Hello to anyone that remembers when I posted this back in the stone ages. If by some miracle you are someone that's been periodically looking to see if this story ever seemed like it was going anywhere, sorry for the horrendous wait. Life just didn't want to work with me. This pandemic has left me with a lot of time to ponder my life decisions. One of which was the regret of never finishing this story. I've found my muse again, so hopefully she'll stick with me to the end. I really want to polish up want I already have done. Also flush out some characters more. Link needs to be far less of a dweeb & Sheik needs more development. I'm striving to finish this first book at the least & then I'll see if anyone wants me to continue with the series. This story is a huge project where I'm trying to connect the games with my own origin for the universe.
First, some warnings. If any of these bother you then you should hit that back button.
1. Sheik is male and his own character, not only in the "future" where Twilight Princess happened, but also during Ocarina of Time. I am aware that in the actual game Sheik is Zelda but I happen to be one of those Zelda fans that was actually disappointed to find out that Sheik wasn't actually a real person.
Sheik will eventually be in a relationship with Link. I might have other same sex relationships as well, only the muse within me will tell as the story progresses.
There will be violence and death. Probably rape and torture as well if the muse decides that a scene needs it. Even though all four are bad, I understand that those last two can be sensitive subjects to some people. To make it easier to handle, when they happen it will be at the end of a chapter and I'll be using some kind of obvious marker to separate the section from the rest of the chapter. A brief explanation will be at the end and then you can skip to the next chapter.
There is an official timeline for the Zelda universe so I will be following the one listed in Hyrule Historia. Whether or not this timeline is correct or even makes sense is not a subject I am touching with a ten foot pole. I'm not proving anything or defending anything. I'm basically treating the official timeline as a puzzle box where I'm going to have fun placing pieces together. I'm in this only to make a good story.
So, here are the games that are incorporated into my story. If they aren't listed then they don't exist in this world I am building. I originally did not have Skyward Sword on this list but after fine tuning my overall layout, so much of it could fit in my story that my muse demanded that I get over my hate for Fi, aka 'Redundancy Fairy' as my boyfriend likes to call her, and just add it to the list. So, here it is.
~Skyward Sword, Minish Cap, Four Swords, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons/Ages, and Link's Awakening.
I also wasn't going to add Breath of the Wild to my universe but I already have some fun ideas. If people like the idea enough then I will add it as a sequel to the entire series. What do you guys think? Let me know! (If you haven't played this game, go out right now and buy it. Your life will change forever).
Zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzZ
Sunlight poured through the single window as the sun rose high into the sky, chasing away the darkness of night. Even as light filled the room, the houses single inhabitant continued to snore loudly. A small blue hoop earring glinted in the sunlight as it rested at the bottom of a long pointed ear poking out of the dirty blonde head half buried in his pillow. A tanned arm and leg hung over the side of his bed as if he had barely missed the floor while heading there.
This seemed to aggravate the woman standing at the bottom floor of his house even more. Her green eyes narrowed as she pursed her lips. He didn't wake. Not even after she slammed the door closed. That was only after her normal morning greeting didn't at least get him started on sliding his way down the ladder to the bottom floor like he used to do before.
Before the Twlight Realm turned their whole world upside down. At least for those aware of the change. Most were not. Forced to live as spirits, oblivious to the fact that the beloved light of their world was slowly draining away to corrupted creatures that couldn't stand to be near it.
She huffed, hands on her hips. This had gone on long enough.
"Link! Get up you lazy bum! It's passed noon!" She shouted. The only reply she got was a drawn out yawn followed closely by the sound of rustled fabric.
Did he just turn around and go right back to sleep?! The nerve!
"Hgh..."
"Fine. Be like that….I think I'll just go get Talo to wake you up instead," said the woman slyly. Suddenly a loud battle cry came from somewhere outside and startled the sleeping man.
"Gaaahhhhh! I'm up! I'm up! Goddess Ilia, I just saved the world and I can't even get a few extra hours of sleep? Is that really so much to ask?" muttered Link as he tiredly rubbed his eyes before finally rolling out of bed.
Ilia snickered as a pair of sapphire eyes briefly peered over the top of the ladder, giving her a sleepy glare before Link started climbing down to the bottom floor.
