Author's Note: Aargh, updating this is getting harder and harder along with keeping up with school... Sorry, my grades dropped momentarily and so I had to give this up for some time, though I'd much rather keep writing this rather than STUDY! Well, at least now my grades are fine, and I've finally gotten the time to finish up this chapter. I deeply apologize to any reader that's frustrated with me, or irritated, or disappointed, or any form of negative feeling towards me for being too slow with writing. Please don't hate me! D;

Well then, here's the next chapter.

Chapter 12 - Reunited

I walked upon the large tree stump that looked over the edge of a foggy abyss. A nauseous feeling overtook my stomach as I leaned over for a peek, but as soon as I felt that, I drew back from the rim. I breathed a couple of times to make myself calmer, but the blue bird with the afro wasn't helping at all. Ever since it noticed me enter the area, it's been squawking at me to buy something! It never bothered Link that much in the game! What a salesman...

"Niro," I called. I was immediately covered in that same creepy red glow as Dyten's soul, and it took the shape of that awesome dragon that I know and automatically love. Niro was at his "medium" size again, as I like to call it; not too big, nor too small. He lowered himself for me so I could mount him; oh boy, I had a feeling it would be a bumpy ride without a saddle. The two horses behind me neighed in fear, rearing up and kicking the invisible air with their forelegs. The golden Cuckoo, however, just strutted and sparkled as though it was the only beautiful thing in the world. I was surprised it could maintain its composure like that... I was sure that the two horses would not leave, though, since Epona would never run away when surrounded by enemies while I was playing. So Mei won't do that either.

"O-Okay, d-don't go too fast," I stuttered. He only grunted in reply, not wanting to speak. Without much reassurance, I wrapped my arms around his neck and we took off into the air. There was a strange, queasy feeling in my gut that increased as we ascended, but it was a good thing that from our ascent we began gliding. It was a nice experience just soaring through the air despite my tight grip around his strong, scaly neck, which was an obvious sign of fear. The side of my head was pressed against the back of his neck as well and my legs held tight around his torso. It wasn't the most comfortable ride, after all I have no saddle underneath me to support me, therefore I felt the dragon's large, bony spine immediately making my legs sore. Sometimes, I'd try to move a bit to get more comfortable, but it risked me losing my balance, so it's a lost-lose situation. Both Niro and Dyten seemed amused at this, whereas Sepherene and Kappa were just... I dunno, just not supporting me in any way?

We reached land fairly quickly. My once shut eyes opened slowly, finding that we landed at the right place. To my left I gazed upon one of the great Howling Stones, never taking my eyes off of it as I dismounted Niro. However, my little "hypnotized" appearance disappeared as I felt soreness in between my legs strike me again. Geez, I guess I was still getting used to the difference in shape between a horse and a dragon. Shaking my head, I remembered what I came here for, and drew out my short sword. The familiar red light enveloped the silent creature and returned to me as I entered the tall entrance to the labyrinth-like woods.

Upon entering, I stared up at the treetops, finding no sign of the sky and sun, yet there was light that didn't seem supported by the torches only. The floor was not covered in grass, but with leaves that have fallen, and underneath revealed firm cement. I did not have enough time to take in my surroundings completely, though, once I heard a high-pitched inhalation followed by the blowing of a trumpet. Skull Kid! I gasped, hearing the clatter of wood falling and rising. I stared at the things that had appeared before me:

Five wooden puppets.

Well, there was no other way to describe them, other than creepy and scary with their eternal smiles. I raised my weapon in defense as they came at me, but of course I was beginning to breathe unevenly from my anxiety and fear of what could happen. That was mainly because I have no idea how to use this stupid sword!

One puppet that was slightly ahead of the others swung at me with its arm, and I ducked underneath it and pushed it with the flat of the sword with all my might. It was enough to push it back into another one of its kind, but two more came at me. Once they both got into range, for they were both the same distance from me, I swung my sword at them with both hands. I managed to hit their heads, placing cuts upon their well-crafted faces. I made a run for it afterwards, and the final one attempted to hit me with its arm. Barely dodging it, I jumped to the left and managed to only get a small bruise on my upper right arm. I continued to run, but not mainly because of fear.

If I went after Skull Kid, then the puppets would be useless!

