Greetings, all. Christmas is around the corner and this could be my last upload for 2019. Doubt I'll work fast enough to squeeze another one in time. So, I'll wish you all a happy holiday season early.

I was hoping that this year would be the last I'd spend on this story. Fortunately the end is not that far from sight. Mind you, be ready for one heck of a final arc. It's pretty huge with a lot going on throughout, and is proving a bit of a challenge to pull off. I'm looking forward to the climax as well as the sensation of rest and relief that'll come once it's all over.

See you in 2020.

Chapter 85: Having Faith

During the second week of the third month of summer, half an hour's march south of Castle Town, the Hyrulean Army and its allies stood camp across the flats of Hyrule Field. Over ten thousand men and women from seven of the eight tribes had gathered for this battle. From afar, the different styles of banners and tents painted a mosaic of colours. The camp sprawled as far as the eye could see in both directions. To one person, its sheer size was daunting.

Near noon, the twili rode over the hill from the west. Seven hundred black cloaks washed the grassy plain in shadow. Among the infantry walked lanky, four-legged reptiles saddled like horses. Their nostrils flared at the new scents coming from the camp. Gleaming golden eyes rolled inside narrow, spiny heads.

Link rode Epona alongside a large wagon. Its design melded formidable armour plating with luxury. Midna previously told him that she would have preferred to ride together with him. However, the entirety of her guard had been adamant against it. Thus, she made use of the time to convene with the commanding ranks of her troops. From outside the wagon, their muffled voices were indecipherable to most eavesdroppers. Link, on the other hand, heard every word.

The vanguard met the Hyrulean Army's garrison. Minutes later, the twili diverted their course, following the edge of the camp. Eventually it opened to a patch of land that had been reserved for their tribe. Link tailed the wagon through towards the camp's heart, where the command centre laid.

Finally, the wagon stopped. The royal guards dismounted to quickly form a perimeter around it. Link climbed out of the saddle with less urgency. If there was going to be trouble here, it would be easy to pick out a person who wasn't a twili. The wagon doors opened. General Kospelle was the first to emerge, swiftly followed by his three captains. They completed the protective line as Midna stepped out into the sunlight.

Here, she wore no fine gowns or satin cloaks, but instead the dark, rune-engraved armour of a battle mage. Her soldiers knelt as she descended the carriage steps. There was something picturesque in the fierce, proud way she moved. Midna scanned the surrounding field. Already, servants were erecting the large tent that would become her quarters before the battle.

Half an hour later, a messenger came from Auru. He and the other tribal leaders were to meet at the sun's zenith. Midna pushed as much as she could into the remaining time, moving through the twili's section of the camp to ensure preparations were going smoothly. Her presence incited many confident smiles from the soldiers. They saluted as Midna passed. Some younger souls cheered after her, eager for the fight to come.

At the twelfth hour, Midna, Link and Kospelle made their way together to the command centre. The pavilion was as large as Midna's. It bewildered Link how much canvas it must have taken to make, and how difficult it must have been to transport here. A sudden voice called Link. He quickly found Rusl waving as he limped over.

"Dad, it's good to see you," Link grinned as he embraced him.

Rusl gave a hearty clap on his son's back. "Not as grand as it is to see you." He pulled back to glance up and down. "That's an impressive suit you have."

Link scanned over his light armour. Golden triangles glinted upon his chest, above green-painted steel. "A gift from Midna. She insisted that I wear something stronger than just a chainmail shirt."

"And I shouldn't need to list the reasons why," Midna interjected. She stepped forward to embrace Rusl as well. "It's good to see you, too, Rusl."

"Likewise, Your Majesty," he replied, smirking at the annoyed frown that turned Midna's face. Rusl then locked eyes with Kospelle, who stared back in wonder at the stranger that seemed so familiar with his queen. "Greetings, sir. I'm Captain Rusl Kelder; Link's father."

Kospelle shook Rusl's hand. "Oman Kospelle," he said in rough Hylian, "General of the Twilight Kingdom Royal Army. We are well met, Captain."

At that moment, Darbus and Yeto passed by. The two giants trampled through with arms slung across the other's shoulders, laughing boisterously like drunken best friends. Rusl returned his gaze to Link. "We should go inside. We'll talk more afterwards."

