Tale of a Legend

by GerdenGerudo

No hero is born as one, and that is no different for a certain mute we all know and love. This is how a shy Goat Herder left her village. How two people who hated each other became friends. How a kingdom was saved by a cold darkness. And how destinies intertwined with one another. This is the Tale of a Legend. Bad summary is bad. T to be safe.

14. Broken Promise

To Baby Mama Valkyira: Yep, the worse is only yet to come. Link's going to have a Hell of a time during the next series of events.

Chapter 14: Broken Promise

'I never wanna do that again,' Link rubbed her ribs as she walked away from the cabin. They were near the bridge now, which was clean of any remaining oil. The only way out of Lake Hylia was by the jester ride, which consisted of getting shot out of a cannon to land on the roof of the cabin. Another jester was in the cabin and he smiled as she fell off the roof, wishing her a fine day.

"Well we're not quite done with Lake Hylia yet, so don't hold your breath," Midna advised, sitting on Link's shoulders and wearing her hat to keep the sun off. Link nodded, watching the clouds. Midna recognised the look on Link's face when she was lost in thought. Midna had to marvel at how well Link's mental walls stayed up. They hardly ever got headaches anymore.

'Despite everything, I think I've enjoyed this adventure.'

"Link, you've teased death at least a dozen times."

'I know, but hasn't this been amazing? Seeing the kingdom, saving lives, meeting all these people,' Link placed a hand above her hidden tattoo. 'I've learned so much, about Hyrule, about the other races, even about myself.' Now she traced the Triforce on her hand, smiling weakly. 'This was nothing before. I was nothing before. I would look in a mirror and only see a mute girl who didn't belong.'

Link fell silent. "And now?" Midna pressed gently.

'Now I'm the only person capable of saving Hyrule. There are some things I'm still unsure about, like why the Gods chose me out of everyone in the kingdom or why I share the name of the Heroes of the past. Why I keep getting these dreams or feeling like I know things I shouldn't.'

"Like back at the Domain."

'Yeah. There have been other times, too. It doesn't all make sense yet. Ever since I left Ordon after my training I've felt different. Like I've been...waking up.'

"Interesting way to put it."

'What do you see when you look in a mirror?'

Midna blinked, wondering how to respond. There were some things Link didn't need to know. Secrets she had to keep to be safe. She traced her forearm. What did she see when she looked in a mirror?

"I don't know anymore."

'Well I see someone who wants to do good, but holds herself back. You still remain mysterious and angry sometimes. You act aloof. I've said it before Midna, I see good in you. I see the person you can be if only you tried. You have to believe that.'

Midna couldn't help but look down at the bald spot on Link's head. The skull was healing, but cracked and the indent would remain. She looked away with a frown, suppressing her feelings once more. "Let it be, Link. You still don't have any idea who I can or can't be. You've only just found out a little more about yourself, don't act like you know me better than you do."

'Okay.'

Midna was both surprised and happy Link dropped it so quickly.

"Back to your first point, though, I have to agree. This has been an enjoyable adventure. An insane, fun adventure involving a shadowy Imp sitting on the shoulders of a fr...of a freaky teenager who can become a wolf in shadows. If that isn't crazy, I don't know what is."

Link smiled, chuckling softly as they finally left the canyons and saw the farmland stretch out before them. 'It has been crazy, hasn't it? Heh, Ilia's gunna kill me.'

"Why?"

'Before all this, she had me promise to not do anything crazy. I kinda broke that one.'

"Oh please, I think you've broken that one a hundred times by now," Midna giggled, going into Link's shadow.

Link carried on, whistling what Midna had called Requiem of Spirit as the Imp thought. A mirror...what would I see looking into a mirror?

I think I'd see a broken, murderousfailure.

Why does Link keep seeing someone I'm not?

-0-0-0-0-0-

The notes of the Horse Reed carried out over the mountains. Link smiled as she looked at the sky, knowing Epona would meet up with her soon. Before she could turn to the city gates, she spotted a golden light hidden in the shadows of the wall.

Hero's Shade sat waiting, standing when she approached. Link stood still as he lunged forward, the world blurring out and back in to the world of white.

The Stalfos stood in front of her with crossed arms. She crossed her own in return. After a few moments of silence Link swore she saw a smirk on his face. Hard to tell with bones.

"So you've grown stronger. You're finally filling into the role the Gods gifted you since birth. Good. But do you truly have what it takes to continue? Show me how you've mastered the Shield Bash, and I will teach you a new skill. Prepare yourself."

