Yeah... so I really started to leave the plot here for a bit, as if I haven't before... -glances around-

I don't own Legend of Zelda.

Colin entered the Sanctuary rubbing his eyes and yawning. As he looked around the room, his expression grew disappointed. Renado walked around the owl statue and said, "Oh, you're awake. The boys wanted to stay until morning, but with matters the way they are, they were forced to leave."

Colin turned away so Renado wouldn't see how let down he was. He didn't see Renado reach into his robes and pull out a folded letter. Renado said, "Makura left this for you."

Colin walked back and took the note. He read, 'Duty calls, but we will be back as soon as we find what Ilia lost. Remember what I said about the Shadow Man. When I return, I'll tell you more stories.'

Colin left the Sanctuary in a slightly happier mood and went about helping where he could. There wasn't much to do in the empty village. Mostly, Colin helped repair the inn. He had already taken care of the upstairs, repairing furniture and clearing out debris from when the monsters were here.

Colin had finished washing the landing and stairs the previous day and went about tackling the kitchen. It took him two days to organize the cupboards and chase out the mice living in the boxes stored under the stairs by the fireplace.

On the third day, Colin began cleaning the floor of the common room. He went to fetch water from the spring and saw a stranger approach through the canyon. The man was tall, almost as tall as Renado and he held himself with esteem. If not for the loose clothes that covered his narrow shoulders, Colin would have taken the man for nobility. Everything about him seemed at odds.

The man stopped at the town sign. When he hesitated, Colin set down his bucket and asked, "Can I help you?"

The man didn't reply right away. Instead he glanced around before settling his gaze on Colin. The boy took a step back in alarm. The man's eyes were brown, but for a moment they glinted orange.

The man smiled toothily and said, "I am an entertainer. I was wondering if I might put on a performance in exchange for food and shelter for the night."

Colin thought for a moment. Everyone was so sad since Ilia had a memory return. Maybe this was exactly what they needed. Colin knew it was odd for a child to run an inn, so he said, "I'll introduce you to the shaman."

The man inclined his head and followed Colin to the Sanctuary. Renado hadn't left Ilia's side for days. Beth and Luda were the only reason he was taking care of himself.

Colin said as he led the entertainer into the building, "There's a man here to talk to you, Renado."

The shaman bowed his head in greeting and the two started talking. Colin began to get bored and went to sit by Ilia. Eventually, Renado said, "Wait outside a moment."

When the man was gone, Renado asked, "Could you come over here Colin?"

Colin crossed his arms and said, "That man is strange."

Renado smiled and said, "Then we agree, but men like him usually are. What do you think about his proposal?"

Colin shrugged. "I think we should let him put on a show. Everyone is so gloomy and it's just for one night. My mom sent supplies, so we can afford to house him."

Renado nodded. "I think we can trust him. And like you said, it's only one night."

Colin said, "I'll take him to the inn."

The man was leaning against the wall. Colin filled his buckets and said, "You can stay the night. What's your name?"

"Zant," the man answered. "I come from far away."

"I gathered as much," Colin replied gruffly. "I have chores to do, but you can stay in the inn if you wish. You can spend the time preparing for whatever you and Renado agreed upon while I work."

Zant bowed and Colin walked away, glad to be separated from the entertainer. Maybe it was just the fact that the man was new, but Colin couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. After all, he had trusted Makura instantly and they had never met before. Now that he thought about it, Link's twin should have frightened him to death.

Colin began scrubbing the floor, but kept an eye on the stranger. Zant wandered around grabbing different items. As dusk set in, he began to set up and Cole went upstairs to watch from the landing.

The other children came over soon after that. The last to arrive was Renado leading Ilia by the hand. Colin ran downstairs and grabbed her other hand. He led her to a table and Renado smiled at Colin's enthusiasm. The shaman took a seat beside the children and watched as Zant began his show.

