You'll never believe what happened to me. Remember back in like Chapter 8 when I ranted that the document somehow got deleted from my flashdrive? Well, unfortunately, it happen to this chapter, too, and I was unable to recover it :'( And I was almost done too!

I would've posted this so much sooner if that hadn't happened, but I suppose it can't be helped… Everything supposedly happens for a reason, right? Maybe to make my chapter better than it was before? I suppose I'll never know, but I do hope that this chapter turned out well despite the hiccup that my computer had… Sometimes I really, really hate technology… -.-

Either way, I do apologize for leaving you guys hanging (for like a year... ; ). After that little mishap, life got a hold of me and I couldn't get back to it until now. Let's just hope I can pick up some momentum again :D

Anyhow, I'm not going to waste anymore of your time ranting before you can read the actual story, so I hope you all enjoy!

Please read and rate/comment, I'd really love to hear what you have to say!

The Other Hero of Time

Chapter 21

We forge our way through the forest, speeding through the verdant foliage at breakneck pace towards the north. My mind is still in a state of shock and awe that I don't say anything for the longest time as I try to absorb everything. I still can't believe that this is really happening, that I'm actually a Hero; I'm someone with the power to put an end to evil's bane. Sure, I truly hoped that I could be a Hero for the sake of my people, but now I know it's true. Part of me thinks for a moment that this is all a dream that will shatter and disappear as soon as I wake, but as I look back at the amber-like stone shining so beautifully in my hand, I know that this is all to real to be a simple dream.

Continuing to stare at the stone, I begin to reflect upon the colors emanating from each little triangle within the symbol of the Triforce embedded in the stone, thinking back to the moments in which I had gained each of the Light Spirit's blessings. The first one I received was Eldin's for my strength, making the top triangle begin to glow, shimmering like red wildfires. Then the bottom left was from Lanayru, blessing me for the wisdom I had shown; its piece of the Triforce rippling like the waves of the deep blue waters of the ocean. And now, after what seems like an eternity, I have received my final blessing from Faron for the courage that I've shown, now making the final piece shine a bright green that makes me think of the beautiful forest surrounding us. And now, with the blessings of the heavenly spirits, I'm really a Hero.

Looking up from the stone at Link as I tuck it back under my tunic, a smile begins to form on my lips. As I gently lean my head against his shoulder, I can't help feeling happy that our fates are so closely intertwined. Even though we're destined to continue to fight against those who threaten this beautiful land of Hyrule in each of our reincarnated lives without rest, if I'm able to see his pure smile along with the rejoicing faces of my people, I know I'll be alright. No matter what, I won't stop fighting to protect the people I care about, especially Link. It feels like I've known him for eternity, even though it's only been a few days.

Though, that makes me realize something. Light Spirit Faron said something about us saving the land as we had many times before, but it doesn't make very much sense. If we had both save the land in our past lives, why would I need to gain the Spirits' blessings? Something about that just doesn't add up. Was there something wrong with me? Or do we have to do this in each one of our lives? I mean, it's possible. I don't know everything about Link's past. In fact, the only thing I can say for certain about his past is that his parents died when he was young and he saved Hyrule from the Twilight. For all I know, he could've had to go through his own trials.

Either way, there's a missing part of this puzzle and I can't really say whether Faron either chose to leave out or accidentally left out. Maybe I would've further inquired about that if I hadn't been so dumbstruck by reality, though I suppose it's better for now just to leave it be. We don't have time to waist on frivolous things such as my peeking curiosity.

Finding that my thoughts are only proving to confuse me more than anything else, I try to find something to occupy my mind instead. With a sigh, I look out at the forestry around us beginning to diminish as the trees steadily grow further and further from each other. The deep shades of green are beginning to slowly and subtly grow brighter as we travel further. Even as we once again pass the demolished trail that I had taken when I was being chased a day ago, a feeling of sadness begins to wash over me.

