A/N: A rather long chapter ahead. I spent most of this chapter working with character's feelings, so I hope you like the buildup! As always read and review? :3

After only a month of rehabilitation, Midna had already begun to spot the improvement in the young Hylian. He wasn't as thin, nor was his skin as pale. He seemed to have more energy, wanted to do more things. Watching his growth pleased her, knowing that Link was recovering, getting better – even getting taller as well. He was still stubborn, though – especially when it came to taking the Twili medicines.

The fiery haired woman had been roaming her castle the whole morning in search of her little Hylian. He was purposely hiding from her, to avoid taking the bitter solution of a medicine. He needed it badly, yet refused to take the sour liquid. With a determined frown forced upon her lips, Midna strode down the hallway to check the only room she hadn't searched in.

Taking a breath, the Twili put her hand on the door and hoped for the best as she shoved it open. Alas, revealed to her eyes was the thin blonde boy sprawled on the floor, asleep. His head rested on top one of his hands, and his bangs stuck to his face with sweat, while the rest of his hair was in a tangled ponytail. A playful grin was on his face as small snores resonated from his throat.

Midna noted that his voice had deepened since when she had first met him. When she found him, he was just a wolf. Once she saw him as his typical Hylian, she was quite shocked by his rather boyish voice and childish face. He was as tall as a boy before his growth spurt, but it appeared that he was finally getting that. His face was maturing, looking more like a man rather than a child. His voice deepened, and he sounded like an adult, now. It was obvious his growth had been stunted on his journey to save Hyrule, and in his emotional and physical roller coaster of the past year. But, now that things were coming back to normal, so was he.

The Twili knelt down beside Link, placing her hand on his forehead and brushing away his bangs. She grinned at how peaceful he looked as he slept, she hadn't seen his so relaxed – not when they journeyed over Hyrule, nor in the past month. Even though, he grew exhausted rather quickly – walking down the hall took his breath; she couldn't even imagine how exertion he did that morning, running from her and the medicine he hated.

Gently, Midna shook the blonde's shoulder, cooing with soft mewls, "Link… Liiink, it's time to get up. You have to take your meds, hun."

A comical smirk formed on his lips as the calm feeling evanesced from his face. Link groaned and rolled over, facing his boy away from Midna's. "I don't want it. It's gross."

The Twili sighed and rolled her eyes. She took one of the boy's ears between her thumb and index finger, tugging lightly until an audible squeak popped from his lips. Link turned his head to face her, opening his eyes, and his face covered in a red haze. An abashed frown took its place on his face and he stared at Midna dead in the eye.

Midna cupped her hands around Link's cheeks, resulting in an even deeper blush, and giggled at him. "You don't realize how much better you seem? You're not as thin; each and every day the amount of bones I see distended from your skin decreases. The amount of energy you have to do things, although it is little, each time I see you, you're able to do more. Overall, you just seem happier. And you know what? This medicine is giving you the supplements you need to heal the way that you are." She bent down to Link's face, touching her nose against his. "Unless you want to stay in the state you're in, I suggest you take this medicine on your own before I force it down your throat."

Link's eyes widened as Midna pulled her head up from his, sitting up simultaneously. At the moment, the Twili shoved a bottle of a purplish-black liquid into the blonde's hands. Rolling his eyes, he snatched it up, tipping the bottle up at his lips and downing the liquid in a second. Almost instantly, the blonde's face scrunched up and lips curled up into a scowl.

"What is it with all these 'healthy' things tasting like metal?" Link questioned Midna, who was only giggling at the blonde. "It's worse than the time in the lakebed temple, when I had a nosebleed and then you just nocked my head backwards and all the blood went in my mouth. That was really gross."

The Twili snickered, bumping the bottom of the blonde's chin up. "You're such a baby, can't handle the taste of blood… despite that for half of the time we were together you were a wolf. A wolf that has to eat raw meat to survive. Raw meat has blood in it.

Link grumbled and shook his head. "Shut up. It was either that or I starved for a week."

Midna chuckled, patting the boy's head. Afterwards, she stood and reached her hands down for the boy to grab onto. "C'mon, let's get you back up to my room."

