*Hello, everyone! Man, it's been a while, huh? I would owe my laziness to the antidepressants, but the most I got from that was one singular bizarre dream. XD I guess I've just been a little down lately (and the formatting problems Word's been giving me hasn't helped =_=) so here's the next chapter… FINALLY! :D*

"…Don't do that, dear."

Cia's toneless voice echoed off the chamber walls ominously. Her poor hero, now a miserable young man accompanied by a strange imp, was busily tearing at his leg with a dagger. It was a more bored action than depressed, but the empty gaze aimed at it told a different story.

"Link, you shouldn't do that." Midna, that aforementioned imp, dragged over the boot he kicked off to the side. "You don't want it to get infected."

"Hm," was Link's blunt reply. He continued scratching his skin with the knife, his leg hanging off the edge of the island. Wherever they were was a large mass of land floating in the sky, hanging by an unknown force. All he had to do was slip and he'd be gone. But he was burdened with an unmatched will to live, granted by the gods, so on that island he stayed.

"I told you to stop!" Midna grabbed the knife and tossed it far of the edge, sending it out of sight. The hero stared at it's descent in an almost comical fashion before rolling down his pant leg and grabbing his boot. "I swear, you've been acting so weird since we got here," the imp groaned. "Snap out of it! It's creepy."

Cia shook her head with a chuckle. That just went to show how misunderstood the boy was. He was obviously having some sort of reaction to revisiting Skyloft, now a decaying society for bizarre bird creatures. Even if he didn't realize it, Cia did.

"I'll be fine," Link told her emotionlessly. "I just want to leave…"

"You can leave." Midna assured him with her typical sarcasm. "Once you take care of that damn dragon. The sooner you get up and get moving the sooner we leave."

"…Promise?"

She blinked stupidly at his odd - and even childish - response. "Uh, yeah, sure. Now up and at 'em, Wolfy."

With the power of Midna's nagging, Link somehow managed to reach the dragon and drive his blade directly into it's skull. Luckily, the magnitude of the battle snapped him out of it for a while to focus. A large mirror fragment formed from the dragon's corpse, but Midna grabbed it before her partner could get anywhere near it. The fragment quickly dissipated in her hands to an unknown place.

"Well, that's the last of them," she sighed in relief. She turned to Link, who was sitting on the ground inspecting his leg. The wound from before was cracked and surrounded by sickly red coloring, but other than that seemed to be healing fine. "You doing okay?"

"Um, sure, but…" Link stood up shakily with a confused expression. "How did it get like that?"

Midna rolled her eyes, now used to his occasional memory loss since arriving at the floating island. "You did it to yourself, dumbass. And it was really freaky, so you'd better apologize."

"I did?" Link looked up towards the sky, contemplating it for a moment, before nodding with a smile. "Sorry, then, I didn't mean it."

Cia held back a snicker. How was it that this hero was so easily pushed around by women?

"We'd better get going. It'll take a while to get back to that stupid cannon," Midna huffed. Link shuddered at the thought of launching himself back to the ground before begrudgingly following Midna.

The sorceress grinned as she watched them, content with this new hero. Handsome, easily manipulated, and depressed? Certainly sounded like her kind of guy. But of course, she did genuinely care about the poor thing. Her heart broke whenever something devastating happened to him, with the knowledge she could do nothing.

I wonder… she thought. Will I ever be able to make him happy?

Adult Link stared anxiously at the giant doors as Ghirahim struggled to push them open. In only a few seconds the battle would commence to take back what was theirs and to defeat Cia. But even with all she did to him, he wasn't sure he could kill her. Did she truly not like them at all? No, she was a good person, deep down. Cia deserved to be defeated, but not killed.

"You sure about that?"

Adult Link nearly fell over at the voice. "Y-You-!"

"Shut it, kid. Don't draw attention. I was hanging around with that sky girl for a while before I was able to jump back to you. Lucky for us that dumb barrier around you wore off after a while so we can be connected again."

