Inspiration: The Cretan's Paradox by Epimenides; epic battle scenes; Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (general Zelgius and his epic quote from Radiant Dawn before he fought Ranulf), and blackholes.

Author Note: I am truly sorry for the wait. I wrote and rewrote this chapter five times. It took forever. Thank you for waiting.

Word Count: 10,061

Chapter 37

Earlier in the day, the road to the Arbiter's Grounds, Zelda

This was it. This was what all our efforts had garnered us. I was very solemn when I saw my men separate into different factions before heading off. This moment was crucial. This moment determined whether we would all live or die. I was not going to take for granted my powers of the Triforce. Demise and Ghirahim had been successful before. It was quite possible they could be successful again, especially with a thousand years of resentment, scheming, and planning underway. As I stared at each face, I wanted to burn their visages into my memory. I didn't want to forget a single person… especially if there were casualties. I would be continually praying for my men's safety.

Let this mission be swift…

Per our decision, Link, Hylia, and I were well on our way to the Arbiter's Grounds. Lightning, Queen Constance's dragon, was making quick work of our journey. A walk, or ride, of several days would only be several hours with the illumisaurian. It wouldn't even be necessary for us to stop at Lake Hylia to use the propulsion cannon to vault into the desert. However, it would probably be a good idea to make that a resting stop for the massive animal. I did not want anything happening to Constance's dragon after her majesty so faithfully let us borrow her for our journey. I wanted Lightning to be returned as she was given, without any injuries.

I will see to it your dragon is unharmed Lady of Dragon Roost…

In the interim, several hours had passed since we took off from Hyrule Castle. I normally considered the skies magical during a dragon flight, but today the heavens felt more dangerous than anything. I remember when Elbourne took me on my first dragon ride. It was perilous then too. The firmaments were more than clouds of precipitation and wind. Presently, we were contending with groups of birds and microbursts alike. There was a school of cranes that appeared to be flying towards us no matter how we maneuvered. Link had to direct Lightning with some very difficult moves to avoid them. I couldn't lie, my heart was pounding from all the twists and turns. It was like being in an aerial show. I imagine this was what the Dragon Gala was like. However, even more dangerous than the birds, were the microbursts within the atmosphere. A microburst was a localized column of sinking air usually associated with a thunderstorm. The interesting advent about scattered storms was the atmosphere was clear one moment, and swelled into prominent weather disturbances the next. The last couple hours of our flight gave evidence to that. The downdrafts actually acted more like signals of worsening weather than cylindrical pillars of doom. Even so, we had to fly around the microbursts to keep ourselves safe. And, Lightning was a marvel to behold in such weather. Her flight pattern was almost instinctual. Though, it was still dangerous for a dragon to ride in such precarious weather.

I see why the dragon lords are so proud…

Although Link and I were having a bit of a rough ride, the goddess was a totally different story. Hylia wasn't riding on the dragon with us. She was flying near us using her levitation powers. In fact, if she wanted to, she could probably teleport right to the grounds without any need for waiting for us. However, I think in her own jurisdictional laws, she couldn't simply act on behalf of Hyrule without greatly effecting the edicts governing Hyrule. Meaning, her going ahead of us could be detrimental to our efforts. I still found it odd given her universal power and control, but I believe she set limits on herself because she understood the destructive capacity of absolute power better than anyone. I read about the Tetraforce and what its history implied when it came to the goddess Hylia. That was perhaps why she had no issue relinquishing her absolute hold on the Triforce a thousand years ago. She needed the other goddesses to reign her in. It was an interesting supposition I didn't bother to ask about. That would lead to a very complicated conversation.

That's a talk for another day…

Speaking of complicated conversations, while we flew, Link and I hardly spoke. Part of it was due to concentration. However, I think the other part was a mild protest on the hero's part. I was aware he did not want me venturing out into the grounds with him and the goddess, but I couldn't let his concerns deter me. I wish he truly understood I was a changed woman now, and for the better in my opinion. I wasn't simply the queen who resided in the castle any longer. I had been out and seen the world. I knew what reality was beyond a tower. I had to fight for my people. I needed to defend my country. Besides, there was no way around the truth. This situation was primarily my doing. I could not risk the lives of my men without doing so myself. Anyone who died today would be a direct result of my actions. My actions. I had enough guilt. I was not going to compound it by hiding away in a spire. In any such case, the next moment was like a cue, the hero looked over his shoulder at me.

"That last stretch didn't scare you, did it?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"Not at all."

"Good, it can get a little more turbulent in the next stretch. The winds over the Gerudo Desert can lead to sandstorms. We have to be careful."

I was ready.

"I'm sure Lightning will do her diligence in keeping us safe. She is an extraordinary animal."

The hero didn't seem too convinced of my words, but he didn't persist on the subject either.

"Very well. At this rate, we'll be at the Arbiter's Grounds by night fall."

That was sooner than I anticipated. However, I was hopeful in hearing that.

"The sooner the better." The hero then grunted, but I tried to deflect from his concerns. "What do you think we'll find once we touch landing?"

The hero was quiet for a moment.

"Hopefully an intact grounds and an intact dragon prince," he replied.

I held on to him tighter.

"I hope that's the case too. With how everything transpired in the Twilight Realm, now I am not so sure. However, I want to remain optimistic."

Link paused for a moment.

"Why do you say that?"

I shrugged.

"After hypothesizing the way I did with the Virtue Key, I have adopted a wait and see approach. I was certain the Twilight Realm was safe from harm when we obtained both fragments of the Virtue Key, only to learn Ghirahim anticipated us retrieving it and using it against us."

