Kari slowly awoke from the shadows of unconsciousness. He rose with a moan, placing a comforting hand to ease his hurting stomach. The Sheikah looked around to find himself on a stone wall, merely a roll away from dropping into the wet fountain that it surrounded. The mist from the cool water tickled his face, alerting him that this was no dream.

The Sheikah spotted a moving blur from the corner of his eye. He turned to gain a better look and cringed. Dozens of Hylians hurried around him to accomplish their daily tasks. Their sense of style was foreign to him, though he imagined he looked stranger to them. The crowd indicated he was in the town square.

"Glad to see you're awake." Link said, standing in front of him with his arms crossed. "I didn't hit you too hard, did I?"

Kari blinked a few times, allowing his eyes to adjust to the fading sun. He had no idea how much time had elapsed. The sun was much lower in the sky, barely sending its rays above the crowded buildings of Castle Town.

"So you knocked me unconscious?" Kari looked to the ground instead of Link, the sadness returning to his eyes. His voice was quiet, but just loud enough for Link to hear above the bustling marketplace. "What you did was wise."

"Come again?" Link asked. He moved closer and sat beside Kari.

"Even though the genocide of my people tears me apart, it cannot be undone. I shouldn't have lost control of my emotions." Kari closed his eyes and shook his head in regret. "If you hadn't intervened, only the goddesses know the damage I could have caused."

Link was tempted to lay a comforting hand on the Sheikah's shoulder. However, it would probably do more harm than good.

"No one blames you for being angry. It's a sign of caring." Link sighed and looked to the sky, watching the feathery clouds drift slowly over them. His voice was reflective and empathetic, stemming from a similar pain that only those who have lost someone dear can understand.

The hero paused for a moment before continuing. "I've been thinking about what you said, Kari. Though I hate to admit it, we do some awful things. Many Hylians are greedy, selfish, and care little for others unless they have something to gain. But we're not all like that. Some live their entire lives for the benefit of others. They are the ones worthy of being called the goddesses' chosen."

"There is truth in your words." Kari paused. "Your Zelda is quite exceptional. In her is a kindness that defies all expectations. Perhaps there are some who obey the goddesses even among your kind." He looked at Link, his mouth curled curiously despite his solemn eyes. "I wonder, Hylian. Are you one of them?"

Link was speechless as he scratched his damp, blonde hair. The supremacy of the Three Goddesses was accepted throughout Hyrule and its provinces without question. The Three were generally revered and sometimes worshipped, even though there were no actual temples constructed for that purpose. The story of how they created the world was inscribed in legends as old as time and known by nearly everyone. It was believed the goddesses did not directly interfere with their creation except in extreme circumstances. Instead, they created lesser deities such as the Light Spirits to carry out their will. These lesser deities lived among the people, each of the five Great Nations having its own guardian spirit or spirits. It was assumed the goddesses had a benevolent nature; advocating justice and equality for all people.

However, not all felt this sentiment. The belief, especially popular amongst corrupt nobles and underground criminals, cast the goddesses as creators walking away from their creation, allowing men and women to do as they desired. Free from any divine obligation, they felt little to no remorse for the pain and suffering they inflicted.

"I believe actions speak louder than words," Link replied. A sly smile spread across the hero's face. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see."

"A wise answer," Kari replied thoughtfully. He shifted his legs so that he hugged his knees on the stone wall.

The Sheikah gazed around the town square, soaking in the city life that was so new to him. All around him, Hylians went about their business. Tables of friends laughed and socialized together at an outdoor restaurant. A band of musicians played festively, creating cheerful music that lifted the spirits of the fearful townsfolk. A young girl threw a bone to an eagerly awaiting dog. A middle-aged woman hurried home with several jars of food for her hungry children.

Despite Kari's previous thoughts, Hylians weren't all that different. They laughed, smiled, loved, cried, and worked just like his people. The major difference between the two races was that only one still thrived.

