It was almost an entire day before Link got a hold of himself.

What the hell was he thinking? Who was Skull Kid to him anyway? Zelda could be dying, and here he was, moping because some rag doll told him he couldn't do it.

But what exactly was it?

Link tried not to think about it. He had to find Zelda; at the very least, he needed to find someone who could help him.

It didn't take him long to find himself in a place he recognized. After about a day of restless travel, he wandered into eastern Hyrule field. He was too exhausted to be happy for himself. He trudged along, afraid to lay down and rest. He knew that creatures were still lurking, and even though he had the Master Sword back, he was still alone.

Zelda? Where are you? Link sat down underneath a tall tree along the path, leaning back and dropping his defenses for a moment. I hate being alone, Zelda. I need you.

After giving himself a brief moment to relax, he got up again and continued his trek toward Hyrule proper and Castle town. Hopefully, everyone was safe there. Hopefully Zelda was in control, taking care of everything like Link knew she could.

He didn't make it far before he was interrupted by the same irritating laugh that halted his progress for a whole day.

Link set into a defensive stance as Skull Kid appeared in front of him.

"What? I just wanted to see how you were doing! What with the lack of sleep and all... eee hee hee!"

Link slashed at him, but he merely disappeared and reappeared beside him. Link jumped and tried hitting him again, but Skull Kid was prepared. "Eee hee hee! Can't catch me!" Link only grew in frustration as Skull Kid avoided his every attack. Link finally stopped, furious. Skull Kid laughed and danced in front of him. What the hell is this kid's problem? He watched as the impish little child danced, oblivious to his rage.

Is he even paying attention to me anymore? Link's anger slowly began to slip away from him. Poor, messed-up little kid. He wasn't sure if Skull Kid's little horn was important, but he seemed to be able to conjure strange creatures with it. He wondered if taking it from him would be beneficial, not only for his own safety, but for the Skull Kid's. He definitely needs some help. Without a second thought, Link grabbed it from his hand and ran off. He heard Skull Kid screech behind him, but he didn't follow. After a few minutes, Link stopped and caught his breath. He looked down at the little wooden horn. I sure hope this is the right thing to do. He snapped it in half. Hopefully, Skull Kid would move on and find some decent friends instead of chasing people through an endless forest with skeleton puppets. That was no way to live.

It took another day for him to arrive in Lanayru province on foot. He had considered calling for Epona, but he couldn't sense her nearby. He was worried for her, but he had to continue on and just hope that she was still okay. What he found in Lanayru caused his heart to stop.

Hyrule field was littered with dead bodies.

Link halted. Many of the bodies were clad in Hyrulean armor. He didn't recognize the soldiers, but it didn't change the horror of the situation. He broke into a dead run, tripping over rotting carcasses. He had to get to Castle town. Goddesses knew the fate that had befallen the poor city. He began approaching the fields rimming castle town when he noticed the fray. Hyrulean soldiers were deep in battle with Zant's army.

No, Link thought. They made it back through.

No.

They found Zelda.

I failed her.

He was filled with a sudden rage. His exhaustion was wiped away by elated fury as he charged into the chaos. The Master sword took on its shimmering glow as he began to slash through hordes of transformed Twili. He didn't care. He was overcome by a burning hatred toward the army that fought on without their master and took away the one person he had left in his life.

The next hours became a blur. Nothing changed. He fought until his adrenaline gave out. A soldier carried Link out of the battle after he collapsed from exhaustion. Link closed his eyes after the soldier set him down against a wall. He was so tired. So… tired…

"I'll find the army doctor," the soldier said nervously. "And I'll get you some water. Just stay here, please, stay here. We can't lose anyone else."

When he opened his eyes, he was alone. He looked around, but everything was gone. He was surrounded by white, and it was completely silent. He didn't have the energy to panic. Not anymore. He didn't know if he ever would again.

He felt a voice calling to him. It wasn't a familiar one, though. Was it the soldier who carried him out? He tried to reach for the voice, but it felt so far away. He tried to decipher the words, but he couldn't. It was all a mess of sounds.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped and looked behind him.

Zelda stood behind him. "You're too far gone," she said. She dropped her hand. "It's over."

Link looked away from her. Is this really it?

Zelda sighed. "I failed you, Link. I failed you, and I failed Hyrule." She lowered her head. "I failed Midna."

Link closed his eyes. No. This can't be it.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you," she added. "I was too weak. The Twili got to me. They took my power." Her voice began to shake. "Midna's the only hope Hyrule has."

Link took a deep breath. Accept it, Link. You're dead. Go comfort her. He turned and took Zelda in his arms. Even in death, she was still taller than him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tight. They remained motionless for what could have been hours. Did time pass when you were dead?

Zelda finally pulled away from him and drew in a shuddery breath. "The fate of Hyrule is in the hands of the goddesses now," she said as bravely as she could. "We've done our best, and we have fulfilled our purposes. We should move on."

A window opened before them, allowing them to look on into the battle still being waged in Hyrule field. With the link between the Twilight and Light realms open, more Twili beasts had entered. Link knew there was little hope for the weak Hyrulean army.

"Link… look," Zelda whispered.

He looked out into the fray. Standing in the middle was Midna in her true form. She was effortlessly casting magic out onto the Twili beasts and defending the worn Hyrulean soldiers. She glanced up into the sky briefly, almost as if she knew Link and Zelda were watching, and gave them a quick wink.

Zelda smiled and looked at Link. "She's got this." She grabbed Link's hand. "Are you ready?"

He squeezed her hand. "Always."

And they turned away from Hyrule, content with its fate.