I followed the sound of the trumpet playing Saria's Song, and I had to admit, it was pretty loud. The maze seemed like it was never-ending as I chased the sound of the music while being pursued by the same five enemies. I heard it! It was getting louder! I ran through one more small tunnel and found him. Skull Kid played his instrument on top of a set of large stairs like I was nonexistent, swinging side to side in a childish dance. I wasted no time; I climbed up the stairs before he could disappear, and I slashed at him.

"Haaa!" I cried, my blade making contact with his wooden skin. He shrieked, ceased his playing and disappeared into thin air. All that was left of him was a set of dead leaves and his giggle. Another sound of clattering wood caught my ears and made me turn quickly, but all I found was a pile of those puppets. They slowly turned into an ominous black color and eventually exploded, leaving no trace of their existence. Wow, exactly like the game. Sadly, that was short-lived.

Another high-pitched inhalation and trumpet blowing occurred, which only called more of his lifeless minions to come after me. Aw man, this was going to be troublesome...

I ran once again. I didn't want to deal with them in a battle while I am at a disadvantage, but rather continue with my current plan. After all, it seemed to be the best solution anyway; if I kept this up, then it's guaranteed I'll win this little game of Hide-and-Seek. I had to follow the sound of Skull Kid's playing once more while running away from the floating marionettes. Scariest... thing... EVER! It's like a horror movie brought to life, except I wasn't screaming because I got used to their appearances through playing "Twilight Princess." Though the fact that I was being chased by those things is still extremely frightening.

The cheerful music led me to a tall, cliff-like structure surrounded by water. I excitedly remembered this area, but I was more happy to find the water. Concentrating, I made a small stream of water flow upward and float. The possessed, wooden marionettes were close, and finally finding the right time, I threw it at them with much force. It caused them to stumble back a couple of feet and fall upon each other, but unfortunately for me, it was taking its toll on my energy sooner than I thought. Once again, I used my extra time wisely. I ran through the water as quickly as possible, climbed up more steps that resembeled tree stumps, and attacked the master from behind.

The same pattern repeated: shriek, disappear, and call more minions.

The third time was even more difficult for me, and it actually took me some time to do it! I haven't played Hide-and-Seek in a long time anyway, and it never included scary things chasing after you, unless you consider small children scary...

After putting up with that game, I knew it was time for the final face-off.

I finally found the place that led to the Sacred Grove, but stopped before the ledge. Okay, I knew Link could just jump off and land easily on his feet without taking up too much health, if not none at all. As for me... I wasn't willing to take the risk of breaking my legs. After sheathing my sword, I found some vines off to the side, and I descended slowly once I got a good grip on some. Even going down the vines was difficult! This was because I had to make sure to keep a good grip, and it truly burned my hands. Of course, I let go after I found a decent height. I turned to face Skull Kid on top of an upright boulder. Around the area was a couple of rocks and tree stumps on the ground, and on the walls were some branches sticking out of the bricks. I finally got a good look at the real Skull Kid...

His skin had a strange blue-ish green tone to it, which made him look more like a zombie than a child made of wood like the ones in "Ocarina of Time." He also had lighter streaks decorating certain parts of his body and he was adorned with earthy clothing made of straw and leaves. In fact, he was wearing a type of cape that resembled a large leaf, which I did not notice before. He wore two bright blue earrings on each pointed ear, which was also not noticeable before. Skull Kid did indeed look like a zombie, though, also because of his incredibly skinny physique. Seriously, I never thought I'd see a kid with such thin legs! But his two most striking features were his red eyes and his toothy, never-ending grin.

Skull Kid's smile never wavered once even as he growled in frustration and stomped around like he did with Link twice before. I refused to let my guard down, however, and prepared for battle. He pulled out his instrument again, which had about five trumpets rather than one, but were all connected into a single musical device. He blew once more, and even more of his personal marionettes fell before me. I did not give them a chance to even get up. I sprinted to one of them and made a vertical slash down its head as it rose. Its head, surprisingly, nearly split! I struck it once more, cracking the majority of its head and making it fall. Like all other foes in the game, it turned black and exploded.

It wasn't long before I felt a sharp pain in my back. Apparently, one of the puppets managed to hit me, and it hit hard! It felt like if it were hit one more time, my spine would break! Somehow, I managed to dodge all the others that tried to follow it up, but I began to have some difficulty in standing. I had to go with the usual plan of aiming for their master...

