested in the slightest confrontation, he concealed himself behind the nearest tree.

A group of three men sauntered into view, their torches held high and their build rather intimidating. Dressed in the usual garb, tunic and trousers with ankle high boots, they trudged towards the fallen woman and paused.

"The bitch is dead! She's not worth taking anymore!" A bearded man, probably no older than forty replied, his fists clenched tightly in outrage.

"Damn it! Think of all the money we could have made from her! She had such a pretty face too…" Another replied, scrawnier than the first.

"We've got far more girls to sell off, one less isn't going to slander the business, idiots."

Deciding against standing near the corpse, they wandered off, disappearing into the trees. At their retreat, he removed himself from his hiding spot, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. Although he could have simply ignored it, his interest got the better of him, and he shadowed after, obscuring himself within the night.

Eventually he found the three men huddled near a large covered wagon with two horses tied at the reins. One of them seemed to be peering within an ironed window within the back of the cart, muttering something under his breath before urging his men towards the front of wagon. Presuming they were about to set off, he moved behind the wagon, his gaze drifting through the bars. What he saw slightly surprised him.

Women, of various ages, were bound and gagged within, their clothing torn, some sporting bruises and recent wounds, and it was enough to unnerve him. As one of the men clicked his tongue, urging the horses forward, oblivious of the happenings behind him and his men, the locks to the heavily barred wagon unhinged and the door opened.

Frightened by the ghostly happening, the women found themselves suddenly freed from their ropes, their eyes peering toward the opened door inquisitively. While the wagon had yet to stop in its quest to take them far from their home, they quietly dispersed and fled through the trees, oblivious to the young man standing in the middle of the road.

A chuckle escaped him. "I've been warned not to meddle with the affairs of humans, but then again, when have I ever listened?" He asked, the young baby ever so silent against his chest, looking at him in wonder. "Well then, I can't leave you back there, can I? No … after all, you have an important task ahead of you. As long as you are alive, you will meet him again, but I can't leave you just anywhere…" He exclaimed thoughtfully.

Although his task mainly consisted of sending souls to the afterlife, coming across Kagome so suddenly sparked a certain worry within him. He was sure her fate would lead her to the young man one day, but he never imagined death would so quickly attempt to consume her. Perhaps it wasn't so surprising; after all, this wasn't her place of origin, and he had tampered with the fates after all, despite the Goddesses' warnings. No, even back then, he knew the trials the young girl would face, but it seemed fate had other intentions, something which involved putting a wedge between her and the Hero.

"Well, this certainly won't do," He replied. "I believe my intervention was necessary for you to live on and fulfill that certain wish of yours, Kagome. Don't you think so?"

If fate had other plans, so early in her life, then he had no choice but to intervene. He would take these matters into his own hands until her time drew near.

"I'll have to take you elsewhere, but where I place you will no doubt effect your upbringing as well as your meeting with Link. I should send you someplace the Goddesses won't bother you, but where?" He pondered. An idea surfaced, and certain he would arouse suspicion from the almighty Deities, he disappeared from the ominous woods with a flick of his finger.

Ψ

A vast desert presented itself before him within mere seconds, the height of rounded sand dunes in the distance earning his slight interest. The howling wind eased by, and adjusting the blanket around the child, he ascended a flight of mud brick stairs, his crimson gaze settled on a large and ornate mirror surrounded by several large dilapidated columns.

"There is a story behind this mirror. Known as the Mirror of Twilight, its significance tells the story of a frightening people who once roamed the lands of Hyrule and pitted war against the Royal Family," He began, his fingers softly grazing the glass. "Their aim, like many from the distant past, was focused solely on establishing dominion over the Sacred Realm and extending their rule over all of Hyrule. However, like every fairytale, it ended in favor of the Hyrulian's, for their Goddesses descended and banished these people to a world of eternal Twilight."

The child in his arms gazed at the mirror curiously, her small hands reaching out to touch the glass as well.

"Since the Goddesses are displeased by my intervention, I have no choice but to take you there, to the people of Twilight. If you remain within Hyrule as you are, I fear your fate would no sooner come to an end. After all, Kagome, you are someone who does not belong to this world, but your fate greatly intersects a certain man with whom you will aid within the future. Do not be surprised by the challenges you will face once you return to Hyrule, because I believe the Goddesses will test you to see whether or not you are worthy." He explained with a pinch of his noise. "Within the world of Twilight, you will be protected. When the time arrives, you will once again return to the world of Hyrule. Until then, wait patiently and surely you will be alright. Believe in your strengths, child."

