A/N: This chapter was revised as of 1/30/2020 - Polished, minor errors and typos fixed.


When Heroes Fall

By: Selphie Kinneas 175

Chapter 20: The Ultimatum

.:.

The valiant tale of a young man thrust into a much bigger destiny and slaying a mighty dragon had drifted that very hero into a swift slumber.

Midna whispered the finale of the story just to ensure he was completely out. Once she was sure that he was, she carefully crawled up onto the bed and simply lay beside him. She held his hand, snuggled up into the crook of his neck, and blissful sleep found her quickly. She didn't remember her dreams, she just remembered being so completely and utterly at peace. That was, until something started to feel... off.

She woke up and he was gone. Her heart skipped a beat and she leapt up in bed. She ran through the door and flew down the stairs. She stopped short when she nearly plowed into Zelda, standing tall and pensive before the front door. Zelda held out an open palm, and a second later she placed a finger to her lips. Midna froze.

She looked just past Zelda and saw the rest of their friends. Renado, Talo, and Luda hurried the little girls through the swinging doors to the very back of the inn. Ren, Colin, and Rusl sat at the table looking concerned. Ashei stood at the closest window beside the door, and Shad stood just behind her, both gazing outside. Link stood at the window farthest, his forearm pressed up above his head against the side of the window for support as he stared. Midna followed their line of sight, and her heart skipped a beat at what she saw.

Hundreds of Hylian soldiers. She didn't even know there were so many. They formed rank up the entirety of the dirt street that lined Kakariko, and they stood at attention.

"How long have they been here?" Midna whispered.

"All morning, I'm afraid," Shad answered.

"They've been filing in one squadron at a time, likely making way for the king, yeah?" Ashei said.

Midna felt anger rise to her face at mention of that king. She was so furious with his existence that she truly wanted nothing more than to end it. At the same time, she was still embarrassed for letting the situation in Castle Town go in his favor.

"And... we're just gonna sit here and watch?" Midna asked.

"Better than running out there and acting like a fool again, yeah?" Ashei answered.

Midna's eyes narrowed, "I'm sorry, do you have a problem with me?"

Ashei turned to face her, "I have a problem with plans being ruined, situations being made worse, my friends being in danger. If you had just let the queen handle it and stuck to the pla-"

"You weren't even there," Midna laughed, "You were here, nowhere even remotely close to a lick of danger, and you're going to criticize how I acted?"

Ashei's jaw clenched, "I was protecting the village, yeah? Something you'd know nothing ab-"

"Ashei, for heaven's sake, that is quite enough," Shad intervened, stepping between the two, "We have more pressing matters at hand than squabbling about what has already transpired."

The two women didn't look at him. They listened, but they were locked in a stare between one another.

"No manner of bickering will change what took place, but it will interfere with what will take place."

They stared only a moment longer before Midna's fiery eyes at last won out.

Ashei turned back to the window, "Yeah, yeah."

Midna glanced at Zelda who looked helpless. Midna sighed and made her way over to Link.

"Shouldn't you be lying down?"

Link's gaze never left the window, "I'm fine."

Midna scoffed, "How many times have I heard th-"

"There he is," Shad stated, only the faintest tremble in his otherwise steady voice.

Link stood up straight. His eyes narrowed as he watched the king approach on a new, gray steed. Someone smaller was seated in front of him in the saddle.

"Emeline is with him," Ashei added.

"Emeline?" Ren shot up and darted to the window.

Viscen dismounted his grand stallion and extended a hand to his daughter. She took it and landed gracefully on her feet. Ren stared in bewilderment – she looked completely different. She wore a massive, royal gown that grazed the floor as she walked. Bright purple and gold satin shone in the sunlight and extravagant jewels hung from her ears and around her neck casting rainbows. The crown on her head looked heavy, both in weight and responsibility. She was beautiful, but the sight of her like this made Ren's stomach twist uncomfortably.

A soldier at their side blew into a loud horn and proclaimed, "The king and princess of Hyrule!"

Both sides stood in silence. The rows of guards with their leaders in the middle stood still and quiet, facing the inn with expressions of rock. Denizens peered through the windows of the buildings that lined the street. The hero and his company did the same. None said a word, all stared out at the king and princess unsure of what to do. Until, Link went for the door.

Midna grabbed his arm, "No."

Link only gave her a glance before wresting his arm free, "Stay here."

Ire flooded Midna's cheeks, "I said-"

But he was gone. He flew out the door and closed it behind him. Midna went to follow him but Ashei stood in her way. The twili opened her mouth, ready to spew whatever vile remark would surface first. Zelda reached out and stopped her. She held her wrist and simply nodded. Midna clenched her fists at her side, but she trusted the queen. She stood with the others and watched through the window.

"Ah! What a marvelous surprise," Viscen bellowed with arms wide. His magenta cape fluttered in the calm desert wind and a wide grin plastered across his masculine face. His crown appeared heavy, too, though he wore it lightly.

Link said nothing. He stood before the door to the inn in his trousers and naught covering his top save the gauze wrapped around his wounds. He was not armed yet still he looked protective, as if he would stop at nothing to defend those in shelter behind him.

