An invisible weight seemed to pull on Ilia's eyelids as she reclined in the soft couch by Link's bedside. The wooden armrests were a little hard for her preference, but otherwise her weary body sank into the plush scarlet material without complaint. Wood crackled from the flames in the hearth, filling the room with the pleasant aroma of a campfire and a heat that warmed her blistered feet. Ivory tusks lay like trophies over the mantle.

She looked over her shoulder to the bedside only a few feet behind her chair. The hero lay confined by his injuries to a four-post bed with two stacked mattresses, one for support and the second for comfort. The wooden frames were overlayed with silver coils spiraling around the posts. Cloths made of fine cotton were draped over the frame to provide a canopy, while the emblems of the four seasons were hand stitched into the material. For now, the drapes were pulled back in case Link needed anything. The sheets were sewn from expensive silk imported from Labrynna and felt like dreams against the skin.

A few days had passed since the hero's fight with Atrayu. The ranch girl had had her hands full cleaning up the wounds and stitching them up as best she could. Luckily, none of Link's injuries were life-threatening once the bleeding was brought under control. After the long trek to town, they had found an available guest room in the Mayor's house where they could treat his injuries. At first, the Mayor had been reluctant to have so many imposers in his house. Zelda had been forced to reveal her identity (he did not recognize her on their first meeting because he last saw her as a young child) to secure his favor, although it had been a measure of last resort.

Ilia had to giggle. When Zelda had made her bold declaration, the Mayor initially didn't believe her. Then, as she showed him her royal crown, his eyes became larger than marbles and his jaw dropped to the ground. His manner changed completely and his hospitality floored them all. He had offered two other guest rooms normally reserved for foreign ambassadors in addition to the one for Link. Kari and Colin slept in one room while the rest of the females slept in the other. In appreciation for his hospitality, they were careful not to broach the subject of the Rod of Seasons. They knew after his first refusal, it would not have been wise. However, they hoped a visit to the Maku Tree would change that.

Thanks to Zelda, Ilia noted, her friend was finally getting the rest he needed. Even now, she heard the soft rhythmic breathing of his sleep. The large lump beneath the covers moved only slightly with the expansion and contraction of his chest. Every so often she heard him toss and turn, but he still seemed to be dreaming pleasantly.

Still, she was worried about him. Physically, he would recover in a few weeks; she knew that because she had treated his injuries. What worried her is how he seemed to suffer from an intangible pain deeper than any medicine could treat. He laughed and joked as usual when others were around. In fact, he looked perfectly fine unless you knew what to look for.

They were subtle things; a pained look of regret when his smile faded, a deep sigh on occasion, or the way he stared blankly at the fireplace when he thought she was asleep. She had grown up with him and these little things didn't escape her notice. The ranch girl wondered what troubled him so much, but she dared not ask. Not after he had been through so much in the last few days.

Of everyone, she had spent the most time awake at his bedside; taking breaks only for sleep when someone else was willing to care for him. Her eyes darted to a small wooden clock ticking in the corner of the room. It had been twelve hours since her last beak. Now as she fought off the alluring temptation of sleep, she felt the heavy price on her eyelids.

Still, she treasured her time with him for what it was worth. Since their reunion in Castle Town, it felt like they hadn't spent much time together. With the chaos of the war and the sudden appearance of new faces, she had feared being lost in the background. After all, everyone else seemed to know more about his adventures than she did. It seemed the carefree days where she knew everything that happened to her best friend were long gone.

Still, there was hope. When the hero was awake, the two of them talked about all manners of things. Link told her of his travels beyond Hyrule; she listened in fascination as he recalled a lovely blue-haired woman in Labrynna whose voice could captivate even the forest animals, described a city in Holodrum whose entire streets were flooded with water, and recounted his tales through the thick forests of Nevkah where shifters were plentiful. Ilia told him of Talo, Beth, and Malo's move to the city and her visits there, of how Colin had become the local artist of Ordon, and of the various trinkets and necklaces she had made in her spare time for the villagers. Sometimes they were so absorbed in their conversations they forgot to eat.