Link sighed before answering.

"That is true. It was strange how he anticipated our moves before we made them. It was almost like he knew everything about the Virtue Key without ever having access to it. He knew nothing about the guardians."

The hero's summation was sound.

"A millennia of planning, watching, and waiting," I replied. "That monster has been desiring to free his master since he became free – and who knows how often that has been over a thousand years. That seems to be his only mission in life: to live, serve, and die for Demise. After having been in his capture, and learning about certain aspects of the second mirror, I'm not surprised that Ghirahim knew about the Virtue Key. He wouldn't need to ascertain the guardians to procure information. The Twili people probably recorded countless orbs and discussions about the subject, all with his listening ear ever present in the background. I alone became privy to a few. It's only natural in that instance he would think of a scenario manipulating the Virtue Key against its eventual users."

Link had no qualms with my conjecture.

"We think more alike than I realized. When Midna, Elbourne, Hylia, and I were in counsel to retrieve you from that monster's lair, we came to the same conclusion regarding the Virtue Key."

I nodded.

"I'm not surprised. I started suspecting such when I noticed the atmosphere destabilizing in the realm. Thank Hylia for giving us the gift of reason." I then glanced down at a body of waters we were currently flying over. It was Lake Hylia. Afterwards, I made my forethought a suggestion. "Do you think we should stop for a moment and let Lightning rest? It might be better to water the dragon before heading into the dry desert. It might be the only resting spot we have before heading into the grounds."

Link was watching ahead, but then looked to the waters below and eventually nodded at my suggestion.

"That's not a bad idea. Lightning might want to repose before this last leg of the journey. There isn't an oasis in the Gerudo Desert afterwards." Comfortable with the decision, he called over to Hylia. "We're going to stop at Lake Hylia for a moment to rest! If you want, you can meet us there!"

The goddess immediately acknowledged him, hearing him loud and clear.

"Sounds good! I'll fly with you! No need for us to separate!"

I appreciated the goddess's thoughts on us sticking together. It was important for us to establish that frame of thought now. We were a unit. We needed to act in tandem with each other. There was no telling what waited for us ahead. With that in mind, we started to descend. Hylia flew close to us atop the dragon as we dove low and headed for Lake Hylia. From this high vantage point, I could see the territories we previously journeyed to. Everything seemed so small from up here. I could tell my decree reached the Zora people too. I didn't see any of the Zoras swimming in the lake or fretting about in a leisurely manner. I certainly hoped the Zoras hid away deep in their waters. There was no telling what the assault would leave in its wake, even on their land. After the execution of Queen Rutela, I imagine the Zoras' had Ralis's safety as their number one priority. I hoped the water king was alright. I thought back to Ralis helping Link and I in the recent past. He was so brave for a monarch so young. I hoped he survived this ordeal unscathed. The Zoras would need their leader. My thoughts came to fruition when Lightning went to land. I held on tightly to Link.

"We're going in," the hero said.

I braced myself.

"I'm ready."

Link then whistled and Lightning suddenly drew her wings in and lowered her head. The reduced wingspan increased our aerodynamics, making the dragon descend faster. We almost looked like we were going to crash into the earth, until the illumisaurian opened her wings at the very last moment and caught air right before she touched landing. When her claws touched the grass, she roared in triumph. Afterwards, Link whistled softly once more and Lightning lowered her head. We then both disembarked from her back. I still marveled at the dragon, even after seeing her many times in the past.

"She's remarkable."

Link agreed.

"Indeed."

Hylia levitated down next to us by the lake, when Lightning walked in the water and submerged herself in the pool of clear liquefaction. It was a good thing the Zora weren't here at the moment. There was no doubt they would have a conniption about a dragon roving about in their waters. It was an unheard of occurrence in Hyrule. I even looked over at the propulsion shop expecting Feyer to come forth, but realized he must have taken off to a remote locale for refuge. The scene at the lake looked and felt completely abandoned. In a way, it was quite eerie.

"I hope against all hope we are victorious," I whispered.

I was saying my words more to myself than to Link, but he heard what I uttered anyway. He glanced over at me and gave me a knowing look.

"Are you starting to have doubts about coming?"

I returned his look. I should have anticipated his response, but I did not take the bait.

"Not at all. Better to contemplate the seriousness of this journey than to trick ourselves into thinking this is going to be a simple seizure. I suggest you do the same. We need your eyes as well as your guidance."

He simply raised a brow.

"I have, and continue to do so. You're speaking to a man who has seen more combat than you can even imagine. You're preaching to the choir Zelda."

I suppose my words were a bit shortsighted. I was a novice in wartime strategies compared to Link. It also made sense why I heard a bit of curtness in his undertone when he spoke. I assumed that would be a continual theme until this was over.

"Then, we must remain steadfast and keep our wits," I replied.

Link stared at me for a long time before cutting his eyes away and walking off in the opposite direction. I was slightly surprised, but shouldn't have been. I was mounting a greater concern for him by being here. It would be wrong for me not to acknowledge that. Even so, I didn't follow after him because I assumed he wanted to be alone. He was still upset with me, and nothing I said would change that. I had to make the best of this situation by just being as docile as possible. Afterwards, Hylia walked up and stood next to me. We both watched Link. The hero stopped near the edge of the water about ten yards away.

Hylia simply shook her head.

"He's frustrated with you, isn't he?" she asked.

It couldn't be helped.

"What else is new?"

Hylia chuckled.

"True, but consider he only worries because he loves you. Don't fault him for that."

I would never fault him.

"I know. I love him too."

Hylia nodded in approval.