Link smirked, unsheathing her sword and raising her shield. The tip of Hero's Shade's sword began to glow brightly and he shot the fireball towards her. She reflected the spell with her shield, feeling her skin crawl, and smiled when it struck Hero's Shade in the chest. She ran up to him and pushed her shield arm forward, sticking her foot out under his ankle. This tripped him up and he lay on the ground, his single eye blinking quickly.

He stood and studied Link for a few moments. Then he truly broke into a smile.

"You are clever. You lack in strength, so have learned to use your agility to your advantage. I assume that is how you were honoured to become a Sworn Brother," he looked at her arm. She rubbed her arm, feeling her face grow hot at the praise. The last time she spoke to him she had goatshit her way into proving she wasn't weak.

"Now that you have shown me your mastery of the Shield Bash, it is time for a new skill. What I am about to teach you will help you against enemies who have an excellent forward defence, but an abysmal backwards defence. The Back Slice."

"To use the Back Slice is simple, but effective. You will jump to the side and roll, gaining momentum as you roll around to the back of your opponent and come up with a spin. If you time it right you will get a free hit on them."

Hero's Shade followed up with this by jumping to the left, rolling and coming back up behind Link, his sword a centimetre from her neck. "Understand?"

Link nodded. Hero's Shade moved back to his place in front of her and raised his mossy sword. Link raised her own, crossing it with the blade. She bent her legs and leapt to the side, diving down over her shoulders and pushing off her feet. Her sword slashed across Hero's Shade's back twice as she went into the air, feeling her heart pound when she landed on unsteady feet.

Hero's Shade turned, fixing Link with a gaze she hadn't seen from him before. His red eye was bright for a moment, but it dimmed back to normal when he fully faced her. "You are really improving. I'm amazed. Your journey to becoming a true Hero draws closer. When you have fully mastered the Back Slice, find me again. Farewell, Link."

Link shook her head. When she woke she was leaning on the wall, head slumped forward. She looked up to see Midna in her face, head tilted curiously. "So what did you learn this time?"

'Back Slice. It was amazing, I did it right the first try! I think I'm going to like this one.'

"Well then I hope to see it in action soon," Midna smiled, sinking into Link's shadow as she walked under the first gate of Hyrule Castle Town.

Link took pause before the doors of Hyrule. They were closed now and two guardsmen stood on either side. She could feel her neck burn as they stared at her through their closed helmets. Gulping she walked up to them, worried they would stop her.

"Enjoy your stay in Hyrule Castle Town. Don't cause any trouble, boy."

The doors parted and Link's eyes widened. Walking into Castle Town this time was completely different. Instead of empty streets and sullen spirits, people rushed everywhere from anywhere. Chatter filled the air, so many conversations at once Link couldn't focus on any of it. The townspeople wore bright clothing and jewellery, making her dizzy. These people moved in the crowds with ease, pushing each other aside to get to their destination.

"Yep, he's doomed." The guard behind her was what helped her out of her shock. She looked back at them before taking a breath and walking into the streets. Even with her quick feet, Link was instantly a target of getting shoved without a care. Several times she was knocked to the ground only to get stepped over. She managed to get back to her feet and took refuge in a less crowded street. Panting she looked out into the waves of people and gulped.

'Do you remember how to get to that bar?'

"Yeah, but you'll have to get through all this to get there."

'Shit.'

Link mustered her bravery and stepped out again, regretting it instantly. Again she was pulled and pushed about, getting yelled at when she didn't move in time. She looked up through the many heads to see the Castle in the distance. It was grey with blue-purple roof tiles, the towers rising above even the mountain behind it. For a few moments time seemed to halt, letting her see the Castle for what it truly was. It was beautiful.

The Gods were so kind to bring her back into reality when she was shoved yet again. She cursed to herself and rose to her feet, moving with the crowd into the market. Her eyes set on the statue, where she could see it was less crowded. She began pushing back against the other people and struggling to stay on her feet. She could see the crowd starting to part and only focused on the statue.

She skidded to a halt, however, when a shadow fell over her with the whinny of a horse.

Looking up she saw a soldier in full armour pulling the reigns of his frightened mare. Link took a step back before gripping the reigns to help pull her down. When the pinto-coated mare's hooves were back on solid ground Link hesitantly looked up at the soldier on top. She could feel his glare through the helmet. He slowly got off the horse and, after patting the mare's neck, walked to Link. He towered over her and he took his helmet off to reveal black hair and brown eyes.

"That was very stupid. I could have trampled you or you could have broken my neck. You're lucky the Castle gates are locked or else I'd haul you off to the dungeons."

"Seems a bit harsh for a mistake."

