First Steps // Nightmare

[Midna]

It was as simple as he told her it would be. Perfect timing, meld into the shadows, and wouldn't you have it, she was shifted into the next realm, no biggie~ As soon as she arrived into the Light Realm, she flinched a little unaccustomed to the harsh rays the light of the sun provided the land. She had long forgotten that the Dark Interlopers accommodated in the Twilight, forsaking the light of this realm's. Fortunately for her, she held a great immunity against it for being of royal descent, but she couldn't say the same for the rest of her twili. One glimpse at the sun's rays would be an instant death for those not equipped to handling it.

It wasn't the same kind of twilight per say as it was back in her home. In Hyrule, she noticed how the colors that blended so beautifully together in the sky seemed rather... depressing. It reminded her way too much of prior events, which had to be shaken off really quickly. It was time to do a little bit of exploring on these new turfs, and what better way than to check out the sites~

As a little imp, she floated around taking in the vast lands of the fields, where green, green grass stretched out as far as she could see. Within the distance, she saw in one end a large mountain, and in another she made the assumption that the large structures in the distance was the Castle where the current leader of the Hyrule Royal Family lived. She made a note later on to pay the royal member a visit~ In the mean time, it was all about taking her first steps in a whole new world.

[Nightmare Darklight]

Ah dusk. He rather liked it. It could also be considered twilight. That one time of the day when it wasn't quite day, yet it wasn't quite night. When they both melded together if for even a brief amount of time. He found it to be a rather pleasant time of day. Even though it seemed that it was a sentiment that few really shared. He wandered Hyrule Field all by his lonesome. It wasn't really the time of day that bandits were out and about, but the rogue Ainur, those out of his rule, weren't out causing a ruckus either. It could be said that dusk was in fact, the safest time of the day, followed only by the time of dawn.

However, he spotted a figure in the distance. Now he was curious as to just who could be up ahead. He couldn't really see them. It didn't help that it was dusk, and that night was beginning to fall over the land. That would obscure anyone's vision. So, he figured he would take a closer look. Using his enhanced speed to close the distance, it didn't take him long to get a general outline. From there, he slowed his pace, allowing him to sneak as he slowly crept up upon the figure. Honestly, at this point, he knew that it wasn't human, and he figured that chances were it was one of the monsters out and about. Upon closer inspection, he was right.

It was an imp. A tiny little imp. Nightmare raised an eyebrow at this. Weren't imps meant to be tricksters, hiding in the shadows to play pranks on people? Well, perhaps this one was feeling just feeling a little braver than the most of them. "It's unusual to see one of the Ainur, an imp no less, wandering about in the fields of Hyrule at this time." He spoke, in an attempt to surprise her. Honestly, that was true. Hyrule did not like the monsters. There had been thousands of years of conflict between the two factions. And to Nightmare, before he could get peace, he had a feelings things would get much worse before then.

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[Midna]

There was so much to behold, and the little imp wanted to see it all. Where did she start? Pausing in her tracks, she hovered above the ground for a moment or two. Midna did a nice long stretch to get her limbs all nice and relaxed. Nothing felt better than to be able to travel out on her own, and away from the palace.

Like the setting sun slowly sinking away into the western skies took away the stress from earlier events. As much as she enjoyed home, and the luxury the Twilight Realm provided, she could grow to enjoy this place as well. Her deep scarlet eyes filled with mirth, and wonder curious as to where should she start her journey. Decisions, decisions~

Her train of thoughts would quickly come to a halt picking up the presence of another nearby. It was soon followed by a voice which she turned to face a male approaching her. What the heck was an Ainur? Midna's mind began ticking trying to put some pieces together. Did he think she was a creature native to Hyrule? Very interesting~

Let's see how well she can play up the charade before he decides to get smart. This could probably help her out in the long run when it came to investigating the very reason why she came into the light realm to begin with.

"What can I say~" she replied, "Following the fold gets boring. Flying solo, you don't have to share your prey, don't you agree?" She flashed him a devious grin. Hovering in place, her sunset locks pulled up in a ponytail bobbed a little in a bouncing, peppy motion. First steps, and already she made an acquaintance. What were the odds of that happening? Not that she had any problems with it - in fact, she found it as a perfect opportunity to have some fun while she was here. "I take it travelers are far, and few around this time too?"

[Nightmare Darklight]

Her actions, what she was describing. They were things that Nightmare really didn't buy completely. Frankly, it was because she was an imp. Namely why in the world was an imp out and about this late, especially one that was flying solo, and acting so bold nonetheless. Nightmare crossed his arms, and shot her a glare saying 'I know that you're not telling the truth.' There was something seriously fishy going on around here. If she was actually telling the truth, then this was an imp that didn't know its place. He knew imps, they were not fighters. They literally were incapable of actually being capable fighters, save for very, very rare exceptions.

