Thanks so everyone who read so far. It means a lot to me and I hope you're enjoying the story. It's my birthday today yay for me!

Please don't forget to leave a review it's much appreciated.

PART THREE - THE HERO OF HATINO

Andie struggled to keep up, his face tightened in concentration and panic. His feet slid back with every attack.

"Keep your arms up," Link instructed, moving out of his opponent's blade. "Don't take your eyes off me for one second."

Ilia felt a ball of anger grow her. Life truly was unfair, she thought bitterly, watching Link battle out with Andie. She thought of all the times she's lost her voice by yelling over at her friends to clean up after themselves, to take of themselves. She couldn't have a time alone to herself, always wondering if the boys are going to kill each other if she's gone too long, worried that one of Hank's inventions would explode and cause a forest fire or Quill would try to target practice on Andie with an apple on his never took her seriously.

The reins she's held onto ever since Link left were hot and spiked. There were times she wanted to let them go and run to the hills. But over time she's gotten used to the stress and fought through the pain and burden. They finally took her seriously and listened, acknowledging her as the new leader. She deserved it, doesn't she?

They were doing so well until he showed up.

He decided to finally show up and she has no choice but to hand over the reins she struggled to keep a hold of for two years. He held them on with such ease that it made her feel all those couple of years of struggling look pathetic. She wanted to strangle him when her eyes first saw him but couldn't when her heart pounded that way whenever he's around.

He's always so horrible to everyone and she always dreamed that he would be tender only to her. That he would never leave her and stay faithful by her side. But it was just a dream. A silly dream from her childhood.

"That's enough," she called out. "You're going to kill the poor boy."

Link paused to look at her then back at Andie, who was panting. "Take a break."

As soon as he said it, Andie sat down at once. Link grinned and handed the kid water to which he took it gratefully. It's strange but there was a time when she was jealous of Andie. Link dotes of him the most, being more patient and caring. He didn't even react when Andie broke his favorite sword. It was almost like Andie took that dream of hers and made it into a reality himself.

But she loved Andie just like everyone else did even if he did take away Link's attention from her.

"How'd I do?" He asked weakly, lying on the ground.

Link chuckled. "Well, I'd say you good enough to take a whole army down."

"Really?"

"Nope. Sorry, buddy, but you kind of suck."

"Aw."

"Hey, don't sweat it. A couple of years of this and you might even become better than me." Link held Andie up. "Alright, you'll be using shield this time and I'll—"

Something flew out the door and into Link's face. He was so surprised he stumbled back and Ilia giggled at the priceless reaction. No one told the fairy of Link's arrival so this might be interesting.

Katie had a tint of red. "Just where were you?!" She screamed in his face. "How could you leave me like that after everything I've said in the ship?!"

Link waved her off and stood up. "That's none of your business," he shot, turning away from her and grabbing the bronze sword he borrowed from Hank. "And what are you planning to do? Follow me everywhere I go?"

"That's exactly what I'm planning to do!"

Ilia snorted. "Even the loo?" She rolled her eyes. For something that doesn't have a mouth she sure likes to talk a lot. It's incredible that Link keeps her around. "How about you do the poor guy a favor and leave him alone? Sounds to me you're a bit desperate, sweetie."

"No one is talking to you," Katie snapped.

"There are hundreds of fairies out there! What makes you so special then? You can't do anything other than whine and drive us mad."

Katie snorted. "Oh yeah? At least I don't lie to myself in order to feel better about myself." Katie turned bright red then orange. "Oh, I'm not the one that's desperate. What about you, thinking you're so special? You should see his lists of other girls. You're not worth a dime, you lowly human."

It was the one thing Ilia didn't want to ever hear. She tried to punch Katie but ended up hurting the air. "You don't know anything about us!"

"There is no 'us', you stupid girl!" Katie giggled again. "You're so sad it makes me want to cry! You think you're special and oh so scary but really you're just a little girl that's too scared from society! Why don't you fix your face, wear a proper dress and act like a proper lady?"

"It's people like you that drive me mad!" Ilia yelled. "You think you know me but you have no clue! Why should I listen to you? Like you're any better."

"I am better. I didn't choose to sink low to your level." Katie fluttered higher. "I'm much better than you."

How could one fairy be such a bother? Aren't fairies supposed to be kind and gentle since they're closer to the gods? Katie must be one of the odd ones out. It's only been a day and the fairy has proven to be a poor company. "I had to do it. You have no idea, you literally have no clue what I had to go with!"