"What did you say?" the soldier demanded. Link looked down at her feet. To anyone else it was a boy looking at his feet in shame, but to two people it was Link glaring daggers at her shadow. "Look at me when I'm talking to you." Link snapped her attention upwards. "I can tell you are not from here. Tell me your name and where you're from and I will let you off with a warning."

Link gulped, hastily pulling out a note of paper and charcoal. Midna had had the foresight of getting her to buy some from Malo, who had set up a little shop in Kakariko. She scribbled out what the soldier asked and he raised an eyebrow at the paper.

"Link from Ordon," The soldier glanced from the paper to Link and blinked twice. "...Right. Heard about that village. Well, make sure this doesn't happen again."

Link nodded quickly, glad she was off the hook. She turned away when a couple of kids knocked into her, making her fall back. Instinctively she reached out for something to grab onto. Unfortunately for both of them, she grabbed onto the soldier's arm. They fell into the fountain and Link turned red when she heard all the laughter. She took a chance to look to her side and completely lost all hope of getting away from the pissed off soldier. He stood slowly and stepped out of the fountain.

"I may just lock you up in my own house."

"Making new friends, Al?" Very suddenly a boy with red hair and brown eyes appeared beside the soldier. The new guy had freckles all over his face and was very pale, but it was impossible not to see the resemblance between the two.

"I'm thinking the best possible way to lock this kid up."

"Cut him a break, Al," the red-head offered a hand to Link. She tilted her head and accepted. The boy hardly put any effort into bringing her to her feet and out of the fountain. "He's new around here and he was just pushed."

"Fine. I'm only letting this go because there's no other option," Al narrowed his eyes at Link, who rubbed her arm. "Make sure he stays out of trouble."

"I can do that. Don't mind Alex, you just made a bad first impression," he said bluntly with a smile. "I'm Adam. What's your name?"

Again Link wrote her name out. Adam smiled brightly. "Nice to meet you," he shook Link's hand before crossing his arms loosely. Link noticed his eyes were on her ears. "I never knew there were any other Hylians in Hyrule. I thought the Princess was the last one alive. Probably why everyone's looking at you, eh?"

Link raised an eyebrow. Adam chuckled. "Did you seriously not notice the mass amount of people staring at you?" Link looked around her and felt her face grow hot. Just about everyone who passed her were looking at her curiously, whispering to the people around them. The more she looked the more she noticed the conversations.

"Didn't know there were any-"

"Very young-"

"Strange tunic-"

"He has very large ears-"

"Is he a Full-Blooded Hylian?"

"I thought they were extinct."

"Maybe the Princess' race isn't doomed after all."

"Hey," Adam turned Link by the shoulders so she was looking at his face. "Sorry to bring it to your attention. I thought you knew. You okay?"

Link had to wonder how this guy was related to the soldier. He was far too kind to a stranger like herself.

"We should probably leave the market. You don't seem keen on staying much longer. Anywhere you're heading?"

Link handed him a new paper and he nodded. "Telma's, eh? She's a kind lady. Best innkeeper in the city. Come on, I can take you there. If you want."

Link smiled and nodded, making Adam's smile somehow grow even larger. "Alright, stick close. The crowds can be very overwhelming."

Link stuck very close to Adam as he guided her through the crowd. While he walked he chatted happily, leaving no room for Link to talk could she be able to. She smiled, managing to avoid being knocked about as much.

"Hey," Midna appeared by her shoulder. Somehow no one spotted her. "You did well back there." Link's ears perked. Midna giggled. "You didn't grumble or anything when they called you a boy."

'Oh, I didn't even notice.'

Midna giggled again before vanishing once more. Link had to wonder why she was being so bold as to show up in such a crowded place.

"Here we are!" Adam spread his arms out as they came to a different street. This one had hardly anyone, mostly just adults washing clothes and a couple kids playing. "The market's been crazy all day. It feels...safe again," Adam smiled sadly back at the market. "I can't remember when it last felt safe. It feels like years. Maybe the Princess knows, but the Castle has been locked up tight for a long time. No one can get in or out."

Adam stopped walking, looking at the grey walls of the castle's towers. Even from the street they rose above and seemed to watch over the city. 'Zelda, please be okay. I'll get you out of there soon.'

"I should get back home. My brother will start to tear the city apart if I'm gone too long. He's been so worried. His wife and our father-in-law are trapped inside the Castle walls and he isn't about to let me get lost. If you follow this road straight then take a sharp left, you'll find the stairs leading to Telma's Bar. I hope to see you around, Link," Adam ruffled Link's head with a smile before walking back to the market. He was whistling a chipper tune.

"The Twilight has caused so much harm," Midna sighed, leaning on Link's shoulder. "These people have been suffering in it longer than anyone. I can't imagine how scared they all are."

