A/N: I am so sorry for the lag.

Chapter 12: The Resistance

They stayed longer than what they had anticipated in the village. The exhaustion of the Lakebed Temple had caught up to everyone, especially Link with him turning forcefully into a wolf and rushing to get Midna the help she needed.

The small imp was still trying to fathom the fact that now she could take physical form in the light world. She knew of the sacrifice Zelda had made. She could relate so much to her. She felt slightly guilty since she hadn't been so truthful with the truth, specially with Link. But she knew it was just a matter of time. They needed to find the Mirror of Twilight to end his ruling over the Twilight. She had hoped the princess would help in regards of sending the strange group back to their world but because of those unfortunate circumstances, that conversation was never brought up. She still analyzed every one of them, trying to figure out really their true purpose.

Miroku reminded her of some sort of scholar besides a monk. His words always held calm and sincerity and he always seemed to maintain a cool demeanor even in stressful situations. What she could not understand is that if he was a monk, why he was so perverted. Specially with the demon slayer. Midna held respect for Sango's strong personality and her ability to hold herself in combat. Many women would scream blasphemy at the thought of a woman fighting, but she understood why Sango did what she did. The bond she shared with the monk was obvious and Midna couldn't help but seeing it as cute.

Then there were the other two. Kagome and Inuyasha. Kagome was still an enigma to her although she has spent more time with the young woman than the others. She could see why Link was developing feelings towards her. Specially the day she had brought them to the village. The following day she could feel Link's happiness and also Kagome's. Besides the fact that she was beautiful, she held so much power within her that Zant saw her as a threat. Her pure heart Midna knew it was going to be necessary for the rest of their journey. The world seemed to lit up the moment Kagome would smile. She even found herself smiling on many occasions through Link's shadow.

She was still not so fond of Inuyasha for his attitude, but at the end, she couldn't really judge him. She had been extremely mean and nasty towards Link at the beginning of their journey. However, internally she was not looking forward to the small love triangle that was developing within their group. Although Link needed to focus on the task at hand, she still wanted him to be happy. He was not a puppet anymore or just a comrade. She was a friend to her, her best friend that since the beginning of their journey they had faced multiple things together. She knew him better than anyone.

What the feudal gang had experienced together in the temple was new to them, not used to being inside a place trying to solve puzzles and such and clearing out a sacred place for days. Meeting Zant had also been something else. That meeting developed a new form of rage within Inuyasha since the twilight seemed to affect him negatively, making his demon blood surge. They all took the rest they needed because they had no clue they had been inside Lakebed for over a week. Miroku thought that once they were inside, they just totally lost their sense of time. They took the rest the needed but now it was time to head over to Castle Town over to the meeting that Telma had told them about.

Kagome and Link didn't speak of the events of the first day they got back. After they had embraced each other, it seemed that things had gone back to normal. They still didn't speak of the kiss or about whatever they could feel when they were at a close distance with each other. But their carefree attitude, having that companionship and trust that they had at the beginning when they met was back.

And that's all it mattered to them.

They all had helped around the village. Miroku had helped Mayor Bo go through various documents to help him organize. He didn't know how to read Hylian, but he was very well educated when it came to customs of trade and such. For the past few months there was less frequent deliveries from Castle Town do to the growth of monsters in Hyrule Field. They both went over different plans that they could come up with to send a letter out to the merchants to send as much food and supplies to both Ordon Village and Kakariko Village. Without knowing how much longer the quest was going to take, it was best to have both villages ready with supplies in case the delivery carriage never came. He also became someone that Bo could vent to since his daughter Ilia was with no memory of who she was. Miroku reassured him that they would do all they could to help the young woman.

Sango was able to talk to the rest of the remaining males of the village and started showing them different forms of battle, especially with a weapon so they could continue defending the village in case any more monsters would come. They were all amazed by her speed and grace and continuously would ask her if she was a descendant of the legendary Sheikah. At first, she didn't know what they meant until they showed her an old Hyrule History book and a small chapter spoke of the secret society that once defended the Royal Family.

