Chapter 3 – Memories

He ran as fast as he could towards the courtyard; Auru, Ashei, and Shad were right behind him. They had to help liberate Hyrule and rid their beloved country of the evil that had befallen it. They had arrived at the castle well before Link had, but they were unable to solve the puzzles without the proper tools. They knew Link would be at the castle, so they searched high and low as best as they could to find him. Throughout the castle, there were several monsters afoot; some that even Rusl couldn't beat with his sword. Inside the castle was not a safe place to be.

Once they got outside, they went to the rightmost wall that split the courtyard in half. On top of the wall, they spotted Link running toward the tower to their left. Rusl's eyes widened slightly once he saw the large number of Lizalfos running towards his friend. He saw that Link wasn't drawing his sword at all; he was just staring at the enemies, which worried Rusl greatly.

"Rusl, look!" cried out Shad. Rusl looked up at where Shad was pointing: two more enemies were up in the tower, aiming fire-lit arrows at Link. One of them was fired right at Link's chest, and he wasn't even aware of the arrow! Rusl quickly called upon their eagle friend and aimed him at the arrow. He noticed Link's surprised expression once he spotted the arrow, then saw the boy's eyes widen in shock once the arrow narrowly missed his chest thanks to the bird. Auru readied his bomb launcher and launched a bomb at the rushing Lizalfos, killing them instantly.

Once the eagle returned to his arm, Rusl looked up at Link, who was looking back down at him, smiling thankfully. Rusl smiled back, then ran off with his comrades.

"I'm glad I could help," thought Rusl. "Good luck…Hero."

Rusl was sitting on the couch, thinking back on how he helped Link that day. It pained him that he couldn't do more to help Link with his current situation, mostly because he wouldn't tell him—or anyone—what was going on in his life. Link used to be open about everything, but ever since his return, he's been very quiet, reserved, and becoming more exhausted by the day. The villagers would try to drop hints onto Link, trying to get him to open up about his problems, but Link would either ignore them or change the subject. He was even acting this way towards Ilia, his childhood friend. Rusl knew not to push things, for Link would speak if and when he was ready. But it had been at least a month since he came home, and he still wasn't talking.

His thoughts were interrupted when Colin climbed up onto the couch with him, sitting next to his father. Rusl smiled down at Colin and ruffled his hair, making the boy laugh.

"What are you up to, Son?" asked Rusl.

"Dad, could you tell me a story about your adventures?" begged the boy.

"Colin," started Uli, "You've heard that story a thousand times!" Rusl laughed.

"Oh, what's a thousand and one times?" he finally said. "It all started when…" His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock at the door. He looked out the window; it was the hour of twilight. He slowly got up and went to the door, opening it. He blinked in surprise at who showed up at his door. "Link, what brings you here?"

"Could, uh…" spoke Link in a low voice. He seemed a little uncomfortable with his voice and posture. "…could we go for a walk? Over to the Faron Spring, like old times?" Rusl looked back at his family, then back at Link.

"Why don't I meet you there?" suggested Rusl. Link looked over Rusl's shoulder, then back at Rusl and nodded in understanding. He turned around and walked out of the village toward the spring. Rusl closed the door, then smiled slightly.

"It's been over a month, but he's finally going to talk," said Rusl to himself. He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down at his son. He squatted down to be eye-level with Colin and put a hand on his head, smiling. "I'll be back to tell you the story. I promise."

"Why did Link want to go for a walk?" asked Colin innocently. Rusl's smile faded.

"There are times in everyone's life when they need someone to talk to about personal things," explained Rusl. "This is Link's time."

"Is he okay?" the child asked. Rusl nodded.

"He will be," replied Rusl. "He has friends on his side." He then ruffled Colin's hair again, smiling. "Friends like you."

"Can I come, too, then? Please?" pleaded Colin. Rusl shook his head, then stood up.

"I think whatever Link wants to talk to me about," started Rusl, "it's a grown-up matter." Colin frowned, then nodded, smiling again.

"Okay, I understand!" announced Colin. "Is there anything I can do to help, though?" Rusl looked at his wife, then backed up towards the door, looking back down at Colin.

"Help your mother out while I'm gone," ordered Rusl. He then opened the door and closed it behind him as he left. Uli walked over to Colin, holding his crying baby sister.

"Colin, sweetie, could you help me change Rose's diaper?" asked Uli. Colin nodded, then made a face when his mother turned her back to him.

Dad put me on diaper duty, thought Colin. AGAIN!