Taking the Twili's hand, Link frowned. "I'm always stuck in your room." Easily, he was lifted off the floor by Midna, and he now stood by her side. "Can't I go somewhere else? I swear I've memorized every detail of you room." He cocked his head at the woman beside him, giving a smirk and raising a brow.

"Fine," Midna sighed, slinging one of Link's arms over her shoulder. "Lean on me, and I'll take you up to the balcony… and I guess I'll show you my kingdom."

Instantly, the blonde's face lit up as an eager grin grew across his cheeks. "Please, Midna."

Returning the smile, the Twili began to slowly lead Link to the stairwell. And, noting the rather horrified stare in his eyes, she picked him up on her back and carried him to the top. He had rested his head on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her neck. Midna enjoyed every moment that she felt his hot skin against hers, but she tried with all her might to hide it.

Once the two had finally reached the top, Link slid off of Midna's back and staggered right past her. He unevenly walked toward the railing at the edge, leaned on it, and gazed down at the kingdom below. The Twili walked all over in markets and villages, trading goods and having casual chit-chat. And then the wall of nothingness around the floating country, its dark blackness was mesmerizing.

As Minda approached his side, Link whispered to himself; words inaudible to everybody but him. The Twili gave an unusual glance, but shrugged it off as nothing, and leaned on railing as well.

"It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Midna asked Link, turning to him with a slight grin.

Lightly, he nodded. "Yeah, very… calming, if that's how you would put it." Link's voice shook minimally, as if her were nervous.

"Yes, it is." The Twili giggled lightly, but her lighthearted tone was drowned out as she watched Link.

His eyes wondered the streets below. But he eyed each and every young boy. He looked pained as he watched the infant walk for the first time, from mother to father. Cringed when he saw the young child out running errands with his father. Frowned when he saw the young teenager returning home from some work with his father. And when he saw the boy his age, introducing his father to his wife, he looked away and turned his back from the streets.

"Link…," Midna whispered, placing a hand on Link's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Quickly, out of the blue, his voice took a crescendo to a bitter and loud pitch. "Does it really look like it?" His brows were furrowed and his jaw clenched. He had swung his hand in the air, brushing off Midna's hand.

The Twili was taken back, and she slightly withdrew back from Link. To which he noticed, and buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry, Midna. I didn't mean to lash out."

Nodding, Midna wrapped her hands around the boy's shoulders. "It's alright. But, if I may ask, what happened to your father? I know your mother passed when you were very young, but you've never mentioned your father before."

The Twili watched as the blonde's face dropped and turned an icy pale – this was the touchy subject. But, in retaliation to the sickly look, Link clenched his jaw and fists, sparking flames in his eyes.

"That asshole left before I was even born. I grew up never knowing what people meant by 'a father's love for his son' all because of him. I grew up empty because of him." Link stamped his foot, releasing a huff as his stared down off the palace. "I hope I never have to see that bastard again."

Ilia watched from her garden as a rather familiar middle-aged man began to strut through the village. Unfortunately, she was the only one outside, and the man spotted her like a sore thumb. Quickly, he strode to the fencing over her garden, and rested his elbows on the railing. He was rather tall, had striking blonde hair. Yet, his face, it seemed so familiar. His eyes were the same blue, the aqua blue, which Link had. And the way his jaw was structured, it was all too familiar to her friend's. In all irony, too, he had a scabbard around his back.

"Sir, can I help you at all?" Ilia asked. "Are you a traveler, or are you looking for somebody?"

The man rolled his eyes. "I'm looking for a woman named Annamarie. She's kinda short, curly brown hair."

Ilia didn't recognize the name, nor the description of the woman he was looking for. "I don't recall such a woman in Ordon, but I may not know everybody here. I can go fetch my father, Mayor Bo, if you would like."

"Please."

The girl quickly turned to enter her household, before asking one last question, "Sir, may I get a name? To inform my father of your visit?"

The man perked his chin up, frowned slightly, and then opened his mouth to speak. "The name's Kile."

Ilia nodded, and continued to go up the stairs, and into her father's home. She was greeted with a wave from her father, who was sprawled about on the couch reading a book.