"So, what will you do now?" Link asked after sitting in silence for several minutes. He looked at Kari carefully. "You can travel with me or go off on your own. I don't know if we have much time until Zant's next attack. If you don't want to stay here, I suggest you leave soon through the west gate."

Kari shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I have no place to call home or anyone to call friend." He paused. "I suppose I'll stay here until I figure out what to do next."

Link nodded and hopped to his feet. "No one will force you to do anything. I'll be around. If I don't see you again, I hope you find what you're looking for." Kari nodded. Link pointed over to a large store with a child's face on it. "I'll be over at Malo Mart if you need me."

Link took Kari's silence for acknowledgment.

The hero left the Sheikah and walked through the crowd, drawing the occasional stare from a curious passerby. He walked up the steps towards the popular convenience store and stopped before opening the door. He gave a quick glance back towards the fountain. Kari was no longer there. Link shrugged his shoulders and reached for the iron handle. He turned it and stepped through the wooden door, eager to obtain a few necessary supplies before he left for Faron Woods.

The traditional Malo Mart music greeted his ears as soon as he entered. A small bell above the door jingled, alerting the shop owner to his presence. The entire place smelt of wood: shelves, floors, walls; everything. Malo certainly didn't spend much money on the place. Surprisingly, the store itself was vacant; even Malver was nowhere to be found. It appeared to have undergone renovations since he last set foot there seven years ago. There were far more shelves and merchandise, no doubt to accommodate the store's expanding role in Hyrule's economy.

The hero's gaze was turned to an odd hand-written sign pasted on the front desk. It said: "No fairies sold here. Please go elsewhere." He furrowed his brows in puzzlement and approached the front desk. The store was eerily silent.

"Is anyone here? I'd like to buy a few things." Link called out. His eyes darted to the ceiling as he heard muffled voices and footsteps running around upstairs.

"Talo, you imbecile! You're supposed to be at the front desk! Stop making out with your girlfriend and get down there!" Link smiled pleasantly to himself. That blunt manner of speech could belong only to one person.

More footsteps. "I can't. My leg still hasn't healed completely. Besides, I could use a day off."

The voices were getting louder as the two brothers marched down the stairs. "A day off from what? The most you do is stock shelves! You need help even with that! I'm the one stuck dealing with Tingle. Din's fire! If that's him now, I'll have his head."

The two brothers emerged from the stairs, still staring at one another in open hostility. Talo leaned on the hand railing for support. They were completely oblivious to Link's presence. Their eyes locked in heated fury, neither one saying a word.

Link cleared his throat to gain their attention.

Malo was the first to respond. "I'm sorry sir. What can I interest you…oh my Hylian goddesses!" His jaw nearly dropped to the floor as he realized who was standing in front of him.

"What is it?" Talo turned around. His eyes grew to the size of marbles as he gazed at the young man he had idolized growing up. "Malo, did you leave the blue potions out again? I think I'm seeing things."

Link smiled and leaned on the counter. "Do you always greet old friends by staring at them?"

"It is you!" Talo hollered. He rolled over the counter and hopped on his good leg. He jumped on Link's back, wrapping his arms around Link's neck to secure himself. The hero nearly stumbled back; the mischievous young boy he had rescued from the monkeys seven years ago had grown up quite a bit

"Easy there, Talo." Link cautioned, readjusting his position to accommodate the extra weight. "You're not as small as you used to be." Suddenly, he felt an odd tingling near his legs. He looked down to see Malo kneeling and poking his legs incessantly.

"He appears to be real." Malo concluded, rising to his feet. Even at his full height, he was only up to Link's chest. "Here I thought the blue potions had us seeing things again."

Link smiled and slid Talo off his back. "I assure you I'm the real deal. It's great to see you guys. You both have changed so much." He paused to regain his breath. "I must admit, I'm surprised to even meet you guys here. I thought Malver ran this store."

"You surprised? What about us?" Talo scoffed with hands folded across his chest.