"You two make a hell of a team. Watch out Hyrule, the people have no idea how golden the future is going to be."

I appreciated her saying that.

"Thank you Hylia."

She thought nothing of it.

"Of course."

We were silent for a moment afterwards, now watching Lightning move to and fro under the water. However, our silence made me suddenly contemplate back to when I was in Ghirahim's Lair. Back to when ancestral father appeared to me and left me with a message that was cryptic to be sure. I couldn't rightly explain why I was thinking about that now, but perhaps the conjuring was kismet in a way. Whatever the case, I knew now would be the best time to ask the goddess what ancestral father meant by his message. The information might be useful going forward. To be frank, it had been puzzling me since the moment he uttered it. It was the strange message about the supposition of the Hylian paradox. Why did he inform me to consider that?

Another interesting coincidence was that Hylia and I spoke on the paradox in the recent past when we were resting by the firelight in the Twilight Realm. It was purely facile then. However, when ancestral father mentioned it to me, it felt more esoteric in nature. Almost like a premonition. He even stated some things were for the future. It seemed like a coincidence, but I have learned on this journey there was never an instance of thought that sprung up repeatedly as coincidence. It was in my consciousness because it needed to be. So, I knew the only way to deduce the truth for a certainty was to ask the goddess about it.

"Hylia, may I ask you something that might seem strange?" I started softly.

She glanced my way and grinned.

"Hasn't that been our communication over the last few months?"

I had no rebuttal there.

"Fair enough." I then went on. "I think though I should probably inform you about something, something I probably should have told you yesterday, but we were so busy."

Hylia then gave me her undivided attention.

"Oh really? What is that?"

I paused for a moment. I figured I needed to just come out and say it.

"While I was in Ghirahim's capture, something wonderful happened."

Hylia gave me an offhanded look at my utterance.

"That seems hard to believe considering the circumstances."

Her point was well taken.

"That's interesting coming from you when all things should and could be possible. After all, you are the goddess of this world."

Hylia now stared at me intrigued.

"I stand corrected, not an easy thing to make a goddess say, but in any such case, what do you mean?"

I then divulged what I wanted to disclose to her.

"For reasons I cannot explain, ancestral father appeared to me."

Hylia's eyes widened and she genuinely bucked her head back at my revelation. If she was stunned, then I knew his coming to me was not of her volition. Ancestral father came of his own, which, to me was more comforting. Even so, the goddess was at a loss for words for a moment.

"You saw him?" she whispered. "You saw the Hero of Skies?"

I nodded, hardly expecting this reaction, but I could understand her shock. I was talking about her hero, the love of her life.

"Yes, I did, and he comforted me at a very dark time."

Hylia winced a little at my utterance. It probably conjured a fond memory. I could imagine such. He seemed like a wonderful person. That encounter I had with him brought me a great deal of peace. Unconventionally, tears filled the goddess's eyes. This time I was stunned.

"Hylia..."

She didn't say anything for a long time and wiped her eyes. She tried to smile, but it was obvious the recollection of him brought her pain too. They must have had so many wonderful memories together, so many ideals they made manifest. They were literally the start of the royal family. No matter how unconventional the goddess seemed, Hyrule owed everything to her and the Hero of Skies. I could not fathom how much Hylia missed him. She even turned away for a moment as she got more emotional.

"Oh you silly silly goddess," she said to herself. "I can't believe it... you saw my hero... you saw my Link."

I thought that was a beautiful way to endear him, and suddenly, I truly felt for the goddess. It must have been hard living all the ages without him, knowing no one would ever compare to him, knowing that he was one of the reasons Hyrule was able to flourish. That was love. That was devotion. Still, I said nothing until she composed herself. It was not the first time I saw her cry, but it was the first time I completely understood where her tears were coming from. All I wanted to do was console her.

"What a gift." She was still speaking to herself, then she finally addressed me. "What... what did he say to you?"

I wanted to make sure she was alright.

"Ancestral mother..."

She wiped her eyes again and made light of her reaction.

"I'm fine, I promise," she then asked again, "what did he say to you?"

I didn't believe her of course, but she was never going to admit otherwise. In any such case, it was better for me to just divulge what he said in light of everything that was going on. If she wanted to speak further on the matter, she would do so. Hylia was quite glib when she wanted to be. The last few months were evidence enough.

I then answered her question.

"He told me he would always be there for me when I needed him. However, that wasn't what was so interesting about his visit. What was slightly peculiar was his mentioning of the Hylian Paradox."

Hylia's curiosity instinctively piqued.

"The Hylian Paradox?" she repeated.

I nodded.

"Yes. What was fascinating was that he stated it wasn't something I would need then, but he inferred I would need it for later. This journey has been all about riddles and puzzles, I'm wondering if this is another. I'm interested to know if you can give me a little insight into what he meant."

The goddess was silent for a moment.

"I see your point. However, I'm afraid I may not be much help to you. I'm as stumped as you. As wonderful as it was for you to see him, I had no idea he still had access to this world. Perhaps it was Nayru who allowed him to come to you in your darkest hour… sometimes the other goddesses surprise me. Perhaps it was a reprieve for his service to this world. Or, maybe it was necessary for your own mental fortitude. I can only imagine your plight while you were in Ghirahim's lair. It must have been awful. Even so, your ancestral father was a known strategist and tactician. If he told you to recall the Hylian Paradox, it was for a very specific reason. My guess would be to use it in the vein of his area of expertise."

I appreciated her honesty, but this was turning out not to be as helpful as I anticipated.

"You mean I should use it as a strategy? But, what does the Hylian Paradox have to do with being a strategist and a tactician?"

