Despite the group's initial expectations, the Temple of Seasons was not actually located in Horon Village. Instead, the ancient structure sat atop a small mountain about half a day's hike from the commercial and governing capital of Holodrum. Although not as daunting as some of their previous hikes, the weary group decided to rest at a local inn for the night. Though insects scuttled in the blankets and the inn's boisterous customers shouted well into the night, the exhausted travelers somehow managed to sleep through the night. Morning came too soon for them as the rising sun tugged their heavy eyelids awake and the bustling of the city caused their ears to perk up.

After a light breakfast, a small loaf of stale bread and a cup of sour milk, the travelers left the shoddy inn and began the short journey to the temple. Large clouds covered most of the sky, rolling by like wads of cotton as they moved at the wind's beckoning. A trace of blue sky peaked through a hole in the clouds, allowing a few of the sun's hopeful rays to shine on the grass blowing in the crisp autumn breeze.

"It really is a nice walk," Din had told them before their departure. "We just have to cross through North Horon and the Natzu Plains and its right there."

As the group of companions walked, they realized that she was right. Small deciduous trees grew on either side of the dirt path that led to their destination. The occasional yellow autumn leaf dotted the otherwise green landscape, an ironic reminder considering their destination. The occasional plateau broke an otherwise seemingly infinite sea of grass on their right, reminiscent of Hyrule Field in some ways. To their left, a large river snaked its way through the countryside. Din explained that its source came from the second largest city in Holodrum, also known as the Sunken City. It continued to undulate in uncertainty as it followed them, sometimes winding close enough to throw a stone in from the path; other times pulling back so that it was indistinguishable against the trees and grass.

Before long, the towers of the temple were visible in the skyline. With his sharp eyes, Link was the first to take notice. Only two of the towers were visible from their location, large structures with the walls sloping in towards the top. One was green with a leaf like much of the surrounding vegetation, the other a cold shade of blue with a snowflake carved into it.

"We're almost there." Din announced cheerfully from the front of the procession. The bangles around her wrist circled freely as her hand pointed off in the distance.

"Thank the goddesses," Ilia said with a sigh. She looked down at the sandals covering all but her toes. "My feet still hurt somethin' fierce from all the walking we did yesterday."

"I can always carry you if you wish," Kari replied from close behind her.

The ranch girl glared at him. "Don't you dare touch me." She stepped away. "Don't think I forgot about last time."

The Sheikah tilted his head to the side. "Last time?"

Ilia put Colin between the two of them. "Never mind."

Colin looked at both of them, a priceless look of confusion on his face.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the temple. The structure was easily the largest thing they had seen since coming to Holodrum. The temple itself was largely rectangular and had a brick foundation with marble walls. Four towers rose from the corners of the edifice like pillars, each colored meticulously for the season it represented: blue for winter, red for summer, yellow for autumn, and green for spring. As they entered through a large iron gate, marble statues of Din, the Goddess of Power, greeted them on either side. They looked around the brick courtyard and saw the entrances to two of the towers sealed shut. Din explained that the spirits of the seasons dwelt there; no one was allowed to disturb them. The only section of the temple open to the public was the main chamber where the Rod of Seasons rested.

The main chamber itself took everyone by surprise. The entire floor was flooded with water up to the ankle. A small path stone built fairly recently split the elongated room down the middle, raised enough so that the water would not overrun it. At the end of the path rose a large altar. Marble statues lined the corners of the altar, once again portraying the goddess of power in various poses. Frescoes displaying the symbols for the four seasons, a leaf for fall, a sprout for spring, a sun for summer, and a snowflake for winter, were painted on the front of the altar on either side of the staircase leading up. At the top of the altar stood a stone pedestal where the Rod of Seasons itself stood. True to its name, the artifact contained colorful jewels on the top carved with the same symbols from the fresco and towers. A beautiful waterfall flowed in the background, feeding water to the sparkling floor.

"The Rod of Seasons is right there. No large monsters, no hidden traps, no impossible puzzles." Link remarked as they observed the ancient room around them. His eyes rested on the artifact down the path. "I wish all my adventures were this simple."

Midna overheard his comment. She walked up beside him. "But what fun is that? Didn't you enjoy all those times we nearly died?"

The hero nodded hesitantly. "Actually, I kinda did in a weird sort of way."

The Twilight Princess smiled. "I thought so." She gave him a playful poke. "You are pretty weird, after all."

Link flinched andlooked at the water on either side of them. "I suppose I am," he said matter of factly

Midna was silent. She didn't have a response for that. She had expected some sort of witty reply, but the hero seemed to be avoiding conversation with her recently except when it came to matters that concerned the entire group. She began to regret the words she had spoken in Ordon.

