A new record, faithful readers and newbies! Over two years, I can't believe it's been so long! So to whoever stuck to the story thank you infinitely for your support.

I started a Star Wars fic not long ago, but I lost my way on that one (for now, I am stuck), BUT I read so many beautiful Ani fatherhood stories, that I felt an inspirational spark for this one. Jej!

Anyway, this chapter was supposed to be a funny chapter about shopping and stuff, but somehow it got angsty out of nowhere. I was surprised, too. Don't ask me it wasn't in my notes. Let me know what you think. I am still not sure how it fits into the flow, but I couldn't stop. Really, I don't kmow what happened.

Argh. Just read it.

Shopping Troubles

The bustling streets of Castle Town were full of Hyrulians, Gorons and Zoras minding their business. It was a healthy bustle, nothing compared to a year ago, when sadness and fear penetrated the air.

Today merchant praised their goods loudly, trying to holler down their neighbours. The customers tried to get the optimal deal out of the fresh crops or beautiful handcrafted items.

Link stood a tad perplexed in the loud and happy sea of people and berated himself.

A sack of flour and a bundle of sugar lay at his feet. Uli's order was off his checklist. He had also packed enough provisions to stock up his empty pantry. Apples, bread, cheese, vegetables and meat.

While his usual shopping trip would have ended by now, he had another mouth to feed this time and the basket from Uli would only provide for his princess so long. Link's mind was at a standstill.

What does a newborn girl need anyway?

A crip, but he could build one on his own in Ordon. Some toys would be nice and maybe a picture book. He wrinkled his nose when he thought of diapers.

For now, milk would be a good start, he guessed, but what kind? He had never acquired the milk and had never asked his providers namely Uli and Zelda. Uli was back in Ordon so no use to ask her and Zelda… he glanced at the Castle in front of him. Well, he could ask her, but it seemed a little unnecessary to enlist the Queen's help for his shopping problems.

Helplessly, he looked around and spotted a milk vendor. Sighing he made his way there.

"Only the best milk in all of Hyrule!" He shouted. "Try Lon-Lon milk and you will never want to drink something else!"

"Erm, excuse me, sir?" Link began hesitantly.

The vendor gave him a bright smile and shouted in Link's face. "Good day, lad. Here for a bottle of the one and only Lon-Lon milk?!"

"Actually. I am looking for milk for a baby." Link stated.

The man frowned. "Do I look like a woman?"

"No, sir, but…"

"Then what are you doing here? This milk is pure protein, good for your muscles. You could use some." He shoved a bottle into Link's face. "20 rupees for a real man's drink!"

In hope, the man would help him, if he bought some, Link gingerly took the proffered bottle and gave the man his rupees. "Thank you, sir. Do you know where I could purchase some milk fit for a baby's consumption?"

The man, clearly satisfied with his deal, was filling another bottle. "Eh? Why don't you ask your wife?"

When no answer came forth, he looked up confused. "Lad?"

It was an unexpectant low blow for Link and his face showed his misery. "I…"

The man was suddenly very aware in what kind of a situation he had put his foot into now. "Oh, Farore. I am sorry. Eh, here have another bottle. It's free." He was sweating bullets now. "I think old Beate may help you with this. She usually sells her stuff somewhere along South Road."

Link nodded and followed the directions.

"Again sorry, lad. I didn't think there. Good luck!" The milk vendor shouted after him.

Link just gave him a wave indicating it was okay after adjusting his luggage and made his way to South Street.

This scene showed him again how unusual it was to be a single father and that it would not be easy to raise Sephiria by himself.

I just wish Midna was here with me… Link sighed and continued his downtrodden walk. He knew he was not alone and with the whole village at his side he was lucky. It could have been much worse without the experienced Uli or the cheerful children. Rusl was also supporting him immensely and Ilia was again there for him as his best friend. That contest with Ezio had also put him in good spirits and he wondered if they could repeat it again. Maybe have a friendly spar or so…

Link was a lucky man all things considered.

But, still it hurt.

It hurt so much to know that Midna would not be here along with him and enjoy the simple family life. He wanted to experience Sephiria's life together with her.

His heart was racing. His hands were clammy and he adjusted the bags again.

And the worst of all? He did not even know if she was okay. Perhaps the Twili had found out and dethroned her… again.

The bustle around him had become more quiet around him, but his ears were ringing.

Fear gripped his heart. She would not end up as an imp again, right? They could not send their Queen to prison for attachment a light dweller, right?

If something happened to her because of him… He would not be able to live his himself.

He noticed his breaths came short and he had stopped walking. His chest hurt. Some passerbys had already bumped into him cursing him under their breath. When had it become so hard to breathe?