'Well that's what we're going to stop.'

Midna grinned. "Glad we're finally on the same page."

Midna remained out, somehow hidden in plain sight as Link walked down the street. At the end she glanced around at the grey and brown buildings before turning left. She could feel her heart pounding as she walked towards the cove hiding the bar. The Goron merchant helped find the exact spot.

She went down the stairs and towards the door. She could hear chatter inside and took a deep breath, fiddling with her tunic. Midna giggled and returned to her shadow. 'I'm here, Ilia.'

"Are you insane? I can't help this boy! I'm a doctor for humans!" A small old man yelled as Link walked in. He shoved her aside roughly as he left the bar, grumbling under his breath. Link watched him go, baffled for a moment and saw movement in her peripheral vision. Turning, Link broke into a wide grin when she saw Ilia running after the man. It took all of Link's willpower to not tackle her to the ground in a hug.

"Doctor, please! He'll die!" Ilia sighed sadly as the door slammed shut. She looked to the floor and Link took a step forward, raising a hand. Ilia looked up before she could make contact and Link smiled at her, feeling her eyes burn. Ilia turned her eyes to Link, first looking over her tunic and then meeting her eyes.

Green eyes met teary blue eyes. Link's heart hammered and she moved to take a step closer.

Then Ilia slowly turned her back to Link without a word.

Link's ears dropped instantly, hurt across her face.Why did Ilia ignore her? Wasn't she just as happy to see her? Was she too worried over the Zora boy to even notice Link? Link stood by the doorway in shock, unable to move or think.

So she just stood there and listened.

"What are we going to do?" Ilia asked, falling onto a box by the boy's side. Telma was standing beside her, her eyes on Link the moment she walked in. Link didn't notice, she just stared at Ilia. "If he can't help this boy, who can?"

"The healers in the Castle can heal anything, but we can't get him in now. However, there is a place we could go. I know a Shaman in Kakariko who knows other types of medicine, he should be able to help this boy."

Ilia stood instantly, looking up at Telma with hope. "He can? We have to get him to Kakariko!"

"Not possible!"

Telma and Ilia turned to five soldiers standing near the bar. They all wore full armour and carried spears and swords.

One person didn't even notice them.

"The bridge going to Kakariko has been destroyed. You will have to cross all of Hyrule to get to the village, but fear not! We shall accompany you to keep you safe from harm! Right, boys?" The tallest guard asked his comrades, who all began cheering. Telma smiled warmly and turned to Ilia.

"Good. I've heard there are frightening monsters all across the fields. We'd be a large target with my wagon. All of the monsters will attack us on sight, but if these fine men are going to help us, we shouldn't need to worry."

As Telma was talking, the five soldiers' bravo began to fade. They slowly lowered their weapons. Then four of them ran out of the bar, bumping into the stunned girl standing at the entrance. Only one soldier remained when Telma turned back to where the group had stood.

This last soldier looked beside him to see he was alone. With a yelp he ran out after his fellow soldiers. Telma's smile melted into rage as she turned to the door, hands on her wide hips. "You cowards! Don't show your faces in here again!"

Telma huffed and turned her eyes to Link. She smiled and addressed her. "Well well, someone has a backbone." Telma looked over her shoulder at Ilia, who was half-hidden behind her and staring at Link quietly. "Pack your things, girl. We leave in an hour. And this young warrior will help us get to Kakariko." Ilia nodded and ran off up some stairs. Link watched her until she was out of sight, still too stunned to do anything.

"You know her, don't you?" Telma softly put a hand on Link's shoulder. This woke Link from her trance. Link looked up at Telma, who gave a charming smile. "It's a shame. The poor girl lost her memories. She can't even remember her own name. She stumbled into here with the Zora. I've kept her safe since."

Link's knees grew weak. She collapsed on the floor, staring down at the wood with a blank look. After all this time, after all her worries and nightmares, she had finally found Ilia. Only to discover it wasn't her Ilia. It wasn't her best friend. It was a stranger with a familiar face.

"Hey, it will be okay," Telma gently pulled Link up and sat her down in a chair. "The Shaman I spoke about might be able to help her."

Telma sighed, running a hand across Link's back. "I see you need to digest this. I'll be back shortly."

The bar was empty. Only Link remained. She stared into the empty space around her with a growing broken heart. Link buried her face into her arms on the table, only just noticing how wet her eyes were. She didn't care. She just wept into her arms, the relief of finding Ilia doused by the crushing weight of Ilia's memory loss.

