Chapter Two

Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness. Truly the darkness brings out the worst in the world around us, and yet it brings out the best in the people around us and in that of ourselves. The hardest steels are forged in the hottest fires. The difficulty that our heroes have faced is above most things anyone has any had to face. Suddenly the world is about to light up in a burst of flame. What shall emerge?

She smiled as the two walked toward her house. Outside however was an event they could have never predicted.

Rusl was sword fighting a hooded man. Rusl was a good enough swordsman, but whoever was hidden underneath the cloak was much better. It seemed as though he was toying with the older man who was still struggling to hold his own. When the swordsman heard the footsteps of the two coming in behind him he quickly disarmed the older fighter and turned to face the couple.

"Well, it seems as though you lied to me Bo. You said you didn't have her. Yet here she is with this green elf. Hylians, with their strange ears. Listen lad, if you just let me have the girl, this can all go away." Link stepped in front of Ilia while staring at the mayor who was cover in blood from where the stranger had cut him. "Everybody has to be a hero. You don't even know her. Right Bo."

"What are you talking about?" Ilia stammered.

"Oh, he hasn't even told you? Bo, you've out done yourself. You hid her right in plain sight. I'm sorry milady. You are in fact the daughter of a great nobleman in our country. A pity I'll have to kill you."

"You… won't win. They'll stop you."

"A couple of kids aren't going to stop us from anything. Hyrule is ours anyway."

"Yeah that's what you said before we killed your king."

"You killed my father. I should have known. Well Ilia, it's best that I kill your "father" to make up the difference." The figure turned toward the mayor, but felt ice cold steel against his throat. "Stupid kid, you should learn to keep yourself out of trouble. The figure turned and brought up his sword knocking Link's sword away from his throat.

Ilia rushed to help her father while Link faced off against the stranger. He let down his hood and sized up Link. Link immediately noticed his similarities to Ilia. He had the same hair and green eyes. He also had a scar down his left cheek. "You could have lived a bit longer, but now I see that you're just going to get in the way.

"What is your name stranger?" Link asked trying to get as much information out of the man as he could.

"I am Rion. And your friend there is the only thing stopping me from taking complete control of Hyrule."

"Why?"

"If I told you that, then I wouldn't have much of an advantage would I?" The swordsman lunged out at Link attempting to poke his defenses. Link wasn't prepared to give away his skill just yet and made a simple parry. As the other fighter continued to test the green clad warrior he was increasingly distraught by the youth's ability to block even the strongest strikes with a simple parry. Link finally discover the other warrior's strategies and made his first move.

He quickly parry an overhead swing from the left and drove his sword down and into the man's left arm, effectively break the bone while not penetrating the armor. The fighter let go of the sword with his left arm and stared at the Hylian. This was no ordinary teenager. He started stepping around Link trying to get an advantage. When he found none he did the only thing he could think of; the warrior was now between Link and the Ilia and he turned and made a strike at the young girl. The mayor saw the move and took the blow. The cut to his side was fatal, but he had done his job. Link slashed at the soldier nearly cleaving him in two, but his armor managed to take most of the blow. The injured man ran off toward the center of town, where he met his horse and rode off.

"Link…" The mayor was struggling to breath. The teen kneeled by his side. "Keep her safe. Take her... to Zelda; she'll know what… to do. I…I'm sorry… I only wish... that you two didn't have… to go through… this. Link take this." The mayor closed his eyes as he slipped from life. Ilia cried over the body of her lifeless father. Link clutched the last thing that the mayor had given to him. It was a note along with the key to his house.

It was a night that could never have lasted any longer. Darkness descended upon the village yet again. Only this darkness was not that of twilight, but a pure, evil darkness. The villagers mourned the passing of their leader. That very night they buried him. In silence they buried him in the early hours of the morning. Link attempted to comfort Ilia, but he knew anything he tried would be in vain. He decided to get the things they would need and load up a wagon headed for Hyrule castle. It wasn't safe here anymore.

