A/N: This chapter was revised as of 12/15/13 – Polished, minor errors and typos fixed.

What Makes a Hero

By: Selphie Kinneas 175

Chapter 38: Blessings in Disguise

.:.

When the sun woke up the next day, so, too, did the children in Kakariko.

Renado had gone into the adjacent room to get only a mere two or three hours of sleep while Rusl remained wide awake, watching over Link, throughout the entirety of the night. As soon as the kids were awake, they made sure of it that everyone else in the inn was as well. They immediately saw that their uncle was up and even though they were saddened that Link still slept, Rusl assured them that he was alright. After dragging the grownups downstairs, they proceeded to prepare breakfast.

"Can we have oats today?" Beth asked politely, tugging on Ilia's long blouse. She had become somewhat of a mother-figure to the young ones since their time in the foreign village began. Even though, in her mind, she had only just met them, she had an overwhelming feeling of need to take care of them.

"Sure," the older girl said sweetly as she gathered the things she would need.

"YES! OATS!" Talo screamed loudly as he simultaneously began running around the room like a cucco with its head cut off.

Rusl gave a hearty laughter, "Oh, how I have missed your limitless energy, Talo."

"Then take him with you. Please," Malo muttered under his breath.

As Ilia began preparing the morning meal, everyone else took a seat at the large, round table in the center of the room. Most of the children were capable of sitting patiently, Talo, however, was fidgeting like crazy in an attempt to contain himself.

"Did you stay up all night, dad?" Colin asked as he turned to look at his father.

"Yes, I did. I wanted to make sure that Link was alright."

"Is he?" Beth questioned.

"Yes, he is," Rusl nodded.

Beth seemed unconvinced as she then directed her question to the shaman.

"He is fine," Renado reiterated, "He should wake up later today."

The oats took some time to cook, but when they were finally done, Ilia served some out to all the children; Renado and Rusl insisted that she didn't wait on them, so they served themselves. Each person now with their bowls placed in front of them, began eating happily – Ilia had always been a great cook.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the farthest room down the hall, the hero began to stir in his bed. His eyes slowly began to flit open, his lids blinking multiple times as his vision sluggishly returned to him. When his senses fully awakened, he didn't understand where exactly he was or what had happened. He sat up and looked down at himself, noticing that his right arm was wrapped up nicely. He glanced around the room, seeing no one in sight. That was, until his shadow took form and greeted him.

"Morning, sleepyhead."

He paused, taking a moment to find his voice, "'Morning'?"

She nodded, "Yeah. You slept all day yesterday and all night. Such a lazy wolf."

He looked around again, still in a bit of a dazed confusion.

"We're in Kakariko, in case you hadn't figured that out," she said as she folded her arms over her chest.

He nodded slowly, trying to remember what happened. That thought was gone from his mind, however, as soon as he went to swing his legs over the side of the bed and realized that he was without any form of clothing on whatsoever.

"Uh… Midna?"

"Yes?"

"Do you mind, um… looking the other way?"

"Why?"

"So I can get dressed…"

"Oh, that?" she said with a wave of her hand, dismissing his words, "I've already seen you naked so don't worry about it."

The hero's face instantly flushed a deep shade of crimson, "Wh-What?"

"Yeah. Yesterday when your clothes were soaking wet, they had to get them off of you so you could get warm."

His eyes were wide as he stared back at her completely dumbstruck. It was when she just had to add one last little bit that really disturbed him.

"I guess the Goddesses made you their hero in more ways than one, didn't they?" she teased with a mischievous grin and a wink.

"Oh Gods!" Link shouted in embarrassment, immediately covering his beet-red face with his hands, "For Din's sake, Midna!"

The imp grabbed at her sides as she burst into fits of hysterics.

Knowing that his partner was too busy laughing to see it coming, and also knowing that she had given herself physical form, he grabbed the pillow he had been resting on and threw it at her with all his might. Her giggles were cut off by an 'oomph' as she fell to the wooden floor. He looked at her as she stared blankly up at him, expecting her to start yelling at him. Instead, she simply resumed laughing.

"You crack me up," she finally stated after she had calmed down a bit.