Viscen looked around, seeing no other Kakariko inhabitants outside of their homes, "To be the hero is to be the scapegoat, it seems. Why, even when you are not at your best, your friends send you to be the messenger," he feigned sadness, "What a pity."

"What is it you want?" Link asked, using all he had to stand tall and sound strong.

Viscen laughed, "Well, seeing as you have everything I want... I want it all."

"We have nothing for you," Link replied.

Viscen's anger was starting to show, "You have the means to the Twilight. You know where the portal is located. Even you, yourself, are supposed to be my prisoner, and you have my wife."

Link saw the wheels in his mind turn, and the king was quick to demand.

"In fact, I will take my wife home now, if you please."

Viscen extended an arm, and Link could feel Zelda's fear behind him. He looked to Emeline and she shook her head clearly.

"Mother would not be safe with us," Emeline spoke with confidence.

Her statement was met with a swift backhand. The king's thick rings cut the princess' face as she recoiled and held a hand to her bleeding cheek.

"I thought I explicitly told you to mind your tongue."

In a flash, Ren was standing beside his father.

"Don't hurt her!" he yelled.

Viscen sneered down his long nose at the boy. He studied him a moment, and instead of his initial thought to curse him for speaking out of line, he remembered what grand plans he had for him.

"I apologize," Viscen said, bowing in Ren's direction, "You will see, I can be quite understanding."

Link furrowed his brow, and he saw Emeline's distraught expression at Ren's presence.

"Go back inside," Link demanded, but Ren seemed hesitant to oblige.

Ren looked to Emeline and with closed eyes she nodded. He sighed and did as he was told.

"Such an obedient boy!" Viscen exclaimed, "I love to see children who are raised with manners. You must have done well as his father."

Link's jaw set uncomfortably tight, and Viscen pretended as if that statement hadn't been purposeful.

"Oh... But you weren't there to raise him, were you? Truly is a pi-"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I'm having difficulty understanding what it is you're wanting from this visit," Link interrupted angrily.

Viscen swallowed the annoyance, "My wife, if you please."

Link glanced at Emeline and she was looking right through him. Her stare was imploring, and he couldn't help but wonder what color he currently projected.

"She will be staying here, Your Majesty."

Viscen looked angry, "I am sorry, but I believe you misunderstand. I was not asking."

"Neither was I."

Viscen's fury painted his face bright red. His fists clenched at his sides and just as he was about to open his mouth to spew crude demands, Emeline stepped forward.

"I propose we come to an agreement. The queen can stay here, but so will a battalion of Hylian soldiers. She will be under house arrest – she cannot leave."

Viscen seemed contemplative. He rubbed his square chin and looked around as he pondered it. Link wanted to smirk at the girl's brilliance, but he maintained his stone composure.

"That is a splendid idea," the king declared at last, "But what of my prisoner? What of the portal to the Twilight I was promised?"

"I don't recall promising you a thing," Link said.

"I deserve it!" he shouted, "The things I have sacrifi-" but his daughter's hand on his arm stopped him short.

"I will tell you where the portal is, father," Emeline spoke with frail confidence, "If you leave them all be. The queen and the hero will remain here – neither belong to you."

Viscen clenched his jaw, "Fine. You have become quite the sound debater, a marvelous trait for the future queen to possess."

Emeline could only nod, gracefully treading the line between both sides.

"Very well," the king proclaimed, loud enough for all to hear, "You have one month. I will find that portal, and I will be back for my wife as well as my prisoner."

"That was not-" Emeline tried to argue, but Link cut her off.

"Fine. Leave us then," Link said bluntly.

Viscen narrowed his eyes at him, but rather than get angry, he played along. He knew he need only let them think they won, for now.

"As you wish," the king bowed, mounted his steed, assisted his daughter in doing the same, and was off. He directed one unit of troops to stay behind while all the rest followed him.

Link watched as the small band of soldiers stationed themselves around the village. They perched two to the doors of each building, and four at each exit from Kakariko. When he caught one guard's nervous eyes, the hero went back inside to a flurry of questions.

"One month?"

"Is Emeline gonna be safe?"

"What are we supposed to do?"

"Is she really gonna tell him where the portal is?"

"No way he'll stick to his word, yeah?"

"Is Ordon in danger?"

"What's the pla-"

Link raised open palms. Everyone silenced.

"Where's my sword?" Link asked.

The room stayed quiet only a moment, the sheer flat determination in his voice rendering them speechless.

"Uh..." Ren cleared his throat, "The Sacred Grove..."

Link said not a word. He rushed up the stairs to grab his things. The others looked between each other with confused murmurs. Midna followed after him.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded from the doorway.

"Going to Faron Province," he said plainly, pulling his tunic over his head.

He really didn't have many things anymore. His clothes were still here from before he'd been taken by the king what felt like eons ago, but beside his age-worn hero's getup, he had not much else.

"You're still healing."

He didn't say anything.

"You're gonna get yourself killed. And for what?"

"There's no time for this, Midna."

He sat on the bed and began strapping on his boots.

"Link, seriously, this isn't your fight. Why put yourself through all this?"

"It is my fight."

