Author's Note: WHEEEEE!! I got Chapter 4 done! I'm still having a bit of trouble with writing this since my other computer's gone XP BUT have no fear! As long as I get the login password into the laptop, I'll be able to continue writing! :D Alrighty, reviews!

Lady Akhisane: I'll try to write faster _ But thanks anyway for reading my fanfic! And Ilia is a nice girl and all, but I'm jealous of her for being hooked up with Link SOOO many times! :(

SkittyStarikova: Yayz! I got ppl hooked onto my story! :D

Angela: Well, I'd expect that Ilia likes to control things considering how she even yells at Mayor Bo O_O" And there's too much fanart with Ilia and Link together! I don't like that! RAWR!

*drumroll* Ladies and gentleman, heeeerrrrreeeee's CHAPTER FOURRRRRRR!!!! (Note: I don't think I put in as much editing time as I usually do, so sorry if there's any terrible mistakes.)

Chapter 4 – Goodbye

Ilia's house was still neat and normal just like we left it; all that we had to do now was prepare for dinner. Somehow I was able to pass the day without any breakfast or lunch. I really have no idea how I even got through the day! Well, whatever. At least I'll be able to eat soon.

"Father?" Ilia called, "Theresa and I are back!"

"I'm in the kitchen, Ilia!" he replied, unseen. I didn't even know they had a kitchen... Who knows? Maybe Link has one too. But that's probably just that pot that's always stuck over a fire. "Did you invite Link like I told you to?"

"Yes, Father!" What?! They already planned on eating dinner together?! Why would they do that? I assumed that it was to talk about how I'm gonna get home; I already told Ilia that I'm not from here, and as for Link, I have no idea how he found out. Perhaps Ilia somehow told Mayor Bo about it and set it up with Link. Or maybe I'm just thinking too much...

I took a seat at the stairs leading to the bedroom and continued to ponder about this. Either this is a tough puzzle to solve or I'm going paranoid with the dinner... It took me a little while to notice that Ilia was setting up some dishes and silverware on a round wooden table. I stood up from the stairs and strolled over to her.

"Hey, any way I can help?" I asked.

"Oh! Yeah!" she answered, facing me, "Go ahead and take these cups and place them near the plates." I nodded and carefully took some glasses from her hands, doing my best to imitate the way she held them earlier. I followed her instructions exactly and finished it quickly; hey, my Mom makes me do this kind of stuff too! And I'm still pretty used to doing it fast since I usually want to get to the TV after chores. Once I completed the task, Ilia disappeared somewhere. Hm, maybe she's in the kitchen helping her Dad. Well where is it located anyway? They never had a kitchen in the first place! Or at least none that I recall.

Wandering around the house, I finally came across an arched opening that I never saw before. Then this is probably the kitchen! I entered and found the mayor slicing some vegetables while she was heating up some bread over a fire. Huh, I really expected them to have an oven or something. Oh well. Maybe Hyrule isn't very high in technology yet; either that or they're just making it warmer. I'd better stop thinking too much or my brain's gonna die...

"Hi, Mayor Bo!" I greeted. His closed eyes went to my direction. I always wondered how he saw things with his eyes closed like that. As far as I know, I only remember one time he actually opened them in the game.

"Good evening, Theresa. I assume that you met all the villagers?" he asked, pausing in his work.

"Not everybody; Pergie was too busy and Rusl--- I mean, Uli's husband is on an errand. But other than that, I met most of them."

"Ah, good, good." And on that note, he gave me a quick grin and proceeded in slicing and dicing bright red tomatoes. Frankly, the large old man isn't very neat in cutting something as juicy as tomatoes. Seriously, the juice was pretty much squirting everywhere as he sent the knife down the darn thing!

"May I help you?" He paused once more, and turned.

"Are you sure? You don't really have to."

"Oh, it's alright. I used to help my parents all the time with preparing meals." He seemed a bit hesitant, but he smiled anyway and searched around a bag in some corner of the room. Once he finished, he returned with a fresh, green cabbage.

"I am grateful for your help, Theresa. Can you please tear off the leaves of this cabbage?" Again, I nodded and took the vegetable in my hands. Mayor Bo also gave me a bowl to place the leaves in every time I take them off. It's easy to tell that we'll be serving salad for tonight. I began to take the leaves quickly and ripped them into evenly sized pieces, carefully putting them all inside the bowl.