Link felt her head rise. Midna held her head between her hands, gently running her hands through her messy hair. "Hey, everything will be okay, Link. I know this looks bleak, I know how much this hurts, but you must look at this positively. Out of everything that could have happened, Ilia's alive! She's around to see you, even if she doesn't remember you. You can see her. You can hug her. You can keep her safe yourself now. She's not lost anymore, or hurt, or...or dead."

'Thank you, Midna. I swear to Din, Nayru and Farore, I'm going to fix this.'

"Memory can't be fixed so easily, Link," Midna said sadly, looking into Link's eyes. "But somehow...I know you will."

Link smiled weakly. Her heart still ached, but she was able to stop crying. Unthinkingly she hugged Midna before a short zap made her back off. Midna was staring at her with narrow eyes. "Don't hug me, okay? I don't like hugs."

Link let out a soft laugh, rubbing at her eyes and felt something very fluffy run across her nose. She brought her hands down and stared into the face of a very fluffy white cat with a purple bow around its neck and dark eyes. It mewed at her and licked at her cheek, making her sit back with a suspicious glare. Cats never liked being around her.

The cat didn't seem phased by the glare and just began to purr, jumping onto Link's lap and curling up. Link desired to push it off, but couldn't bring herself to. She just sighed and slowly began to pet the cat. Strange, why isn't this cat attacking me?

"Well I'll be. I've never seen Louise get so close to a stranger," Telma laughed as she leaned on the table, grinning at Link and the cat. "She's distrustful of people. Was abandoned as a kit, poor thing."

There were footsteps and Link prepared herself before looking up. Ilia walked down the stairs and paused at the end, looking at Link curiously. Link forced down all her emotions and waved at her. Ilia slowly waved back.

"I'll get my wagon ready. Meet you at the front of the Castle, south gate."

-0-0-0-0-

This boy was like nobody she had ever seen. Even the Zora didn't hold a candle to this unique boy. He was short and scrawny, how he managed to use the sword on his back she had no clue. The green tunic and hat were strange, she hadn't seen anyone wear anything like it before. His hair was such a dirty blonde mess she really wanted to pull a comb through it or cut some of it off. His freckled face was narrow and thin, making him look childish. His ears were long and pointed, something completely odd. What was he?

But his eyes. The Gods, his eyes were something to behold. She had seen many faces since arriving at Telma's. She was able to work to pass the time while the Zora boy rested. Not once did she see eyes with so much emotion and depth. The wolf-like shape made them look sharp and alert, but also so soft and kind. The dark shade of blue was striking and with the dim lighting of the Inn it looked like the irises were glowing. When the candle light hit his eyes just right they had the smallest hint of purple.

When he had entered and their eyes met, she felt such a desire to reach out and grab his out-stretched hand. But how could she accept the hand of a complete stranger? She felt bad when she turned away. She could feel the despair coming from him as she turned her concern to the Zora.

She hadn't gone up to pack right away. She knew they would talk about her. So she waited. She had only heard Telma talking and this made her feel worse. She knew this boy before? No wonder he looked so hurt. But she couldn't do anything about it now. She couldn't remember her past or name, where she came from or who her family and friends were. It didn't mean she couldn't relearn who they were.

She would befriend this boy again and wouldn't forget. She vowed this as she packed and went downstairs to see the boy sitting in the chair. His eyes were swollen red. She gulped, wondering how close they could have been. When they locked eyes, the boy offered the faintest of smiles and waved. She waved back lightly.

Now they were preparing to cross all of Hyrule. It would take a week to get to Kakariko. Plenty of time to get to know this strangely silent boy again. She sat in the wagon with the Zora boy, keeping him hydrated and comfortable in the blankets. She heard a whinny and looked up to see a horse's face sticking in from the window. The horse was a large creature with chestnut fur, a white mane and had a white blaze going down from her forehead. It nickered at her. She smiled and ran a hand across the horse's face. She heard a chuckle and glanced beyond the horse's head to see the boy smiling fondly.

This horse knew her before as well. She needed to learn the names of these two. She couldn't keep calling them 'boy' and 'horse'.

"What is your name? And who is this?"

The boy reached into a small pouch on his belt and pulled out a paper and charcoal. He scribbled something down and handed it to her. She giggled lightly, hand covering her face. His handwriting was terrible.

My name is Link. This is my horse Epona.

You're name is Ilia.

Link, Epona and Ilia.

Ilia.

She smiled at Link widely. "Thank you, for all of this. But won't this be hard on your own?"

"I wouldn't worry about our friend," Telma said from the front of the wagon. "The kid has the eyes of a beast."