"Why? Why is every fight your fight? Why is some stupid political war your responsibility?"

He was silent. Midna knelt down in front of him and placed her hand on his to stop him.

"Why?"

"Because it's my fault," he looked her straight in the eye, "This all started because of me."

Midna furrowed her brow, "From what I've heard, this king has been crazy since day one. You had nothing to do with that."

Link sighed and finished pulling on his boots, "You haven't been here. You don't understand."

"Help me to."

She stared at him. He stared back.

He stood up and adjusted his belt, "Come with me."

She looked apprehensive. Her words caught in her throat.

He didn't say anything, he simply allowed her the space to find her voice.

At last, she whispered, "Link... I'm trying so hard to not get attached again."

"You'd rather stay here?" he asked.

She rolled her eyes, "Obviously not."

He smirked, "Let's go then."

However, when he went for the door, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"What?" Midna huffed, "I said I'll come, I-"

"It's not that," Link murmured, "It's Epona... I don't know if she..."

Midna furrowed her brow when he trailed off and did not continue speaking.

"I don't know what happened... But she's okay, Link."

Link looked at her in a flash.

"You've seen her?"

"Yes," she nodded, "She got us in and out of town. She's okay."

Link sighed and his shoulders visibly relaxed.

"What happened?" Midna asked.

"She got hurt and I had to leave her. This whole time I feared the worst."

Midna seemed clearly confused. She knew he would never leave Epona if he had any choice in the matter. She knew now was not the time to press it - he didn't give her the chance to anyway.

He hastened through the hall and down the stairs, but before he could make his way outside, Ashei's voice stopped him.

"Hey, you can't just take off without letting us know what you're planning," she shot Midna a look before finishing, "You're not a lone wolf anymore."

Interesting choice of wording, Midna laughed to herself. That laughter trickled to the surface, eliciting an even more prevalent glare from Ashei.

Link gave her a nervous glance before turning toward the others.

"I'm going to the Sacred Grove to get back my sword."

Shad nodded, "Should worse come to worst, you may need it."

"And then?" Ashei pressed.

Link shrugged, "Haven't really had the time to think beyond that. Just taking it one step at a time."

Ashei folded her arms across her chest, and Rusl spoke up in the silence.

"Let us travel with you back toward home. I feel I should stay there should the king show up in hopes of locating the portal."

"Yeah it seems like it's safe here now," Colin added.

"I fear that may be what he wants us to think," Zelda said.

"You don't think he'll keep his word?" Ren asked.

"Tch," Ashei scoffed, "Of course he won't. We'd be stupid to believe him."

"Well, he does seem to make small, benevolent notions. Whether those are simply all for show, I am not sure," Shad held his chin, "It seems, at times, he can be truthful."

Ren nodded, "He apologized for hurting Emeline, and he compromised with us."

Ashei sighed, "The more time we sit here debating whether he was lying or not is time wasted. We need to plan something, yeah?" she turned to Zelda, "Your Majesty, what do you suggest?"

The queen held clasped hands before her, her brow tight with thought.

At length, she replied, "Emeline said she would reveal the location of the portal to him. I cannot be sure of what she is planning, I can only guess that she will either give him false information, or delay the truth for as long as she can."

"So some of us should be in Ordon," Rusl offered.

Zelda nodded, "Yes, I do believe that would be wise, fearing for the worst."

"Ren and I will go with you, dad," Colin said.

Ren gave him a look, "I want to get Emeline back."

"That's not an option right now, kid," Ashei stated.

"I just-" Ren tried, but Colin cut him off.

"I'm sure mom's worried sick over us, Ren. Least we could do is stop in."

Ren huffed, but he did not verbally agree.

Link and Midna simply listened. Neither one, truthfully, cared for whatever plan they crafted. Link knew he would see to what needed to be done as the need should arise. Midna was only following as long as she could stomach it. Midna knew whatever was decided amongst the others would stand separate from what Link sought to do.

"What do you suppose will happen should Emeline tell him a false location?" Shad inquired, "Would he harm her or simply start a war?"

"Emeline assured me she would be safe," Zelda answered, "I trust her. She knows what she is doing."

"Okay, so he won't kill her," Ashei chimed in, "But starting a war isn't totally off the table?"

Zelda seemed pensive, "I am not sure."

Shad pushed up his glasses, "Perhaps we should-"

"With all due respect," Link stepped forward, "This is wasting time we don't have. I am returning to Faron to get back my sword. If you have further need of me, tell me wha-"

"Gather warriors," Zelda said.

All stood in silence a moment.

"Warriors?" Link repeated.

Zelda nodded, "I am sure there are people from every province who will join us in resisting the king. We need only bring them together."

"You may be on to something, Your Majesty," Shad's eyes narrowed as he rubbed his stubbled chin, "All races have, in some way, been oppressed by the king's actions. The Zoras and the Gorons have particularly been affected, what with their very own leadership being undermined."

"You're right," Ashei added, "The people in Castle Town are idiots. Being right under his feet all these years, they believe anything he says. Everyone else, though..."

"Is far enough away to form a levelheaded opinion," Rusl said, "It is quite easier to see the whole picture when you are not standing inside it."

