[Image Description: A flat colored drawing of the Linked Spirit AU version of Shadow and Vio. Shadow hovers behind Vio, one hand on his head and the other on his shoulder. Vio is sitting on the ground, turning a page of his book. Shadow smiles, while Vio looks up at him with a curious look. End ID]
Shadow stop harrassing him, he's trying to REaaaad. (They're just CUTE, ok, look at their matching little color schemes)
[Image Description: A series of drawings of Legend of Zelda Demons for the Linked Spirit AU. LA Dethl, "Master of Nightmares" is a dark mass with 2 blobbed arms and a single large eye. Beside it is a "Nightmare form" which is a golden-eyed flame-like dark shape. PH Bellum "Devourer of Souls" appears as he does in canon, a squid-like monster with a single eye. FSA Shadow "Prince of Darkness" is very small next to Vaati, wearing a black and white tunic and grinning. FSA Vaati "The Wind Mage" is a multi- winged orb with one red eye, and a series of small winged orbs make up an arm with four clawed fingers. SkSw Demise "Demon King of Destruction" appears as he does in canon, a humanoid man with fire hair and black scales. MM Majora "Lord of Chaos" in its Majora's Wrath form, a humanoid creature with venous limbs, the mask on its chest, with whips in each hand. Finally, ST Maladus "Demon King of Evil" is a lion-bodied teal creature with the face of a man with horns, and tusks. His back is stripped with red and his arms and legs are white with red stripes. He raises one clawed hand up with a snarl. End ID]
Demons of Hyrule & Beyond.
The comparative sizes are all wack because paper size, but Shadow acts as a comparison point for Vaati's row + Maladus.
Botw Calamity Ganon probably fits into this group but I. Did not want to draw it at this time lol.
Smith has pulled the Four Sword once before. They know how to work together. But sometimes... Shadows wiggle in and make it so much harder to work together.
(This is kinda a re-write of the Vio arc from the Manga, but to make it match the game instead)
-
Link looked up at the clouded sky, brows furrowed. A tightness in his chest coiled around their mind and throat. He swallowed, fiddling with the edge of his new cap. It was too new, really. The old cap Ezlo gave him was soft and warm to almost impossible levels. Minish craftsmanship at its finest. This new one felt far more like something was very much sitting on his head. Which he never particularly liked until that hat. A clawed finger snagged against the stitching.
"Sorry, sorry-" He whispered to the cap, swearing under their breath and putting it on. Va put on a pair of gloves, obscuring the minish-like clawed fingers. They shook their head, taking in a deep breath.
“Grandpa, I’m going to the Castle to meet Zelda!”
“Stay safe,” came the reply, Grandpa walked over, drying his hands in his apron, “This cloud worries me… What are Zelda’s thoughts?”
“I’m going to find out,” Link said, opening the door, “...we’ll be alright. I doubt the seal on the Four Sword has broken again already.” Va turned out the door to the rain. Hopefully… It's barely been two years.
Grandpa Smith sighed softly, “Take care.”
Link walked through the rain, looking around carefully along the road to Hyrule Town. Rain clung to their hair and eyelashes. The dark clouds ahead like ink spilled across the sky. They churned and roiled in the sky, moving in ways unnatural to rain clouds. Hyrule Castle looked ominous in the backdrop of the dark sky. They frowned, picking up their pace.
Zelda was waiting by the gates, balling her hands anxiously in her dress. “Oh Link... It’s you!” She raced forward, stopping just in front of them, “Thank goodness you came. I- I don’t know if I could do this without you next to me.”
Link nodded softly.
Zelda took their hand, beginning to walk them back inside. “The six maidens who guard Hyrule are gathered here in the castle,” Link opened his mouth to ask if she thought it was Vaati, but she always talked too fast for him to interrupt. Especially when she was anxious. She continued, “The sky has become so dark and foreboding… I’m worried about the seal that binds the wind sorcerer Vaati.”
“Princess Zelda! Come quickly!”
“We must hurry. Come, this way!” Zelda moved to a run, clutching Link’s hand tightly. Link followed at her heel, into and through the castle.
Zelda led them into a chamber. The six maidens turned to look at the pair.
“This is different,” Link mumbled, looking around.
“Ah, since you returned the sword last, we placed a seal around the sanctuary itself. The maidens guard the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary to keep it safe,” Zelda explained as they walked in. She took in a breath and took both Link’s hands, squeezing, “I’m going to now make sure Vaati’s seal remains strong.”
Link nodded, voice lowering to a whisper, “I have your back.”
She let go softly, “The shrine maidens and I must open the portal to the Four Sword’s resting place. Step back, Link.”
They stepped back until they reached the edge of the steps. Link squinted as light enveloped Zelda and the Maidens. But he refused to look away. He couldn’t let something happen to her again.
The portal created, Zelda turned back to Link, “Come with me Link.”
Darkness erupted from the portal. Link’s eyes widened, “Zelda!” He rushed to pull Zelda to himself. She leaned back into him, spinning on her heel to look.
A dark figure appeared through the darkness.
“Ah!... Wh- Who are-?”
“I’m the Hero, Link,” the figure said. He smiled, a false sort of soft. “I’m so happy to see you, Zelda.” The Shadow made a sweeping bow of a gesture. Link stared, eyes wide and bewildered.
“It can’t be…” Zelda stepped closer, abandoning the safety of Link's loose hold, confused and cautious. “You’re Link?”
She looked back and forth between Link and the shadow, frantic. Link shook his head mutely.
The Shadow grinned and darkness poured into the room, enveloping Zelda and the Maidens.
No… No. No! No-
They all vanished into the portal. The Shadow remained, grin sharpening. Link gasped his breaths. They raced forward towards the dark creature. The Shadow laughed, stepping backward into the portal, in a freefall. Link leaped in shortly behind.
Link dropped into the sanctuary, covered in unnatural darkness. Link looked around frantically, finally spotting the Shadow. He growled and rushed towards him.
“Bring them back!” He shouted, reaching to grasp the dark tunic. Only to catch cold air between his fingertips. Shadow jumped away, looking back. With an almost exaggerated gasp, he ran.
He skidded to a halt next to the Four Sword. “You want to make me bring your precious ladies back? Try me!” He laughed, “I don’t think you’ll do it! Come on, try and cut me down!”
Link’s eyes flickered between the sword and the shadow. Va balled ver fists. This sword guarded the seal of the wind mage. If Vaati wasn’t already out, drawing the sword would release him. He needed to be sure.
“Where are they?” Link hissed.
“Fight!” Shadow insisted, nearly leaping forward to get into Link’s face, “We both know you want to. You’ll only get Zelda back if you FIGHT.”
Link growled. They grasped the sword’s handle and yanked it out. Shadow laughed. Link felt a familiar tug of magic and one became four.
“We’re back!” the red-clad hero cheered, “I thought I’d never see you guys again!”
“Focus!” Clover said.
Indigo growled, “I’m going to tear this imposter apart!”