Ilia nodded, looking at Link's eyes as the boy continued to smile at her softly. "Well if you think so. Just promise me you won't do anything crazy, okay?" Ilia's smile fell after she said this. Link's eyes grew wide and his ears fell. His sharp eyes seemed to dull and he turned away. Slowly he looked back at the confused Ilia and made an 'X' with his arms and shook his head. Ilia raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing as Link guided Epona forward to be at Telma's side.

Ilia sat back in the wagon as she watched Telma and Link scout out the bridge. Telma called it the Bridge of Lanayru. When they came back Ilia noticed Link was shaking his left hand. She had seen him punch one of the broken rocks of the platform. It was a strange platform, seats running down to a railing that overlooked the glistening lake below. Ilia wondered why such a thing was built.

When they got to the bridge Ilia gasped, seeing a huge green creature riding on top of a blue boar. Ilia couldn't explain it, but she hid inside the wagon to be out of its sight. It unnerved her. However, she couldn't look away as Link rode onto the bridge and unsheathed his sword. He could hold it well despite his size.

Link and the green creature stood still for several minutes. Then the boar reared up and began to charge. Link leaned close to Epona's neck as he also charged, sword low. They got close and both swung. Ilia saw the creature flinch as Link rode by unscathed. On the far side of the bridge Link turned Epona, the mare pawing the bridge. The boar rider took a moment to recover before he also turned, charging once more.

Ilia leaned out of the window. The way Link was fighting made it look like he had done this before. He went passed the rider again, the sword slicing its neck. This time, however, the boar rider also struck Link. Ilia let out a soft gasp, covering her mouth. Link only turned Epona. It must have been a trick of the light, because from the wagon it looked like Link's eyes were glowing a faint white.

When they met again they both struck. The boar rider was sent off his mount, falling into the water below. Link was knocked off Epona and went over the edge, making Ilia get out of the wagon. She was worried he'd fallen until Epona lifted her head from over the edge, the back of Link's tunic in her mouth. Ilia giggled, both out of relief and seeing the boy being held like a puppy by the mare. He saw her laughing and blushed, rubbing the side of Epona's face as she set him down.

"That was excellent," Telma was clapping as she came over with the wagon. Link's arm was bleeding a little. He tried waving it off, but Ilia grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the wagon, making him sit on the step. He bit his lip as she applied a bandage with a shaking head.

"Do you always get yourself hurt?"

Link said nothing.

"I don't mean to be rude, but why haven't you spoken yet?" Was it because he couldn't talk to her yet? Had she hurt him that much.

He tapped his throat lightly, shaking his head. Ilia raised an eyebrow, watching the action closely. "Sick?" He shook his head with a sigh. He tapped his throat two more times, shaking with more emphasis. "Injury? Was it that green creature?" He shook his head again.

"I think Link's mute, hon," Telma said, leaning on the back of the wagon. "Am I right?" Link nodded. Ilia hummed, wondering how he got by without saying anything.

"We should get going. We'll want to make it through the canyons before nightfall."

Ilia thought the worse thing taking this journey would be the bridge. She regretted how wrong she was. The moment they entered the canyon the smell of smoke rose, a fire burning the curtains of the wagon. She screamed, leaning over the Zora to keep him safe. There was a sound like wind and the fire went out. Ilia blinked and saw Link ride by with a strange weapon in his hand. Ilia didn't get a good look before another fire caught on the end of the wagon.

Ilia kept her head down as she heard the war cries from outside. She could hear Telma telling Link where the enemies were. She risked pushing the back curtains apart to see a smaller green creature standing on a ledge, a bow directed at her. She jumped when Link was in front of her in a second, firing his own bow at the it. It fell, the arrow lodged through its neck.

Link's hears flicked to the left and he turned, shooting another creature Ilia couldn't see. A fire arrow hit the wood under Ilia's hands, making her yelp. Link looked back and swung the strange weapon. A gust of wind blew from it, putting the fire out. Ilia was left stunned as Link continued to go around the wagon, firing arrows and the weapon whenever necessary.

"The sky!" Telma yelled. Link was behind the wagon and looked up. Epona began to gallop to the side of the wagon and Ilia watched in awe as Link stood on the mare's bare back and jumped onto the top of the wagon. There was a screech and a reptilian bird fell onto the ground outside her side window. It blew up from the bomb it was carrying.

Why were these creatures attacking them so earnestly?

She looked up at the roof of the wagon, hearing Link's quick footsteps. Then there was a gasp. Ilia screamed as Link fell off the top. He rolled in the dirt and shook his head, looking up with a gasp. He began to run, turning his back to the wagon when his ears twitched. On top of one of the many cliffs a creature had kicked a rock by accident, alerting Link.

