Chapter four! I seem to be having trouble coming up with chapter titles. Hope they're not that bad.

P. N. Blackford: To be honest, I didn't think of that, that would have been smoother, yeah. I figured it'd be fair though to mention where I was getting all the strange ideas from though, but no matter. I offered the story, but I will also add it in during my story as time goes by so it'll still have some smooth reading, as you suggested. (grins)

Thanks to all for the reviews!

Chapter Four: Zelda's Insight

The silence was agony. Neither Link, Arn, or Navi uttered a word as they walked along the dirt path towards Hyrule Castle. Link focused his gaze on the huge gate coming up in front of them, trying to look nonshalant. He wasn't quite sure why he was acting so strange. He had managed to avoid extensive silence all the way there, but at the moment it was like he simply couldn't think of what to say... What could he say?

They had just spent the entire morning travelling through Kakariko Village and then the dirt road between the Village and the Castle before weaving their way through the Market crowd. Arn had seemed amazed when they had rematerialized in front of the Shadow Temple. Of course, he had no idea what it was, and Link didn't tell him specifically. The man had apparently never trekked through Kakariko, either, unsurprisingly, and appeared uncomfortable in the Market, due to so many people being around. Link was understanding will all of this, but what confused him was how Arn dealt with it all. Link's best guess was that the guy was so bad at handling strange or uncomfortable situations that he responded in the only way he knew; with aggression. The guy had been bad-tempered and difficult the entire trip. Not only that, but he had a knack for making any silence extremely awkward. It took everything in Link not to succumb to the awkwardness by pretending to ignore it. He began to wonder not just how trustworthy this guy's statement was, but just how much having a father would be worth if it meant putting up with him. Even Navi was starting to get annoyed. She had said very little during the trip, and if that wasn't indication enough, her glow was brighter than normal, even in the sunlight, which usually meant she was fuming.

As they got closer to the gate, Link could feel the tension in the air rising. Arn had put the hood of his cloak back over his head before they even left the Kakariko Graveyard, but Link could imagine he'd be far more cautious now they were about to be around the Castle Soldiers. Link hoped none of them were going to confront them over it, incase Arn reacted before Link could. Maybe he should give a word of warning...

" Oi, " Link uttered, breaking his gate and turning back to look at Arn. " These guys can be strict, but just keep quiet, I out-rank all of them. " He heard Arn growl underneath the hood, but didn't respond any further, so Link turned back and walked up to the gate where a single Castle Guard stood, his helmet low over his eyes to protect from the bright sunlight.

" How-goes, Fairy Boy? " The guard laughed as they approached. Link hated this guy.

" Open the gate. " Link ordered loudly, ignoring his remark.

" Yes, Sir! " The guy stated with a trace of humour. " And will this fellow be joining you? " Link nodded. " No explanation? You're a cocky brat. Go on, then. " The Guard lifted his spear and slammed it into the dirt where a metal plate had been positioned, making a loud clang. This indicated the other guard up in the tower the Gate extended from to activate the mechanism that opened it, the gate sliding out of their way with a loud rattle. Link thanked the Guard before making his way through, Arn following silently behind him. When they were out of ear shot, Navi floated down beside him, her wings beating furiously.

" By the Goddesses, I hate that guy. " She growled, Link mumbling in agreement.

" Why do you put up with that insubordination? " Arn huffed from behind him.

" If that guy want's to be a jerk then let him. " Link replied without looking back. " He does as I say and that's all that matters. Besides, what's the point of receiving respect if it's been demanded and not earned? " Either Arn didn't bother replying, or simply had nothing to say, for Link didn't hear anything from him, and so they continued on their way in silence. Again. Thankfully they soon reached the proper entrance to the castle, the drawbridge raised as always. The two guards stationed there saw him approach and signalled the guards in the tower connected to the Castle wall, who in turn lowered the drawbridge so it was ready to cross by the time Link and Arn reached it. The two guards there were friendlier and Link received no more antagonising. Now in the main entrance, Link took a right, heading away from the large door that blocked the inside of the castle from view. He heard Arn's footsteps hesitate behind him. No doubt he was confused at why Link wasn't entering the castle. Link didn't bother explaining himself, simply waving over his shoulder for Arn to follow.