"Not if you really had just saved the world. But since that happened, what, four months ago? Then its time for our favorite hero to get his butt up and start his chores," replied Ilia with a chuckle. She smiled as Link sleepily climbed his way down the ladder. She rushed over to give him a hug from behind, making the hero chuckle as she wrapped her arms around his stomach.
"Thanks. Probably would have slept a few more minutes if not for you," said Link as he leaned his head over and laid it against Ilia's. She snorted, smiling secretly as she nuzzled against his shoulder and then stepped back.
"I think you mean a few more hours. That was not a 'snoozing' snore I heard when I came in here. What would you do without me Link?" Said Ilia with a grin. She waited, excepting him to throw a comeback like he always would when she poked at his ego.
He just sighed and then turned to flash her a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
"My life would be unmanageable without you Ilia," replied Link with a small smile and then walked over to his dresser. He opened the dresser door and paused when he caught sight of his hero's outfit. It was folded neatly in it's own corner, something he didn't remember doing. He trailed a finger along the side, where a few seams were starting to come lose. It wasn't wearable as of now due to the large hole ripped along the back. A parting gift from his archnemsis, Pigface. Or Ganondorf if he was feeling generous.
Which is never happening because Pigface doesn't deserve anyone's sympathy, let alone mine. I should fill a book with what I think about him. Maybe even go around collecting opinions from the rest of Hyrule. Call it the Tales of Pigface. Maybe Zelda would know a way to send it to Pigface so he'll have a consistent reminder of how much of a despicable bastard he is?
His forehead wrinkled in confusion when he saw stitching near the top. He pulled it out of the drawer and turned it around. His eyes widened as his gaze swept over the newly repaired garment.
"That's the best I could do. Hopefully it'll last this time." Said Ilia. Link swung around, an astonished look on his face. Her fingers laced together behind her back, her body gently swinging back and forth as she smiled bashfully up through her blonde bangs. A true smile slowly lit up his face as he gazed at the green tunic and then back up at Ilia. She reached a hand out to trail a finger along the stitching at the top, a thoughtful look on her face.
"You should wear them today." Replied Ilia as she stepped back. Link gazed down at the green tunic and sighed. Ilia saw so many emotions play across his face. She could tell he really wanted to wear them again. What is stopping him?
"These aren't farmers clothes, and that's what I am now. A farmer. I really appreciate you fixing them though. The thought of them just sitting there torn and useless..." he trailed off but then shook his head. He was about to place the tunic back in the drawer but Ilia laid a hand against the wood, closing it with a snap.
"Hey, you have some nerve letting my efforts go to waste like that, and for what? You know you want to wear them, so why don't you?" Asked Ilia with a stern glare. Link looked sheepishly away, clutching the fabric closer to himself.
"I just...you don't think it's to trivial? I've traveled underwater, been almost burned alive by lava, battled a dragon in the sky and faced Pigface himself in these cloths. Ancestral clothes! Faron said these were handed down to me! Heroes of old wore these!" Exclaimed Link and then slumped forward a bit before fixing her a helpless look.
"It almost feels like an insult to wear these while gardening, herding or shoveling crap..."
Ilia raised an eyebrow and turned to fish out his belt, leggings, and white undershirt. She dumped them all on his arms.
"The Great Hero's of legend weren't spending every second of their journey spinning epic tales you know. Unless they were filthy rich and possessed a means to have instantaneous food at their leisure then I'm sure each piece of this outfit has seen their fair share of gardening, herding and shoveling crap." Said Ilia with a pointed look. She then turned and headed toward the door but stopped halfway to glance at him through the corner of her eye.
"These clothes mean something to you Link. That alone will make your ancestors proud. After all, you could have tossed them out once they were damaged. Even used them as rags but instead you locked them away...along with the part of you that used to be satisfied with what you had before you lost it to the Twilight,"
Link's eyes widened as he stepped forward.
"Ilia, I'm not ungrateful with the life I have! This is my home and I care about everyone here!" Exclaimed Link as he gestured wildly around in frustration. Ilia just smiled sadly.
"But you're not happy here." Replied Ilia softly. Link floundered with his words, an angry refusal at the tip of his tongue but it never made it out. He sighed heavily, his blue eyes glancing at anything but the woman that always had the uncanny ability to read him like a book.
"There's a big world out there Link. Hyrule is only a small portion of it. One day, you'll get that adventure you're trying so hard to pretend you don't long for." She then smirked as she caught his hopeful gaze. Ilia pulled what she had been hiding behind her back the entire time and quickly stuffed it on her head.