He nodded, staying silent like the Hero said. He didn't have the time to question what just happened. It wasn't important now.

"Listen, I have a plan. See that bow the sky girl has? It's made of pure light. It can save your brothers. That arrow's going to hurt like hell, but it's the only way. Understand?"

Adult Link casually turned to Sky Zelda. "Hey, I've got a plan," he said as calmly as he could, hiding the anxiety he felt over the situation. "That bow you've got… Think you can shoot the arrows at the other heroes?"

Wolf Zelda snapped her gaze to him sternly. "I hope you aren't implying she should shoot poor Link! What in the world are you thinking?"

"He won't die," Adult Link defended. "It's just… I have a feeling that's what we should do."

"But why would we even do that?" Agitha asked meekly. "Aren't we supposed to be fighting Cia?"

"You'll see when you get in there," the Hero sighed. "I've got that connection to Sky, remember? There's something wrong with him, I can tell. Dark magic is doing something weird to him, and there's lots of it. Save Cia for last."

Adult Link listened intently as everyone stared at him. "Um, you'll see when you get in there. Trust me."

His group exchanged confused glances before going back to opening the door. While they were distracted, the Hero of Time leaned closer to a distant-looking Sky Zelda.

"Sorry, about what I just said, but… You don't remember some guy that vaguely looks like me, do you?" he asked cautiously. "He said he was with you for a while."

She instantly snapped to attention at his words. "Yeah, there was a weird man! Is he with you now?! Oh, I was wondering if he was alright."

"Weird man, eh…?" the Hero groaned. Adult Link ignored him and continued.

"He's the one who told me to say that," he told her. "I'm not sure exactly what's going on, but those arrows of yours are the only thing that can combat the dark magic Cia's using on them."

"I see…" Sky Zelda gazed down at her shining bow sorrowfully. "But Link will be alright, won't he?"

"Of course he wi-"

"Depends," the Hero interrupted, "She can't aim at any random area. She's got to hit the heart."

Adult Link froze. "Th-The heart?" he carelessly stuttered out loud.

"What, you thought she could hit the leg and it would have the same effect? No, it was to be an important area. I mean, she could get the brain, but that would sting like a bitch… Yeah, heart's the way to go. But a light arrow will only banish what's evil. So long as Sky and Wolf are good people deep down, they'll be spared."

"If you say so…" Adult Link gulped and turned back to Sky Zelda. "Uh, I don't want to freak you out, but you have to hit his heart."

She recoiled at the thought. "The heart?! No way, that's too dangerous. If I do, he might-"

"Sky is a good person. He'll be fine," Adult Link promised. "You just have to trust me. If you don't do this you'll never see him again. So, please… Just try."

He gave her the best pleading look he could muster. His argument must have gotten to her because she shakily nodded and said, "I can try... "

"Good. And don't worry," Adult Link grinned confidently. "We outnumber them! And you'll be in the back too, so don't even think about anyone getting to you. I'll protect you, I promise."

Sky Zelda met his eyes with a shy smile. "Okay."

"They're trying to get in." Cia smirked at the temple doors steadily thudding, announcing the arrival of their adversary. "How cute."

"I'm so excited!" Sky gripped his sword as he spoke ecstatically with his counterpart. "Do you really think Young will join us?"

Wolf Link folded his arms nervously. "I hope so… I just hope the others haven't brainwashed him yet or anything."

"Nah, don't even think about it," Sky laughed, playfully punching him. "He's a smart kid. He knows what side he should be on. Don't you think?"

"Sky's right," Cia agreed. "He certainly is very intelligent for a child, given everything he's been through. He needs real allies, not those weaklings who hide behind him."

"Yup!" Sky turned to the door, shaking from anticipation. "But is it really just the three of us?"

"Yes, dear," Cia sighed. "I sent Volga out to call in some...backup. You're more than enough for them, though. It'll be fine."

