Disclaimer: See Prologue.

A/N: Well, here's chapter two! I have added to it. I apologize for the lack of updates people, but just to make this clear… I am NOT going to abandon this story! No way! This is something I will not give up on, so no worries to those of you who like the story so far.

Let Chapter 2 Begin! Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Requests and Suspicions

Italics=thoughts

-Ordon Village, the next day-

Link woke up and had made his breakfast. As he ate, his thoughts went to Ilia, and how she stormed off after their "disagreement". I just hope it doesn't cause trouble between me and the Mayor, he thought to himself. Once he was finished, he put his clothes on and headed outside. He jumped off the small ledge outside of his home and made sure Epona was fed and that she had enough to drink. He patted her on the muzzle and smiled.

"See ya later, girl. I'll come get you at noon." He said. Epona snorted an affirmative and Link made his way to the village. After some conversation with the village shop owner, Sera, and agreeing to meet Rusl at his house after work, Link dove into the small river that ran through Ordon and swam to a small, hidden area to work out before noon. 15 minutes before noon, he finished and swam back to the village. Ilia was waiting for him, her gaze to the ground.

(Link's POV)

Oh, boy. Bring on the apologies, I thought as I approached her. Ilia looked up at me with an ashamed expression.

"I'm sorry for my outburst yesterday, and for the way I stormed off on you. I still don't agree with you, but I won't lose a friend over this." She said. Looking me in the eyes, she asked the question I knew was coming.

"Can you forgive me, Link?" I smiled and hugged her.

"Of course I forgive you, Ilia! You're family to me and I'll always be here for you." I said. Ilia pulled away and smiled back.

"Thanks, Link. Well, I won't keep you. Off to work, mister!" she said in a mock- serious tone. I laughed and said goodbye to her, and went to get Epona. Surprisingly, she was waiting for me near the hill leading to Rusl's house. Then again, I thought, Epona is the smartest animal in Ordon, no offense to the goats. I shook my head and mounted her, patting her on the crest.

"You never stop surprising me, do ya?" I said to her. She snorted in reply and we set off for the ranch.

-Ordon Ranch-

For the next 3 hours, Fado and I got busy cleaning out the goat pens, exchanging the hay, cleaning out the dung, and exchanging their water. Once that was done, we repaired the fences and finished the other minor chores that needed to be done. Finally, all that remained was for me and Epona to herd the goats into the barn. I climbed on to her, and we got to work. After years of practice, it only took us 10 minutes to herd them all. Fado came running, his face shocked.

"Wow! Ya'll wrapped that up in just 10 minutes!" he said. I chuckled.

"Of course, Fado! We've been doing this for AGES." I said. He nodded in response.

"Well, thanks for the help, bud. I'll be able to handle things on my own tomorrow, so you two can enjoy a day off!" he said. I mentally pumped my fists in the air.

YES! A day off! Finally a "sleeping in" day!

"Thanks, Fado." I said. He shook his head.

"Naw, bud. You two deserve it for all your hard work. Enjoy it." He said. I nodded my thanks and after bidding him a good night, rode off to meet up with Rusl to gather wood for the village."

-Faron Spring-

After gathering firewood for the village, we stopped to rest in Faron Spring. It was what Rusl liked to call, "The Hour of Twilight". He looked to me.

"Link." I looked at him.

"Tell me, have you ever felt a strange sadness as dusk falls?" he asked. I thought about it for a second, immediately thinking about how I regretted not having a biological family around, like everyone else. How I felt alone as a kid, always going to Faron's spring at sunset to escape and let my emotions flow, whether I cried, or merely sat and wondered what my parents might've been like. Then Rusl found me one day, and ever since had accompanied me and treated me like a younger brother, teaching me to handle a sword and such. Ah, the memories.

"Yeah, plenty of times." I answered after a time. Rusl looked into the water, which was amber with the reflection of the sun.

"They say this is the hour when their world intersects with theirs, when both Light and Shadow meet; the Hour of Twilight." He mused. Suddenly he turned back to me.