Link left Ilia with Rusl and went into the mayor's house. It was exactly as he had seen many times over. He read the note the mayor had given to him. "When you find yourself wrestling with darkness you can find the answer." Link wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that but he knew it had something to do with the wrestling mat that was in the house. There wasn't anything special about it, but he checked anyway.

He shut the door as he went in and as the room became perfectly dark he notice a light coming from under the mat. He pulled up the mat to find a hole in the floor with a lantern settled in the alcove. There was a sword, a locket, and a note.

"It must be assumed that I am dead should someone be reading this note. I tell you that I am not the man that you may have thought I was. I came from a faraway land to protect my daughter. I am the sage of the western wilderness. For years only I and the leader of Hyrule have known what that means. Now you must go and contact the Princess. Time is of the essence. The Westerners are coming and there is only a little bit of time left before they truly invade. Bring Ilia with you. She will help you to overcome what you are about to face. Good luck, the fate of the world depends on you."

For the second time in only a few months Link was about to embark on a journey to save the world. He took the sword and locket and walked out of the mayor's house; he locked the door and gave the key to Rusl.

"Good luck Link. I know that Bo always considered you a son to him. We'll see you when you get back." Link embraced the old swordsman and smiled. He and Ilia would get that adventure, but it wouldn't be without costs. He met her at the only place he knew her to hide. With Epona and the wagon he headed for the spring where he found her sitting in the pool.

"Ilia..."

"It's alright. There isn't much to be said Link. I just need time alone." Link walked back to the wagon and lay down in the back. Time had taken its toll and he fell asleep in a few seconds. When he awoke the next morning he found Ilia nestled up beside him. Tears stained her face from the previous night. He kissed her forehead before walking back to the front. Another horse led the wagon while Epona was followed them since she wasn't the type of steed to pull a wagon. The horse pulled them diligently out of the forest and toward Hyrule castle.

Hyrule Field was as bright and sunny as ever. Flowers were sprouting all over the field and the birds were chirping. Link felt a hand on his shoulder as Ilia climbed next to him. "It's beautiful isn't it? I've never seen a sight quite like it." Link nodded smiling. He enjoyed the relaxing feeling of the field. She leaned over and kissed him. He was only too happy to receive it. The two of them were so focused on the other that they didn't notice the riders coming up from behind them.

Link broke away from the kiss when he heard the sounds of another horse behind them. There were five riders armed with swords. They were quickly gaining on the wagon and were fiercely eyeing the two young riders. Link drew his sword getting ready to fight them, but suddenly one of the riders fell off his steed, followed by another and then another. The remaining two horsemen wheeled away back to where they came.

Link noticed the wooden shafts that were buried in the chests of the horsemen on the ground. He was also surprised to see that the feather patterns matched his own. He went back into the wagon to check on his bow to find a surprise.

"Colin!"

"Sorry, Link, but you left in such a hurry you didn't let me say good-bye. Then I fell asleep in this wagon."

"It isn't his fault Link, besides; he's a better shot than you." Though he didn't want to admit it the youth was an amazingly good archer for his age.

"Come on Link. I can't go back now it's too dangerous."

"Fine." Colin was happy to get his friends approval, even if it was forced. He climbed back into the wagon while Link sighed. They were nearing Hyrule Castle, but there was an air of darkness that was floating over the land. When they reached the gate the guards quickly opened it allowing the group entrance to the city.

"Princess. Link and a couple of his friends have entered Castle Town. I think you may want to speak with them."

"I know. Darkness gathers in the west. Tell them to meet me at the tavern."

"As you wish." The soldier left Princess Zelda in her room to prepare to meet the new arrivals. Zelda threw on a dark hood and long cloak to cover her normal regal dress. She left through the normal back way. The garden held a tunnel which exited in an abandoned house in the corner of town. From there she hurried down the alley to the main street.

The market place was crowded with numerous people out with the fall of twilight. Zelda made sure that her face was covered as she made her way through the sea of people. She finally reached the back alley and entered the tavern where the members of the Resistance now only met for fun. Link had not yet arrived so she ordered a drink and sat at the bar. She glanced about the room for any suspicious faces. She noticed someone in the corner that appeared of shady intent, but was stopped from taking her time by the entrance of three villagers.