Inuyasha wasn't interested on training the humans or going over different road plans, so he would kill time by either going over to bother the herd back at the farm, hunt, or his all-time favorite, being up on the trees and watching everyone.

Or more specifically, watching Kagome.

He was no idiot. He was starting to notice the way her eyes would wander whenever Link would walk by or the way her stormy gray eyes would glisten when Link would talk to her. She would tilt her head, her dark long hair moving in waves with the movement, and her smile would light up the whole damn place.

He hated it. He despised it.

Because long ago, she would look at him that way.

He knew she didn't know how she was reacting to the hero. It was Kagome, sweet naive Kagome. Didn't have a clue how her cheeks would suddenly be filled with a rosy color or the way her eyes would shine. Her laugh was sweet and so carefree whenever Link would make a joke or help her out with something. Part of him didn't want to give her up even though he knew he still had unfinished business with Kikyo and one of them being him promising he would go to hell with her or the fact that he still held feelings for her. Just thinking about the whole situation would make his head heart so he would just try to sleep or think of anything else.

Shippo had stuck to Kagome like glue the whole time at the village, but his excitement grew ten times more when he found out he was going to be coming with them this time. After hearing all of what went down with searching for Kagome and then the Lakebed Temple, the fox demon decided that although he wasn't as powerful, he could still be helpful to them.

And they knew it was true. The young demon had gotten them out of very iffy situations before.

Besides, Kagome had missed him dearly.

Link was unsure about the meeting. He knew Hyrule needed as much help as possible, since so far, the soldiers have proven to be worthless with their lack of courage. It made him angry just thinking about their cowardly attitude. That is not something that the princess would have wanted for her kingdom. Everyone needed to be ready, especially now seeing what Zant can do and that some 'god' had given him his powers. However, he knew he couldn't share all the details to them. Whomever they were at the so-called meeting.

Uli had been concerned since Link didn't have Epona with him for the traveling, but after reassuring her that with Kirara, Shippo, and Inuyasha, they wouldn't take long to reach Castle Town.

He wasn't about to tell her that he had a twili imp in his shadow that could transform him into a wolf and that they would be reaching Castle Town in seconds.

They had walked to the Ordona Spring and after making sure no one from the village had followed them, Midna appeared and took them to their destination after Link transformed.

Kagome was hoping that their time in Castle Town would be better than the last times. However, destiny seemed to have a sick sense of humor.

They moment they were back in solid forms at the entrance to Castle Town, her heart dropped to her stomach and she covered her mouth to muffle the gasp that spilled from her lips. Her eyes widened as the saw the glorious structure of Hyrule Castle being covered in a golden diamond shaped barrier with black markings glowing with it.

Midna didn't waste any time and returned Link into his human form. He took off with everyone right on his heels.

He could feel the blood pumping in his veins as pure hot anger spread from his core. When did the barrier appear? After they had seen Zelda?

Her name echoing in his head made him internally curse.

The moment he pushed the doors open after crossing the wooden bridge, he was met with pure chaos in Castle Town.

Townsfolk were talking loudly. Various carriages and supplies were being carried by horses as some of them were trying to evacuate the town. He was glad to see that the barrier hadn't spread further and it was just at the castle. They all had a hard time getting through the crowd to reach the middle of Castle Town where the water fountain was at. Hyrulian Soldiers were everywhere, trying to maintain control and directing people. Great number of them he could hear them talking that they should get out of the town as well like everyone else. He inwardly scoffed at them.

Kagome could see the panic everyone had. She could hear the gossip within the citizens as she tried her best to keep up with Link.

The Princess has disappeared!

The Gerudos are back!

I heard the Princess is dead!

She brought the kingdom to its knees!

They finally reached the huge wooden doors that lead directly to the main doors of the Castle to just be met by the General of the Hyrulian Army standing to the side of the doors with other soldiers around him. He was tall, his medium length dark hair pulled back in a pony tail as he held his helmet as another soldier showed him a document.

Link didn't bother to say anything. He started walking towards the doors when a sword was put in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.

"You!" A soldier yelled at him, "What do you think you are doing?! The castle is off limits to civilians!"