Back home, we would always buy the pre-made salads from the grocery store rather than make it with the necessary ingredients. It saved us a lot of trouble, but I used to make a lot of sandwiches with cabbage and tomatoes, so I've got some experience with making it.

Once the bowl was nearly full, I gave it to Ilia's father, who added the sliced tomatoes with it and tossed the mixed items around. Mayor Bo once again searched in that brown bag and took out some spinach leaves. I wonder just how many vegetables are in there. Maybe Jaggle sends fresh crops to him or something like that. Either way, everything looked so... brand new! They looked much better than what I find at the grocery store!

"Ilia, is the bread done?" She rotated to face the two of us while holding a plate full of steaming loaves of bread.

"Yes, Father." Even if it was just heated up over a fire, a lovely smell wafted into my nostrils. It was as though they were freshly baked straight from the oven! Hearing my stomach growl loudly, I held it tightly with both my arms as the two turned their attention towards me. I smiled sheepishly.

"Uum, heh heh heh," I started, "I-I haven't had breakfast or lunch yet, so..." And my voice trailed off after that. They both looked at me with an understanding gaze and chuckled briefly. I joined in for a moment with a blush that refused to leave my face, giving my lightly tanned skin a soft red color. After we all calmed down, we began to place the prepared food on the table where we were going to dine for the night. I didn't think that they ate like vegetarians all the time, but that's somewhat expected seeing that they farm for food.

Soon enough, a firm knock was made on the door. It must be Link!

"Come in!" Mayor Bo ordered. The door opened and revealed the young Hero of Hyrule. Honestly, I'm surprised that there weren't any people who followed him back home. It makes it seem like they didn't think much of his endeavor of saving Hyrule...

"Hello, Mayor Bo, Ilia, Theresa," he greeted, holding a bag in his hand. I didn't notice before, but Link looks so cute in that farming outfit! I can only imagine what he looks like in the Hero's Clothes! Well, I've got a pretty good idea what he looks like in it since I've repeatedly defeated Ganondorf in Twilight Princess. But I owned the Wii version, so it's the mirrored type of the whole game. I'm still trying to get used to everything being all switched around.

"Good evening, Link," Ilia said.

"Please, everyone sit, sit!" Mayor Bo bellowed right after his daughter, "We have much to discuss." Hm, maybe they really are going to talk about how I'm gonna get home. Can't be too sure though. Link walked over and explained that he decided to bring some food as well. And seeing that we only have a large bowl of salad and bread, he found that it was the right decision. He revealed what he brought.

It was a neatly wrapped piece of fish that was roasted thoroughly, and rather than giving off a usual raw odor, it smelled delightful; not to mention very appetizing! There's no way I would ever survive on just salad and bread anyway. The fish had a broad nose and a pair of whiskers; it must be an Ordon catfish! All I ever caught in the game in Ordon Village was Gillfish... Those guys are everywhere!

Link set the roasted fish on a plate that Ilia brought over to the center of the table. I sat down at a random seat. I ended up sitting in between Ilia's father and Link. Ilia sat in front of me. Oh my gosh! I'm sitting next to Link!!

"Alright, let's eat first, and then discuss!" the mayor corrected, instantly taking, like, half the fish. Hey, he's a big guy, I don't blame him! I allowed Link and Ilia to take their piece of the catfish, which left me a decent piece. Eh, I guess that's okay. I filled a small portion of my plate with some salad, and took a small loaf of bread. Silence overcame the dining area, of course excluding the continuous munching and chewing. Oh, don't forget the gulping. We all drank cool water.

That meal was very delicious; the catfish was cooked to perfection! Whoo! Now I know Link knows how to cook! It actually reminded me of my own father's cooking. He would always try to eat healthy, so most of the time he would grill something, usually fish. Link's cooking was almost similar to Dad's... As I began to get lost in my memories, it was easily broken by the mayor's booming voice.

"Ah! That was tasty, Link! Thank you for bringing the fish." Link smiled and waved a hand.

"It's no trouble, Mayor," he said.

"Well then, time to get serious," Mayor Bo finished somewhat sternly. My attention was immediately caught. I'd better listen to this if I'm ever going to get home. "Link, I assume that you are already aware that Miss Theresa's home is not around here." Link nodded.

"Theresa," he continued, turning to me, "Ilia told me about your home while we were in the kitchen. It sounds very different from what might be found around Hyrule. Are you sure that your home isn't nearby?" I paused for a moment. How would they react if I tell them that I'm possibly from a different world?! I can't hide it from them forever, because, well, that's where my home is. Then how can I keep from sounding unbelievable? I gave a small sigh. Might as well come out with it. There's no other way I could tell them.