They walked for ten minutes, weaving through decorative hedges and guards on patrol, none of which questioned their presence with anything more than a lingering glance. Eventually they came to a long archway. Through it was a small courtyard with a flower design in the middle and ponds around the edges. Walls with a single window in each surrounded them. Directly ahead was a little platform with a few steps leading up to it before ending at a fancy window bearing a Triforce symbol at the top, the Throne Room visible through it. In the middle of the flower design was a young tree with a bench underneath it facing the left window. The tree was young by Link's standards, anyway, as the Kokiri Forest housed tree's that were ancient. This tree was already large enough for decent shade, a new addition that Zelda saw to, since she was always there. And sure enough, there she sat, the young tree's small branches shading her as she read one of the books from the castle library. She wore her usual pink dress and tiara. Zelda looked up at them when they came out of the shadowed light of the archway, smiling at Link's presence.

" There you are! " She exclaimed as she stood up, leaving the book on the bench. " You're late! I summoned you yesterday! "

" Sorry. " Link said with a weak smile, raising his palms in submission. " Something came up. "

" Does it have to do with this mysterious gentleman? " She asked, looking over at Arn. Glancing back, Link noticed his hood had been pulled down further, his entire face cloaked in solid darkness even in the daylight. " Do forgive my rudeness, kind Sir, " Zelda said to Arn, " But I can not see your face. " Arn remained silent, making no attempt to bow to the Princess or remove his hood. His behaviour would be considered extremely rude in front of royalty, but Zelda didn't tell him off as she normally would have done, instead giving Link a confused look. Link simply gave her a look back telling her to drop it. Due to the amount of time they had spent with each other growing up, Zelda recognised most of his looks, understanding him completely.

" I was hoping you could help me with something, " Link began, lifting his left hand to adjust his hat. He turned back to look at Arn again. " You can take that off, no one ever watches this courtyard, and no one ever looks through these windows. " He told him. Arn growled under his breath again, but this time complied, removing his hood so his face was fully visible. Though he looked mighty displeased about it. Zelda gasped under her breath when she saw him.

" Goodness, this man looks familiar. " She stated. " Yet I don't believe I've ever glanced upon your face before... What is your name? " Arn did not reply.

" His name is Arn. " Link said for him. He was hoping Arn wasn't going to express his issues with the Royal Family to an ear so undeserving. " He, uhh... " Link's voice trailed off. He was unsure how he should put this...

" Oh, for Din's sake! " Navi huffed, her irritation now getting the best of her. She flew down from above Link's head to float in front of Zelda. " This jerk claims to be Link's Dad. " She said bluntly. " Link wants you to confirm it. Please say he isn't so I can hit him! He's been a pain in the butt since we met him! "

" Your father?.! " Zelda exclaimed, looking over at Link. " How can that be possible, Rauru claims him dead! "

" That's why we're here. " He replied, adjusting his hat again. " He says he speaks with honesty, and I can't tell myself, so I was hoping you may have some insight. "

" I certainly will. " Zelda nodded. She looked back at Arn, her expression stern. " Arn. " She said firmly. " In a moment I will know exactly who you truly are. If you lie to us, you have only now to drop your charade without serious punishment. What say you? "

" I speak no lie. " Arn stated loudly. His voice was strong and gave no hint of doubt. Link also noticed a tone of anger. Link couldn't tell if it was the hatred of her family behind it or if he was offended at the question.

" Very well. " Zelda said, her voice softer. She stepped forward, her right hand outstretched. The Triforce symbol on the back of her hand shone slightly. Link tensed up. If Arn were going to turn on them, now would be the perfect time. Link couldn't position himself between them and would certainly not be able to move faster than him. He watched Arn's movements closely, but aside from the apparent displeasure at Zelda's approach, he was perfectly still...

Zelda didn't even place her hand on him before she pulled away with a gasp, taking a step back. Was something wrong..?