"Dad," she whispered. "There's a man outside looking for a woman named Annamarie. He said his name was Kile."

The brunette girl watch as the color dropped from her father's face. Quickly, he stood and made his way to the door, Ilia quick on his heel. Once she had closed the door behind them, she watched as her father approached the man, a scowl forming on his face.

"It's been twenty years, Kile," Bo grumbled, glaring into the blonde man's eyes.

The man known as Kile gave a sarcastic laugh. "I thought it was nineteen."

"That's how old your son is," Bo hissed, scrunching his nose up and crossing his arms.

Inside Ilia's mind, the light bulb went off. The similarities all made sense now. She understood who the man was now.

The blonde raised a brow, to act as if he were surprised. "Oh, the brat's still alive? I was hoping he'd die of illness or something."

Bo took a deep breath and rolled his eyes, letting of a bit of steam before daring to speak again. "No, Kile. Your son grew up strong and healthy, and he has done quite remarkable things."

"Yadda yadda yadda, I don't care about him." The man mocked Bo, moving his hand as if it were speaking. "Where's Annamarie?"

"Dead."

"What do you mean, dead?" Kile gave an annoyed glare. "She can't be dead."

Giving an exasperated sigh, the mayor began to speak, once again. "She caught the illness that plagued the town. It killed her."

Kile cursed and stamped his foot. "Damn. Well, where's my son? I supposed I could meet him."

Bo shook his head. "Can't. He's in Hyrule."

"How?"

"Well your son, Link, is the noble Hero of Twilight. He saved Hyrule from the dark days we had for a year. He is an honored knight."

Kile grit his teeth and clenched his fists. "That goddesses damned curse – that's why I didn't want kids." His hands were thrown up in the air in his fit, and then crossed around his chest while his lips pursed.

"Then you shouldn't have done it with Annamarie, then." Bo gave a haughty laugh.

Kile gathered himself and turned to walk from Bo, but face the man, jabbing his index finger in his chest. "Fuck you, I loved her." And then he swiftly began to leave the town, and, presumably, on his way to Hyrule. He had a lopsided gait to his walk, like he had a permanent injury of some sort.

Ilia turned to face her father, his face tight and fists balled up. His eyes sparked flames that she had never seen before in him – yes, she had seen them in Link's eyes, but never in her father's. She approached him, rested her hand on his shoulder. "Father, do you wish for me to fetch Rusl?"

The mayor glanced at his daughter, shaking his head. "Yes, tell him the bastard's back and going for the kill." At instant, the girl's eyes widened, believing her father was serious. Taking a sigh, the old man grinned. "Ilia, it's just code that Rusl 'n I use, there's no need to worry about Link."

Taking a gulp, Ilia nodded, breaking away from her father and turning to the small dirt road. She began to walk the path until it led to the familiar shack by the stream. A woman sat on the porch, a toddler in her arms.

"G' afternoon, Uli!" Ilia grinned at the woman, waving. "How's Emma doing?"

The woman bounced the toddler on her knee. "Ah, she's doing a'ight. A bit more of a crier than Colin was, but is definitely as sweet as him." She grinned at Ilia. "So, is there anything I can do for you?"

"I came for Rusl… Bo requested sent me 'ere with a message," Ilia replied.

Uli nudged over her shoulder. "He's inside. Go right in."

Nodding her head, Ilia bowed slightly. "Th-thank you."

Walking up to the door, the girl grabbed the handle and pushed it open, exposing the small household. Rusl sat at the table, a slab of wood in his calloused hands as he carved away at it. He hadn't noticed her enter until she had stamped her foot whilst closing the door. She admired the various handmade weapons that lined the walls of his humble home. It was obvious that he was part of the Resistance.

Looking up from his work, the man smiled, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Good afternoon, Ilia. How are you?" Rusl asked, returning to his work at the same time.

Hesitantly, Ilia walked over to the table, taking a seat across from the blonde man. "Quite well, thank you."

Glancing up from his carvings, he gently spoke, "So, what brings you 'ere?"