The goddess stared at me thoughtfully for a second.

"Probably more than you know. I cannot say for myself, but maybe he used it in some way in the past to find his way out of a dark place. That's something you're going to have to figure out when the time comes. But know this, if your ancestral father found it noteworthy to tell you, then perhaps it's something you should constantly ponder over until it makes sense."

It was sound rationale, but I was hoping for more than simply 'trust my instincts' per se. Right now, it seemed my instincts were persona non grata when it came to the Hylian Paradox. I hoped my thoughts didn't stay this way, but I had faith in the goddess. If she believed I would know when to interpret ancestral father's words, then there was no reason to doubt her. I would know. In light of that resolve, I didn't question her any further on the matter. The conversation ebbed what it deemed to ebb. In the wake of our discussion, Lightning suddenly emerged from the lake. The dragon's scales glistened in the dusky light, with its blue eyes shining. It looked to have eaten a great deal of fish in the lake too. I wasn't sure how the Zoras would take to finding their lake diminished of nautical life. The more I understood the dragons' grandeur, the more I realized it would be impossible to keep such animals in Hyrule. Lightning's journey throughout the skies would be a one and one deal regarding the kingdom. Even so, considerations from that would have to wait until later, in the present, time was ticking away. We needed to get going.

"I see," I finalized the conversation. "I'll try to make good use of your advice."

Hylia looked away for a moment.

"Be sure to do that."

The subtle emotion was audible, even with her voice being barely above a whisper. She must have still been thinking about her hero. Advertently, it made me think of my hero too. I looked beyond the goddess to Link standing down the shoreline banks by himself. He too was watching Lightning, but he had a serious expression on his face. He was throwing stones in the water, and Lightning responded favorably, as if Link were playing with the dragon. I could see it from here. I could see the concern. I did not want him worrying about me, but I did need to consider his feelings regarding this matter. It was easy for me to state my misgivings and affirmations without looking at his. That kind of attitude would hardly make for an ideal marriage partner. I wanted him to know he could count on me for anything. It was then I decided to walk over to him and talk to him. I didn't want there to be a wedge between us when so important a task was ahead of us. I headed to where he was standing. From his periphery he saw me approach, but didn't rightly acknowledge me right away. I stood next to him before he turned to glance at me.

I decided to start on a neutral subject.

"I have never seen a more magnificent creature," I said of the illumisaurian.

Link simply nodded and threw another pebble into the water.

"The dragons truly are amazing."

There was a brief silence after our exchange. I decided I needed to start the next conversation on a more tactical subject. Perhaps in the vein of what I informed Hylia. If anyone was a strategist here, it was Link.

I cleared my throat.

"I am immensely proud to be going to the grounds with you Link. There could be no greater honor than to fight alongside you."

The hero was quiet for a moment, and his features notably sullied.

"Is that how you see it?"

His tone was telling.

I nodded anyway.

"I do, and I want to share something with you that I think might be important for the both of us to know."

Link took in a deep sigh and cut his gaze from the lake to me.

"Which is what exactly?" he asked.

It was just the cue I was waiting for.

"Do you believe in miracles?" I asked suddenly.

Link gave me an offhanded look.

"After everything we've been through, you have to ask me that question?"

His logic was sound.

"Fair enough," I replied. "I just didn't want you thinking I was a hysteric or something."

The hero threw another pebble.

"I would never think that about you Zelda, especially with what we've been through together."

I appreciated his stance.

"Thank you for that and I probably should have told you this sooner, but during my capture with Ghirahim, something incredible happened, something I didn't tell you."

Link then gave me his full undivided attention.

"What's that?"

I paused for a moment then divulged the news.

"My ancestral father appeared to me."

The hero stared at me stunned.

"What?"

I nodded.

"The Hero of Sky came and comforted me. I wouldn't have made it out of Ghirahim's Lair without his help. He was the one who told me to trust the Triforce. It was how I was able to tap into that power at such a stressful time."

The hero's eyes were searching my face.

"He still has access to this world?"

I couldn't be certain.

"Apparently, but I have no way of summoning him. He just… he just came to me."

Link did appear astounded.

"You're sure it was him? You saw the first hero?"

I nodded.

"I know my ancestral father Link. He was so kind. He was so gentle. His spirit was soothing to me when I was tied in those bonds."

The hero was quiet again.

"That's wonderful Zelda. I'm glad he came to you in your hour of need. I'm sure you inherited a lot of resilience from him."

I agreed.

"You should have seen him Link. He appeared so heroic, but so kind. I wanted to reach for him, though I couldn't."

Link then reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.

"I am grateful to Farore he helped you, but… why are you telling me this now?"

His timing was again perfect.

"He… he told me something that I believe you might find interesting. Are you familiar with the Hylian Paradox?"

Link stared at me puzzled for a moment.

"The Hylian Paradox?" he repeated.

I nodded.

"Yes."

His expression then became thoughtful.

"I believe so, it's a literary hyperbole about the Hylians who lied to save their lives."

I nodded again.

"My ancestral father told me to remember that. Of all the things to tell me, he told to me to remember something so obscure. Why do you think that is?"

Link was quiet as he pondered my inquiry.

"Maybe he knows something about Ghirahim that we both don't know. Maybe the Hylian Paradox is a mystery about understanding how to defeat him. It did help a military platoon of old once. No one knew how to defeat them because they didn't understand the orders they were shouting, only the soldiers knew. Everything was backwards to the enemy."

Once Link uttered that, ancestral father's words made a great deal of sense.

"I hadn't thought of it that way, but you are right. Perhaps the idea of the Hylian Paradox is to use a strategy Ghirahim cannot anticipate."