Ilia's eyes shot open as she heard a soft cough and a stirring in the bed behind her chair. She slowly rose to her feet and turned around, pushing off against the wooden armrests with her hands. Link's sleepy blue eyes looked back at her, half-lost in the hazy fog of awakening. The covers were pulled up to his beltline, while an Ordon tunic covered his chest. He leaned against the wall to support his back.

"Mornin' sleepyhead," she greeted. "I didn't wake ya', did I?"

Link groaned and rubbed his eyes. "I had the weirdest dream." He craned his neck to the window where a small gap permitted sunlight to peak through the crimson tapestries. He closed his eyes as the light hit his sensitive pupils. "What time is it?"

Ilia replied without looking at the clock. "A few hours past sunrise."

The hero's voice was still groggy. "How long did we talk last night?"

The ranch girl shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "Late." She got up and walked over to a table by the door. "Would you like some breakfast? Colin brought this in a few hours ago but didn't wanna' wake you." She looked at the food placed on the tin serving tray: a fried egg with the yolk taken out, a small roll, and a glass of milk.

Link nodded instantly. "Of course. I'm starving."

Ilia thought she saw some drool drip from the hero's famished mouth. She winced but ignored it as she walked over and placed the tray on the covers. "You can eat it yourself, right?"

The hero looked at her pleadingly. "Actually, I was hoping you'd feed me."

The ranch girl placed her hands on her hips. "But you were fine yesterday."

Link smiled mischievously. "I know. I just want you to feed me."

Ilia scowled playfully. "You haven't changed at all. If you weren't injured, I'd hit you."

The hero took a sip from his glass of milk. "Good thing I'm injured then." He said as he placed the cup down. He grabbed the roll and took a large bite, spilling small crumbs all over the sheets as he chewed.

The ranch girl pulled up a wooden chair from the corner and sat near him. "So tell me about this weird dream of yours." She paused and held up her hand. "But not with your mouth full."

Link continued chewing, the hard crust of the roll crunching loudly in his teeth before he finally swallowed. He reached for another bite, but Ilia's hand gently stopped him. Defeated, he placed the tray on a table beside his bed and leaned back. "Well, it was strange. I was in this forest, similar to the one back home, but it felt ancient. I was riding a horse, a little older than a foal actually, and we were heading somewhere. I don't know exactly where, but somehow I knew I was returning after being away for so long. Eventually, I got off the horse and reached a bridge. When I got there, there was this green-haired girl waiting for me."

"What'd she look like? What did she want?" Ilia asked quickly.

Link shrugged his shoulders, looking up to the ceiling in concentration. "She was a young girl, probably around Tifa's age. In fact, she looked a lot like Tifa. Maybe a little taller and with different colored hair."

The relief on Ilia's face was probably a bit too obvious, but luckily, the hero was clueless. "And what did she say?"

Link blinked a few times. "I'm trying to think. I've had other dreams in the past, but, for some reason, this one's harder to remember." He scratched his chin. "I think she missed me; everyone had missed me. She had somehow known in her heart that I was coming. That's why she waited everyday on that bridge. After she said all this, she gave me a big hug and asked me to follow her."

"Where'dshe take you?"

Link shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I woke up."

Ilia pouted. "Well, that's unexciting." The hero chuckled.

The two friends turned when they heard the squealing of the door as it opened. Zelda's head peaked through the crack. "Oh good, you both are awake." She paused. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Oh no, not at all," Ilia called out. "Link was just tellin' me about his dream."

Zelda smiled. "Should I be scared?"

She closed the door softly behind her as the two friends beckoned her inside. The monarch pulled up another chair from the corner and joined them.

"So what was this dream about?" Zelda asked playfully. She placed her hands on her lap and let the fire crackle behind her.

Link's cheeks turned a small shade of red. "Well, it wasn't that interesting."

Ilia waved her hand in the air. "Yeah, he didn't even get to finish it."