Malo ignored his brother's comment. "Malo Mart has grown so much that it was just easier to live here. Plus, we all needed a break from farm country."

The hero looked expectantly up the stairs. "Who else lives here?"

Malo also looked up the stairs. "Normally just Beth and Talo. I have to keep a constant eye on the two of them."

Link looked at Talo with a mischievous grin. "Does that mean what I think it means?"

Talo nodded proudly. "You betcha. Beth and I are an item."

The hero nodded his approval. "Congratulations. How's everyone else?"

Talo began shuffling his feet as his smile quickly faded. His hands folded behind his back. "Colin and Ilia are staying with us for now. Rusl lived with us for a while, too."

"Lived? Where is he now?" Link asked hopefully. His eyes darted around the store for any trace of the swordsman.

The two brothers exchanged guilty glances. They were saved by Beth's hollering from the top of the stairway. "What's all the commotion? Is Tingle back?" She walked down the stairs to investigate and nearly tripped when she reached the bottom.

"Din, Nayru, and Farore! Is that really you?" Beth exclaimed after regaining her balance. Unlike the brothers, she used the gate to get past the desk and walked sheepishly up to the hero. She swayed side to side as she spoke. "It's really good to see you again, Link. I mean, the boys didn't think you would ever come back, but I knew you would."

Malo scowled. "That's not what you said yesterday."

Beth ignored him, keeping her attention focused on Link. "So what brings you here after so long?"

Link eyed the shelves all around him. "Actually, I came to pick up a few things for a little trip I have to make, but that can wait. Right now, I'd really like to see everyone."

Malo's ears perked up at the prospect of making money. "They can wait. I can assist you with whatever you need right now."

Beth glared disapprovingly at Malo before turning back to Link. "I'm not sure where Colin is. He's been really quiet lately. As for Ilia, she's over at Dr. Borville's place. She's helping the grumpy old codger tend to the injured after that last battle on Death Mountain. Talo will be happy to take you there, won't he?" Her voice was insistent.

"I will?" One look from Beth and he instantly understood. "Oh right, I will. We can go after you're all set here."

Malo clapped his hands. "Now, what would you like to buy?"

Colin's hands trembled uncontrollably as he stared at the sword grasped in his fingers. His face was covered in shadow as he stood in the dark corner of a side alleyway. Sweat dripped down his forehead and onto his palms as he faced the dilemma standing before him. His breathing came quick and unsteady, matched by his rapid palpitating heart. He didn't know if he had the courage to follow through.

He glanced nervously at the entrances to the alley. The approaching twilight cast everything in an eerie glow. Various boxes were cast aside in the alleyway like garbage, their shadows extended by the approach of dusk. The occasional Hylian walked by in the distance, his muscles tensing at the sound of their voices. No one paid him any notice. The young man's ears stood attentive. At even the slightest unwelcome sound, he was ready to bolt.

Dark voices whispered in his mind, blending any coherent thoughts into a mush of doubt and despair. No matter how much he tried to shake the lies out of his mind, their chanting only grew stronger.

"It's your fault Rusl is dead. If you hadn't been kidnapped, he'd still be alive."

"You weakling. Now that Link is gone, you have no one to clean up after your mistakes."

"Your friends would be better off without you. They're only nice to you because they pity you."

"Zen deserves a better older brother. A screw up like you should just give up."

Ever since his father passed away, Colin was on the brink of despair. Self-doubt filled him like the blood in his veins. Guilt choked the joy from his life. Internal pain isolated him from his friends.

Colin shook his head, trying to grasp the light of reason that eluded him. He did have friends, and they had done their very best to comfort them in their own ways. Malo insisted the pain was only temporary. Talo encouraged him to endure it like a man. Ilia empathized with him, encouraging him with words that had helped her deal with her own losses. Beth bought him a new type of chocolate every day. To appease them, he hid his pain with a forced smile. With every day that passed, that smile became harder to maintain as the demonic voices consumed his mind and his spirit.