"I'm glad you could find my discomfort entertaining," he said sarcastically with a smirk.

"Yeah, yeah," she giggled, turning around and covering her eyes, "Go ahead and get dressed."

He smiled before making sure that she wasn't looking. He darted over to where his pile of things lay on a nearby chair and whisked on his pants, being careful of his bandaged shins and knees.

Midna turned around, hoping to catch him before he was done and fluster him even further, but she was too late. Link chuckled at her attempt.

"Are you feeling alright?" she asked, changing the subject as she really took in how worn out he still looked.

He took a moment to think on it, "I'm not feeling great, but I'll manage."

She gave a weak smile; he would always tell her he was alright even if he was on his death bed, "How's your arm?"

He glanced down at the sling wrapped around it, "It's… not bad."

Midna could instantly see right through that lie. She placed her hands on her hips and demanded, "Okay, now tell me the truth."

He smirked, "How do you see right through me every time?"

"Because I know you. Tell me the truth."

He sighed and gave a chuckle, scratching the back of his head with his good hand before answering, "It hurts pretty bad."

"Tell the old shaman guy that it hurts, okay? Don't sit there telling him you're alright if you're not. How are they supposed to fix you up if you don't tell them what needs to be fixed?"

"You're right, you're right. I'll tell him, okay?"

She stared him down, "I mean it! You better, or else I'm gonna turn you into a wolf and just leave you stranded somewhere for a few days to think about it!"

Link couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, Midna. I will."

Link had come to realize that Midna was the only thing that was keeping him sane on this Goddess-forsaken journey. Without her, he didn't have any idea where he would be – and he didn't want to think about it.

When he suddenly heard sounds of laughter coming from the lower level of the hotel, he made his way out of the room he was occupying. He began descending the staircase slowly, his left arm grasping the banister as he went. The closer he got to the first floor, the easier it was to make out what was being said.

"So GOOD!" Talo yelled as he shoveled one massive spoonful of oatmeal after another into his mouth.

"Slow down, Talo!" Beth scolded, "You're going to choke!"

The boy shook his head as he gobbled down another huge bite.

"Link!" Colin suddenly shouted when he noticed the hero standing on the flat portion of the stairwell just above the first few steps. Everyone turned to look at what Colin was screaming about. The young boy got up from his seat, ran over to his brother, and leapt up the stairs at him.

Link let out an involuntary 'oof' as Colin rammed into his injured arm. He smiled down at him through a pained grimace while the boy looked up at him simply beaming from ear to ear; he was just so happy to see him awake and well. Before the adults could even realize what was happening, the rest of the youngest children ran up and bombarded Link along with Colin. They all wrapped their arms around him as they screeched his name in excitement.

Renado quickly got to his feet and made his way over to the group as soon as he noticed the discomfort on the young man's face, "Children, please, let's give Link some space."

The kids did as they were told and backed up considerably. Link wavered a bit when they released their hold on him, the pain of the pressure on his arm causing him to get a bit dizzy.

Rusl stood from his seat and approached the hero, placing his palms gently on Link's shoulders to steady him as he said, "You shouldn't have gotten out of bed, my boy. You need to rest until you are fully healed."

Link furrowed his brow as he stared at the man before him, "Rusl?" he whispered confusedly.

Rusl nodded, realizing that he obviously didn't remember speaking briefly with him the night prior.

"What are you doing here?" Link asked.

"We'll talk about it later. For now, why don't you come sit and have some breakfast?" Rusl suggested as he helped Link to the table.

Rusl motioned for Ilia to prepare Link a serving and she did so. When she turned and proceeded to offer him the food, her cheeks flushed a bright shade of crimson upon seeing his bare chest in front of her. She quickly placed the bowl down in front of him and went hastily back into the kitchen. Link paid her actions no mind, having not even realized anything had happened at all due to how downright hungry he was. He instantaneously began eating at a rapid speed.

Rusl chuckled at how fast the hero was devouring his food, "I take it you were hungry?"

"Famished," Link replied in between bites.

"Goodness, dear boy, slow down! You could even give Talo a run for his money," Renado said, causing everyone at the table to laugh, excluding Talo, of course.