Link's blue eyes flashed when Miroku stepped up, "Sir, we are requesting a meeting with Princess Zelda."

The soldier glared at him and laughed, "You think our Princess would talk to the likes of you? You've got to be joking!"

Inuyasha growled, "Oi! We ain't got no time for this. What the hell happened here!?"

The soldier spat on the ground, "It's none of your business!"

Sango glared at him, "We have an urgency to meet with the Princess."

The soldier looked at her over and gave her a disgusting look as he saw her wearing her combat gear, "Again- leave before I have you arrested for trespassing! Our town is in chaos right now and the last thing our Princess needs is to talk to the likes of you."

Kagome had stayed quiet and finally had enough as she stepped forward.

"You need to watch how you're talking to us. You are in the presence of the Hero Chosen by the Goddesses!"

Link's eyes widened at her exclaiming his 'position.' He knew her loud voice had attracted the attention of many of the townsfolk and now they were creating a circle around them. He could hear the murmurs but he wasn't too focused on what they were saying. It was the first time someone besides a spirit that had addressed him that way. He didn't want to think himself as a Hero. He still wanted to be plain old Link. But he knew deep down he was fooling himself.

The soldier gave him a suspicious look and then started to laugh mockingly.

"You think because he's wearing a copy of the outfit the legendary hero wore that it makes him one?! You've got to be kidding me!"

"LUCIUS!"

A loud booming voice stopped the loud mocking laughter of the soldier. He visibly gulped as he saluted, "Yes my General!"

The General looked at him and then at Link and the rest of the group, "All of you, follow me."

Lucius gawked at him, "But sir! The site is only for those that have clearance to go through! Just because this woman is saying he's the hero doesn't mean he is!"

The General pinched the tip of his nose as he closed his eyes in irritation, "Do your eyes deceive you, you fool? Look closer, he has the Master Sword."

Inuyasha's ears immediately went down as the low murmurs went into loud exclamations. Some of the townsfolk were ecstatic. The legendary Hero was back! But others still weren't convinced even if the Master Sword was clearly visible. Link could hear them talk but he knew in this moment, because of the fear that was clearly covering everyone, he stood at his full length and nodded at the General and carried himself with confidence with his head high as he followed him through the wooden doors with the rest of his friends.

Kagome was slightly blushing at her outburst, but it at least got them the attention that they needed.

They went inside the doors, however, another pair of big wooden doors blocked their way to the entrance of the castle. The General turned around and after staring at Link for a little bit, he let out a huge sigh.

"The Castle is completely off limits. We have called every sorcerer within our traveling radius but no one has been able to break down the barrier. They can't recognize its magic."

And with that, he opened the last set of doors and let them see the barrier that was covering the castle. Miroku's eyes widened as he could feel the power coming from the barrier. Link approached it slowly and as soon as he was a foot away, he raised his hand and touched it.

But nothing happened.

"Anything on the Princess?" he asked without looking back.

The General cleared his throat and lowered his voice, "She's gone. We don't know where she is. I've been telling everyone she's inside, but I was not able to find her. The rumors are getting worse that it's getting hard to maintain order with my guys. Some think she's dead, others think she has abandoned us after her surrendering to an evil being."

Miroku's eyebrows furrowed, "What do you mean she surrendered?"

Link let out a heavy sigh, clearly forgetting that part of his story when he had first met them, "When Zant came to our world, he threatened the princess to surrender or he would make sure the entire kingdom was dead. She chose to surrender."

The General nodded, "I was there when she did. I will never forget that bastard's voice and what he did to some of my men with his monsters. After that, she had moved her belongings to another area of the castle. She refused to sleep in the royal quarters. Only the few soldiers that were alive and saw everything were told to not repeat what they had heard that day, but clearly some didn't listen."

Kagome's eyes were shining as she held back the tears as she remembered Zelda's selfless act with Midna, "She did what she thought it was right. They can't hold it against her. It would have been worse if she hadn't surrendered."