"Link it's good to see you again. Perhaps if we were to meet under better circumstances." Link nodded with his face in carrying a tone of seriousness. She then noticed the two others. One was a teenage girl about Link's age with soft green eyes; and a youth about ten with a childish complexion. He had blonde hair and blue eyes that held a look of determination that she had only seen in one other person.

"Who are your friends Link?"

"I'm Ilia and this is Colin."

"Why did you bring them with you? I don't think what's about to happen is for anyone of their particular skill set."

"Hey, we both know how to fight and Colin has saved people's lives many times. Plus it was the death of my father that led us here. Who do you think you are to question us like this?" Link looked over to Zelda who nodded knowingly. She removed the hood on her cloak revealing her face to those in the bar.

"I'm sorry for your loss, miss, but we have a force unlike any other coming after us. As much as I appreciated your help I can't just send anyone…" She looked down at the note that Link had suddenly shoved into her hands. "Oh, I see. Then this is something larger than I had previously thought. Bring over those three we are going to need help." She pointed at the members of the resistance sitting by the table.

The group unfurled a map and held down the edges. "Now they could come through the desert, which would be the quickest route, but since they sent an advanced party I would assume that they are trying to move around the desert which would put them either through the Snowpeaks, which they won't do, which only leaves one option." Shad stopped with his finger on Ordon. Link stood stoic as the realization dawned on his friends.

"No, we have to go back; we can't just leave our family. Link, tell them." Link stared at Ilia and without a word she knew the response he was going to give her. "You can't just leave them."

"Ilia, we can't do anything. Ordon is outside of Hyrule. We can't send men because our soldiers would simply resist. It's hard enough to protect a land as large as we hold adding to the size we have to cover would be too large." Ilia knew they were right but she could bring herself to give up on those they had left behind.

"Link, you and Ilia will have to travel through the desert to the temple in the West. There you will find the secret to defeating the army of this new threat."

"I am not going unless you can help our friends." Zelda was in a bit of a predicament. She could expend any more of her forces, but if Ilia failed to join Link there would be no hope.

Suddenly she felt a presence behind her. She knew it was the man from the corner. She silently unsheathed her dagger while the rest of the group examined the newcomer. She thrust her arm back to attack the assailant, but was stopped as he grabbed he wrist and took the dagger from her hand.

"Easy friend. I know I'm not quiet Hylian, but that doesn't mean you have to kill me." He stabbed the dagger into the map on the table. "I understand that you and your friends are in quite a mess. I was seeking to offer my assistance."

"We're listening." Zelda said as she sheathed her dagger.

"A sorry would have been fine. Either way, I have friends who are at this moment in the Faron Woods. We are aware of this sudden threat from the west as well and we hope to come away from this ahead."

"So you're mercenaries."

"For lack of a better word, yes. Seeing as you don't have many options on the table I would hope you take my offer."

"What is your offer?" Zelda was concerned about what this strange man would as of her.

"We do this for you and when all is said and done you owe us a favor."

"What kind of favor?"

"We don't know yet, but when we get there you'll know. Deal?" The man stuck out his hand. Zelda looked back at those surrounding the table and knew that she lacked any other options. She took his hand and sealed the deal.

"By the way, what is your name sir?"

"Leif. We're from the land to the south. Irise."

"How is it that we have no idea of your land?"

"We pride ourselves on keeping hidden. Princess Zelda, although I do applaud your efforts to attempt to pry information out of me but it will simply not work. Now I bid you all a farewell. Zelda we are commandeering several wagons to move the civilians out of harm's way."

"I don't think we have enough equipment to move that many people."

"We already took all of your things; I will return it to you on the eve of two days. Until then." Leif left and shut the door behind him.

"Well it appears that your friends will be fine, do I have your cooperation now?"