"Whether you get this back or not depends on how long you keep me waiting outside," snickered Ilia as she posed, a hand on her hip while she twirled the top of the long green cap that hung down from her face with her other hand. It was obviously to big as it covered most of her short blonde hair, looking as if it were trying to swallow her head.
She spun around with a laugh and darted outside, an indignant "Hey!" following her out before she closed the door behind her. Link watched her go. She was his best friend but he thought that, maybe, there might be something else there. He briefly imagined a life with her here, in the place that made him who he was. It was a pleasant thought but...it just wasn't enough.
Ilia would make a fine wife and an even better mother. Any man would be lucky to have her...why can't that be enough? What am I even looking for?
He pulled on his hero's outfit and then stood there, looking over the garments as if seeing them for the first time. Just having them on made him feel energized, filling him with a palpable sense of awareness. He missed that. The feeling of being ready to face anything. The feeling of having a purpose.
I should listen to Ilia more often. Not that I'll ever tell her that.
He grinned but quickly grabbed a blanket and saddle, knowing Ilia would definitely follow through with her threat if he made her wait to long. He then headed for the door.
Ilia turned around, confused when she heard something bump into the door from the other side. She opened it to find Link struggling to hold all of his equipment while trying to open the door at the same time. He smiled in thanks then lugged his stuff passed her. She frowned as Link threw his stuff over the side of his house. Link winced when it landed right next to his sleeping mare. The horse jerked back, almost backing into a tree. She then glared up at her rider.
"Sorry Epona...thought you'd be in front of the house," said Link sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Epona snorted, her ears drawn back against her head. She pawed the ground, as if the mere suggestion aggravated her.
Link was startled when he felt something bounce off the side of his head.
"Hey! What are you doing just standing there?! You should be doing something useful! Like teaching me how to use a sword!" Shouted a young voice below. Link couldn't see him from his high porch but he didn't need to. No one had quite the overly zealous arrogant tone like Talo did.
Well, I guess Epona got booted out of her spot. Talo's lucky she isn't the violent type.
Link ignored him in favor of calculating the odds of him getting his cap off Ilia without her noticing.
"Don't even think about." Stated Ilia with a firm tone and pursed lips. She raised an eyebrow and then rolled her eyes when he pouted. She swatted at his face, trying to get rid of his secret weapon. The puppy dog eyes. She swore he got better at it once he got the hang of actually being a canine.
It's like the goddesses were conspiring against her! This man already had more then enough weapons in his arsenal. Those big blue eyes should not be one of them!
Ilia gave in, tossing the cap back at him once Link started to actually whimper softly. Something that would have sounded ridiculous before the Twlight Incident but afterward it just fine toned his technique. Mostly because he could sound like an actual dog and not a grown man making silly noises.
"That shouldn't be allowed. You're way to good at it." Said Ilia with narrowed eyes. She laughed as Link just grinned and then stuffed his cap on his head. He stepped back to avoid the small rock that went whizzing passed his head.
"Am I talking to a wall here?! Why are you guys still standing there?!" Shouted Talo. Ilia approached the edge of Link's high porch just as three other children joined the brown haired boy that was currently searching the ground for another rock to throw.
"Talo! You little turd! If you don't stop throwing rocks at me then you're going head first into the frog pond!" Exclaimed Link as he joined her at the edge and then shook a fist at the young boy glaring defiantly up at him.
"Good to see you lifted somewhat out of this weird depression you've sunk into lately." Snickered Ilia as she crossed her arms. Link glared down at Talo, making the boy turn to the side and brood.
"Don't know what you mean." muttered Link as he paused briefly to smile and return the small wave from the shy young blonde haired boy that had stopped a few paces away from Talo. A young girl with short brown hair followed the blonde boy, stopping at his side and rolling her eyes as Talo picked up a small rock. The youngest boy, with just enough hair on his head to tie into a neat little bow, trailed behind them with a bored look on his face.
Link quickly returned to glaring at Talo, who looked ready to toss another rock before going back to brooding now that he was being watched. Ilia narrowed her eyes and pinched Link on the arm, making him yelp.