Violet eyes narrowed, gaze flicking between watching the sword's empty pedestal and the Shadow jumping in front of them all. Still laughing.
“OH noooo! There’s four of themmm, what ever will I do?” Shadow mocked. He turned and ran, laughing.
The four heroes raced after, only for a burst of magic to explode from the pedestal. They turned, watching as a whirlwind swirled through the sanctuary.
Vaati cackled as the heroes were swept into the whirlwind. The four of them yelled and struggled to grab something. Everything blurred into darkness.
-
The Four had woken near Lake Hylia. Tossed by Vaati's winds far from where they started.
Lake Hylia's waterfalls were cold and refreshing. Droplets from the falls speckled against their cheeks and hair. Indigo sighed and sat next to the river as Viola and Clover squabbled.
"It's simply intuitive to go up further into the lake and find an outlook."
"It's taking us further from the castle. The castle is probably where all those dark powers are concentrated! We should go to the castle and just get this over with!"
"You said the owl told us to search for the Maidens and Zelda before we approached Vaati.”
"I told you all because we should have all the same details, not because I trust some mysterious owl!"
“I'm not saying to trust the owl. The Maidens are a priority, if we gather more power then we-”
Indigo sighed, leaning back, "There's dark soldiers up that way." He pointed. "I think we should go smack them."
Clover frowned and looked intently at the soldiers in the distance “Huh.” He frowned and pulled out his map, “The Cave of No Return… yes, that'll lead us right! Okay, let's go.”
Viola stared bewilderedly, “You're going to listen to “we should smack them”?”
“The Cave will bring us to the castle! And with the soldiers there, Vaati obviously doesn't want us there! So that's where we go!” Clover whistled for Berry's attention where he'd been splashing in the water. Clover took the lead and Berry and Indigo raced after to follow.
Viola huffed, crossing ver arms, and trailed along at the back, glaring.
Later, Viola heard a giggle echoing against the walls of the cave… But it seemed to originate behind them. Va looked back, but the only thing behind them was the dark silhouette of their own shadow stretched on the stone.
-
Returning from Eastern Temple towards Death Mountain:
The other three were arguing. They all kept just. Arguing. About one trivial thing or another. They had argued about a girl (who if any of them really wanted to pursue, Link’s only competition seemed to be theirself, so that was pointless to argue over). They argued about where to go and how to get there (Clover and Indigo had both suggested breaking off to ‘cover more ground’ at least once. But four swords were needed to break Vaati's seals on temples and passages. It wasn't logical). They argued about the Shadow (what his goals were, why the sword didn't destroy him, what he could've done with Zelda. All impossible things to determine with argument).
Viola was starting to wonder if their forays into the Dark was influencing them… Although he supposed any group of teenagers would be prone to argument.
Viola stepped through the brush carefully. He was rather sure his announcement that he was checking their surroundings for monsters wasn’t heard. It didn’t really matter if they heard. He really only wanted the excuse to avoid getting swept up into pointless arguing.
A glint in the moonlight. They leaned down to poke at a mysterious pile of opalescent dust. “...Is this… Moon pearl?” He muttered. Va raised an eyebrow as he noticed the indentation around the crushed material. A foot print? He frowned, and followed the tracks. Soon enough, he was led far away from the firelight of the Four Sword Hero’s camp. The tracks seemed to vanish. Viola looked up.
He turned, considering the other three in the distance. They were illuminated by the light of their campfire. Silhouettes and distant voices clear only in tone. They were still arguing. Still. Va sighed, resigned. He didn't have any more excuses to avoid joining whatever they'd gotten into. Va had to tell them about the destroyed pearl.
“Quite the group you have, always fighting over stupid things… You sigh once more, ‘Ahhh, I’ve had enough of this’.” The voice was dramatic. Playful.
Viola straightened up. A familiar dark silhouette descended above him, floating in the air.
They raised their sword, catching a glint of light aimed at the Shadow's face. “Don't test me, Shadow."
He grinned, sharp. “Hello, Violet Hero.”
They kept their gaze critical. “What do you want?”
The shadow gingerly pushed the sword aside, smiling, “I want to see you on the right side of things. You an’ I can see the hidden side of things. The truth behind it all. But the others can’t.”
Viola humphed and pushed past them. He walked towards the fire. Shadow followed behind, soundless, but his presence was still noticeable at his back. "You can't really expect I'll join you over ridiculous arguments. They're still my-" Is there even a word for what they were? Other halves? They didn't really feel like a fraction of a person… Friends? It hardly felt like the same type of friendship Link had with Zelda. ….Family? It wasn't anything like hanging out with their father or grandfather either…
Shadow chuckled, clearly taking the pause of indecision as hesitance to claim them too strongly.
“Of course, of course," He interrupted before Viola could finish the thought. "I will say, I for one can’t believe they left all the proper investigating to you. They didn’t even notice you left…”
“I was the one who was curious,” Viola said, ignoring the chill along their spine. A shadowy hand curled around his shoulders. Hanging gently. Heavy and air light all at once.
“Still,” he halfway whispered. He leaned in, hooking his head over their shoulder. “Why travel with such idiotic, short-sighted people? They don’t understand, let alone seek out the bigger picture. Concerned only for the most immediate issues…They’re not going to care about your efforts.”
Viola stopped walking, gaze settling on the ground, unseeing. Va only felt the heavy curl of darkness on ver shoulders. The touch was almost too much in such an addicting way. “Let go…” he mumbled.
Shadow huffed and let go, briefly. He circled them. He looked Viola in the eye, sturdy. “You know I’m right. We’re both alike, don’t you think? I know how it all must feel. Exhausting, frustrating, lonely…” He gripped Viola’s shoulder. “I, however, consider you an equal. Not a throwaway fourth.”
Viola felt his sword slip and he startled, failing to tighten his grip before it thudded against the ground. The Shadow's fingers brushed against his shoulders as he bent to pick it back up. Viola's heart thudded in his chest, staring at the creature of darkness holding his weapon. Shadow considered it for a moment, then spun it, so the handle faced Viola, and the blade was angled towards the Shadow. Such a casual display of trust. In Viola or in his immunity to the sword, he couldn't be sure.
“You should probably keep this.” Shadow said, smiling sharply, “It's rather important for heroes like us to have their swords.”
Us. Viola swallowed and took the sword back gingerly. They let out a sigh of a breath. They glanced at the silhouettes by the fire in the distance. The trio had calmed at some point, voices quiet and lighter. A red-tinted silhouette leaned against green. A golden haze-purpled Blue had folded arms, but easily threw back his head to laugh. Strange how well they eased back into each other, despite the bickering. Viola had never felt that ease after an argument.
“Why fight for a kingdom that barely understands you in the first place? Come with me to the Dark World, join me. There’s a high position for you there. You'd be respected, listened to, adored. You saw how joyful most of the children there were. The dark is not a land of gloom. It’s freedom.”
Viola's gaze was obscured from the view of light. Shadow leaned into his vision. His eyes were a gulf of inky darkness. His lips pulled into a grin. But the eyes. The eyes were pleading. Uncertain. Hopeful. Sympathetic.
