Here's Chapter fourteen. It's a bit long, but it's exciting! At least, I hope it is... Hahah enjoy!

Chapter Fourteen: A Stroll in Hyrule Field

LINK POV

When Link and Zelda entered Telma's Bar, they were completely spent. They weren't prepared for the greeting that Telma gave them when she caught sight of them.

"Link! Princess Zelda!" She cried as she walked around the counter. "Where in Hyrule have you two been?" She put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows.

"My apologies, Telma." Zelda bowed her head respectfully and nudged Link discreetly, making him also bow his head.

"What was going on out there? You went to find a dog and ended up leaving for over a day!" She continued. Then she sighed, moving her attention to Link. "At least you found our young hero. Speaking of which, weren't you sick, hon?" Her face became full of suspicion.

"Uh…" Link had no idea what to say. Instinctively, he looked to the princess. She was already ahead of him. Her cleverness never failed to impress the Hero of Hyrule.

"Perhaps, out of his sickness, he walked in his slumber. That's probable, isn't it?" Zelda said. She sounded much more confident about her answer than she actually was, but only Link could tell. Telma narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms on her chest.

"And? Where did you find him?"

"Well, it took me a while, but I found him in the field in Southern Hyrule Castle Town." The princess lied skillfully. Link nodded, trying to convince Telma of their story. "He was fast asleep."

"What about the boy's sickness? He looks perfectly fine right now!" Telma was determined to foil their plan, and she could see straight through them.

"To be honest, I don't know what happened. I was awfully worried when I found him, but when he woke up, he was feeling better." Zelda explained.

"How is that even possible, Princess?" Telma was definitely not afraid of anything, not even standing up to the princess of Hyrule.

"Neither Link nor I understand it, but it happened." Zelda shrugged with a sigh.

"Why should I believe you?" Telma accused.

"I honestly don't fully understand what occurred. What else could've happened?" She raised an eyebrow wittily. Only Link knew that she was only partly lying.

"Uh," Telma opened her mouth, but then closed it again with an expression of contempt. "Fine. You've got me. Turns out you really do hold the Triforce of Wisdom." The woman rolled her eyes with a snort but a coy grin.

"Thank you," Zelda smiled humbly, though Link saw a sliver of mischief in her eyes. She had won. "But, if you don't mind me asking, where is Ilia?" As Zelda asked that question, Link realized that his somewhat irritating best friend was nowhere to be seen. His eyes frantically scanned the bar in search of her, but to no avail.

"I don't know." Telma sighed. Link whirled around to face her, his brow furrowed in curiosity and concern. "She left this morning to look for you. The girl just ran off into the Castle Town! Now I have no idea where she is."

"You're saying that Ilia left without a map and not knowing where the hell she was even going?" For the first time, Zelda's composure slipped. Her temper was rising, and Link finally found something that really irked her: Ilia.

"Um," Telma was caught off-guard by Zelda's outburst, as was Link. The princess's fists were clenched, and Link could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. "I guess so, sweet pea."

"I cannot believe her!" Zelda cried in frustration. "Now she's just creating more problems for Link!"

"Shh," Link said calmly, putting an arm around her shoulder reassuringly.

"It's not fair for you. You do everything for her, and all she does in return is run away, cause trouble, and scold you. Can't she just be considerate for once? In addition to running away, she stole your horse! It's not your job to babysit her!" She just couldn't stop. Link sighed and squeezed her shoulders comfortingly.

"Now, Zelda dear, maybe you should calm down a bit." Telma stepped closer.

"As if Link doesn't already have things to do! Quite on the contrary, he has a million of things to do, and now we have to worry about Ilia! It's truly not fair!" She grumbled. Link blinked at Telma, who shrugged with a confused look on her face.

"The adorable girl was only trying to help him," Telma said.

"You're defending her?" She cried angrily.

"Princess, if you don't mind me saying, you're overreacting a bit." Telma touched her arm gently, trying to calm the young princess. Zelda closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Link sensed her getting a bit less anxious in his arms.

"I know." She admitted. "I'm sorry." The Zelda that Link knew had returned. At the same time, he wanted her to let her emotions flow. He wanted her to trust him with her feelings…

"Don't worry about a thing, hon." Telma smiled good-naturedly and pinched Zelda's cheek. "Now why don't you two go get some rest? You look dead tired." Zelda nodded, and Link accompanied her as they made their way upstairs.

"I'm sorry I let my temper get the best of me." Zelda apologized when the reached the room where Link had transformed two nights ago. Link simply shook his head and rubbed her back. "Thank you for being so kind to me." She smiled at him, and he impulsively tucked a lock of hair behind her pointed ear.