A crowd had already gathered inside the tent. Five of the tribal leaders stood with Auru around a large table. Atop it laid a large map of Castle Town. Wooden figurines stood at various points across the layouts. It was easy to tell from their placements that the white pieces represented their forces, whilst the ebony figures were the enemy.

Link and Midna mingled for a few minutes until Ooccoo arrived with Khaw and another oocca. All three of them wore peculiar headdresses of gleaming metal. The unfamiliar oocca with the golden helm was presumably the senator leading the oocca faction, Bowauk. This was proven accurate when the oocca stood tall in front of her peers.

"Thank you all for coming," Auru called. Conversations faded out at once. "The time to end this war draws near. Every tribe present has done much to contribute to this endeavour. For that, you all have my heartfelt gratitude."

Auru traced his finger along the rear side of the map. "As you all would have seen; a mysterious barrier stands around the castle. We expect Ganondorf to be somewhere inside. Although we cannot confirm this, reclaiming both the castle and city are still our key objectives. We also want to determine the fate of Princess Zelda. The chances of her survival after a year of imprisonment are questionable. However, if she is still alive then it is our other priority to rescue her."

He then laid eyes on Midna. "Of course, all of this depends on us being able to remove the barrier. Have you been able to find a way to control your weapon, Queen Midna?"

"We've had help from the oocca with that," Midna nodded. "Together we've engineered something that should allow me to control the Fused Shadows."

Darbus grumbled like a landslide. "I hope that your claims ring true, Twilight Queen. That dark power is not to be trifled with; I can tell you from experience."

Midna turned a grim expression to him. "I am well aware of the risks, Darbus."

"I would feel more comfortable about this if we had been able to run some field tests, first," Khaw spoke irritably.

"The tests we did in the laboratories were enough," Midna replied. "You said it yourself; the Fused Shadows' power waned significantly."

"Yet we have failed to understand what effect they will still have on a person's mind," Khaw frowned. Bowauk crossed her wing in front of him.

"We have done all that we can," she said evenly. "The control device that we developed was based on our best research. Even if our predictions are false and Queen Midna goes berserk, we can still destroy the barrier and deal a heavy blow to the enemy's forces. Anti-shadow weapons will be on standby until the Fused Shadows threaten our own troops."

"And it'll only cost me my life and a good chunk of Castle Town," Midna smirked. "What a bargain." No one found her light response amusing at all.

"I thought the oocca weren't providing weapons?" Rusl remarked.

"It was against our original agreement," Bowauk nodded. "However, given that none of your tribes have the capability to defeat the Fused Shadows yourselves, it became a necessary precaution. Queen Midna agreed to the measure before development."

Auru stroked his beard. "Are you sure that there is no safer method to remove the barrier?"

"Our drones failed to analyse it," Ooccoo answered. "When we lost remote control, we suspected that the enemy had deliberately done something to interfere. The faults were too coordinated to have been a mere malfunction."

"At least they were only small ones," Link said. Things could have become more challenging if a group of large guardians had gone rogue within the city.

"Then we have little choice but to continue with the original plan," Auru decided, though not without reservation in his tone. "I will run you all through our strategy now."

He motioned towards the figurines by the far side of the map. "We were hoping that the city walls would be unprotected, due to previous intelligence. Scouts now tell us that a garrison is on full alert."

"A pity," Ashie murmured.

"The bulk of our forces will approach from the south. Archers will engage any foes on the battlements. While they provide covering fire, twili mages will create a portal to send a small squad behind the city gate. The squad will then open it to allow everyone else through." Auru then pushed a set of black figures towards the south wall with a long instrument.

"Once the enemy moves to repel us, another squad led by Queen Midna and Lieutenant Kelder will approach the western gate. Their task is to infiltrate the city and make their way to the barrier first."

"There will still be enemies stationed there," Nabooru interrupted.

"Indeed. But not as many, we hope," Auru nodded. "This team is to avoid conflict as much as possible. Their first and only priority is to destroy the barrier before the rest of our army arrives outside the castle."

Impaz hummed in displeasure. "That will be when this strategy will become uncertain."

"Link and I will make it work," Midna assured. "Don't worry about us." Impaz only studied her with a solemn stare.

"After taking the southern gate, the main force will form a foothold in the surrounding districts," Auru went on. "Twili mages and oocca airships will assist in moving as many soldiers within the walls as possible. All squads will spread out and eliminate any monsters between here and the castle gates."