As the company ventured further down the path into the temple, their progress was halted just before reaching the altar. The path simply ended at a steel fence guarded by two soldiers. The Rod was still clearly visible, as the fence was designed to allow visitors to gaze at the artifact without actually being able to touch it.

"And here it is." Din announced cheerfully. Her long ponytail swayed as she looked at everyone like a tour guide. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Zelda smiled warmly. "It's been far too long. I was a little girl when I came here last. Oh, the memories."

Ilia looked at the rod in amazement. "This place is so much nicer than the city."

Colin stepped beside the ranch girl. "I wonder why it's blocked off."

Kari grunted. "Never mind that. Let's just get what we came for and leave."

Tifa dipped her finger in the water and put it to her tongue. "Wow! The water is so cold!"

Tatl reprimanded her. "Tifa! Don't touch that! You don't know where that water's been!"

Link walked up to the energetic dancer with Midna not far behind. "So how do we get to the Rod of Seasons?"

Din looked puzzled. "What do you mean 'get?' It's right there."

Midna sighed in disgust. "Dancers." She attempted to explain. "He means can we actually touch it?"

Din twirled gracefully, nearly smacking Midna in the face with her long hair. "Oh… I'm afraid that's not allowed." She eyed the two soldiers who were hopefully out of earshot. "This temple is a symbol of our nation; it's been here since before Holodrum was founded. The rod itself is known all over the world. We can't just let someone walk off with it."

Zelda walked up and joined in the discussion. Her pensive cerulean eyes matched the clear water as she stole one last look at the rod. "Din, is there any way we might be able to have it, even for a little bit?"

The dancer eyed her curiously. "How come?"

Zelda looked hesitantly to Link. He gave her a small affirmative nod. "Well, let's just say the world depends on it."

"Yeah, tell them to give it to us or some bad guy's going to blow them up. I'm sure that will get us what we want." Midna rolled her eyes.

Din let out a playful laugh. "Well, we can't have that, now can we?" She took Link's arm and laughed as she led him through another spin, his brown boots stepping clumsily as he attempted to keep his balance. The dancer resumed her thought. "But you'll want to talk to the Mayor. And maybe even the Maku Tree. If anyone can help you, they can."

"Thank you, Din." Zelda bowed curtly. Once again, she felt a strange anxiety and even a sharp sting of spite. Yet, it disappeared before she could even think about it.

"Hey! Get down from there!" One of the soldiers yelled as Kari began to climb the fence. They drew their swords and rattled in armor towards his direction.

The Sheikah sized them up quickly and brushed their warnings off. He was just about to hop the fence when Midna's voice stopped him cold.

"Kari! Are you trying to get us thrown out?"

He turned around, looking into her deep red eyes with his own. "What?"

Link rushed over, commanding the Sheikah with resolute eyes and a stern voice. "We're not allowed to touch it. We have to talk to the Mayor and the Maple Tree first."

"Maku Tree." Din corrected quickly.

Midna crossed her arms. "If I have to spend the night in a jail cell because of you…" She didn't finish her sentence.

Something about her words struck a chord in the Sheikah's brain. He looked from Midna to Link and then to the angry but defensive soldiers. Reluctantly, he jumped back down to their side of the fence without a word. This put the soldiers temporarily at ease.

"Hey! You can't be up there either!"

Link looked around.

"Now what?"

This time, Tifa was climbing the fence with Tatl pulling fruitlessly on the Kokiri girl's tunic. At first, they thought she was going for the rod as well, but her singing quickly clued them to her intentions.

"Cold water on the face; oh what a joyous place. Splashing without a care; water going everywhere."

Ilia did her best to coax the energetic Forest Sage off the fence. At first, she was reluctant. Then, the offer of a freshly baked cookie quickly changed the Kokiri's mind. With a smile on her face, she jumped off the fence and skipped gleefully towards the exit. The others soon followed.

When they had regrouped outside the temple, there was a noticeable cloud hanging over the group. Their spirits as they hiked back to Horon Village were damper than sheets left out in a thunderstorm. Unable to obtain the Rod of Seasons for the moment, they had no choice but to loiter around until they could talk to either the Mayor or the Maku Tree. Still, their mood brightened significantly when Din brought up the idea of exploring the capital while they waited. For the first time since the start of the war, they had some leisure time.

"I think I'm going to see if I can visit the Mayor early," Zelda announced when they had reached the edge of town. She looked around at the group as she stretched her arms to the sky. "Who wants to come with me?"