"Well, I guess you could say that... Would you believe me if I tell you something?" They all just looked more curious rather than puzzled, but their eyes showed that they would. "I... I'm not from this world. Or at least I don't think so..." Now I was just confusing myself!

They all remained quiet. Ugh, I knew they wouldn't believe me! For a while, nobody said anything, but rather, they all just stared at me like I was a freak. It was as though the information was still processing and registering in their minds. I even waved my hand in front of their eyes, and they remained frozen.

"Um, hello?" I said. The three of them flinched.

"S-Sorry, Theresa," Ilia apologized, "It's just that... That's a strange thing to say... Not to mention sort of unlikely." Her father only moved his head up and down in agreement. I glanced at Link, hoping that he would at least say something positive. Finally, he spoke his opinion.

"I believe you." I almost jumped up with joy while Mayor Bo and his daughter looked at him in slight disbelief. They obviously wanted an explanation.

"It makes sense that her clothing isn't anything like ours," Link started, "She can be from another world like that. And then what about that Kargaroc? They don't usually attack just anybody. And if they do, they'd just kill them on the spot. It's already weird that it would bring her all the way here without killing her." Okay, it was obvious that he was making up the second reason, but Ilia and Mayor Bo seemed to buy it! After some thought about this, the mayor nodded and said,

"Very well. If you are really from another world, then we'll help you return!" He sounded so confident that he could help me, but I had no idea what was on his mind. Moreover, that was a rather quick answer. His voice didn't even carry the slightest amount of hesitation.

"Yeah," Ilia joined in, "We'll do all we can to get you back. Don't worry; I'm sure that there must be some way for you to get back home." Link was in deep thought, or at least he looked like it since he was giving the same face that I would make when I daydream.

"Maybe we can get you back the way you came in. Why don't you tell us everything that happened to you recently?" I really didn't think that it would work, but it might give them an idea. I told them everything; about that weird dream with the creation of Hyrule, that wish I made a year ago, and the sudden earthquake and falling through the floor. They were intrigued by the narrative and listened to everything I said. It took up a good five minutes or so until I was done.

"Well, we certainly can't get you back by waiting for a shooting star!" the mayor pointed out. Pfft, yeah, no kidding.

"I have an idea!" Ilia yelled, snapping. We all stared at her closely, willing to take any idea that might work. "There are rumors that our ruler, Princess Zelda, is gifted with a power by the three goddesses. Maybe she can use that power to return you home!" We all took this in consideration, and finally agreed that I would travel to Castle Town to see her. Yet one problem came into my mind.

"But aren't there a lot of monsters out there like that Kargaroc that attacked me?" I have no knowledge of fighting whatsoever and I don't think I can handle the monsters as easily as Link can. Almost as soon as I finished pointing this out, Link added,

"That's why I'm coming with you." I almost yelled out a disbelieving 'WHAT?!' but held it. He's going to escort me to Hyrule Castle?!

"What?!" Ilia said instead. I jumped a little. She was a bit loud.

"Ilia, this seems to be the best decision. We can't risk her safety," he explained.

"It's true," her father agreed, "If Theresa is to return home safely, then Link should go with her." Ilia looked like she was about to cry, which made me feel both confused and guilty.

"But you can't go!" she wailed. Not like a baby, but more like begging. "You just returned home six months ago from your journey! Must you leave again?!" So Link defeated Ganondorf six months ago. Wow, that's not too long ago... Well it sort of is, but time flies by fast, y' know? Understanding Ilia's concern, I spoke up, much to my dislike.

"Well... I don't have to go travel with Link anyway... I can take care of myself I guess." The three of them looked at me in surprise. Heck, even Ilia was taken off guard. I went on somewhat shakily, "Just give me a horse and some food tomorrow morning and I'll be out of your way."

As a strange silence came, I decided to take my dishes to the kitchen, leaving the three of them to talk amongst themselves. I didn't bother listening in; all I heard was Ilia complaining. As much as I hate to go without Link, I think I can just outrun the monsters with a horse. That's what I did in the game when I'm low on hearts anyway. So what difference does it make in reality?

