Sorry about the long wait; my computer is going to kick the bucket at any given time, so I'm not able to upload as easily as I used to. I'm sorry if my writing is a bit formal or different compared to other chappies; I realized I haven't updated this story in a looong time. This one's going to be a rather brief chapter though. Anyway, expect to see your favorite antagonist coming up soon...

I sat frozen to Irine, watching Link and Epona gallop towards the oversized Bulbin. As the two opponents almost met, Link suddenly swerved Epona, and brought his sword swiftly around. It struck the Bulbin, and it grunted loudly before moving on the other side of the bridge. It turned to gaze at me for a moment and I understood; this is not a joust just for Colin's safety, this was a joust for mine also. I knew he knew I had no chance fighting him for Colin. Great...

The boar suddenly reared, and they both barreled towards each other once more. As they neared closer and closer, I was starting to freak out to put it simply. However, with an audible "HYAAA," Link did a spin attack on the Bulbin that sent him flying over the bridge. The spear that the monster was holding rested on the ground, and Colin was still tied to it. Epona reared one last time, and Link ran over to Colin and began to untie him. "We need to get him back to Kakariko, fast." He muttered to me, throwing Colin on the back of Epona. "Go warn Renado that we're coming."

I kicked Irine, and we shot like a bullet back to Kakariko. "Renado," I hollered, "Link will be back soon, and you'd better get prepared. He nodded, and retreated into Elde Inn. Just then, Link rode into town, an unconscious Colin in tow. Renado waved him in the inn. I turned toward Irine; she was covered in sweat and she was also breathing heavily. I led her towards the spirit spring, and she began to drink the cool water deeply. I remembered suddenly that you shouldn't give a sweaty and exhausted horse cold water. Irine trotted reluctantly behind me as I led her to a post and tied her to it.

The door opened, and Link was carrying Colin bridal style. "Try resting him near the spirits' spring. It should make him feel better." Renado called.

Link gingerly carried Colin to the spring. Suddenly Colin stirred as the water lapped over him. "Link?" he muttered.

"Yes, it's me Colin." Link replied softly. By now, all the children from Ordon, Luda, Renado, and I were gathered around.

"Is everyone...OK?" he said more clearly.

"Yes, thanks to you."

"Good." Colin smiled faintly. He directed his gaze at Beth. "Beth... I'm sorry. You know...for shoving you. Are you mad?"

She shook her head.

"I... I think I finally understand." He said suddenly.

"About what?" Link asked.

"I understand what my dad meant when he told me I needed to be stronger, like you, Link...He wasn't talking about strength, like lifting stuff. He was talking about being brave...Link... You saved me, didn't you? You... You can do anything. You can do something to help the Gorons in the mine too, can't you, Link?"

Link rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Yes."

Colin smiled once more, and then passed out. Talo gasped, and crawled over to him, trying to carry him to Renado. With a strong grip, Renado picked Colin up, nodded at Link and I, and left without a single word. "I'm going to have to get a new shield." Link said.

"Why? What's wrong with the one you have?" I asked curiously.

"Well, if were going into a volcano called Death Mountain, I wouldn't want to use a piece of wood to block fire."

"Uh... I see your point." I said while mentally smacking myself. We walked into a beaten up building that would've never attracted my attention had there not been a couple of faded pictures of Malo and the phrase "MALO MART" on there. As soon as I walked in, I was creeped out. Little Malo was peeking over the counter.

"Hey...You can look at stuff, but don't you DARE just take things. That's MY valuable merchandise. You want it, you pay for it. I decided to take on this unmanned shop. Buy something, It helps the whole village if you do" Malo muttered in his weird mature baby voice.

"Can I get that shield?" Link asked, pointing towards a metal shield on the display.

"For 200 rupees. Fork them over" Malo replied, holding out his small, baby doll hand.

"200 rupees?! For that small shield?" Link muttered while fishing the money out of his wallet.

"It's worse over in Castle Town. 100 rupees for a measly bundle of arrows!!! And don't even get me started on their red potion!" he sighed "Maybe I can't become a hero, but I figure I can help people out with heroic business deals. You'd better work hard, too..." he said, glaring up at me.

Oookay...