"Hey!" the brunet boy shouted.

In a matter of minutes, Link's dish was empty, and he let out a long exhale when he was done.

"Feel better?" the shaman asked.

Link nodded, "Yes, very much. Thank you."

"Thank Ilia, she is the one that prepared that delicious meal," Renado said, turning to the girl as he mentioned her.

Link promptly thanked her and she blushed, "It's nothing, really. I enjoy cooking for all of you."

"Link," Colin called, instantly changing the subject and drawing the group's attention elsewhere, "Are you really okay?"

Link smiled and nodded, "I'm really okay."

"But…" the small boy began, looking down at his hands fidgeting in his lap, "But you fell off Epona… that never happens."

Link looked to Rusl and Renado, glancing between the both of them as he said, "I did?"

Rusl sighed, turning away from his stare. Renado opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by Beth and Talo.

"You mean you don't remember? How come?"

"Probably because he was unconscious! Duh, Talo!"

"No one asked y-"

"Children," Renado stopped them simply with his calming voice. He then turned to the hero, "Link, why don't we get you upstairs so that I can re-bandage the wound on your head?"

Link nodded and he, Renado, and Rusl made their way to the second story of the inn. The shaman instructed the children that they were to stay indoors but that they needed to give them a few minutes to speak with Link privately. Once they were in the room, Link lay down on the soft cot and the shaman sat in a chair beside the bed, beginning to take off the stained cloth around his skull as he did so.

"Something got you pretty good there," Rusl stated, noticing the deep puncture wounds and cuts in his head as he sat on a stool opposite Renado.

"Yeah," Link admitted, remembering the event bitterly.

They were all quiet for a few moments after that, none of the three knowing exactly what to say.

"Rusl," Link started, finally breaking the silence, "When did you get here?"

"Ah, just before you did, actually. I believe there was only an hour, at most, between our arrivals."

"And that was…?" Link trailed off, unsure of the day.

"Yesterday."

Link nodded, "I see… Why is it you've come? I'm guessing it was more than just seeing the children."

"You are correct in that assumption. I also came to see if you were alright. Ashei has been absolutely worried sick over you since you've been gone."

"Oh," Link said, instantly remembering the girl he had travelled to the snowy mountain with and how she had insisted he let her know as soon as he was safe, "I feel horrible. I should have let her know I was alright before coming here."

"No, no," Rusl stated firmly, shaking his head, "It is good that you came here first, otherwise you could have been a goner."

"You're right. I just hate to make people worry over me."

"You might as well get used to it," Renado added as he began tying up the bandage, "For it seems that is all any of us do anymore."

Link heaved a sigh, "I'm sorry."

"Do not apologize," the shaman said with such a tone that would make the wisest man feel inferior, "It is not by your choice that you return to us in the state that you do. Just keep coming back to us alive, my son, and all will be well with me."

Link feigned a smile, "Yeah," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

The other two men in the room were quiet as the healer began prodding and examining Link's arm, "You broke your arm pretty bad as well."

Link nodded, looking down at what the healer spoke of momentarily before meeting his gaze yet again.

"Your humerus has multiple hairline cracks and severs along it, as does your ulna. However, the radius, the front and topmost bone in your arm," Renado explained, pointing out each bone on himself as he named them, "you managed to almost completely shatter. How that happened, I have not a clue, but it will take quite some time for it to heal. Your carpals, the bones in your wrist, also took quite the beating."

"For Din's sake, Link," Rusl muttered, almost sounding aggravated, "What on Farore's green earth were you doing that caused you to mangle your arm so horribly?"

Link didn't look up at him as he thought of what he was going to say, "I was battling a monster that had an enormously heavy metal ball and chain. It hurled it at me and… I just wasn't quick enough. It completely destroyed my shield."

Rusl sighed as he hung his head low, concentrating his line of sight on his dirty, old sandals.

"I'm sorry if you're disappointed…" Link admitted quietly.

Rusl looked up at him with a deeply furrowed brow, "What in Hyrule would I be disappointed in you for?"

