Hullo all! Here is our second chapter of Last Wish! We hope you enjoy it! 3

-C.H.

Link's brows furrowed as he thought of his dilemma. Markada was waiting for his answer, tapping her foot impatiently. Tetra looked on, wondering if Link would be able make a choice and if he did, would it be the right one. The soldiers went about their patrols, uncaring of the event that were taking place.

"Well?" Markada asked with a hint of impatience, "Have you made up your mind yet?"

"Perhaps he needs more time to think about it," Tyran said, "Nothing good comes of rushing things."

"I have made up my mind," Link said abruptly, startling everyone present. Tetra was still holding her breath.

"Finally! I was wondering when you'll say that," Markada said in exasperated tone, "So, what will it be? Will you join us?"

Link looked straight into her eyes and spoke his answer loud enough for everyone present to hear. "No."

Tetra let go of the breath she had been holding for a while. Somewhere inside her, she felt that Link had made the right decision and she was glad for it.

As one would expect, Markada was sorely disappointed, but she had done a good job concealing it. "Well, that's too bad," she said, being careful not to let her frustration slip in, "Oh well. At least we have the island and that is good enough for now." She leaned over towards Link's face and said, "Just so you know, the offer still stands. You may think you have made the right decision, but there will be consequences." Markada got close enough that her nose was barely touching Link's. "And just maybe, it will be enough for you to change your mind and join the winning side." She backed away, leaving Link stunned and confused.

Link and Tetra had been there for a little under an hour and already they were worn down and tired. Tetra was just fatigued from being ill that morning and Link, well he was emotionally unsure of himself at the moment. Normally he felt stronger but this time he wasn't sure.

"Link, are you alright?" Tetra asked as she walked up to him, concerned for his well-being. She put her hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Link replied, not wanting her to worry. He had a lot in his mind and Markada's words haunted him. In the past, he had to face monsters who mostly don't have motivations beyond terrorizing the islands and following the orders of whichever big bad was around at the time. But now, he was facing people who were not only organized but have an unknown purpose for taking over the Great Sea other than bringing order. Link was so deep in thought he barely noticed Aryll as she ran up to him and hugged him tightly.

"Link, you have no idea how scared I was! I just prayed you would come home and there you were!" She sobbed. Her dainty arms wrapped around him, face pressed into his chest as she let out big tears. She hadn't ever cried like that before. Link was taken by surprise at first but then he softened and wrapped his arms around her tiny frame.

"There's no need to fear now. I'm sure we'll figure all of this out and everything will be fine."

Aryll snuggled into his arms, feeling a little better now that her brother was there. Her tears stained Link's shirt as she cried. He held her closer, comforting his sister as he did when they were younger.

Tetra was watching the scene as she tried not to get sick. It wasn't that she didn't like it (in fact she found it cute), it was just that the nausea from before was still there even after she got off the ship. "Oog..." she moaned, "If you'll excuse me Link, I'm going to our house to rest for a while."

"Hm?" Link said as he looked up, "Oh sure, go right ahead! We'll catch up!" He went back to comforting Aryll, who had stopped crying and was now hugging him tightly.

"Thanks!" Tetra called as she walked towards their house. She wanted to lay down and go to sleep in the hopes the sick feeling in her stomach would go away. Already, her eyelids felt like they were weighed down by anchors and she began to stumble. Link, seeing his wife needed help, let go of his sister to escort Tetra back to the house. "Thank you, Link," Tetra said as she felt his arms supporting her.

After a while, Aryll and her grandmother returned to their house. As they went, they noticed how the island had taken on a grim mood since the army took over that morning. It was as if a dark cloud had once again over shadowed them, thicker than it had been even with the monsters appearing during Ganon's short attack on the seas. Or so it seemed. Soldiers loomed all over the island, asking questions and disrupting the errands of the islanders. They hurried along, hoping the soldiers didn't spot them. Luckily, they managed to get to their home before they were caught. As Aryll looked back after they went inside, she saw two of the soldiers have posted themselves outside the door. It seemed the invading army had declared a curfew of some sort. A cold feeling formed in the pit of her stomach as she had a feeling things were about to get worse from there.

Later that day, they were all gathered around the fireplace, talking about the events that had happened in the past few months.

Tetra fingered the red place on Link's cheek where he was backhanded. He did so much, standing up for this little island smacked on the map. She couldn't understand how he could be so brave like that and take the beating he often did. He took her hand suddenly and it startled her just a bit - he was smiling.

"It's alright, Tetra."

She wasn't sure if she heard right or not but then she knew she did, how could she ever question that positive attitude her husband had?

