Even though having an important and tiring journey to Hyrule was a totally valid excuse to skip work, Link's coworker Fado did not let him. Which was unfortunate because Link was planning a long nap before leaving. Link had tried to be as persuasive as he could, but Fado stood strong. Very unfair. Fado did agree to let him leave early, but only by about ten minutes. Totally enough time to pack a bag. Paraphrased (with a lot of bias), the conversation had gone a little something like this:

"Hey Fado, you know that long trip I need to make tonight to deliver a package that will represent the whole town and that the mayor is counting on me for?"

"What about it?"

"Well. I might need the day off to pack and get ready."

"What about the goats?"

"I feel like this is more important, Fado."

"Nothing is as important as goats. How dare you say such a thing."

"Fado please. Don't be ridiculous."

"The goats would miss you."

"What?"

"Do it."

"Please-"

"Fantastic! So we'll finish up ten minutes early so you can get ready."

"That's not enough time-"

"Less talking, more working!"

And so. Here Link was, at the Ordon goat ranch. Contrary to Fado's claim, the goats had definitely not missed Link. Two had tried to headbutt and he was pretty sure they weren't trying to be affectionate. His job consisted of watching goats all day and then herding them back inside the barn once it got late. It was like watching grass grow, but the goats ate the grass, so it became watching grass shrink. It was so boring that Link started thinking that Fado had forced him out here just to avoid Fado being bored alone. This was going to be their career for basically the rest of their lives. He didn't know which was worse, having a too-difficult job, or having one that's too easy. And Link would probably never find out.

After finally herding up the goats for the night, Link led Epona down the path back into main Ordon village. Although watching more grass shrink had been as fun as ever, he was eager to do something exciting for once. Epona trotted her way down to the mayor's house where the mayor and his daughter Ilia were standing.

Link waved to them and he saw Ilia's face light up once she saw him. Or it might've been because of Epona. Ilia was a huge animal lover and would fawn over Epona any chance she could. She was always very sweet to animals but not so much to people. Link had witnessed her temper first-hand plenty of times. They were the only two teenagers in Ordon so most the village assumed that they would end up together. To be fair, Link and Ilia did spend a lot of time together, but Link figured Ilia was more interested in Epona than him. Besides, he could never handle her temper. She was really sweet usually, but was quite a handful when she was upset. And Link did not want to hold that hand, nor did he think he could survive it.

Ilia ran up to Epona just as Link approached. She flashed a smile over at him and he nodded back in greeting.

"Father, he's here." She called out over to her father, who looked zoned out. He snapped back into reality and came up to greet Link.

"Sorry if I'm a little late." Link said as he hopped down from Epona's saddle. Ilia took some sugar cubes from her pocket and cooed over Epona, feeding them to her.

"Speaking of which," The mayor motioned for Link to walk with him, "this delivery is very special. Hyrule requested it specifically, and we want to have it perfect for them. Which means…" He stared down Link.

Link swallowed nervously. He had built up quite a reputation for being late over the years. Curse you, oversleeping! "I'll make sure it gets there on time. I promise." He smiled reassuringly up at the mayor.

The mayor nodded back at him, satisfied. "Good."

They turned back to Ilia just in time to see her gasp in horror.

"Link!" She turned to him angrily. "Look at this!"

Link looked over to where she was pointing. A small gash was on one of Epona's front legs. He hadn't noticed it. It would probably heal in a day or so, but he winced in fear of wrath that she would soon unleash upon him. An anger that only few men had survived.

"What happened?" She stomped up to him, her eyes sparking. He blinked, like a deer frozen in carriage lights. It's not like he could just explain what happened yesterday, not in front of the mayor.

Link's silent response only angered her more. "It was from those stupid hurdles, wasn't it! You always push her too hard! Do you even care if she gets hurt?" She shrieked in his face.

"Ilia, she'll be okay…" Link started.

Ilia's face gradually grew more and more red with rage. Link's eyes darted over to her father in a strangled plea for help.

Ilia's father cleared his throat and stepped between the two of them. If she got any more angry, then Link would end up with a lot worse than Epona's scrape. "Now, Ilia-"

"How dare you?!" She seethed at her father. "You're going too easy on him! You always do! You're the mayor here, why don't you start acting like one?" She huffed and turned to Epona, grabbing her reins. "Come, Epona, let's get you to the forest spring." She cooed in a noticeably different (much nicer) voice. She marched away with Link's horse in tow, baby-talking the whole way.

Link and the mayor exchanged helpless looks. If Link couldn't handle Ilia's temper, he could only imagine how bad it must be for her own father to deal with.

Link let out a long sigh. "I'll try to go get her. You just get the package ready, I'll be back as soon as I can."

The mayor gave Link an apologetic look. "Thank you."

Link walked off and huffed in exasperation. This is why he should've had the whole day, not just ten minutes.