"We are taking Colin with us too." Link turned to her suddenly very defensive of the youth that they had in their charge. "He'll be fine. Besides we need someone else to accompany us."

"He's only ten."

"I know, but he's already shown his capabilities as a fighter. His courage is unquestioned and he won't leave you anyway Link. Teach him how to fight and he could be more of a help than you think." Link sighed. He would never be able to convince Ilia otherwise, and he would be able to keep them company on the long trip.

"Fine."

"You have your team assembled. We will get you the steeds you require and provide you with supplies. The members of my team will be right behind you if you need any other help. With any luck we can be done with this in only a few days." Shad rolled up the map and put it back in his pack. "Zelda, I assume that you can handle the defense of Hyrule." She nodded. "Then it's settled. Good luck everyone."

The three from Ordon were allowed to stay at the tavern for the night. The rest of the group went their separate way. As they stepped out of the bar Shad turned to Zelda. "What are you going to do when the Amerens take out the mercenaries and kill all of the civilians."

"I wish I had something else I could do. Ilia has to go with Link and this way she does."

"You know that they are stronger than any other army. There is no way that we defeat them."

"That is why Ilia and Link are leaving. They have to destroy the source of their power."

"You know that it's in a temple that hasn't ever been opened, right?"

"What other options do we have? This isn't my choice, it's Hyrule's only option."

Leif wasn't exactly what you'd call a normal around Hyrule. He came with his team from a land to the south. They weren't exactly what you would call average fighters, either. In fact they were incredible with what they did, however Leif also knew what he was getting them into a heap of trouble. The soldiers from Amera were known for their ability to take blow after blow. He also knew that Princess Zelda was aware of the fact. It was the only way that he could convince her to accept his bargain. She never expected him to come back.

The thing was he always came back. Now he was leading his team across Hyrule field to go evacuate people he'd never met from a town he'd never been to just to get a favor. They had something in mind, but they weren't quite sure if they wanted it entirely. The travel was as bumpy as was to be expected. The dirt paths across the fields were uneven from the rough travel by bublins and other creatures that ran amuck during the Twilight. Add in weather and other conditions the roads were more than anything else.

When they reached the Faron Woods they made note of all the positions that they could take and that the enemy could hold. From their scout's report the enemy was about a day out and they would reach them as they were coming out of the Village. "Hey, Sori. There's the entrance to the woods from the village. I bet if we took out that tree we could slow the, down. Take some of the guys and get it ready for when we come back."

"I'm on it Leif."

"Everyone else double time to the village. I don't care when they are expected to get there we need to move as fast as possible." The team rode toward the village with renewed intensity. From what Leif understood the Amerens were going break through the hills surrounding the village. They only hoped that they could get everyone out before the Amerens broke into the village.

"Link is this really necessary, I mean after all we are only going to be away for a little bit." He looked up and smiled at her after he finished placing the shoe on her foot. Zelda set up a going away party for the adventurers. In her mind it was a final farewell, but she didn't tell them that. "Link I want you to answer me."

"Yes, it is."

"Don't give me your little four syllable answers. I want to actually talk to you."

"What's there to say? Zelda asked us to be at a party in our honor. It's only natural we oblige."

"Fine, but I still don't get the whole idea behind it."

"She wants to say goodbye."

"Who throws a party because someone is leaving? It's normally just a sad goodbye to your friends."

"She doesn't think we're coming back."

"What?"

"The Amrens are undefeated in any battle, ever."

"We'll just have to change that then, won't we hero boy."

"Of course." Ilia led Link out the door. Colin was already at the party as he had spent most of the day with the princess. Link and Ilia had spent the day getting ready to leave and cuddling. Many people thought Link was going soft, but in actuality it was more that he wanted to feel someone's touch that wasn't trying to kill him. He was also very happy to find that Ilia liked him back as much as he liked her. His adventure had kept his mind away from thoughts of her, but when it was over he struggled with thoughts of her again.

