Two days later...

Link's Pov

I stood at the door, nervously.

"Well, go on. Open the door." Zelda said. I nodded nervously.

I opened the door slowly. I saw Shadow laying on the bed playing with his dark magic. He was still too wounded to get out of the bed. Me and Zelda were finally able to visit him. I was nervous because it had been a year since we last saw each other.

"S-Shadow?" I stammered.

His magic disappeared and he looked up at us. Shadow smiled a little. "Hey." He said. "So, your all together huh?" Shadow Link said, his smile fading.

"Yeah." I answered. "How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Better than I was earlier." Shadow replied.

"That's good." I answered. "How are you Vi- Link?" Shadow stammered.

"I'm okay." I answered.

Shadow then looked at me with an expression that I had never seen from him before. A look of worry. Fear crawled up my spine as I wondered if he could see through the "happy mask" I had on ever since I put back the four sword.

"Are you sure?" He mumbled but spoke loud enough for me to hear.

"Yeah! I'm fine!" I said more cheerfully, like Red, hoping to fool the injured shadow.

Shadow Link was silent for a few moments and then simply said, "Okay."

"A-Anyway," I stammered awkwardly. "How did you get injured?" I said, trying to get off the subject.

Shadow was silent again. Zelda gave me a look of annoyance. I caught her look, and I shrugged. What was she so annoyed about? Then my eyes went to Shadow once more. I stared in shock at what I saw. He was trembling and looked too afraid to speak. What had happened to Shadow? He wasn't this sensitive in the past.

I looked to Zelda with wide eyes, understanding what I had done wrong. Whoever hurt him, scared him bad. I didn't know what to do, I was slightly panicking, wondering how to comfort my dark friend or how to get off the subject. If only Vio were here he'd know what to do! But my panicking and silent fear blocked any ideas from the Vio part of me. Oh! If only we were apart!

Zelda started to speak, breaking my panicked thoughts. "Shadow, if you don't want to talk about it now it's okay. We just want to help. You can tell us later whenever you're comfortable, with it okay?" The princess spoke in a soft, soothing voice that even soothed and stopped my panic.

Shadow nodded, not saying a word.

After a few more minutes of silence, I spoke, "Well I suppose we should leave you to rest."

Shadow hesitantly nodded.

"Bye Shadow. I hope you get better soon!" I said.

And I hope we can find out what's bothering you. I blinked, confused at myself. Why did I think we instead of I? I narrowed my eyes to the princess beside me. Oh right. We as in me and Zelda.... No one else.

"T-Thanks." He mumbled. We left him alone.

I felt strange leaving him. I felt an urge to stay and to read a book with him for some reason. I shrugged the feeling off and left to train some more.

Next day...

Zelda's Pov

I had spoken to Discord and the maidens, checking up on their progress. They had made none. They knew they were missing something to make the stone stable, but they didn't know what it was. I was now currently in the royal library, scouring through books, looking for anything and everything that could make the stone stable. I had been doing this every chance I got ever since I first found out about the stone three days ago. So far, I had found nothing.

I sat in a chair nearby, giving up. I had torn through this entire library and all the books, but I finished knowing everything but what I wanted. Tears formed in my eyes and started to stream down my face. I put my face in my hands, sobbing.

I don't want Link to be like this forever. I don't want him to suffer and think he's alone! He's not alone but he can't see that! It's all my fault! If I didn't get kidnapped and if I did precautions against Vaati and Ganondorf maybe none of this would've happened! Link wouldn't be suffering! But...... If I hadn't gotten kidnapped, we never would've become friends with Shadow Link and Link wouldn't have learned teamwork.

I let out an angry sigh that sounded more like a hiss. Why does life have to be so complicated?! I sat there in emotional agonizing pain until an idea struck me. What if Shadow Link knows something that can stabilize the stone?! It's a longshot but I have to try!

I stood up, a new determination flowing through my veins. This was for Link! I wasn't going to let him suffer any longer! I wiped away my tears as I walked out of the library. I was about to walk to Shadow's room but I stopped myself immediately.

If Link sees me on my way to Shadow's room, he'll be sure to try and tag along! This stone sealing business is supposed to be a surprise for him, so I have to do something to distract him while I talk to Shadow! But how could I distract him?!

As I pondered what to do next Link's father walked past me after a long day of training himself. I got another idea as I looked at him.

"First knight!" I called out.

He turned to me and walked towards me. "Yes princess?" He asked.

"Could you do a request of mine?" I asked.

"Of course. Anything, your highness, just name it." He replied obediently.

"Could you possibly distract Link for me? I just need a few minutes, that's all. I promise I'll explain why later." I requested.

The knight looked at me, wondering what I was planning but didn't question it. "Of course, your highness. Where do you want me to keep my son distracted?" He asked.

"Just keep him as far away from the medical wing as long as possible. I need to ask someone some questions without interruption. I'll give you a signal after I'm done." I explained.

"Very well, your highness. I will do what I can. Luckily, I know exactly where my son is. He's still at the training grounds. Sometimes I'm worried that he's training too much, pushing himself too far. Again, he won't listen to me, this time when I tell him to rest." The first knight said, honestly.

I sighed, understanding his worry. For I had it too, which was why I was doing this. "I understand. I'm very worried as well. After I give you the signal, I'll come over to order him to rest for the rest of the day, you have my word." I promised.

"Thank you, princess." He said. I nodded in reply.

The father then left to do exactly as I told him. I left to talk to Shadow. Hopefully Shadow would have some much-needed answers to my questions and hopefully Link will stay out of it and not notice that his father was distracting him. I suppose I'll see what happens soon.

____________________________________

Hi! I'm so sorry for the long delay of this chapter! Thank you for being patient. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and be ready for more that's definitely coming!

( 1262 words!)