"Link, you've been everywhere there is to go," Ashei said with excitement, "Do you know who-"

"I will handle it," Link said, "I'm heading south, for whoever plans to join me."

He didn't wait another moment for them to reply. He stepped out onto the dirt and saw the others' beautiful steeds grazing and enjoying the sunlight. Epona was nowhere to be seen, but she always was a free spirit, and she never wandered far. He pulled out the instrument he kept close to his heart and blew into it her favorite song.

He heard her hoofbeats and his heart started racing. He saw her emerge from the northern entrance and he couldn't contain the grin on his face if he'd wanted to. He ran to meet her, any discomfort he might have faced going completely ignored. He ran as fast as he could until they finally met, and he wrapped his arms around her neck. Midna smiled at the sight.

"Hey, girl," he whispered. He rubbed her mane and she nuzzled his chest. "I thought you left me."

She whinnied happily and he laughed right along with her. His heart felt so full, and nothing else mattered. As soon as the joyous moment surfaced, however, it was gone. The sight of the soldiers stationed behind Epona reminded Link of his task.

"You ready to go on another journey?" he asked.

Her response was, as it always was, a gleeful neigh.

He smiled as he gave a last pat on her neck before effortlessly hopping in the saddle. He urged her toward Midna where they stopped, and he extended a hand toward his friend without a word. A dozen thoughts ran through Midna's mind. The loudest one told her to grab his hand, and so she did. He pulled her up into the saddle behind him and spurred Epona ahead.

They left town with only one glance back. Link saw Rusl, Colin, and Ren preparing to leave behind them, but he did not wait for them – they didn't have the time to waste.

They flew down to Faron Province as fast as a bolt of lightning. Midna didn't allow herself the space to think, only concentrating on the wind in her face and how warm the sun felt on her skin. Link, however, had too many thoughts to focus on any given one at once. When they reached the edge of the forest, he pulled hard on Epona's reins, and her hooves dug into the dirt.

They stood. He had her do nothing else and he did not much more.

A period of silence passed before Midna asked, "What is it?"

Link stared at the line of trees, "I haven't been home in over a decade. I'm not sure if anyone here even wants to see me."

Midna pursed her lips. She could understand that train of thought; it wasn't too far-fetched to worry that people would be angry for being left to worry for so long, to go it alone, to think the worst, to be kept up wondering what went wrong. Because of her complete understanding, she had no comforting words to say. Truthfully, she still found herself nervous around him, like their relationship was fresh and new, not old and weighed heavily by painful baggage.

When the quieting of the birds signaled they had been here quite some time, Midna broke him from his anxious stalling.

"Let's get the sword first and worry about the potentially angry family members later."

He thought on it only a second before nodding and nudging Epona forward. He remembered the way to the Sacred Grove as if he had just been there that morning. It was ingrained in him, but it also felt like it beckoned him. Or, perhaps, that was simply the blade of evil's bane calling out for its master.

They left Epona before descending into the grove. The eerie quiet did not permeate him as it did the first time. He felt calm, and when he closed his eyes he could hear the distant bells, the whispers in the branches calling to him. Sightless he walked, paying mind only to the song in his long ears. It came to him like chimes, and it led him straight through the forest without the slightest of difficulty. He came to the open grove like a lost traveler finally stumbling home. The sun shone like a spotlight on the companion that transcended time.

He did not hesitate. He wrapped strong hands around the handle that fit perfectly in his palm. He pulled and the sword came free like a hot knife through butter. He shifted it fully to his left hand, gave it a spin, and returned it to its home on his back.

He turned and saw Midna standing with her arms folded, staring at the stone doorway that led back to her world. Link approached her.

"Wanting to go back already?"

She didn't look at him, "I don't know."

Link frowned, but he understood her confusion, "You can... if you want."

She gazed at him with narrow eyes, "Really? After working so hard for so long to get me back you'd just let me go?"

He hid the sadness well, "Yes."

"You don't make sense."

He shrugged, "Makes perfect sense to me."

She rolled her eyes, "Well, whatever. I'm not going back yet so don't worry about it."

"I thought it was terrible here?" he smirked.

"It is," she deadpanned, "But someone has to make sure you don't get yourself killed. Everyone else is so willing to throw you headfirst into danger to protect themselves. They're all just as selfish as I remember."

"That's not what it is," he said, "They know I would have it no other way."

"Hm, sure," she scoffed, "Well, you got your fancy sword back. You feeling brave enough to go to Ordon?"

Link looked up at the setting sun and the birds retreating to their nests, "No. There's no time. Rusl and Colin will ensure Ordon's safety. I will go to the other regions and speak to the outlying leaders. I-"

Midna grabbed his wrist to stop him just as he started to march forward. He halted in his tracks and hung his head without even needing to hear her rebuttal.

"I know I should go to them, but how can I? I would be shocked if they didn't all hate me."

"Don't be stupid," she chastised, "They love you. They might have been mad at first but after all this time, Link... I'm sure they just want to see you."

He sighed, "I hope you're right."

"I'm always right."

He laughed, "If you say so."