Well, now he was wondering whether or not he should call her out on it. He figured that he could get her to dip herself a deeper hole. Then again, she had already dug herself in pretty deep just to start with. Well, he figured that he could call her out on it, watch what would happen or at least try to bail herself out of it. "Yeah, see, there's something with those claims that tell me that you're lying, or at least trying to hide something juicy." He wasn't exactly aware what it was, but he knew that imps did not act like that. There had to be something going on for her to be making such claims.

Ah well, he figured that he should probably be backing up his claims that she was lying. "Namely, I've run into imps before. Nearly all of them are rather weak creatures, living and moving in groups and preferring to prank their targets from the shadows." Though she was correct in the idea that people didn't really travel much at this time of day. Understandable, as things could get pretty bad out here at night. "Though you are right. Most people are using this time to get home before night falls. Things can get pretty nasty in this field. Once night falls, you're taking your life into your own hands."

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[Midna]

Well, wasn't he just a clever little light-dweller~

Her lone carmine eye disclosed narrowed as he right away put her on the spot. Clearly, this male was not one who could be pleased with half-ass'd answers. It would seem that being bold, and brave were odd traits for native imps to have in this realm. Not that it mattered, Midna could care less as to what kind of nature natives had in this world, it didn't pertain to her benefit. Quite a predicament she's gotten herself into~ She raised one of her stubby hands, and stared at her fingernails for a moment or two brushing off her new found annoyance.

"And?" she asked, "Even if I had something to hide, why should you have to know? Not your business, and I don't share~" She crossed her arms, and turned her head to the side to put emphasis on her statement. It really wasn't any of his business to know what she was up to. On top of that, the little imp held no intent in revealing anything either to the male to begin with. If she had to then she'd just teleport out of sight, and ditch the blonde for good if turned to worse case scenario. However she was willing to be a sport, and give him the chance to back off~

Every happy little flock has a black sheep. Yeah, she was an imp, and on her own in the middle of Hyrule Fields late in the evening. For the most part, he shouldn't really care on what business she tended to. It was her own affairs she had to mind, and if it happened to run in the midst of danger then it was her problem.

[Nightmare Darklight]

As the imp's eye narrowed, Nightmare immediately knew that he had done something right. Apparently, not buying into her story was indeed the smart thing to do, as no one would be venturing out this close to night. Not to mention that she was an imp venturing out this close to night, which just made the whole thing peculiar. They weren't supposed to do that! Most of them fled when they realized they had been dragged into an actual confronations. Even the ones that stuck around tended to run while pelting the assailant with, while not lethal, highly annoying fireballs. It was no wonder that people chased them into the woods, anyone would want to kill the little brats dead.

He started to wonder what this imp would do if faced with confrontation. Would she stick around and actually fight, like the front she was putting up? Or would it fall apart and she'd run just like most imps did. Or would she take the path of annoyance and pelt him with crap while he chased after her, again like imps. He was almost tempted to find out for himself. Nah. Not now. He could wait a bit and see if it came to that. For now, he could just keep pressing her and see what was going on. Normally, one would think that the Emperor had better things to do than pry into other people's business, but he was nosey at times, and he was being nosey right now.

Regardless, it was clear that she wasn't going to just start telling him everything that was going on. Nightmare couldn't go barging in and get answers from her that easily it seemed. Rather, he had to get her to dig herself another hole before calling her out on whatever error she managed to come up with. Though before he could, it would probably be wise to get some basic information out of her. At least if nothing else, he would have more information to work with rather than the fact that she was an imp. "Fine. Have it you way. What's your name, anyway?" Nightmare put on an act of frustrated indifference. That was what imps liked, right?

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[Midna]

For the most part, she had a pretty good idea on how light-dweller's managed their time by the lighting of the sun. That didn't excuse the fact that she knew not that it was customary for people to seek shelter when light was low upon the lands. Danger was prominent when helpless prey could not see where they were going, and night crawlers carried a heavy advantage over everything. She had nothing to worry about capable of taking care of herself should the need arise.

It would appear that the male found such behavior foreign, which for the most part, was fairly accurate. Midna couldn't help but ponder if he was thinking she was hiding treasure or something relative to the sorts. Did imps like treasure? She was only assuming~

It was all a matter of how the situation plays out further before she made the decision to ditch tall, blonde, and nosy. She could easily pelt him with a bit of telekinesis - after all, who doesn't love a good force push to startle your senses~ Though she was saving her actions for later; for now, she was prolonging the verbal aspect of this encounter for as long as possible. You'd think after talking with a strange creature, your instincts would tell you to move away from the oddity, and be on your way~

Obviously, this man had quite a bit of time on his hands if he was - one, bored enough to poke his nose into someone else's matters or two, a complete weirdo who found himself fascinated with imps or other strange creatures of this world~ Either way, it amused her to a degree of the odds she would run into someone like him. Such is life, and it's funny little way of putting people in your paths. "Surely you have better things to do than poking your nose where it doesn't belong," she said as she placed her hands behind her helmet. "You may call me Midna. Yourself?"