Despite his friends' best efforts, his despair only worsened. If he had failed Link and his father, what was to stop him from repeating that failure again? What if his weakness caused him to lose even more loved ones? Colin grabbed the hilt of the sword with both hands. That wasn't a chance he could take. Everyone would be better off without him.

He heard the bouncing of a pebble and froze like an animal sensing a predator. He looked both ways, only to find the alley empty as it previously had been. A mouse scurried out from one of the boxes and climbed up one of the drain pipes. It had been nothing but a false alarm.

It was now or never.

Colin breathed heavily as he scraped the resolve to end his life once and for all. He tightened his grip on the hilt and raised the sword above his head. Just one fluid motion should do it. Then, he would finally free himself of the pain and misery drowning him. He would finally find peace once again.

"Oh Goddessses! He's actually going to do it!"

With instincts honed from years of training, Kari jumped down from his perch amongst the rooftops and landed in front of Colin. The frozen young man stared wide-eyed at the interloper. The Sheikah jabbed two pressure points near Colin's elbows, causing his arms to sag and the sword to drop with a loud clank. Kari kicked the weapon away with his foot and restrained Colin tightly against a wall. The Ordonian didn't struggle.

"Fool! What are you thinking?" Kari snapped, glaring Colin straight in the eyes.

Colin said nothing. Instead, he looked quickly at the Sheikah and began to bawl. The tears streamed down his cheeks like a waterfall, soaking his tunic and Kari's sleeves.

"Oh no, don't do that." Kari said quickly and with less bitterness. "I didn't mean to scare you. I was just trying to stop you from doing something foolish."

Colin mumbled something under his breath. The tears slowed in their course.

"What did you say?"

Colin spoke louder this time through restrained sobs, though more to himself than to Kari. "I was just one second away." Tears began to roll down his cheeks again. "The voices overpowered me. Papa wanted me to be strong, but I can't do it anymore. I'm just too weak."

Kari shook his head in disdain. "If you resorted to this, then you must be. Only cowards flee from pain."

Colin sniffled as he looked into Kari's fiery red eyes. "What do you mean?"

Kari released his grip on Colin but kept a watchful eye on the sword. "Strength isn't measured in how much you can lift or what you can slay. It is measured in your ability to endure and keep fighting against adversity. Death is the easy way out." He walked over to the sword and picked it up. He eyed Colin suspiciously. "Is this your weapon?"

Colin shook his head. "It belonged to my papa."

Kari eyed the blade carefully and leaned against the hilt. "And where is he now?"

Colin's eyes dropped. "I'd rather not talk about it."

"You coward!" Kari snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at Colin. "You're afraid to think about it! You know it'll bring all the pain back. I'm a stranger you'll never see again. If you can't even face me, how do you hope to confront those close to you?"

The Sheikah could only hope his attempt to mend the boy's spirit would work. He felt guilty for being harsh, but he knew it was the only way to break the cloud of doubt hanging over the human. He placed some of his weight against the hilt as he anticipated the young man's response.

There was a moment of silence. The noise of oblivious townsfolk could be heard in the distance. A few perched doves sang on the rooftops above. Feathery clouds flew overhead, led by the wind like a muzzled horse.

As Colin spoke each word, he winced as if struck by a knife. "Everything is my fault."

Kari listened intently. He had to carefully balance harshness and gentleness. "What's your fault?"

"My father is dead. Link is gone. I'm completely lost. What if my failures will cause someone else to die? I have nowhere to turn. I hear voices in my head." Colin continued to ramble. Even just the act of confessing released a few boulders off his back. It was nice to finally have a listening ear, even if this stranger didn't really care.

Kari froze. Every nerve in his body tingled upon hearing the boy's confessions. The story hit so close to home that the roles might as well have been reversed. His face softened as his resolve crumbled. He didn't have the heart to yell again.

Colin suddenly stopped and looked at Kari with guilt. He hadn't realized until now he had been rambling. "I'm so stupid. I messed up again. You don't need to hear about my troubles."