He saw his beautiful red-headed princess in shackles now. What would they do to her if they ever found out? Execution?

His legs could not support him anymore and he slid down the wall of a nearby building. In the back of his mind he wondered if he was having a panic attack. But then again, he was the bearer of the Triforce of Courage.

He tried to ban the images of her screaming from his mind, but they just would not stop coming.

Calm down. Breathe in and out.

It was not helping. Here he was alone in the bustling streets of Castle Town while she could be dead. Or being tortured.

He shuddered and rocked himself back and forth.

By now the images had mixed with others. Past and visions became one, he was drowning.

Zant was laughing at her lifeless body. Ganondorf's hateful eyes locked him into place. Why was Midna so getting cold so fast, his fur should warm her up. He was hacking through countless monsters; their blood was on his hand. Someone shook his shoulder. Let me go! He needed to get to the Castle, she was still in there! See you… later. No, don't go. His beautiful princess was laying beaten on the floor of a dark cell. Why was he not fast enough to save her?

"..ink! Honey!" Someone was still shacking him.

Someone also could not stop mumbling: "No."

That was him.

Blinking, he tried to listen to the voice of the person shaking him. "Link, calm down. Breathe, okay?"

He could not even nod as he tried to put the images into the back of his mind.

"Good, listen to my voice. Everything is fine. You are fine. Just try to breathe, honey." The presence was warm and soothing.

"There you go. In and out. You are doing good."

He knew that voice. Blinking quickly, he looked up. "…Telma?" He rasped.

"Yes, honey, it's me the lovely Telma. You think you can stand?" She asked concerned.

Link nodded. He was disoriented and looked around. "Wha'? 'ere are we?"

Telma shuffled him to his feet and kept a helpful arm around him. "You are in Castel Town, honey. In fact, you are right next to my bar. Perfect place for you to be hyperventilating, if you ask me."

Then she added loudly for the crowd he had surely gathered. "Because no one here thought of helping, COWARDS! Shoo! Nothing to see here!" She picked one from the crowd and ordered him to help her with Link's stuff.

Then she turned back to him and continued in a softer voice. "Let's get you inside, honey. You look like you could need a nice, hot soup and a glass of warm milk."

Link just nodded his consent. He was shivering and could really use some warmth.

Slowly Telma led him inside the bar and deposited him in a chair.

When she was about to leave, and get him something to eat he held her back.

"What is it, honey?" She asked.

"Just…" Link swallowed. "Thank you, Telma."

Telma just smiled and went behind the counter to prepare his food.

When he was alone, he rested his head on the table. He should be better than this. He had to be strong for his daughter now, he could not become an emotional mess again. There were people who counted on that, most importantly his daughter.

He was glad, that he left her with Uli. His little princess would never see him like that. He swore on it.

Link raised his head and began massaging his face. At some point Louise had found her way into his lap, so he began to stroke the cat gently.

Suddenly there was a streaming bowl of soup in front of him with a piece of bread and a steaming mug of milk.

"Are you okay, hun?" Telma was worried. Link could see it in her kind face.

Link sighed. No use in hiding it now. "No, I guess I'm not."

Telma took the seat next to him and faced him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Link sat in silence and thought about the offer and shook his head.

The images were just too fresh in his mind and he could talk to Rusl when he got home. He had already made up his mind to become stronger.

Link took the warm milk and sipped carefully. They sat in comfortable silence for a while then Telma stood up.

"You and that cat." Telma chuckled. "You know, with me she never that cuddly."

"We have a connection." Link joked and Louise meowed in confirmation.

"Enjoy your meal, honey. And don't you dare leave a crump, you hear me!"

Link smiled in gratitude and dug in.

When he felt a cold breeze come through the opening door, he stopped and looked up and regarded the person coming in. People he corrected himself.

"Telma! One Wanderer's Special for each of us, please!" It was Auru and the other two Resistance members.

"Coming right up, guys." Telma greeted them. "How was your trip?"

"Great." Ashei told her.

Shad nodded. "Yes, Yeti and his wife were very accommodating hosts."

Telma nodded. "Go on I will bring you your food then you can tell me of all your adventures. You must be starving."

The group laughed. It was then, that Ashei spotted Link. "Link! I haven't seen you in ages. Where have you been?"

"You would not have found another relic for me to study, Link?" Shad asked rather excitedly.

Auru slapped a hand on his shoulder. "And where is Rusl, young Link? He said he would see you in Ordon."

Overwhelmed with the attention he was getting, he just nodded in greeting. It was Telma who came to his help. "Oh, bug off. Link here had a rough day, let him enjoy his soup and keep tattling elsewhere."