After we leave this forest, I'm not sure where we're going to be heading other than a desert and even though it's so we can get closer to ending the rein of Hyrule's latest enemy, I'm not looking forward to being in the desert. Something about an area like that unnerves me. I don't like the idea of going to such an area where we'll be vulnerable to an attack from a possible enemy, as well as the sun's putrid rays. I don't have many memories, but I know for a fact that I'm not much for heat. Sure, I'll be able to deal with it, but I won't like it one bit. Judging from my skin tone, I think I might have a good reason in my forgotten past for not liking the sunlight…

"How far is it to Arbiter's Grounds?" I say as we begin to emerge from the brush and into the large, open area I've come to recognize as Hyrule Field.

"Quite a distance if we try to go there directly, but I know a shortcut that will get us to the desert before nightfall." He looks back at me for a moment, before returning his focus to urging Epona on. "But after we get there, it'll take maybe half a day if we go by boar."

"Oh, that doesn't—" I stop as I begin to absorb that words that he had spoken so easily. I, am the other hand, am trying to recover from my mind suddenly being blown. "Boar?"

"Wild boars have resided in the desert for ages now and have become more adept for traveling through the desert than horses are; though this one would disagree." He pats Epona's neck as she begins to slow down, more likely than not so that she decrease the strain we've been putting on her the past couple days. "She doesn't like to think that creatures she deems dimwitted compared to her to be better than her at anything."

I giggle. "She's definitely a girl at heart."

"What do you mean?"

"You'd have to be female in order to understand." I giggle once more in amusement. "And I don't think you fit the bill."

He just shrugs his shoulders, continuing to guide us through Hyrule Field towards the northeast. I smile at his non-comprehension, distant memories beginning to arise in the back of my mind. A short time before my brother's birth, I would witness the disagreements and petty arguments that women within our village would get in every once in awhile, later asking my mother why they couldn't get along. The memory of my mother's smile is a fresh, beautiful image in my mind, remembering how gently she rested her hand on my shoulder and told me that I would one day understand.

From what I figure, I was about four at the time and this memory is likely one of the earliest ones I've ever had of life. I can only smile with that though, glad that it's the warm smile of my mother rather than the recollection of the attack on what I figure is our village that I had earlier this morning.

I can also recall that a few years later, in a different memory, the various petty fights my father had broke up when our caravan was first formed. Many people where the ones who had survived that attack on our village and it seemed that even though the world was turning upside-down, their disagreements lasted through the devastation. This was soon fixed when they all understood that we needed to work together in order to survive the chaos, but I can't recall much more than that at the moment.

With a silent sigh, I lean against Link as I think of my brother and the others. Out of all the people that I'm sure I've grown to have strong bonds with, I can only really remember two of their names. Given there wasn't all that many of us in the first place doesn't ease the sting of the guilt that I have. I wonder why is it that over these past few days, I can only remember a very select few people.

I suppose it's better than not being able to remember anything about my past; in fact, I should be grateful that I'm slowly able to recollect anything at all. Still, even with that thought in mind, I can't stop the guilt within me from continuing to build.

I wonder how they're all doing right now. I'm sure they must think I'm dead or something. My mind wonders to a different subject to distract my guilt, though it doesn't work all that well. I wonder what happened to get me here in the first place. Something must've happened in between that ambush and Eldin's transporting me back in time. I just hope that they're all alright… Maybe I'll see them and I'll remember everything about all of them, but then again, what if I don't remember anything? I guess there's just as much of a shot at that happening, isn't there? I wonder how hurt and disappointed they'll be. I'm supposed to be their leader. I'm their Chosen Hero. To not remember the people I'm fighting to protect? Surely the Goddesses wouldn't be so cruel as to allow that…

Another sigh escapes my lips as I force myself out of yet another daze of memories, I notice the mighty towers of the Princess's castle peeking over the trees in the distance just to our north. To the west is the path I recognize as the one we raced down in our search for Epona just last night, but I can tell we're not heading that way. Instead, Link guides Epona towards the east; towards Lake Hylia.