The sword clanked loudly to the ground as the Sheikah's hands returned to his side. Kari's reflective gaze stared at the sword as if he had been the one about to take his life. "You're right. I don't need to hear about your troubles." He paused. "I have lived through them, word for word."

Colin was silent.

"I know what it is to lose my father, my people even. I am in a strange land without a familiar face. I have no guidance or direction; no purpose or motivation." He paused. "Yet, for some reason, I cannot make myself give up. Something tells me to keep going. I think you shouldn't give up either."

Colin shuffled his feet. "I wish it were that easy."

Kari nodded. He knew exactly what was going through this young man's mind now. Similar thoughts had been floating in his. Because of that, he also knew the spark needed to rekindle this poor soul's hope once more into a burning flame.

"You mentioned this friend named Link? Would he happen to be a Hylian with blonde hair, blue eyes, strange green clothes, and a knack for weaponry? I believe I've heard of him."

Colin dropped his shoulders, his tone more depressed than a drunk kicked out of his own home. "It's not that surprising. Practically everyone's heard of him. He's only the greatest guy ever. He lived his entire life helping people and never asked for anything in return."

Kari smirked. "Is that so? Well that's news to someone foreign to this country. All I know is he snores something furious in his sleep and talks endlessly about a certain Colin and Ilia." Colin cracked a small smile "He likes to play tricks too. I have to always be on my guard."

"You seem to know a lot about him."

"That's because I was stuck the last two days with him."

"He's alive?"

"As living and breathing as you and me, I swear upon the Book of Mudora. I was with him only a short while ago before he went to Malo Mart. I went to the rooftops shortly afterward to meditate when I noticed you."

The light of hope finally began to glow in Colin's eyes. His shoulders lifted and his posture straightened. "Wow! This is amazing! He's really alive!" His face suddenly saddened. "But how can I face him? Not as a failure."

Kari shook his head. "I have no knowledge of what happened, but something tells me it is not not your fault. Link will understand, I'm sure of it. Besides, don't you miss him?"

"Terribly."

"Then stop talking to me and go find him. It surprises me you haven't left already."

Colin nodded resolutely, forming a small fist with his hand. "You're right. I can't give up just yet, not while I still have Link. I can't thank you enough, uhhh?" He looked at the Sheikah inquisitively.

"The name is Kari. And yours?"

"Colin, sir." He took both of Kari's arms and shook them up and down like an ecstatic little boy. "I can't thank you enough, Sir Kari. You stopped me from making a terrible mistake." He paused, his eyes glistening like a young puppy. "Please don't tell anyone about this."

Kari nodded and held out his hand after Colin stopped shaking it. "I promise."

Colin nodded and ran towards the alleyway. He turned around and gave one final wave. "May we meet again, Sir. Kari." With that, he eagerly ran out of the alleyway and into the main street.

Kari let a smile crack between his lips. "Yes, I would like that, Colin. We have more in common than you realize. You may not know it, but you have restored my hope as well. I know my reason for being here now."

"Are you sure she's here?" Link asked hesitantly. His eyes gazed nervously at the doorway. They stood before a small stone house on the eastern side of Castle Town. Its windows were open, and for good reason: the stench of old medicine and decay festered from deep within. Even from outside, the moans and cries of the injured and the footfalls of those who assisted them carried through the window and into their unwilling ears.

"Ilia told us if we needed her for anything, she'd be here." Talo replied. He had a mischievous smirk on his face.

The two stood outside the door to Dr. Borville's house. Link slowly turned the doorknob and stepped through the door. Talo waited outside.

"Hello. Dr. Borville?" he called out, stepping into the cramped hallway. He cringed as the moans grew ever more intense.

His call was answered by a tiny, elderly man who peeked around the corner. Large spectacles covered nearly half his face, supported by a long, hooktail nose. He was bald on top with white hair growing out to the sides. The only clothing of significance he wore was the yellow robe indicating his status as a professional physician. As he walked towards Link, he leaned forward from a back injury he had suffered many years ago.