She gave him a nod but just as he turned to leave something caught the corner of his eye. A figure bathed in gold but dressed in green gazed at him from the line of trees. Link knew who it was. He felt the warmth in his heart and the familiarity in the tingling in the sword on his back.

"Thank you," Link waved, and the figure simply smiled.

Midna glanced over her shoulder, "Who are you talking to?"

"An old friend," Link smiled in return, but said no more. He turned and left, and Midna stood in confusion only a moment before following.

The way out was almost as easily traversed as the way in. The Master Sword guided him to and from its resting place with echoes and whispers. The creatures of the forest did not disturb him, but he heard the distant giggle imprinted on his mind from a child one with the trees. He knew him in a different lifetime, and when the leaves rustled he felt him run past.

Midna followed in a trance, a dozen scenarios playing out in her mind as she walked. They came to Ordon before the sun set, and Link stood still in the first clearing they came to.

Midna looked around. The trees weren't as dense here, and the grass was not as lush. There was a large, charred stump at the back with remnants of its many branches and foliage burnt and scattered at its roots. Midna wasn't sure if her memory was failing her, but she could have sworn this was Link's clearing. But...

She looked at his face. It was as pale as the moon trading places in the sky. Midna's heart sank. This was Link's clearing.

The ashes and rubble were the remains of his home.

"Link, what..." Midna tried, but her voice trickled off.

Without a word he turned to leave, but the others were just arriving behind him. He was met with Rusl's pensive stare, and beside him Colin looked nervous. Ren, however, looked downright terrified.

Rusl held out calming hands, noticing Link's mortified expression, and his voice was slow as he spoke, "I think we should talk."

And they did. Colin and Ren went back to town to see the family they'd been missing. Midna gave the father and son the space to catch up in privacy, hovering just on the line between Link's clearing and the rest of Ordon. They talked for what Midna thought was hours, but was likely less. After night had long since settled, Rusl retreated to the village where Midna assumed he was retiring for the evening. Link stayed behind to Rusl's dismay, and Midna gave Link a few moments of quiet solitude before she approached him.

"Do you... want to talk about it?"

He shook his head, "No. I want to be alone."

She nodded, for she understood. She figured she might sleep well enough if she could find a soft patch of grass somewhere secluded. But, when she turned to leave, Link called out.

"With you," his voice was quiet and strained, "I want to be alone... but with you."

She looked at him strangely. The hero she remembered was not so battered, so broken, so weak. She remembered a person with will so indomitable nothing could shake it. A core so strong nothing could shatter it. This was not that person. This was a person beaten down from years of suffering, and she felt partly to blame for it.

He met her gaze with one of vulnerability, a complete lack of confidence, "Does that... make any sense?"

She nodded, but she didn't say anything. She sat beside him and did nothing more. It did make sense, it made perfect sense. He wanted to be alone, but he didn't want to be lonely. She kept him company, but she gave him his space. She sat close enough for him to feel her presence, but far enough so he could breathe.

She sat up with him well into the night, and she didn't even notice when she lay down and fell asleep. She awoke to the sun bright in her eyes and she blinked away the initial confusion. She looked over and saw Link, still sitting upright in the exact same spot she'd unknowingly left him. She sat up and glanced around before settling again on his face, his expression of stone.

"You didn't sleep?" she whispered.

He shook his head.

She wiped the sleep from her eyes and gave him a minute before saying, "Do you still want me to stay?"

He nodded.

She held her hands in her lap and pursed her lips, "Are you ready to talk?"

He gave no response, and they sat again in silence. When she opened her mouth to provide whatever meager comfort she could muster, he finally answered.

"He said... Ilia died here."

Midna's shoulders tensed, "What do you mean?"

"There was a fire. Ren was inside, and she ran in to save him."

"A fire?" Midna repeated in shock, "How?"

Link's expression never ventured an inch past expressionless, "No one knows."

Midna turned and looked behind them at the remains of the treehouse. If she closed her eyes, she could picture it. It was a massive tree, providing shade and comfort beneath its vast branches. The house nestled in the foliage was strong and proud, much like she remembered her hero being... back in the day. She knew it meant a lot to him – it was his home, his refuge, his safe place. Now it was ashes.

"I'm sorry," was the only thing she found worth saying.

He blinked for the first time, but still was as blank as a wall, "It was a different life. I shouldn't have expected everything to stay the same. I was gone too long."

Midna didn't know what to say. She averted her gaze and let the silence linger.

The birds chirped overhead and the leaves rustled in the quiet breeze. The sun warmed her face and she closed her eyes and drank in the serenity. The world around them had no idea that anything had changed. The trees, the creatures, the sky, it all kept on going as if nothing was any different. But everything was different. She knew now that Link hadn't been home in over a decade. The people learned to carry on, as did those same trees, creatures, and skies. Everything was the same, yet nothing was the same.

"What else did Rusl tell you?" she finally ventured to ask.

Link at last breathed deep when she thought she hadn't heard him breathing at all, "How much everyone struggled when I left. Colin and the kids. Him and Uli. Ilia..."

"But..." Midna murmured, "You said Ilia told you to go. If it was so hard, why convince you to leave?"