"We should try to focus on something positive," Link said as he put his around arm around his wife, "How about you show them your birthday present?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Tetra said, giving him a kiss on the cheek, "And I know a couple of funny stories to lighten the mood." She desperately wanted to keep her mind off of the day's events as even the mere thought of it made her feel worse. "Alright everyone, here's what Link got me!" she said, presenting her necklace to everyone in the room.

"Wow!" Aryll said in awe, "I have never seen anything like this! It's so pretty!" She looked at the necklace, admiring the design. "Whoever made this must have been very good!"

Tetra was about to speak when her stomach literally did a back flip and she laid her hand on it, face paling. She got up and ran outside. Link barely even had a moment to ask if she was alright before the door shut behind her.

Aryll was confused at Tetra's strange behavior. "Did I say something wrong?" she asked, worried she had offended her sister-in-law.

"No," Link answered, wincing as he heard sounds of retching outside, "It's just that Tetra wasn't feeling well today."

"Oh," Aryll said, now worried about Tetra's health as well as her safety, "I hope she get back before the soldiers catch her." She kept an eye on the door as she silently prayed. There was no telling what might happen if they caught her.

Tetra returned and walked right past them all, holding her stomach and keeping her hand over her mouth. "I'm going to bed." She said wearily and then disappeared into the other room. Link's concern was slowly growing.

"Okay," Aryll said, still worried but relieved, "I hope you get well soon." She sighed and looked down on the floor.

Link couldn't help but worry about the current situation. Tetra was ill and Outset Island has been taken over by an army. He sighed and gazed into the fire, wondering if things will be alright. "I really hope she gets well, too," he said.

Meanwhile, Tetra was trying to get some sleep, but it seemed like her stomach didn't want to cooperate. She rubbed on it in the hopes of ridding herself of the strange feeling. She didn't want to go outside to throw up again, especially when there were soldiers on patrol. What if she got caught? Tetra didn't want to think about it, so she did her best to calm her upset stomach.

Eventually she fell asleep and Link soon climbed into bed next to her. Though as hard as it was for Tetra to sleep, it seemed even harder for Link. He continued to think about that day, the soldiers, Markada and her partner. Why did it have to be that way? He held Tetra in his arms while thinking about it.

Even when she was asleep, Tetra could sense the warmth of her husband's body and she snuggled up against him. Link smiled for a moment as he saw the contented look on her face. He leaned over and kissed her forehead before going back to his thoughts. He had a feeling it wouldn't be as simple as finding whoever was behind this and defeating them. In fact, it seems like things weren't so simple as they were in his younger days anymore. Link didn't know what to think or believe in.

The next morning was filled with a lot of activity. People were ordered around and the soldiers were heavily on patrol. Tetra was furious, used to being the one ordering others around on her own pirate ship, she was on her knees working on something that she wasn't sure about. Her stomach flip-flopped and she gasped, covering her mouth. It wasn't the time to be ill.

Markada stared at the residence with a scowl on her face.

"What does he want with this puny island anyway? This is all so useless." She grumbled.

"There were rumors of a fairy fountain somewhere around here," Tyran stated as he came up to her, "Of course, we don't know if they were true or not. Still, we should investigate if it will benefit us in any way."

"And what good will a silly folktale do us?" Markada snapped, "Even if it is true, I doubt we'll get any use of this alleged fairy fountain. It's probably just a regular old spring that was worshipped by the superstitious!" She turned to the villagers, who toiled in meaningless tasks under the ever-watchful eyes of the soldiers. "This had better be worth it," Markada grumbled, "I'd rather be back in my quarters, enjoying myself instead of being out here on this backwater island."

Link scrambled up the sandy beach when he heard Tetra being ill. He could care less about the soldiers right then. He finally got to her and held her in his arms, she was so feverish and the heat had been getting to her all morning. Her cheeks were red.

He wiped sweat from her brow and held her in his arms, "You're sick again?"

She just breathed softly, fearing in the back of her mind what would happen to Link if they caught him doing this. And herself, she knew would be in trouble at this rate.

"Aryll, bring me some cold wa-" And with that he felt himself being kicked down and Tetra knocked out of his arms.

"Back to work! Or do you want to comply with Lady Markada's offer?"

Link spit blood from his mouth where he'd bit his tongue. "Never." He snapped, "I'd rather die than be a part of this army!"

"That can certainly be arranged." The soldier lifted his blade, ready to bring it down on Link's body. Before that could happen Tetra jumped in the way, still looking pale and sickly.

"No! He doesn't mean what he says, just leave him be." She breathed. She was so tired, she wanted to rest but that wasn't going to happen.

"Fine."

Tetra turned around and looked at her husband in confusion, he was bleeding at the corner of his mouth. He looked completely serious but his eyes were determined as usual.

"I'll do it."

Tetra couldn't believe what she had heard Link say. "You can't be serious," she said, trying to find a rational explanation for this.