"You're only running away from your problems, sweetie," Katie pointed out.

Ilia stomped, red was the only thing she could see. "Maybe it's because I couldn't take it anymore? Maybe it's because it was killing me?! How about you try to know me before you judge me?!"

"Oh, please," Katie snapped. "Now, you're just victimizing yourself. What a poor and miserable life you have. I shall weep for you at night. The horrors you have to overcome. That makes it alright to go ahead and take what you want."

For a moment, Ilia wasn't talking to Katie but her mother. Her beautiful mother with those unbearable cold eyes and that tight lips she would always put when Ilia failed at something. It felt like her heart is being ripped off by the past, everything she tried to forget about came back. The failures, the hate, her brother…

She felt like she was standing in a dark room being watched by people, all with a disapproval look on their faces. What is she to do? She tried to please all of them. She tried wearing the fanciest of dresses, put on best of makeup, do her hair in the most stylish way, starve herself enough to look like a stick, but it's never enough. Nothing she does in her life is ever good enough.

That fairy was just like everyone else. Always judging before getting to understand. Always expecting people to follow some unwritten rule in order to be accepted by society. This world beats people down rather than reaching out a hand. She looked over at Link, wondering why he wasn't jumping to her side to defend her, but on his face was an amused smile that threatened her tears to fall. This is a joke to him. Her visible pain is funny to him. Her parent, her so-called friends, everyone just beats her down and no one tries to help her.

"Leave her alone," Andie said, stepping between her and the fairy. "Now, you're just acting like a bully! She's right; you have no idea what we've been through."

"Wait, Andie, don't—"

"Both her parents had the Sunflower Flu! Ilia was just a kid at that time and she lost both her parents. You have no idea how messed up that was and what she went through," Andie spat, pointing a finger at the sprit angrily. His voice however wasn't as loud or effective as he wanted them to be. "She's trying to make it better and it's people like you that never listen."

Katie gave a 'tch'. "I don't care what sob story she has. She could just get over it and move on. She's justifying her actions to hurt people and I'm not fine with that." She glared down at Andie. "And you're no better. You're just another stupid thief and you'll end up with a rope on your neck if you don't quit it."

Link had enough. "Alright. Knock it off."

Ilia turned away from him, quietly wiping the tears. It's Andie. It's always Andie. Even though Andie defended her when no one else would she found herself feeling bitter having him around.

"No, you knock it off. I can't believe you're wasting time with these criminals!" Katie fluttered close to him. "I can't believe I'm wasting my time and breathing the same air as them!"

Link managed to swipe his hand and got her away from his face. "You getting on my nerves, sprit," he growled. "I said I'm going to handle this so knock it off."

The fairy turned a deep shade of blue then red. "You know what? Fine! Do whatever you want!" With that she spiraled away, going deep into the woods.

Andie touched her elbow. "Are you okay?"

"Ilia…" Link started but didn't get the chance to go any further.

"Both of you go to hell," she whispered, turning away before they could stop her.

When she's far away, she broke down; her knees touched the ground, her hair in her face and tears leaked down her cheeks. The pain welled up in her heart and clouded her mind. The memories she desperately wanted to forget were fresh, the wounds now opened.

What did she do so wrong? Was it bad that she wanted to live? She thought, the sob shaking her body.

At least she was here with the gang. At least she stayed here the whole time, losing her mind bit by bit, trying to lead a gang of wild boys that refuse to follow her. She did everything she could to keep them alive, to keep their circle of trust and love strong when Link left it broken.

She held her head, gritting her teeth and wanting to scream to the heavens. Curse that fairy, curse Link. She wished they never came here in the first place. She would've stayed the leader and kept stealing and living her life in freedom. No way she can go back to being the small coward girl she was. She's different now. She's older. The monster under the bed no longer haunts her, the old fainting picture of her brother no longer crushes her heart.

"Goodness me, what happened, love?" Quill bended down and had her arms around his chest.

Quill was the only one who helped her through the worst. He was like her right hand man like Dyer was to Link. He always took her side when the odds were against her. Whenever the guys would try to outvote her he'll always be there defending her cause, giving her a vote to help her win, holding her whenever she cries at the hardest times.

"Oh, Quill," she sobbed, buried her shoulder and her words muffled. "I'm sorry."