"Because she saw how messed up I was," he finally looked at her, and she could see the shimmer of wetness just on the surface of his eyes, "She was just trying to do what was best for me. She didn't care about herself."

"Okay, but she knew she was having a kid. She had to, right?" Midna asked, "At that point she was choosing for him, too. For Ren. Why choose to subject her kid to a life with no dad?"

"I don't know. Maybe she thought I would come back... that I wouldn't be gone so long," he sighed, "I don't know."

She thought on it a moment, and it all made her rather mad.

"He shouldn't put it all on you like that."

Link didn't say anything.

"Everyone struggling, as he put it. Colin and the kids. Him and Uli. Ilia. You always put all of them first – you always put everyone first. You mean to tell me, the one time you decided to be selfish, they all fell to pieces?"

"It's not like that," Link said, "I left them all without a word. They didn't understand. They thought everything could just go back to the way it was before the twilight... and I just couldn't do it."

"It's not your fault that you couldn't do it," Midna huffed, "You went to hell and back again. They shouldn't have ever expected everything to go back to the way it was. That's a stupid thought."

"You were just calling me stupid the other day for the way I left."

"Yeah, it was dumb. That doesn't mean it didn't make sense."

Link looked at her. He could see she was hiding something.

"How did you take it?"

"What?"

"Leaving," Link said, his voice growing quiet as the vulnerability snuck back in, "Was it... as hard on you as it was on me?"

"I already said it was," she answered bluntly.

"What did you do? When you got back?"

Midna looked away, "That's not important right now, is it?"

"Yes," he said plainly, "Why wouldn't it-"

She pointed straight ahead. His eyes followed and he saw Ren standing at the entrance to the clearing. He didn't say anything, nor did he approach. He stood, looking downright petrified in place. Midna could tell Ren wanted to talk to his father.

"I'll leave you two alone," Midna whispered, and she went to sit with the light spirit.

Link closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, preparing himself mentally. When Ren still did not move, Link motioned for him to come closer. Ren obliged, but he still stood beside him awkwardly, as if awaiting permission. Link pat the ground at his side and Ren took a seat.

All was silent for what felt like ages. Link had no desire to talk, though he knew he should have. He should have longed for nothing more than to repair their fragile relationship. He should have desired to make up for all the years spent apart. He should have wanted many things, but he wanted none of them.

Ren, however, did want them.

"Can we... talk?" the boy whispered nervously.

Link did not look at him, and his reply was a curt, "Yes."

It was silent again. Ren thought long and hard on how to word what it was he needed to say, but the fear was stronger than him. Small talk was the only thing that surfaced.

"It's nice to be home..."

Link nodded, "I'm glad."

"Are you happy to be home?" Ren looked up at his father imploringly.

Link's gaze remained forward, "I'm not so sure this is home anymore."

Ren frowned, "Oh... I'm... I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault," Link said, and Ren knew he had to say his piece.

"I... I've been needing to tell you something."

"Go on," Link encouraged when he didn't immediately continue.

Ren looked anywhere he could that was not at his dad. He swallowed the lump in his throat and said, "It... is my fault."

Link turned to him, "What is?"

Ren twiddled his fingers and clamped his own hands so tight they turned red, "Um... all of it."

"Just say it," Link urged, growing frustrated.

Ren breathed deep and held it, "I was sneaking into your treehouse. I was playing with all the cool stuff in the basement... I started the fire. It was my fault..."

For a long time, Link simply stared. Ren could've sworn he saw a hint of shock flicker across his face, but it was quickly gone, and he once again showed no emotion. His eyes narrowed briefly, as if he was thinking of something, and then he looked away. The hero gazed off at the clouds rolling by overhead, and all he could think about were his failures.

"Are you... mad?" Ren whispered.

Link shook his head, "Not at you."

Ren knew what he meant. He looked down at his hands, and he felt a terrible pang of guilt in the pit of his stomach.

"I'm sorry..."

Link's jaw tensed. He wanted to say he was sorry. He was sorry for abandoning them all, but most of all Ren and his mother. He was sorry for leaving them all to question, to worry, to wonder. He was sorry that his son had to grow up without a father, without knowing, without stability. He wanted to say it, but he couldn't bring himself to. He could not look Ren in those eyes that reminded him so bitterly of Ilia and apologize. He had not the strength. The sheer uneasiness made his stomach queasy, and he wanted nothing more than to be done with the entire discussion. He didn't want to face all the truth he was learning, couldn't face it. It was like boulders falling onto his shoulders again and again and again, the weight slowly becoming incomprehensible. He didn't want to think about any of it anymore. He cleared his throat and got to his feet.

"Don't worry about it," he said with a forced smirk down at him.

Ren returned one just as contrived, and the discomfort was palpable.

"I'm going to go see Uli," Link said, desperate to end the conversation.

Ren nodded, but said not a word. He followed behind his father as he entered the village.

The townsfolk greeted their hero with smiles and tears of joy, each one clinging to him longer than the last. Beth sprinted up to him and jumped into his arms. He caught her with a genuine laugh and a stumble back, but he stabilized and held her as she cried. She introduced him to Evan, and Link ruffled his hair with a smile. Days could have passed in the many reunions before he was able to make it to that familiar house at the end of the path by the ranch. He saw Uli standing just outside, and a girl beside her. Link approached, and Uli simply stood with her arms out wide. Tears billowed down her face as Link embraced her.