Trying to hide the uneasy form her face was trying to mold to, Ilia turned her head away, acting as if she were noticing the small details in the scabbard across the room. "My father sent me with a message. And I quote him, 'the bastard's back and going for the kill'. That was all he told me to tell you, no explanations were given. If you have any ques–"

"Dear Nayru," the man interrupted, shoving his face in his hands. "You sure he said exactly that?" Ilia nodded. Simultaneously, Rusl stood from his seat and buckled a scabbard and sword around his back. "This isn't good. I must go immediately. The boy's in danger. Or possibly, at least."

Ilia's eyes widened and her jaw hung. "Who?"

"Link," Rusl whispered softly, the stern look in his eyes matched his grave tone. "The man, the bastard – his brat of a father. If this guy finds Link, then the boy's sanity is already in a bad enough state and that man will just make it worse."

As the man was about to rush out the door, Ilia grabbed his shoulder, making him face her. "What do you mean that Link's sanity is at stake? I was told that after Zelda healed him up, she named him one of her noble warriors."

"No… Ilia, I'm sorry. Zelda healed him physically, but he's out of wack." Rusl took his hand to the back of his head, avoiding looking into the glare that burned into his skull. "Went I went into Hyrule almost half a year ago… the boy was practically dead – just had awoken from a coma. He tried to die, Ilia. He wanted to die, and he tried to."

The color drained from Ilia's face as her eyes welled up with tears. She didn't resist the strange shapes that were becoming of her face. She had been lied to about her friend, and she was upset – upset that she was held from the truth, and upset and scared for Link. Rusl began to reach his arms around the young girl, resting her face at his shoulder.

"He's gettin' better, though," Rusl whispered in her ear, as calm as possible. "Zelda is taking care of him well. He's made a friend. And, from what Zelda told me, he's finally going back to the girl he's in love with."

Ilia cringed. She was happy for him, happy that he had found a girl that he loved. She had thought she was that girl, those two years ago before this whole mess started. But then he met her. She was jealous, but happy for him at the same time. And she couldn't control him on it either.

"W-well," Ilia sniffled, her voice shaking. "That's good to know." She gave a fake smile to Rusl. The man patted her back and led her out the door, closing it behind him.

Uli looked over at her husband, noting the scabbard and sword on his back. "Where are you going now?"

Rusl turned his head to the woman, a solemn purse to his lips. "Link's father came into town, and I must retrieve the man before he makes even more a mess of his son."

The woman's eyes widened, and she nodded. She waved her hand off, gesturing for him to go. Rusl grinned, leant down and planted a kiss on her cheek before embarking off and out of the village. Ilia still stood on the porch beside Uli, one of her hands rubbing her arm.

"You don't look so well, Ilia. What happened?"

The girl faced the floor. "I was lied to. And Link could be in danger." Ilia crossed her arms and slammed her eyes shut. "I am hurt and I am scared."

Zelda sat at her desk, writing letters to the princes that wished to court her. Eric sat in the chair in front of her, watching her delicate writing stain the page with beauty. Otherwise, his eyes wandered the room. It had been a month since Link had gone to the Twilight Realm; and Zelda wasn't sure if she could handle Eric's anxiety over him any longer.

He always paced her room. Paced the hall. Paced the room Link had stayed in. In matter fact, he had gone through the boy's belongings and cleaned them, eventually returning them to their respective places. It was obvious to Zelda that the red head like the Hero far more than a friend. Anymore, the mention of his name brought a red hue to the guard's face.

"Eric," Zelda whispered. "What's on your mind?"

Almost immediately, the red head clammed up and turned a rosy pink. "N-nothing." He didn't even dare to look Zelda in the eye.

Resting her pen on the desk, the princess bent over and inched her face closer to Eric's. "Liar." Eric's eyes widened to Zelda's words. "There has got to be something on your mind, and it's about Link. It's obvious."

Eric stammered, spewing out incoherent blabber that had no meaning. After several failed attempts of defending himself, his face turned a dark crimson. He hung his head and mumbled, "Yes."

Leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs, Zelda smirked. "Eric, I can assure you, he's with Midna and is just fine. Hell, I'd bet they'd be doing each other by now."