Link didn't have much to add.

"It makes sense to me."

I grinned.

"Can you imagine, coming up with a plan that Ghirahim would not be able to thwart? It's brilliant!"

The hero took in another deep sigh and looked away.

"Yeah, magnificent," he said sarcastically.

There was another silence between us afterward, with Link actively avoiding my eyes now. I knew he was trying to get through this conversation without being frustrated outwardly, but he was not winning that battle in the here and now.

"Link I-"

"I do not want to discuss this anymore," he interrupted. "I am trying to keep my focus. I want to defeat Ghirahim and protect you. That's all I want from this endeavor."

I pursed my lips together at his tone.

"I want that too."

Link then cut his eyes to mine.

"I am trying my hardest not to think of the worst case scenario Zelda. All I want is for you and everyone to survive. Can you please understand that right now I have no desire to discuss this with you?"

I stared at him surprised.

"But… but we have to work together."

He took a step towards me.

"That was something I never wanted. I never wanted you to come out here with me and Hylia!"

I was at a loss for words.

"Being angry with me isn't going to change the fact that I am here now and we need to work together!"

At that, Link's composure left.

"You should have thought about that before you decided to come along! I love you! I love you more than you will ever realize!"

I was again dumbstruck.

"I love you too," was all I could say. "That's why I want to be by your side."

Link shook his head and looked away.

"If anything happens to you-" He cut himself short.

I stared at him for a long time and saw the frustration in his eyes. I understood his fear. I understood his frustration. I felt the same way. I would be just as devastated to lose him if he lost me. Why couldn't he see my perspective too? I loved him just as much as he loved me. He needed to understand being angry with me now was not going to make this situation any easier to deal with. We needed to consider our goals and work together.

"Link… I am not trying to be antagonistic. All I want to do is help. I am your ally. I am not your enemy, and I promise I will not be a burden. You've taught me so many things sense we've journeyed together. Let's not quarrel. Since I am already here, we might as well think of a plan, and how we are going to defeat Ghirahim."

At hearing my words, Link rolled his eyes.

"I know how we are going to defeat Ghirahim. We're going to use the Master Sword. You are only going to get in the way."

He was starting to get under my skin.

"That isn't fair. I wasn't in the way last time, and I was able to escape Ghirahim before you arrived in his lair. Give me credit for something Link. Will you please stop being juvenile?"

The hero then looked back at me once more and said nothing. Instead of answering me, he walked past me and headed back down the bank. It seemed he was done with our conversation. He whistled ever so softly and Lightning suddenly swooped out of the water. The illumisaurian was done with its leisurely rest. The grand animal flapped its wings and walked up on the shoreline. Link hastened his walk, and all I could do was watch. That conversation didn't bode well, but we would get nothing done with fighting. Link was going to have to get over his misgivings if he wanted us to be successful. We had to work together. I turned and watched after him, when Hylia approached me once more.

She saw the concerned look on my face.

"I take it... it didn't go too well?"

I shook my head.

"I don't know what to say to him."

The goddess didn't have an answer for me that I wanted to hear.

"He's afraid of losing you Zelda. You two just got back together. He doesn't want the woman he's courting to die. All I can say is, tone down the recklessness. If you do that, then perhaps you can ease his mind."

I didn't think she was being fair.

"Why is it acceptable for him to risk his life, but not for me to risk mine? The double standard here is incredible!"

The goddess gave me an obvious look.

"If you have to ask that question Zelda, then perhaps you do not understand the mind of a warrior. Link is a man of action, it's what he does. Him having a resolve makes him stronger. If he loses you, then he loses part of his resolve."

I blushed at her words, but remained adamant.

"Link's resolve has never been just me. He has always fought for Hyrule."

"But now he is in love with the woman who sits on her throne. Do not marginalize his feelings for you because you suddenly want to be a heroine."

My mouth became agape.

"That isn't fair."

The goddess had no qualms.

"But it is true. I know you. I know how you think. None of us can be selfish Zelda… that is… unless you have the power to be."

That immediately got my attention.

"I beg your pardon?"

The goddess didn't reply.

I then took a step towards her.

"Hylia... what are you saying? What are you talking about? What do you mean 'unless you have the power?'"

The goddess looked to the ground and remained silent. Her silence had me on sudden alert.

"What are you planning to do?" I demanded suddenly. "Why are you acting like this?"

Hylia closed her eyes and suddenly looked very serene. It was unlike any expression she had ever given. She seemed like a whole different goddess.

"Don't worry about what I mean," she said finally. "I will be fine as I always have been. You just need to make it through this unscathed."

The peculiarities of the goddess persisted. She had a rare look of despondency on her usually amiable face. Her unusual behavior only made my concern deepen. This wasn't like her. This sudden solemnness didn't go away.

I took a step towards her.

"We will all come out of this unscathed," I reassured. "You, me, Link, and Elbourne."

Hylia remained quiet. She just stared at me for a moment, then reached up and caressed my cheek.

"You truly are a daughter of Hyrule. I am so proud of you." Afterwards, she changed the subject. "Are you ready? Are you ready for everything Zelda?"

My eyes widened slightly. Something in her voice and manner was unnerving. Why was she acting like this suddenly? Why was she being vague and evasive? Why was she keeping her thoughts and feelings at a distance unlike before? What was this really about? I didn't like the mysterious glint caught in her voice.

"Hylia-"

However, she stopped me from speaking.

"I think it's important that I state that from now on I'm turning off my power to read both you and Link's minds. You'll have more clarity with your decision making without having to worry about me eavesdropping."