Darbus cracked a smile, as well as his knuckles. "The gorons look forward to that."

"Wouldn't it be easier for the mages and ships to move everyone inside instead of breaking down the gate?" Ralis asked.

"It'd be the opposite, actually," Midna replied. "Moving an entire army through portals would take more time and effort on the mages' part. Their strength would be exhausted before half of our forces were moved."

"And we only have half a dozen ships," Ooccoo added, "with each one only able to carry up to the same number of soldiers. They also would not be able to transport the gorons or yetis."

"Hence why the ships and mages will only transport select teams to seize wider parts of the city quickly," Auru said. Ralis nodded with a new understanding.

Kospelle then raised his hand. "How will we proceed after we reach the castle, General Vaxis?"

"Thank you, General Kospelle. A single drawbridge will allow us to cross the castle's moat. The gorons will smash through the defenders. Zoras and yetis will support them after swimming through the moat, itself. As we gain more ground, the hylian soldiers will take over."

People nodded their agreement. This tactic would take advantage of the humans' greater numbers and give the other tribes the chance to fall back and recover.

"Hyrule Castle has three entrances from the grounds. Our aim, then, is to claim as many of them as possible with all available resources. We will then be able to put greater pressure on the enemies inside the keep." Auru raised his gaze to Link. "You've assured that the bulblins have been dealt with, already?"

"I wasn't able to track down as many clans as I had hoped," Link replied. "Even so, the ones that are left shouldn't pose too much of a problem for us."

"Good enough, I say. As soon as we pave the way into the castle, you are to hunt down Ganondorf and put an end to him. Our ancestors had tried to execute him through just process, but ultimately failed. We will not give him the chance to slip away with his life again."

Link acknowledged the order silently. He didn't trust his voice at that moment. Too great and too grave a burden rode on his shoulders.

"Can't we just skip most of the fighting and teleport a bunch of squads into the castle?" Ashei spoke up. "That was how the shadow beasts took over in the first place."

Again, Midna gave the answer. "It's unlikely that Ganondorf would leave himself vulnerable to his own tactics. He's had enough time to set up any number of defensive measures. I wouldn't be surprised if every room held an ambush for us."

"Us?" Kospelle repeated warily.

"I'm going with Link to take down Ganondorf," Midna replied, not looking at the man.

Kospelle's face turned purple. "I cannot permit this. You are already risking enough already."

Then Midna turned on him. "And I will risk far more to end that bastard's life. I have fought too hard for too long to get us all this far, just to simply step back and Link fight for the fate of our worlds on his own."

"Your emotions are clouding your judgement," Kospelle hissed so that only a few could hear. Midna was not so discreet.

"My emotions are in their proper place," she hit back. "I am going with Link regardless of your say on the matter. And if I happen to be the one to drive a stake through Ganondorf's heart, then I will finally atone for the twili's sins."

Link shook his head when Kospelle turned to him. "You know her as well as I do. There's no way any of us are going to talk her down."

When no further argument was made, Auru spoke again. "That covers the plan as much as needed. Once the battle starts, squad leaders will be directed via the oocca's communication devices. We will need to ensure that everyone assigned one knows how to use it." Agreement rose from all parties. Oocca technology was hopelessly alien to most people. "One more thing I will say is that I want to keep collateral damage to a minimum. Many of our soldiers are here to reclaim their homes. The more buildings that are left intact, the happier folks will be after this is all over."

Auru then asked the room for questions. Food and drink were served as they queried the plan. Each tribe's leader was intent to understand their people's role at each stage. Link quickly lost interest in the discussion. Midna, however, paid rapt attention, occasionally murmuring to Kospelle in Twilit. Link's stare shifted from her to Rusl, who was leaning heavily against the table; his cane resting beside him. A pit deepened inside Link's gut.

An hour later, the meeting was adjourned. Midna stopped Link outside, taking hold of his wrist. "Kospelle and I are going to brief the captains on the plan. I'll see you back at the tent, later."

Link glanced over to Rusl, who was waiting for him. "Sure. I'll see you later." Midna hugged him then left with a quick peck on Link's cheek. Reluctantly, Link watched her go before following his father through the camp.

"A rupee for your thoughts, lad?" Rusl said. "You've grown awfully quiet since the briefing."