"You taught me how to fight… I should be better. I shouldn't be so careless, so weak, so-"

His father figure raised his hand to silence him, "Don't say another word. You have nothing to be sorry for, and I could never be disappointed in you. From what I've heard from Renado, you've had quite the adventure so far and have saved a number of people's lives. How could anyone be disappointed in you when you've done so much good?"

Link smiled, but uttered not a word.

Renado stood from his seat, "I will leave you two to talk. I feel that you have much to discuss," he said as he headed for the door.

They both were silent for what felt like an eternity after that, neither one knowing what to say even though they each had so much that they wanted to say.

Rusl finally took the leap, "Link… Renado has told me about your frequent absences and about the terrible manner that you always return here in. I would appreciate it if you could explain this to me."

Link was still, "Well, uh," he stammered, scratching the back of his head – mindful of his injury – as he did so, "What has Renado told you?"

"Only that you are gone quite often and for long periods of time only to return to him severely injured. I know only minor details about your… hero-business. So, if you could…"

"I wouldn't really know where to begin," Link gave a grim chuckle.

"At the beginning," Rusl said simply.

Link drew in a deep breath and just started talking. It had been such a long time since he had last been able to actually sit down and have a conversation with the man he considered to be his father – it was long overdue. Not only that, but he so desperately needed someone to vent to, someone to let all of his emotional turmoil and distress out on, and he was so glad he was being given that opportunity.

He told him about the temple deep within the forest and how he cleansed the evil from it. He told him about learning to wrestle with Mayor Bo and about besting the rock people in a match of strength. He told him about saving the Goron patriarch, Darbus, from the malevolence that purged him in the Goron Mines deep within Death Mountain. He told him about discovering Ilia in Telma's Bar and how devastated he was to learn that she didn't remember him. He told him about escorting the barmaid and his best friend to Kakariko, and about how the Zora prince, Ralis, almost didn't make it. He told him about Lake Hylia being void of water, about Zora's River being frozen over, and how he dove down into the depths of the lake in order to restore it to its rightful nature. He told him about meeting the beautiful princess of Hyrule and about how she told him to travel deep within the woods in order to take up the legendary blade of heroes of old. He told him about the forsaken desert and how he spent weeks under the scorching sun until he finally made it to the doomed Arbiter's Grounds where he once again ended a wicked presence that plagued it. Lastly, he told him of how he scaled the snowy mountain and came face to face with friendly giants that took him in and helped him to end the evil that inhabited their home.

When Link was finally done, he simply looked to his mentor for some kind of response. Rusl, however, seemed flabbergasted and was at a complete loss of words. It took a few minutes before the Ordonian could conjure up his voice.

"I had no idea that you had accomplished so much," he said almost inaudibly, "I had no idea you had travelled so far and seen nearly every point in our great land. You have done so much in your short time, more than I have yet to do in this life."

Link frowned and opened his mouth to stop him from berating himself, but Rusl cut him off.

"Don't say it isn't true, because it is. But it's alright, you have become more than I could have ever hoped to be," he smiled.

Link returned the gesture with a crooked smile of his own, not wanting to make his father-figure feel mediocre.

Rusl lost his train of thought as his eyes began scanning over Link's bare chest. He looked at his scars, their numbers great. The hero noticed what he was staring at and spoke up.

"They don't hurt anymore, Rusl," he was quick to say, not wanting the older man to worry over him.

Rusl shook his head, "I was just curious as to how you got so many."

Link paused, unsure if Rusl was really ready to hear everything that he had been through. When the man's gaze didn't falter, Link gave in.

"Do you know what a Deku Baba is?"

"Those are the vicious, live plants, correct?"

Link nodded and then pointed to two round scars on his left side and three on his right, "One of them got a hold on me and sunk its teeth into my sides when I was in the temple in Faron Woods. And all these," he pointed out two rather small, yet gruesome, marks on his lower abdomen as well as another near his clavicle, "are arrow wounds. The one in my chest I got while escorting Ilia here, and the other two I got when I was crossing the desert."

Rusl grimaced at the thought. He had had the misfortune of being shot with an arrow in his younger years when he had been battling in a feud between neighboring kingdoms, but that had only been to his forearm – he couldn't fathom the pain of taking a projectile to his back, much less his chest.