Sky nodded obediently, but Wolf didn't look nearly as confident. "But if they have unexpected backup too… Cia, are you sure we can't ask Midna to help?"

She gripped the armrest of her throne furiously. "Wolf, darling," she said, doing her best to hide her anger behind a kind smile. "How many times have I told you not to mention that bitch to me?"

Wolf sagged his shoulders. "A lot."

"And how many times have you done it?"

He quickly counted on his fingers. "Um, I dunno…"

"Well, I told you to stop." She crossed her arms in irritation. "We're keeping her in the dungeons until the rats are eating at her rotting corpse, got it? Don't even think about arguing with me ever again."

Wolf shrunk down, trying to appear smaller than he was. "Okay…"

"Oh, c'mon you guys, this isn't the time," Sky shushed them. "The show's starting!"

Just as he said this, the door finally burst open with several people falling inside. Apparently it took all their strength to get in. They clumsily stumbled to their feet and most gave Cia a hasty glare. However, one familiar person in particular beamed at the sight of his counterpart.

"Sky! Wolf!" Adult Link gasped ecstatically. "You're okay! I thought you'd be stuck in the dungeons or something."

His worried sentiment was returned with Sky's carefree laughter. "Nah, Cia's not like that. I mean, Wolf was down there for a while, but he learned his lesson, right?"

"Mm…" Wolf turned his head timidly from his ancestor, avoiding his gaze.

"Um, you look a little different, though," Sky said, raising an eyebrow. "Is this that adult form I've heard so much about?"

"I thought I showed you already," Adult Link chuckled nervously. "Maybe I forgot to. Anyway, that's not important. We've got to get you guys out of here."

Sky and Wolf glanced at each other uncertainly. "I don't think that's a good idea…" Wolf muttered slowly.

Adult Link narrowed his gaze at them. "Wolf, what are you talking about?" he asked sternly.

"You really don't get it, do you?" Cia sighed, shaking her head. "They've just realized whose side they're really on. And just look at them. Unharmed, unlike some of you." She stared squarely at the Hero of Time's missing eye.

"No, you're wrong!"

Sky Zelda pushed through the small crowd and stood confidently in front of Cia. "Link would never side with you! You're probably doing something weird to him."

"Huh." Sky turned to Cia and frowned. "Wonder who that is."

"Indeed," she smirked. Sky Zelda's courageous expression dropped to one of horror.

"Link?" she called uncertainly. "Stop it, that's not funny."

The Hero of Sky turned to Cia with an annoyed look. "Did she hit her head or something?"

Zelda stood frozen solid. "Link…"

"It's a curse," Ghirahim explained. "And a very obvious one at that. It looks like Cia erased all memories of you and bound his consciousness. Quite impressive, I must admit."

"Well, at least one of you is halfway intelligent," Cia smirked. "But my curse is virtually unbreakable."

Adult Link, doing his best to hide his bubbling rage, turned to Wolf. "Is that true?" he asked bluntly.

"Yeah," Wolf answered timidly, bowing his head. "B-But it's fine, I swear! Sky and I are really happy here, really. Cia's not mean to us at all."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Adult Link exploded. "She tried to kill me, took out my own eye, and gods know what else!"

"Yeah, well… You were being a little difficult," Sky shrugged with an apologetic smile. "Nothing against you, of course, just that you're on the enemy's side and all."

Adult Link simply stared incredulously before switching his focus to Cia. "You fucking bitch…"

"Ouch," she gasped sarcastically. "That hurt. And here I was thinking of recruiting you!"

"Recruit?!" Adult Link shouted. "You must be a damned idiot to think I'd even consider fighting for you!"

"B-But Sky and I were really hoping you would," Wolf stuttered, a desperate tone in his voice. "I know it's a weird thing to ask, but it's not the same without you…"

The Hero of Time nearly felt compelled to accept with such an innocent plea, but he was too smart for that. "Zelda," he said firmly, turning to Sky's former friend. "Ready your bow."