"I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about."

Rusl sighed. "We're about to wage a major assault against the fabled Demon King, and you're spearheading the entire thing. If you say there's nothing to worry about then something is definitely wrong."

There was no longer point in the act. "How many people are going to die tomorrow?" Link asked desolately.

An abyss opened in Rusl's gaze. "Too many."

"And what if someone I care about is one of them?"

"Are you talking about Midna specifically or is present company included?" Rusl dropped a smirk when his son frowned back. "Look, Link… It's all possible. I won't lie. But there's very little that we can do besides watching over the person closest to us. Even then, fate will play a hand in who makes it through another day." His expression darkened.

"I just don't want to lose anyone," Link moped. "I meant it when I said Midna and I want to settle down. Yet, she's putting so much on the line. Everyone is. I can't stand that so many lives are in the balance and I have to keep things from toppling over."

Rusl grabbed his arm firmly, forcing Link to a halt. "Link, I understand what you're feeling. But listen to me when I tell you this; you are not the only one carrying this burden. Everyone who was standing in that tent will be supporting you. More importantly, Midna will be supporting you when the going gets tough. You need to stop thinking that you alone will decide the course of the war. It will take every one of us doing our part to make victory ours. Just focus on doing yours."

"Right…" Link murmured, averting his gaze.

Rusl clapped him on the shoulder. "Think on that instead. You can't worry about what you can't control." He then resumed walking.

"So, you'll be fighting as well?" Link asked after a few minutes.

"On horseback," Rusl nodded.

"Not with Andel, right?" When Rusl appeared offended, Link pushed the matter. "I know he's a good horse, but he's ancient. He's not going to keep up with the battle for long."

"Well, what do you expect me to do? I can't just look for a younger horse now."

"Take Epona instead. She hates warping and I don't really need her for my mission. I'd feel a lot better if she was with you."

For a while, Rusl considered the idea. "It would be better to have a horse in their prime." Soon he decided. "Fine. I'll take her. But in return, you need to come back for her afterwards."

Link would have smiled before his father added that last part. "I promise." Rusl accepted the response with a gruff grunt.

A gang of people soon waved in front of them. Huddled around a small cook fire, heating a battered kettle, the men were all garbed in leather armour. Bo and Jaggle were among them. "Hey there, Link!" the former cheered. "Welcome!"

"What are you doing here?" Link gaped back, resulting in confused looks from the pair.

"What do you think?" Bo asked back. "We're here the join the battle."

"Although, right now we're boiling a pot if you want a cup," Jaggle added offhandedly.

Link stared back and forth between the two. "No. No, you shouldn't be here."

"Why the bloody hell not?" Jaggle then frowned.

"This isn't like driving a few monsters from the village! This is an all-out battle! There are going to be thousands of monsters in there; and they're going to be worse than a band of moblins!"

"We know that, lad," Bo said, his mouth set in a hard line. "The attacks we've had at home are the reason we're here. We clear out the nest and kill off the vermin. That's the best way we're going to defend our crops."

"We're not talking about field rats!" Link snapped. The others in the group watched them go back and forth. Link ignored their bewildered stares.

Rusl grabbed his shoulder. "Link, remember what we just talked about. Jaggle and Bo have as much right to be here as you do."

"We're all adults here, Link," Jaggle said. "We know what we're getting ourselves into. That's why we'll be working our damned hardest to watch each other's backs."

"Especially Rusl's," Bo smirked. "All of us here will be fighting alongside him. So, you don't have to worry about your old man. We'll make sure some mangy bokoblin doesn't pull him off his horse."

Rusl sniffed in return. "And I'll be picking off the archers so that one doesn't shoot an arrow into your wide arse."

Bo's brows rose in an offended manner. "There's no need to get personal." The rest of the group laughed.

After wrestling for an argument, Link realised how weak his position was. "Are Fado and Hanch around, as well?" he asked, resigned. "Anyone else?"

"Nah," Bo shook his head. "We're the only ones. Everyone else is back home, keeping the village running. Can't have it undermanned any more than it already is."

By then the pot began to whistle. Jaggle reached over to pour his cup. "Uli couldn't stop fretting, though. So, Bo and I marched over to make sure you both got home safe."

When a steaming cup was handed to Link, he was obliged to take it. "Well… Thanks for coming, I guess…"

"There you go," Bo beamed. "See, Rusl? I told you he'd come around."