"You know exactly what I mean. This is the first glance of the 'old you' I've seen in months. You need to take care of yourself. Why don't you travel? I bet the kids would love to visit Kakariko." Said Ilia with a frown. Link rubbed the spot she pinched, looking thoughtful for a moment before shaking his head.
"While I leave you here to fend for yourself against these little demons that are disguised as children? Except Colin of course. Simply unthinkable." snickered Link. He was met with a bored stare.
"Of the two of us, I'm the one that would outlast them. Comes with my natural gift of patience. You were gifted the opposite." Laughed Ilia. Link snorted as he started to climb down the ladder connecting his high porch to the ground.
"See? Those little demons are already messing with your head. I'm totally a patient person. Now, I really need to get moving. I'm so late. Your dad is going to kill me." replied Link hurriedly. Ilia snickered when another rock bounced off Link's back. He swung around, gripping the ladder with one hand and jabbed a finger toward the brown haired boy smirking at him with the other.
"That's it! You're going into the frog pond!" Exclaimed Link. He launched himself off the ladder and landed in a crouch in front of the boy, who promptly dropped the other rock he was winding up to throw and fled screaming into town. The girl pointed at his retreating form, roaring with laughter and even making the effort to lean toward where Talo had fled so her laugh would follow him into town.
"Heh, works every time." Muttered Link with a smirk. He paused and looked down when he felt a tug at his tunic. The youngest child stared up at him with a small grin.
"I'm always glad to see my brother put in his place. You are in big trouble from what I hear though. Late again. Is this the fourth time this week?" Asked the boy with a tone far more mature then it should be in Link's opinion. He laughed awkwardly as he walked backward toward where he heard his horse munching on grass.
"It's complicated adult stuff, Malo. No time to get into it." replied Link but paused when he noticed something in the distance. He cursed and spun around, disappearing beside his house.
Malo looked ready to say more but then Link went barreling around the corner and into town on top of his mare.
"Didn't even bother to put on all the crap he dragged out here. Oh, well. I'm sure he'll remember pretty soon why he normally doesn't ride bareback," muttered Ilia as she finally reached the bottom of the ladder. Malo shrugged and then headed back into town.
Ilia hummed in thought and then rolled her eyes as she headed for the discarded blanket and saddle laying haphazardly in a pile next to Link's house.
"Beth. Colin, give me a hand would you? I've half a mind to just leave all this here so he learns but Epona will be the one having to suffer for it in the end." Said Ilia with a sigh as she headed toward the equipment. Both children hurried after her.
Ilia handed the blanket to Beth while she lifted the saddle up off the floor. Colin stepped up to help Beth fold the blanket and Ilia watched out of the corner of her eye. Both would avoid eye contact and when they did lock eyes, Beth would blush and look down bashfully while Colin would do the same with a shy smile.
She smirked, remembering the huge crush Beth used to have on Link. Days Beth spent gushing to her about how amazingly strong Link was or how skilled he was with a sword. Now all she heard was how compassionate and brave Colin was. The boy really made an impression on her the day he saved her. She smiled softly, just happy that they were finding something worth pursuing. She'd been worried for awhile that Colin would grow to withdrawn from the other children in the village due to his shy nature.
The ones that needed work now was Talo and his brother. Admittedly, Talo had deflated a bit since the Twilight Incident but he still had the tendency to become completely insufferable when his ego did flair. Not to mention his unending urge to dig at Link, which was actually fine with her. Someone needed to keep the man on his toes and Talo was quite gifted at getting under Link's skin.
Malo was another story. Brilliant, mature and composed. Far more then any adult she'd ever met. Traits that would be excellent to have if he wasn't seven years old. He should be outside playing games with his friends or having silly adventures but he's spent most of his time talking to Rusl whenever he'd return from a supply run just to find out how his branch that he'd opened in Castle Town was doing. Not well enough she guessed because when he wasn't with Rusl or the other children, he'd be with his parents trying to convince them to move to Kakariko Village so he could run Malo Mart himself.
She isn't even sure how the boy managed to open a store and continue funding it by himself but that was a can of worms she'd tackle another day.
Link slowed Epona to a trot once they were in town but then cursed when Bo stepped out to block his way to the ranch that was just up the trail. He hurriedly tried to think of an excuse for why he was late for the fourth time that week.
"Listen Bo-" but Link was silenced with a wave of Bo's hand.