The smile slowly dropped. "You don't belong with them," he said, tone dark and final. Viola wondered, briefly, if he was talking about himself, rather than ver.
They would have to find out. They tried to avoid catching a final glimpse of the trio just beyond them. They hung their head. Lightheaded as he came to his decision. "You're right…" va whispered.
Shadow's fingers clawed into his shoulder slightly, sharp. Yet somehow, still a sympathetic touch.
"I don't need those fools holding me back." Viola said, "I'll go with you."
Shadow grinned broadly.
"But-" Viola spared a glance in the other's direction. All they caught was dark hair and dark trees and embers flying into the sky. "They'll be suspicious if I disappear. They'll blame you first. Try to chase us. Rescue me."
Shadow's grin softened slightly, brows furrowed.
"Take my place. Like you said, we're highly alike, they don't pay attention. I doubt they'd suspect a thing." Viola said, reaching up and gripping the Shadow's hands. "But you need to sell the heroism… you can't remain on the sidelines, they'll figure you out quickly that way. It's the only way to keep them out of our hair long enough to make a real plan to handle them for good."
Shadow chuckled, "That's already a beautiful plan. What better way to sow discord among them than from inside." He wrapped an arm around Viola's shoulder, "I think we'll be good friends."
They closed their eyes and darkness engulfed ver. “I’m sure.”
-
“Vioooola,” Berry called, walking backward behind Indigo, “Vi-vi Viola!” He walked straight into Indigo’s back. “Oohf.”
Indigo jumped and spun, smacking the top of Berry’s head, “Ack! Berry! Look where you’re going!!”
Berry gruffed and pushed him, “I was more concerned about looking for Viola! That’s what we were supposed to be doing!”
“He’s not gonna get kidnapped into the dark world like those kids, he has a moon pearl. They couldn’t have gotten that far. He hears you, I’m sure.” Indigo grumbled, “Just like every other monster in these woods can.”
Berry gasped "Are you saying they got kidnapped by a monster?!"
"No," Indigo said with a roll of their eyes. "I'm saying the jerk can handle himself and that you’re too damn loud."
"Hey! Stop calling ver names! I’m sure that’s half of why va walked off alone in the first place! Sometimes I’m not sure if you even like him.”
“He needs somebody to knock him down a peg-” Berry glared at him. Indigo sighed heavily, “Look, just because I don’t like his holier-than-thou attitude sometimes, doesn’t mean I hate him. He’s important to me. You’re all important to me. I-” Indigo cleared his throat, flushing slightly in embarrassment, “I just don’t know how to say any of that sweet stuff. Insults just come out easier.”
“...Ohh. I-”
Indigo shoved them and said loudly, “UGH, let’s just figure out where he went.”
Berry pointed at a dark silhouette ahead, walking towards them in the darkness. “Viola?”
Indigo pulled out their sword, eyes narrowed, “It’s too dark… That could be Shadow Link.”
The figure stepped into a patch of moonlight and the dark shade of hair lightened into blond, and shadow-obscured clothes revealed themselves to be a shade of violet. They smiled, sharp and self-assured. It felt off, but not too off. “Well. I didn’t expect ya-” he cleared his throat, “you all to go looking for me. Was I needed for something?”
“Of course we went looking for you Viola!” Berry said, rushing up to give them a hug. The violet Link’s eyes widened, lifting their arms awkwardly to accommodate the hug.
“Yeah, idiot,” Indigo murmured, sheathing his weapon, brows furrowed. “You shouldn’t have walked off alone in the first place. Impatient jerk.”
“What, is it a crime to be curious?” they huffed back.
“Leeets not start an argument immediately," Berry said, "We have food! Let's go back. You can tell us what you found on the way!"
"I didn't find much," he said simply.
"What?!" Indigo exclaimed, "You were gone forever and 'didn't find much'?"
"I lost the trail."
"So there was a trail to follow?" Indigo concluded, curious.
"Maybe," they said, cryptically.
Indigo groaned a little and sighed, "Whatever."
They walked. Berry filled the air with idle chatter, swinging his hand with the imposter Viola. Shadow watched the movement for a while, before smiling gently, focusing his attention ahead.
Clover looked up at the group and waved, "Hey! You found them!"
"I didn't need finding," Shadow said, hoping their tone came out right.
"I know, I know. I worry sometimes, okay? I'd rather if we kept to the buddy system more often."
"Ugh we're not babies," Indigo grumbled. He rolled his eyes, "Food better be done right this time." He dropped to his seat on the ground, immediately taking a large helping for himself.
Berry laughed and sat down as well.
Shadow hovered awkwardly for a moment. Uncertain of these tiny rituals.
"Hey, I see that look! No books at mealtime!" Clover accused, pointing a finger at him. "I mean it!"
Shadow sat, frowning. Well no wonder Viola agreed to join him. He muttered, "That's a stupid rule" despite himself.
"Yeah well I don't want to throw out good food because you let the ants get to it before you did!" Clover huffed. Indigo giggled.
Shadow tried very hard not to laugh at the idea too. "Whatever whatever, give me a bowl already."
Clover smiled and shook his head, handing Shadow a warm bowl filled with rice and vegetables. It smelled lovely. He breathed it in. It smelled divine…. Maybe this ruse would be nice, for a little while.
-
Dark Castle:
Shadow hummed cheerily as they showcased the rooms of the castle to Viola. It had been a very select group of locations, the newly converted hero was not to be trusted with everything, especially with Vaati's distant oversight. But Shadow was sure it was still all impressive. Especially with all of Viola's curious and fascinated looks breaking the passive disinterest usually dominating his expressions.
"Annnd your room! Hopefully it's sufficient." Shadow said with a spin around the stone floor.
Viola trailed after, smiling. "It's perfect, thank you. Anything is better than a bedroll in the muck."
He nodded vaguely in agreement and jumped onto the bed, patting beside him. "I fixed it up myself. You don't know how hard it is to find a room here that isn't booby-trapped."
"Oh I can have an idea or two given my adventures." Viola sat, looking around. "Thank you. I had honestly expected to be sleeping a bunkroom style setup. A room to myself is very pleasant."
"I told you. You're my equal here." Shadow grinned. He leaned back and closed his eyes, "It's good to have a proper peer here too."
Viola considered him for a moment.
"I'm curious, how do your duplicates work? Are they all bonded to you? Rather. Can you be mentally present in two places at once?"
He opened one eye to look at Viola, "...Random question."
"...I was interested in knowing if you could tell me what the Idiots were doing… The sleeping arrangements reminded me."
Shadow hummed, "I can. Be in two places at once, that is. They're all just me. It's like… playing two instruments at once. My limit is 4. After that they get hazy and I can't control them too well. They just sort of mimic."
"Sounds exhausting."
He shrugged, "Our little heroes are just walking right now, by the way. Pretty boring. I'm trying to make them get lost… they started fighting over who got the map after taking it from me."
"You better not be making a fool out of my image," Viola laughed.