Ilia might listen to logic if it came from a small and innocent child. Colin was the best choice for the job and also the only willing volunteer. The other kids had decided that sticks were more interesting. Which may be true, because for most people, retrieving their horse was a simple task. But not when Ilia was around. And also not when your horse was wrongfully taken. Yeah, he probably should've noticed the scrape and all, but it was hardly enough to qualify as animal abuse.

He wasn't usually the one to chase after Ilia when she was upset. Usually Colin was a lot better at handling her. The first time she had stomped, he had gone after her, and ended up with bloody nose. Since then, he didn't make it a habit to go after her whenever she was mad.

Her soft spots seemed to be Epona, but that wouldn't be helpful in this case. There were times Link had been able to make Ilia feel better by letting her ride or groom Epona. That usually cheered her up. Maybe those few minutes Ilia had been with Epona would calm her down a little.

"Link? Should I go ahead?" Colin tugged at his sleeve and asked.

Link nodded back at him and watched as Colin ran up ahead. Ilia wouldn't think anything of it if Colin alone went to see her. But if she saw Link too, she might refuse to even give them a chance.

Usually Link loved going to the forest spring. Some of the village believed the water had some magical didn't really think much of it, but the presence was soothing. There was almost nobody there too. He would go with Epona whenever he wanted to be alone or to think. Unfortunately, today would not be one of those calming experiences.

When he came up to the spring, he found the gate shut and locked. Ilia's doing, The gate was usually open whenever he came. Link peered through the wire and saw Ilia tending to Epona, and Colin standing nearby. Hopefully Ilia was calm enough to let him in. He banged on the gate to get Colin and Ilia's attention and was greeted with more of Ilia's temper.

"I am not letting you in! You need to think about what you've done! Change your attitude and then maybe, just maybe, will I let you in!" She yelled at turned back to Epona.

Colin winced and shared an eye roll with Link. "Go around through the crawlspace. I'll try to explain what happened." He whispered.

Link sighed and headed over to the crawlspace. Oh, the hoops he had to jump through to get his horse. He hated crawlspaces. There was usually some muddy patch or slimy leaves. Once he had even encountered a rat. That had not been an experience he wished to repeat.

After mucking through the too-small tunnel, he popped out inside the forest spring just in time to see Ilia's realization of how bad she fucked up.

She had tears in her eyes after hearing Colin's recount of the adventure yesterday. "I had no idea…"

Link awkwardly stood on the side and Ilia eyes met his. She stiffened and turned back to Epona.

"Lucky for you, the injury isn't too severe." She stated, her voice having a much weaker bite than before. "She should be okay for today's trip."

Link walked towards her and gave a light sigh. "She was walking fine. I didn't think it was a problem."

Ilia huffed but stood down, handing over Epona's bridle to Link. "Just as long as you can promise me something."

Link nodded in response, gently patting Epona.

"It gets pretty dangerous out there sometimes. Just promise me you won't do anything out of your league. Make sure you come home safe." Worry edged at her voice.

Link fought back the urge to roll his eyes. It was sweet that she was concerned for him, but he thought he did pretty well yesterday. He had fought monsters for the first time, and was pretty successful. Minus the back wound. But only one injury wasn't too bad for his first encounter. But he didn't want to worry her any further. "I'll do my best, Ilia."

Ilia sighed in relief and visibly relaxed. "Thank you." She looked up at the darkening sky and looked over at Link. "It's getting late. You should get going."

They both smiled understandingly at each other. He took Epona's reigns in his hands and to the gate just in time to see a boar crash through.

The crash made them all panic and crouch as pieces of wood and wire came flying at them. The thundering hooves of the boar made it almost impossible to hear anything. All they could feel was the sheer panic rushing through their heads.

Link turned to see Ilia and Colin on the ground next to him.

"Go! Run!" He tried to call out, but they both screamed in fear over him. He watched as they struggled to stand, but the vibrations of the boar's hooves made the ground shake too much to stay stable.

The boar couldn't of just crashed through on its own. Boars didn't even live around here. Link turned to the angry beast in confusion and felt the panic increase even further.

Two green Bokoblins were positioned on its back. One armed with a heavy club, the other with a bow. Link had known that green Bokoblins existed. He also knew that the green ones were smarter, more capable than the ones he had fought before. Not only were they smarter and had a steed, but Link wasn't even armed. He wasn't able to protect Colin or Ilia.

"Ilia, Colin! RUN!" He yelled out again, as loud as he could. Ilia must've heard because she turned and nodded at him. She grabbed Colin and started making a break towards the exit and what remained of the gate. But a Bokoblin drew its bow and shot Ilia's leg, causing her to fall over, knocking Colin over as well.

"No!" He began to run towards her, but the boar had ended up beside him. He didn't even see the Bokoblin raise it's club above him . All he could see was his two friends in danger. All he felt was panic and adrenaline. And the last thing he remembered was a sickening thud and an excruciating pain on the back of his skull. After that, the world around him slipped into darkness.

So much for staying in his league.