As I begin to open my mouth to ask him why we're heading towards a lake while we're supposed to be going towards a desert, I immediately stop myself. There's really no reason for me to question his sense of direction, especially since he must know the layout of the land far better than I do. I trust Link, so even if I think he's leading us in an illogical direction, I know we'll end up where we need to be one way or another.

"You alright?" Link says as we begin down the twisted path towards the massive Lake Hylia, beginning to smell the subtle sent of the water as a breeze blows our way from further down the path. "You're awful quiet."

I keep my head on his shoulder, finding it comforting to me to be so close to him. "I'm just thinking."

"Another memory?"

"A couple, yeah." I look up at Link to see a smile on his face, but something about it doesn't fit.

"That's good." He looks back forward, hiding his expression from me. "I guess it won't be long until you recover all of your memories."

I don't say anything as I just stare at him, not understanding the meaning behind his tone. Something about it isn't right; it was too… flat. Almost as if he's depressed about something, but that doesn't make any sense. There's nothing to be depressed about. Even after I gain my memories, I won't act any differently with him than I am now; and even if we're separated by time, he'll always be a dear friend.

What could bother him about me knowing everything about my past? Then, with a skipped beat of my heart, a hopeful thought runs cross of my heart. I stare at him, feeling my face flushing as I do. Could he be sad that our journey is half way through as well? Could he… want to stay with me just a little longer like I wish to stay by him?

With a smile, I lean against him again, hugging him gently. Glancing up at him, I can see the way his cheeks begin to glow a slight shade of pink, which makes me smile that much wider. Though I know that our time together will eventually end, I can't help wishing that moments like this would last just a little bit longer. Even if we'll never meet again after this journey, I'll cherish the innocent moments like this until the day I cease to exist just as I cherish the few memories I have of my family. Just like them, Link is precious to me and I hope to never forget about him.

After a few more silent moments of watching the greenery speeding past, becoming mixed and shaded by the orange tint of the sky, I begin to wonder just how long we've been traveling. It hadn't seemed like that long, but I suppose those outstretched, rhythmic moments of wind-whistling silence were longer than I thought they were. Riding on a horse is almost calming, though I can't help remembering the various tragic memories that I now have. If I weren't with Link right now, I'm sure I wouldn't as calm as I am.

Sensing that we're growing near to our destination, I peek around Link just in time for my breath to be taken away. As we emerge from the path, I'm mystified by the beautiful lake, sparkling in various shades of mixed reds, yellows, and oranges. To think that just the day before, there was chaos and mayhem surrounding the now peaceful lake, the warm colors of the distant sunset dancing across the water's surface. It's almost as if the whole experience was just a dream… but I know better. The stone around my neck reminds me that everything that has happened to me really is reality.

He glances back at me with a smile, "Beautiful isn't it?"

"Indeed." I smile at him, Epona's pace slowing as we reach the bridge towering over the waters. He dismounts from Epona, offering me his hand. I smile taking it, remembering how I had fallen into him last time, before dismounting as well.

Have I always been so klutzy? I hope not. If I'm a Hero— I stop myself, catching what I just thought. I really should stop saying "if" since it's a proven fact. Saying "if" is just… mute.

He then turns to Epona, patting her on the side. "This is as far as you can go, girl; we'll manage from here on her own."

She huffs, beginning to run across the bridge. I stare at her shrinking figure curiously before looking towards Link who's just shaking his head, a slight smile painted on his lips. "Where's she going?"

"If I had one guess, she's going to try to find a way to Arbiter's Grounds on her own." He gives a light chuckle. "She's a proud one."

"I see." I giggle a bit. "Speaking of Arbiter's Grounds, where is this shortcut you spoke of?"

"Here," He smiles, taking my hand in his. "I'll show you."

I can feel my face begin to flush as I allow him to guide me down the slope of the hill. Strange how the roles have been reversed; the last time we where here, I was the one guiding him to his stolen items. Now he's guiding me… I don't really know specifically where to, but it's still ironic how the roles have reversed. Last time, I out right took his hand and lead him to our destination without a word.

I wonder how he felt when I did that… I look up at him again with that thought. He didn't seem opposed to it; he surely would've pulled away if he didn't like it at all.

