Medli is a very sweet-tempered person. But she needs to be a bit more assertive to get Shadow Link to behave. Luckily she seems able to keep him on a leash, if a rather loose one…

And I know a lot of people don't like Navi. I promise I won't make her obnoxious. Pretend she's a different character.

Hey!

Listen!

Chapter 3: The Wing Tribe

Shadow Link waited in the shade of Dragonroost Island.

Navi, Tatl, and Tael perched on a ledge on the cliff out of Shadow Link's reach. Tael was asleep. Navi was bobbing back and forth anxiously.

After a few minutes alone, Shadow Link sat down against the stone and dropped his hat over his head to shut his eyes for a minute.

The rustle of feathers made him look up again.

Two Rito were flying towards him. One of them was Medli. The other was a boy.

They landed across the ledge.

"This is Shadow Link," Medli said to the Rito boy. "And this is Komali. He's the Rito prince," she explained.

"Medli told us what you said," Komali sighed. ""I hope Link's all right. He does have a lot of friends around here."

"Link always has a lot of friends," Shadow Link smirked. "And none of them ever notice his handsome shadow."

"You're right," Komali said to Medli. "He's not at all like the real Link."

"See, that's what I mean. You keep calling him the real Link. Does that make me the fake Link?"

"You're just a shadow," Komali said, putting his hands on his hips.

Shadow Link sneered. "Just the Shadow that the real Link is depending on right now to save his sorry hide."

Komali turned to Medli. "I'm worried about you," he said softly. "I wish I could come to make sure that you're safe."

Medli shook her head. "You have to stay here. You're the prince. You need to make sure that everyone here stays safe."

"We'll look after her," Tatl chimed.

"Yes. Don't worry," Navi added.

Tael (having woken up) nodded in agreement.

"So, either way," Shadow Link said loudly, "we can't leave until the sun sets. I can't travel in the day. Even with the Triforce, light isn't healthy for me. Though without the Triforce, I wouldn't even be able to stay solid."

"It's a few hours until dark," Medli said. "Do you want to come inside?"

Shadow Link sneered and shook his head. "I don't like company."

"Should we bring you food then? Or do you not need to eat because you're a shadow?"

Link shrugged. "Whatever."

"You're welcome," Komali grumbled.

"I'll bring you something," Medli offered.

"I want to go too!" Tael cried excitedly.

"No, Tael!" Tatl hissed. "We need to stay here and keep an eye on Shadow Link!"

Shadow Link shook his head in disgust. "I'm no kid that needs supervision."

"And Medli is much nicer than him," Tatl added.

"You can come if you like," Medli said to Tael.

Tael gave a happy ringing sound and fluttered over to land on Medli's shoulder.

With a flap of her wings, Medli took off and glided down towards the Rito village. Komali glanced back at Shadow Link once more and then followed her.

Shadow Link dropped his hat over his face again and leaned back against the cliff.

Medli and Komali alighted on the platform overlooking the Great Sea. The rest of the Rito were there waiting for them.

"Are you sure he's telling the truth?" Quill asked.

"I'm worried about you," The Chieftan sighed. "That copy of Link could be leading you to danger. And even if he is telling the truth, he speaks of dangerous times. It is foolish to go off with such an untrustworthy character in the face of such danger."

"I have important information that he needs," Medli replied. "I know about some of the history of the Triforce bearers from… from when Link was around. And besides, he's my friend. I need to make sure he's safe."

"And we'll be there to take care of her!" Tael exclaimed from Medli's shoulder. "We'll make sure Shadow Link doesn't do anything bad! Cause if he doesn't, I'll get him!"

Medli smiled. "Thanks, Tael." Though someone his size probably wouldn't be able to do much against Shadow Link. Come to think of it, did Shadow Link have any special powers? He very well might…

"Anyway, Valoo will be going with us until we reach Forest Haven. That will give us some time to figure out what Shadow Link's about. We'll figure out what to do next after we check on Makar. But you guys need to spread the word. It's important that everyone knows of the returning danger."

"All right, Medli," the Chieftan agreed reluctantly. "I trust you. And I don't think that any danger will befall you. But you take the utmost care."

"I will. We'll be very careful. I'll send word back once we reach Forest Haven."

Medli and Komali went to the storage room together to get some food and supplies.

"Here," Komali whispered as he handed the bag to Medli. "This is my knife. Keep it with you to protect yourself."

Medli smiled. "Thanks, Komali."

"You be sure to come home safe, you hear?"

"I promise."