Every moment he had ever spent with here was one of the best of his life. When he was with her he was always a bit brighter and happier. When she had lost her memory and forgotten him he was nearly torn to pieces inside. His greatest fear was not that she would never remember him, but that she wouldn't be the same person she was. He always liked her for her and not for any other reason. When she lost her memory he was afraid she'd become someone else.

Now though he had none of these thoughts. She led him by that hand to the carriage that was going to take them to the castle where they were holding the celebration. They were to be the last ones there since Link was always the slowest getting ready for any special occasion. His ranchers outfit wouldn't do and the green tunic that had become his mainstay was not suited for such an occasion. The fluffy shirt that he had been lent was the height of style in Hyrule. The only problem was that Link struggled endlessly to get it on. The fight was finally one by the hero, but at the cost a fancy vase. Something he was quite used to doing by now. Ilia had called him clumsy, but he knew what those things could hide.

She tugged at him gently as the carriage stopped outside the Castle gates. He jumped down off the vehicle and then helped her down. The entire city that could make it was standing inside of the impressive structure. Link could feel his blood start flowing. He was the one who hated to be in front of people. Ilia, on the other hand, was so curious that it made no difference to her if there were two or two thousand.

She led him up the steps to the main room. The people crowded all corners of the open area. The only place where there was not a person was in the center of the room. Zelda noticed the two's entrance and walked to the unoccupied area. "People of Hyrule, we are here to day in the celebration of two people who are stronger than any I ever met in my entire lifetime. Link has already saved Hyrule once, and now he and his friend Ilia are going on an adventure to save us again."

The crowd began to murmur as they did not know of the threat that was fast approaching. Link looked hesitant. He was fairly certain that Zelda had something in mind that they hadn't foreseen. Why was she deciding to tell the people now? After all there wasn't a need to tell them at a party. She had something else in mind and Link knew it.

"I'm sorry to all of you when I say this. We haven't told you about the other countries that lie far beyond our borders. In fact there are two that I must tell you of. The Amerens are from the West. They are normally a peaceful nation, but now that we are weak it seems they want to take advantage. Then in the south are the Irese a people that know nothing of the troubles we face. They are a hidden people and appear as mercenaries. If any of you see them coming be sure to raise the alarm.

Link now understood that she was just playing politics. She never intended to pay off Leif and his friends. He couldn't believe that she would just sell them out. He could feel his blood start to boil until Zelda called him forward. Link nervously walked to the center of the room.

"Link is going to save us from these people. So today we have a party in his and his friends honor." Zelda motioned for Ilia to join them. "So let us begin with a dance." Link looked at her with a look of horror. He had never danced in his entire life and now she had him in front of hundreds of people. The music began to play slowly building to the start of the song.

"Link, take my hand." Ilia held out her hand to him. He took it not knowing any other option. "Now just follow my lead." Now that may have been a nice enough word of advice, but Link was still just as terrible as he expected. He only managed a few steps before he tripped and went face first into the floor. Quickly rising to his feet he took a hold of Ilia again. This time though he tried as hard as he possibly could so that he wouldn't make a fool of himself again.

They danced gracefully along the floor and after a while the others joined in. Soon the building was full of dancing couples who were looking to enjoy their evening. Link and Ilia enjoyed the time until at one point Ilia looked up to admire the chandeliers above them. Link followed her gaze, but as he looked up the memories of what had happened here came flooding back to him. He let her hand slip from his and he headed for the door. No one noticed their exit and the party remained a lively place.

"Link what's the matter?" Then Ilia remember what he had done at the palace. Even though no one had been harmed in the castle it was still the culmination of many of the worst things that had happened to them. "Don't worry. That party wasn't that exciting anyway." Link smiled as she attempted to make him feel better. The truth was he wasn't unhappy in the slightest. He would just rather not be there.

"Let's go back. We're leaving early anyway." Ilia wasn't going to argue. They slipped away from the party and walked back toward their temporary residence. Link walked past a cat that purred at him. Before his adventure he would have thought nothing of it. "What is it trying to tell me?" He thought to himself.

"It's just a cat Link. Cats don't know that much."