Cia wasted no time in hurling a ball of dark magic towards her, but Ghirahim deflected it with his blade. "Don't get used to that, spirit maiden," he huffed. "I'm obligated to do that today."

"Um, sure," Sky Zelda nodded. She was about to say more, but she was cut off by the chaos that ensued. Everyone rushed forward to attack their given targets, leaving the two Zeldas in the back. Sky and Wolf met their attacks with their own, resulting with clashes of steel that filled the temple. Cia simply sat on her throne and flung bit of dark magic here and there, mocking her enemy.

"Just focus," Wolf Zelda said to her counterpart, seeing her struggle a bit. "Archery isn't about speed or power; it's about precision. Just hit your target."

"O-Okay," Sky Zelda said, finally nocking the arrow. She let it fly, but it ended up hitting near Ghirahim's foot.

"Hey!" he yelled in shock. "Don't try to kill me!"

She winced apologetically, quickly setting in another arrow.

Being small and quick, Agitha was able to slip out unnoticed. She ducked into the dungeons with a triumphant smile, dashing along the cells.

"Miss Kitty!" she called softly, tip-toing across the concreate floor. "Miss Kitty, Agitha's here to save you!" She was answered with an audible groan of disappointment. The bug princess sprinted to a cell near the back of the hall, being greeted by Midna's unwelcoming scowl. "You're alive!"

"Of course I'm alive, you idiot," the imp huffed. "Just make yourself useful and get me out of here."

Agitha nodded in agreement, taking a spare bobby pin from her basket and jiggling it around in the lock. It was swung open within a few seconds. "I learned that one from termites!" she giggled proudly.

"Yes, fascinating," Midna sighed. "Now, let's get out of here before anyone sees us."

"Link, snap out of it!" Sky Zelda desperately tried to wake her friend from his spell amongst her attacks, but it wasn't working. In fact, he was starting to give her odd glances.

"I wouldn't do that," Adult Link advised her. "I know you want him back, but you're just making yourself a target. I can form a clear path for you, but you have to hit him. It's your only chance."

Sky Zelda hesitated nervously. "I don't know if I can… Um, I know this will sound mean, but can I hit the other Link first? I don't know him, so it might make the job easier…"

The hero felt a lump in his throat. He didn't want to oblige, but Wolf would have to be cleansed either way. "Alright. Just hold your fire until I say."

Without allowing her consent, he hurried back into the fray with his sword drawn. Since Wolf was first on the list, he tried to bring down the hilt to knock him out, but Wolf was too quick and blocked the blow.

"Grandfather…" the hero begged, his eyes filled with sadness. "I don't want to fight you. Please just reconsider-"

"Don't even say it," Adult Link threatened, slashing his blade once more. "You went through hell and back to save your country and you just threw it all away for this! I don't want to hear any more of that crap! If you won't listen to reason, then I'll just knock some sense into you."

He dodged a bit of magic Cia tossed his way mockingly among the flurry of sword swings. She was using the more serious attacks to keep everyone at bay, but somehow she allowed Adult Link to get close. This was all a game to her. But if he could keep Wolf still for just a moment, then maybe…

"Wolf, wait," Adult Link halted his attacks, causing his descendant to do the same. "Um, I was just thinking… I've been alone all this time. And I don't want to be abandoned again. So if there's really no way to take you away from Cia then…"

Wolf gasped excitedly. "Wait, are you saying-?"

"Yeah, I am," Adult Link replied, offering an empty smile. "I don't want to help Cia, but I want to be around you and Sky. You two are my only family, you know. I can't just abandon you."

"Oh, grandfather, that makes me so happy," Wolf grinned. "I can't even explain how relieved I am! I thought you would be stuck alone and suffering for the rest of your life."

A pang of realization hit the Hero of Time. Alone and suffering was right… It wasn't enough to get him to switch sides, but a wave of sorrow flowed through him nonetheless.

"I really like you."

