• Zelda pulled back the hood of her cloak. The sandy winds whipped her hair and stung her face. She looked at Link who had also removed his hood. The journey had taken a toll on them both. They had ridden Epona most of the way, but once they reached Lake Hylia, Epona had to be left behind. From there they had taken Old Man Fyer’s cannon ride to the edge and had walked across the desert.

    Link panted slightly. He missed the time when he could warp and change his form freely with Midna. It had helped him cut time and save Hyrule faster than if he had to walk or ride Epona everywhere. He looked at the entrance to Arbiter’s Grounds and remembered his first journey into the ruins. The memory wasn’t the best, but nevertheless, he walked inside.

    He carefully led Zelda to the top where the Mirror Chamber was and where the Mirror of Twilight once rested. As soon as they reached the top, Link sensed great magic. He turned to see if Zelda felt it as well, and the look on her face confirmed it.

    He walked around the bend and heard a strange sound. Before he rounded the corner, he stopped and held Zelda back so she wouldn’t be seen. Carefully, he peeked around the corner and examined the chamber. Inside there were twelve Shadow Beasts. He grimaced. The most Shadow Beasts that Link had ever faced at once was a mere seven. It had been difficult even with Midna’s help. He knew that twelve were going to be too much for him to handle.

    He turned to Zelda. She had the power to ask for the Light Spirits’ help, which he knew would be useful here. She nodded, understanding what he needed her to do, and silently she called on the Light Spirits. Link watched her intently, hoping that they would be able to do something about the number of Shadow Beasts.

    Luckily the Light Spirits answered Zelda’s call and after a moment, twelve beams of light shot down from the sky and pierced each one of the Shadow Beasts’ cores.
    When they were sure it was safe, Link and Zelda went around the corner and walked out into the open. Above the center of the chamber floated the Sages. Zelda held her chin high and approached them.

    “What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.

    Each of the Sages turned to face her. One of them spoke: “We are creating a new way into the land of Twili.”

    Link’s face brightened up at the idea of a new pathway into Twili. If the Sages did that, then he would get to see Midna again!

    “Absolutely not.” Zelda commanded.

    Link’s hopes were crushed.

    “Why?” another Sage inquired.

    Zelda frowned at her teachers. “Each time you Sages do something that intends good will or you do something without proper consultation, the exact opposite of good occurs!” She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I understand that you are trying to do something kind for us, but please do a us a favor and save us the grief. Stop what you’re doing. The good of the few is not nearly as important as the good of the many.”

    Another Sage then spoke: “But, Princess, this is for the good of the many.” he told her calmly.

    Zelda tilted her head in a confused motion. “How is creating a new portal into Twili good for the many?” she asked sternly. “Did you not see the Shadow Beasts that were roaming this area just moments ago?”

    “Yes, Princess,” the first Sages replied, “but they were of minimal problems compared to those within the land of Twili.”

    Link and Zelda shot each other a worried glance, so the Sage continued: “Terrible events are occurring in Twili.” he said. “The Shadow Beasts have returned and are running amok in the world. The problem is almost as terrible there as it was here three years ago.”
    “What has happened in Twili?” Zelda asked, worried.

    “Of that, we are not sure,” said the Sage. “All we know are the things we have just mentioned.”

    “So why would you open a portal from Hyrule to Twili? I didn’t know it was possible!” Zelda exclaimed.
    “We received a request from someone in Twili to attempt to open a new bridge between our worlds.”

    “And from where does that request hail?” Zelda further inquired, now concerned about the good of Hyrule as well.

    “We cannot say,” the Sage replied, “for we are unsure of the answer.”

    A spark of annoyed anger gleamed in Zelda’s eye. “You fools!” she growled at the Sages. “Why on earth would you fulfill a request from an unknown source?! Do you not know what is at risk?”

    “We are well aware of the stakes, Princess.” The Sage replied.

    Zelda’s annoyance only grew, but she calmed herself before speaking again. “Then I ask again: Why--?”

    “The portal is opening!” Another Sage interrupted.

    Surprised, everyone turned and watched the stone slab as the portal to Twili opened.
    “Prepare yourselves!” The first Sage cried.

    Link pulled out his sword and stepped in front of Zelda. He eyed the portal carefully when a black mass was released from the center. Link adjusted his stance and his grip on the Master Sword just in case there was a brawl.

    The portal closed and the mass began to take shape. Everyone stayed wary as they awaited the mass’s full form. After a moment, the creature was complete.