*Uwa! It's been a long time! So how was everyone's Christmas? Mine as pretty darn good. I got Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Zelda Monopoly, a Zelda drawing journal, the Ocarina of Time manga Legendary Edition, a Zelda puzzle…

Adult Link: You need an intervention. O_O' Just read the chapter while I call for help…*

Adult Link balanced the bloody arrow between his fingers, studying its golden form carefully.

"You have to go back to battle, you know," the Hero told him sternly. "Sky still needs to be cleansed, and I hope you don't expect that girl of his to do it alone."

"I know," Adult Link responded absentmindedly. "I just want to believe Wolf will live through this. He did just get shot with an arrow."

The Hero's chuckle echoed in his mind. "You only have to worry about the bleeding, and even that isn't bad. Trust me, kid, when he wakes up he'll be good as new."

"Right…" Adult Link furrowed his brows as he analyzed the situation closer. "But how did you know that would work? Have you ever tried it yourself?"

"I think I just…new," the Hero answered vaguely. "Hylia created me to know information I shouldn't. I think we're all like that. You, for example; you can instantly use a weapon you've never seen before and defeat giant monsters any other guy couldn't. But maybe that's just something you subconsciously remember from me and Sky."

His reincarnation lowered the arrow and processed the idea. He had to admit, it was a warm thought; having the memories of the other heroes before him. They were all connected as one, even if none of them knew it. He was about to respond to the Hero when the sound of small, quick footsteps stopped him.

"Caterpillar!"

Agitha swerved to a halt in front of him. "Caterpillar, I found Miss Kitty!"

"Stop calling me that!" A tiny imp-like creature, one Adult Link quickly recognized, floated towards the Bug Princess.

"You?" Adult Link gave her a narrow stare as the name rose to mind. "Aren't you that Midna Wolf keeps going on about?" He couldn't help but give his descendant a sidelong glance.

Midna grit her teeth as she glared. "You're that asshat that tried to kill me!"

"Not kill," Adult Link corrected with a smirk. "More like immobilize."

"We're all on the same side now," Agitha interrupted, holding up her hands defensively. "No need to argue."

The hero smirked sardonically. "She's right, you know. We've got a common interest now. So…" He offered Midna his hand with a charismatic smile. "What do you say? Let bygones be bygones and all that?"

Midna rolled her eyes. "And let douchebags be douchebags. Whatever. Let's just get in there and tear Cia's head from her shoulders."

Adult Link started chuckling at her words, but the quiet laughter quickly faded when he realized she was being dead serious. Luckily he didn't have to think of a witty response. A low moan behind the trio absorbed their attention.

"Wolf!" the hero gasped, an elated expression appearing on his face. "You're awake!"

Wolf rubbed his weary eyes with his forearm. "Ugh… What the hell happened?"

"Oh, nothing," Adult Link said nervously, waving his hand. "Just a little scratch, is all!"

"Yeah, not like you got an arrow shot in your chest or anything," Midna muttered, earning her a sharp glare from Adult Link.

Wolf quirked an eyebrow, not sure what was going on. However, his gaze quickly darkened as he gathered his thoughts. "Wait… Where's Cia?"

"Still in there," Agitha replied, ignoring Midna and Adult Link's exaggerated gestures telling her not to say anything. "She's battling everyone with Sky-"

"Sky!" Wolf leapt up in a panic, forgetting all about the pain in his chest. "He's still with Cia!"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down." Adult Link placed a hand on his descendant's shoulder. "You can't just run in there and expect to save Sky in a split second. It doesn't work that way."

"But you don't get it!" Wolf slapped his counterpart's hand away. "I remember everything that happened while I was under Cia's control. She's freaking sick! She was this weird obsession with me and Sky. It's creepy…"

"I know. Trust me, I've heard about it. But that doesn't mean Sky will break out of the spell quickly like you." Adult Link furrowed his brows, annoyed at the truth.

Before he could speak again, a low chuckle resounded in the back of his head. "Oh, if only you knew how right you were…"

Adult Link froze at the Hero's sad tone. "What are you talking about…?"

"Sorry, I didn't know it myself until I saw him. I thought his soul would be filled with darkness since Cia used some strange magic on him, but that didn't happen. I'm really sorry, kid."

"Hold it, are you saying we can't save Sky?!" Adult Link shouted, seemingly yelling at nothing.

Everyone went silent. "What do you mean?" Wolf asked worriedly.

"He means your little friend is gonna be Cia's boy-toy now!" a new voice cackled. "Friggin' idiots, thinking you could play 'hero' again."

Adult Link's eyes darted to his shadow where two crimson eyes batted innocently at him.

"For fuck's sake, Dark! Of all the damned times-!"

"Oh, watch your temper," Dark giggled. "Don't want to go making me more powerful, hm?"

Wolf blinked stupidly, becoming frightened at the sight. "G-Grandfather, what's that?"

"Aw, you didn't introduce me to your little grandson?" Dark whimpered sarcastically. "Well! I'm your stupid grandpa's anger turned sentient. Everything he hates about his destiny as a hero, all those awful memories he wants to forget – that's me!"

"I-It's a Mr. Kitty," Agitha sniffed, hanging onto Wolf for protection.