"And that one?" Rusl asked, gesturing at the large, horizontal discoloration on Link's left side.

"That… I got from the massive troll that tried to make off with Colin."

The older man's face almost lost all its color, "…What?"

Link went silent, perplexed by his level of confusion, "…Did you not know?"

Rusl was quiet, obviously still in shock.

"I thought that Renado would have told you about it…" Link said as he began to explain, "When the kids first arrived in Kakariko, after I discovered them and was assured of their safety, I left to seek Bo's help with befriending the Gorons. As I was returning, I saw the same ogre that killed my father and mother kidnapping Colin and running off with him."

Link could tell that Rusl was growing livid, for he noticed him clenching his fists at his sides. He didn't know if he was angry at him for letting his son get taken, or if he was angry at himself for not being present when such a thing was occurring.

The hero continued, "I chased him down, fought him on the bridge of Eldin, and took back Colin. The beast got me at the end, though, but we both made it back safely."

Rusl hung his head and the room fell silent for what felt like hours before he finally said, "There are not words enough to justify my thanks."

Link shook his head, "There's no need-"

"But there is," Rusl interrupted, "It should not be your responsibility to safeguard the children, and yet, it always seems to fall to you."

"I recall you saying nearly the same thing back when I rescued Talo from the monkeys."

"And you said to me, 'I'll keep protecting them as long as I live.'"

Link simply nodded, saying not a word.

Rusl gave a half-hearted grin in return, "You've grown into an amazing young man; more than anyone could have ever foretold, I'm sure. If you feel that my thanks are unnecessary, then at least let me say how important you are to all of us, and how deeply I appreciate your every action."

Link smiled, "Thank you, Rusl. Your words mean more to me than you know."

"Then that makes two of us," the older man said happily.

The two were quiet again after that, both contemplating what they had just spoken of. Rusl's mind was reeling as questions and perplexities ran rampant in his tired head. He remembered the conversation he and the shaman had had the night prior about Link's destiny, and that was when he knew just what he wanted to ask his son about next.

"The Goddesses have chosen you, then?" his voice abruptly cut through the stillness, snapping the hero from his thoughts.

Link looked up at him, a bit confused by the sudden change of tone, but answered simply, "Yes."

Rusl leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He looked down at Link's left hand as it lay across his midsection, and glimmering slightly upon its top was the Triforce. He reached and grabbed the young man's hand in his own, examining the sacred triangle a bit closer.

"I remember seeing this mark here when you were younger," he explained, a calmness in his voice, "At first, I thought my eyes were simply playing tricks on me, but when I saw it again only days prior to your trip to the castle, I knew you would end up doing more than I ever dreamt possible. Most Hylians would consider seeing this upon their flesh to be a divine blessing, a gift from the Goddesses themselves, but that is because they don't understand what comes along with it. When I see it upon you, I only think of it as a curse."

Link was quiet, his eyes locked onto those of his mentor as he listened intently to his words.

"The Goddesses have placed the weight of the world on your shoulders. They have placed the fate of everything and everyone upon you. You are so young, with so much life left to live. I do not understand why our divine gods would cause you so much suffering, so much hardship. I do not find it fair that a young man should have to put his life in constant danger for a world that doesn't even care to know him."

"Rusl," Link chuckled slightly, "It is not a curse by any means."

Rusl's brow furrowed in complete shock and confusion at the lightheartedness the hero took on about the situation, but he kept his mouth shut, eager to hear what Link had to say.

"A curse is defined as something that plagues you, something that prevents you from living and being happy… None of that defines me. Our world is being threatened, putting everyone I love in danger. A curse, to me, would mean that I would be unable to do anything to help. I consider this a blessing because I am given the opportunities to make it right and to save those at risk," he continued with a small smile gracing his mouth, "I will not deny that it is hard, nor the fact that I have come close to death, but I would not trade this fate for anything. I'm glad the Goddesses have faith in me, for it is because of them that I am able to protect those important to me."