"Eh? What can I do for you, young man?" He looked over him quickly as he adjusted his large spectacles. "You don't seem to need an examination." He cleared his throat. "I already told everyone that I'm very busy. I can't accept visitors at this time. Come back later."

"Is Ilia here? I was hoping to talk to her." Link said, taking a small step forward. He looked hopefully over the doctor's shoulder, only to be yelled at.

"I said come back later! She's one of the few competent helpers I have. If I lose her, nothing will get done." The doctor stood as straight as he could.

"I promise I won't take long."

"I said come back later!"

"But-"

"My answer is final." The doctor grunted. "I have patients to tend to. Get out." He shoved him out the door with a wave of his hand, turned around, and walked into one of the makeshift operating rooms.

Link sighed in disgust and stepped back outside, closing the door behind him a little harder then he normally would. Dr. Borville looked around the corner and grunted in triumph. He went back to one of the beds where a patient with an amputated leg awaited treatment. Ilia walked up to him as she ground some herbs with a mortar and pestle.

"What was that about?" she asked gently.

Link leaned against the wall of the doctor's shop and sighed. He cast a disappointed look at the door. He wanted to see Ilia more than anything, but he realized her work was important. Despite his desire to stay, he knew he had to keep moving. Their reunion would just have to wait for another time. The hero pushed himself off the wall and began walking away from the door. His boot hadn't even touched the main road when Talo's voice stopped him.

"You're giving up just like that?" Talo said. His face was curled into that of disapproval. His hands were on his hips.

Link turned around and shrugged his shoulders in frustration. "She's busy helping the doctor. I can't interrupt her."

"You haven't seen her in years. Are you really going to let a grumpy old doctor stop you?"

Link was speechless. Talo had a point.

Suddenly, both froze as they heard the door creak open. Link turned around to find a certain young woman staring at him. Ilia looked him over carefully, unsure to trust her eyes or not. She took a step forward and then stopped.

"Do I know you from somewhere? You look familiar?" she said, looking into his eyes carefully.

"It's possible. I've been around." The hero said casually. His eyes didn't leave her.

Ilia's face lit up as she recognized his voice. "Link? I knew it! I knew you'd return someday!"

She ran to him and hugged him, squeezing him tightly in a warm embrace. Link smiled affectionately and returned the gesture. When she released him, she was laughing and crying at the same time. "You're finally back. I knew what Zelda said couldn't be true."

Link feigned confusion. He couldn't resist. "Is it fun to hug strangers? Do I know you?"

Ilia looked at him with hurt in her eyes, wiping a tear from her cheek. "You don't remember me? What happened to you?"

Link smiled devilishly, unable to hold his front anymore.

Ilia glared at him. "You jerk! That wasn't funny!" She gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. She feigned anger at him, tapping her foot and placing her hands on her hips. Only a few seconds passed before Link had her smiling once again. "You have no idea how much I missed you." They shared another warm embrace.

"I've missed you too." Link replied warmly as he gently rubbed Ilia's back. When they stopped hugging, they stared at one another with large grins.

The air soon became filled with Talo's laughter. The two snapped out of their daze and looked at him.

"What's so funny, Talo?" Ilia demanded, a hint of red painting her cheeks.

The door opened and Dr. Borville barged into the reunion, cutting off Talo's response. "Ilia, I need your assistance. Some of the patients have, shall we say, relieved themselves, and they need someone to clean them up." He gave a nasty look at Link. "I thought I told you to come back later."

Ilia rolled her eyes. "Doctor Borville, I'm busy talkin' with an old friend. Take Talo instead. He's a boy. He likes to get dirty."

Talo's mouth gaped open. "What?"

"A great idea since he never paid his bill for the broken leg." Dr. Borville said gruffly. He approached the young man and grabbed him by the ear. Talo yelped in pain, following the doctor helplessly as he dragged him inside and shut the door. The two friends were alone for the time being.