"You'd be surprised." The cat pointed toward the castle and Link finally remembered what he'd forgotten. "Colin." The two friends laughed as they turned around and headed back toward the castle. Link laid down a large cut of meat he had snuck out of the party for the cat before heading back.

They walked back up the steps and pushed their way back into the party. Across the room Colin was drinking with a few of the soldiers. The pair walked over to them.

"Link, howya doing buddy."

"What are you drinking Colin?"

"It's just some juice."

"Yeah, we've been keeping track of him." One of the soldiers took a drink and everyone watched him go pale.

"What's up? You don't look so good sergeant."

"This is grape juice." One of the soldiers took the drink from Colin's hand and took a drink.

"You might want to take him home. He and the sergeant accidently switched drinks." They laughed as the youth tripped walking away.

"How many drinks did you let him have?" Ilia asked becoming concerned.

"Just one and he didn't finish it, but he looks a little affected by it." The trio walked home through the street. Link finally decided to carry Colin since the youth's walking was becoming erratic. He hadn't had much, but it was easy to tell that it had influenced the poor child. When they reached their place they walked in and placed him on the bed where he fell fast asleep.

"Well it's been an interesting night, hasn't it?"

"Yeah." Link slid the covers over the Colin and left the room with his lady friend.

"Now you have to get out of that silly outfit." Ilia insisted on playing with him as long as she could and indeed Link had a great difficulty getting the clothing off. So much in fact that he just cut the articles off with his sword and donned his tunic. "You're so goofy." Ilia laughed as she ruffled his hair which was already disorganized by the day he'd had.

"Good night." Link kissed her before going into the room they now had to share because of Colin. Ilia followed after him a few seconds later after removing some of her finer garments.

"Hey, Link can I ask you a question." Her only response was that of silence. When she reached the bed she found the hero asleep. She smiled and kissed him on the head before lying down and cuddling up next to him. The dark room gave way to the darkness of her eyelids as she drifted off to sleep.

"Everyone if you could calmly and quietly pack all of your things. You are being evacuated to Hyrule because of a coming attack." The people were still shook up from the recent nights and were only too eager to get away from the memories that now haunted them. The townspeople were quick and efficient. They packed their essentials and nothing more.

Leif was impressed by their quick action. Sometimes even his team didn't move that fast. He had the villagers meet him at Link's house where they would await further instructions. Once the last wagon full of people and supplies was at their rally point Leif had his second in command lead them away from the village and he would bring up the rear.

Leif's second in command was Palee. He was one of Leif's best friends and one of the most capable fighters he knew. He'd saved Leif's life several times and that was only the one's they counted. Unfortunately, it was also well known that his friend had a problem with women. Not in that he treated them wrong or anything, but he had difficulty just interacting with them. The main reason being that women were often much craftier that he and in Irise if you were to let up your guard a bit the others were merciless. That was part of the reason that he stayed with this lowly group of soldiers.

Leif scanned the hillside above the village and noticed that as they were leaving several riders were coming over the top of the hill and descending into the town. He passed the word along quietly and the line sped up slightly. They had just about reached Faron Woods when Leif heard the horses behind him. He whistled for the soldiers up ahead to get ready to knock down the tree, but he knew it was going to be a little bit late. So Leif cut one of the extra wagons loose and set it on fire. The horses coming around the bend behind them were well trained, but they were not prepared for the wreckage in front of them. I took a few seconds for the riders to calm down their horses before they continued around the inferno.

It was too late by the time they again caught up to the caravan. The horsemen saw Leif and charged him. Unfortunately for Leif the tree didn't fall as quickly as expected and several of the riders made it past the barricade, while others were not so lucky. Sori, Leif, and Palee along with their friends held the line against the remaining five soldiers. With their back against the wall they had no option but to engage the mercenaries.

Though they outnumbered the invaders by five to one it was a difficult fight. Leif and Palee landed blow after blow onto one of the soldiers who was only killed when they finally severed one of his arteries. The others had difficulties, but still managed. Three of their friends were cut down in the fighting, but the others refused to back down and killed three others until only one remained.

