Another chapter! Things get intense when Link finds out what happened while he was gone! The story was made by me, but I own none of this stuff (sadly).

Link didn't know how long he was out. When he woke up, head aching, he surveyed his surroundings. Everything was as he'd left it. Ruto had rolled over closer to him, but was still tied up. He cut her bonds and helped her up before the two left the dungeon. They were just reaching the outside of the temple when Ruto asked, "So... who was that guy? It seemed like you knew him."

Link looked at her and sighed, "He's a demon made of shadow. Created to be my opposite and equal in every way. Equal in fighting skills, opposite in morality. He's what I could be if I ever went bad... in the might-have-been that I experienced, I fought him in that very room. But... something's different. He's stronger now."

Ruto looked alarmed, "But he's gone now, isn't he?"

Link shook his head, "While I beat him, he is still more or less immortal. I killed his body, but the spirit that was inside of it is still around, and always will be. The question is how long it will take him to reform. The light arrow probably laid him down for at least a couple of years, if not for our entire lifetime. But still... his talking about a "master" worries me. Ganondorf was tough. What could be stronger than him, pulling the strings?"

"It would have to be something much older," Ruto reasoned, "Like, a lot older. Not just, like, a grandfather or something."

"I'll ask the scholars in Castle Town when I get back," Link said, "Maybe they'll know. Now, shall we dive Princess?"

The two swam back to the Zora's Domain, where Ruto was happily returned to her father, "Thank you so much, Link," he grunted from his pool, "I was so worried."

Link just bowed, "I couldn't let that fiend keep a hold of her, sir. I need to get back to Castle Town now, but thank you for listening to me."

"That evil being you told me about... is it still around?"

Link shook his head, "Not any more. It's gone, at least for the time being."

King Zora coughed, then said, "Good," and that was it. With that, Link left Zora's Domain again.

It didn't take long in Hyrule Field to notice that something was amiss. Link could sense it in the air almost as soon as he entered the field. Sprinting towards the gates of Castle Town, he stopped as soon as he crested the hill. Surrounding the castle were a number of weapons of war. Siege engines, cannons, even a battering ram. The gates were shut.

Castle Town was under siege.

Who could be doing this? Link asked himself. Hyrule had no enemies at the time. This wasn't right. Link changed directions, heading for the walls of Lon Lon Ranch. The gates were shut, but Link climbed over them, dashing in as quickly as he could. Suddenly, he was tackled by something. Rolling around, he saw a pitchfork in the hand of his attacked, he kept fighting until he saw...

Were those pink overalls?

"Oh. It's just you," Ingo said, helping his victim up, "I was expecting worse. Come with me. Talon will want to know that you're here," he turned on his heel and walked to the door of the barn. Without much hesitation, Link followed him.

Malon, Talon, and a number of cukoos sat at a table in the middle of the room. While normally this would bring to mind the idea of a family dinner, there was some darker feeling around. Link had the feeling that this was more of a war council. When the pair entered, father and daughter turned to look at the doorway.

"Link!" Malon called, running for him. The two hugged for a minute, then they let go, "Come on. Sit down," she gestured to the empty bench seat next to her. Ingo sat across from Link, next to his brother.

"What's going on?" Link demanded, "Why are people attacking Castle Town?"

"It's the Kokiri and Gorons. They say that you destroyed their homes."

"But I didn't..."

"We don't believe them, Link" Ingo said, "We know that you wouldn't do that. But they're attacking Castle Town until you come out. They think you're hiding there."

"I got the Gorons out though. They know that it wasn't me."

"Not all of them. There were some survivors from where you left them. They still blame you."

"And how'd they get the siege weapons?"

"The craftsmanship of the Gorons partnered with the magic of the Kokiri. Together they can build huge weapons in a short amount of time. They'll stop at nothing to get you."

"But... not even Mido would go to those lengths. What else happened?"

"Someone else came," said a voice from the shadows.

Link turned around to see who it was, and Mido stepped out of the shadows. He glanced at Link and said, "It just went too far. I got a hold of Saria, who told me what really happened. And I believed her. We both know that Saria wouldn't lie, especially about something like this," he sighed, "Nobody else believed me. And then someone else came... I can't tell you much about him, but soon after he showed up they exiled me and made him their new leader. Saria talked wonders about these people... the farmers. I thought I could be safe here. And I was right," he gave a small smile and glanced at Malon, "This place is just perfect."

Link looked back and forth between the two, then smiled, "It's good you finally found a place that you can enjoy yourself in."

Mido looked at him for a minute, then said, "It wasn't your fault this time. And, because of that, I'll help you in any way I can."

"You need to get in there," Talon said, "So you can help out on the inside."

"Anything from out here you think I should bring?"

"Take me with you," Mido said, "I want to help. While I wasn't rooting for war, I didn't help your public image at all. I want to make up for that."

Link looked at him, concerned, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Fine then. You can come."

"When do we leave?"

"Right now."

Mido looked at Malon and walked over. The two kissed lightly before Mido walked back to Link, "I'm ready."

Nodding, Link pulled out the fairy ocarina and played the Prelude of Light. Grabbing Mido by the shoulder, the pair disappeared in a flash of light.

So was it another good chapter? Or should I look at it again? Let me know with a review!