"We'll talk about your tardiness later. You get on up there and start herding those goats. Goddess only knows what they'll do with only Fado watching them…Oh, but I got something to talk to you about but I would like to do so before dark. So, don't be late tomorrow! We will talk about it then," said Bo. He nodded to Link and then moved out of his way.
Link watched Bo walk up to his adoptive father, Rusl. The man smiled and waved to Link. The hero waved back but raised an eyebrow when Bo turned to look at him while still speaking to Rusl.
I'm getting the feeling they are talking about me…..What did I do now? Being late can't be that big a deal.
He remembered a time when the whole village kept giving him strange vibes one day. Not bad vibes, but strange. He was 13 and just got back from training with Rusl, who strangely, went easy on him. The man was a father in every way but blood to him but he was no pushover when it came to training.
'Easy training is no training. Teaches nothing but complacency.' That was his motto.
Everyone was just to nice or trying a little to hard to appear normal. Even Ilia waved it off, saying it was nothing. That alone should have been a sign that she was in on it but 13 year old Link hadn't learned the ways of Ilia yet. He was freaking out by the time he came home for supper, knowing something was up but didn't have a clue what it was.
He found out when they all jumped out from various hiding places in Rusl and Uli's house, an impressive feat alone considering how small the place was, and shouted 'surprise!'. Link almost wet himself as he tried to cat leap toward the ceiling. Turned out they were planning a surprise birthday party. For over two weeks! He didn't pick up on anything until the day of, meaning they were intentionally unnerving him! He was amazed at the level of skill everyone applied at subterfuge. He was just glad Talo had been to young to actually remember that otherwise he'd never live it down.
Especially since Ilia already does an absurdly good job of making sure he doesn't forget it.
Link is getting those strange vibes again. They don't really scream 'party' though. His birthday passed already too. Something is unraveling and he hoped he wasn't the butt end of it. Odds were against him though. Conspiracies tend to not go well when the co-conspirators don't communicate with each other.
He suddenly heard someone call out to him. Link turned and smiled when Colin came running up to Epona's side. Ilia caught up soon after, chuckling at Colin's wild dash to catch Link before he left. Link clicked his tongue and Epona started to walk casually forward. Colin and Ilia followed on each side of the mare.
"Link, I was wondering…if you have the time...could you teach me how to ride a horse today? I mean, after your chores?" asked Colin bashfully up at Link. The hero grinned.
"That sounds like fun. You can't ride Epona on your own though. She hasn't tolerated anyone but Ilia and Zelda riding her so far. Hmmm…hey, I've got an idea. Why don't you ride up here with me while I herd the goats? I guess I could give you a few pointers while you are up here," said Link thoughtfully. Colin grinned and nodded his head.
"Yeah! Can I please?" asked Colin excitedly. Link chuckled and then reached down to grasp a hold of the back of Colin's shirt. With a heave he pulled the child up to sit in front of him. Epona snorted at the sudden shift in weight but didn't seem to mind. Colin moved around until he was comfortable and then gave a thumbs up to Link. The hero laughed as he wrapped an arm around the boys chest to keep him steady and then urged Epona into a gallop. Ilia watched them gallop all the way up the dirt path and smiled when she heard Colin laughing all the way to the ranch.
Hours later Ilia was sitting on the front pouch of her house waiting for Link and Colin get back. She stood up and dusted herself off when she heard Colin's excited yells as Epona came galloping back into town.
"That was amazing! Can we do it again tomorrow? Please?" begged Colin. Link dismounted and couldn't hold back the slight wince as his sore legs hit the ground.
Man, I've got to stop forgetting to put her saddle on. My legs are killing me.
He sighed, pointedly ignoring Ilia's knowing look and reached up to help Colin down.
"Tomorrow? Most likely. When it happens will depend if my lovely alarm clock wakes me up on time," said Link as he flashed Ilia a bright smile. He laughed as he dodged the punch that she threw at him. Ilia just shook her head with a grin.
"You want to take her back to my house?" asked Link as he looked down at Colin. The boy grinned and clapped his hands in excitement. Colin sprinted back to Link's house once he grabbed Epona's reins.
The mare trotted at a fast pace to keep up with the child but she managed to turn back to her rider with a look that seemed to say, 'Why do you do this to me?'
"Be careful! Don't run so fast!" Link sighed when Colin didn't seem to hear him.
"Goddess, is this what it's going to be like to have kids?"
