Another chapter a bit later than I expected, sorry about that. Trying to keep the storyline stuff a little less wordy and cumbersome; as far as I can tell, most of you come here for action and adventure, so I want to spend less time on the overarching story and more time on making the actual sequences gripping and exciting. That being said, there's still a lot of plot to go over and delve into with this one.

Hopefully I'll be able to get us back into a dungeon within another chapter or two, so at least we'll have that going for us. Anyway, on with the show!

"Hey, kid."

The low voice of Ganondorf was the first thing telling Link that he was once more in that endless white void, and he turned to face the rising King of Evil. "What do you want?"

"To talk." He seemed to be leaning against nothing before shrugging at Link. "Not like we can kill each other here, y'know." He looked around. "So judging by what I've been seeing and feeling, you've found your way through one of those old ruins. Nice work; didn't think you'd have it in ya."

Link stood there, facing Ganondorf down and saying nothing. The male Gerudo sighed. "You'd still make a great leader in my new Hyrule, but I can tell you're too stubborn to listen to anything I've got to say.

"Listening to yourself, however..." He smirked. "Yeah, I can tell you've already got some doubts. This whole quest seems a little too convenient, doesn't it? Temples, magical spirits, the Shades – a clever little trick by your ancestors, those – even that fairy you've got buzzing around your head back in the conscious world."

"Oh, can it already. I know how this goes, you're trying to trick me into doubting myself. Tempt me into questioning what's going on." Link shook his head. "You and I both know what you're really about, so don't try that. I'm not that dumb."

Ganondorf barked out a laugh that made Link fumble blindly for a sword that wasn't there. "You say you're not that dumb, but you're following a creature that wasn't even supposed to exist blindly into some of the nastiest places Hyrule has to offer?" He shook his head. "Sounds pretty gullible and idiotic to me. Then again, the lineage of the Hero was never too bright. It's the Triforce of Courage, not Wisdom you have.

"Let me tell you something, kid." He slowly walked towards Link, and Link stepped back a bit. "When it comes to gifts from the Goddesses, your line got the short end of the stick." He made a fist with his left hand and Link could see dark power radiating off it. "Me? I got Power. I got the pure strength of the Goddesses in my hands, to use as I see fit. I've got the strength to beat anyone that comes up against me in a fight, and the endurance to keep fighting on and just wear 'em down." His fist released. "Zelda, she has Wisdom. Useful trait for royalty – she can see a hundred steps ahead in a dozen different scenarios. She's the mastermind of everything that keeps messing me up. But you and yours..." He laughed again.

"Wisdom lets you plan. Power lets you execute. Wanna know what Courage is good for?" He chuckled. "Nothing. Not in the grand scheme of things. Courage just gets you to do stupid stuff. Courage is gullibility, kid; it makes you think that if you just keep fighting on, everything's gonna work out. See how much good that's done ya?" He thumped his chest with his fist. "I'm still here. Even after all that, I'm still here. Think about that if you wanna keep rejecting my offer, kid... Because eventually that door's gonna close." With that he turned away, fading into the ether.

Link shook his head a bit as all that started sinking in. Ganondorf was evil, malevolent, and power-hungry – all elements that Link personally despised. The problem was he also had a very good point. He didn't know much about how his ancestors had fought off the evil king, but he had a feeling Ganondorf didn't have access to the greatest technology the world had ever seen at the time. I just hope Zelda has some kind of plan... He turned away, expecting the white void to fade out again.

Instead, he heard another voice – a woman's voice. "Link...?"

He rolled his eyes. "Right on time. Princess Zelda, I assume?"

She slowly manifested herself before him. "Yes, it's me. I apologize, I sensed Ganondorf's presence and could not show myself as of yet." She shook her head. "He's attempting to fill your head with lies, Link... The truth is, he is scared. Afraid that even with all his plans and all his power, the cycle will repeat once more and he will fall again."

"Yeah, about that." Link stepped towards Zelda. "Look, I appreciate the fact that the 'ancient legends' tell everything about how I'm supposed to give him a full-blown beatdown, but at the same time I ain't some professionally trained soldier. I'm a college student that a week ago thought his biggest worry in the world was finals week." He shook his head. "Now I'm running around with a snarky glow-ball, my dreams are being invaded by someone that couldn't be more blatantly 'muahaha' evil if he was stroking a fluffy white cat, and I've been beat to crap going through a thousand-plus-year-old temple." He pointed at her hand. "You've got the Wisdom part of that thing so I assume you have a plan. Mind letting me in on it?"