Link looked at his wife sadly. "I am," he said, "I can't stand seeing you and everyone else suffer."

The soldier grinned as he realized what Link had said. "Markada will be pleased to know this," he said as he walked off to tell his leader the good news.

Markada was seriously thinking about smacking around some islanders to vent her anger when she heard one of the soldiers running up to her. "General!" he cried, out of breath, "I have some news for you!"

"This had better be important or I will make you clean out the latrine pits for a month," Markada growled, her anger seething, "I am not in a good mood right now."

The soldier recoiled in fear, but he stayed anyway. "I thought you'd like to know that Link has taken your offer," he said, hoping this bit of good news would appease her.

Markada's eyes widened in surprise at the news, then narrowed as she smirked in triumph. "Bravo for him," she said, her mood better than before, "I knew he would see it my way. Bring him over so we can work things out."

"Understood, m'am!"

Ten minutes later, Link and Markada were facing each other on the beach. "I must say, I knew you were smart enough to make the right choice," she said slyly, "I like that in a man. Our army will benefit greatly from a man as skilled as yourself."

"I had to," Link said, ignoring her seductive tone, "It was either this or watch my people suffer." He paused and thought for a moment before he said, "I will do this on one condition, though." Link hoped she would be agree to his bargain.

"Oh?" Markada was curious as what Link wanted, "We can give you anything you want in our army. You name it and it's yours!"

Link took a deep breath and said, "I want ownership of this island."

Markada held her hands around her back and then looked at him, believing he could be trusted she nodded with a smirk.

"You've got a deal, soldier."

After the conversation was done Link got off the ship and it seemed as soon as he stepped on the sand, Tetra was in his arms.

"Link! What were you thinking? Do you know what you've gotten yourself into now? Why would you do something like this?" She was furious but she hadn't exactly given him a chance to speak yet.

"I have ownership of the island, we're free," He consoled, kissing her. "If I hadn't-"

"How long will this last though? Does this mean we're on their side now?" She looked concerned. "Why are we suddenly supporting them when they barged in and hurt our people? Link... this isn't right. The island will think you've turned against them, turned against everything we know and love!"

"I know!" Link snapped, "Tetra, you... if it wasn't for this you'd be sitting out there ready to collapse again! I'm doing this for you, nothing else matters! Just you and our family, alright? That's all that matters right here and right now!"

"What if I don't want it? There has to be another way... we can do better than this, can't we?"

Link sighed and looked straight into her eyes. "I don't know what to believe in anymore," he said, "Besides, I'm doing this for the sake of everyone on the island. Isn't it that what you wanted?"

"Ganondorf thought the same thing and look how he turned out!" Tetra snapped, tears flowing out of her eyes, "How do we know you won't end up the same way? How do we know that you won't get the bright idea of taking over other islands for yourself?"

"I won't!" Link retorted angrily, "I will make sure I won't make the same mistake as he did! I swear I will not lose sight of why I did this in the first place!" He stopped himself upon realizing he had shouted at his wife. "I'm sorry," he said, ashamed, "I didn't mean to snap at you like this."

Tetra moved her bangs out of her eyes and shook her head, "I'm not myself right now, just ignore it. It's fine." Tetra turned around, she needed time to think, time to figure out what was happening. She walked away through the sand, holding her stomach. She had something else to think about as well. After a while, she'd made it to the summit where she decided to rest and that was after falling, rather gracefully, into the fairy fountain. She felt warm and safe, even there where it seemed it would be cold. She walked up the small steps and sat down after taking her shoes off she put her feet in the water.

"Princess." A tiny voice came. She looked up and spotted a little blond haired fairy in front of her. It was smiling and giggling a little bit.

"Hello." She replied softly.

"You seem so weary, Princess. What troubles you?" The little fairy didn't give her much of a chance to answer as it turned into something much greater than that. Link had described these fairies but she'd never quite gotten that close to them before. It sat next to her, smiling sympathetically.

"Many things, I'm afraid." She replied. Several tinier fairies took a seat on Tetra's lap, giggling and getting close to her.

"Hmm, rest a moment would you, dear? We like company." The fairy said, still giving Tetra a look of pure sympathy, like she knew exactly what was going on. Suddenly she couldn't even ignore the tickling sensation she felt against her stomach, it was wonderful, so soothing to all the illness she'd had previously. She laughed and tried not to fall backwards from all the giggling she was doing.

"And I see," The fairy began again, "that you didn't come alone."

The pirate captain looked up, now trying to stifle her giggles. "Wh-What do you mean?"

"You don't know? Well, I do suppose it must be too early to tell or to communicate." She said, "Though what you have is so small and unknown will one day be something great."

Tetra was confused, "I don't understand... how am I not alone?"

"A child!" A fairy squeaked, "We love your baby, Princess."