Colin listened for a moment before he remembered something and ran to the kitchen. Luda stood up from where she sat by Beth and followed him. She found him lifting a kettle out of the fireplace. He asked, "Can you grab the canister off the top shelf?"

Luda nodded and pulled over a chair. As she pulled down the can, Colin began setting out mugs. Luda asked, "What are you up to?"

Colin took the can from her and pulled the top off to reveal two smaller tins inside it. Colin smiled as he said, "If we're trying to be happy, I thought some sugar was in order."

He opened the first tin and revealed chocolate powder. Luda beamed and asked, "What's in the other tin?"

Colin smirked. "Tea leaves. Your father will prefer it over hot chocolate."

Luda asked, "When did you become so astute?"

Colin just smiled and said, "Help me pass them out to everyone."

When they all held mugs of steaming hot chocolate or tea, they watched the stranger work. Zant started out with a juggling act. He made a fool of himself before he began magic tricks. The performance wore late into the night.

Renado stood to refill his cup, but Colin jumped up. As Colin poured water in the kitchen, he heard Zant say, "I've only one trick left, but I need the lights turned down."

Someone must have done so, for Zant began chanting as Colin returned to the table. At first nothing happened, but as Zant waved his hands, figures the size of dolls started to dance.

Colin felt his heart drop as the shadows leapt to Zant's command. He must have looked sick because Ilia took his hand and asked, "Are you alright?"

Colin stood and walked to the door. Ilia shot a look at Renado before jumping up and following Colin. At the door, Ilia whispered, "What's wrong?"

Colin said, "Zant is evil."

Ilia looked over at the performer before saying, "What he does may be scary, but it's just a trick."

Colin grabbed her hand and begged her to believe him. "That man is the one who stole Makura. Link told me so!"

Ilia had a look that said she was trying to understand. Colin shook his head and ran out the door. He had to find Link and Makura!

Colin ran down the thoroughfare. The moon was high overhead, but the road was barely visible in the dark. Suddenly hands held him from behind. Colin kicked as he shouted, "Let me go!"

He was picked up and carried, but he couldn't tell where he was being taken. Colin covered his eyes as light flooded the area and the hands that held him set him down. Arms wrapped around him and Colin heard Ilia say, "Don't run off like that! I was worried sick!"

Colin looked around. Renado stood behind him and had to be the one who carried him. Ilia was hugging him and Colin latched onto her comfort.

Zant said, "I'm sorry if I scared the child."

Colin heard Renado explain, "He's been through a lot and I should have anticipated this. It's not your fault."

Zant said, "I could always explain that my magic isn't real."

"But it was real!" Colin exclaimed.

Ilia said, "I'll stay here with Colin. You guys go get some sleep."

Colin protested, "But Ilia, we shouldn't be alone with him."

Ilia smiled and said obliviously, "You won't be alone, silly. I'm here, or have you already forgotten?"

Zant took a seat and Ilia guided Colin by the shoulders next to him. Zant folded his hands and asked, "Which trick was the one that scared you?"

Colin sat grumpily. "It was real."

Ilia clarified, "He didn't get scared until the shadows danced."

Zant smiled and it was terrifying. "What if I told you that trick was real?"

Colin paled, but Ilia said, "You can't be serious."

Zant leaned forward. "So kid, who told you about me? Was it the boy playing hero or the child trying to prove himself a man?"

Colin held his ground and said, "Link and Makura will stop you."

Ilia looked in alarm at Colin. Zant laughed and stood. His clothes changed until he was wearing the black armor he always wore. Ilia stood in horror, dragging Colin to stand behind her. She asked lowly, "Who are you?"

Zant bowed and said, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ruler of the Twilight Realm, Usurper of the Throne, King Zant."

Colin spat, "You're no king. Midna is the rightful ruler!"

Zant smirked and walked forward. Ilia backed away, guiding Colin to the door. Zant said, "What did you think of the Princess? Was she beautiful or did you find her repulsive?"