Epona was by Link's side instantly. Link gripped Epona's mane and mounted in a second, so quick Ilia couldn't follow. How could someone so small get on such a huge horse so easily?

Link fired an arrow at the creature, sitting backwards on Epona as the mare kept galloping, a strange human-like determination in her eyes. Link put his hand on Epona's back and flipped around, leaning close to her mane as they shot forward. Ilia couldn't tear her eyes away, completely entranced by the bond between the boy and the horse.

Epona followed every one of Link's movements. Not commands, movements. Link hardly made a noise for Epona, if he did it was a short whistle or a grunt. Epona responded to every action like she could read Link's mind and vise-versa.

Through all the chaos, they managed to escape the canyons safely. The arrows stopped and all the danger had passed. It was dusk now and Link was lying down on Epona's back, bow in hand as he let his free arm drape over his forehead. The two had done a lot of fighting with little break.

Ilia made sure the Zora was okay before exiting the wagon. Link had gone off to hunt, by Telma's order, and Telma was setting up a small tent. The two horses grazed not too far away and the night sky was clear. Ilia smiled, relieved now that they had gotten so far.

When Link came back he was carrying a Wolfos, his ears down as he set it by the fire pit. Ilia saw how sad he was, but didn't know why. She sat beside him as he began to skin it with a knife Telma let him borrow. "Hey, Link, something wrong?"

Link looked her in the eyes. He sighed, stopping his skinning and rubbing the dead wolf's ear. The look in his eyes said he had to kill it, but didn't want to. The Wolfos was skinny and weak, losing its fur. From his eyes, Ilia knew this wolf had been alone and was starving to death. Link had put it out of its misery.

Ilia didn't want to assume this, though, so said nothing. She rubbed his shoulders and he gave her a faint smile before he returned to his work.

His eyes tell so much when his voice can't. They show his thoughts so clearly. This must be how he lets others know what he's thinking, when not asked specific questions. Speaking of questions, I still have many he might be able to answer.

"Link, could I ask you more about my past? About where I came from, who my family are, how I know you?"

Link paused for a moment and nodded. His eyes were downcast, foggy with his memories coming forth. Ilia hoped she'd never forget this boy again.

It was late when Link and Ilia sat by the fire, Link writing out all of Ilia's question. She asked so much he ran out of paper, so began writing it in the dirt.

So she came from Ordon Village. She was the Mayor's daughter, her mother passed away when she was young. Her father's name as Bo and he was very kind, if a bit protective. Link had known her since she was born, being a year older than her. He explained all the adventures they had when they were kids, always getting into trouble. The more he told, the more questions Ilia had. She only stopped when she noticed he was shaking, his bangs covering his eyes as his hands gripped his breeches.

Ilia looked down in guilt when she saw tears fall from his chin. She scooted over to him and put an arm around his shoulders. She knew this was beyond her control, but she felt so terrible for forgetting this boy. From everything he told her, they had been nothing short of siblings.

Ilia was glad to find there were no romantic undertones in these stories. She had worried they'd been lovers, but was oddly happy that wasn't the case. Ilia only saw a brotherly love in Link's eyes when he looked at her. As he wept into her shoulder, she promised she would do everything she could to remember him. Remember her past for herself. Remember everything. Even if it took the rest of her days.

Ilia pulled Link to arm's length, brushing his bangs aside before slowly crossing her arms across her chest in an 'X'. Link's eyes widened as he looked at her crossed arms. "I'm sorry I forgot. I promise I'll try to remember."

Link gently took her arms and lowered them, shaking his head slowly. He then crossed his arms, his eyes steely with a kind of stubbornness Ilia could only hope meant good things. She smiled softly, reading his eyes. He was promising he would help her. She could tell.

-0-0-0-0-
One Week Later
-0-0-0-0-

Link leaned over Epona's neck, resting as the wagon pulled up to their final destination. Along the way to Kakariko they had had to fight numerous monsters and bandits, staying up long nights to watch for danger. Gates had been closed off all across the kingdom, but luckily Telma had a key to unlock them. Link didn't bother to wonder why. She was just happy to see the rusted, blood-coated gates of Kakariko Village.

The Zora boy wasn't worse, but he was far from getting better. Ilia had been keeping him hydrated and fed the entire time, ensuring his safety. Whenever they were attacked Ilia would be watching over him while also watching Link fight.

During any rest they could find, Link caught Ilia up with her life. It was all she could do to bring Ilia's spirits up. And her own. In the end of the day, Link felt like Ilia could still understand her thoughts. She always looked in Link's eyes, almost never missing a beat if she got overwhelmed with memories. All the memories told stories of their youth, the good, the bad, the exciting, the mundane. Link told the story of how she watched Epona's birth and tamed her, while even the adults couldn't handle her. She told Ilia about the Famine and what it had done to Ordon. She told Ilia what happened the month before she lost her memory.