"Nah, I spilled ink over the map earlier when they were asleep. Accused Berry and Indigo of doing it. Their faces were hilarious."
Viola smiled softly. "Sounds like you're enjoying yourself then."
"Oh absolutely" Shadow laughed.
-
Tower of Flames:
"What was with you when we fought the Shadows anyway? You nearly got us killed," Indigo barked as they walked past the imposter Viola.
Shadow humphed, "I'm exhausted from the heat, okay? Just forget it."
"So are all of us!" Indigo exclaimed, "We all managed through it!"
"Indigo just get off their case. It's over, nobody got badly hurt," Clover grumbled, briefly glancing backward towards them.
Shadow smirked at Indigo, whose glare intensified.
"...For someone who said they're tired, you seem pretty chipper," Indigo grumbled.
"Me?" Berry asked, looking back.
"N- What? I mean. You do seem weirdly chipper for this damn heat, but no not you."
Shadow sighed, shaking their head, "Let’s just push through.” He shoved Berry in front of him, who stumbled forward and fell into Clover, and they both fell through a hole with a yell.
Indigo gaped. “What the hell was thaAA-” Shadow kicked Indigo’s legs out from under him and they fell into the hole as well. Shadow looked down at them all with a grin, before jumping after them all.
Berry practically clung to the ground for a moment, eyes wide.
“Not cool Vi!” Clover shouted, kicking vaguely at Shadow’s heel.
He didn’t bother avoiding it, body briefly phasing out from the light world and back. Quickly enough he was sure it wouldn't be too noticeable. He chuckled, “What? I simply noticed this area’s pattern. You were going to miss it. We needed to go this way.” They shrugged, starting to walk away, up a flight of stairs.
Berry frowned. “...Huh.”
Indigo grumbled as they got up and followed after “I’m gonna kill them,” he mumbled, “Fu’kn obnoxious stuck-up jerk toyin’ with us. Something is wrong with them.”
Clover lingered back a little, “I’m inclined to agree. Viola doesn’t normally act this... mean. Maybe something is bothering him.”
“He is bothering me,” Indigo huffed.
“Hurry up!” Shadow shouted down the stairwell, “Or I‘ll open these chests without ya’ll!”
“...Ya’ll?” Berry whispered, he frowned and jogged up the rest of the stairs after the group.
Quickly, they were swept back into focusing on the trials of the Fire Temple, finding a key and subsequently fighting a ball and chain trooper. As they hopped over flames and zig-zagged around pools of lava, they found the behavior of their violet clad companion stranger and stranger.
“That’s it,” Indigo said as they started walking towards a door, “What is going on with you?”
Shadow sighed, expression sour, “Nothing, let’s just get through this place.”
“We can’t do that if your performance basically sabotages us every other step! You nearly threw me into the lava!” Clover said.
“I told you that was a miscalculation. I didn’t know there was a roc feather available.”
“Yeah, well I thought the “Smart One” didn’t “miscalculate”!” Indigo folded his arms. “Seriously, what, did we do something?”
“Other than being obnoxious, argumentative, and stupid? No, can’t think of a single thing.” Shadow said sarcastically.
“You’re not Viola, are you?” Berry finally said.
Shadow went wide-eyed. He turned his head, narrowing his eyes at them. “Of course I am, who else would I be?”
Berry smiled, bitterly, “Viola knows I’m scared of falling, they’d never deliberately let me fall, Shadow.”
He stared. He started to laugh, manic. Of course. Of course, it would be something like that that would give him away.
Indigo tackled him bodily. He screeched, “Get off!”
Indigo growled. “Where is Viola?” He shook them, “What did you do with him?!”
Shadow squirmed and kicked, shape turning into a brief haze as his shadowed form returned. “Oh shut it!”
“Where is our brother?!” Indigo pressed.
Shadow abruptly jerked his head, sinking his teeth into Indigo’s arm. Indigo yelled, distracted just long enough for Shadow to phase out of the light world into the dark. He raced out to the next room. He raced past flames towards the middle of the room, lava surrounding them. He phased back into the light, looking back to check if the heroes followed. Clover grabbed him, twisting Shadow’s arms behind him. They growled and hissed.
“Where is. Our brother.” Clover demanded.
Shadow barked into mad laughter. “Oh, you don’t have a violet-themed ‘brother’ anymore.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean-”
“You didn’t-”
“Goooodbye Four Sword, hellooo Three Sword.” Shadow giggled, grinning, “Ya’ll’re never going to get him back. Va’s gone.”
Clover’s grip slacked, “You’re- you’re lying.”
Shadow pulled away, leaping into the air before Indigo could tackle him again. He floated tauntingly above. “Ya’ll are going to be lost without him. Hell, and double lost without me acting as your fourth. I can’t WAIT to see you fail. It’ll be hilarious.” Shadow tilted his head, and his sharp grin intensified. Three duplicates rippled out beside them. He twirled his sword. “Or maybe I’ll just finish the rest of you off right now.”
The shadows rushed towards them. They all dodged, scattered. Clover tumbled backwards over a wooden platform and hit the back of the wall. He attempted to move closer to their team, only to be boxed in by a burst of flame from the wall. Berry avoided the flames emanating from the walls easily, rushing to strike the closest Shadow. Indigo fumbled to avoid being pushed towards lava, boxed in by a pair of Shadows.
Clover let out a breath and leaped over the lava onto a platform, rushing towards Indigo in the central platform and distracting a Shadow.
“Can’t even come up with a decent plan of attack, can ya’ll?” Shadow laughed. He spun, coming up behind Berry. He raised his sword, and Berry yelped, catching the weapon with his own sword. The metal made a terrible scraping sound. Berry stumbled backwards, redoubling away. The second Shadow flanked him, hitting him on the side.
“Get away from him!” Indigo shouted, rushing past the Shadows they were fighting and grabbing Berry to push him against their back. “Spin attack.” Berry nodded.
The two braced, then spun in unison. Shadow hissed against the hit.
“Wanna see real brute force?!” Shadow called. He ducked away, all but 1 duplicate rushing towards Berry and Indigo. His shape changed, copying Indigo, and turned towards Clover, who became confused as the shadows traded tactics.
“Wait Indigo what are you doing-”
Shadow cackled, and swung at him.
"Not Indigo!" He yelped, struggling to defend against a reckless onslaught. Clover fumbled backwards, eyes flickering towards the lava they were pushing him towards. “Guys!”
Berry broke off from Indigo’s side, ducking around the duplicates. He hit Shadow from behind. The sword seemingly phased through the blue tunic. “What-”
“That tickled,” Shadow snickered, “Told you before, that sword is useless on me.”
Indigo defeated a duplicate, turning to glare at Shadow. Feet thundering against the stone, he raced up and struck Shadow from the side. "Don't use my damn face!"
Shadow reeled backwards, form flickering again as he touched the spot the blade hit him.
“Ha” Shadow glared, “Caught me.”
“Box formation,” Clover said.
“What? Without Viola-” Indigo started.