I shake my head silently, my gaze wondering off as I stare at the lake again. It gives me confusing feelings. On the one hand, it's beautiful and peaceful with how still the water is and all the bright colors of the sunset reflecting on its glittering surface. On the other, there was that horrid experience that both Link and I went through just the previous day. Not only had Link nearly drowned, but something about him has been off ever since we regrouped… I stare at him for a bit, noting how happy and subtly excited he seems with a little relief. I just wish I could figure what's going on with him. One moment, he's confident and happy, the next, he seems like he's a thousand miles away with something secret prodding at his mind.

I wish you would tell me what's wrong… I sigh internally, feeling a little depressed that he wouldn't tell me what it is. I'm worried about him and for some strange reason, I feel like this thing in his mind has to do something with me. I wish he would just tell me what's wrong and why he's trying to hide it from me.

Not wanting to focus on it for too much longer since I know it's better to not touch on the subject right now when he seems so happy, so I settle with refocusing on my surroundings. He stays close to the steep hills that make up the "walls," making a right when we get to a piece of land with two bridges that lead to other mounds of land that stick up out of the water. I look towards the other path to see that the islands begin to get lower and lower until one would have to hop from plank to plank to a weird building floating on the water. Our path, however, is much different than the other. We continue walking up a slope to higher levels of land with the assistance of a couple bridges, passing by a huge motorized contraption that looks like some sort of launching system. The land does begin to flatten when we get to the point that I see a tower near the edge of the small plain.

As I expect, he leads me to the tower with a wide grin as he turns towards me. "You'll be able to see the shortcut from up there."

"Up there?" I look up at the top, seeing that there only the ladder in front of us that leads up above. I look at the wooden ladder skeptically. "You sure this is gonna hold us?"

"Absolutely." He smiles again, stepping towards the ladder and motioning towards it. "Ladies first."

"Why thank you." I smile as I nod, walking towards the ladder and starting to make my way up. At first, I'm nervous, but the fear begins to go away as I climb a bit higher, finding that the wood is pretty sturdy for being out in the elements for such a long time.

After a few moments, I stop to look down and see that Link is a little ways behind me, leaving me just enough room to climb at my pace comfortably. After another exchange of supportive glances, I climb the rest of the way up until I reach the top platform.

I find my breath taken away as I stand and look out at the view of the lake in awe. I quickly make my way towards the edge with my lips curling with wonder as I stare and look out at the vast area before me. The lake is even more beautiful from up here than it was below. I can see how the light of the sunset shimmers and sparkles along the surface, dancing as the water ripples and sways with the gentle wind. The oranges and reds and yellows all mesh together perfectly as if they were painted together.

"Link, this is amazing! It's so beautiful up here!" I turn towards Link with a wide smile as he climbs up the rest of the way. I can hear him almost mumble something, but I couldn't quite make out what he had said. The only thing I could definitely make out is the word 'you'. "Huh? What was that?"

"Uh, nothing. Just agreeing." He smiles softly with a slight flush of his face, beginning to walk towards me. "You can see everything from up here. Everything from Princess Zelda's castle to the northeast to the desert to the southeast. Just look over there."

I follow where Link points, not able to see very much from this distance. I squint, leaning over the edge a little bit as I try to pinpoint the desert. It's a little hard with the mesh of color reflecting off the lake and in the sky with the sunset being so young. "Over there?"

"Oh! You're not familiar enough with the surrounding to see the dessert right now." He realizes and starts pulling something out from one of his pouches. "Here, put these on. If you're not familiar enough with the land, the desert is quite hard to see during this time of day without a little assistance."

"What is it?" I look down at the object that oddly looks like a decorative mask designed as the top half of a hawks face.

"It's called a Hawkeye; it'll allow you to see further away that what you normally could."

"Ah, okay." I nod, taking the object as he hands it to me. It takes me a moment to turn around and put them on, instantly greeted with a view of the rocks across the lake as if there were just a couple meters away from me. "Wow, these are incredible!"

