Our heroes are once again being chased by angry Zoras . . . One zora to be exact . . . the shop keeper to be even more precise. Yes, unfortunately our heroes had to resort to thievery again (Good Job Guys! :D). Since the Zora King is dead and all no one gave them the blue tunic so they thought it would be okay to just take one from the shop. How they came up with that conclusion; we'll never know.

"This is all your fault Linda!" Stephanie shouted.

"You should just be happy we got Link the tunic!" Linda said.

"Just admit that you're a dumbass and shut up!" Navi shouted.

"NEVER!" Linda retorted.

They ran down Zora's river and dodged all the dead fish the shop keeper was throwing at them. When they reached Hyrule field they saw Epona next to the river. They jumped on and rode off into the sunset . . . And towards Lake Hylia.

"Why didn't we just warp there with the Serenade of Water?" Sage asked.

"Because we like making things harder on ourselves." Stephanie said irritably.

"It just wouldn't be the same if we didn't." Linda said.

"So explain to me again why we stole this shirt." Cheyenne said; looking at the blue tunic tied around Linda's' neck like a cape.

"Is that why the shopkeeper was chasing us?!" Link asked in surprise. Everyone gives him an odd look.

"Of course it is, why else would he have been chasing us?" Sage asked.

"I thought animals weren't allowed in the shop or something . . . and he was a big stickler on obeying shop rules." Link said.

"You must've not been looking when Linda took it." Stephanie said.

"That's because while you heathens were causing trouble again; Link was being a law-abiding citizen and properly looking at the stores products with no intent on taking it for free." Navi said irritably.

"Can you say that again without using such big words?" Linda asked; feigning ignorance.

Navi glares at Linda "Why do you have to be such a dumbass all the time?!"

"Why do you have to be such a whiny bitch?" Linda retorted.

"That's enough you guys; we have more important things to worry about." Link said.

"Yeah, like where the hell a duck get some food around here." Stephanie said.

"If you wait a while longer we'll be able to catch fish at Lake Hylia." Link said.

"I doubt it since it's all dried out." Linda said.

"Since when?" They all (but Sage) asked.

"Since Link went seven years into the future, duh." Linda said.

"But the lake was just fine when we were there." Cheyenne pointed out.

"Yeah, but that was quite a while ago; a lot could've happened since then." Linda said.

"You talk like you know something we don't." Navi said.

"That's because I do. . . probably." Linda said.

And sure enough, when they got to Lake Hylia the lake was almost dried out. Link stopped Epona next to the Professor's house and jumped off; the animals did the same. The sun was about to go down so they decided to ask the Professor if they could stay the night. They walk up to the door and Link knocks on it. A few seconds later the Professor swings open the door.

"Whatever you're selling I don't want it." The Professor stated. He's about to close the door but Link stops him.

"Actually, we're not here to sell you anything." Link said.

"We?" the Professor questioned; seeing how it was just Link standing in his doorway.

"Professor!" The animals shouted happily.

The Professors' expression brightened up when seeing his old friends "You guys are still alive!"

"Did you really think we'd die that easily?" Stephanie asked.

"I was a little worried yes." The Professor said.

"Ye of little faith." Sage said.

"So Professor, do you think we could crash here for tonight and maybe grab a bite to eat? We'll go catch dinner of course." Linda said.

The Professor looks at Linda with confusion "What do you mean by 'crash here'? You better not be leaving any gigantic holes in my house; it's almost winter I'll have you know."

"No, what she means is if it's all right with you, can we stay the night?" Cheyenne said.

"Oh, well why didn't you say so?! Of course you can!" The Professor said, ushering them inside.

"Thanks a lot." Link said.

"Hey now, I've never seen you before." The Professor said.

"Oh sorry, my name is Link and this is my fairy Navi." Link said.

"Hello sir and thank you for letting us stay the night." Navi said.

"Oh of course, of course, you must be that fellow that got lost in the castle courtyard for seven years." The Professor said.

"What?" Link and Navi questioned.

"Are you not the one that got lost in the castle while running away from the she-demon and her witch servant?" The Professor asked.

Navi glared at the animals then looked back at the Professor "Please tell me you don't actually believe that lie."

"Makes sense to me; I mean, you were missing for seven years." The Professor said.

"Because we were in the Sacred Realm!" Navi shouted.