Tetra's face paled and then turned red, "B-Baby? A baby?" She breathed.

"Why yes!" The fairy said excitedly, "You are with child! Isn't it wonderful?"

The other fairies agreed, talking amongst themselves. It had been a long time since a pregnant woman had come down there, it seemed.

Tetra, unsurprisingly, was in shock. There had been a lot of problems lately, and the revelation that she was pregnant only added to it. How was she was supposed to be happy about it when world seemed to be falling apart? And how was she going to tell Link? Should he even know? So many questions and thoughts filled her head as Tetra began to feel a little faint, possibly from the shock.

"Link and I... having a baby..." Tetra whispered. She couldn't believe it, but the more the little fairies hugged her and the more they seemed to giggle, the more real it felt. She stood up and the fair just smiled at her as if the shock wasn't a very big deal.

"Princess, when you reach home... please rest."

Tetra nodded and turned to leave, legs shaking beneath her. She certainly hoped she'd make it home safely.

Meanwhile, back on the army's ship, Markada was laying out the ground rules for Link. "There are a couple of rules to remember in our army," she said, facing him from her side of the table, "First of which, you will follow any order given to you and carry it out by any means necessary."

Link listened intently, a part of him hoping killing innocent people was not part of it. Tetra's words from earlier rang in his mind.

"And secondly, you must remain loyal to our army," Markada continued, "Traitors will be executed. Did I make myself clear?"

"Yes m'am," Link said, nodding, "I understand."

"Good!" Markada said as she pulled out a contract, an ink bottle, and a quill pen, "I want you to sign right here on the dotted line and you're done!" She waited for him to make his move.

Link signed, hesitantly but he knew it was for the good of his family and friends. This choice was solely on his shoulders. After writing the K in his name he tapped the quill down and tossed it back to Markada who only smirked in amusement. Link had no idea how much he would long to wear the Hylian crest again.

"Welcome to the army," Markada said as she rolled up the contract, "When we get to the main base, I'll give you a tour as well as show you your quarters. Your sword arm will make a great contribution to our army." She reached over and shook his hand. "I look forward to seeing you in our ranks soon."

As he shook her hand, Link couldn't help but feel he may have done something regrettable. It's for the good of my loved ones, he told himself, but for some reason the words felt empty.

"We love your baby, Princess!"

The words continuously echoed in Tetra's mind as she curled up under the blankets in the house. She shivered and tried to relax herself but it was useless. She was pregnant and at the worst time possible. The islands were being taken over, Link joined the enemy ranks and things seemed to be getting worse. How could she possibly break it to him?

Aryll watched as Tetra tossed and turned, worrying about her. She didn't know what was bothering her sister-in-law and thought it would be best if she waited until morning. Her ears perked up as she heard her brother come into the house. "Link!" Aryll cried, racing up to him, "I'm glad you're okay! Where were you all day?" When she got close enough, she gave him a hug.

As much as Link wanted to explain the situation he wasn't sure how his little sister would react. Finally he sat her down and began to tell her what had happened. He watched her expression change several times as he went on with the story and by the end she looked a little disgruntled.

"How could you do something like this?" She asked shakily, "To... to join their army? Link... have you lost your mind?" She got up and slapped him across the face.

"Aryll! You don't understand, this is for the good of everyone, if I hadn't-"

"I'd much rather toil in the dirt all day than be on their side, I hope you know! No wonder Tetra isn't sleeping well." Her voice lowered and she shook her head, "I'm going home."

"But Aryll!" Link cried as he saw her leave, "I can make this work and you don't have to suffer anymore!" His mind was numb from shock as he tried to think of what else to say.

Aryll turned and sighed. "I don't know," she said, walking back to him, "It's just that I'm shocked you'd do something like this." She stopped just a few feet away from him, looking into his eyes. "You'd better have a very good reason for this," Aryll said sternly.

"I do have a good reason and I will explain as soon as Tetra wakes up, maybe tomorrow if I have the chance. Everyone needs to know." Link said, "Please, have faith in me. I promise, I won't let you down... have I ever let you down before?"

Aryll looked at the floor, hands clasped together. "No. You haven't failed me, Link... just be careful."

"I will," Link said, smiling a little, "And you be safe, alright?" He hoped that his decision would be worth it in the end. "Aryll, could I ask you to do something for me?" Link asked.

"Sure, I guess," Aryll answered, wondering what it could be.

"I want you to take care of Grandma and Tetra for me when I leave in two days," Link replied, "I'm asking you this as your big brother."

"But... where are you going? You can't leave now! Tetra's fallen ill and there's no way she'll let you go without her... you know how she is!"

"I won't be gone long," Link reassured her, "And I will be back before either of you know it! Until then, I want all of you to hang in there." He walked over and gave her a hug, hoping tomorrow would be better.