Link didn't tell a single story that didn't involve Ilia, so left out everything about her journey. To her, that wasn't important. Letting Ilia know about her past was her priority. Even if these were just stories and not her real memory.

They walked into Kakariko during dusk. Renado walked out of the sanctuary and immediately went into action. Telma was explaining everything as he picked the Zora boy up and carried him to the inn. Link let Epona rest by the spring and followed them shortly, walking beside Ilia to the inn.

The doors opened and Link saw Colin inside, talking to Darbus who was calmly sipping tea at the small dining table. Colin looked up and froze when he saw Ilia. He got up and walked up to her, unable to bring himself to look her in the eyes. "I-Ilia? Is it really you?"

"Sort of. You're...Colin, right?" Colin gave a shocked expression marred with hurt. Ilia flinched, looking at the floor. "I'm sorry. I've lost my memory. Link told me all about you and the village."

Colin looked at Link, who nodded sadly. His eyes welled with tears and he hugged Ilia, sobbing into her shirt. She gently put a hand on the back of his head, shushing him. Link felt her heart ache. Despite no memory, it really was her Ilia. She was so glad, it was still the Ilia she loved.

"You should rest," Renado put a hand on Ilia's shoulders. "Telma explained your loss. I will try to help, however I'm not sure what I can do."

"Thank you."

He led Ilia away, Link and Colin watching sadly as they left. "Will she be okay?" Link nodded, crossing her arms. Colin smiled and hugged her. Link hugged back, not bothering to think about how tall he was getting.

Link left the inn, exhausted. Telma was leaning on a railing just outside, smiling at her. "Thank you deeply for your help, Link. You're a very brave young warrior, much braver than those poor excuse for soldiers. If you ever visit again, come to the back and I'll introduce you to some of my friends. You'll fit right in, I'm sure."

Link smiled, nodding at the invitation. Telma turned her gaze to Renado, who was walking to the inn. She winked at Link before running after him to talk. All was quiet. Link turned to walk to the inn, but stopped when there was a faint noise. Turning, she gasped when she saw Rutela behind her. The ghostly Zora smiled at her gently before moving away. Link vaulted the fence and followed her.

Rutela led her to the graveyard. She ran passed the rows of graves until she came to the very back. There was a rock with a symbol of three crescent moons connecting, dots sat in in the crescents. When Rutela faded into the rock it began to shift. It moved to the side, revealing a small hole. Link got onto her hands and knees and began crawling through. On the other side she looked around in awe.

Water filled a small pond, the sky opened to the stars above. The water was so clear she could see the bottom, filled with rocks and coral of all sizes. On the other side of the pond was a huge gravestone, the symbol from the rock on the front. Rutela was above it, smiling as Link swam over and stood before it.

"I cannot express how grateful I am, young one. You've saved my son. My precious Ralis will heal and become strong once more. To show my gratitude, I grant you a special gift." She placed her hands above her chest and the grave began to move. When it moved out of the way completely Link saw shining silver and blue clothes. There was a blue tunic with navy blue leggings stitched into the bottom. Silver-green scales crossed the torso, created a tough armour akin to chain-mail. At the bottom of the leggings were flippers and a helmet sat on top of the pile, shaped like a fish with a navy blue ask attached to the underside. "This Zora Armour is blessed with Zora enchantments. It allows whoever wears it to swim and breathe under water like a Zora. It was created using Zora scales. It is a little weaker than your current armour, but it will help you. Please accept this gift, it is the highest honour I can give to someone like you."

Link traced the armour, looking up at Rutela with a grateful, kind smile. The Queen of Zoras smiled back equally kind. "My son is safe. I can now rest. Take care of my son. Farewell, Hero."

The Queen faded, and this time Link knew she wouldn't return. She looked down at the armour and smiled.

"Well, now we can get to the Temple," Midna came out, sitting on Link's shoulders. "Are you ready to get the last Fused Shadow?"

'Din's Hell, yeah.'

Gery: I want to do it. I want to board the MidLink ship and set sail across the ocean. But I can't because of Silent Courage! If it gets too much I may just ship them anyway. Pretend this is an altered reality. The same events happen, but canonically to Silent Courage there is no romance, just platonic friendship that only borderlines romantic because I'm weak. And hey, this didn't take me a whole month to write! Yay! Up next: The Water Temple. Honestly, I love this Temple. From my memory I don't remember hating it at all. Let's see if that changes with writing it. See ya!