"Is Zelda really a demon?" Link asked.

"Who's Zelda?" The Professor asked.

"What do you mean who's Zelda?! She's the princess of Hyrule!" Navi said.

"I don't know if you noticed, but I haven't left my house/laboratory in over sixty years; I don't even know who the princess was when I was a kid." The Professor explained.

"I bet you don't even know Lake Hylia is almost dried out." Navi said irritably.

"Now you're getting it." The Professor said happily, "Wait, Lake Hylia dried out?" He asked in surprise. Navi rolls her eyes.

"All right, everybody just calm down." Sage said.

"I don't want to hear anymore lies!" Navi shouted.

"No, the Professor just misunderstood us." Stephanie said.

"What do you mean?" Link asked.

"We told him about our adventures at the castle and that you were going to be asleep for seven years and I guess he took that and kind of made up his own story." Stephanie explained.

"He is senile." Linda said.

"Yes, I am at that age, aren't I?" The Professor agreed.

"You seriously think we're going to believe that?" Navi asked irritably.

"Why not? I can't control what comes out of my mouth anymore ass licker." The Professor said with a smile.

". . . maybe we should just find something to eat and call it a night." Link suggested.

"I kind of want to hear some stories from him." Linda said.

"Leave him alone." Navi said irritably.

"So Professor," Sage said, ignoring Navi, "How's that human potion going?"

"I feel like I failed you." The Professor said.

"Why?" The animals asked.

"Because the potion was kidnapped by aliens and taken to the Gerudo Fortress for experimenting, but when they realized they didn't have the technology for experimenting they threw it into space to see how it would react to the sun." Cheyenne explained.

"And I thought you finally got your head back together." Sage said.

"I've been fighting the urge to stare at things that are usually glaring at me." Cheyenne said.

"And how'd that work out?" Linda asked.

"That shark is glaring at me." Cheyenne said.

"Your sanity didn't last too long, did it?" Linda said.

"I don't want to hear that from you." Navi said.

"Oh, well that's understandable since sharks eat meat and whatnot." Stephanie said, referring to Cheyenne and the shark.

"Yeah, but I've never seen them eat a bird." Linda said.

"Want to find out?" Cheyenne asked.

"Are you offering yourself up as a sacrifice?" Sage asked.

"Oh shit!" Cheyenne screamed, "I almost forgot I was a bird."

"Why the hell is there a shark here in the first place?" Navi asked.

"I got lonely after the animals ran off to save you two; so I stole this bad boy from my next door neighbor." The Professor said.

"Wow, you really are senile." Link said.

"And we're just going to forget the fact that he himself had to drag that shark all the way over here, squeeze it through the front door, and toss it in this weird diving tank?" Navi asked irritably.

"When you're lonely, you're lonely." Linda said.

"NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY SENSE!" Navi shouted.

"I'm going to go look for dinner, why don't you come with me Navi?" Link asked.

"Please! I need to get out of here!" Navi shouted as she flew out the door.

"We'll be back later." Link said.

Link walks out and closes the door behind him. The animals turn to the Professor and he gives them an innocent smile. They give him an unpleased look.

"So what really happened to the human potion?" Stephanie asked.

"Oh, well I thought that subject was dropped already." The Professor said nervously.

"Come on Professor, fess up." Linda said.

"All right, I just can't lie to you girls." The Professor said with a sigh, "That little pig thing came back and stole it."

"Damn you Miss Piggy!" Sage shouted.

"Kris." Stephanie corrected.

"When did she get it?!" Sage asked.

"A few days ago." The Professor said, "But I've been trying to recreate the potion; that's why that shark is here."

"Why would you need the shark?" Stephanie asked.

". . . Maybe because the shark is the pond owner . . ." The Professor admitted.

"You turned the pond owner into a shark?" Cheyenne asked in disbelief. The Professor nodded.

"Thank God!" Linda shouted, "He was a pain in the ass! Honestly Professor, you did Hyrule a favor."

"Maybe, but I still haven't gotten anywhere with the potion." The Professor said.

"That's fine Professor, we'll figure it out together." Stephanie said.

"No, we have to start completely from scratch! That pig took everything! From all the notes we took to the book Miss Impa gave you!" The Professor said hopelessly.

"But why would she need all that stuff?" Sage asked.

