#puski

...She'd done it.

But why? After everything they'd... and now that things were – he thought that – why would she...?

“...Are you alright?” Princess Zelda said gently. “...I'll leave you alone. Do you want me to wait outside?” He shook his head. She patted his shoulder. “Take care of yourself, Link.” She brushed the dust off her skirt and walked out. Link dropped to his knees and started to pick up the pieces. It's a waste of time, said a little voice in his head. The shards are too small; you'll never find all of them – but he didn't care. It was his only chance, if he ever wanted to see Midna again....

Why had she done this to him?

His hands were trembling. He cut his fingers on a piece of glass, but on he went, heedless, desperate, fighting the dread that was mounting inside him – the dread of failure.

It was several months now since Midna had broken the Mirror of Twilight. Things had somewhat settled down in her realm by now, and she was adjusted to being her tall, elegant, queenly self again. She bore herself ever with regal dignity and sarcastic humor, never letting her people see past them into the fear, the regret... the loneliness.

She had known her choice would hurt Link, but the look in his eyes, the gasp when he realized what she was doing – it broke her heart. And what if... the Mirror hadn't needed to be destroyed? Had she acted too rashly? There was no way of knowing, now. But those questions haunted her.

Another day of listening to petitions was over. The throne room was closed to visitors, and it was nearly time to prepare for supper. Midna sat there for a moment, lost in thought. She was about to stand up when she heard the guard outside.

“I'm sorry, the queen is taking no more visitors today. Who are you? Answer me!” The door burst open and a man – a Hylian – charged in. He skidded to a halt in front of Midna, panting.

“Link?!” She stared, wide-eyed, at her old friend. His clothes were dusty and torn, his shaking hands were scratched and bloody. His gentle blue eyes were filled with tears.