The Beast Within

Chapter 12 - Past Relationships Complicate The Future

Authors Note: Yay... Another fantabulous authors note. Look, guys... I'm sorry it took me forever to update this. I'm so sorry it's a short chapter, but I'm having writers block on this story in general. I promise that Chapter 13 will be longer, better and make more sense.

Italics means that their speaking through their Mind-Link... Magics :P

~Link's POV~

I shifted uncomfortably in the position I was in. The jail cell was freezing cold to me. I'd been captured by the Castle Town guards, I never thought that those cowards would even approach me. I was in my wolf form, trying to stealthily steal some bread and apples from a stand. We'd run out of money, Roy had offered to help and we immediately refused his help. Dark and I could take care of ourselves. I suppose that Roy also needed some way to make it through the winter. Our rations were running out even though only two of us, including Crystal, Roy and Kyo, were eating each day. Kyo was picky and would only eat fish, preferably salmon, and Crystal was used to eating moose, deer or basically any grazing animal in the Lost Woods. Honestly it was quite hard to find them, and when you did... Damn those things knew the woods well. I rested my head on my paws and sighed. I would've tried to escape already, but there's a chain that's around my front right paw. Dark and Roy would't be coming to my rescue anytime soon... They didn't know I left to get food alone. Not even Crystal knew and she was in charge of keeping track of me. My ears perked up as footsteps echoed off the wall. One of the guards leaned against the bars. I looked up at him, expecting something to eat. I'd been here for... About a two and a half months now, I'd been keeping track through Dark had tried on several occasions to mind link with me, I'd answered back and told him what happened; that I needed his help to get out. All he said was that I need to stop relying on him to help me out of these predicaments. "What'd suppose we do with it?" One guard asked the other. "We could always kill it." One of the guards said, coming closer to the cell bars. I began growling, even though I probably didn't look as intimidating as I'd hoped. I heard one of the guards chuckle. "Look, beast. We know who you are. You're, well you were, the Queen Zelda's 'son'. We all knew your secret, we were told by Queen Zelda and we all saw you transform several times. Plus, with you being a purebred Hylian and all, hiding that tail of yours is difficult." He said, taking out his key ring. "Not to mention that we saw you around with your twin brother, when you went to fish with him." The guard said. Good. At least they don't know the whole truth about Dark. "Look. We're gonna let you out this time, but if we ever catch you back here again... We'll be forced to deal with the way we're supposed to do to creatures like you." The guard said, unlocking the jail cell's door. I transformed back into my Hylian form, feeling rather tired. I hadn't slept for several days, almost a week. I think this place is haunted by the poes... Their laughter nearly drove me insane. It sounds like they're near. I tried to stand, but the chain held me hostage. The guard looked through the keys on his key ring, but it looked like he couldn't find the correct key for the chain. Another guard, whom I hadn't seen before, walked in. He had and ax. He walked up to me and held it high above his head. I covered my face, pulling the chain tighter. The guard slammed his ax down and I heard a metallic snapping sound close to my face. I moved my hands away from my face and I looked at my wrist. "Thank you." I said, standing up. I hurriedly left the jail cell, wanting to be close to the others. I walked up the cobblestone stairs, stumbling over several if them, and opened the door at the top. I think they left it unlocked for me, they wouldn't leave it like this for anyone to waltz in. I closed the door behind me. Hearing the click of the door made me feel free again. I was still in the castle, but at least I wasn't in the dungeon anymore. I found my cloak hanging on the coatrack. Before I put it on, I had to shake the dust off of it. I slipped it on, missing the silky feel of the inside of it. I grinned and stepped out the castle doors. The door closed behind me with a loud slam. I inhaled deeply, missing the smell of fresh air. Then something dawned on me. If they knew I was Zelda's 'son'... Why didn't they let me out earlier? I turned around, about to begin brutally knocking on the door. Then I stopped. Maybe they were trying to teach me a lesson or something... I don't know and quite frankly... The fuck I gave just disappeared. I'm out now and that's all that matters. I turned around once more and left Castle Town. I touched my right arm, taking note of the chain that was over the raw skin. I said I never escaped, I never said that I didn't try. I pulled my cloak tighter until it was flush against my skin. I rushed through the, unusually, crowded Castle Town Square. I didn't stop and I payed little to no mind of all the people I ran into. As I walked out of the gate that lead to Hyrule Field, I felt like I'd forgotten where home was. I looked around, trying to remember where Dark and the others were. Now that I think about it... They could've moved. Dammit. "Dark?" I called to him. "Hero? Where are you? Where have you been?" He answered, sounding slightly concerned. "The guards just let me go, I'll explain