"And useful." I can hear the smile in his tone. Suddenly, I feel his hands on my shoulders while he gently moves me to face the southeast. "Now, right over there, you should see the desert disguised in that yellow glow."

It takes me a moment, but I soon can differentiate the glow of the sunlight from the more grainy yellow of the sands. "Wow; who would've known that the edge of a desert would be so close to a large source of water."

"Strange, but I think of it as one of the many wonders of this land." He says as I turn towards him and take off the Hawkeye to see him smile as he leans against the edge. "Hyrule is filled with many strange, but amazing things and wonderful people. I didn't know much about the provinces outside Ordona when I first started out on my journey two years ago, but I learned a lot about the various terrains and people in from many corners of this land and every time I did, it made me want to protect Hyrule even more than I already had. I want this land to stay beautiful for every generation of Hylians, Zora, and Goron alike."

I smile with a slight pounding of my heart, impressed and moved by his devotion to Hyrule, as well as the people who thrive in it. It's something that resonates with me and I can emphasize his feelings with how I feel about protecting my people and my brother. "I think that's wonderful, Link. One day, I hope that my people can see the land as beautiful as it is now…"

"You should see this during the autumn. It's really a sight to see."

"I wish I could…" My smile fades a bit as I look out from the tower, a light sigh leaving my lips. I know that time has probably eroded both this tower and this lake away; it won't be the same once I get back to my time.

I can tell that Link has picked up on my sudden mood swing from his silence, but I can't get myself to look at him. I'd really rather not face the fact that my mood has dampened. It's just—

"Hey, it's going to be alright" He puts his hand on my shoulder and I look back at him to see a gentle smile on his face. "We'll make sure that your people will see Hyrule beautiful again."

I smile, nodding. "Right."

"We better head out soon though if we want to make it to the desert before nightfall."

"Nightfall? How're we going to do that?" I look at him skeptically. "The desert is a ways away from the pinnacle of that cliff!"

"See that building floating on the water?" He smiles, pointing to the strange building we passed on the way to this watch tower. "I have a friend down there that'll be able to… land us right at the edge of the desert."

Turn back towards him intrigued. "Land us? So he has a flying contraption?"

"Well, sort of." He chuckles, beginning to walk back towards the ladder. "I'll tell you more on the way."

"Wait!" I rush over to him. "Don't you want this back?"

"Why don't you hold onto it for now? It'll be more useful with your bow than with anything else I have." He smiles, making me feel a slight burning in my cheeks.

I smile back at him with a nod. "I'll take good care of it then."

He nods as well as he starts making his way back down. I place the Hawkeye in one of my empty pouches before turning back to the view of the lake for a moment, cherishing this short moment of peace before I continue on in my journey. I know that this quest of mine is going to get much more difficult from here. Once I reach my destination and get to my era, I still don't know what I am to do. Surely end the reign of evil, yes, but I don't know where I shall go or where I'll even end up when I finally travel to my chaotic era… All I can hope is that the Goddesses will help guide me to where I shall fulfill my fate as the Hero of my people.

"Nasia!" I hear Link call for me. I look back over the edge to see him only half way down with a smile. "You coming?"

"Yeah, sorry!" I call down with a small, embarrassed chuckle. "I suppose I just got lost in thought…"

I quickly make my way down, making sure to not run into Link on the way. It only takes a few minutes to get to the bottom. "We better hurry or we might not make it in time."

"In time?" I repeat as we quickly begin down the same path we ventured down. "Do you mean to be there before nightfall?"

"Well, yes and no." He chuckles a little nervously. "See, my friend runs a little business down here in which he gives… 'rides' to a few select places. Fortunate for us, he doesn't charge me for getting to the desert and gives new customers their first ride free."

Crossing the first bridge, I find it a little strange how he talks about these rides. "What kind of business is this again?"

"Well, uh…" He glances back at me for a moment, stopping to face me with a nervous expression when we're between the two bridges by the building. "He launches people with cannons…"

It takes a minute for me to absorb that or even fathom the thought. "…Cannons?"

