Video: Dopplegangers (Filtered from Dark Link)

[zelda_hylia]

[Zelda turns on the feed, looking worn. She's covered up the red around her eyes with makeup (though not all that well), and she's avoiding looking directly at the camera.]

Some of you may have had your houses broken into on the night of the New Year's party. I apologize deeply for the behavior of the man who did it, he is from my world.

I need your help. Anyone's help, really. That man is a magical construct created by my worst enemy. I estimate that he was created a short while ago, no more than a year's time. If his master were present I would say that he is a puppet and needs to be disposed of, but his continued existence without Ganondorf here to maintain the spell suggests that he has a consciousness of his own. I don't know for certain what his intentions are, but a preliminary scan showed that he has little to no direction.

[She puts her head in her hands.]

He is currently convinced that he is Link...

[She can't go on. She turns off the feed, but she'll answer anyone who calls her. Really, anyone. She's completely at a loss for what to do.]

Comments

[behisstrength]

But emotionally?

So he is aware of your friend's existence?

[zelda_hylia]

[She doesn't confirm his first question verbally, but she does nod. It's hard for her, seeing Ganondorf's creation wearing Link's face.]

He claims that he was created to take his place. He seems very intent on it.

[behisstrength]

Your friend is not currently present in Vatheon, I take it? Are you aware if the doppelganger holds any desire beyond taking your friend's place?

[More questions, but Motochika's thinking it over seriously.]

[zelda_hylia]

No, Link is not present in Vatheon.

[She seems to be thinking about it.]

Not that I know of. He made no moves to take something that his master covets, only to... to take Link's place.

[behisstrength]

Hm. What is the extent of your influence over him? Will he value your words?

[zelda_hylia]

Yes, I believe he will. He became very angry when I told him that he must find an identity of his own, though.

[behisstrength]

[Problematic -- and yet it appears to be the only solution. Vatheon, after all, only brings the dead back to life -- even a magical construct, if undone, is likely to ressurect. Nor does he believe that Zelda would allow such an action -- this construct is a person, a he in her speech, not an it. They are already emotionally connected. Besides, those without kindness are no better than beasts.]

Is he dangerous when angered? Are you able to defend yourself should the need arise?

You have a bond with Link and he wishes to have Link's existence for himself. He will pursue you even if you avoid him.

[An assumption, but one Motochika believes to be right.]

But do you want to avoid him? He is not your responsibility, yet you seem to have taken that role regardless.

As long as Link is not present in Vatheon, you have a unique opportunity. There is a small chance that your influence will sway him if you guide him and treat him as his own person. In helping him find his own way, it may well soothe some of your emotional distress. But it would be an effort against the odds.

Only you can decide what you are willing to risk. Cut all contact and fight against the desire he seeks to impose, or struggle to influence him towards better things. A difficult choice... but one that you cannot avoid.

[zelda_hylia]

[She's just not sure she can be kind to him while he's trying to take Link's place. It's a harsh reminder that Link is gone, that she sent him back to his own time and that she won't see him again.]

He would be dangerous with further training, but he has the mind of a child right now. I can handle myself against him. I am... not sure I have the capacity to guide him, but I will consider your words.

[behisstrength]

[Motochika simply nods.]

Whatever decision you make, Zelda, do so with unwavering conviction -- and the knowledge that you do not have to face the consequences alone.