" Oh... " She uttered after a few moments. " You poor man. " Link stared at her in confusion, but she didn't notice, looking at Arn in pity. " I cannot read minds, " She explained to him, " And I cannot read pasts, or futures, but I do feel who you are, and I feel what heartache you've suffered, even if I do not know the cause. " She bowed slightly to him, something Link hasn't often seen her do. " Your hatred towards me is justified, I thank you for containing yourself. But I must ask you why you feel that way. " Arn hesitated for a moment before simply sighing, nodding his head slowly in a slight bow himself.

" Be assured that you will. " He said harshly, but this time it sounded like the tone wasn't directed at who he spoke to.

" So? " Navi asked, fluttering next to Link. Zelda looked over at him. She looked unhappy. Maybe Link had overlooked Arn's story too much..?

" Oh, yes. " She uttered. " Forgive me, Link. This man... He is your father. " Link simply stared. He just realised he hadn't thought up a reply to that.

" Uh-.. How can you be so sure? " He asked after a moment. He then mentally kicked himself. He had sounded like he disliked her conclusion. Zelda simply smiled at him, though.

" People who are closely related to others seem to have a... connection... with each other. " She explained. " That is the closest way to describe how it feels. You two share a bond that's not developed by time or words. He could spend all the time in the world with you, and say whatever he desired, but he could not have that particular connection unless he truly was your father... Do I make sense? " She asked. Link nodded, but his unhappy expression gave him away. " I still confuse you. Your lies are obvious even when nonverbal. " She smiled again. " But I am confused to. So many great figures have claimed the contrary. This is quite an unexpected situation, but it is not false. " She turned back to Arn, beckoning him closer. " You must explain to me, Arn, where you have been that has fooled even the Sages of Hyrule. "

" The Sages? " Arn grunted, looking sceptical. " Aren't they just a legend? "

" I think it's safe to assume by now that there is a lot you don't know. " Link replied a little too forcefully. " How about you take our word for it until it is our turn to explain? " He noticed Zelda give him a look out of the corner of his eye warning him to back off.

" We have much to share, it seems. " She said to Arn in a light-hearted tone. " How about we sit in a nicer spot so we can quell our curiosities in comfort? " Without waiting for a reply, she turned away and walked back towards the bench, but instead of sitting there she passed it and sat down on the grass underneath the tree, tucking her legs underneath her in a lady-like manner. There she simply stared straight at Link unblinking until she disturbed him enough to force him to follow suit. She had learned a fair few years ago that she could make him do almost anything she wanted that way. Link sat down at least a foot away from her, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his knees. Arn soon joined them, grumbling to himself under his breath as he imitated Link's position, albeit further back.

" Isn't that cloak awfully warm? " Zelda asked him when he was still.

" I'm fine. " Arn said simply, not hinting either way.

" My, " Zelda chuckled, " I assume you haven't spent even a week with Link, yet you quote him perfectly! "

" Hey! " Link snapped light-heartedly.

" Anyway, Arn, " She began, ignoring him, " May I ask you to tell your story first? "

They spent the next hour discussing Arn's tale. Zelda was horrified to hear his past, and what her father had done. Arn only seemed annoyed at her pity, but didn't hesitate to bad-mouth the King, Zelda tolerating his words without resentment. Link also explained how he had come to discover this, mentioning the horde of Bulblins with Navi stressing the importance of the occurrence. Zelda agreed to inform her father, promising not to mention the specific circumstances of their discovery before returning her attention to Arn's tale. She seemed particularly unhappy at what she had learned from the moment she read the man with her gifts. Arn hadn't told her anything different to what he had told Link, so it was definitely not just the story itself that had upset her. He could only imagine that he was either underestimating the impact of the events or Arn was hiding something that Zelda did not want to press him on. In all honesty, it could be either. Link was definitely still in shock over learning he had a living blood relative. He had difficulty seeing anything passed it, and every other thought that he did have felt shallow, like he was looking at it from a distance.. like he was avoiding the main issue. He disliked the feeling... It felt like a road block. Like he had been punched in the proverbial stomach and couldn't get back up, and shifting his focus to other issues as if to pretend he never fell were not fixing it. He had to focus.