"You guys knew I wasn't going to like this?" Link frowned, again ignoring the strangers' sniggering.

Jaggle sipped at his tea. "You've been fighting practically on your own for a year, now. Rusl had a feeling your chest has puffed so much you think you can shoulder everything by yourself."

"I didn't say anything of the sort," Rusl grumbled.

Jaggle shrugged. "It's what it sounded like to me, at least." Then he looked over to Link. "If anyone should be worried about, it's you, Link. Rumours are going around how the goddesses' chosen hero is going to be the first to storm Hyrule Castle."

The other soldiers spun their heads towards Link. "Goddesses' hero? You mean this kid?"

"He's barely older than my boy," another gawped. It was as though for them that the emblem on Link's breast and violet sword at his back had only just appeared from thin air.

"And he's beaten worse monsters than anything you'll see in there," Rusl replied, jabbing a thumb towards the city. No one tested the captain's warning glare.

Link stared into the ripples in his mug. "What Jaggle's said is partly true. I'll be heading into the castle to finish Ganondorf. Fulfil the destiny, I guess."

"Can't say I envy you," Bo muttered.

"To be honest, it's kind of a relief that I won't be going in alone. I suppose I'm going to have to look for my squad soon. Get to know them a bit before the battle starts."

"Not a bad idea," Rusl nodded sagely.

A painful silence took hold. Bo rubbed the crown of his head and grumbled. "We probably won't run into you during the fight. So, when you see that bastard, Ganon, beat him around a few good times for us."

Link managed to form a smile. "I'll be sure to." To that, they raised their cups and drank.

The day grew late when Link returned to the twili's part of the camp. Midna's tent had been pitched near the carriage. Inside, it was spacious enough for two folding cots pushed together with plenty of room to spare. Link removed his scabbard and shield, then the short cape worn underneath to conceal his tail. It twitched and wagged in its newfound freedom.

Link fumbled with the straps of his armour. He set the pieces aside and stretched his shoulders, sore from hours of bearing the constant weight. His shirt was damp with sweat, clinging to Link's body. At last he took of his boots before sinking onto the cot.

His nap was disturbed by movement from the tent's flaps. Link sat up as Midna stepped inside, releasing a heavy sigh that told him as much about her day as any number of words. "How did it go with the captains?" he asked.

"Fine," Midna rubbed at her temple. "I'm exhausted."

Link helped her out of her armour. She rolled her shoulder, groaning in discomfort. Once he had stripped the last bit of plating, Link guided Midna to her cot. He sat behind her, kneading around her collarbone. Midna moaned in bliss, gradually relaxing all over.

"It hasn't been that long since this healed," Link said. "You didn't need to wear your armour today. All you're doing is pushing yourself."

"I have to show my strength," Midna answered. "Not just to the twili, but to everyone else here. If people see me here in silken gowns they'll question if my heart's in this at all."

Link frowned. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone. You're the strongest person I know."

A giggle shook Midna. "That's sweet of you to say. But still, perceptions matter in my life. So, I'll push myself as hard as I need to."

Link moved further down her back. His thumb dug into the ridge of Midna's spine. "I'm worried about you," he admitted. "You'll be taking a lot of risks with the Fused Shadows tomorrow. Then after that, you plan to keep fighting… all the way to the end."

As though pained, Midna pulled away. "Link…"

"I'm scared of what will happen if something goes wrong; if we make a mistake. It's all I've been able to think about since we left the Twilight Realm. I know we've talked about this over and over, already, but I just can't help it."

Then Midna adjusted her seat so that she could face him. "I know. It's been on my mind this whole time, too." Midna cupped her hand against Link's cheek. "I was hoping that the oocca could find a weakness in the barrier. But since they couldn't, we have to resort to using the Fused Shadows."

"That's what worries me most. That you'll lose control like Zant did, and I'll have to be the one to stop you; whatever the cost might be…"

"That's how I felt when you last used the shadow crystal. That's why we worked so hard to develop the King's Reins. I don't want to have to put you in that position if I can help it."

Midna leaned forward, resting her forehead against Link's. He closed his eyes at her touch. "We made a promise to pull through this together," she said. "I want to spend my life with you. I want to build the new peace we're fighting to make with you. I want to wake up each morning and not have to worry if we'll live through the next week; and I want to be able to do this each time I look over and see you."

