The Legend Of Zelda: The Curse Of Zant

Chapter 28; Challenge Accepted

"Here we are." Midna announced, as the two materialized in the middle of another room.

Link's eyes danced around the interior, intrigued by the differences in this room compared to the rest of the Twili Realm. Green particles still drifted through the air like dust, but the room was well lit by little white orbs that bounced off the walls. Unlike the outside, this room had a warmth to it and it created a more welcoming atmosphere.

"Well… this is far from what I expected. So, where is this elixir?"

"If my memory serves me correctly, it should be hidden in a chest beneath the bed." She explained, gesturing for him to go ahead.

Link nodded and with baited breath he walked over to the bed and lifted the grey sheets, getting on his knees and peering underneath. A fairly small chest sat in the very center, looking as though it hadn't been touched for a very long time. Without a second thought, he reached for the chest and dragged it out from beneath the bed. A thick layer of dust blanketed the surface. Blowing it away, it invaded his nostrils and sent him into a coughing fit. Once he'd recomposed himself, he ran his fingers along the metal that bound the wood together until he reached the clasp that locked it.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked, looking back over his shoulder at her.

"Yes. Almost one hundred percent sure."

"Okay." He exhaled, and unclipped the clasp.

Slowly and carefully, he lifted the lid and his eyes settled a small glass bottle that had been sealed with a rubber cork; containing a purple liquid. With a shaky hand, Link reached in and picked it up. He inspected the contents closer, holding the bottle up and shaking the bottle slightly to watch as the liquid sloshed around.

"What's in this?" He asked curiously.

Taken aback by the question, Midna arched an eyebrow. "I've never actually thought about that… Does it matter?"

"Nah, I just wondered." He dismissed. "We should probably get moving, we're running out of time."

He didn't wait for a response as he headed out of the door. They hadn't a clue where Zant was, but Link wasn't willing to sit around waiting for time to slip through their fingers; if they moved fast enough, they could find him. As they turned the corner, he came to an abrupt stop as two Shadow Beasts materialized.

Link instinctively reached for his sword, his eyes widening as the beasts came into full view. Physically, they were different to those that he'd fought before. They were noticeably bigger, with eyes that glowed crimson and razor talons at the end of their hands; if you could even call them that. He staggered back as they began to close in on him, drawing the Master Sword and pointing it at each of them.

"Uhh… Midna?"

"Don't ask. I've never seen anything like this before."

Taking note of this, Link squared his shoulders and finally took a swing with the sword, slicing through the beast that was closest to him. It screeched in pain as black blood sprayed from the fresh wound, which prompted him to make another attack. Without a second thought, he thrust the sword forward and impaled the beast through the chest. Much to his surprise, and horror, the beast barely flinched. He withdrew his sword, and looked to Midna for help as the two beasts cornered them both against the wall.

"Any chance of warping?" He questioned just before one of the beasts gripped his throat and pinned him to the wall.

Midna didn't get the chance to respond, or even attempt to use her powers as the second beast pinned her to the wall. She squirmed in its grasp, trying to think of a way to get them free.