Zelda smiled faintly at him, shaking her head. "You're stressed out, then. I can hardly blame you; it's likely your only experience with anything like this has been in some video game or another." She turned to look where Ganondorf had been a moment ago. "To answer your question, I do have a plan... At least, the beginnings of one. And I will bring you up to speed on what is going on, but not here. He might be listening." She finally turned to face him. "I am in Hyrule, Link. We have to meet in person, and soon. You must find where the past meets the future in the stone of the present. That is where you will find me... And your friends, as well."

For the first time it hit me. Reggie and Saria! I'd been so busy trying to survive and get through everything in the Goron Republic that I'd completely forgotten about them. "How are they doing? What did I miss?"

Zelda simply smiled. "They are both well and eager to see you, Link. They are obviously confused by recent events, however I believe seeing you well will do wonders. Your friend Reggie has some..." She paused, trying to find a diplomatic word to use. "...Interesting, I believe is a good word... Theories about everything that has been happening over the past few days."

Link couldn't help but laugh. "Sounds about right for him. Alright..." He paused. "Where the past meets the future in the stone of the present... I'm guessing you're complicating things in case he's listening in?" She gave him a sad smile and nodded. "Figures. Can't ever be that easy. Alright, so I'll see what I can figure out and I'll be there as soon as I can be. Okay?"

She smiled at him. "Excellent. It will be good to see you face to face at long last, Link." Slowly she began to fade away once again. "My time draws short here. I will be waiting for you eagerly, Link." Zelda faded away, and Link became aware of his surroundings slowly brightening once more, forcing him to squeeze his eyes closed.

When he opened them, he was back in his bed at the Temple of Farore. He yawned and grunted a bit, feeling all the aches and pains of his recent expeditions weighing down on him once again. "Urgh... Not even close to enough sleep for that kind of mess."

His voice got Navi's attention, and she quickly bobbed over to him. "Goddesses, and you called that sleep? You were snoring like thunder!" She giggled a little, changing to a soft pink color. "Did you sleep well, at least?"

Link groaned. "Not in the least. I was in the Sacred Realm again, Navi. Having conversations with the other two."

She was silent for a moment. "What about?"

With a sigh, Link went over the conversations with both Ganondorf and Zelda once more. "I don't get it. If Ganondorf's already got so much power, why isn't he going after me directly and trying to get me out of the way? Right now I've got one of the Temples done, I've got the Triforce, I'm holding the Master Sword... What's he holding out for?"

"Sounds to me like he's trying to get into your head." Navi giggled a little bit. "It's a classic trick the King of Evil's tried to pull from the beginning. Whoever holds the Triforce of Courage and the Master Sword is the ultimate nightmare for the bearer of the Triforce of Power. You're the one threat he can't quash because you've got the courage and drive to fight against him – it wouldn't matter if he sent his armies after you, because you wouldn't bend your knee."

"That might be true... But some of the stuff he said is really eating at me." Link finally shook his head. "I'll try not to think about it. Got plenty to figure out as it is."

Navi giggled again. "Yeah, like that riddle Zelda told you about to find her."

"That, at least, I know." At Navi's sudden gawking, Link chuckled as he climbed out of bed and started organizing his equipment. "The past meets the future in the stone of the present. It's all revolving around time, and what's the biggest time-oriented place in the Hylian Kingdom?"

Navi went silent for a moment. "...You are a lot better than some of the heroes I've seen and heard of, Link. The others would've taken ages to figure that one out." He laughed, before locking his gauntlet back on.

The two of them headed back into the main hallway of Farore's Temple before groaning as Tingle turned. "Sir Link! Hello!" He bounded over. "I hope you slept well!"

"Well enough. Hey, I just wanted to say... Thanks for all your help, Tingle. You and the Disciples have been a real help in all this."

Tingle brushed it off. "Think nothing of it. Anything for the legendary Hero of Hyrule!" Link laughed awkwardly. "Oh! By the way, Sir Link! We recovered a few things from the Temple of Wilds while you were asleep. We're working on a few more of those magitech projects, things to aid you on your quest!"

Link stood awkwardly for a moment. "Yeah, that's great. Thanks." He paused and looked at Tingle, who seemed to be expecting more. "...Okay, uhm... What sort of projects?"

"A great many things! Sadly nothing we can show yet, but our next creation is a magical energy barrier, using one of the shields those horrible little Guardians carry around!"