Link watched the boy and his horse disappear behind the gate out of town. Ilia playfully slapped his arm with a smirk.
"No way. Your kids are going to be way worse. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of trouble a pair of mini Link's would get into. Probably start a revolution, find a new country or something equally as drastic," snickered Ilia. She laughed as Link put her in a head lock right when they passed the gate into town.
Colin had already tied Epona to the post beside Link's house and was now walking back toward them. He grinned when saw Link and Ilia hit the grass and start rolling around in front of Link's house. The hero had managed to pin Ilia underneath him until she gave a swift kick to his groan. He cringed and loosened his hold, allowing Ilia to flip him over and perch on top of him instead.
"You cheated," muttered Link. He was still now and just glared up at the woman smirking down at him.
"What? Haven't learned to counter that after the many years we've known each other? A delicate flower such as myself has to defend herself somehow against a strong man like you. Didn't the enemies you've fought ever try that move before?" asked Ilia with a grin. Link rolled his eyes at her.
"If anything, you're a thorn covered rose disguised as a delicate flower. Emphasis on the 'thorn covered' part." Snickered Link. Ilia sat up so she was perched on his stomach, giving him an innocent look.
"As for the enemies I've faced, I'd have to say no. They were more impressive when trying to take me out. They tried drowning me in poisoned water, crushing me with giant pillars of ice, or electrifying me with long slimy tentacles. My personal favorite though, is when I had to relive most of my previous battles with the weirdo of a second to last boss. I can't even begin to stress how insane this guy was. But, going by their success rate, perhaps they should have just tried kicking me in the balls. Would have been more effective than anything they tried throwing at me," said Link nonchalantly as he used a finger to list each event.
Ilia slid off him to sit by his side while Colin gave him a worried look.
"How can you be so calm about that?! You could have died!" exclaimed Ilia. Link frowned as he thought about it.
"Well…when I first started my journey, I got pretty freaked out by a lot of things. After a while I got used to the whole continuous epic battles thing though," said Link as he put his hands behind his head and leaned against them.
"That's horrible! Weren't you scared at all?" asked Colin worriedly.
"If Midna hadn't been there for me, then I probably would still be trapped in twilight or wandering aimlessly around the Sacred Grove because of that damn Skull Kid. But strangely enough, I wasn't all that scared. Well, I admit there was a few times that I all but jumped out of my skin, but overall…it was like routine. Like I've done that kind of thing before. That can't be right though. I'm pretty sure I've never done anything even remotely epic like that," replied Link. Ilia folded her arms as she grinned down at him.
"Yeah, that's never happened. I would know since we've been almost inseparable since our…third birthday? Yeah, I think that's right. Yes! It was because that was the year during your birthday party that you had found a way to climb on top of the water wheel and then dived into the frog pond. I was sitting beside my dad and when I saw you hit the water I thought to myself 'hmmm, now that looks like a fun kid to hang out with'. Then Rusl came flying past us and dived into the water after you. He was so mad after he realized you were alright! Why did you do that anyway?" asked Ilia. Link smirked.
"Because I had been the only kid in the village until our new mayor moved to town with his daughter. I thought to myself, 'Hey, I can have a friend now! I better do something to impress her so she knows I'm not boring." snickered Link. Ilia pounced on him again and they all broke into fits of laughter. He spent a good ten minutes wrestling with Ilia while trying to keep her away from his nether regions, which was harder now that Colin had joined the fight but was supporting Ilia.
Link finally admitted defeat, so Ilia stood and dusted herself off.
"It's getting late. Colin you should go to bed soon. Come to think of it, Link you should hit the hay too. Maybe that will help prevent your lovely alarm clock from dumping a bucket of water over your head in the morning," said Ilia as she waved a finger at Link.
The hero smirked and gave her a thumbs up. He then reached out and pulled Colin into his lap and engulfed the boy in a bear hug. Colin giggled and hugged him back with just as much gusto. He eventually detached himself from Link and waited near the gate for Ilia.
"You know, I used most of my remaining thread to fix that tunic. I think you should at least escort me to Castle Town so I can get more." Said Ilia as she inspected a fingernail. The gesture wasn't fooling him but Link still appreciated the effort.
It had been months since he left his home town. Not even Rusl could convince him to leave during the trips he'd make to Castle Town. Always making excuses or saying he wasn't feeling well enough.