He reluctantly pulled away from her to prepare himself for bed. However, in his mind, he wasn't preparing himself for bed. He was preparing himself for something much bigger…

"I shouldn't have said those things about Ilia. I know she's your best friend." Zelda sighed guiltily. Link took off his hat and ran his hand nervously through his blond hair. He was appalled at all the tangles that he found. "I can tell that she's sweet, kind, and she truly cares about you. What I said was uncalled for, and I apologize."

"But it's true," Link mumbled almost inaudibly, more to himself than to Zelda.

"What?" She furrowed her brow. "Sorry, I didn't hear."

Link simply shook his head, keeping his eyes glued onto the wooden floor. It didn't matter what he said.

"Link." Zelda said his name in a serious tone, and he glanced up at her. Then she smiled sneakily. "Think about your reward. Don't think I haven't forgotten. I'm still waiting for your request."

Link rolled his eyes with a chuckle, and Zelda bit her lip as she looked away.

While Zelda slept on the bed, Link lay on a mat spread out on the floor. He wasn't a very picky person, and he was comfortable with frankly anything. Zelda had been reluctant to take the bed, but Link had persuaded her.

Link was far from sleeping. His eyes were wide open as he lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He was still fully dressed except for his hat, which sat with his knapsack, sword, and shield in the corner. He simply lay there for a few hours, until he was certain that Zelda was fast asleep. Then, for a few minutes, he listened to here even breathing and her movements in the bed as she slept.

Though he was hesitant, Link slowly stood up while trying to be as quiet as possible. Link took a deep breath and moved towards her. He wanted to get one last look at her before leaving. Link found himself smiling as he gazed at her, tilting his head habitually. He resisted the urge to touch her cheek, and forced himself to leave her bedside. He was practically on his tiptoes while he made his way to his things, and then equipped himself with everything he needed. He took all of his weapons, his shield, and swiftly put the hat back on his unkempt hair.

His stomach turned once again when he thought about leaving Zelda, but at the same time, he knew it was bound to happen eventually. And either way, Ilia needed his help. He couldn't let her stay alone out in Hyrule without anybody to help her, and he didn't want to lose her. But still, he found himself irritated with her foolhardy actions.

She couldn't have just stayed put for a bit. Link rolled his blue, droopy eyes as he closed the bar door lightly behind him. Oh well… I should expect this from Ilia. Of course she's going to steal my horse. What else does she have to do with her life?

Castle Town was nearly deserted as he made his way towards Hyrule Field, and memories of his journey with Midna came flooding back. He remembered running through Castle Town as a wolf, frightening everybody. He remembered following the scent of the statue and bringing Prince Ralis here. He remembered battling Zant in front of the barred castle, and trying to find Ilia's memory. But most of all, Link remembered Midna. For some reason, he couldn't get her face off of his mind: not her regal, true face, but the impish face that Link had come so accustomed to.

Instinctively, once he stepped out into the grass of Hyrule Field, Link pulled out the Master Sword. Instead of having it as a burden, Link felt more like himself with the sword in his hand. It had pulled him through the entire journey, and was the reason that Ganondorf was slain. It was all because this blade of evil's bane… the only weapon with the power to banish evil. However, he felt as if he hadn't held it in forever. As he walked on, he swung it habitually and did a few twirls.

After his small reunion with the past, Link turned his attention to the mission at hand. Ilia was waiting for him, and she could've been anywhere. It was yet again his duty to save her, but this time, it actually was her fault.

ILIA POV

Ilia found Ooccoo and her son to be quite interesting company. The young Ordonian stayed on the ground, grabbing Epona's reins to lead her. Ooccoo walked at Ilia's side while Ooccoo Jr. floated around her head with a lost look on his face. Ilia grew to be quite fond of the small Oocca, and they soon became quite trusting of each other. She was a very caring, motherly creature.

"So, dear, what brought you out here to Hyrule Field all alone? It's dangerous, oh yes, quite dangerous." Ooccoo asked in that high-pitched voice of hers.

"Well, you see, a friend of mine got lost." Ilia began with a sigh. "I came out to find him, and actually, this is his horse. I stole her…" There was a hint of guilt in her voice. "But I needed her to come find him! And now, well, now I'm lost."

"Don't worry! I'll help you find your friend and your way back home." Ooccoo smiled.

"Me, too! Mama and I can definitely help." Ooccoo Jr. intervened happily.

"Well, I'd like to help if I can! What is it that you're looking for?" Ilia grinned. They had so eagerly agreed to aid their 'fellow adventurer,' and of course Ilia had to help them in return.

"We cannot return home until we find what we're looking for. No, of course not!" Ooccoo shook her head vivaciously, and Ooccoo Jr. simply started flapping faster.

"Erm… what are you looking for?" Ilia pressed on.