Din smiled. "Well, I can show you the way at least. My troupe and I have to give a performance there in a little bit."

Ilia's hand shot up. "I will!"

Colin raised an eyebrow. "Why so eager? Don't you want to explore the city with me?"

The ranch girl frowned. "I hate the city. I was so glad to leave that dirty Castle Town." Her expression softened somewhat. "My heart belongs in the country."

Link nodded. "Then you should take Tifa with you. So she doesn't get lost."

Ilia bent down and rested on her knees. "How about it, Tifa? Wanna join Zelda and me for a good ol' girl's day out?"

The Kokiri girl didn't need to be told twice. She jumped ecstatically onto Ilia's back and pointed off in a random direction. "Let's go! Off to adventure!" Ilia and Zelda both smiled.

"Anyone else?" Zelda asked, looking around half-expectantly.

Kari began to walk forward. "I will go. If it can help us accomplish this task quicker, then it is worth doing."

Midna stepped forward. "I don't think so. Not after what you pulled in the temple."

Link inhaled sharply. "I agree with Midna here. It might be best if you stay in town."

The Sheikah looked at the hero crossly. He folded his arms and grunted bitterly. "Very well. But hurry! We cannot afford to tarry here much longer." He walked a few steps by an old oak and sat down. "I suppose I will wait for everyone here."

Colin chimed in. "By yourself?" He shook his head. "Why not come into town with me? Maybe you can help me find some supplies. You've traveled more than I have."

The Sheikah seemed to accept the idea. He rose from his position and walked by Colin. "Very well. Let us see what we can find."

Zelda looked at the ladies accompanying her to the Mayor's house. "We should head out too." She eyed Link and Midna and her lips curled into a half-smile. "Let's have everyone meet here around sunset for dinner."

Midna rolled her eyes. "Great! Then we can all roast cuckoo meat over an open fire and sing songs together. It'll be a merry old time!"

Kari looked at her curiously. "What would we sing?"

The Twili sighed. "Haven't you ever heard of sarcasm?"

"Sarcasm?"

A devious grin formed on Midna's face. "Oh, I am going to have fun with you."

"I am curious to know what this idea of fun is."

The hero placed a frustrated hand on his forehead. "Midna, stop playing mind games with Kari." He turned to Zelda. "Okay, we'll see you all around sunset."

Zelda, Ilia, Tifa, and Tatl set off towards the mayor's house with Din while Colin and Kari left for the open market to see what they could find. Link and Midna lingered until it was just the two of them. They stood a good distance apart, unable to make solid eye contact with one another for more than a second.

"So it's just the two of us now," Link broke the ice. He rocked nervously on his boots.

"Yes, I suppose it is," Midna replied, fidgeting somewhat with her hands. Her eyes focused on a colony of ants working together to bring small leaves to their home. They lived such simple lives, she thought, and seemed content with so little.

"And I guess we have some time until everyone meets up." The hero continued. Now he began to fidget with the belt of his scabbard, tightening and loosening it in a repetitive manner.

"This is true," she responded. She continued to focus on the ant colony. One of the ants was struggling with a burden too heavy for itself. She watched in admiration as several of its friends came to share the load. How she wished to join them and live in simplicity.

"Did you want to do something?" Link asked, this time taking a step towards her. He ventured to take another, but hesitated and pulled back.

"Anything is better than just standing here, I suppose," she replied, finally pulling her gaze from the ground and mustering the courage to look Link in the eye. He did the same and flashed a sheepish grin. She managed a cheesy smile, even as her heart fluttered on the inside.

"We could go into town," Link suggested, his voice starting to gain more confidence.

There was a hint of bitterness in Midna's voice. "I'd rather not. I don't do well with large crowds, especially with Light Dwellers." Link frowned in disapproval. "Present company excluded, of course," she added quickly.

"Oh, I see," the hero's voice shrank. He rolled his shoulders. "We could always go for a walk. I prefer the countryside myself."

Midna thought for a second. "Yeah, I think I'd like that." Link's expression brightened considerably.

The further the two walked through the field, the more it seemed to come alive. The sun was low on the horizon now, projecting long shadows on the ground that seemed to extend for miles. The grass waved gently in the breeze as if it had not a care in the world. The pair watched in amusement as a few antelope grazed silently. Their heads were low to the ground; their ears were attentive to the strangers watching them. The pair said nothing as they walked, just looked around until they found a large tree under whose lofty branches they decided to find rest.