Ilia looked around awkwardly as she found herself at a loss for words. She had to admit, it was easier to talk now that Talo wasn't eavesdropping. Even so, it had been years since they last conversed. At one point, she had known almost every detail of his life. Now, he had experienced things and met people she would only be able to imagine. The Hylian standing before her seemed like an entirely different person. Yet, somewhere behind that innocent smile, there was still the best friend she knew and loved.

"So…" Link began, tapping his boots against the ground and fidgeting nervously with his quiver. "You're helping out Dr. Borville. How's that going?"

Ilia took a lock of her hair and began twisting it with her finger. "It's goin' okay, I suppose. I don't know if you've heard about the war or not, but a lot of people got hurt. I'm just helpin' out however I can."

Link nodded. He was grateful their conversation was going better than expected. He had feared the years apart had extinguished their friendship. "That's good. I didn't know you were good with medicine."

Ilia smiled bashfully. "Uli taught me a lot after my mother passed away. A lot of what I know about herbs and stuff I learned from her. Of course, I'm learnin' all sorts of things from Dr. Borville too. I guess he sees me as his student or somethin'."

"Then I can get beat up and depend on you to fix me." Link joked.

"Don't you do that, anyways?" came the response. They both chuckled.

When the laughter died, silence filled the air once again. An inevitable question hung over them like a soggy set of clothes; Ilia feared to ask it and Link didn't know how to answer it. Any other small talk would just beat around the bush.

"Link, I hafta ask you something. If you don't want to answer it, I understand. Still, I have to at least try." Ilia said, her eyes looking away to a far off place.

"Ask away," the hero responded reluctantly. He had a feeling she wouldn't like his answer.

"Why did you leave? Was it somethin' I or one of the other villagers did?"

Link felt a large knot develop in his throat. He swallowed hard and thought of the best response he could on short notice. He laid two comforting hands on Ilia's shoulders. She shook from his cold hands and gazed at him quickly, but then resumed her stare towards the ground.

"Ilia, it was nothing you or anyone did." A large exhale escaped his mouth. "When I traveled Hyrule, I saw things and experienced things that changed me. I simply couldn't go back to the farm life after everything that happened. I had to leave, to find out who I really was. I'm simply not the same farmer boy you grew up with. I hope you can understand."

Ilia sighed. "Not really, but for your sake, I'll try." She wrapped both her hands in one of his. "You're still my best friend though, whether you like it or not. That will never change."

Link chuckled quietly. "Of course."

Ilia's face saddened. "A lot has changed since you've been gone. Zen's gotten so big now. Beth, Talo, and Malo have left the village. And Rusl…" she stopped abruptly.

Link's eyes narrowed. "And Rusl?" he coaxed.

A solemn frown crossed her lips. "He's gone to be with the goddesses. He's in a better place now."

Link stared emptily at her for a few seconds. His hands returned to his sides. The words rung in his ears like bells at a funeral. He could barely comprehend that the man who had been his father for so many years was now completely gone. His heart became burdened with an awful load of sorrow, but he resolved to endure the loss inwardly. The hero didn't even need to ask how it happened. In his heart, he already knew.

Zant.

"Thank you for telling me, Ilia. It must've been hard." He looked off in the distance toward the direction of Malo Mart. "How's Colin taking it?"

Ilia followed his gaze. The setting sun consoled them by setting the sky ablaze in a collage of twilight colors. She looked once again at her friend; he seemed to be handling the news remarkably well; much better than any of them had. Yet, she knew how he internalized things. If her heart was drenched in grief, she could only imagine his. Her voice began to quiver as she spoke.

"He's been really quiet, but I think he's okay. We've all been there for him, and he even smiles once in a while. Beth's been gettin' him chocolate every day."

Link nodded, unable to laugh like he wanted to. "And the rest of his family?"

"They don't know yet."