By the time I exited the kitchen and reached the stairs, I continued to hear the three of them arguing and listing out options that would satisfy everyone. Again, I didn't bother to listen in. All I did was give them a quick glance, and then went upstairs. I didn't know why I was feeling all depressed and emo-ish now; maybe I'm just disappointed that I can't be with Link? I really didn't know, but I just crawled into bed and forced my eyes to close until I eventually slept.

~ : ~ : ~

Despite my request to have a horse and some food by the next day, I ended up waiting for two days. On the bright side, I've gotten pretty close with the villagers, especially the kids. I'd play as the bad guy while Talo and Colin would try to defeat me whenever I went to hang out with them. Of course, being the tall girl that I am, I easily beat them and gave a signature "MUAHAHAHAHA!" every time I was victorious. Later on, I decided that I should pretend to be weak; I didn't want to break their self-esteem or anything.

And amazingly, I also got to know Ilia pretty well.

We had a lot in common in terms of favorite colors and hobbies; though I would've never imagined that Ilia loves to draw as well. We became pretty close in that short amount of time, and I was a little sad to leave Ordon Village. This was all like a life that I always wanted to live; the only thing that was missing was my own family.

Link seemed to be a loner since he would just work and then go home for the day. And by that time, I'd be relaxing in the spring by myself.

It was almost as if Link was avoiding me...

Whatever, not that I'd see him again after this anyway. But I really thought that I would get a chance to spend time with him; heck, I never even saw him work at the ranch! Well, nobody really gets everything they want anyway.

Also, throughout those two days, I was given early good-bye gifts. I was given new clothing from Sera and her family; hey, I had to change sometime! It looked sort of formal, but it was nice. Jaggle and his family gave me a bag full of food that should stay fresh for a while, and would last me for three days minimum. Uli and Colin (and their mysterious baby) gave me a spare weapon that Rusl hardly used. It was a regular dagger, but it was larger than a usual one. Nonetheless, it was easy to hide and just for emergencies. And from Mayor Bo and Ilia, they ordered Fado to get me a horse. It was a black horse with a white streak down its face, and its hair and tail were pure white as well. She didn't have a name, so I gave her a simple one, yet one of my favorites: Mei.

I was now preparing for my trip to Castle Town, wearing the dress that Sera gave me. It was a small black dress that fit me perfectly. It was slim fit and had short sleeves. The dress ended in between my thighs and knees; I guess it would be around 2-3 inches above my knee. It came with a small short sleeved jacket as well. It was a stunning gold color, and its sleeves were sort of... poofy... The jacket was small so that it ended somewhere in my upper back area. I also wore black knee highs with strange dark shoes; they looked like boots but they weren't as tall... And just in case, I wore my short shorts underneath my dress. As for my hair, I just let it fall to my shoulders while my side bang hung right over my right eye. Sera said that she once wore this when she was younger to go to Castle Town to celebrate a holiday.

"It may not be the best for traveling, but it's decent enough. And I won't have you see the Princess herself dressed in something unpresentable!" she said as I tried it on yesterday. My school uniform isn't presentable? Then again, not really. Even Zelda would think it strange to be dressed in such a fashion.

The rest of my clothing and shoes were stored in a bag, which were all washed by Ilia the day before.

Mei already had a saddle strapped onto her back that held supplies for traveling. A sleeping bag, and a large bag with many pockets and compartments on it were attached on either side of her saddle. All the villagers came to see me off; all except for Link. I was at the path that led to Link's house--- I mean, the exit. I didn't have that much experience riding a horse, but I knew enough to ride one. Seriously, I only went horseback riding twice!

"Good luck, m'dear!" Sera said, waving to me among the crowd.

"Thank you!" I replied.

"Come back soon!" the kids said in random order. I only smiled towards them and waved them good-bye. I used my left foot to step on the stirrup iron and swung the other side of my body onto the seat. Wow! I didn't think it was going to be that easy! The last time I went horseback riding, I needed the help of the guide to get up. Maybe I grew or something. And my dress didn't get ruined or revealed anything in the process (thank goodness!). Ilia walked up to me and Mei with a saddened smile.

"I hope you return home safely," she said, "Maybe we'll be able to see each other again."

"Thanks, and I hope so too." But honestly, I didn't think so. How would there be any way for me to return? I gave one last look at all the villagers, who were looking at me with sorrowful grins as well. I felt like I was going to cry.

"Thank you all for your kindness and hospitality," I addressed to all of them, "I'll try to come and visit you guys every now and then. I promise!" They all replied with their own answers or comments, each of their voices distinguishable, but said altogether to where I can't hear them all. "Goodbye!"