Midna punched her in the head angrily. "Hey, don't go grouping me with that…thing!"

"Would you guys just shut up! That includes you, Dark." The shadow crossed his arms at Adult Link's order. "Okay, Hero, what did you mean?"

"Ha… That's a long explanation," the Hero sighed. "See, the light arrow replaces darkness in the soul. It has to be balanced or it will have some, uh, consequences."

Adult Link frowned at the lackluster "explanation." "Define 'consequences.'"

"I'm not too sure," the Hero said in disappointment. "It will save Sky, I know that, but I don't know the side effects it'll give him. Let me put it this way… You had the Fierce Deity Mask doing wonders on your sanity, burying your soul in darkness. Wolf's soul is bathed in Twilight from exposure. As for Sky…"

Adult Link grit his teeth in frustration. "Sky's soul is too pure, is that it?"

"Yeah," the Hero confirmed. "Just think about it. He's always the responsible one, constantly trying to be the voice of reason. He's gone through quite a bit of depression since his journey, but nothing has permanently tainted him. So the light arrow may do some awful things to Sky. I'm so sorry, kid. I wish there was another way, but if there's a better one I don't know it. There's nothing more you can do."

Everyone silently watched Adult Link as he stared at his own shadow blankly. "Um, I need some space," he finally said flatly. "Go inside and help fend off Cia."

No one dared to argue. They obediently went inside, giving some pitiful glances on the way.

"Do you need me?" Dark asked, for once sounding sincere.

"Not at the moment," Adult Link replied. "Just… Leave me alone. Please."

The blood red eyes faded from his shadow, as well as the Hero's presence. Adult Link quickly knelt on the ground and gazed up at the clouds. Would anyone listen if he asked for help? Were the gods really merciful beings?

I don't know if you're there, the hero thought, shutting his eyes. But I just want Sky to live. That's all. Even if something bad happens to me. Sky deserves life a lot more than I do…

His silent prayer was interrupted by thundering footsteps in the distance. He stood up on his toes and looked over the garden to see an army walking bravely towards the temple, all being led by a familiar figure in a blue scarf.

Scarf Link?!

Adult Link gasped, overcome with euphoria. After sending his thanks to Din for sending strength, he stumbled back into the battle. By the time he came back, Agitha was against the back wall with tears staining her face. Her left ring finger was bent in an odd direction, likely broken.

"Agitha, what happened?" he asked sympathetically, bending down on one knee.

The bug princess sniffed was she wiped her cheek. "Yeah… I tried to be brave and go to the front lines, but she knocked me down and stepped on my hand. Farore gave me courage, but I think Nayru forgot to give me wisdom."

Adult Link silently cursed the goddess' sick sense of humor. "It'll be alright, Agitha. Your army is coming. The one with that other Link and Lana. I saw them."

Agitha beamed hopefully. "They're close? Then we'll be saved!"

"No, not yet." Adult Link stared at Sky, who was dueling with Twilight, obviously having the intent to kill. "Zelda hasn't fired a light arrow yet, has she?"

"Uh-uh," Agitha shook her head. "She's a little scared."

The hero looked to the side of the room where Sky Zelda gazed at her friend, a shadow cast over her eyes. He hurried over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Um, I know you're having a hard time," Adult Link began awkwardly. "But you have to shoot Sky with the arrow." He glanced up as Sky nearly impaled Twilight with a well-timed swing. "Preferably now."

"But, I…" Sky Zelda griped the arrow defensively. "But what if I hit Cia? Would the curse on him be broken?"

Adult Link simply grimaced. "Zelda, I'm sorry. I really am. Sky is like a brother to me and I want there to be another way. But there's not. I don't care what it takes, I want to give him back to you. So…" He placed his hand over hers and gripped it. "Please. You're the only one who can save him."

Sky Zelda seemed like she wanted to say something, but nothing came out. She stared uncertainly at the arrow in her grip. Before she could affirm her purpose, a shout of pain from Wolf rung out. He gripped his bleeding side as he fell.

"Don't kill the poor thing," Cia scolded. "If you want bloodshed…" She scanned the area carefully before settling on Sky Zelda with a wicked grin. "Why don't you impale that girl on the end of your blade? We'll put her head in a case as a trophy."

Sky turned to his former friend with a satisfied smirk, finding his next target. Sky Zelda met his gaze blankly, removing herself from reality. She couldn't accept the situation, from the looks of it.

"Zelda!" Adult Link yelled, snapping her out of her trance. "Now!"

Without thinking about it, she nocked the arrow in the bow and let it find its own target, lodging itself in Sky's chest.

*Cliffhanger~! :D

SS Zelda: No, Sky! ;_;

Cia: He's not yours yet! :D

It was an odd way to end the chapter, but I went through a MASSIVE amount of writers block. Sorry for the delay, everyone. T_T I hope you enjoy the chapter anyway. Please review and leave your thoughts! Yeah, I have nothing clever to say. It's after midnight and I'm tired… Just, like, take Fi as a gift or something.

Fi: There is a 93.87% chance no one will review.

Adult Link: …There's a reason you're not in this story much.

K bye.*