"My boy..." she whispered in his ear.

"I'm sorry to have worried you..."

She pulled back, hands on either side of his face as she stared into his eyes, "None of that matters now. I'm just so glad to see you."

"Me, too," he smiled, and they released.

The blonde-haired girl standing beside Uli moved to front and center, staring with bright green eyes and a toothy grin.

"You can't be Calie," Link said in astonishment

She nodded excitedly and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I just knew I'd get to meet you one day."

Link laughed as he pulled back and really looked at her, "You were just a baby last I saw you."

"You've been gone a while," she said with a sassy tone and a hand on her hip.

He released a long breath he'd been holding in, "I know."

Rusl came up from behind him and clapped him on the shoulder, Colin right beside him.

"The time doesn't matter anymore. We're all just glad you're here," his father gave him a smile.

But something erased that smile. Link turned to see Bo coming slowly over to them. He had aged much more than any of the others had, and on his old face was nothing but exhaustion. Link stood tall and faced him.

"I'm glad to see you," Link held out his hand to shake in respect.

Bo looked down at it, and back up at him. Then, he wound up and punched Link in the face.

The others gasped as Link reeled back. Uli hastened to him with gentle hands on his throbbing face.

Rusl jumped between them and clamped down hard on Bo's arm, yelling, "Hey!"

Link stabilized and looked at Bo without a word.

"That's for my little girl," Bo said, and he wrested himself free.

Rusl tried to grab him and stop him from leaving, "That is no way to act, Bo! Link didn't-"

Link put his hand on Rusl's forearm, "It's fine."

Rusl looked at his son, then at his old friend. Bo grunted and headed back home.

Rusl sighed as he watched Bo leave. He turned back to Link, "I'm sorry."

Link had to concentrate to untense his shoulders, "It's fine. I don't blame him."

Uli frowned as she patted around Link's eye, already starting to swell, "Come inside. Let me fix it up for you."

Link smiled down at her but shook his head, "I'm fine. It's fine. I'd just... rather go be alone."

His family mutually appeared disheartened, and when it looked like Uli was going to disagree, Rusl stepped forward.

"Alright, son. Do what is right for you. I take it I will see you back in Kakariko?"

Link feigned a crooked smile, "I'll be there."

Link turned and headed back towards his clearing, plucking a piece of horseshoe shaped grass as he went. Calie was left looking utterly confused and upset, Uli appeared somehow content yet hurt at the same time, while Rusl and Colin looked understanding and sympathetic. Ren, however, appeared completely dejected. He felt as if he'd tried his very hardest to do the right thing, to come clean and to meet his father in the middle, but it seemed like every time he tried to bridge that gap, he was the only one reaching. It was like Link was falling and Ren was constantly trying to pull him up, but he always just let go. Ren went to follow him, but Colin held him back with a shake of his head and the words, 'let him be.'

So he did, for now.

Link stood in his clearing and looked up at where his tree once stood. He smiled to himself as he remembered it, as he remembered the times spent there. He had been alone most of the time, but he also remembered the kids coming up to play, Ilia coming up to keep him company, and at that his smile faded. He looked down and ran his fingers over the grass in his hand, and he thought of his friend.

He sat down on the stump that remained, and he brought one leg up in front of him. Supporting his arm on his lifted knee, he brought the horseshoe shaped grass to his lips. He closed his eyes and he blew into it. He played Epona's song low and slow, low and slow. The tune carried and he could hear Epona whinnying happily beside him, but he did not play it for her.

He played it for Ilia. And he played it, and he played it again. She had asked him so many years ago to teach her how to use the grass to play the beloved song, and he promised her that he would one day.

'It seems like it was forever ago that you told me you would teach me how to use the horse grass and you still have yet to. So I'm holding you to that promise... okay? You have to make it back home and teach me.'

'I will, I promise.'

But he didn't. He promised her more than once, and he let her down more than once. He had failed her in every possible instance. He wasn't there when she needed him the most, and he had yet to harbor a guilt so heavy.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, wiping away a stray tear, "But I'll show you now, okay?"

He looked up to the heavens, and he placed his fingers on the grass instrument.

"Hold it... like this..."

He held it high, then brought it just before his lips.

"Press your mouth... here... Then blow..."

The notes flittered with the birds and they carried them to her. He believed that with all his heart. The wind picked up and it swirled around him. It ruffled his hair and brought to him the smell of the forest. Grass, dirt, trees... He felt her there, and he closed his eyes and breathed it in. His heart felt full, and the song blew away on the breeze. He dropped the instrument to his lap and gazed up at the sky with a smile, and it started to rain.

He sat and let it trickle lightly on his face. He embraced it, for it was cleansing. He felt it sink into his skin and it seemed to melt everything away. The soot, the ash, the pain, the regret. They were rooted deep, but they grew lighter if only for the moment. His smile turned into a chuckle, and an onlooker he'd already felt the presence of made herself known.