"But enough talk of sadness. I've got a favor to ask of you, Link." He said.

"Sure. What is it?"I asked.

"There's a gift I'm supposed to deliver to the Royal Family of Hyrule the day after tomorrow. The Mayor wants me to do it… but… would you deliver it for me?" he asked. For some reason, the first things that came to my mind were my elven-looking ears. They were the most noticeable difference between me and the Ordonian people. It was a trait of my Hylian heritage, I was told. Without a doubt in my mind, I nodded.

This is my chance to get out there! To see the world outside these forests!

"This is your chance to look upon the world with your own eyes! To explore a bit!" he said. I grinned at the confirmation of my thoughts.

"Sure thing! Consider it done!" I said. Rusl grinned.

"Haha! I knew I could count on you! You're gonna like Hyrule, trust me. It's beautiful!" he declared.

"Well, we better head back before it gets darker. I'll speak to the Mayor about this." With that, we got up and left the Spring. Once we returned to the village and divided the wood equally between the villagers, I said my goodbyes and went home with Epona in tow; ready for a well-earned sleep.

-Twilight Realm-

(Midna's POV)

It's only been a few hours since Father died. Katari, my personal attendant and a close friend to me, woke me up in the early hours of the Morning to inform me that he had died. She then excused herself, knowing that I wanted to be alone. With a sigh, I put my robes on and went to face reality again. I walked the palace halls and numerous servants bowed their heads and offered their condolences. I paid no mind as something else came to mind. Zant.

I wonder how he reacted to being denied, I wondered. Hmm…

Entering the chamber of the Royal Council, I knew something was weird. A few of them squirmed in their seats, fidgeting. I pretended not to notice and took my seat.

"I trust that the arrangements for my Father's burial have been made to satisfy his wishes?" I said.

"Yes, Princess. All is ready and we shall proceed tomorrow with the burial as His Majesty wished." Said one of the Elder Councilors. I nodded.

"Good. How many of the Guards will be present at the Mourning this evening?"

"30 of the Elite, your Highness." I got up.

"Very well. If that is all, then this meeting is over." I said, walking out of the Council chambers.

30. Gotta remember that, Midna. I don't like how Zant has been lying low lately.

(Zant's POV)

I gathered those who had committed themselves to my cause. Those who believed I should be King. The plans were in place. There was no turning back, for anyone. And may the goddesses help those who stand in my way. I chuckled to myself. Not even the goddesses could help them, even if they wished to. For my God's power is FAR superior to the power of any withered Goddess. I was jolted from my thoughts as I noticed my most loyal advisor approach me.

"What is it, Akiros?" He bowed before me.

"My lord, everything is going as planned. The Princess does not have even the slightest hint of what we are planning." He said

"Are you sure?"

"Yes milord. All guards attending the meeting have been excused from the Mourning."

"Humph. I would hope that they came up with a good excuse, for their sakes." I growled. If anything goes wrong… No... everything will be fine. No one can stand against my power.

"Very well, Akiros. You are dismissed." Yes… everything will continue. My God's will be done.

(Midna's POV)

The Mourning took place in the late afternoon, where a mass of people, those who supported and loved Father came to pay respects. Many people came, as Father had made many changes to the system of our Kingdom. My Grandfather had been a Tyrant, and oppressed the people. But Father witnessed the consequences of his father's madness, so when he took over, he swore he would change this land. Many doubted him but he gained the People's respect through reform. They Loved him.

Among the crowds though, I managed to count the number of guards, and was shocked.

Out of 30 assigned to be at the Mourning, only 17 were present.

And I had a feeling why. A feeling that nagged me for the rest of the day until sleep finally found me.

He's up to something… I just know it.

Then the morning came.

A/N: And there it is! Chapter 2 redone! Not much but I believe the chapter is more complete than it was before. Again, I apologize that I have not updated in forever! Life and School have prevented me from finishing the third chapter. I am ¾ finished typing the 3rd chapter up so it should be up pretty soon. Please Review My Story!