"Shh, darling, you've done nothing wrong," he whispered, lifting her chin up. She gazed into those red eyes and remembered how they used to startle her at first. It took time to get used to them. There was nothing but kindness in them, and she felt safe. "Tell me who's done this and I'll make sure they don't sleep at night."

She broke a small smile as he wiped a tear away. "I'm just not feeling well that's all."

"None sense! You should be pleased." He helped her up, placing his hands on his shoulder. There seemed to be something on his back since it glowed with red but Ilia ignored it. "After all, you did win the argument. We can make away that fairy however you like it."

How does he even know what happened? Quill has this way of hiding in the shadows and observes a scene quietly. He may not be a Sheikah but he doesn't realize that he really does act like one. Of course she would never share this with him since it will only upset him.

Using the back of her hand, she wiped a tear away. "You hate him though. Why do you want to keep him around?"

He shrugged. "Well, if you are bent on helping this useless chap then I'll lend you a hand."

If only Link could be this generous to her, this caring and considerate to her feelings. She wiped a tear away harshly. A little smile came on her features; this one was cold and bitter with anger. That fairy sure can talk a lot. She always seems to know better than everyone. "I want her to suffer." Her voice was growling in her throat. The air in her lungs was burning. "I want Link back."

His hand moved away from her. "Yes, of course," he said, with a bit of a frown then wiped it off. "How'd you like it done, your highness?"

She sniffed; the idea came to her that made her laugh a little. "Got a bottle on you?"

Link was cleaning up, wiping a towel over his head and a knock got his attention. "Come in."

Gus swung the door open and closed it. "Hey, how's it going?" He gave a sly smile. "You and Ilia came back a little late. Something interested happened?"

Link shrugged. You can never hide anything with Gus on your side. "Maybe." It's evident on his bruised cheeks and playful smile.

"Care to share?"

"When I'm drunk most likely."

Gus laughed, then cleared his throat, handing Link a small green bottle. "And what's this?" Link frowned at the small item.

"It's salve."

"For what?"

"For your back."

Link's lips pursed, glancing at the medicine. "Nothing really escapes you, does it?" He wondered more to himself. It's what makes Gus so scary. He wondered how Gus figured it out. Maybe he cringed when someone touched him and he caught on to that. With Gus you never know.

"Are you thinking of quitting stealing?" He asked lightly, leaning on the wall with crossed hands. His sharp meticulous eyes never left Link's face. They were analyzing him, studying his expression.

Link tried to ignore the goosebumps on his forearm. He felt so transparent with Gus around. Leaning in the mirror, he used the salve on his cheeks. "You know, there's days where I thought you were psychic," he joked, settling the bottle down. "Yeah, I am and so are you guys."

Ilia specifically told him not to say anything for a while. Just let himself settle in and earn their trust back. They'll follow him just as always if he follows her plan. He forgot to ask her how to deal with Gus.

Gus' jaw clenched. "Right and do you ever consider how we would feel?" There was hardness in his tone as if offended. His eyes had a touch of irritation in them. "Link, let's be frank. You left two years ago—"

"I did it for Agnes," Link cut him off with a warning in his eyes. Gus has better choose his words carefully when bringing up his dog.

His red-haired friend nodded, his calm demeanor didn't waver. "I know and I understand completely," he said softly, his expression changed to a more sympathetic one. "She needed a vet and you went through a storm for her. I get that completely but you never came back." Gus pushed himself off the wall and was looking at Link so intensely that Link had to turn away, pretending to spread the salve while looking at the mirror. "It doesn't work that way. You can't come back after so long after we—" He stopped and turned away. "We thought you were dead this whole time."

Link felt an uncomfortable feeling and tried to push it away. He hated to feel anything, this annoying tad of guilt. He shouldn't even be feeling this. "I'm doing this for your own good. You don't have to like it." He turned his back, ending the conversation.

Gus didn't seem so happy and something changed in his eyes. He smiled tightly. "Okay then, whatever you say, boss."

Link sighed, feeling agitated. Why are they being so difficult? Do they really consider Ilia in charge around here? He should fix that quick before it gets out of hand. With Gus leaving the room, Link thought of something. "Have you ever thought about it?"

Gus paused, still not facing towards Link but it was evident that he was enraged. Link honestly couldn't care any less. What he says goes and they should know this. "About what?"

"About what we do. Do you ever get tired of it?"