Rusl sat in silence, at a complete and utter loss for words. When several heartbeats signaled that much time was passing by in quiet, he finally found his voice again.

"Renado was right," he began as he glanced down at his clasped hands before looking back up at the hero, "We were talking last night, and I started to get frustrated at the fact that I felt you were burdened with too heavy a destiny. He corrected me, telling me that only you can do this and that you have gracefully accepted that fate. I didn't quite believe him, so he told me that I should discuss it with you, that hearing the words from your mouth would help me to better grasp the situation and understand how invested you are into this. He was right. Listening to the way you speak of it now…" he paused, trying to collect his thoughts into solid terms, "It's simply unbelievable."

Link was quiet; he wasn't sure if it was unbelievable in a good way or a bad way.

"The simple fact that you are still so young and yet so very wise and courageous beyond your years astounds me. I know of men twice, even triple, your age with not even half of the bravery and selflessness you possess."

"I had a great role model," Link said genuinely.

Rusl's lips curled up into a smile, "Thank you, my boy, but I could never take credit for the man that you've become. I believe it is because of the hardships and the loss that you've had to endure that have helped you to become stronger. Despite that, you were always destined for greatness."

Link smiled in return, "Thank you."

Rusl looked back down at Link's left hand, gazing closely at the single triangle of the three that was glowing the brightest, "Now, then, did the Goddesses happen to mention which portion of the Triforce clings to you?"

"I didn't speak with the actual Goddesses, Rusl," he chuckled, "But, no, I don't know which part I possess."

"Hm," the older Ordonian thought aloud, "Well… the top piece is power; legends say the ancient, evil king Ganondorf held that one. The left triangle is wisdom, which is passed down through every other generation of princesses of Hyrule. The right-most one, however," he continued, noticing how attentively Link was hanging on his every word, "is courage, and is said to be held by the Goddesses' chosen hero."

Link lifted his left hand and looked closely at the symbol that lay upon it.

"Courage is your piece - your blessing from the Goddesses themselves. I'd say that sounds about right, wouldn't you?"

The hero shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know… I always think of myself as more foolhardy than actually brave."

Rusl shook his head, "No, do not think like that. It is only foolish if it is done without thought or reason, and without any visible benefit. Everything you've done has benefited someone or something in one way or another."

Link nodded, but didn't speak after that. He found himself thinking long and hard about discovering which piece of the Triforce rested within him. If he had taken the time to contemplate it before, he was sure he would have figured it out; he just simply hadn't thought much on it. His mother always used to tell him stories about the Hero of Time and how he carried the Triforce of courage. He had always loved hearing those tales – he just wished he could have his mother tell them to him one more time.

"I have one last thing to ask you, my son."

"Anything."

"You said you were at the peak of the snowy mountain, and yet… when you returned to us, you were still practically frozen over. I do not understand how you could have made it all the way to the village in the state you were in; it's at least a three day's ride, even for Epona."

"Uh…" Link stammered, unsure of what to say. He hadn't even thought of the fact that the denizens of Kakariko might start becoming skeptical of his fast-travelling abilities. He took in a deep breath, held it for a moment, and let it out slowly, debating within himself if he was ready to divulge the deepest secret of his journey to Rusl just yet.

He wasn't.

"Could I tell you about it another time? I'm kind of tired…" he lied – well, it wasn't entirely a lie.

"Oh," Rusl said, a bit surprised at that response, "Alright, my boy, get some rest, then. I will see you when you awaken," he said with a small smile before turning and exiting the room, closing the door behind him.

"Nice save," Midna chimed as she came into the light.

Link sighed, running his good hand down his face as he did so, "I didn't know what else to say. I mean, I couldn't tell him about warping; that would just sound insane."

"Yeah, you're right… So, are you actually tired, or did you just say that to avoid his question?"

"I'm not all that tired."

"Yeah, right. Your eyelids are drooping!" she laughed.

He smiled crookedly, "So, maybe I am a little."

"Then get some sleep, big important hero! The faster you heal up, the faster we can get the next mirror piece!"

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled, that silly grin ever plastered on his face as he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off into dreamland.

A curse for most, a blessing for the few that are strong enough to see it as such.