I immediately targeted Skull Kid, who was conveniently playing his trumpet without a care in the world. I jumped onto the tree stump he was on and swung; to my surprise, I merely slashed at a bunch of dead leaves! The sound of the puppets' heads tilting continuously made me turn abruptly.

"Crap!" I cursed, nearly losing my balance. I leaped off the stump and ran quite a distance away from them, hoping to buy some time. I couldn't stand those damn puppets, and I knew the perfect way to get rid of them! I didn't want to have to use him in battle so soon, but I had to.

"Niro!" Even quicker than before, the dragon appeared. He was slightly larger than his "medium" size, but it was okay because he was still able to fit around the room. Without my having to command him, Niro opened his deadly jaws and took in at least five puppets into his mouth, their body parts crunching beneath the strength and sharpness of his teeth. As he took care of them, I made a run for Skull Kid once more, easily locating him. This time, I did a jump attack and slashed his torso vertically, ungracefully compared to Link of course. He screamed in pain, but regained his "happy," usual look just as quickly. He jumped and reappeared onto one of the branches that stuck out of the brick walls. Ugh, this was getting tougher.

His trumpet made its call once more, and the usual amount of puppets came in, surrounding both me and Niro. The dragon roared fiercely and swung his tail at three of them, and I thrusted as hard as I could at one of them. I quickly followed it up with a diagonal slice to the head and finished it off; really, I had no form with fighting, but rather I was just swinging with all my strength. Still, it worked. The foe fell and exploded, leaving one chasing me around. I was merely distracting it as Niro was finishing off the other three and devised a plan in my head as to how I would get to Skull Kid. Thankfully, Niro got the message. Telepathy really is useful!

Unfortunately for me, I failed to see a puppet ambush me. I gasped as it swung its arms at me, and I was not given any time to dodge or block at all; instead, it hit my right side. I screamed in pain and held it tightly with both hands, one clenched in a fist (since it held my sword) and the other flat and trying to apply pressure. I let go of one of my hands to look... And I found it red. My eyes widened in fear and shock; really, this was one of my first real wounds throughout my whole adventure here! I had no more time to think more about the situation, and I managed to dodge another attack from my enemy. I gritted my teeth to contain the pain, but to no avail. All I was able to do was dodge around and hold my wound to keep it from bleeding too much. It was rather deep, too... As it headed towards me, I saw that its right hand dripped slowly with my blood; I had not seen it before, but its fingers were not dull. It wasn't as sharp as a sword either, but the force of its swing was probably what penetrated my skin and flesh. I lost my train of thought soon afterwards, though, as Niro's great hand pounded it into the ground. Sheesh, it even left cracks around it once he lifted his hand!

"Theresa," he called. He obviously noticed my stunned, painful appearance. Getting a deep gash in my side was not a topic to be calm about anyway. "Theresa!" I flinched and shook my head. If I just stood here, then I'll be dead before I even know it. I nodded as a signal to continue with the plan I thought of before, and he nodded in reply. For now, it required letting go of my wound for a moment; there was no way those puppets were going to stop if its master was still in good shape.

His tail extended towards me as I jumped in the air, barely avoiding another marionette's deadly swing. I prepared for another leap once I landed perfectly on the dragon's tail, and he threw me up at the same time to give me an extra boost. I went up so high! At first, my arms and legs were flailing, and my breathing became so uneven. But somehow my grip on my sword did not lessen, and as I got closer to Skull Kid in mid-air, I focused once more. I let out a battle cry, using both the momentum of my fall and my own strength to slice downwards right in the middle of his wooden head.

It landed!

I could even feel the crack beneath my weapon, which gave me a very strange feeling... But that instantly disappeared as the boy before me transformed into brown leaves. Niro caught me at the right time in his large right hand. His timing left me without a bruise, but also increased the pain in my side. I groaned loudly and held it tightly. I needed help... Skull Kid reappeared, completely healed, for the third and final time. He gasped for air and played his music, as usual. Annoyance replaced the focus and adrenaline in me; I couldn't take this anymore! I wondered if Link felt like this with him, or even with all the other bosses that had to be attacked three times. To my surprise, my feeling seemed to pass on to Niro. The result of that...