“Triangle formation then! Whatever! Just watch each other’s backs.” They all shifted into place as the shadows circled around them.
“Ahhh, finally, someone caught some sense. Guess who’s the big bad leader, hm?” Shadow shifted to copy Clover, mocking. “Somebody has to keep these idiots in their little boxes hm? Can’t let them stray too far!” Shadow struck at Indigo’s feet. Indigo hopped backwards with a snarl, swinging his sword only to whiff straight through. Shadow cackled.
Clover motioned for the trio to turn. Shadow fumbled to avoid Clover’s sword, blocking it with his own. “I don’t do that! They can do whatever they want-”
“Ignore him Clove!” Indigo called, struggling to fight off a duplicate.
“Ohhh yes, just like you ignore this face,” Shadow said, shifting to look like Viola once more, “I’ve been acting as ver just long enough to know how much you corner ver in with little rules. No wonder they strayed away from ya’ll.”
Clover glanced briefly at the others, then whispered, “I- I didn’t-”
“Stop!” Berry yelled, breaking formation to jump out towards Shadow. His sword flew through his head. The force and suddenness of it making them stumble backwards regardless of the weapon’s inability to hit him. “You don’t have the right to talk to them like that!”
Shadow’s expression fell for a moment. He giggled. “Who does? You?” Shadow slipped past Berry, tunic turning red as he spun around towards Indigo. “Everybody! Be nice! Only Little Red can complain about things!” Shadow mocked.
Clover pulled Indigo away, opening the floor for Berry to rush at Shadow. The red-clad hero screamed, striking him straight in the chest. “SHUT UP” Berry cried. His body shook with rage. A sudden silence fell over the room.
The duplicates faded. Shadow’s colors returned to dark shades. Shadow’s eyes went wide. He laughed a cough. “...Huh. It hurts.”
Berry swallowed, stepping back as Shadow threw himself into a giggling fit. “I’ll come back for ya’ll later.” He dissipated into darkness.
They were all quiet for a moment.
Berry shifted to look at the others. “You don’t think he’s really…”
“Viola? No… no, Shadow would’ve boasted about it, not pretend to be them… right?” Clover muttered, gaze flickering between the other two. “...right?”
“It doesn’t make sense… It doesn’t- When could he possibly have-” Indigo whispered, “We’ve only separated a few times, when-”
Clover cleared his throat, “We- we’ll figure it out. We don’t have time here. We need to keep going.”
Berry hiccuped a breath. He collapsed to the floor with a sob.
“Shit-” Indigo said, kneeling down, “I- uh- don’t... Cry?” Berry wailed in response, putting his head in his hands.
Clover let out a soft sigh and sat down next to them, gently wrapping an arm loosely around his shoulder. “I know… I know,” He whispered. Berry hiccuped a few breaths, leaning in. Clover bit his lip, uncomfortable, but kept holding him until the tears eased. Indigo eventually sat with his back to them, keeping a careful eye on their surroundings.
Berry coughed a few times and wiped his eyes, “Sorry.”
Clover let go softly, shrugging, “It’s fine… You needed it.”
He huffed a weak smile and stood up. “Okay. Okay… let’s go.”
-
“Those dodongos were eazy peazy-” Indigo said, walking up the stairwell after the other two, “You’d think they’d guard the maiden with something that'd give us a challenge at least-”
They halted as they entered into the new chamber of the tower. Viola sat on a stone throne, one resting hand on his sword, one leg hooked over the arm rest. His head was hung, looking down, bangs obscuring his face.
“Viola you're alive?!” Berry shouted with a gasp, racing up towards them. Clover ran close behind. But Indigo kept a close glare, unsure. Hesitant of further trickery.
They looked up, expression dull and impassive. They raised a hand to stop them from getting closer. “Stop there, please.”
“...Viola?” Berry whispered, slowing until he was a short distance from them.
“I’m sorry to inform you I can not let you come any further.” He stood, gripping his sword firmly.
“Shadow Link,” Indigo accused, raising his sword.
Shadow laughed, emerging from the darkness. He leaned against Viola from behind. Protected. “No, I assure you, this one is the real deal.”
Viola smiled, “I have had a change of heart. Zelda can be left in her skytall tower for all I care. I’ve been quite enraptured by the dark powers. The King of Darkness will do well for Hyrule. Perhaps the whole world will be able to finally understand and appreciate the shadows as I have. You must see how the dark isn’t just a thing of nightmares, yes? You dismiss it too easily.” He leaned in, mock whispering, “Besides, you would never get past the Dark Cloud anyway.”
“Dark cloud-?” Indigo whispered, confused.
“Wh- What? Why are you doing this?” Clover asked, eyes wide.
“You three are like headless cuccos running around. Thoughtless, but difficult to snare. After you discovered Shadow I finally understood I would have to face you myself. I am protecting my friends,” Viola stated. He raised his sword, settling into a fighting stance, “I’ll make it quick, as a token from our old friendship.”
“Aww, dang, I was hoping for a show, V.” Shadow chuckled, floating up higher, out of reach. He kept a wary eye on Berry, regardless.
“Don’t worry,” they said, “It’ll be one no matter what.”
Clover frowned, “Are you really serious about this?”
“You of all people should know- I’m serious about everything like this.” Viola rushed forward, and Clover gasped, swords clattering as they blocked the blade.
Indigo rushed up to join the battle, and Viola spun around them, practically dancing around the pair through the room.
Berry watched with wide eyes. He looked up as Shadow juggled a bomb in his hands. He casually tossed it towards them. Viola side stepped deliberately just out of the blast radius.
“Bomb!!” Berry called towards Clover and Indigo, distracted as they were with Viola.
The pair yelped and dove out of the way as the bomb exploded. Flames erupting in a chain reaction. Viola briefly looked at Berry. Expression nearly undecipherable in its careful blankness. Berry ran forward, finally drawing his sword.
Viola kicked out Indigo’s legs. He stepped up on their back to keep him down as they swung towards Clover. Indigo yelled, squirming to get his hands out from under himself and grab Viola. Shadow laughed from above, amused.
“I see you all have become uncoordinated in my absence.” Viola said, “This is hardly a challenge.”
“Fuck you!” Indigo yelled.
Berry swung out at Viola. Viola ducked and unexpectedly moved toward him, stepping off of Indigo to duck under Berry’s sword and push him onto Indigo. “Think smarter, not harder,” Viola said.
“Hey Viola! On your right!” Clover exclaimed, rushing up and clashing swords with them.
Va raised an eyebrow, “You’ve begun announcing your attacks to enemies? A rather idodic move.”
“Not everything is won by being a stuck up know-it-all!”
Viola squinted, frowning. Clover stepped on his foot. Viola swore and fumbled backwards. Indigo kicked him towards a vat of lava.
Another bomb was thrown between Viola and the others. The trio fell backwards before the bomb could explode. Shadow appeared against a wall, away from the other three, holding Viola around the waist. Viola heaved his breaths, eyes wide. His gaze flickered up towards the other three, almost looking worried.