She kissed him. It was soft, innocent and prolonged. Link then stared deep into her gaze. "And I want to stand by your side always," he said. "I want to support you when while you're leading your people. And I want to grow old with you and sit out in the fields as we watch the days go by. There's nothing else that I want more than that."

A smile broke on Midna's face. She shook her head. "You're such a hopeless romantic. We both are." Midna kissed Link again. "I'm scared about tomorrow, too. But if things do go wrong, I trust you'll work them out. And I want you to trust me, as well."

He brushed her cheek. "Of course I trust you, and I'll always be there for you."

No more was said as Link embraced Midna fully. Her head rested atop of his as Link buried himself into the crook of her neck, taking in her warm, comforting scent. They remained that way, cut off from the rest of the world, for as long as they cared; uninhibited and free from prying eyes.

He awoke to a bright light. Morning, Link had first thought. That wasn't correct, though. White surrounded him; gleaming and expansive. The tent was gone. A floor lacking any definitive substance pressed against his back. Link's chest felt light and free without the weight of Midna's arm atop it, as he remembered foggily. No… This wasn't Hyrule Field. This was the other place.

Link rose to a sitting position. He was fully dressed in his garb and armour. His sword rested beside him with no scabbard or shield. Link picked it up as he stood. Next thing that he noticed; the golden wolf appeared facing him. Its form shifted in a flash, rising on two legs as its face became human and familiar.

"Hello, Link," Harlan said. He spoke softly; his smile not stretching far.

"Father," Link greeted in kind. "I was expecting you sooner than this."

"I ought to have. Unfortunately, I would have had to have passed on my final lesson that much sooner. Can you blame me for wanting to stretch this out for a little longer?"

Admittedly, Link couldn't. However, neither of them rushed into their training, choosing instead to wander through the void alongside each other. "It's tomorrow, isn't it?" Harlan asked. "You're taking the battle to Ganondorf, aren't you?"

Sullenly, Link nodded. "Yes."

"I'd like to hope that you'll be free to live your life once your duty is fulfilled."

"I'm returning the Master Sword to the forest once the war is over," Link replied. "I've made a decision to give up fighting for any cause. I want to spend the rest of my life in peace."

Harlan nodded. "Some heroes get to lead that life. For others, though, a new cause calls them. And for an unlucky few…" He spoke no further, instead gesturing in a self-centred manner. Link became silent.

"I don't mean to discourage you," Harlan added. "I brought my fate upon myself. You shouldn't need to worry about yours."

"Any advice?" Link asked.

"Don't just have faith in yourself. Have faith in your allies as well."

"That's something people have been telling me a lot today. How do you do it; letting the people you care about fight without you and expect everything to turn out okay?"

"To be honest, I wish I had known the answer to that." Harlan took a prolonged breath. "It was Rusl who supported me most in my time. Together we led a small squad to explore the caves beneath Snowpeak. Unfortunately, we ran into a talus; a giant of living stone. Rusl was badly wounded and the talus crushed the rest of our men to death. Only I had the weapons to fight it and I blamed myself for putting everyone else in that situation."

Again, Harlan paused as the emotions resurfaced. "Ever since, I thought it was safer if I carried on alone. So that's what I did. Rusl insisted against it, but with his broken leg there wasn't much he could do to stop me."

"So that's how he got that limp…" Link said softly. "He only ever said it was a war wound. I thought it happened during that last battle against Labrynna."

"Looking back, I was a coward. I couldn't bear the thought of letting my comrades die so I pushed them away; shouldered everything on my own. In a sense, I became a disgrace to the Triforce you and I shared."

"I know the feeling," Link replied. "The last few battles have been straining my relationship with Midna. We both began worrying about each other's safety, and it's becoming harder to face every enemy with that fear. That's the reason we want to settle down after the war. We want to spend our days uniting our kingdoms instead of fighting for them."

"That's an admirable goal to have. I'm proud of you for it." A true smile finally appeared on Harlan's face. In the moment, he looked somewhat alive. "The fact that you and Midna still stand together despite your fears; it gives me confidence. All that you need to do is extend that faith to everyone else whom you care for."

"That doesn't guarantee that Rusl and the others will survive though, does it?" Link asked. Giving voice to his deepest despair tightened his chest.