"Do you ever get tired of sake?" Gus shot, surprising Link and faced him. He took in a deep breath to calm himself and reverted back to normal. "I like what I do because I'm good at it."

Link blinked at the sudden change of tone, but continued on without turning to face him. "What if I said that if you don't stop now then you may never get the chance again? I'll admit it, I don't want anything bad to happen to you, alright?"

For a moment there was silence and Link thought his friend took to the door. "Oh, you do care about us!" Gus teased and the mood lightened at once. "Oh, wait, you mean just me right? Well, I'm flattered but I don't see any flowers."

Link grinned and hooked a hand on his neck, twisting his knuckles deep into Gus' red head. "I would if it wouldn't make Ilia jealous."

"I heard she's gotten into a fight with that sprit of yours," he said, trying to change the subject and get Link off him. "She seems pretty upset."

Link sighed and released him. Ilia really needs to bottle her emotions better. How could he say anything when she's acting like a child? But it wasn't like Katie was any better, acting all mighty and powerful. Just thinking about it made him feel irked at both of them. "They're just being dramatic."

"Aren't you being harsh on Ilia?"

"I didn't come back for drama, Gus."

"Then why did you come back?" It was a question that made Link turned to him. Gus pointed a thump over his shoulder. "And how'd you get stuck with a fairy like that?"

"You don't need to know."

Link turned again to fix his hair into a short tight ponytail and stick the pins on his bangs. He really does need to get it cut. Realizing that his guest still didn't leave he grumbled, "The doors right there, buddy."

"Link," Gus started, "I'm glad your back." It sounded so sincere and genuine that Link felt something tingling in his chest.

Stomping down the feeling, Link smirked at his reflection. "So am I."

"But you should've came back sooner."

Link frowned and looking at Gus' reflection to see him an austere expression. His friend shook his head. "I'm not going to quit stealing. I don't know why you're so caught up with stopping what we do but it's not going to happen."

"Listen—"

"No, you listen," Gus snapped, his normal calm demeanor forgotten again. "I respect your decision." His voice softens and his shoulders slumps. "I always have, but I'm not going to stop the one thing that got me this far. And for what? For someone that came back after so long?" He seemed to be genuinely lugubrious. "And what's worse," he started to say as his eyes averted Link's, "is that you didn't even come back for us."

A muscle leaped in Link's as he watched Gus storm off. He really hates it when things get complicated. No one would even question him during their halcyon childhood. It was as if playing follow the leader. They took his word as law and shut their trap. Now they're acting as if they know any better.

This is starting to get under his skin. He took a little look around this hideout and knew that he needed to do something about it. His gang didn't pay for those food, or that carpet, that couch is probably from the garbage, those beds are brand new and look expensive. This really needs to stop but how?

It's just as Ilia and Gus pointed out and as irritated as he was, he has to admit it: he can't expect blind obedience just like before. What can he do to scare 'em straight?

The only thing he could possibly think of was Katie. His left eye twitched. The only thing she's good for is a headache. She keeps on insisting that she's useful in battle with advice and knowledge and so far she's done nothing to prove to him that he really needs her.

Still though, nobody was on his side and he could only expect that from her. He couldn't trust Ilia completely, something about her immediate eagerness to help him was vexatious.

Katie on the other hand has to prove her worth and he could use that against her. He might try to explain things better and ask for an advice. Get her to know the problem and help him fix it. He might even get her to get along with everyone.

Pleased with the thought, he went outside to call her. When she didn't reply he guessed that she's still sore about what happened and tried to wait for her. The sun started to set and he felt a sense of discomfort. There were reports of monsters in the night, Dyer told him. The town even set their own curfew for the children's sakes, securing their doors and windows. And Katie still hasn't returned.

Something's wrong. He felt it in his guts. She wouldn't leave him alone for a second so what's taking so long? His legs were restless and he wanted to grab his sword and find that stupid fairy. She'll get herself killed at this point.

"Did Katie come back?" Link asked for what is the tenth time, as he helped set up the fences around their hideout.

Ilia planned it after lunch that they would need to raised their defense during the night. It lit a light bulb over Hank's head and he spent half an hour making an odd looking twisting wire.

He proudly explains that as soon as they tangle the wires around a fence, electricity would flow through them, zapping any intruders to a crisp. The only downfall is that it takes eight hours for it to charge up so they would need to bring it back in the morning. His efforts were laudable in their eyes.