" Link..? "

He had to confront the issue.

" Link..! "

He had a father...

A dad...

" Link! " Navi shouted in his ear, ripping him from his thoughts and making him jump in surprise.

" What?.! " He snapped, momentarily annoyed before he realised what was going on.

" Zelda's been trying to talk to you! " Navi snapped back. " You've been staring at the ground for three minutes! " She flew out of his face, Link now noticing Arn and Zelda's confused stares.

" Oh- Sorry. " Link muttered, embarrassed.

" You haven't been acting like yourself. " Zelda commented, giving him an odd look. " I could imagine you'd be in shock, do speak up if things are too fast for you. "

" Wh- no, no! " Link said a little to quickly, holding up his palms and forcing a laugh. " I'm fine, I was just- thinking about those Bulblins. " He thought quickly.

" Enough to send you as far as the Goddesses? " Navi questioned.

" Uh-.. Apparently...? " Link replied weakly. Zelda was right. His lies were obvious...

" It is strange, though. " Zelda interrupted, drawing the focus from Link. " Why would such creatures suddenly appear? "

" Like I said, " Navi began, floating to the middle of the little circle they sat in, " They are a creature of the Dark Interlopers. It's gotta be something to do with them, and yet it couldn't be! "

" It must be one or the other, Moth. " Arn replied. " Pick one. "

" Look! " Navi snapped, flying up to his face. " My name is Navi! N-A-V-I! And I look nothing like a moth! " She and Arn continued to argue. Link sighed inwardly at the bullet he just dodged. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Zelda smile and wink at him. Of course... Link's heart sank. Zelda has the eyes of a hawk... She clearly noticed his behaviour and knew exactly what he had been thinking, mentioning the Bulblins only to get him off the hot seat. Suppose he should be grateful, but it didn't cheer him up any. How could he have spaced out like that?

Link quickly looked away from Zelda, praying she would not stare at him. He forced himself to focus on Navi as she argued with Arn. Link couldn't tell if he was annoyed by her outburst or enjoying it, but he continued to egg her on.

Arn...

Link suddenly realised that he had been referring to the guy by his first name in conversation and in his mind. He didn't even think of the guy as his father... Just how long would it take until he did..? Link found himself staring at the ground again, quickly looking up, lest he be put on the spot again, only to end up looking at Zelda. She had finally stopped Navi's rant, the fairy flying behind Link to sulk.

" Now, " Arn began, " You lot are to answer my questions. You can start by explaining these 'Sages'. "

" Oh! " Zelda exclaimed in realization. She clapped her hands together as she looked over at Link. " I was completely distracted- Link, I have an important task for you. " She turned to look at Arn again, bowing where she sat. " I do apologise, Sir Knight, But I mustn't delay the matter any longer. " She uttered before turning her attention back to Link. " The Sages tell me they cannot see into the Temple of Time. They say some kind of magic is blocking their access, and they are very worried- Rauru in particular. They want you to investigate and find out why. I wanted to do it myself, but they refused. Impa says whatever is causing it might be dangerous. "

" That is a problem... " Link muttered, thinking. The Temple of Time was protected by all six of the Sages, unlike all the other temples which were only guarded by their respective Sage. If something is causing them problems then it will surely be a hassle. Not only that, but the Temple was such an important location in more ways than one. " I'll go now and have a look. " Link decided, climbing to his feet.

" Hey, we can't go yet! " Navi exclaimed, snapping out of her sulk. " We were going to talk to the King about Arn, remember? "

Oh yeah. Link thought, dread filling his body. He wasn't looking forward to that...

" Perhaps I can talk to him instead? " Zelda asked as she stood, Arn close behind her. " That way you can report your findings and learn of his decision when you return. " Link shook his head.

" I have to confront him myself. " He stated firmly. " I think this is something we need to address without showing any weakness. "

" At least let me stand with you, then. " Zelda replied. Link shook his head again.

