Between

Both Links were deeply in discussion when a shimmering light interrupted them. Standing quickly, both immediately drew their swords, guarding themselves against the unknown danger. A shape gradually took place in the misty light.

"Ahenous." Link spat out venomously. The Hero of Time looked a bit startled. He had yet to figure out who had sent him into this dark nothingness, or for what motive. From Link's stance, and angry face he figured that this Ahenous must be the one responsible for their current place of residence.

Ahenous strode towards Link. "Where is she?"

Both Links held their swords up, leveled at the old man. He stopped, chuckling in a deep, sarcastic manner that held no joyful tone whatsoever. "Put those down. If you kill me," he said, turning to the Hero of Time, "you will never see your wife again." He pointed to the other Link. "I asked you a question. Where is she?"

"Who?"

"The Princess." He waited a moment in silence before beginning again impatiently, waving his hands through the air in an angry motion. "Years of careful planning, then that hussy disappears just as I am ready to complete my plan."

The Hero of Time had to restrain the other man as he lunged for the old wizard. "He is right. We kill him now, we never get out."

Ahenous laughed. "Smart Prince Link." He turned to the other. "You must know where she has gone, you are supposed to be her constant shadow, after all."

"I do not know, and would never tell you anyway."

"Argh." He began to pace up and down an imaginary path. "I had planned to marry her to the Lyrian Prince, then kill Taryn. After Zelda inherits the Hyrulian throne, the Lyrian King and Prince will die. Leaving the lovely Queen of two thrones extremely single and available."

"You are sick." Link hissed, once again having to be restrained by the hero.

"I thought that taking you would leave no other options for her. I was worried that you would convince her to do something foolish, such as run away with you. I now see that she is foolish enough all on her own."

******

Present

Luck was with Zelda and Impa. The Prince had angrily dismissed most of his staff after an unfortunate spill of ink on his cloak. Demanding to be taken into town to have the tailor make a new one, the pair was left in a virtually empty west wing. Zelda was the first to spot the old man's assistant make his way to the room. She motioned Impa to be silent as they followed him. To their surprise, Ahenous and the silvery basin were both standing in the middle of the room. They watched as Irank had a cord around his master's waist, and Ahenous touched the silver basin and disappeared, the cord still linking him to Irank. Several minutes later, the wizard reappeared, an angry and frustrated look on his face as he disappeared down the corridor, Irank trailing behind him.

******

Between

The Hero of Time watched Link pace back and forth after the man had left. "I hate this. How am I supposed to protect her if I am not there?"

"From what you have told me, Zelda is no weak helpless decoration. Somehow she will be fine until you can return to her."

As if on cue, the shimmering light returned, but to both men's surprise and shock a young woman stood there.

"Zelda!"

"Link!" She ran to him, swooping him up in a fierce hug. He looked a little startled at the sudden display of emotion, but returned the hug enthusiastically.

*****

Link had been surprised to see Zelda, and even more so when she flung herself in his arms. "Princess, what are you doing here. Ahenous hasn't taken you too, has he?"

"No. I missed you. I had to find you."

He pulled back. "Princess, I am supposed to be the one risking my life for you, not the other way around."

"I could not help it. Besides, I had something that I had to tell you."

"What?"

"I love you."

He looked at her for a long moment, then answered by pressing his lips to her own.

******

Past

A baby. I put my hand on my abdomen. My baby. "No," I thought to myself, "Link and my baby." A small tear traced down my cheek at the realization that I still had a small part of him alive and well, living inside me.

"Zelda?" Impa and the doctor's worried faces broke into my reverie.

"I am fine. Just thinking."

"Your Highness." A young page burst into the room.

"Yes?" I answered him, standing up.

"An army has been sighted, heading towards Hyrule."

The day I had feared for so many months had come at last.

******

Present

A small tug, barely noticeable, came on the string that led from Impa's hand into the basin itself. Three figures seemed to emerge as if from thin air beside the font. Impa was a little startled to see three figures instead of the expected two. A young man had appeared beside the Princess and her bodyguard, and was now looking warily around the room. Impa decided to trust him for the moment; Link seemed to feel at ease with him as he turned to consult on an escape route. He was obviously a warrior, from the sword and shield that were slung across his back, yet his eyes were soft and gentle looking. She sensed that this was a man that they could trust with their lives if need be.

Entering the conversation for the first time, she managed to get Link and Zelda's attention. "Whatever route we decide to take, we must do it quickly. I do not know when Ahenous, or a member of the castle staff will come.

Agreeing with her, the foursome left at once, Zelda and Impa walking ahead in case they ran into anyone, the two men following ready to fight their way through if challenged. They managed to sneak out of the castle without incident; retreating back to Zelda and Impa's rented house for some much needed catch-up and introductions.