Link stared blankly before hefting the Hylian Shield. "Hate to break it to you, but I've got one already."

Tingle waved it off. "Oh, Sir Link... Have you never played a video game? I mean an overshield, one that will absorb damage even if you can't block it with your own steel!"

"Oh... Oh! Okay, that'd be cool." Link grinned widely before pausing. "Unfortunately I need to get going. I have to make for the Hylian Kingdom again, the princess needs me."

"Of course, of course! I didn't expect you to stand by and delay your quest just for this, Sir Link." He smiled broadly. "We will send the creation to the Royal Family when it is done. From there I trust Princess Zelda will be able to relay it to you. Oh! But since you have to leave now, come!" He led the way back outside, all but pulling Link along and out of the temple by his arm. Navi was giggling the whole time. "We were examining your motorcycle when you returned. A beautiful machine, the Epona – named for the great steed of many a generation of Hero, just like you! However, we believed it could do with a bit of... Tuning up."

"Tuning up?" Link's eyes immediately had a fire in them as he glared at Tingle – who seemed blissfully unaware of the anger and aggression currently pointed at him for even touching the machine. "What did you do to my bike?"

"Nothing particularly major. Changed the oil, filled the gas tank, fitted it with a mounting point for the Shiekah Slate as well as a scabbard on the side for the Master Sword... Oh, and one important thing!" He opened the door, revealing the bike parked out front. It was absolutely gleaming, shining in the evening sun and looking like they'd even polished it up. Link could see the blue-gold scabbard on one side of the gas tank (the right side at least, so I can grab it with my left hand. At least they're observant, he thought to himself,) and the mount between the handlebars for his new Slate. Tingle grinned proudly. "We fit a magical starter instead of the normal starters."

This made Link pause in confusion for a moment. "Wait, why would you... Oh." He grinned. "So only people that wield magic – AKA Triforce bearers – can start it."

"Precisely! Oh you do catch on fast, Sir Link!" The remaining Disciples were forming a circle around the motorcycle as Tingle led him down the stairs. "If you ever need a place of rest and respite, do not hesitate to find your way back here, Sir Link. The Temple of Farore is always open to Her Champion!"

"Yeah... Thanks." Link waved awkwardly, shaking a few hands before getting on the bike. As soon as he grasped the handlebars it lit up and revved to life, and he grinned broadly. Sliding the Master Sword into the scabbard alongside and the Slate into its mount, he let out a pleasant sigh. "Now this... This is a Hero's steed." He revved the engine, waved goodbye, and took off down the highway.

As soon as they were a ways away from the Temple, Navi spoke up. "Well. Those guys were weirdos, to say the least. Did you see that Tingle guy? His nose was so red I'm pretty sure he's perpetually drunk."

Link laughed faintly. "He very well might be considering how he was acting, but you can't fault his passion. Or the work they've done. Besides, if nothing else it makes them feel better – isn't half the point of a hero to restore hope to the masses waiting for their freedom from evil?"

There was silence from the fairy at that, before... "Link, you have been watching way too many cheesy movies." This got a laugh from him as he set his sights on the Temple of Time, the rumbling of his motorcycle engine the only noise he needed to hear for the trip.

The trip was largely uneventful and soon Link and Navi were back at the Temple. Link parked the bike, slid the Master Sword back into its scabbard, and started heading inside when a whistle sounded just around the side. Turning quickly he saw Impa just peeking around the corner, waving for him to come. "Link, Link! Over here, come on!"

Confused, the Hero quickly followed her lead. "Impa! What's going on? I'm here to try and meet up with Zelda."

She just gave him a knowing smile as she led him towards an 18-wheeler, seemingly parked for the afternoon. "I know, Link. I'm here to take you to her."

"Wait, why are we heading... Towards..." Link was cut off mid-sentence as the back of the truck opened up... Revealing a shockingly high-tech system within! A huge computer terminal was closest to the cab, with a set of bunks along one side and several crates and containers full of supplies on the other. There was space for a motorcycle near the very entrance, and across half of one wall was a map of the entirety of Hyrule. "...Whoa."

"You like it?" A female voice came as Princess Zelda stepped around from behind the truck, grinning at him. "This is a Hylian military mobile command-and-control bunker. When my father saw the Triforce symbol appear on my hand, he figured out what was going on fairly quickly. He gave me this and told me to help you however I could."

"Wow... This is incredible." Impa grinned, heading off to bring Link's bike around as he stepped up the ramp and into the truck. "What even is all this?"