He let out a heavy sigh, "I know. My family has always served the Royal Family and we will always continue to be loyal."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the serious tone everyone had, "I'll just bring down the barrier with my sword, not big deal."

Link finally turned around and gave him a look as Inuyasha brought out Tetsusaiga and the fang turned into a red hue. The General's eyes widened as well and stepped back as Inuyasha walked forward. Link was still confused but got out Inuyasha's way as well. He went and stood next to Kagome and Sango as Inuyasha confidently walked towards the barrier, the fang resting on his shoulder.

Link crossed his arms as he tilted his head in curiosity, "Why is it red?"

Kagome looked up at him, her eyes shining with excitement, "It can bring down barriers."

Link's and the General's eyes widened at the sound of it. Was the fang that the half-demon possessed really that powerful?

They all stood back as Inuyasha readied the fang and brought it down with so much strength right on the barrier. They were expecting it to crumble down, however, the barrier shone a bright golden light and threw Inuyasha back at a fast speed. Link grabbed immediately Kagome and Sango and pulled them back as Inuyasha was sent flying in their direction. The poor half-demon slammed into Miroku, Shippo, and the General.

"Son of a bitch!"

Everyone that was on the floor was holding their heads and groaning in pain. Kagome had immediately gone over and checked on Shippo. The poor kit was mumbling to himself as he was recovering from the blow.

As Miroku got up, he chuckled humorlessly, "Well, seems that Tetsusaiga can't bring it down. It's too strong."

Inuyasha grunted but didn't say anything as he glared at the barrier that he felt was mocking him.

Sango walked over to Miroku to make sure that he was ok, but the moment she felt his hand on her bosom, she slapped him and walked away from him.

"Why can't you be serious for once?!"

"Sango, dear, we've gone over this! This hand is cursed!"

The General raised his eyebrow and shook his head, "What's cursed is this land…"

Miroku cleared his throat as he rubbed his read cheek, "I think it's best to go to Telma's Bar. We have no access to the castle, even Inuyasha couldn't bring this magical shield down. We must continue forth."

The General looked seriously at Link, "You think you can fix whatever is going on?"

Link sighed as he ran a hand through his messy bangs, "That's what I'm trying to do."

The General continued staring intently at him until he nodded, "Anything you may need- don't hesitate to tell me. The Royal Army is at your service Link."

Link was taken aback since he had not introduced himself. The man chuckled, "All heroes were named Link. I would be extremely surprised if you weren't."

The walk towards the bar had been difficult to say the least. Everyone had immediately surrounded Link once they were back in the plaza with the water fountain and all the questions arose. He wasn't keen of being the center of attention, but he knew it would happen sooner or later due to the sword on his back. It wasn't until Inuyasha had had enough that they finally were given a clear path down the street. The murmurs were still going, but were completely ignored by them.

Kagome opened the door and immediately she was greeted by the familiar warmth of the bar. The bar itself was full, but Telma easily spotted the group and waved them over to her.

"Oh my, if it isn't Link and the rest of the gang!"

They all smiled at her as they took a seat each in a stool. However, Link decided to just lean against the bar while being in between Kagome and Miroku.

"Hey Telma," he replied tiredly.

She winked at him, "You guys finally made it! How've you been?"

Kagome laughed nervously as she scratched the back of her head, "Well, you could say good. We are alive!"

Telma laughed wholeheartedly, "Y'all have good timin' honey! I was just talking about y'all!"

She looked over at the far end of the bar where an open room was located. Three figures were sitting down a round table talking amongst themselves looking over at the map.

"That's the people I wanted y'all to meet. Go ahead and introduce yourselves. They are the friends I mentioned, the ones that are trying to help with whatever is going on here in Hyrule. We do have one member missing. He went out regarding some weird events going in the desert. I know last time y'all were in a rush and couldn't talk."

Miroku's curiosity got to him, "What events?"

She shook her head, "He didn't go in details. However, he was worried. His name is Auru. Tell him hello from me if you were to come across him. Go talk to the others, I'll take some drinks and some food over to ya in a bit."