"I think you've gone crazy," Midna said with a smirk. Her arms were folded as she stood under the nearest line of trees to keep dry. She'd watched him make peace with his promise to Ilia, but she didn't want to intrude.

"Maybe I have," he said with a hint of playfulness, still facing the sky.

"You're gonna get sick," she shouted to him.

"So?"

"So, I don't want to have to nurse you back to health... again."

"Then come get sick with me."

Midna laughed, "What kind of an invitation is that?"

"One you know you want to take up," he turned to her at last and kept on smiling as he extended an arm to her.

She rolled her eyes, but he wasn't wrong. She walked over to him, quickly getting wet, and she grabbed his hand. He stood up to meet her and they simply stood in the rain. It was a light rain, not a downpour, just a steady, refreshing sprinkle. It never rained in the Twilight Realm – Midna had to admit she quite enjoyed it.

Midna stared at him with a furrowed brow, "What happened to you?"

She pressed her hand just beside his left eye. It was swollen and turning black and purple.

"Bo punched me."

Midna cocked her head in curiosity.

"I deserved it."

She nodded in understanding.

They stared for a long time until finally Link spoke up.

"Everything was here all along."

"What was?"

"Everything I left to find. The twilight crystal, the door, everything was right here yet I spent half of my life scouring the edges of the world for them," he shook his head, "It was all… here, all along."

Midna just looked at him in sadness.

"I wasted so much time."

"All just to get me back…" Midna frowned, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I would do it all again."

She looked confused.

He sighed, "Look, I know we have a lot to talk about, a lot to figure out... and I know everything is still so messed up and unsure, but..."

He paused, and her heart raced as she anticipated his next words.

"There's so much I don't know, but I do know that you're the only thing that makes sense. You're the only thing that feels right. My heart physically hurts..." he placed a hand to his chest, "I feel so bad for what I've done, but... You make it easier."

She looked uneasy, "What are you saying?"

"Stay with me. At least just for a little while longer."

She didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything.

He saw her hesitation and he urged, "I still love you."

She opened her mouth to respond, but another voice stopped them short.

"You love her?"

It was Ren, and they turned to him with looks of surprise.

"That's why you left, isn't it?" Ren said, anger edging his voice. He glanced around, clearly grasping at the situation, "Me and mom were just... We were just..."

Link stepped forward, "Ren, let me explain. I didn't know-"

"No!" Ren stepped back, "You left us because you loved someone else? You're so... You're so selfish! I can't believe I ever looked up to you!" he screamed, tears welling up at his lashes, "How dare you!"

"Hey!" Midna interjected, "He's still your father! Show him some respect!"

"Why should I!" Ren yelled at her, "He abandoned everyone that loved him. My mom held onto hope of him returning every single day," he turned back to Link, "She loved you with everything she had and she never gave up on you! But you gave up on both of us... just because you loved someone else!"

He cried hard and didn't care to wipe the wetness from his face. Midna's heart broke in two as she glanced between father and son. Ren looked like the earth had shattered beneath his feet. Link looked like his heart had been cleaved from his chest.

Ren sobbed without abandon, sheer fury and disappointment fueling his tears. But there was also sadness there for his mother, thinking back on all those years she spent lonely, and being unable to hug her now and tell her how much he loved her.

"I was mean to her," Ren whimpered, "The last conversation I ever had with her… I made her feel bad for you not being around, as if it was her fault. Now I know everything was your fault."

Link exhaled a painful breath - he knew nothing he could say would fix it, so he said nothing.

When no one spoke, Ren's indignation only heightened.

"I'm so... disgusted," he spat at last, and when neither party moved to speak even still, he stomped out of the clearing, but towards the spring rather than the village.

Link did not turn to watch him go. He hung his head and wallowed in the encompassing regret. Midna did watch him go, and she worried what he would do in his state of anger.

"Should we follow him?" she asked.

Link shook his head, "I think he just... needs space. He'll go back home once he's cooled off…"

Ren trudged to the spirit's spring where he had left Mila to graze. He could feel his ire like steam bubbling over. He was so angry, and the more he thought on it, the angrier he became. He was angry at his father, but also at Midna, at Rusl, at Colin, at everyone. None of them gave him a second thought. None of them cared about what mattered to him. He was always abandoned, left by the wayside, forgotten, dismissed. Not anymore.

He'd wanted to rescue Emeline since the day she was abandoned – just as he had always been – back in Castle Town. They'd left her with Viscen, who was cunning and dangerous, and none of them paid him any mind all the times he'd said he wanted to go get her. Now, he would go get her himself.

And maybe he'd even kill Viscen in the process.


One demanded by a king, one sequestered by a boy.


A big thank you to the following for helping me get this chapter out there!

Big Jake, Lee Glerum, Jared Thomason, Moonfairy, Jacob Peachey, Owen Reilly, Anonymouse, Ivalee, Lotus Eater, Ethan Carney Fesler, Silvia Delgado, Emily Zuber, Sabine, wingdesire, Brandan Saldaña, Eponas, Rob Walters, Yami No Nokutan, Mandelbrot, Jessie, Gabby-J, Claudia, Chloe Rose, Debora, SonadowKokoro100

You guys are amazing!