Her new behavior was unprecedented.

"Hylia you know very well you're avoiding my-"

The goddess interrupted me again.

"Let's be off shall we?"

I was dumbstruck when she then levitated high into the sky to negate further questioning from me. I watched after her as she flew near the clouds above Lake Hylia. Afterwards, I cut my gaze to see Link waiting for me in the distance on Lightning. Neither one of them seemed to look at things from my point of view. However, I shouldn't have expected them to. I felt at a loss with my two closest companions. How were we supposed to work together if we were at odds? If we didn't trust each other? This was bigger than the three of us. We all knew that. I was not going to be reckless with my life, and I would prove that to them. With my new resolve, I went to embark on Lightning where Link was waiting. The hero helped me up on the dragon's back but said nothing. As Link got situated in front of me, he continued with the silent treatment. This was getting tiresome. So before we took off, I wrapped my arms tightly around Link's waist to halt him.

"Don't take off yet," I whispered, "please."

Link was silent at my command and didn't pull back on the reigns. When he still didn't reply, my hold on him tightened more.

"Please… please do not do this now. Do not shut me out. Do not be angry with me. I need you like I have never needed anyone. We are about to fight a great evil. We must have clear heads. If we are a team, we need to act like one."

The hero sighed and remained silent. My aggravation couldn't have been more apparent.

"Link please," I begged. "I love you so. Don't be this way towards me. We have a life together, a future together. Hylia is already being evasive. I cannot have you being evasive too."

He finally eased up when I mentioned the equivocal goddess.

"Hylia is acting strange?" he asked.

Admittedly, I was mildly frustrated with that being the only reason he replied. In any such case, I answered him anyway.

"Yes. She is acting in a way I have never seen her act before. I mentioned the Hero of Sky to her too, and her whole demeanor changed."

Link looked heavenward at the goddess. Hylia was still levitating, waiting for us.

"Hmph. I am certain she has her reasons. You can't be too frustrated with her. You act a great deal in the same manner."

I should have known this was going to be his rebuttal. However, I was surprised that he was not a bit more concerned with Hylia's behavior the way I was. Was he not curious with how strange she was acting? Did he not understand what the implications meant? Was he too frustrated with me to see beyond his own misgivings? Didn't he understand that Hylia wasn't just another person in our party, but a goddess? The goddess to be exact? Why couldn't he perceive these things? I knew then it was just best to leave the matter alone. There were more important things to consider. I didn't prolong the conversation any further.

"Well, since you see it as no consequence, I see no reason to discuss this further. Let's be off before the rest of the daylight escapes us."

Link didn't reply right away, but he gripped the reigns in a fashion that signaled to me he was going to soon take off. This was not how I wanted this to go. All the previous conversation did was increase our stress levels. How was that helpful? Even so, I braced myself when Link whistled softly and Lightning began to move.

"Hold on," he warned.

Soon, the magnificent illumisaurian ran along the shoreline and ascended into the air. It flapped its mighty wings until we were above the atmospheric currents like before. Afterwards, we careened forward and took off. The rest of the flight to the Arbiter's Grounds was quiet, much like before. The winds and the weather garnered more of our attention than our emotions and feelings. I was grateful for the distraction. However, as we flew over the Gerudo Desert something was immediately amiss. I traveled through here previously before with Link and didn't recall the shifty sandstorms going to and fro. Although, we were anticipating this. The first time we traveled was during a favorable time. In any such case, Link too was more on alert as we traveled overhead.

"Keep your eyes open!" he said to me. "Something doesn't feel right!"

I nodded when more appropriately I should have said something, but I believe my body language was sufficient. I looked over at Hylia flying close to us and she too had a look of concern on her face. If the goddess was worried, we may have had more problems than I realized. I also thought suddenly about Elbourne. Had he traveled through this? If so, did he make it through? Were the conditions favorable for him before this sandstorm arrived? Was he even alive? I didn't want to think such terrible things, but there was a possibility he may not have survived the elements if he was out here for too long. It had been days since we last saw each other, and I could only imagine what was going through his head. The last time we saw each other was that moment in the lagoon. I certainly hope he was still alive so we could reconcile properly. I did not want him thinking I hated him when I didn't. In the interim, we began our descent and we got a more up close and personal view of the sandstorm.

"Close your eyes!" Link ordered.

I immediately obeyed, though it didn't help much. The sand felt like mini pellets against my face. Link was not fairing much better and he had to keep his eyes open. Hylia suddenly dived bombed under the storm. A moment later, there was an abrupt rotating circumferential wind that created a tunnel in the storm. It took the hero and I only an instant to see that Hylia was creating it. She was twirling at an immeasurable pace to create this turbine. Link and I quickly flew through, and were to see that beneath the sand storm the lands were calm. It was odd. What was causing the sand to lift into the atmosphere? Stranger still, when we landed the sand storm subsided. The heavens became clear and the dust misting the air subsided. It all suddenly vanished. This occurrence was none too reassuring. Lightning stayed the course through it all, though the dragon roared its displeasure at times. I couldn't imagine how disorienting this storm was to its instincts. Even so, we glided down practically unscathed and landed near the main edifice of the Arbiter's Grounds. The structure was as ominous then as it was before. Link and I disembarked from Lightning, while the illumisaurian rose its wings to stretch and then recede. The dragon then took several steps back from the edifice and rested on the ground. Link and I stared at the dragon intrigued.

"It seems to know something we don't," I half jested.

Link was more direct.

"That can't be a good sign." The hero then turned to look at the main entrance. "Glad to see nothing has changed," he muttered sarcastically, then added, "well... almost nothing."