Eric's lips expressed a disgusted emotion, and he shook his head to rid himself of the image. "Link isn't like that."

"But Midna is." Zelda perked her brow.

Eric rolled his eyes, and leant his head back and stared at the ceiling. "This isn't what I wanted to talk about… I didn't want to imagine my friend getting it done with his girlfriend."

The princess shook her head and snickered. "Ah, neither did I." She took a pause, catching the man's attention. "But we all know you liked him."

In the moment, Eric practically went ballistic, losing his balance while leaning back in the chair, knocking it over, making a sound that resembled a shriek. Zelda stood and looked over her desk, grinning at the mess on the floor. His face was hot and eyes wide.

"Oh, Eric. You make it so obvious."

The red head frowned and stood, brushing off his clothing. "Shut up."

"Sure." Zelda rolled her eyes, sitting, and picking up her pen and continuing to write.

Picking up the chair and setting it on its feet, Eric seated himself in front of Zelda's desk again, crossing his legs and folding his hands. He gazed out the open windows at the falling sun, the source of the streaking amber light that entered the castle. "How do you think Impa's holding up?"

The princess picked her head up and looked at Eric in the eye, actually being serious. "I think she's fine. She prefers to be in solitude, anyways."

Eric nodded, glancing away. "Do you think Link will come back?"

Zelda shrugged. "I'm sure of it, eventually. He can't stay there for too long – there are people here that he still loves and cares for." Eric hummed in agreement. "Like you." She giggled as the guard's face burned another shade of red.

"But I'm being serious. There are people here that he can't just leave without saying a goodbye. And he wouldn't stay there forever. He'd lose his mind in the pitch black nothingness that surrounds the floating isle." The princess returned to her writing, denying each request that was sent to her.

Eric stood from his seat and turned to face the door. As he began walking, he waved his hand in the air. "Goodnight, Zelda."

"Eric." He paused, turning his head to face Zelda one final time. "Eh… never mind. I'll ask you soon enough. But, can you tell the guards to send out extras tonight… something in the air is giving me a bad chill and my Triforce is burning. Either the Goddesses are telling me something or I have a strange fever. And, I'd rather be safe than sorry." She rubbed the back of her hand. "Well, goodnight Eric!"

The red head grinned and bowed his head, exiting Zelda's chambers. He strode down the hall, past Link's former room, and down the staircase. He entered the guard's lounge and spoke with the head castle guard, informing of the princess' orders. Once they were received, Eric sighed and retreated back up the stairs. But, instead of heading down to his room, he entered Link's.

He grabbed a cigar from his pocket and lit it, sitting on the boy's bed. He stared in the mirror and grinned. The last time he was here was helping the boy get from his room to the carriage. That was the day when Link went to the Twilight realm. But in the mirror, he saw his reflection, and beside him was the image of the deathly skinny Link. But, instead of holding a frown to his lips, a warm and genuine smile was there instead.

Eric heard remnants of the boy's laugh fluttering in head. The confirmed sound of his still beating heart rung in his head. That one night, it was horrifying. The goddesses had been giving them the signs the whole time, but none of them were able to fit together the pieces of the puzzle. He felt at fault though. If only he had gone after him, he may have not been panicking at two in the morning, searching alleyways, for him.

But the past was the past, and his friend was finally happy again.

"Goddesses, I miss you."

He blew out a puff of smoke from his cigar, and took one of the boy's shirts. It was the worn tan garment that had streaks of blood and dirt on it. This was the shirt he wore in Ordon. It was obvious, tainted by the smell of goats. And his sweat. Sighing, Eric took the shirt and buried his face in it, taking in the musky odor that built up in the threads. He laid back on the bed, his head still buried, and curled up into a ball, occasionally taking a puff of smoke.

The night drew quickly as the red head was pulled into slumber, relaxed by the nicotine running in his bloodstream and the boy's scent that he was enveloped in.

A/N: Liking the tension? I hope so. Crucial character development is happening and the resolve is beautiful. And, for those who love the ship/story, following this story comes a sequel! I just finished working out the plot - I hope you're as excited as I am for it! Thank you for reading - hope you enjoyed! Reviews, please?