An ethereal glow emanated from his hand, and pressing a finger softly against her forehead, the child's hair transformed from its blackened hue to a vibrant white in color. Eyelashes no longer containing their pigment, faded just the same, and her vibrant sapphire eyes stood out amongst her pale complexion.

Pleased with the outcome of his temporary transformation, he nodded approvingly. "With this appearance, your Hylian characteristics will not stand out amongst the Twili. Although I cannot alter your appearance further, you must bear with it for a time."

With that said, the portal to the Twilight Realm opened, and stepping into the mirror, his body becoming transparent with each step, his vision became clouded by ominous surroundings.

Ψ

There were no stars amidst the blackened and velvet skies of Twilight, only a thick smog which cloaked few remnants of golden light. Mountainous and stark regions occupied the space within the void, and an ever-flowing blackened river separated a magnificent palace from a large stretch of terrain filled with the terrors of Twilight.

An assembly of maid servants, each dressed in dark-fitted attire, their dresses no longer than their ankles, ventured from room to room in a hurried frenzy to attain their busy schedules. From their diverse crimson hair to colors much softer and darker than the Royal Family, they kept their long locks secured in a reasonable and tidy fashion, brushed away from their oval and pallid visage.

When the darkest hour arose within the realm, the bell of Twilight rung. The sound resonated distances away, and the Twili sought shelter within their homes. Distant growls of beasts across the steady river shifted their gazes upon the looming structure, their crimson and golden eyes hungrily watching the inhabitants.

One particular servant drew the beasts' attention, a petite and almost portly woman, her assemble cloaked entirely around her and a large basket grasped in both hands, shuffled quickly towards the palace. Although she was quite late during her errand to fetch only the best ingredients for the kitchen, she felt the stares of the beasts watching her. Fortunately, the river of Twili separated them from her people, but the sight of their sharp canines glistening a short distance away did little to soothe her anxiety.

Before turning up a path of cobblestones towards the main gates, she paused, her rounded amber eyes shifting to something moving along the currents of the black waters. As her eyes followed suit, so, too did the beasts across the way. A rounded basket drifted along calmly, and hearing the subtle cries of an infant, her heart raced.

A child?

Setting down her bundle of goods onto the gray soil, she urged her feet forward. Although wary of the beasts, she realized instantly their attention shifted to the basket as they followed along the bank, their mouths salivating hungrily. If she was not quick, she was sure the river would carry the infant to its imminent doom.

Ψ

An immense setting of high internal onyx walls, lavished with ornate banners of velvet, gold and jade, with torches of flickering blue flames, aligned the Throne Hall beautifully. Lying atop a raised platform, against the farthest wall, sat the Royal Crown's chair, the seating encompassed by a beautiful burgundy curtain.

This room served as a means to receive homage, grant council meetings, award honors to only the most intellectual and powerful among their tribe, and it was a seating which presided those of the Royal Family. Cushioned velvet chairs, opposite of each other from the steps of the throne, sat in alignment from each other and swept the entirety of the room in a long line; these chairs served those within the government who regularly attended meetings with the sovereignty.

Within the hall, a young girl, her age seemingly three years, garbed in a black and white satin gown, the cuffs upon her sleeves short at her elbows, stood on tiptoes beside the throne. Soft vermillion curls framed her small face, the length of her locks lying an inch away from her shoulders, and her amber eyes gleaming innocently beneath her fringe. Seated upon the throne, her father smiled at the child, patting her head softly as he howled with laughter.

Unlike his daughter, the father's build, much larger in comparison to any denizen of Twili, stood at a stature of 8 feet tall. Gifted with an immense power under his belt, which he claimed during his arduous years of training long ago, he reigned over the Twilight for many decades. Known for his generosity and gifted sorcery, he was one of the strongest leaders to establish supremacy within the realm.

Positioned beside her father was Zant, a close adviser to the Royal Family. Similar in many aspects as the denizens and the Royal Family, the emblem of the Twili was etched upon his forehead, his visage a pale turquoise with black markings etched into his skin. Though the Twili were graced by their differences to the outside world, from their skin, eyes and their hair, Zant was somewhat of an exception, his hair crimson rather than vermillion and eyes which held a darker contrast to their amber hue.