"Probably to turn herself back into human." Cheyenne said.

"Or maybe to perfect Sean." Stephanie added.

"He's perfect the way he is." Linda said.

"I had a feeling you'd say that, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a possibility." Stephanie said.

"Either way we don't have anything! I can't turn you back into humans!" The Professor said.

"Don't worry about it Professor, like I said, we'll figure it out." Stephanie said.

"I can try, I'll probably mess it up again, but I can try." Sage offered.

"I meant that the Professor and I could figure out." Stephanie said.

"Oh, well that works too." Sage said.

*With Link and Navi*

They were walking across the bridges with Navi complaining about the animals. Link did his best to tune out the complaining and seem like he was interested; you know, so he doesn't hurt her feelings. Once they got to the little island with the tree and transportation platform thing Link decided enough was enough.

"Come on Navi, They're not that bad." Link said with a frustrated sigh.

"Easy for you to say; they never treat you like shit!" Navi said.

"It's all just fun and games." Link said.

"Sure, until someone loses an eye! And I'm really hoping its Linda." Navi said.

"Why not have them all lose their eyes?!" A familiar voice suggested.

"Not a bad idea." Navi said.

Link and Navi look up towards the top of the tree and see Kris "What are you doing up there?" Link asked.

"I'm always watching you." Kris said.

"That sounds like something Linda would say." Navi said.

"Aren't you guys supposed to be looking for food? Why the hell are you over here?" Kris asked.

"Mostly exploring," Link said with a shrug, "but there's just so much food you can find in a dried up lake."

"Smart ass." Kris muttered irritably.

"So, again, what are you doing up there?" Link asked.

Kris looked at them seriously "There's something I have to tell you."

Link and Navi glance at each other with odd expressions then turn back to Kris "Okay, what is it?" Link asked.

Kris jumps down from the tree and lands in front of Link "It's all lies."

"What?" Link asked.

"Those rodents you call friends; they're lying." Kris said.

"See! I told you those good for nothing little shits are . . . good for nothing!" Navi shouted.

"What they say about Zelda, where they came from, even Sean! They're all lies!" Kris shouted.

"How would you know?" Link asked suspiciously.

"Because we used to be great friends back on Earth." Kris said with tears in her eyes.

"Earth? I'm pretty sure that's where they said they came from." Link said.

"Seriously?!" Kris asked; surprised, "I figured they would've made up some random name."

"I thought they did at first too, but now that you're saying it I kind of believe them." Navi said.

"I never thought I'd hear you say that." Link said.

"Hey, we've agreed on a few things before; like our hatred for the bomb brothers." Navi said.

"Sure that may have been true, but they've lied to you about basically everything else! You can ask them!" Kris said while stomping her hoof.

"Listen, Kris, I know you don't like them but making up stuff like this is kind of-" Link started.

"Zelda's not a demon!" Kris shouted.

"We kind of already know that." Link said.

"They're the ones that broke the bridge outside Hyrule market, and the bridge leading to Gerudo valley, and they killed Dampe!" Kris shouted.

"Why are you trying so hard to get me to hate them . . . Wait, they killed Dampe?" Link asked.

"Don't act so surprised." Navi said dully.

Kris screams in frustration "You just don't understand! I'm losing . . ." she stopped herself from finishing her sentence.

"What are you talking about?" Link asked.

". . . They're just using you! They never wanted to be your friend or help you; they just wanted some idiot to protect them as they prance around Hyrule!" Kris shouted.

"That's not true." Link said irritably.

"Yes it is! Those seven years you were gone they were finding a way to turn human again so they could leave you behind! Not only that, but since they got tired of waiting for you they created a replacement!" Kris shouted.

"What?" Link asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, Sean is your replacement. He's in the water temple right now! Go see him!" Kris said.

" . . . I don't believe you." Link said hesitantly.

"Then why have they never told you about Sean?" Kris asked.

"I don't know-" Link spoke.

"Or why haven't they told you anything about what they did those seven years you were gone?" Kris interrupted.

"Because-"

"How do you know they think so highly of you? Maybe it's just because you want to think everything's all right between you guys." Kris kept going.

"I just-"

"Are you sure they even consider you a friend?" Kris pressured Link.