Not able to hide the disappointed looks, the group settled at their usual table in the back of Telma's bar.

"Always too curious for their own good…" Telma shook her head exasperated.

"It's okay." He said and stacked the empty dishes. "Thanks for the meal. How much do I owe you."

Telma wriggled her finger in front of his face. "Oh, I will have none of that, honey. After all you have done for us, it's the least I could do. Will you need a room to stay the night?"

Link shook his head. "Actually, someone is waiting for me at home."

Telma leaned mischievously over the table. "Oh? Ilia?"

Link chuckled. "No. Well, sure, she too, but…"

"Who have been hiding from me, hun?"

Link blushed and looked a little guilty. "Let's change the topic, shall we? Way, I need to find a woman named Beate? She is supposed to have a stand around here."

"Yes, she usually sells about two houses east from here. But what do you want with baby essentials?" Telma asked and paused and put a ha on her hip. "Honey, is this what I believe it is?"

Link just shrugged.

"I will be." Telma shook her head and smiled a secret smile. "Girl or boy?"

"Girl." Link stated.

Telma laughed. "Bring her next time you visit!"

Link just nodded and got up to leave.

"Leaving so soon, Link?" Ashei hollered from the back of the bar.

Link nodded. "I have places to be. Come to Ordon, when you have time. Rusl would be happy to see you."

The group laughed. "Oh, since his daughter was born, he is no fun anymore."

"Link never do that to us, you hear! We adventurers have to stick to together!"

Link chuckled. "See you in Ordon."

"Oh, we mostly likely will. I am very curious about the local legends of the Spirit Spring Rusl told us about."

Link waved and the Resistance Fighters waved back.

Telma caught him at the door. "Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger. If you need someone to talk to I am always here."

Link smiled. "Thank you, Telma, for everything."

"Oh, honey. Anytime. Now go, I don't want you late for your little one."

"Bye, Telma."

Twilight Realm

Midna loved mornings. They were always slightly brighter than the rest of the days and that made her think of her little wolf.

Also, she could observe her people greet the day and prepare themselves for a busy day to get the Twolight Realm back on its feet.

After she had sent her little gem to the Light Realm, where her father had hopefully picked her up and not taken the canon back to Hyrule Field, she had sworn to herself to be the best Queen she could.

What else was there to live for anyway?

Well, except for these dreams, now. Midna thought.

Midna righted herself and put on her robe for the day. She had been having dreams as of late. Precisely, since opening the pathway for her daughter.

It took some time for the images to clear, but by now she was sure she was seeing glimpses of Hyrule Castle.

Sometimes they were of times before the Invasion and sometimes after she left the realm. Mostly she saw horrible scenes from the invasion. From Zelda's point of view.

Midna concluded that she must be sharing Zelda's dream. That alone would not be incredible itself. However, Princess Zelda's dreams were her only source of information on her family's wellbeing.

Sometimes her wolf would be part of the Princess's dreams and some images broke Midna's heart while others warmed it immensely.

She remembered like clearly the tired look on Link's face. Sunken eyeballs and profround dark circles around his eyes. His hair was unkempt and he looked ready to pass out. Something the Princess had told him had sparked life in his tired eyes.

She did not know what was said since the golden Princess either dreamed without audio turned on or the audio track was lost somewhere between the realms.

Anyways, that spark in Link's eyes… She had missed it so much and it meant a lot to her to see it again. She would love to see her wolf and her gem in the next dream of Zelda but it was something she could not control. However, it was a reason to get up every day and be the best queen she could and fall asleep in the evening in hopes to catch a glimpse of her family.

She chuckled. I really don't need much anymore. Where is my bratty personality?

She had a serene smile on her lips when she recalled Link's sparkling eyes again. Then she went out to get on with her business.

I can't wait to get into bed tonight.

Yeah I know! That's a short chapter for a two year wait. But be positive! At least I updated unlike some of my favourite stories.

Question Corner!

TheLonesomeRaven:

[…] you really like to take your time, don't you?

Well, not really. But life gets in the way? Naw, I am just lazy and you have to suffer for it. Forgive me!

danadanaBATMAN

Can midna and link reunite soon?

No! I like the drama!

Can a new chapter be my christmas present?

Sure, see it as an early present two years late.

Tyler

Can you please make a sequel?

Can you please make a sequel to this story? This is honestly one of my favorite story's in fanfiction, so please make a sequel?

As of now, I am not finished with the story and looking at my update history a sequel would probably end in a disaster. But if the inspiration calls? Well I am too weak to stand in its way.

Don't forget reviews, guys. I live on them!