"Kind of reminds you of Hyrule Field, doesn't it?" Link said after a minute of sitting in silence. The sun hit his face in such a way that half of it was hidden in shade. The cool breeze felt good on his face. He placed his hands behind him and reclined.

"It does." Midna responded quietly. She sat cross-legged with her hands at her sides. Her eyes scanned the vast field of grass in nostalgia. "I remember when you first left Faron Woods. You were so surprised to see all that twilight. The look on your face was priceless." She snickered to herself.

Link smiled as he recalled his first thoughts. "Well, it wasn't what I was expecting." He looked at Midna. "Do you remember that time you had me get the sword and shield for you? And then they were too big for you." The hero laughed to himself. "Even though I despised you at the time, I still found it funny."

"Well, your human weapons are useless!" Midna replied defensively, causing Link to she saw him chuckling at her, she couldn't help but smile. . "Yeah, we did start off on the wrong foot, didn't we?"

Link leaned forward and placed one of his hands on her shoulder. "But everything worked out okay in the end, didn't it?"

Her first reaction was to recoil; to pull away and not say anything. Yet, the warmth of his touch and the strength of his fingertips felt so inviting. She hadn't felt the comfort her little wolf brought for a long time. She had to admit, she had missed it. His question echoed in her mind. Had everything turned out okay? Were they okay now? After all, it had been her decision that had put him through so much heartbreak.

She took his fingers and clasped them gently in her own. She looked at him with the first warm smile she had given since their reunion. "I'd like to think so."

The hero's blue eyes brightened. As Midna gazed into them, she saw something in them she hadn't quite noticed before. There was a wildness to them; a raw ferocity inside mixed with kindness. Why this was, she didn't know, but she definitely saw a ferocious courage hidden beneath that gentle exterior.

"Your eyes," she commented, "they remind me of your wolf form."

She could feel the muscles in his hand tense up. Had she said the wrong thing?

"Funny, no one's ever said that before," Link joked with a smile. His hand relaxed and the Twili breathed a sigh of relief. He looked around awkwardly, unsure of what to say next. "Funny thing is, when you become a wolf, your whole perspective changes. It's weird, but I feel like it's a part of me now."

Midna looked at him curiously. "Really? After all these years? But I took the wolf stone with me…" She stopped short. She didn't want the rest of her sentence to ruin the moment.

Link didn't even seem to notice, too lost in his own thought. He beamed as widely as ever. "Now, I can change whenever I want."

The Twilight Princess was intrigued now. "How did you manage that?"

"I don't know. Something to do with the Power of the Goddesses I suppose." The hero shrugged his shoulders. "I don't really think about it much." He looked at his left hand and then back to Midna. The Twili was still looking at him skeptically. "Hey, if you don't believe me, I can transform right now."

Midna laughed aloud. "Go ahead. This is something I have to see."

They unclasped hands and Link stood up. Right before her eyes, the hero proved his bold claim. Midna watched in astonishment as fur replaced his skin, paws replaced his hands and feet, and the face of a wolf stared at her. She had to smile as he purposely steamed, her face with his hot, moist panting. It smelled terrible. Though he couldn't say anything, she could see the triumphant grin of her beloved companion etched into the mouth that held a mountain range of sharp teeth.

The wolf trotted over to Midna and lied down beside her like a house pet. His thick gray fur warmed her leg and brushed against her skin like a fine rug. She placed a hand behind his ear and scratched it affectionately. She could see the delight etched into his deep blue eyes.

"I like you better like this." She said with a smirk. "You can't talk back."

The sun gradually lowered in the sky as they sat together against the tree's rough bark. The leaves rustled softly above as the wind pushed against them. The ground felt cool and dry against Link's furry stomach as he lay down, his head leaning gently against Midna's leg. The twilight princess gently stroked his back, her hand getting lost in the dense forest of soft fur. The two reveled in the moment while they could.

As Midna sat with her hero by her side, a host of conflicting thoughts and emotions bubbled forth like water in a hot spring. Her heart began to beat faster and she could feel her hand shaking ever so slightly. Sweat was beginning to form on her brow. The more she thought about what she was doing, the worse it became. She pulled her hand away and shook her head.

I can't do this anymore. What's wrong with me?

Link noticed her odd behavior and immediately became human again. He placed a hand on her forehead. "Are you okay, Midna? You don't look so good."

She froze as she felt the warmth of his hand and the comfort in his voice. Her heart was torn in two opposing directions. The warmth of his embrace, the sparkle of his charming blue eyes, the aura of peace she felt whenever he was around; these were things she had missed desperately in their time apart. Yet, there was no mistaking the terrible anxiety attacking her body.