Before the puppets could even land, he lunged for Skull Kid and got him with his left claw. The momentum of his lunge and pinning Skull Kid against the wall made a huge cracking noise, and this time it wasn't just the boy's body... Apparently, the strength of the dragon's force caused damage on the wall as well, leaving multiple cinches and fractures across it! Was my connection with Niro really that strong, or was he easily annoyed by the child's persistence as well?

Skull Kid gave out a painful cry as the final blow was dealt upon him. However, it didn't last long; he stared right at me with his beady eyes and eerie grin, disintegrating into dead leaves once more. Only his voice was left of him.

"Hee hee! That was fun! Let's play again sometime!"

Niro growled at the high-pitched voice; it was understandable, yes, and I couldn't feel more relieved to see him go. But I didn't come here for nothing!

"Wait!" I called, holding one hand out while the other remained on my side. No answer came. Frustrated, I continued, "Did you see a boy in green clothes? Where is Link?" I had a feeling that if he had gone to get the Master Sword between the time I teleported and my current situation, then he'd be gone from this place. Even so, Epona was still waiting for him at the entrance. So... What was up? Skull Kid did not react for some time. I waited for at least five minutes or so, staring at the sky, hopeful. Niro's voice would fill my ears of advice of what to do next, but for some reason I wanted an answer from the boy. Suddenly...

"Hee hee hee! You mean the blonde one?"

I perked up, and my eyes enlarged. "Yes! Do you know where he is?"

"If you want to find him, he's no longer here. He took the ancient blade and left; no time to play with me at all!"

"So where did he go?"

"Hee hee! Wouldn't it be obvious to you? Leave here and look around, silly girl!" With that comment, I was so sure I felt a vein pop out of my head in anger. Oh, how I hated being teased! After that, his voice never returned. Niro put me down on my feet, shrinking a tad bit in the process. He looked at me with what seemed to be careless eyes; I couldn't blame him since he hardly knew a thing about Link, yet he should know as he knows everything going on in my head. But at the same time, I had a feeling that he was at least concerned for my injury. Eh, he was a confusing creature... I mounted him slowly as to keep the pain from taking over. He even lowered himself so it was less of a hassle for me.

"Let's head back. I think I've got an idea." Of course, like the nosy guy--- er, dragon--- he is, he would've known where I wanted to go. First, we flew away from the Sacred Grove; I was still sort of afraid of heights, so I continued my "hugging" position. Niro returned to my soul as I reunited with Mei and held onto her reins with a bloody hand, pulling her to the exit of the rocky area. I really needed help... As I looked at Epona, I was still puzzled as to why Link would leave her here all alone. He should be nearby then, right?

Suddenly, I heard footsteps. They were light, but close enough for me to hear them. I drew my sword instantly, ready for whatever was coming. Yeah, I was tired and injured pretty badly, but I had no intention of dying or anything! I stepped closer to the exit and raised my sword with my right hand. It was getting closer... Closer...

I yelled as I was about to swing, but along with my yell was... screaming? I lowered my sword as a person fell onto the floor with a "scared as hell" look. I was stunned as I saw a familiar face.

"Ilia?" Her clear blue eyes were wide with fear, but it was replaced with an amazed expression. I siged heavily with relief, "Oh my God, Ilia, don't do that! I nearly---"

"Theresa!" she cried, embracing me tightly. I was completely trapped and suffocating, grunting as her grip only tightened with happiness. Clearly, she didn't see my current state, and so it caused the bleeding to increase slightly. I coughed multiple times, and found some blood to be spewing out of my mouth. Oh God, help me! "Oh my gosh, everyone in the village was so worried about you! You didn't return and neither did Link, but---"

"Wait wait!" I interrupted, breaking free of her hug, "Link hasn't returned to Ordon Village?" Yes, that was the place I was about to head to. Skull Kid said it should be obvious and close, so that was the first thought on my mind. Ilia was about to answer with a grin, but it was smacked off of her face immediately once she finally saw my injury. Guess she was too happy to notice?

"W-What happened to you?" she gasped, hands to her mouth.

"Answer my question first!" I continued.

"Well, if you had let me finish, then you would've found out that he did return..." Now I was the one with the stupefied expression. He was safe? I couldn't cry in happiness or jump for joy, but I only asked questions. And for a moment, I also forgot about my pain.