[Nightmare Darklight]

Huh, he had to admit, that he hadn't really heard a name like Midna before. Well, sort of. Now that he thought about it, it really did have some similarities to Zelda. More that it sounded somewhat similar, same amount of syllables, and in a way, ended in the same way. Then there was also the idea that she had surrendered her name so easily. Perhaps this imp truly was a rare bold one, instead wishing to venture out for some reason. It was an idea that was rather difficult to fathom, but it was not impossible to comprehend. Though now this little creature had the Emperor interested in what it was really doing.

Well, this imp did ask him for a name. Then again, if he told her who he was, there was a chance that she might end up fleeing. After all, if she was just causing trouble, then the fact she ws causing trouble for the leader of her people might spook her a bit. Then again, she might have been one of those monsters that existed, but did not follow the Emperor. In fact, she might have been one of those that actively opposed him, opposed his rule. In that case, then at least he could spook a bit of opposition. To be honest, the pros outweighed the cons, so why not introduce himself to her? "I, little imp, am the Emperor Nightmare Darklight."

Now to him, it was time to see if she was really being bold or if she was hiding it. After all, there were few that actually enjoyed being confronted with the Emperor. And quite a few monsters outright disliked it. He was somewhat curious if she would get skittish and bolt, or if she would actually remain there, not really affected by this revelation. He had to admit, an imp that could fearlessly stand up to him would definitely be an interesting individual. Then again, he certainly didn't seem like a mighty emperor sometimes, as most emperors probably did not wander around the world at random, running into people.

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[Midna]

Midna blinked. Waitaminute. What did he say his name was? Nightmare Darklight. The little imp had to bite back the laughter that was about to explode from her system. What kind of name was that?! Not to mention he said he was an emperor~ In the back of her mind, she could only imagine the people of Hyrule telling their kiddies during bedtime, that if they don't go to sleep that the monster emperor, Nightmare would come and gobble them up. The image was hysterical!

"Let me take a guess," she started, "Do they tell horror stories of 'Nightmare, the Terrible' or something close to that around these parts?" A giggle managed to escape from her mischievous mouth. Her? Having too much fun with this? Nah. Never. If anything, it was a clear sign that she obviously didn't have any fear for this fearsome man. She didn't have much to lose out of it~ As for gaining anything out of it... well, she got a good laugh. That counted for something.

Then again she didn't have much room to talk herself. She was a princess disguised as an imp, but that was a story for another time. If she ever gets to that chapter, but we're digressing at the moment.

[Nightmare Darklight]

Nightmare didn't blink when she ended up laughing at his name. Really, the joke was on her. She couldn't turn into a giant nine headed fire breathing hydra, so ha. Plus people had laughed at his name before. Though the Emperor bit usually got them to shut up. If they continued and he didn't like them, he'd just transform. That always worked. Thankfully this time, he really didn't care enough to do so. After all, if the imp was laughing at him, then she really did not know who she was talking to, and she'd probably piece things together sooner or later. Though, her next words were something that spoke to him on a more personal level.

The Emperor scratched the back of his head, a light blush appearing on his cheeks. "Unfortunately yes. There are several stories used to scare the living daylights out of children, as much as I don't enjoy it." When he said several, he meant several. Great heroes had their names etched in history via song and stories from the most skilled of bards. Him and nearly every other emperor in history had their names preserved in ghost stories used to scare the bejeezus out of children, to make them do whatever it was that their parents wanted to do. "From what I've noticed, they use it to make them study harder in school." He admitted.

That didn't mean that the stories were bad though. Some of them were actually quite good, if a little out there. There was one of a hero acquiring a bow to slay him, as part of several trials entrusted upon him by the Goddesses. Then there was one where every year, a young maiden would be sacrificed to be devoured by him, before he was eventually killed by a man getting him drunk then killing him. Then of course, there was the usual legend of the hero in green showing up, doing his thing, and killing him. They started to get a little predictable. What about one where he actually won in the end for once?

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[Midna]

Ouch. So people really did make up all kinds of stories about this guy? Well, one would think with a name like that it was meant to be intimidating. Hell, would Midna know~ It was still amusing to think about. In this day, and age, it was hard to go by words alone unless they could back it up with some kind of proof. Though the little imp had no time or the patience to be proven that he is who he proclaims to be. So for now, she would take it with a grain of salt until convinced otherwise.