"No… It doesn't. You alone can't determine the fates of everyone around you. That is where you will need to be brave and accept the things that you cannot control. Just like you will be fighting to stay alive, everyone will be doing the same for themselves."

Link ceased walking. He wasn't sure how far they had travelled. His head filled with thoughts, he turned up to the pale sky. "That's what everyone has been saying so far; but I think it's only now that the message is sinking in. I guess I needed to hear it from someone who's been in my shoes before."

"Then I am glad I could help." Harlan turned his attention to the distance. There was something that he frowned at that Link failed to see. "Time is growing short. We've delayed for too long."

Link lifted his sword, mindful of its weight. "I guess we should get to it, then."

"Would you humour an earthbound soul for another moment longer? I would like to review everything that I've taught you so far."

Gladly, Link worked through the six techniques that they had practiced together. His finishing blow and shield bash were flawless. The mortal blow met expectations. Both the helm splitter and jump strike were demonstrated effectively. However, Link's back slice needed a few rounds of rehearsal.

"You've mastered those skills well," Harlan praised. "The final skill is simple and similar to the jump strike."

Harlan then moved away from Link. As he took a stance, a light built throughout his sword. Then Harlan pivoted on his front foot, turning a full circle. The light projected from the sword's tip. It formed a ring that expanded outward, striking Link standing a full three metres away. The blow winded him; though Link knew that would have likely torn his chest open in the real world.

"That is the great spin," Harlan declared. "Focusing the Triforce's power into the tip of your sword, you project it out in all directions like an extended blade."

"So, it is like the last skill," Link remarked.

"The key differences are that the great spin can also be used defensively. However, your attack will not discriminate between friend and foe. In the battle ahead, you'll need to be mindful of your allies when you use it."

When told to try it, Link felt hesitant to do so. Harlan was quick to notice. "Link… Are you well?"

"This is the last sword skill that I'm supposed to learn. It's the last thing that you'll have to pass on to me. After that, your job is done, isn't it? There'll be no reason for you to stay here."

A look of sadness took Harlan's features. He approached Link and set a hand upon his shoulder. "Yes. When I died, my greatest regret is that I wouldn't get to see you grow up. I wouldn't be able to raise you or teach you what I learned myself. That felt more painful than knowing that I would be leaving your mother alone. Once you've learned this technique, I'll finally be free to rest in peace. It will assure me that I have left you with everything you need to achieve your own destiny."

Link placed his hand over his father's. The touch was cold but not so unpleasant that Link shied away. "So, by mastering it, I'll be saving you. You'll be free to go to the afterlife."

As Harlan nodded, Link's resolve returned. Taking some space to swing, Link tapped into the sacred energy dwelling inside. He channelled the power into his sword, feeling the hilt vibrate in his grip. Stepping forward, Link spun on his toe swiftly, throwing his entire weight into the movement. He released the energy within the sword, willing it into the shape he desired. A breeze whipped up as Link brought his foot down to regain his balance.

When he turned to his father, Harlan wore a warm smile. It was Link had seen from Rusl on many occasions throughout his lifetime. It meant something different this time; something greater. "Well done." Something unseen then caught Harlan's eye. It made his smile grow.

"It seems that our time is finally up," he told Link sadly. "From here on out, all that I can do is cheer for you. I know that you can achieve what needs to be done."

Link's gaze dropped. "I'm going to miss you. But I know that finally moving on is important to you."

"I'll miss you, too; as well as Uli and Rusl both." Harlan took a moment to appraise Link. "When I first met you in this realm, I spoke harshly in order to compel you to mature. Since then you've marched through countless foes, each mightier than the last. Now you are a true warrior. You have what it takes to go far; even your path takes you away from the battlefield."

Link dug his nails into his palms. He will not cry or falter here. "Thank you, Father. I can't tell you enough how much these lessons meant to me. Everything that you've taught me has saved my life more than once. I couldn't have gotten this far without you."

Harlan reached forward, offering his hand. When Link took it to shake, Harlan stepped in. He embraced Link with strong arms. Firmly, Link reciprocated. It felt too soon when they parted.

"When you see your mother next, give her one of those for me," Harlan smiled.

"I will." His vision began to blur. Link knew that time was up. "Goodbye, Father."

"Goodbye, Link. Now go and do not falter, my son."