" You need to stay here with Arn. " Link gestured to him. " It'd be unwise to leave him alone in the middle of the castle, the guards would think him snooping. " Zelda sighed, lowering her head in defeat.

" Very well. " She uttered. " A new plan, then. My father is very busy today. I'll go talk him into seeing you- Don't worry, I will mention nothing but your eagerness. " She quickly added as Link began to protest. " You two can inspect the Temple of Time, I really think we should get that sorted now. If there is a monster in there, please do not fight it, we must learn what we're dealing with before we charge in to face such a power. "

" I'm pretty sure I can handle it. " Link replied.

" Do not fight it! " Zelda repeated firmly, pointing a finger at him. " May the Goddesses protect you if you disobey me! " She poked him in the gut, right where his bandages were. Link slinked back away from her with a pained grunt, holding the wound. Zelda stared at him with narrowed eyes like she'd made her point.

" Okay! " Link gave in, straightening himself. " I won't fight it, I promise! "

" Good. " Zelda nodded. " Go now, then, we will meet back here when you return. "

Link waved the Princess goodbye as he and Arn turned and walked out of the courtyard, Arn slipping his hood back over his head. As usual they were completely silent until they exited the castle and passed the main gate.

" So, " Arn finally spoke up, " What is so important about the Temple of Time? Is it not just a place to worship the Goddesses and Sages? " Link stopped walking. He had not spoken of his past adventures to any but Zelda. It would feel strange to tell another... But then, the guy is his father...

" Kind of a long story. " Link replied, looking back at him. " The Temple... Well, you know how there are seven Sages, right? " Arn nodded. " The seventh Sage is Zelda, she's kind of like a mediator. She can contact the Sages at any time, where as I can only contact them when I'm in one of the Temples they watch over. Anyway, the Temple of Time is the connection between Hyrule and the Sacred Realm where the Triforce used to reside. The Chamber of Sages is in there. The Sages keep a close eye on the Temple because of that connection. "

" Is that so? " Arn uttered. He sounded amazed, but his expression was a stern as always. " What do you mean the Triforce used to be there? "

" There's the long story. " Link replied with a weak smile. " In short, I kind of screwed up something severe and the Triforce was split into three pieces. " Arn narrowed his eyes.

" Screwed up how? " He asked harshly. Link had heard that tone before in the voices of other men when they were asking their children exactly what they had done wrong. That was the first time Link had ever heard it used on him...

" Well, " Link began, " This evil guy called Ganondorf was after it- "

" Ganondorf? " Arn interrupted, anger in his voice. " The King of the Gerudo? "

" You've heard of him, then? " Navi asked.

" That man is a dark fellow indeed. " Arn said. " The Gerudo are twisted, their schemes are one of the reasons the war started. So it was the Triforce that man was after? " Link nodded.

" He messed up all of the races to get to it. " Link continued. " The Gorons, the Zora, and the Kokiri held the Spiritual Stones needed to open the Door of Time the Master Sword sat behind. He couldn't simply take the Stones, though, so he tried to force the races to hand it over. Though I wish I knew he would have been stuck at the Master Sword, a man like him could never have touched it.. "

" And you did? " Arn asked. Link nodded again.

" Doing so opened the path to the Sacred Realm where Ganondorf got hold of the Triforce, " Link replied. "but since he was a man of greed he only managed to get the Triforce of Power. " He raised the back of his left hand to Arn. " Zelda got the Triforce of Wisdom, and the Triforce of Courage went to me. That's what the symbol on my hand is. " Arn simply stared at his hand, as if contemplating all he had just heard.

" So that is why that Princess is so bright, and why you are so foolhardy. " He said eventually.

" Wh- foolhardy?.! " Link repeated, annoyed.

" You're reckless, Boy. " Arn growled. " You'll get yourself killed if you keep swinging that sword around like a stick! "

" I don't swing it like a stick! " Link snapped. " Just because I can't beat you doesn't mean I can't fight! "

" I'll believe you when I see you win for once. " Arn replied calmly, walking passed Link and making his way back towards the Market.