Ilia shouted, "Don't take another step!"

Zant chuckled and kept walking.

Makura and Link rode into town. Renado had just finished putting the children to bed. Link started toward the Sanctuary. Renado said, "She's not there. I left her and Colin at the inn."

Makura asked, "Why is she there? I thought she never left the Sanctuary."

Renado said, "There was a man in town. He wanted to talk to Colin and Ilia stayed."

Makura cursed and spurred Eleni to the inn. He leapt off the horse and over the railing in one motion and threw open the door.

Zant had his face close to Ilia's as he whispered something. He raised his eyes to Makura in the door and smirked. Zant clutched Ilia's arm and tossed her at the counter. He grabbed Colin by the scruff and said to Makura, "I see you made some friends, pet."

Colin cried out as Zant pulled the child to stand before the false king. Zant wrapped his free hand around Colin's jaw, making him face Makura. Makura snarled and drew his sword. Makura said evenly, "I'm going to get you away from him, Colin."

Zant laughed and said, "Yes, Colin, there's your hero! He finds himself unable to act, yet again."

Makura growled, "Release him, Zant. I don't know how you got here, but the boy has no part in our quarrel."

Zant forced Colin forward and said, "There are ways that you don't know to travel between the realms. Step aside, Keeper, unless you want this child's blood on your hands."

Colin's eyes watered in fear as Zant tightened his grip. Makura grudgingly took a step back and Zant smiled. "That's a good pet." As he stepped again, Makura allowing another step backwards, Zant continued, "Know this. The boy became involved when you told him about me. Personally, I believe 'Shadow Man' to be very endearing."

Makura stepped through the door back outside as Zant stepped past. Link ran up to stand beside Makura and grit his teeth. He yelled unintelligibly and tried to charge, but Makura held his arm. Link turned his snarl on Makura.

Makura whispered through his teeth, with steel in his eyes, "If you attack, Zant will kill him."

Zant continued to back away and congratulated, "Very good, pet!" To Link he said, "Try to follow me and I will end the boy's spirit without hesitation."

Makura asked, "Why are you doing this? Wasn't stealing Midna enough?"

Zant smirked, "Let's just say I wanted extra incentive to ensure you completed your task."

A tear rolled down Colin's face. Makura smiled and reassured with damp eyes, "It's going to be alright."

Zant winked out of sight, taking Colin with him. Makura snarled to Link, "Check on Ilia!"

Link gave him a worried look before rushing to follow his command. Makura walked to where Zant had disappeared and closed his eyes. He couldn't feel anything that would tell him how Zant had gotten here.

Makura's frustration built and he felt a tear sneak out and down his cheek. Makura clenched his fist and screamed in fury. Someone said behind him, "Are you okay, Makura?"

Makura turned and saw Link and Ilia standing by the door. He screamed again and it turned to a howl. Wild, feral eyes glanced at the couple before Makura released another gut wrenching howl to the skies and ran through town to the open fields as a wolf.

Ilia watched him lope away and turned to Link. He wrapped his arms around her and watched Makura run out of sight.

Makura was running toward the stone bridge. The castle in the distance caught his eye and he altered his course toward the west bridge of Castle Town.

He finally collapsed at the edge of the plateau by the gorge. This time as he howled, Makura was on his hands and knees. Makura sat up to kneel and looked at the castle. Princess Zelda had been in the highest tower, her room bare of all but what was necessary.

Makura saw another Palace as he looked at Hyrule Castle. One where his Princess was held prisoner and now Colin as well. Makura curled up on the moor and fell asleep.

I don't know if they had hot chocolate or not, but the way I see it, the kids needed a comfort food(?). And Uli is their supplier. Just as a reminder... does anyone have any more names I could give the baby? The only one I received I used at a different time.

Yeah... so that happened. Turns out I'm really quite good at writing cruelty. And I have no idea why it took Link so long to get to the inn during the last scene. Please read and review.