"But-"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" It was Navi who interrupted this time, "Those retards may be a lot of things, but one thing I know they're not is Link's enemy! If they were just using Link then they wouldn't be putting their lives on the line to help him save Hyrule! We know they're not always honest, but they'd never betray Link!"

Link and Kris stare at Navi in disbelief which she just rolls her eyes to, "I only say that because Link doesn't deserve to do this on his own. I worry about him as his guide and to have him have these unnecessary thoughts just because some pig has nothing better to do . . . well, I won't allow that."

Kris glares at the two for a while until she finally admits defeat "Oh never mind! But you'll be sorry!" she shouted before throwing a deku nut on the ground and flashing away.

Link turns to Navi with a gentle smile ". . . I . . . I honestly don't know what to say."

Navi turns a shade of pink "Oh shut up! I did it for you and only you!"

"Yeah but, I never thought I'd see the day you'd stand up for them." Link said with a chuckle.

Navi sighs "Listen Link, I didn't want to talk about this with Kris around but . . . I'm not saying she's right or anything, but I do think we need to investigate a little more about those animals."

"What?" Link asked.

"I know you probably think I'm over thinking this or something, but just hear me out." Navi said, Link nodded hesitantly, "we know nothing about those animals Link. Sure they're from some different planet but that's all the more reason to be suspicious of them. What makes you so sure that they're really on our side? We've seen them do criminal acts; some of which you got involved in. You're at a point in your quest to save Hyrule where being on guard is a high priority."

"But they're not bad!" Link said.

"They're not good either! It's time you figure out where they stand in this fight between good and evil." Navi said then noticed Link's miserable expression and sighs "Don't get the wrong idea Link I really do hope they're trustworthy; mostly because I can't stand to see you alone. I'm you're guide and I want what's best for you . . . even if that means getting rid of those idiots that you, for some odd reason, really like."

Link cracks a smile and nods ". . . I still say they're good."

". . . For your sake I hope they are." Navi replied.

*TO THE ANIMALS*

"Ten frog eyes, seven strands of Octorok hair, and . . ." The Professor said as he pondered what was in the potion.

"Half a cup of tektite blood." Stephanie finished for him.

"Oh yes, how could I forget!" The Professor said.

"Octoroks have hair?" Linda asked.

"Is all that stuff seriously what you guys used to make the potion?" Sage asked.

"Of course." The Professor said.

"I think I'll pass on turning into human now." Cheyenne said.

"Oh come on, it's not like you have to drink it." Stephanie said.

"Well that's not entirely true," the Professor said; the animals glare at him "Well the effects of the potion need to affect your whole body, inside and out." He explained.

"If we rub it on our body won't the potion just seep into our pores or something?" Cheyenne asked.

"Wouldn't that be the same as drinking it?" Sage asked.

"Maybe, but at least I won't taste it." Cheyenne said.

"It unfortunately doesn't work that way." The Professor said.

"Then why did you test it on Link's strand of hair last time?" Linda asked.

"It was just a test; I didn't want to have you drink it and possibly die." The Professor said.

"Yeah, we would never have you guys drink anything we didn't know was deadly or not." Stephanie said.

"But you had us drink many failed experiments before that." Sage pointed out.

"Yeah, but they weren't deadly." Stephanie said.

"I'm just happy the last one didn't cause any mayhem." The Professor said.

"I wouldn't say he didn't cause some trouble though." Cheyenne said.

"You can go head and make as many Links as you want." Linda said happily.

"It really seems like we were coming up with some kind of 'copy' potion." The Professor said.

"So if we used that potion on Linda we'd get another Linda?" Sage asked.

"Unfortunately yes." The Professor said.

"What do you mean unfortunately?" Linda asked irritably.

"That way if you die we can make a replacement." Sage said.

"Replace who?" Link asked. They all looked towards the front door and see Link and Navi.

"Did you find any food?!" Linda asked expectantly.

Link ignores Linda's question "Replace who?"

"Uh . . . anybody really." The Professor replied, "Stephanie and I came up with some kind of 'copy' potion, still in the works of course, that somehow duplicates things. We tested it on a strand of your hair in fact."

". . . and that's where the Sean character came from, right?" Link asked.

"Indeed." The Professor said.

"In other words, you replaced me?" Link asked.

"Link what's wrong? Did something happen out there? You're usually not one to freak out about the little things." Stephanie asked.