Link started walking over to the table at the far end to see three people sitting around a map. Two men and one woman. The youngest man seemed to appear to be a scholar, with his black vest neatly over his white button up shirt that he currently had the sleeves up to his elbows. He could see the young man mumbling to himself as he went through a book while pushing his glasses to the bridge of his nose. Link then turned to look at the woman. She was adorned in golden armor on her arms, boots, and the middle of her body. Her red pants were vibrant and contrasted beautifully with the golden color of her armor. She carried herself arrogantly and her gaze was cold as she looked up at them and narrowed her eyes at them.

Before Link could even look at the other man sitting with his arms crossed, Shippo dashed forward and jumped at the man with huge joy.

"Rusl!"

Link's eyes widened at the name. It had been so long since he last saw the man. Wasn't it when he had been injured after the attack in the village? He couldn't remember well now.

Rusl removed the helmet off his head and after greeting Shippo, without a word he got up and engulfed Link in a tight embrace.

Link swallowed the knot in his throat as he felt the familiar arms of his father figure again.

"The last time I saw you, you were on the couch in your house injured. Are you ok now?" Link asked him right away as they pulled away.

Rusl chuckled, "Don't underestimate me my boy. I may be older but I'm still strong enough to get up from some minor injuries."

Link wouldn't really exactly call those injuries as minor but he wasn't about to argue. Rusl's eyes shone the moment he saw the rest of the group, glad to see that they had made it and had found their friend that they had been so worried about.

"I see that you guys found your other friend, I'm glad to see that."

Kagome smiled at him, "I'm Kagome. Shippo told me lots about you."

Rusl grinned as he placed a hand on his son, "These are the people that I want you to meet. This is Shad and Ashei."

Before Link could utter a word to them, Shad was instantly in front of him shaking his hand.

"Oh my!" the young man started, "I have to be honest, I was skeptical about the rumors I had heard of you, but I can see the blue hilt of the sword and there is only one that has such a shade of blue. Is it really it?"

Link inwardly groaned but without a word, he removed the sword off his back and placed it on top of the map that was on the table. Shad got close to the sword, his eyes shining with curiosity and excitement combined.

"Where did you get that replica?" Ashei asked with her arms crossed as she walked over and leaned forward to look at it. Ever since she had heard of him, she had been skeptical of him. Doubting all the rumors and talk regarding the new hero walking around. She was well familiar with males pretending to be something they weren't.

Sango slightly glared at the woman, "That's no replica, we were there when he got it. The sword chose him."

Ashei looked up, looking at Sango up and down as she took note of her battle gear and the giant boomerang on the woman's back.

"Do you really want me to believe that the legendary blade chose him? Please."

Shad removed himself from examining the sword, clearly displeased to hear his comrade's comments about Link and the sword, "Ashei, you must not speak so lowly of this man. This is the blade. This is no replica."

Link sighed. He knew they were losing too much time arguing whether the sword was the Master Sword. They had better and more important things to do.

"Pick it up," he said as he pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at the woman.

She raised a dark eyebrow and without a word, she grabbed the hilt of the sword and attempted to pick it up. It was no use. The sword would not shift its position as she now tried picking it up with both hands.

Shad's face glowed as a massive grin was plastered on his face, "Only the hero can pick up the blade. Now do you believe him?"

Ashei had grown both red in embarrassment and anger, and had no words to say after that. Rusl chuckled as Link grabbed the sword and put it back on his back.

"We have one more member, but he's currently in Lake Hylia. He heard some stuff regarding the old prison in the desert and went to check it out."

Link shared a look with his group and they all nodded. They were thinking the same thing. The other member must have more information regarding the dessert and that is most likely where they need to head out.

"That's where we will go then." Link said with a final tone in his voice, but before he could start walking away, he heard Shad asking Inuyasha what race him and Shippo were. By the curiosity that Shad held in his voice, Link could tell that Rusl didn't tell anyone else where Kagome and her group had come from. It was bad enough Link didn't want to mention anything about the Twilight world, now he didn't want to get into explaining about parallel worlds.

"They come from another kingdom. As they were traveling, they were ambushed by bandits and Kagome was separated from them. They are tough fighters that have decided to help Link on his quest."