"I'm looking for a certain person, you see. Gracious yes!" Ooccoo smiled. Ilia was beginning to get a bit aggravated with her short answers.

"Who?"

"What was his name again, Jr.?" Ooccoo looked to her son for assistance.

"Um… Chad? Shay?" He suggested, but his mother shook her head.

"Something like that. Word of this special man has spread to my home, and now, we need his help!" Ooccoo continued.

"Well, I'll do whatever I can to help you find him." Ilia smiled. Suddenly, Epona pulled on her reins and bobbed her head with a frightened whinny.

"Epona, what is it?" Ilia whispered as she pet the horse's face, trying to calm her. Her brown eyes were wide, and she let out another stressed neigh.

"Gracious, the horse seems to be in distress." Ooccoo observed.

"She's not usually like this," Ilia sighed, and then began muttering kind words in Epona's ear. Something wasn't good. And Ilia realized what it was in the next two seconds.

"Oh, dear!" Ooccoo screeched, flapping her wings.

"Mama, what is it?" Ooccoo Jr. asked in a frightened voice, inching closer to his protective mother.

"Get behind me!" Ilia shouted bravely, stepping in front of the kind little creatures. There, hulking in front of her was the most frightening monster she'd ever seen. He was two-legged, like a human, and at least eight feet tall. He was covered from head to toe in black armor, and he held a wide, jagged sword in his hand. The small slit in his helmet revealed narrow, red eyes. When he stepped forward, all three of them took respective steps back.

"The source will not be destroyed…" The creature rumbled; his hoarse voice erupted menacingly through the air. Ilia was now breathing quickly and struggling to stay calm, but she had to do it for the Oocca. She was willing to sacrifice herself for them, though she had known them for less than one night. Her protective instincts simply kicked in.

"Stay away," Ilia warned, though her voice was shaky. The creature halted abruptly, then threw its head back and laughed cruelly. Then it ominously lifted the large sword in its hand.

"No." He said. "It is you who must stay away from the source."

"I don't know what source you're talking about! Leave us alone!" Ilia continued.

"Protect the source!" With those mysterious words, the creature brought down the sword straight towards Ilia.

"NO!" She shrieked, diving to the side. The sword just barely skimmed her, and the Oocca fluttered about in a panic. The creature let out a frightening roar and advanced toward Ilia, who was now panting and on the ground. He once again brought down the sword, vertically.

Ilia separated her legs, and the sword landed right in between them in the grass.

"Ah!" She screamed, and hastily backed up. "Somebody HELP!" She shouted into the air, hoping that somebody, somewhere, might hear her.

The creature pulled its sword out of the ground in an irritated fashion, and continued advancing. Ilia stood up shakily and kept backing up. It growled again, and then swung its sword with monstrous speed.

A bloodcurdling scream escaped Ilia's mouth as the sword sliced right into her delicate arm. She dropped to her knees as she clutched it with her other hand, clenching her teeth. The pain was overwhelming, and everything was white.

"The one who threatens the source must die!" The monster cried.

"I… didn't threaten… any source…" Ilia gasped, barely able to understand what it was saying. But she accepted the fact that she was about to die. She closed her eyes and bowed her head, anticipating the final blow.

The sound of the sword whooshing through the air towards her reached her ears, and she whimpered. Suddenly, the sound was interrupted by a swift footstep, and then she heard the sound of metal against metal. Ilia used what little energy she had to look up. There, standing above her, was the one and only Hero of Twilight: Link.

He had stepped in front of the creature, and their swords were now clashing. Link was being pushed backwards by the strength of the creature, and he grunted as he fought to stay standing.

"…Link?" Ilia groaned. Her hero ignored her and simply tried to maintain his ground. He had both his hands on the hilt of his sword, and his teeth were clenched while the creature pushed against him. They turned around until the creature's back was to Ilia, and Link was beginning to lose strength. The creature took advantage of that fact and gave the sword one last push.

Link grunted loudly as he stumbled backwards and was left wide open. He regained his footing swiftly. The monster plunged its sword toward him horizontally. Link, of course, was too fast. He did a small jump to the right, and then did a somersault. Finally, he jumped up behind the tall monster and spun as he swung his sword. Blood gushed from the slice in the creature's back, and it screamed as it tripped forward. Link kept his shield up, ready to attack again.

"Wow…" Ilia chuckled quietly as her vision became blurred. Then, she lay down on her back and stared up at the sky. "I knew you would come. You always do."

EPIC! Haha if you also think so, PLEASE REVIEW! Hahaha sorry about the cliffhanger, but I just love those ;) And, to MikieJoe: the monster was all for you, my friend! Like, literally, you gave me the idea. Hahaha thanks, and I hope you enjoyed the first part of this battle! Chapter fifteen is coming soon, so keep an eye out for it ;)