Shadow glared at them all. “Should I get properly involved now?” they asked Viola quietly.
“No. I don’t want you to get hurt again. You already fought them for me, it’s my turn. You can do me a favor and use the environment to separate them.”
Shadow nodded and disappeared into the dark world. Viola rushed forward, meeting the other three, focused on defensive manuvors that pushed them back.
Another bomb fell between Clover and the others, creating a crack in the stone. Clover yelled, panicked. Viola gripped his arm, pulling him up and away from the lava. The pair tumbled, falling on their backs. Viola quickly stumbled to his feet, “Trying to pull me in with you?!” Viola shouted, “You’re more of an idiot than I thought!”
Clover stared, bewildered. He groaned and stood, glancing back as another bomb isolated himself with Viola. Clover shook his head, gripping his sword. The pair rushed forward towards each other.
Viola turned his body to avoid Clover’s blade, and obscure his own from their audience. He thrust the pommel of his sword into Clover’s stomach, quickly moving it back to appear as if he sliced through his side. He caught Clover briefly as they gasped for breath. Viola whispered, “Stay down if you can help it. Keep out of the way.”
Clover groaned and fell to the ground. Berry and Indigo shouted in alarm.
Shadow laughed uproariously, “One down, two to go!”
Viola shifted back into a defensive stance as he looked at the other two. He took in heaving breaths. Hopefully Clover understood his intentions.
Indigo looked up at Viola and yelled, rushing at him. Viola grimaced. Indigo would certainly not listen, especially in this state. They spun around him, knocking his sword’s hilt against the back of his head. Indigo crumpled, and Viola grabbed him by the tunic to keep him up long enough to mime stabbing him for Shadow’s benefit. He dropped him.
Berry starred, wide-eyed, welled with tears.
He tilted his head, brows furrowed. Please pick up on the ruse, please. Viola pointed his sword at him. “Give up. Go home."
Shadow swooped down, “Not going to finish it? Come on Vi, isn’t it a bit cruel to leave him alone?”
Viola shrugged, “Probably… But it wouldn't be a fair fight with him like this. Besides, somebody will have to tell Grandpa Smith they failed. And it won’t be me.”
Berry stared, and looked down at Clover. He rushed over to him in the pause of the chaos. He kneeled down, gently placing a hand against his chest. Their heart beat rapidly. He was definitely awake.
“...Viola-” Berry whispered, “Don’t do this. We can figure out h-”
"Goodbye, Berry," Viola said, turning and walking away. Shadow trailed after, praises quick to his tongue.
The pair vanished into the darkness. Berry waited a moment longer. He shook Clover lightly. "Viola is definitely in danger." He whispered.
Clover opened his eyes, "Yeah, he's seemingly got something planned."
"Indigo?" Berry called, "Indigo are you alright?"
"...I think Viola actually knocked him out," Clover said as he sat up. "...If Shadow doesn't kill him, Indigo will."
-
Hyrule Castle:
Viola looked out at the distant land out the window of the darkened Hyrule castle. Distancing himself from the celebrations of the “death” of the hero Link. He felt a dark presence’s eyes watching him. Viola mused aloud, “So this is our country.”
“Yea. It’s a nice view.” Shadow said, walking over and leaning next to them. “Though seeing your work- With just the two of us, we could rule over far more than Hyrule.”
Viola hummed, “Will you betray Vaati?”
“Eh, I was the one who got him out in the first place. We can just seal him back up again.” Shadow chuckled, leaning back, confident and lax.
They glanced at them with a soft concern, “So you’ve always been using him. Or rather… our ‘king’ has…?”
“....You mean Ganon. Don’t you?” Shadow hummed, closing his eyes and laying on the stone, “He’s been growing in strength this whole time… I can’t do anything against him.”
Viola leaned forward, brows furrowed. Shadow was quiet, then grinned, “Ganon is the one who allows me into this world. With the power of the dark mirror. He granted me my whole station here. Our station.”
They considered him. They smiled, leaning in, “Dark mirror?”
Shadow whisked him away in a swirl of magic. Viola grimaced. So much for finding his way back alone. Va stumbled as ver feet hit the ground. …An idea struck him, and he slipped out of Shadow’s grasp to collapse on the ground with a dramatized groan.
“Woah, Viola!” The Shadow’s feet lifted off the ground, eyes wide with worry and he fumbled to help Viola up, “What was that?”
“Ung, I think that mode of transport just made me a bit dizzy…”
“Really?” Shadow frowned, voice quiet in confusion and concern, “Has it always been doing that?”
Viola furrowed his brows, keeping his head low, working to keep his breath level. How could he possibly play this? What answer was the safest bet? He was going to get caught if he didn't answer soon-
“Why are you breathing like tha-...Shit are you gonna throw up or something? You better not throw up.”
“I’m not going to…" va cleared ver throat. "I won't.” Thank the goddesses for Shadow’s uncertainty about human reactions. “I think I was just already exhausted this time. Fighting your physical match three to one isn’t particularly easy.”
“Oh. Right. Human limits. …We can walk back when we go.”
Viola smiled. “Thank you, that’ll probably be for the better.”
Shadow chuckled, “Just don’t make me carry you. Vaati already thinks I’m indulging you too much.”
They giggled. Va leaned a little on Shadow, hoping to keep the ruse of feeling ill up long enough to guarantee they’d travel in a way that let him see how to get there alone.
“This is the great dark mirror.” Shadow said, gesturing dramatically to a circular, ink-dark mirror. It seemed relatively simple in form. However, the dark aura was palpable.
“Fascinating,” Viola whispered, leaning back off Shadow to look closer. He raised a hand-
“Ahk- don’t touch it!” Shadow said quickly, grabbing Viola’s hand quickly.
He startled, eyes wide. “Why, what would happen?”
“I’m not sure....It just feels weird.”
“Huh?”
“I told you, that’s what I come from. I’m Link’s shadow. The mirror’s power can make a dark reflection out of people. You’re Link but… not Link. It’s making me feel weird.” Shadow stared at the mirror’s reflection of Viola with a strange, disturbed frown.
Viola hummed, “Okay…” He stepped back from it and Shadow sagged a little in relief. “So, dark reflections- what else?”
Shadow put on an easy grin, touching the side of the mirror, “It’s a gateway to the dark world, a wellspring of darkness. As long as this mirror is whole, Ganon and I have endless power. I’m effectively indestructible with it,” he winked.
They nodded, “I see…” Viola smiled, “Sounds incredibly useful.”
“Absolutely. It was used to seal away a dark tribe some time ago. Ganon’s been able to reutilize it.”
“So it probably has powers beyond what Ganon’s found?”
Shadow raised an eyebrow, looking at the mirror, then pulling Viola to the side, walking away from the mirror’s sight, “Maybe?”
Viola lowered his voice, “Someone might even be able to find some way to use it against him?”
Shadow whispered, “We can’t-”
“Think about it. We could be free to rule the world. Just us. We already know how to handle Vaati, perhaps with some more planning and investigation, Ganon would come just as easily. I’d be here to help you the whole way.”