Zelda shrugged. "Truth be told, I'm not completely sure myself. Your friend seems to be freaking out over it, though." This was when Link realized the messy-haired man sitting in front of the main terminal was actually Reggie, eyes wide. He cleared his throat softly.

Reggie spun around, grinning. "Link! About time you show up here, I've had nobody to talk at about all this!" He gestured to the screen. "This thing is a direct satellite interface with the Hylian Intelligence Agency's information systems. It's got every little trick, hack, and secret I knew they were hiding, all available!" He pulled Link closer. "Say what you will about the nobility – and trust me, I have," he glanced back at Zelda, who folded her arms, "but they've got top quality stuff. I can crack a security grid, get access to every camera in a city, and still have horsepower left over to toss on Lands of Warfare just in time for a raid!"

Link couldn't help but laugh. "So you're officially in nerd heaven, then." He chuckled and Reggie just grinned, before sitting back again.

"You know it, buddy. I'm even tracking the latest information from the Gerudo Oligarchy's embassy, including audio and video feeds. Dragmire can't even take a crap without me knowing about it." He paused for a moment, glancing to Zelda before lowering his voice to a whisper. "I don't know why they're gathering and slurping all this data and I'm not keen on it, but for now we'll just play along and use it."

"Uh... Huh. Reggie, are you on another conspiracy kick?"

"It's not a kick, Link! Look, you're hallucinating that the little flashlight-drone AI thing floating around is a bona fide magical fairy. You and I both know that's bullcrap–"

"Hey!" Navi huffed indignantly. Reggie ignored her.

"– but I don't know how deep this rabbit hole goes. For that matter, I'm not even completely clued in on why Dragmire's such a big deal. Granted the guy seems a bit sketch, but why is the Hylian Kingdom worried about the corruption of a Gerudo ambassador?"

Link shook his head. "Reggie, just trust me. If this guy's even half as bad as what I've seen and heard, he's bad news for all of Hyrule. That's why I'm off globetrotting. Speaking of which..." He turned towards Zelda, much to Reggie's annoyance. "Are you guys basically gonna be escorting me around, or what?"

"Not... Exactly. Reggie, care to fill him in?"

He nodded. "Alright, here's the long and short of it. Right now, Dragmire's got all kinds of agents looking all over the place for a blonde-haired kid in a green coat riding a motorcycle. If you wanted to just ride from place to place, they'd find you almost instantly and that'd be game over right there. But this thing... It's registered to a long haul trucking company. Everything's shielded, looks like it's just hauling cargo." He grinned at Link. "We're gonna get you in country, get you close enough, and let you rock and roll from there."

"The borders are the biggest problem," Zelda spoke up, "because that's where Ganondorf's concentrating his agents. "Once you're inside... Well, he doesn't have enough pull to track you on foreign soil."

"And what about in the Oligarchy itself?" Link asked, looking concerned.

"He's still an ambassador. He'll have more pull with the Council, but they're stubborn and probably not keen on listening to some upstart." She grinned. "We've got the advantage."

Impa slowly walked up to them. "By the way, Link... There's someone else that's likely to be eager to see you." She stepped aside... and Saria was standing there, looking a bit less than amused. She locked eyes with Link, the two of them staring.

"Link...? Link!"

The hero didn't hesitate, quickly rushing into Saria's embrace and pulling her into a long, loving kiss. Reggie chuckled and Impa just smiled knowingly, while Zelda seemed a bit annoyed by this interruption. The lovers didn't care about any of them, though; they were finally back together. Saria broke the kiss after a few moments. "What happened to you? I was so worried – you just left so quickly, and then Impa and the princess showed up, and now there's this truck, and..." She hugged against him again. "Don't just fall off the map like that again, understand me?"

Link nodded, smiling at her. "Don't worry, Saria. I've got no plans on just vanishing like that again anytime soon. And as for where I've been, well..."

Zelda cleared her throat. "Well, Link... You do seem to have the Sheikah Slate, as well as what looks like ancient Sheikah technology strapped to your arm. Maybe now would be a good time for you to fill us in on the details? After that, well..."

She smiled. "After that, I'll start laying out the plans for how we're going to stop Ganondorf."

Y'know, I've always loved the idea of 'mobile HQ in the back of a massive truck'. I couldn't resist making that the hideout instead of some kind of stationary bunker or safehouse. Lemme know what you think!

Read and review!