I let myself get too close. How could I have been so stupid?

She had made a terrible mistake all those years ago, something she thought she would never be able to take back. And yet, at this very moment, she had the chance to make things right. She felt as if she were back in the mirror chamber once again; forced to repeat the same difficult decision she had spent days mulling over the first time around.

"Link," she said softly, her breathing slowing considerably now.

"What is it, Midna?" the hero looked on, his lips curled together and his eyes glistening with worry.

I suppose it's now or never.

"I'm fine. I guess there's just something in the air. Maybe too much sunlight."

She could see the muscles in the hero relax considerably at those words. She leaned her head on his shoulder affectionately and closed her eyes. It was firm and muscular, no doubt from his many travels. She could easily fall asleep there.

Strangely, the hero did not move or acknowledge the gesture. He stared off into the horizon. The wind gently blew a few strands of his blond hair, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Midna…I'm sorry." He said at last. His words were quiet and soft.

Her eyes shot open. "For what?"

He turned to her. She could see the regret glistening in his eyes. "Just for the way I've been acting."

She pulled her head off his shoulder and sat up straight. "What do you mean?" She hoped at any moment he would smile and joke as he always did, but it didn't happen.

"I've been thinking a lot about what you said to me a few days ago. About why you came back." The hero shook his head as his voice rose. "I've been so selfish. You've been through so much and all I could think about was us."

Midna placed a hand on his arm. Was that why he seemed so distant?

"Link, don't be sorry for that."

Link pulled his arm away. "Please Midna, let me finish. I need to say this."

"Okay." She reluctantly agreed.

The hero looked to the branches above. They bobbed up and down in the autumn breeze. "That day, you broke more than just a mirror." Midna felt a sharp pain in her chest. She understood what he meant. "It took me a long time to figure out why you did it. Seven years in fact." He chuckled softly to himself. "I guess I'm a little slower than some when it comes to women."

"Link."

The hero continued. "After a long time, I understood, and I was at peace with it." The hero became serious again. "But when you came back, I found myself wanting what we had all over again." He paused. "But sometimes, you just can't go back to the past or have what you want. I was being selfish last time we talked. But now, I know I need to let you be the person you were meant to be without hindering you. And so I've come to terms with how things are between us."

Midna's voice was soft. "Link, I…" She felt as if her tongue had been cut off. The words just wouldn't come.

The hero smiled again. "It's okay, Midna. I've done a lot of traveling and growing. I've learned that some things you just have to let go, no matter how much you want them."

The Twilight Princess felt her heart fill with longing and regret. What could she say to that? How could she respond? Especially when she didn't even know her own feelings.

Link held out a benevolent hand. "But no matter what happens, we'll always be close friends, right?"

Even as she shook his hand, Midna could feel a rift growing between them. It had been there ever since she shattered the mirror, but she had always had hope that one day she could bridge that gap. Now, as he sat only inches from her, he felt miles away. That bridge of hope had been burnt and could never again be rebuilt. What hurt the most was the realization that she held the torch.

"Of course, Link. We'll always be friends." She managed a fake smile.

The hero smiled. "I'm glad." He got up from his position by the tree and stretched his limbs.

"Where are you going?" She asked quickly.

Link let out a heavy sigh. "I need some time alone. My head is spinning right now and I need to figure things out." He gave her a friendly wave. "I'll see you later, Midna."

She watched intently as he transformed into a wolf once again. Her eyes followed him as he dashed through the grass, bending the small plants as he trampled them with his silver paws. Further and further he went until she was left alone beneath the tree with the setting sun to her back.

A small tear slid down her cheek. "See you later."

Meanwhile, further away, the wolf continued to run until he exhausted his breath. When he finally transformed back into a human, he slumped against a nearby stump and ran an exasperated finger through his hair. His emotions swirled all around him like a whirlpool, and his gaze remained fixed on the ground. Over and over, a single question circled in his mind, tormenting him with relentless anxiety and regret.

"Should I have fought for her instead of letting her go?"

A/N- Well, I finally got to update. I must admit I got a lot of inspiration from my Italy trip. Looking at all the architecture, paintings, and weapons has really given me some inspiration to finish this story. As a result, I've already started work on the next chapter and you can expect it to be posted sometime next week. I intend to post a new chapter each week until school starts again. Let me know what you guys thought of the Link and Midna scene. I thought it came out well, but feedback is always appreciated so I know if I nailed the emotions right.

Once again, next chapter comes out next week. This chapter was short, but the next one is long and contains quite a bit of action. See you then.