Hylia floated down and touched landing too. Her expression only made Link's words more sobering.

"What in the world?" she uttered more to herself than to us.

It was nightfall now, but the new distinction was evident even under darkness. In the distance was the familiar site of the Arbiter's Grounds, however, the aesthetic of the structure had significantly change. Billowing like smoke from a chimney, was a reddish black mist. It was coming from the lower recesses of the vault, which meant something active was going on in the crypt. The mist was sifting into the desert, surrounding the structure, and moving heavenward. That could have been the cause of the mysterious sandstorm before we landed. It was a reasonable hypothesis, but not one hundred percent conclusive. The mist looked a great deal like the malice of old. I remember reading about such from my schooling, and the warnings I received about it from my grandmother. Could such a thing make its way back into Hyrule? Could that calamity happen again? Apparently. The answer was right in front of me. However, the cause was not clear. Calamity Ganon was gone. This may have been an artificial front from Ghirahim to confuse us. However, Calamity Ganon or Demise… what difference did such evil make? They both wanted to destroy the world. The mist was darkening the night sky even more. It looked like an ominous sight. A fitting setting for evil. I just hoped Elbourne was alright. Link, Hylia, and I stopped our advance when the mist seemed to have another intended action.

This was unprecedented.

What is going on?

The mist rose higher and higher, until it finally turned in on itself and created a ball of dark energy. Afterward, it dispersed across the night sky. The shifting particles traveled quickly through the atmosphere. Several distinct locations permeated the firmaments over Hyrule. From our vantage point, the mist traveled to Eldin Fields, to Death Mountain overpass near the Kingdom of Dragon Roost, to Hyrule Castle, and lastly to southern Hyrule near the province of Ordon. These selections were not mere coincidence. They were locales where my men and their companions were looking for the King of Dragon Roost and protecting the people. Ordon may have been selected solely because of Link's ties there. There was no doubt in my mind Ghirahim was manipulating all this somehow. We had to move quickly to stop him.

Link was clairvoyant in that moment.

"We need to get moving. We have to figure out what the hell Ghirahim is doing down there."

I couldn't have agreed with him more. Hylia, though, was quiet for a moment as she stared off into the distance. She was still following the mist through the skies. Something must have alerted her beyond the obvious. She didn't bother to share her thoughts, but I wagered she had more of an inkling of what was about to happen than Link or I did. What was she suspecting that she wasn't telling us? She already stated she wasn't going to read our minds anymore, but what other implications did that cull? Perhaps this was a similar tactic Ghirahim used in the past. Perhaps not. How could we know? The goddess was not saying.

Come on ancestral mother, I hoped she'd reneged just this one time on reading my mind, what aren't you telling us?

Just then the goddess's gaze cut to me. I wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not. Perhaps she did default for a moment and look into my thoughts. However, even if that was the case, she never let me know. We couldn't dawdle any longer.

"Link's right," Hylia said finally, then turned and hurried to the crypt entrance in the distance, "we haven't a moment to lose."

I appreciated her resolve, but her secretiveness wasn't reassuring. Even so, I had to let it be for now. We didn't need infighting when something so dire could be confronting us. Instead, I hurried in step after her as did the hero. As we got closer, I did slow my pace as my thoughts returned from my previous visit. This place frightened me and nearly took my life. There was no consolation for that other than to face my fears. Link turned when he saw me fall behind a little. If I didn't get my act together, this was only going to deepen his misgivings with me coming along. I did not want to conjure more doubt. Even so, with my pause Link looked at me concerned with the brief indecision in my step.

"What is it?" he asked gently.

I was staring past him at the structure, then shook my head.

"It's nothing," I reassured. "Let's go."

I didn't want to talk, so to ensure no reply I hurried past him and kept following Hylia. I wasn't going to be a burden this time. I was not going to allow my friends to perish because of inexperience. Hylia was now at the vault door waiting for us. She seemed in a hurry to get inside and witness what was going on. She only nodded at Link's and my arrival before heading inside. The vault door was slightly ajar, which signaled someone had been here before us. I quickly thought of Elbourne, hoping he was alright. Hoping we weren't too late. At the abridging, we had to hold our noses as the familiar smell of must overpowered our senses when we ventured inside. It was worse this time than before. It smelled like death. My dread was beginning to rise with what we could potentially find. What was going on in here?

We all had to brace ourselves for the onslaught. After the quick adjustment, we advanced and traversed the catacombs quickly like before. The reddish black mist was everywhere, creating a haze in the air and reducing the visibility. We were very fortunate that Link was so familiar with the surroundings. Even with the mist, he was able to lead the way. However, the didn't negate his own heightened sense of foreboding to what was going on.

"I've never seen this place like this," he whispered more to himself. "What in the world is causing this?"

I hovered close behind him.

"This mist is a great deal like the malice I read about from old legends."

Hylia was notably more aware of my point.

"This is not malice, though it looks a great deal like it," she disclosed. "This is something else entirely. If it were malice it would drain us of our energy."

Her response wasn't what I was expecting, but she wasn't giving new information away either.

"Well, then what is it?" I asked.

The goddess shook her head.

"There is only one way for us to find out. We have to get to Stallord's lair."

My dread deepened, but I didn't let it show. The deepest recess of the vault was where the mirror resided. I had a terrible feeling about this. Even so, we headed onward. The journey took another thirty minutes of guessing and second guessing doors that we had been through. The mist managed to even disorient the hero for a moment. However, as we headed down our last passage, a visual clearing was in view. The mist lifted slightly, and Stallord's lair was just beyond the bend. Hylia walked ahead of us, which I thought was a bit presumptuous. However, I was soon going to be presumptuous myself without yet realizing it. Link and I followed after the headstrong goddess, when suddenly she stopped from advancing into the crypt. Instead, she cautiously put her head against the stone pane and listened. Link and I both stared at her perplexed. The goddess's actions were getting more and more peculiar.