"For an emperor, I've got to say, your reputation doesn't perceive you as a friendly guy," she grinned. What was entertaining was the fact that he was accompanying an imp hanging out in the middle of the vast fields. Not another soul in sight except the two of them. Though she supposed that odd people attract one another in odd places, right? In the back of her head, she was kind of thinking how long did it take him to come up with such a name~ It was obviously an alias to hide his real name for some apparent reason. Why else would someone want to go by the name Nightmare Darklight?

"Though I suppose it's better to be feared than praised. Your name doesn't get worn out that way," she brought up a good point. Heroes will have their names talked about incessantly until the end of time until eventually it becomes older than dirt. Soon enough your name doesn't become your own anymore, and you'll have nothing left for just yourself. Think about it, no one in their right mind was going to name their next child Midna or Nightmare. Who would think of it?

[Nightmare Darklight]

Nightmare looked back to the side. Yeah, what with being Emperor and all people didn't really think he was very friendly. Hell, people were surprised to learn that he was actually rather good looking rather than a creepy old man who enjoyed cheezy laughter and frying people with lightning. "It... comes with the title. When one hears King or Queen, they merely think that they are a leader. When one hears Emperor however, they immediately think that the Emperor is one of absolute power. Which is true, I guess. But that could be said of Kings and Queens as well." Hell, he had read some history of Hyrule. The Hylian Royal Family had some real monsters in charge here and there, worse than any Emperor of the Ainur.

Though she had a point, there was no guarantee that the villainy would truly last, even after your body had decayed and your spirit had passed on. "Not necessarily." He countered her words, though there was no malice intended. "There's always the chance that you will end up being vindicated by history, and what may have been seen as monstrous, will be seen as heroic and necessary. It's strange what death and time can accomplish, when you step back and look at it." That was another thing, when someone died, no matter how awful they were, it was extremely disrespectful to say anything other than how good of a person they were, he didn't quite get it.

But really, there wasn't much he could do about it right now. All he could really do was just keep on trucking day by day. Really, his biggest concern right now was trying to stop the conflict that had existed between the Ainur and the Hylians for so long. "So I have to admit, imps usually don't think that far ahead really. They usually just concentrate on what's the next prank and running away when the victim gets pissed off. So how come you're different?" Seriously, imps were annoying, but they were also really weak. Once they were confronted, they would usually flee so they could live for another day.

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[Midna]

She was actually impressed with his explaination. So it was no different than the Twilight Realm when you address it with thier system of governments, and the leaders that run behind the state of affairs of their said country. Midna could only speculate what kind of people will lead the fate of this world towards? She had a feeling that dark times will come, but the way and how it will arrive are still a mystery to her. Then there was the deal about how this world will act in order to handle the weight of it all...

In a way, it was actually exciting to be able to watch it all~ Her carmine eyes flickered brightly with interest to his counter to her previous statement. Her smirk widened. "So you're saying that there is a likely chance that one day you're people will be seen as equals with the rest of the races?" she implied that logic. "That from your death onwards people will see in a different light how the Ainur are not so bad?"

Now that would be a sight to see. She wouldn't get her hopes up herself given in the face of what her own people would face, she noted they would share the same fate probably. Met with cautious, and hostile gazes from the very same vermin who cast her ancestor's aside.

However her personal feelings had to be kept locked tight. Midna would not stay longer than she needed to in this world. So long as she had that purpose in mind, she need not allies, but temporary assistance to collect her treasure then leave this place for good. "Who knows," she shrugged, "To be honest, it doesn't take state of the art alchemy to figure out there's more to life than just thinking about the next prank~" Or rather, she had motives she couldn't openly disclose with anybody at the moment.

[Nightmare Darklight]

The idea of being vindicated by history had come to him before. He was sure that sooner or later he would probably be killed. All it'd take is one bad day after all. But would he have done enough in order to make sure that he at least left a decent legacy for the others? Well... "The idea isn't impossible, but for me? It's unlikely. I'll likely go down in history as just another Emperor." All in all, he was still an Emperor of the Ainur, or as the Hylians enjoyed to refer to them, of monsters. It was hard to break out of that. And the truth was that he probably wouldn't be able to break out of it, not unless he changed the world.

He did however, find the imp's words rather humorous. Midna wasn't really quite like any imp that he had run into before. Most of them ran at confrontation, and the Emperor was definitely an alpha, someone to run away from. But, he figured that he could let her have this. He probably had to get going anyway, get back to the tower in the Black Lands and get ready for the next big affair~ He smirked at the imp, amused by her confidence. "That may be. But just remember, little imp~" He couldn't help but tease her a little. He just hoped that she wouldn't get up getting herself killed as a result.

Turning around, Nightmare began to walk away from her. "Imp Gall is a rather popular ingredient in state of the art alchemy." He continued from where he had left off as he started to disappear into the distance. He would leave the imp to her own devices, but she would have to learn to keep herself from getting in way over her head. Couldn't help her with everything, you know~

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[EXIT]