"Do you need a tight squeeze?" Linda asked.

Link gives his friends a stern look "I honestly don't think being replaced by some nobody is considered a little thing."

"Link, calm down, just tell us what's wrong." Cheyenne said.

"Okay, then tell me this; are you only using me to turn back into humans?" Link asked.

"Link, we haven't made any progress in turning back into humans." Stephanie pointed out.

"But the only reason you even talked to me was just to turn back human, right?" Link asked irritably.

"Well . . . it was mostly so we could sneak into the castle and save Kayla, but that didn't work out as planned." Sage said.

"Either way, I was just some tool for you guys." Link said.

"Link, let's be rational." Navi mothered.

"If anything, we are kind of like to-" Cheyenne started.

"Stop making it seem like we're the bad guys!" Sage interrupted, "We haven't tried taking over Hyrule or killed anyone!"

"What about Dampe?!" Link asked.

Sage started to get a little nervous "Well . . . I wasn't exactly there when it happened, but . . ."

"So basically you're admitting to being a criminal!" Link noted.

"Link, I think what the pig said is getting to your head." Navi said.

"We criminals have done nothing but help you!" Sage shouted, "How many times did you depend on us for answers? Or how many bad situations we got you out of?"

"Most of which you got us into." Navi added, referring to the animals.

"We're on your side, why are you having such a hard time believing that?!" Sage shouted.

"Because I feel like you've just been lying to me right from the start!" Link shouted.

"Link, I'm sure we've lied to you many times before, but trust me when I tell you that most of them were just for fun. If it were anything serious, we wouldn't lie about it." Stephanie explained.

"Waaahhh! Link don't leave meeee!" Linda shouted as she clung to Links' boot with tears in her eyes.

"I . . . I don't know who to believe anymore." Link said.

"You don't know who to believe?" Sage mocked, "how about believing in the friends that were with you every step of the way? Sure a lot of shit happened while you were in the Sacred Realm that we didn't tell you about, but we were there when you left and when you came back."

"And hey, we're still here now." Cheyenne added.

"Link, don't leave me." Linda said; still clutching on to his boot.

Link sighs, steps away from Linda, and turns toward the door "Sorry guys . . . I think I'd rather go to the next temple alone."

"What?!" the animals asked in surprise.

"I just need some time to think." Link said.

"About what? About how your friends stayed by your side your whole adventure with no ulterior motives?!" Sage shouted.

Link turns back towards the animals "Do you understand how badly I want to believe you right now?! What am I supposed to do if you guys betray me and I'm left all alone?!"

"Link, I'll still be here." Navi said.

"We'll never betray you!" Linda said; obviously ignoring Navi.

"I just need some time to sort out my feelings. . ." Link said.

"By yourself?! I thought you didn't want to be alone." Stephanie said.

"I just need to." Link said.

The animals stare at Link, hoping he'd change his mind about going alone. He sighs again "I'll be back by morning." He mutters as he heads out the door. They all just watch in silence.

"Link, why not just let them go? That's the only way you'll find out their true intentions." Navi asked as they headed into the dried up lake.

Link stops walking and turns to Navi "Navi, stay here with them."

"Excuse me?!" Navi asked in surprise.

"I said I wanted some time to think." Link said.

"But Link I'm your guide!" Navi said.

"I'll be fine." Link said before continuing down into the dried up lake.

Navi watches him in shock for a while before she finally decides to head back into the Professor's house. They all just stare at her with raised eyebrows.

"Link didn't want me to go." Navi said.

"Can you blame him?" Linda asked.

"Oh shut up!" Navi shouted.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!... ya... I was planning on having two chapters up for christmas and another surprise, but obviously that didn't work out the way I wanted it to. But I hope you guys had a great Christmas none the less. Mine didn't really feel like Christmas, but that's probably because it never snows where I live. meh. Whatever.

I've started the next chapter, 5 pages written already(Woo?!), and it's almost done so i'll post that on New Years . . . maybe sooner since it's supposed to be a Christmas present and then I'll also have the surprise done with it so I'll write about it at the end of the chapter.

I hope this chapter met up to your standards; I'm no good with writing arguments so it may seem a little awkward. Either way, Merry Christmas again and I'll see you next chapter, which hopefully will be soon! BUH-BYE