later. Also, forgive my stupidity, but I can't remember where you're located." I told him, feeling rather idiotic. "Wow, Hero. Just wow. Can't you just use your nose?" Dark asked. "I wish I could, but I can't remember anyone's scent." I thought to him. "I can just come get you. You'll have to learn how to get here, but I'll still come and get you." Dark said, sounding somewhat cheerful. "Alright. I'll be in front it the Western Castle Entrance, waiting." I said, taking the cowl of my cloak off my head. I touched my ears, noting how matted my fur was. I then plopped down onto the ground. I was quite tired. Like I said, I hadn't slept in several days. I looked up to see the sun shingling down. The fluffy clouds were slowly drifted across the sky, covering the sun every so often. Today was actually pretty. I looked around me to see a blue flower that looked like a poppy. It was beautiful. I smiled as I reached out a hand to pick it, but someone beat me to it. I snatched my hand back and said a quick, "Sorry." I pulled my cloak back on, hoping they didn't see my ears or my tail. "I already saw. They're cool and in my world, you're worshipped like gods." They said. I heard a soft rustle beside me and I looked over to see who, or what, it was. He looked rather unusual. Light gray skin, white hair and strange looking clothing. Weird. Wait, no... I shouldn't be thinking like that, it's probably well respected in his world. I don't wanna be judgmental, that's mean. "My name's Ghirahim, what's yours?" He asked, smiling. "Ghirahim... No, I mean Link. My name's Link, your name's Ghirahim." I said, feeling a little embarrassed. "Your face is turning red, are you okay?" He asked, looking at me. "Yeah, I'm fine." I said, taking off my cloak. "So, Ghirahim, where do you come from?" I asked. "Well, I come from a world that's the exact opposite of yours. We call it the Twilight Realm, everyone who lives there is a Twili." Ghirahim said, twirling the poppy around by its stem. "This would look prettier on you." Ghirahim said as he placed the poppy in my hair. I blushed even harder. "That's cute." Ghirahim said. I felt a new feeling for this... Twili. He leaned in towards me and I froze. I didn't know how to react. "Get your hand of him, you damn dirty demon!" A familiar voice shouted, clearly angry. "Oh, Dark, what a pleasant surprise!" Ghirahim said, getting up. "What?... How?" I said, confused. "Link, get over here and stay away from him." Dark commanded me. I got up and walked over to Dark. "Sit." Dark commanded me again. I plopped down, almost, instantly. I was used to having dog commands. "Come on, Dark. Do you really have to keep that one all to yourself?" Ghirahim asked, smirking. "No, I'm not keeping him to myself... I'm just keeping him away from you." Dark said, drawing his sword. "Now, now. There's no need to fight... Even though you always were the troublesome, masochist of a shadow." Ghirahim said smartly. That seemed to set Dark off. He lunged at Ghirahim, his sword drawn. Ghirahim moved quickly to the side, dodging Dark's attack. "Still the same, Shadow. Rushing into things, not thinking anything through." Ghirahim said, eyeing Dark with a judging look and a smug smirk. I noticed how Dark's eyes seemed to flash a brighter shade of red as he turned around an pointed his sword at Ghirahim. Goddesses, what happened between them? "Well, Shadow, I must be going now. My sister probably needs me," He paused to look at me. "See you later, beautiful." Ghirahim disappeared, leaving behind several orange and yellow colored diamonds that quickly faded. Dark growled angrily and let his sword vanish from his hand. Then he turned to me, that angry look in his eye seeming to fade away. "Link... Are you okay? Did he harm you?" Dark asked, turning my head. "I'm fine." I said, brushing his hand off my face. He sighed and said, "Good." I backed away slightly, making sure to look shy. "Link... Did he do anything... Inappropriate... To you?" Dark said, coming closer to me. "No!" I said, pouncing on Dark. "Wha-" Dark said as he hit the ground. "Haha! I'm beating you!" I said, teasing him playfully and sticking out my tongue. Dark's eyes sparked as he flipped our positions. "Oh really?" He asked, pinning my hands to the ground. I fought back, using my legs to push Dark off of me. I charged at him again, failing to knock him to the ground. We ended up wrestling for hours, until he pinned me. We laughed and I ended up challenging him again. I won, but only because he went easy on me. "Come on, Hero. Let's get back home." Dark said, getting up and reaching out a hand to help me up. I grabbed it and he pulled me up. Dark let go of my hand and walked ahead, before stopping to turn around and say, "Come on, silly pup!" I walked up behind him and began following him near Lake Hylia. As I trailed Dark I noticed that he seemed tenser that usual. Must be because of Ghirahim. I really want to know what happened between the two of them... It's gonna bug the crap out of my if I don't figure it out. I sighed and continued following Dark to wherever we were going. "I'm glad you're back, Hero." Dark said, turning around and smiling at me. I grinned back. I don't need to know exactly right now. I just need to get home and see how everyone's doing. "Well. Here we are." Dark said, moving some vines from on front of what I thought was the entrance. I walked through first. "Link?!" I heard everyone scream. I looked around and noticed someone we hadn't seen in a while. "Dakota?" I asked.