He frowned, “You won’t be able to utilize it’s full power. Only someone with magic like Princess Zelda or Ganon could.”
“...We could use Zelda, too. She trusts me. Link. Especially if we tell her our aim is to stop Ganon and Vaati.”
Shadow’s eyes went wide, “She would-” he looked intently at Viola, “She doesn’t exactly like me-”
“I’ll protect you from her. It’ll be us at the top of the world by the end. I aim to make sure of it. I don’t want to see you under the foot of anyone else any longer.”
He thought for a moment. He walked alongside Viola, arm wrapped around his shoulders. “Viola, I think you’re my best friend.”
Viola huffed a smile, shrugging.
Shadow smiled, ernest, “No, I mean it,” he hummed, looking forward, “I feel I finally have a trustworthy ally.”
Didn’t that feel like a sting. A swirl in his gut. He wasn’t trustworthy or an ally at all. Viola glanced to the side. He forced a smile, giving Shadow a squeeze around the shoulders. “We’ll be able to do it. We just have to get to Zelda without Ganon or Vaati’s interference.”
“I know where she is. I can get us there.” Shadow said, grinning.
“See, it’s already coming together.”
-
Temple of Darkness:
Viola stared at the mirror, gripping the hammer in one hand. Time was running out. They already had turned the Knights to monsters- his own father-. They had aimed to move Zelda and the remaining maidens. Taking them away from reach even with Shadow's help… If he didn’t move quickly, they’d probably move the mirror too.
And Shadow… Shadow had burned so much down it made him sick. He couldn't allow more. He couldn’t risk a true long con. They knew it. He let out a breath and raised the hammer. He whispered to himself, “I’m sorry Shadow.”
They swung, only to stop as they caught their reflection in the mirror. In the dark shades of the twisted mirror, he looked exactly like Shadow. No. He looked scarier… His breath caught. Va dropped the hammer. The sound of its clatter echoed in the hall.
“Intruder!!” A voice from outside called. A soldier burst into the room.
Viola gasped, quick to raise his hands, “I didn’t- I just wanted to look! I tripped over this hammer. Someone must’ve dropped it here earlier.”
Another set of soldiers encircled him, and Viola felt a shiver go down his spine as Shadow appeared next to him. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. I was just looking. I promise.”
Shadow frowned, picking up the hammer, like it offended him. He looked over at the mirror. “Someone tried to break it.”
He held his breath.
"That damn hero-" Shadow concluded, he zipped over to the mirror and touched its surface. It rippled and a shape formed. Showing the group of three talking to a young redheaded girl.
Viola's eyes went wide, taking slow steps back. Could he always see them through the mirror?
"...They’re alive?" Shadow turned to look at Viola with wide eyes, "How are they alive?"
"I- perhaps they had a fairy. I- I don't know."
Shadow's expression pinched and he looked back at the mirror. The vision rippled again, and Viola's unmistakable shape stood in front of them, hammer raised.
Shadow stared at the mirror for a moment. Viola stumbled backwards, desperately looking for an exit strategy. Shadow's shape rippled, sharp and dangerous.
"You-" Shadow growled, "TRAITOR" He roared, teeth bared as he turned to them. "Take him! Now!" He commanded his army.
Viola tried to fight. He managed for longer than he expected. But it wasn't enough.
Viola came to slowly. Ver body was exhausted. He strained against rope briefly, before determining it was futile. It was cold, dripping. He shivered, looking around at the cold stone.
Shadow was at a distance, obscured by the jail bars between them. His eyes dull and dark. "Well good. I was starting to think I'd have to kill you in your sleep."
"A sympathy you couldn't afford, I'm sure." Viola mumbled.
Shadow laughed, bitter "No, no. See, you're worse than just normal evil."
Viola swallowed.
"You're good at it too…" he frowned, "So, I decided as soon as I blow your little ‘siblings’ into smithereens, I’ll throw you into a vat of lava like I should’ve let you fall into, and destroy your damn sword while we're at it. You'll be useful for something." He shrugged and waved a hand, “So, enjoy the view, I’ll be back in a moment.”
"Wait wait- I just need you to know-"
"Att! No! I'm not going to listen to you any longer! I'm not going to let you sink your nice little words into my mind anymore."
"Shadow-” Viola pleaded. Shadow nearly rammed into the bars, teeth bared as he grabbed Viola by the front of his tunic. They gasped, pulled up against the cold metal.
“I hate you,” Shadow growled out, “I’ll never forgive you. So don’t. Even. Try. You’re lucky I have orders to deal with the active heroes first.” He threw Viola backwards, crashing against the stone wall. “I thought you were my friend.”
Viola coughed, rolling over and curling up.
Shadow scoffed and after a moment of silence, vanished.
-
Hyrule Castle:
“Viola has to be in the castle too, right?” Berry said aloud, shaking excess water out from his boots. They kept their gaze on the glow of searchlights surrounding the building.
“Shadow throwing giant bombs at us for the last couple of hours feels like a good enough indicator that we’re getting warmer,” said Indigo with a huff. “The important question is- If we find him in good enough shape, can I punch him in his stupid jerk-off face?”
“No,” Clover grumbled, “You can not punch them.”
Berry sighed, looking up at the castle walls. “How can we get in? All these searchlights- they’re definitely waiting for us.”
“...Let’s try to sneak around, this way.” Clover waved them along and began tip-toeing past the swirl of lights. Berry and Indigo trailed after. Clover halted abruptly, spotting a light moving into his path. Berry and Indigo crashed into him from behind, all of them fumbling over each other. “Seriously?!”
“Sorry! Sorry!” Berry whispered.
An alarm wailed. The group all groaned and swore.
They were pushed unceremoniously into a cell. The door slammed. The soldiers turned away quickly, chatting amongst themselves about who would go get Shadow and notify Vaati, walking away.
“Well… We’re in?” Berry offered with an awkward giggle.
“I hate jails,” Indigo grumbled.
“Hey at least they’re not guarding us. We should be able to find a way to escape-” Clover looked around. In the neighboring cell, he spotted a curled-up violet clad figure. Almost hidden away in the shadows. “...Viola?”
“Viola’s in here?” Berry gasped, “Thank goodness! Vi are you okay?!”
The figure tightened further into a ball.
“...Vi?”
“Viola, get up you idiot!"
They sat up, turning to look at them. Ver eyes were reddened and puffy.
"Well...You look like shit."
"Indigo!"
"He's right," Viola grumbled, "I'm sure I do."
"I think that's the first time you said I was right about something."
Viola huffed, then stumbled up, leaning against the cell door. "Glad you're alive but- You're not supposed to be here." He considered saying a proper apology, but it felt like a hollow gesture.
"Neither are you," Berry said, and it was close enough to forgiveness. "We just have to figure out how to get out."
He sighed and slid back down to sitting on the cold stone, "Alright… I suggest you start by moving the things in there."
Indigo immediately kicked around all the items in the cell.
"Oh this tile is off!" Clover exclaimed, he pulled it out of the way, revealing a hole. He jumped in.