I lived here my whole life. Never stepped a foot outside the forest I grew up in until the day the Twlight dragged me out. I tried so hard to save everyone and get back home but now...all I can think about is how much I want to leave. How can I feel so trapped in my own home?
That is what he feared the most. Once he left, he didn't think he could bring himself to come back. Not for good anyway. The world beckoned him, using dreams and stories heard from others of how different it was out there. It made him feel horrid. After all that effort to get here why was it not enough to settle back into his old life?
He was brought out of his thoughts when Ilia wrapped him in a bone crushing hug. He realized he never answered her.
"Whatever you're scared of, don't worry. You won't be alone." Whispered Ilia. Link slumped forward, returning the hug just as fiercely. A genuine smile slowly spreading across his face. She always knew what to say. Before he realized he was even waiting to hear it.
He took a deep breath, her scent flooding forward and smiled as his canine senses caught the scent of pumpkin's, Epona, and the spices she is so fond of using in her food. It is the scents that Link has started to associate with Ordon. She then stepped back and went to join Colin near the gate.
"We'll see you bright and early!" replied Ilia with a wink.
"Goodnight Link!" Exclaimed Colin with a grin.
They both waved to him and then walked into town. Link sighed as he watched them go. He turned and approached Epona. Her ear's perked up as he drew near. He smiled softly as he ran a hand through her white mane.
"We'll get used to this life again girl. Don't worry. This is the place that defined who we are and the ones we care the most about are always around us. I'll see you bright and early too, ok?" Whispered Link as he leaned his forehead against her long face. She gently nuzzled against his face, making him chuckle. Link strode around her, giving the mare one last pat on the neck and then went to climb up the ladder to his house.
He wasn't sure if he was trying to convince Epona or himself.
Hours later Link is startled awake when he heard something on the bottom floor of his house. He yawned and then rubbed his eyes. He peered sleepily up toward the window. He groaned when he saw the light pouring through.
Man, feels like I went to sleep minutes ago….
He froze when a familiar sound suddenly reached his ears, making him instantly awake. It was the sound of clanking metal.
That's not Ilia…..
Link instinctively reaches for the sword that is always by the side of his bed and threw the covers off him. He'd heard that sound enough times to know what it is.
I really hope I'm wrong...
He stepped cautiously toward the ladder that led to the first floor of his house and crouched down before peering slowly over the edge. A sword suddenly hits the edge of the wooden floor not more than an inch away from his face. He flinched, jerking his body away and fell against his bed.
When he looked up again a Stalfos was pulling itself up onto his cramped sleeping area.
This is not the place to be fighting one of these bony bastards.
Link rolls to the side to avoid the stab that was aimed at his chest. Thinking quickly, Link unsheathed his sword and then jumped on his bed. He tightens his grip as he ducks to avoid the slash that sailed over his head and then jumps in the air with his sword held high. He uses the momentum to smash the blade against the skull of the monster, easily cracking the surface.
It stumbled backward from the heavy blow. Not wasting the opportunity, Link took a step back and then propelled himself at the Stalfos. He brought his feet up and kicked it as hard as he could. It tumbled backward even more until finally falling over the edge.
The loud crashing he heard as it hit the ground easily told him that it had taken others down with it. Not wishing to start an all-out war in his small house, he hurriedly sheathed his sword and then climbed up the ladder beside his bed that led to the next floor. He reached the top floor and climbed out his window and then pulled himself onto his roof.
Link's eyes widened in horror at the sight he saw once he stood up. Ordon was set ablaze, the flames reaching high into the sky.
The light reflecting through my window had been from the fire….
A menacing growl rumbled through him as fury flooded his mind. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he broke into a run and headed toward the tree that stood next to his house. He leapt from his roof and used the branches from the tree to aid in his descent. Link almost reached the ground during his climb until he noticed the creatures crowding in front of his house. They completely blocked a clear route into town.
Link narrowed his eyes and then unsheathed his sword. He crouched on the branch he was perched on and focused his energy into the blade. He leapt from his perch with his sword held high and with a mighty battle cry, he slammed it into the ground just as he landed. The surge of power blasted all nearby monsters away from him. Link sprinted passed the gates with a feral look in his eyes. The wolf within stirred, heightening his senses, fueled by his fury.
Whoever did this will pay!