I kicked Mei in the sides and she began to run. As I gained more and more distance, all their good-byes were getting fainter and fainter. Surprisingly, it was easier to ride a horse than I thought! If it were not such a rough ride, then I might've been a bit more comfortable. I passed by Link's house, but looked away. I felt a bit angry with him; really, he didn't even wish me good luck or anything! He didn't even talk to me once after that dinner... And all that time I really thought that he was a great guy...

Tears threatened to pour out for two reasons: one, I'm leaving a village that pretty much became my second home. And two, Link ignored me! I breathed in to keep them from coming; this isn't a time to cry.

Mei and I ran past the entrance to Ordon Spring and onto the long, rickety bridge. It was rather sturdy to be able to hold all this weight, and it's longer than what it looks like in the game. We had to wait, like, two minutes to finally reach the earth again. After that, we kept on going until I finally reached a problem that I didn't think about earlier: there was a wooden gate stuck between me and Faron Spring. This must be the border between the Ordona and Faron provinces, but enough of that. The problem is that I can't make a horse jump over it!

I just sat there on top of Mei trying to figure out how to do it. Well let's see, in the game I'd make Epona speed up until she automatically jumps over it. Hm, would that work? Eh, worth a shot. And if it doesn't work, then I'm so screwed!

Pulling on the reins, my horse obediently backed up a good distance. I took a couple of deep breaths and leaned forward.

"Alright, Mei," I whispered in her ear, "Don't fail me now." Not that I spent a lot of time with her... I kicked her sides hard, causing her to neigh loudly and stand on her two hind legs. I nearly lost balance, but kept my legs firm around her sides and held on tight to the reins. This is so scary! Once she stood on four feet once more, she raced forward, not even allowing me a moment to collect myself. I hung onto the saddle tightly with one hand while the other was still glued on to the reins. Closing my eyes tightly, I waited for the jump.

Another neigh came from my horse, and I felt myself lift up, and then a rough landing was made. I felt Mei slow down to a complete stop before opening my eyes slowly and hesitantly. I'm ALIVE!! What was facing me now was Faron Spring! I turned my head to find the gate behind me as well. I made it! I actually made it! Still breathing heavily, I put a hand to my chest in relief. After a few moments of rest, I continued and made a right turn where Coro's house is located. Y' know? The guy with the afro who sells lantern oil?

He was just sitting on that usual tree stump, staring at the floor while small birds gathered on top of his hair. Coro noticed me and looked up. He gave me a smile and greeted,

"Oh, hey there, miss! Do you need anything?" I shook my head and replied,

"No thank you, I---"

"Well, do I have a deal for you!" he interrupted, reaching behind himself. I didn't think he was so enthusiastic about selling things. Oh well. Soon enough, Coro was holding a lantern in his hand.

"Tell ya what? I'll give ya this lantern for free! It's a good business tactic!" I blinked a couple times. He's actually giving me a lantern?! And it looks exactly like Link's! Wait, why am I still crazy for him anyway? He ignored me for two days! Jerk... Taking the lantern in my hands and attaching it to one of my bags, I thanked him. "Would you like to buy some extra oil with that, miss?" It's already filled with oil? Wow, I've got a feeling that he's gonna be a really good business man!

"Nah, I don't have any money or bottles with me right now," I said, "But I'll come back to you if I need any." Coro looked happy about that, and he nodded. Well he's a nice guy! After exchanging names (even though I already knew his) I began to ride again. As I reached the entrance to Hyrule Field, there were still those two purple goblin-things that stood there throughout the whole game. They would just walk around with their weapons resting on their shoulder, just doing nothing until something comes close to them. I wonder how they even survive!

Their heads jerked up as they heard Mei's hooves coming closer to them, and they took baby steps as they ran. Sheesh I can outrun them even without Mei! I easily passed them and they gave up as I got farther and farther from them. The sun shone brightly this morning with a nice view of the sky and a few white, puffy clouds hanging there.

Hyrule Field was a wonderful sight, excluding the monsters running and flying around in random places. Other than that, it looked so much better than the game! The plains were far and wide, and the grass was a bright green as it was bathed in sunlight. Taking a breath of fresh air, I urged Mei on until she ran. The wind danced through my loose hair as I leaned forward while riding. This was a really nice feeling; almost like a feeling of adventure.

The thing is that once I see Zelda, my little "adventure" will be over...

Watch out for Chapter 5! Don't forget to review!