" I beat those Bulblins, didn't I? " Link argued, walking after him.

" No, you didn't. " Arn retorted. " You got yourself injured and drove your horse into an ambush, nothing more. If you can't stay conscious for the whole fight then how can you claim it a win? You'd be dead now if my men hadn't killed the rest! " Link flinched. The guy kind of had a point... Link growled under his breath as he followed behind Arn, annoyed with the man and with himself. He didn't bother to say anything more as they reached the Castle Market and then made their way left until they finally approached the Temple of Time. A single soldier stood outside the door.

" You cannot enter. " He said to Link and Arn as they approached. " By order of the Princess. "

" Get out of the way. " Link huffed, still cranky. He stomped passed the soldier, who made no attempt to stop him, but did step in front of Arn, preventing him from approaching as well. Link didn't bother correcting the soldier as he stepped up to the large double-doors, lifting his hands to push them open. But as he touched the cool marble, the Triforce Symbol on his left hand started to glow to the point where it was clearly visible even through his thick leather glove.

What, in Din's name...? Link gasped, peering at the mark, which was now bright yellow. It wasn't often that his hand reacted to mere monsters. Even the Bulblin stampede wasn't powerful enough magic-wise to cause a reaction...

" That's not good. " Navi remarked from above him. " There's something really powerful in there... " Link lifted his hand off the door. The further he held it away from the Temple, the less it shined. That could only mean the magic was concentrated solely inside. Had it simply been the aura of a monster, the energy it emitted would spread thinner, sort of like an atmosphere, but this... It could only be a spell of some kind. Some kind of magic cast specifically to block the Temple from the Sages. Whether or not there was also a monster in there, Link wouldn't be able to tell until the doors opened... Mentally preparing himself for a fight, Link leaned on the marble doors to push them open.

But they did not budge.

Link pushed on the doors harder. He felt them give way slightly, but the doors remained shut. It was like there was a powerful force holding them closed.

" Damnit, it won't open! " Link cursed. Behind him he heard Arn shove the soldier away before approaching. The soldier began to protest only to be silenced by a glare from Link. Arn stepped up beside him, Link moving to the side to give him the other door. Together they pushed the heavy marble, but to no avail. After a while Link stepped back with a frustrated sigh,wiping his brow with the back of his sleeve. " It's no good, something's holding it shut. " He stated.

" Soldier! " Arn barked, looking back at the guy. " Have you blocked this door? "

" No, Sir. " The soldier replied. " It was like this when I was stationed here, and the last guy didn't block it either. That's why we've been turning the townsfolk away. "

" How long has it been like this? " Link asked.

" Since a few days ago. " The soldier said. " Ever since the Princess sent us here to watch over the Temple. "

Whatever's blocking the Sages is also holding these doors shut... Link thought, looking back at the Temple with a sigh. What will we do now?

" Let's go back. " Link uttered after a while. " If we can't get in then there's no point standing here. " Arn agreed. Link turned and headed down the steps before turning down the path passed the line of Gossip Stones, Arn following behind him as usual.

" How do you suppose we get the doors open? " Navi asked.

" I don't know. " Link admitted. He was quite disappointed. He was hoping it would be something he could deal with quickly. But it seemed it was at least partly a powerful magic, meaning he'll need to get Zelda to have a close look at it. But if the Sages reckoned it was too dangerous for her then Link will have to be on his toes. Maybe he can make her open the doors from a distance..? But if it was just magic affecting the Temple then Zelda was far more equipped to defend herself than Link... The Princess had even been practicing hand-to-hand combat the last few years, enhancing her blows with her power. She still wasn't very good at fighting, but she could send a soldier flying across the sparing circle with a single blow. Still... Link thought. There could be anything inside those doors.

" Looks like we'll have to call Zelda here after all. " Navi sighed, reading his mind. " The Sages said it was dangerous, but I don't think we have a choice. She'll be able to open these doors for sure if it's magic that's blocking them. "

" Yeah. " Link agreed. That'll be the next step, then...

He just hoped that was all it was...


What could be inside the Temple of Time?

'Till next chapter!