What is she doing now?

I took a step forward, but it was Link who spoke up first.

"Hylia… what's going on?"

"Shhh," she ordered, putting her finger to her lips, "I'm trying to listen."

I raised a brow, slightly frustrated with her odd behavior. She wasn't making any sense and she was keeping us in the dark. I, for one, was tired of it. I wanted some answers.

"What is this about?" I demanded quietly. "This is no time for mysteries ancestral mother!"

Hylia groaned at my tone and rolled her eyes.

"You would do well to aide on the side of caution this time around Zelda."

She wasn't making this any clearer. My frustration was mounting and I was losing my patience. Link could see my annoyance and went to preempt me.

"Zelda-"

I didn't want to hear excuses.

"She's acting out of character Link! You know it and I know it. We need to find out what is causing this disturbance. Not lurk in doorways and keep secrets from each other!"

The hero shook his head.

"Hylia has a point, we need to be cautious. We can't just go rushing in."

I had no intention of rushing in, but standing outside of a door way was not helpful either. We needed to go into the vault to see what was transpiring down there. I decided to make the tough decision. Someone had to. I took it upon myself to maneuver past the goddess and open the encased door. Once opened, I hurried through, but Link tried to take hold of me. However, I slipped through his grip.

"Zelda-"

I turned to face him.

"This is where we need to be," I interrupted. "I see no reason to hesitate now."

Seeing no need to fight the impulse anymore, Hylia walked in after me. She gave me a disapproving look, but tempered her tongue because she knew arguing would get us nowhere now. It wasn't one of my most graceful moves, but I had to do something.

"That was a foolhardy decision Zelda," the goddess warned. "You have no idea what we're up against."

I then turned to face her, tired of her not being upfront with what she was trying to do.

"That may be true, but you are deliberately keeping Link and I in the dark. You know more than you're letting on and you won't tell us. Your behavior has been suspect since we left Lake Hylia. I believe those actions are foolhardy as well. We're supposed to be working together Hylia, not in secret."

The goddess stared at me with open frustration. She said nothing until Link walked up next to her. He wasn't excited about my move either.

"Will you please tell your fiance to keep a leveled head?" she asked him sarcastically. "If it were up to her, we'd barge the door down without any contingencies at all."

Link took in a deep sigh and looked over at me. His sympathies were obviously with the goddess. However, before he could say anything in reply to me, the door behind him suddenly slammed shut. I involuntarily jumped and turned to face the chasm below, but could see nothing in the immediacy. Link looked behind himself in surprise, but then hurried to get Hylia and me behind him.

"Keep your guard up!" Link ordered, maneuvering us away from the entrance. "It's obvious that we're not alone!"

Hylia was facing the entrance as well.

"That's why I hesitated. I... I felt a familiar life force and wasn't sure if it was safe to proceed."

I looked over at the goddess surprised.

"What? A life force? Who's life force?"

Hylia never did reply, and in the meantime the mist swaying over the chasm was beginning to clear. As the dark moisture dissipated, Link's eyes widened and I covered my mouth in complete and total shock. Hylia was the only one who wasn't astonished by the revelation before us.

"What in the name of Nayru…?" he didn't finish.

"Dear goddesses!" I whispered.

There, standing at the bottom of the chasm in front of the Mirror of Twilight was Elbourne of Dragon Roost. The origin of the reddish black mist was now known too. It was coming from the sand surrounding the mirror. It was being converted and permeated at a constant rate. As soon as the sand became airborne it would darken, bloom, and rise like a spore. The inverted rotunda inside of the mirror was swirling consistently with the blooming effect of the minerals, with all the colors of the prism present within the glass. It was an eerie sight, and I wasn't sure why Elbourne was so close to it. In fact, I was so taken aback at Elbourne's presence, I didn't know what to make of it initially. He was alive. He made it through. But what was he doing just standing there? How did he make it through the desert? Was he alright? I was stumped with my questions.

"I can't believe it," I whispered.

Though I knew it was coincidence, almost at the beckoning of my voice, Elbourne turned from his concentration on the mirror to look up at Link, Hylia and I. When he made eye contact with me, his eyes widened and he looked damned near speechless. He even stepped away from the mirror for a moment at the recognition of my face.

"Zelda!" he called to me in disbelief. "Zelda! Is that you? You're alright!"

Link and Hylia paused at his acknowledgement. I however had a very different reaction. Tears filled my eyes almost immediately and a wave of relief overcame me. That was the life force Hylia sensed. It was him.

"Oh my goddess! Elbourne!" I whispered, then said his name again a little louder. "Elbourne!"

Without another thought or word, I hurried past Link and Hylia, down the escalator to the bottom of the crypt to meet him. I was so glad to find him alive. However, Link looked at me like I was insane and attempted to grab me, but was unsuccessful.

"Zelda wait!" he cautioned, but I was already halfway down the escalator then.

Hylia didn't reply, but groaned in frustration and followed after me. She glanced over at Link and gestured for him to come as well.

"Looks like we found the missing dragon prince," she said with a hint of knowing.

Link narrowed his eyes and turned his attention back to Elbourne.

"Looks like," was all he replied. "I guess we didn't need to send out a search party after all."

Thank you for reading. Thank you all for sticking with this. I want to make this right.