Link ran exasperated fingers through his hair. He rubbed his tired eyes and looked at Ilia. "Watch over him for me. I wish I could see him now, but I have something important I have to do first."

Ilia's eyes widened as she took a bold step forward. Her voice rose sharply. "You're leavin' again?"

Link nodded. "Only for a few days. I promise I'll be back."

Ilia folded her arms in front of her chest. "That's what Rusl said, too."

A chill ran up the hero's spine that he couldn't control.

Suddenly, Talo burst through the door, holding his hands as far from his nose as possible. Dr. Borville ran after him, hollering at the boy for all he was worth.

"Ilia, you need to come inside." The doctor pleaded, breathing heavily. "This boy is more useless than a slingshot without seeds."

Ilia looked to the doctor and then to her friend with glistening green eyes. "I guess I'll see you soon, Link. Please don't do anythin' reckless."

Link waved goodbye as he walked down the path. "I promise. See you later, Ilia, Talo."

"You'll be back, right?" Talo hollered. Link nodded, sending a shout of joy from the youth. Link waved one last time and disappeared around the corner that lead to the southern gate.

The field just south of Castle Town had always been a favorite amongst the locals. Sharp cliffs rising on either side made it safer than other sections of Hyrule Field. The only entrance came from a narrow path through the cliffs coming from the direction of Faron Woods. Several sets of stairs lead from the town entrance to the field. A decorative fountain sparkled in the middle of these descending stairs as the setting sun shone upon it. The twilight glow illuminated the waving trees planted on either side. Blades of grass swayed in the wind at the foot of the stairs. As he sat on one of the stone walls that served as a railing, Kari found he enjoyed the scenery. His eyes narrowed as he saw a figure emerge through the southern gate.

As Link exited Castle Town and the wooden gates closed tightly behind him, he noticed the Sheikah eyeing him intently from his lofty perch. The hero walked up to Kari, returning his gaze as he approached.

"Have you made your decision?" Link asked politely.

Kari nodded with a smirk. "I have decided to accept your offer and accompany you. The goddesses had us meet for a reason, though I don't know what that is yet. I will help you fight this Zant. You have my word, Link."

The hero looked at him wide-eyed. "Wow, I didn't think you'd actually accept my offer."

The Sheikah tilted his head in confusion. "Is there a problem?"

Link shook his head. "Not at all. I appreciate the company," he replied quickly. He wiped his brow. He'd have to be careful what he said.

Before starting on their way, Link double checked the belt holding his newly acquired Hylian shield, as well as his quiver. He felt for the arrows inside and breathed a sigh of contentment. Suddenly, his head jerked up.

"Did you just call me 'Link?"

"Would you prefer 'Hylian?'"

"No, my name is good." The Hylian said with a smile. "We should get going. We've got a long way to go."

Kari leapt onto the ground beside him, and the two companions began the long trek to Link's old stomping grounds. They descended the stone stairs and walked through the soft grass. They became little more than specks as they drew further away from Castle Town. Their voices could be heard in the distance as twilight covered the sky.

A/N- It was a lot of fun writing this chapter. I hadn't realized the different ways each character interacts with the others until here. Also, there was a lot more emotion than I expected, especially with Colin. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that there are people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, and they don't always have people to help them. Make an effort to be a friend. You never know how you may touch someone's life.

And now, here is your chance to influence what future chapters look like. Although I have the basics outlined, there's still a lot of room for flexibility, and I'm interested in what you guys, the readers, are thinking. Feel free to send me the answers to these questions in a review or a PM, or you don't have to answer them at all. Just remember, your opinion could change how certain events play out.

1. What is this story's greatest strength?

2. What is one thing this story can do to improve?

3. What is one thing you'd really like to see in a future chapter? (If I like your idea, I'll use it and be sure to give you credit.)

4. Who is your favorite character? (I bet I know who most of you will pick.)

5. What are some character pairing you'd really like to see? (I don't do yaoi.) I haven't really decided on any yet, so almost anything is possible.