"B-But he left Epona here, a-and---" Ilia huffed irritatedly.

"That's why I came to pick her up! Geez, I've had many talks with him about caring more about Epona, and look at what happened! He left her all alone! But don't worry, I gave him a good talking to." Haha, typical Link. Well, I couldn't say "typical," but it was typical of me when I played the game, I'd leave Epona at the most random places and run into her again later on. So I sort of understood now... I sheathed my sword and held it, gritting my teeth tightly. My shoulders were shaking as though I was ready to cry; it was from both happiness and from the deep gash in my flesh.

"T... Theresa? We gotta get you to---"

But as soon as she said that, I ran past her. She continued to call my name with a "scared for my safety" tone. But I kept running, and running all the way towards Ordon Village. As I continued, tears were flowing back through the sides of my eyes, wind blowing against my face and my hair dancing along with it. I finally recognized the Ordon Spring and sped through it, finally reaching that familiar treehouse. And there, in front of that cheap scarecrow with a pumpkin as a head, stood...

"LINK!"

He had his back toward me, and slowly turned at the sound of my voice. A breeze lifted his forest green hat slightly along with some strands of his dirty blonde hair. His sapphire blue eyes finally met with my dark brown ones, wide with surprise.

"Theresa?" he said in disbelief, "What are you still doing here?" His beautiful eyes were still wide, and he ran up to me as he saw me bleeding. I was finally beginning to lose consciousness and got dizzy. I saw his scared expression as I fell into his arms. He yelled some things to me and began to carry me somewhere. The world spun around me, and I was in the worst condition I've been in yet; despite all that, I smiled and giggled a little. Link looked at me as he continued to run, confused but still scared for me.

"I'm glad... You're safe..." I managed to say, still smiling the whole time. As long as he was safe, I was content. With that, I finally blacked out...

~ : ~ : ~

I woke up on a soft bed with a thick blanket over me. I blinked a couple of times as light invaded my eyesight; thankfully it wasn't sunlight, so it wasn't as blinding. Instead, it was light coming from a lantern. I grunted as I tried to sit up on the bed, but was soon pushed down from my shoulder. I looked up at whoever was trying to push me back down.

Link.

I was at a loss for words... I couldn't believe I was seeing him again. The belief that this world was a dream came again.

"Lie down," he instructed, "You need to rest." Without saying anything, I lied back down again. He sat at the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving me. I, however, stared at the ceiling and at my surroundings. I was in Link's treehouse. I wonder how he got me up the stairs... My attention averted back to him as his words reached my ears. "Why are you still here? Did the Princess do something wrong?"

I explained the whole story to him, along with freeing Dyten from his Forbidden Gate and trying to find him in the Sacred Grove. I punched him in the arm at the end of my explanation with a smile. He flinched a little and looked at me, confused.

"You see what trouble you put me through?" I teased. Link just looked at me with amazement. "What's wrong?"

"Well..." he started, "I'm just surprised that after all that, you're still smiling like this. Shouldn't you be mad at me? Or mad that you're still here?" I looked up to the ceiling again.

"I'm not so sure myself... I guess I'm just thankful to be alive, and thankful that you're safe too." There was a moment of silence between us, and I was actually beginning to wonder if I had said the wrong thing. But seconds passed, and he began to laugh.

"You're a really, really strange girl!" His smile seemed to gleam and brighten up the room. Not literally, of course, but... It made me happy as well. Moreover, I blushed a little; on the bright side, he didn't notice it. Link stood once more. "You must be hungry after all 'the trouble I put you through.'" I nodded quickly, realizing how hungry I was now. He was amused with my instant energy, and climbed down a ladder to get my food.

I felt around where my wound was, but found it was completely gone. I even lifted my tunic to see my skin without any mark or scar or anything. He must've taken me to the Spring; I was so excited to see him again to actually go there myself. How stupid am I...

But I was with Link again, and that was all that mattered.

Oh my God, this chapter's finally done! Again, I'm sorry for not updating sooner (read my note above). Please review, and feel free to give any advice for me to update faster, make this story better, etc. I appreciate all reviews and criticism. Thank you to all my devoted readers, by the way! You guys are awesome!

:D