"It's completely safe, I promise! I've used it over a dozen times and nothing ever went wrong." He tries to convince me. I can tell he's trying to not freak me out, but I still can't quite get comfortable with the thought that we're going to be shot out of a cannon and expected to be okay once we hit the ground.

"But, Link; I just can't—"

"You need to trust me with this, okay?" He puts his hands on my shoulders with a confident and somewhat protective gleam in his eye. "I promise I wouldn't have us do anything unnecessary that would risk you getting hurt."

I sigh, feeling my face growing warm and nod despite my nervousness. "Well, alright… I still don't know how we're going to survive such an impact though."

"The sand in the desert is more than soft enough to cushion our fall. We're going to be fine." He smiles. "The cannon only launches one person at a time, so I'll go first and meet you there, alright?"

"Alright, if you're really sure about this." I smile, feeling a little bit better.

He smiles back, taking my hand as he turns to continue down the path. "Now let's hurry."

I nod, keeping up with his pace as we cross another bridge and need to hop across three floating boards to get to the colorful building where an elder gentleman dressed in clown clothes that look a little more than too small for him. He smiles at us as we reach the building, "Ah, Link! Long time, no see!"

"You haven't changed at all, Fyer." He smiles at the clown who has his belly hanging out.

"And who might this be?" He looks towards me. "Have you finally found yourself a girlfriend?"

I feel my cheeks beginning to burn again as I had when we were first asked this question back in Castle Town. Only difference now is that I'm a lot more attached to him now and he's holding me hand… which only makes me blush an even brighter shade of red.

Link quickly shakes his head as he let's go of my hand. "Fyer, this is my apprentice, Nasia. We were hoping you could allow us to take the oasis flight."

"I see… Going out to train, are we?" He turns away, opening the front door before walking towards a small crank. "Well good look out there. I heard the Bokoblins have been running amuck lately. They were here just the other day setting up some sort of camp."

My hand clenches slightly into a fist as I recall the whole event. Now it makes my blood boil. This is my trials, my endeavors; there was no need for Link to get involved and almost killed like that… I know the enemy isn't going to fight fair, but still… there's no reason I shouldn't be able to protect him or any of my people from harm. I need to get back to my era fast. I need to find my people, to find Tarin… Once I make sure they're safe, than I can go after that white haired man and end all of this.

"I don't know where they went, but they sure cleaned up fast and rushed out of here. They might've been heading somewhere south of here I think." He continues with a small shrug. "But I'm sure you two will be fine. As long as you stick by Mr. Hero here, young miss, you'll be fine."

"I'm sure she'll be fine on her own as well." Link smiles, patting me on the shoulder with a small chuckle. "She's tougher than she looks and can hold her own pretty well with a blade."

He chuckles, "Ah, silly me. I should know better; you wouldn't choose just any old amateur to take under you wing."

I think I should take that as a compliment? I smile hesitantly before Link takes a couple steps towards the opened door. I frown again with a bit of worry until he smiles back at me.

"I'll see you in the desert, Nasia." He waves with a calm voice, making me feel just a little bit better.

The door closes as Fyer begins cranking his machine, music beginning to play as he does. Parts of the building start to move and unfold as the music increases. It all gets faster and faster until finally I see a faint green figure is shot out in the direction of the desert. My worry sprouts up once again, hoping Link is right that this is safe and won't kill us.

As the music slows, the parts begin to slow down to a halt as they were before. I know it's too late to back out of this now, but I can't help admitting to myself that I'm still a bit scared and skeptical.

I look towards the strangely dressed clown to see him have a friendly smile. "You're turn, miss."

I nod taking a few slow steps at first before I take a deep breath and suck up my fear. I enter the door and turn around, savoring this last look at the lake before I potentially die in this contraption. I hear the music begin to start outside and watch the little parts within this thing begin to move. With each second that passes, my confidence dwindles little by little until I find myself praying to the Goddesses for my safety.

Suddenly, I hear one final metallic click and feel my heart stop. I know I only have seconds until I'm launched out of this insane machine. Oh, I really hope Link was right with this!