Viola watched with a slight frown for a moment, before a knock came on a stone in Viola's cell. He turned, looking at the stones and helping them lift up the stone to create another opening.
Clover grinned, "Yes, because we're back together again."
Viola smiled softly. He helped Clover up out of the hole and started to look around the cell for hidden items and passages.
"Boomerang!" Clover called, lifting it up.
"Perfect!" Berry called, "Come back over here, there's a few pots across from us that might hold something we could use!"
Indigo and Berry helped them out. As soon as Viola was fully out of the passage, Berry pulled him up into a hug. Squeezing him tightly.
“Hey, give me a second to say hi too,” Indigo said, tapping Berry’s shoulder. Berry let go of them. Viola raised an eyebrow at Indigo. He smiled, then punched ver.
“OW” Viola covered his nose with his hand.
“I said no hitting!” Clover complained.
“Va knocked me out, now we’re even.”
Viola stared at Indigo for a moment, then laughed. “I love you all,” He said, near tears.
“Yeah yeah, same. Never pull that kind of bullshit again.”
Viola nodded, swallowing heavily.
“Let’s get out of here, okay?” Clover said, lifting the boomerang.
[Image Description: a 4 panel comic of Linked Spirit's Shadows. Panel 1: Shadow raises his hand, grinning, "Show of hands, who's Evil?" AoL Shadow stares at him with a hand on his hip, frowning. Dark looks over boredly while ST Dark sits on his shoulders, sword poised at him. Umbra scoffs, arms crossed. Panel 2: Shadow shouts "....Well what the hell! Someone is lying, you can't ALL be good" Umbra raises a hand, "It's because you're an idiot. Hey, show of hands! Who's "good"?" Panel 3: The three links stare blankly at them. ST Dark rests on Dark's shoulders, sword pointed down casually. Panel 4: Shadow stares with a pout while Umbra gestures at the others. "...actually, that makes sense." Shadow mumbles. End ID]
I like to imagine this one comes semi-directly after this. Shadow also only considers himself Evil purely because he thinks being Evil means he's Fun.
[Image Description: A fully colored drawn reference page of Linked Spirit's Shadow and Dark Links. Shadow is based on Smith, with the same skintone and eyes, but his outfit is black and an ashy purple, and his hair is a dark purple, his ponytail is longer, to mimic the hat. He does not hide his clawed hands or tail. He smiles sharply, posed as if floating. Umbra is based on Rinku, shaded in a dark violet hue with red eyes. She holds a sword in one hand, grinning, and waving "come on". Void looks like Hope's silhouette from the side, looking pensive, hands behind her back. Dark looks like a grayscale Bean, without the extra belts or ocarina, his eyes are a blank white, looking flatly ahead. Smoke looks like Engineer's silhouette, raising a smokey sword. End ID]
The Dark/Shadow Links, as seen in their respective Light Worlds (as opposed to all of their color-coded Full Shadow Looks) I decided to write a little Description/Explanation of them all, especially since they do connect to the Links
Shadow (FSA): A playfully mean jerk. Created by Ganon through the power of the Dark Mirror, and partially an aspect of Ganon. He thinks highly of himself, but he is incredibly sensitive to rejection and injustice (perceived or genuine). He lashes out when scared. However, he acts cool and in control otherwise. He both admires and resents Link, but most deeply wishes for his attention.
Umbra (OoX & ALBW): An angry, sarcastic smack-talker who has more bark than bite. Initially created by the Dark Fairy Queen Veran and has been vaugely attached to Rinku since. She has a rigid sense of rules. She easily gives into creatures of higher rank, but will only extend the amount of effort that is required to follow the "rules". However, she enjoys fighting games and excuses to smack-talk Link.
Dark (OoT): Quiet, but playful and taunting. He is slow to warm, but once he feels comfortable, he easily adapts to who he is around, often adopting other's mannerisms. Dark takes a mentor role upon himself, from the initial purpose for the magic in the Water Temple that created him. But it has been corrupted by Ganondorf, leading him to focus very heavily on flaws. After the clearing of the Water Temple, Dark's eyes are no longer red.
Smoke (ST): An aggressive one, loves a good challenge. She works in a fighting arena, and nobody knows where exactly she's from. She is impulsive and vindictive. She is friendly with Link, finding her fun to play with. She likes to find ways to sneak gifts to her.
Void (AoL): Silent, calculating, and distanced emotionally. Created by the King's wizard, they take their duty to protect the Triforce seriously. Hope was taken off guard by the Shadow, as their nature made his habit of distracting and taunting their opponent nearly impossible.
[Image Description: A color redrawing of a Four Swords Adventures Manga panel, in which Shadow hooks an arm around Violet Link's shoulder, shaded darkly while Vio looks down, brows furrowed and wide-eyed. The redrawn Shadow and Vio are fatter, with larger ears and they are leaning closer to each other. End ID]
Shadow: hi, you need so many more cuddles than the idiots give you, be evil with me
Viola: ah shoot I'm touch starved this is gonna be hard to ignore
[Image Description: A set of 5 lineart drawings with Linked Spirit Shadow and the Colors. Each drawing has a color doodle of the Color's namesake and a purple shadow over their heads. 1: Viola sleeps, one arm under a pillow, while Shadow lays behind ver, looking at ver softly. 2: Indigo ruffle's Shadow's hair, who pulls his ponytail in return. Both look at each other with glaring smirks. 3: Smith and Shadow stand back to back, looking at each other out of the corner of their eyes. Shadow smiles, while Smith looks apprehensive. 4: Shadow leans close against Berry, holding a bomb and smiling. Berry holds a fire rod, smiling brightly at him. 5: Clover looks intently at Shadow's arm, brows furrowed, while Shadow looks on lightly confused. End ID]
Shadow: If I didn't like, die, I'd have like the BEST relationship with Link rn I promise
[Image Description: a 6 panel comic of LoZ Shadows drawn as silhouettes with white eyes, black eyebrows and mouths, but otherwise undefined features. Panel 1: Wolf Link's Shadow, looking up. Panel 2: Wolf Link's Shadow's hair turns spiky, and gains a yellow and red eye coloring, wide-eyed. Panel 3: FSA Shadow "Shadow" looks at the wolf, brows furrowed, hand on his chin, "Something is Off about that one." Panel 4: OoA Dark "Umbra" stands next to Shadow, one arm raised to explain, "There's some random chick that takes over the dog's shadow from time to time." Shadow raises and eyebrow, "That happens?" Panel 5: Midna's silhouette pulls halfway away from the Wolf's Shadow, "Shut up I'm trying to listen in." Shadow looks at her, wide eyed, almost dumbfounded. Umbra turns away, arms crossed, with an "uhg." Panel 6: Shadow shouts "YOU CAN HEAR THEM?" Midna looks up, grimacing, "That's not shutting up." End ID]
Another "Linked Shadows" and I've gotten nicknames for... 3 of them (FSA keeps Shadow, OoT keeps Dark, and OoA gets Umbra)