However, that didn't satisfy Shad's curiosity, but before he could try to ask anything else, Telma called over to the group by the bar.

"Come here y'all, I packed ya a few things while y'all were talking," She looked at Kagome and winked at her. Kagome beamed, grateful with the woman for getting them out of the little uncomfortable situation. It's not that she didn't trust these new people, but what were the chances of them believing her?

Shad seemed like a very smart individual, so maybe they will say something down the line.

Telma had packed them plenty of food for a week. They were taken aback at the amount and the only thing she could say is that she had a hunch they would be there for long. Rusl asked Link that after stopping by to see Auru, that he should go to Kakariko and see the children and Ilia. At the mention of his child hood friend, Link felt nostalgic but quickly pushed it aside.

There was no point on thinking about that right now.

They left back to Hyrule field and the moment they made sure there was no one around, Link called Midna to transport them to Lake Hylia. The sun was slowly setting as the walked towards the direction of where Auru was located. Rusl had been kind enough to pin point the exact location for them.

It didn't take them long and they could see a man about to climb up a ladder to a really tall tower. The man put his hood down as they approached him and smiled.

"You must be Link."

The young man nodded as he stretched his hand, "Rusl and the rest told me we could find you here."

"My name is Auru. Pleasure to meet all of you. Now, what brings you here?"

Link swallowed and he motioned his head towards where the desert laid, "I need a way to get to the desert."

Auru rose an eyebrow, "Oh? And why's that?"

Kagome carefully stepped forward and said in a soft voice, "We believe we could find a clue to restore peace to Hyrule."

He took in what she said and carefully looked at her and the rest of the group. They were young, but the maturity that he could see in their eyes surpassed them for years. He could feel they had gone through a lot. He reached into his pocket bag and brought out a piece of paper and a small quill. He scribbled down on it and gave it to Link.

"Take this to the man down there. You'll be able to reach the desert then."

Link took the note and nodded to Auru, "Thank you sir."

The old man smiled, "I hope to hear what you find in the desert when you're back. But do be careful. The desert has been a dangerous place for hundreds of years. It holds many secrets."

Link agreed with him, "I know, and we will be careful."

With that, the group left and started making their way towards Fyer. Kagome was already dreading it, not liking how last time the cannon had made her feel. Link handed the short man the note, who skeptically look at them and back at the note. After some grumbling, he had them go in different groups.

Miroku had quickly offered himself and Inuyasha being the first ones to go. The half demon had objected immediately, but the monk wasn't giving up and dragged him with him, Fyer closing the door. The earth rumbled underneath them as it fired, barely seeing the glimpse of red of Inuyasha's fire rat.

Next, Sango had immediately gone in with Sango, Shippo, and Kirara. Leaving Kagome and Link the last ones to board it. Kagome could feel her heart beating fast the moment they stepped into the cannon. Link felt bad for her, so he did the only thing he could do to make her feel at ease.

He wrapped his arms around her tightly, bringing her body as close to him as possible since she had been visibly shaking. The moment her head was on his chest, and hearing his heartbeat, she was able to get her breathing under control. She had stopped shaking and just wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her head on his chest.

The cannon fired them, and she could feel herself wanting to scream at the top of her lungs as she felt the air zooming rapidly as they flew through the air. He put his head on her neck, just by her ear.

"I got you."

Three simple little words that left her feeling extremely safe. A form of safety she had never felt before.

What it seemed like forever finally ended, as Link switched their bodies so she would land on top of him the moment they landed. He grunted as his back hit the sand, but he didn't skid far since Kirara transformed and stopped them from getting further away. Sango helped her up, and Kagome's gray eyes instantly widened at the size of the desert, with nothing around from what she could see.

Link gratefully petted Kirara and looked around. This was it. They would find the mirror.

The sun was setting beautifully in the distance, but just as Link was about to start walking, Midna appeared.

The small imp looked at all of them, but the moment her red eye landed on Link, her eye softened and she put her hands behind her back.

"I think it's time for me to be honest with all of you."