Despite this, there was something oddly morbid surrounding Zant, something which Midna couldn't fathom. If anything, she surmised he was anything but a loyal servant to her father. There were moments he appeared faithful, and other times where delirious thinking evolved into something more sinister behind closed doors. Simply standing within close proximity to this man bothered the young Princess, and above anything, she favored her close relationship with her Nurse Maid.

The doors to the room opened suddenly, revealing a group of twenty Council men, each dressed in dark robes, their beards short and their countenance stark with faces downturned. Despite interrupting a pleasant atmosphere, they assembled before the throne, several feet away from his Majesty.

From her father's side, Midna frowned. It seemed they wished for Council with her father again. Each night was the same, and each night her father remained awake, exhaustion more apparent as the days passed.

"Midna, it's well past evening," Her father replied.

"But aren't you going to retire for the night, father?"

He smiled softly. "In time I will. I must meet with the Council first," Despite his response, the child's frown deepened. "Do not fret, I understand your worry, but my people come before my well-being." Looking past his daughter, he ushered her Nurse Maid over, and the young woman took her place beside his daughter within an instant. "Escort her to her chambers."

She nodded, her amber eyes smiling upon the little princess adoringly. "Princess, shall we?" She moved her hands in a sweeping motion past her, allowing her to lead the way, but the child paid no attention, her eyes fixated upon the king.

Midna grasped her father's hand. "But father…"

Noticing her insistence to remain beside the King, Zant spoke. "Now Princess, you must understand your father has more important matters to attend. As do you, Your Highness. Do not forget, you have lessons first thing in the morning, so it would be best to return to your rooms for the evening."

Midna simply glowered at him, to which he only smiled, his head bent respectively. Before she could say anything, the doors to the room once again opened, this time with more force, the doors knocking against the walls resoundingly, capturing not only hers, but everyone's attention.

One of the servants from the kitchens ushered in, her visage drenched from the torso down, with a small bundle held protectively against her bosom. The guards which had been positioned outside the room chased after her, but she fell to her knees before the throne.

"Your Majesty!" She cried out.

Despite the unexpected interruption, his daughter looking on curiously, his Council and adviser frowning at the disrespectful scene, the King straightened his posture. "What is the meaning of this? Why do you appear before me drenched so?"

Although the guards strained to hold the servant back, the King raised his hand, signaling them to release the woman, and following his instructions, they complied, moving away from her, their eyes watching suspiciously.

Lifting her head before him, she held out the small bundle wrapped in a brown blanket. "On my way back from the market, I came across a child adrift in the river! It's a baby, Your Majesty!"

Hearing this, a chorus of murmurs resounded within the room. Although they weren't able to see the child's face, hidden away by the cloth, they found the scene skeptical and bemusing.

"A baby you say?" The King mused. Tilting his head slightly, he ushered his adviser forward. "Bring the child closer."

Complying, Zant approached the servant woman, his eyes staring peculiarly upon the bundle held tightly against her bosom. Reaching forward, he cradled the baby in his arms, pushing back the cloth shielding its face, but he paused, his amber eyes widening. 'This child…'

Without a word, he returned to the King's side, the Princess and the Council looking on curiously as he held the child out before the King. Almost immediately, after removing the entirety of the blanket, everyone's eyes widened. Despite the baby's pale and unblemished complexion, it was clear the child was female, her hair and skin as white as alabaster and eyes vibrant as the blue flames alit from their torches.

Council men stepped back, their fingers pointed accusingly towards the child, and several words fell from their lips. Omen. Curse. Abomination. They withdrew, both fearfully and irritably, lashing out at the maid servant for bringing such a monstrosity into the Palace.

"The baby's an omen!" Someone cried.

"Look at its eyes!" Another replied.

"Even its skin is not like our own!"

Certain debate progressed between the Council, the occupants within the room ever so silently listening. Even with all the ruckus so late in the evening, the King couldn't help but eye the baby held out before him. What a peculiar child, and it was adrift in the blackened river?

His adviser, Zant, who was silently bent over before the King, couldn't help but feel a strange aura emanating from the child. There was something odd circling her, but what it was, he couldn't comprehend. Noticing the King's perturbed countenance, the bickering of the old men within the room nearly deafening, he cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, should we get rid of the child? The Council are not wrong to worry for the safety of this Kingdom…"

The King pondered. While Zant wasn't wrong in his agreement, he otherwise couldn't be sure what to do. Certainly, ridding the child from their sight was indeed the safest and wisest decision, but on account of seeing his daughter from the corner of his eye gazing curiously at the spectacle, he hesitated.