The finally soldier grabbed Sori by her light brown hair and then twisted the sword out of her hand. With his knife against her throat he removed his helmet. "You Irese scum don't know what you're getting into. I'll tell you what though. You let me go and I'll let you have your friend back. If you don't, you'll just have to watch her die on the ground in front of you."

"Don't let the bastard get away. He's a threat to everyone while he still breathes,"

"I've got bad news pal, we don't negotiate with terrorists." Archery in Hyrule was uncommon. The time it took to learn the use of such an instrument at any level of skill was ridiculous. The Irese however, learned the skills at an early age. One particular soldier, Sipes, was an incredible archer. He was a hundred yards away in the crotch of a tree. He fired the arrow high through the top tree branches. The projectile descended only two inches over Sori's head and stuck the assailant in the temple killing him on impact.

Sori shoved the knife away from her neck while the soldier's body slumped to the ground. "Nice shot Sipes."

"Yeah whatever, that was an easy one." The four friends shared a laugh before turning to their dead friends. Ordinarily the soldiers would spend time burying their brothers in arms, but the situation was dire and as a result they decided that the best way to honor their friends was through cremation. They burned the bodies of their fellow soldiers, but left the enemy's corpses as a warning to those coming after them.

The rather large group raced back across Hyrule field as fast as they possibly could. Every person was watching out behind the caravan. All the villagers were quick to thank the soldiers that had evacuated them from the village. Although the mercenaries were being paid they were good hosts. As the morning light rose the people saw the black smoke from the south. The blackest of black rose out of the forest as their village burned to the ground.

Leif made sure to keep the villagers looking toward Castle town even though he knew that they were in trouble. He was no longer worried about making sure that just the villagers were safe. Now he had to think about the entire nation. The problem was that he knew that the Castle was undermanned and he wasn't sure that they would be able to hold back the invaders unless Link and Ilia completed their mission.

"Come on Link, wake up." Colin was finally force to roll the farmhand out of bed. The young man hit the floor and was up in a second. "Link it's time to go." Link nodded and motioned for Colin to leave while he donned his armor. The chainmail was equally effective against archers as it was against swords and he'd been saved several times by it. He slowly made his way outside where he found three horses waiting.

"Link, we're glad you made it. Good luck; we await your safe return." Zelda was trying to distance herself. She knew the things that could go wrong.

"Hey, here's that sheath you asked for. The exact specs, although it appears a bit feminine for you." The swords sheath was indeed very feminine. It had a pink cloth overlay with designs of flowers and plants. It was one of the on the back sheathes like Link, because that's what the designer had assumed he had in mind. Link pulled out the sword he got from the mayors house, sheathed it and handed it lightly to Ilia.

"Thanks. I suppose where we're going I might need this." They shared a smile before Zelda grew impatient.

"Are you guys going or not?"

"We are." Ilia raced ahead nearly knocking the princess over in the process. Link gave Zelda a weak smile before following his friend. Colin followed up the rear with Link's bow Slung over his shoulder. The trio set off toward the Gerudo Desert. Whatever they were going to face, they would meet it head on.

Link looked back toward the Castle and noticed the smoke rising from the sound. The darkness of such a large amount of smoke was reaching out to cover the land. He only hoped Leif had made it in time. The threat ahead of them now loomed over them. If they were unable to complete their mission everyone was doomed. Link looked back toward their destination and set Epona off at a gallop. The other two were caught off guard and raced after him.

I did manage to update the story. What's next? Flying pigs? I wish that I could promise you more, but promises are made to be broken. I do enjoy this series. If only I could play Skyward Sword. Either way Thank you for reading my story. Review. It's nice to hear from the readers, what I'm doing right or doing wrong.

Darkness is engulfing both of our worlds and though times may seem tough just know that you don't have to give up in the face of it. If it seems as though the whole world is against you, go against the world. I truly believe that when you stick up for yourself and what you believe you become a stronger person. There my rant for the chapter. Good luck. Until next time have a great day and God bless.