No…

"You're the one I want to be with forever."

No, he had Zelda. And he'd always have Zelda. No matter what would come to pass. Even if the only purpose of the hero's existence was to protect his princess, he would do so gladly.

"I won't be alone," Adult Link assured. "I'll have you and Sky. Speaking of Sky…" He turned to the girl waiting patiently at the back of the room. "Zelda, now!"

Wolf didn't even have a chance to react as she arced her arrow over the small crowd. The head lodged itself squarely in his chest, replacing his confused expression with an agonized one.

"Wolf!" Sky shouted. He pushed Ghirahim whom he was fighting, out of his way and rushed to his counterpart. Adult Link, however, picked up Wolf in his arms and stepped back.

"Y-You…" Cia struggled to find words as the life faded from Wolf's eyes. "What did you..?"

Adult Link too watched in horror as his grandson's vision became more clouded. "What the hell?! You said he'd be fine!"

"He will be," the Chosen Hero replied calmly. "Give him a moment. The darkness must fade before light takes over. I can assure you he's still okay. He'd probably be screaming like a bitch because of the pain, but, hey, at least he's good."

Adult Link rolled his eyes. "Yeah, 'good.'" He did his best to ignore Sky's furious glare, but it was pretty difficult. "As you were, everyone. Don't let me bother you."

After adjusting Wolf in his arms, he dashed to the back of the room as the fighting ensued. He sat his descendant in a sitting position against the wall and rubbed his back.

"C'mon, wake up," he urged. "We could really use your help out here, kid."

"It shouldn't be long before he opens his eyes," the Hero explained. "Just give it a few minutes."

"If you say so…" The Hero of Time scanned over the battlefield uncertainly. The two Zeldas were trying to hit Cia with their arrows while Ghirahim took on Sky. The Demon Lord was doing well enough on his own, but he wouldn't hold up forever. "Just wake up fast, Wolf…"

"This way!" Agitha pointed down the right corridor, sharply turning with Midna at her side. "Everyone is fighting super hard, so we have to do our best too."

Midna grit her teeth as she flew through the air at top speed. Agitha already filled her in on the situation along the way, so she was completely up to date. "That bitch… I'm going to kill her for doing that to Link!"

"Huh? Agitha thought you didn't like him?" the bug princess questioned.

The imp's face flushed red. "Th-that's beside the point! We just have to get there fast."

As if in response to her embarrassed statement, a wall of flames shot up in front of them, sending them grinding to a halt.

"What the hell?!" Midna turned around to see a tall man in red armor standing behind them.

"Mr. Fire Ant Volga!" Agitha greeted. "What are you doing here?"

"I was out for reinforcements, but I found our backup a tad…out of commission," he admitted. "But that doesn't mean I don't have the time for you two."

"Oh, shut up," Midna spat. "We kind of have an appointment to get to, so don't get in our way!" She formed a fist with her ponytail and hurled it at Volga's face, knocking him to the ground.

Agitha stared at his motionless body silently. "How…anticlimactic."

"Yeah, well, now we have this blocking the way," Midna said, pointing at the fire wall. "We'll have to go the long way. I just hope that fire's contained."

*IT'S DOOOONNEEEE! *praises the Lawd* I would like to thank God and Brutalmoose videos for my motivation! :'D

Wolf: Wh-What about Zelda games? T_T

Oh, yeah, that too. You know, my friend said she had a nightmare with Ghirahim in it.

Ghirahim: Did I look fabulous as ever?

Well, you had an afro, so kinda.

Ghirahim: 0_0

Review and you'll get an afro Ghirahim! :3

K bye.

P.S. My friend TwilightTulip and I have been working on a collab called Hero's Realm I: Attack of the Shadows, so check it out of you want! I actually don't start contributing until a while in, but Tulip put a whole lot of work into it, so be sure to check it out! :)

Adult Link: Stop whoring out and publish the damn chapter already. =_=

Wh-Why are you so mean… ;_;*