"Your Excellency, surely we must do away with it!"

"I agree! This can only mean tragedy will certainly befall us! Cast the child into the river!"

Zant once again turned his gaze to the King. It seemed he was unsettled, especially considering his daughter was standing beside him, witnessing all of this. For someone who possessed incredible powers over his extended rule of the Twilight, he was certainly weak at heart. "Your Maje—"

"Please no! Spare the baby!" The servant, still knelt before the throne, interrupted, her cries filling the entirety of the room. "She's a baby! She hasn't done anything wrong! Your Majesty, please show her mercy!"

"Such insolence!" One of the Council berated.

With a single motion of his lifted hand, the entire room quieted. Regarding the woman before him sternly, his eyes lingered on the child held in his adviser's grasp, the child cooing and gurgling like any newborn. "You're concerned for the well-being of this child. Why is that?"

Although fearful to speak her mind, knowing full well any slip of the tongue would bring certain doom to her lifespan, she hesitantly turned her gaze to the King. "While it may be true, and although she is very different from the rest of us, she is still just a baby. If you would, Your Majesty, please, allow me to raise the child. I'll watch over her, I'll see that she matures, and should any omen arise, I'll give my life."

While the Council looked down upon such a response, their eyes shifting back and forth between the two, the King's eyes softened. "I see. If I remember correctly, you lost your own some time back…"

Watching the scene take place before her, her nursemaid gently touching her shoulder, Midna noticed a pleased expression in her father's gaze. "Father?"

He nodded. "Very well. You may raise the child," He declared, surprising the Council entirely, as well as Zant. "While the case is rather unusual, a child is still a child. She was fortunate to have been saved by the currents, and saved by those working within the Royal Palace, is it not a blessing?"

Relief flooded the older woman, tears brimming her eyes as she lowered her head to the onyx flooring. Words couldn't describe her elation, the safety of the child filling the forefront of her thoughts. Surely, she wouldn't let anyone down, and she'd raise the child up respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!"

Returning the child into the woman's arms, she bowed once more and departed from the room, the other maid servants gathered at the door rushing to her side before disappearing down the halls. After which, Zant returned to the King's side, watching him from the corner of his eyes with subtle curiosity. How interesting.

Unable to resist her piqued interest, the Princess tugged on her father's sleeve. "Father."

"What is it, Midna?"

"Father, might I go take a look at the baby?" She asked.

Upon her innocent question, he couldn't help but softly chuckle. "Are you so curious?" At his daughter's fervent nod, he nodded as well. "Very well. Escort my daughter to the Maid's Chambers," He instructed the Nurse Maid. "Do not dawdle too long and return to your own room, Midna."

"Thank you, father! I won't be too long!" Midna exclaimed happily, almost skipping in her steps as her nursemaid quickly followed after.

While the Council seated themselves in their cushioned chairs aligned within the room, ever so silently awaiting their exchanging of words, the King reclined further in his seat, a content smile playing across his lips.

"Your Excellency, do you truly intend to keep the child?" Zant couldn't help but ask from beside him. "Don't you think it's rather strange she was floating down river from the ruins of the desert? What if she's from…"

"Are you proposing the child came from the other world?" The King replied back, his eyes narrowing at such a dangerous accusation. "Preposterous!" His tone shook the Council, their eyes turned away from the King and upon themselves, their own minds filled anxiously with worry. "The door to the Light World was sealed a century ago, Zant. If it were broken now, why have we not sensed anything? I'm certain it was the case of simple abandonment."

"Forgive me, Your Excellency," Zant replied. "Though, I must admit, her characteristics are rather strange. I have never before seen a child with hair such as hers, not only that…" He paused. Only a few moments ago, he held the child, a strange power stirring within her ever so slightly. What was it? Was it truly the case of an omen quickly brewing or was it something else?

The King arched a brow, curious as to why his adviser paused midsentence. "What's that?"

Despite his own thoughts creating what ifs, Zant lowered his head to the King, an amused smile gracing his countenance suddenly. "It's nothing. Perhaps, I'm merely overthinking."