You could always count of Hank to make something potentially dangerous with the possibility that he could kill someone. Good old Hank. There's a chance that maybe he will listen to Link.

They have been protecting themselves, Link thought, surprised that he felt something ache on his chest. It was the feeling of being unwanted, of being no use. He shook the feeling off and hammered down the peg while Ilia kept it in place.

"Why do you care all of a sudden?" She asked, avoiding his eyes. She's still hasn't forgiven him for the morning.

Why does he care though? This should be a blessing! He wouldn't have her in his face and his tunic wouldn't have sparkles glittered on them.

But something felt wrong. Wasn't Katie afraid of the dark? She said so herself when they were trapped in the temple of the Lost Woods. He also remembered what she said on the ship. She'll help him find Agnes regardless if he chose to accept his destiny or not. For these reasons he has to find Katie

Link frowned. "You know where she is, don't you?" There's no way Ilia would let it go. She might be forgiving towards her gang but that forgiveness doesn't extend to outsiders.

She snorted. "How would I know?" She wrapped the wires around the wood, stiffly. "Maybe she got eaten by a Deku plant."

"Ilia, if you did something—"

The small section of the fence collapsed when her foot kicked it down. Link cringed a bit. Hank strongly emphasized that they should be careful with his things. "I can't believe you're on her side!" She shouted. "Did you hear the things she said to me? Or you don't care?"

Her tears unfazed him. It only thinned his patience. "Ilia, where is she?" He stood up and blocked her way, glaring down at her. He has no time for her games and manipulation.

"I don't know, okay?!" She covered her face. "You wouldn't believe me anyways. I bet if I died right now you wouldn't blink."

Link sighed, feeling his anger fade. Maybe he should've intervened in some way. He did, after all, convince Ilia to bring Katie along, promising she wouldn't be a bother. Some of the fault is with him. "I'm sorry, okay?" He said it earnestly and meant it. "And that's not true. You know that. I'd carry you to another village just to find a doctor."

She sniffed, lifting her eyes to him. "You mean that?" Her voice was small and vulnerable.

He wrapped his arm around her. "I've done it to Agnes and I'll do it again for any of you. Now stop crying." He looked at her red eyes and felt he's being tricked but if he accused her that would make the situation far more worse and he needs her on his side. So saying as softly as he can with no signs of suspicion, "You didn't do anything to her, did you?"

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Really."

He felt he's being lied to but staring at those pooled eyes made the quarrel he planned out die in his throat. He's done nothing but made her cry during his stay. He had stayed silent when Katie was bashing at her when he should've put the fairy in her place.

"I need to go and find her." He stared at the dark woods and was reminded of the one that loved him in Ordon. This woods was nothing like it but it gave him nostalgia.

"Wait, maybe she'll come back," she told him even sounding desperate. "Just give it some time."

"But the monsters—"

Her bottom lip quivered. "Please don't leave me again for someone else."

She's good at convincing him. Especially when she pleads in that small voice, look at him with big eyes. It made him feel powerful. Like he's in control of someone. His eyes glanced out at the woods with the shadows of the trees growing longer and looking eerie.

Katie would never be stupid to wonder in the woods for so long and risk her life over a childish argument. Maybe she's in the village looking for the chief? Now that he thinks about it that might be the case. She could be informing the chief about the thieves that are hiding out in the woods.

And that might be a good idea too. Bring the chief here, expose his gang and then get them to understand how dangerous this game really is. Let them face the consequences of their actions without getting his hands dirty or further destroying their trust. It's a good plan and he felt good about it. So good that he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Alright, I believe you," he said softly with a warm smile then winked. "Let's get these up and running, huh? Can't wait to see them sparkle."

She blinked, flushing to her cheeks and smiling a little. "Yeah." She picked up the pieces of wood she knocked out and stopped. "By the way, we'll take you to the chief ourselves if you like."

"Don't think that'll be necessary." He pondered for a moment and looked over at the gloomy woods. "Actually, if Katie doesn't come back then I'll have to meet him."

She nodded. "How about let's say…after tomorrow?"

That feels too long. What if something happens to Katie then?

He was about to give a firm 'no'. But that 'no' turned to a 'yes' moderately fast when her lips touch his. "Good plan, right?"

Dammit, it's hard to say anything when she looks at him like that.

"Great plan actually."

He has a good feeling about this. He won't go anywhere until he fixes this mess he made six years ago.