Zelda chuckled, glancing quickly at Ilia. She leaned forward as she caught sight of Ilia's bloodshot eyes, making the ranch girl slightly nervous. "Speaking of dreams, when was the last time you slept, Ilia? You look exhausted." Her voice had a motherly sternness to it.

"I'm fine," Ilia said even as her eyes started drooping and her head began to fall.

The monarch smiled warmly. "It seems like your body is telling you otherwise." Zelda caught the girl's glance towards the hero. "If you're worried about Link, I'll stay with him while you rest."

The idea appealed to Ilia, especially as she felt her body slowly giving out on her. "I suppose." She looked to Link. "I'll be back in a little bit."

Zelda rose from her chair. "Here, let me go with you." She too looked at Link. "I will return shortly. I have to get something after I help Ilia."

The two sauntered out of the room. The door closed with a long squeal, leaving the hero alone to his thoughts. The room was eerily quiet, even the crackling of the fireplace and the rhythmic ticking of the clock seemed softer than usual. The chirping of a few birds carried over from outside the window. The hero focused his attention on a small vase beside his bed, next to where he had placed his uneaten food. Two yellow circles arced around the piece of pottery. In the first circle were colored different phases of the moon, starting from a new moon to a full celestial body. In the second circle were the symbols for the four seasons painted in a repetitive pattern. The daisies inside leaned desperately for the ray of liquid gold peeking through the window curtains.

Suddenly, the hero felt a sharp chill run down his spine. His ears heard a low growl. He jerked his head around to find its source.

There, in the fireplace, he saw the wolf's wild eyes glaring at him with greater heat than the fire itself. The animal seemed almost supernatural as its fur jumped with the power of the flames. Those feral irises seemed to accuse him without saying a word. Link's heart jumped and he slammed against the wall in surprise, the impact causing his plate and the pot of daisies to rattle softly against the tabletop.

What are you doing here?

The wolf's gaze pierced through him with a demonic intensity. The specter somehow curled its ferocious teeth into a vicious smile.

You cannot hide what you are.

The room sweltered like a volcano. The flames from the wolf's face jumped out of the hearth and danced around the room, engulfing the furniture in its path. Sweat dripped down the hero's forehead as he pressed his back firmly against the bedpost.

Atrayu's words echoed in his mind.

I'm not like you! I'm not like her! I won't sink to that level!

The wolf growled and barked furiously, sending sparks out like a dandelion blown in the wind. Its eyes locked onto the hero's own.

Your sword has slain thousands! My teeth have killed dozens. You and I are one. There is no use denying it.

The hero grabbed the sheets in his hands and squeezed them tightly. The veins in his head began to throb painfully. His eyes were wide and his teeth gritted as he struggled to maintain control.

I fight to protect those I care about. You kill for pleasure. We are nothing alike.

Link threw the sheets off him. He was sweating profusely and hyperventilating. The urge to transform began to overtake him. His sense of logic began to numb as his inner wolf fought for control once again.

You're afraid to admit the truth. You know we depend on one other.

The hero's hands reached for his hair. He grabbed a wad of thin blonde strands and pulled tightly. His whole body was throbbing in pain now. What was wrong with him?

"Link? Are you feeling okay?" Zelda's voice snapped him back to reality. He hadn't even heard her open the door.

Just like that, the room returned to normal. The hero looked to the fireplace. There was no wolf, just the flames dancing playfully within their confinement. Link sighed deeply and felt his own spirit return to normal. The mattress around him was drenched in sweat. His heart still pounded against his chest. But at least he had regained control of himself for the time being.

"Yeah, Zelda, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

The monarch's brow arched above her eye. She shrugged her shoulders and stepped into the room. In her hand was the Master Sword, the blade still polished as if it had never seen combat. It seemed strange to see the weapon in Zelda's delicate hand; she didn't have the chalices or the blisters he had obtained from years of adventuring.

"I brought you a present," she said cheerfully. "I don't know how Kari found it; he must've spent all day looking for it."

The hero was clearly floored. "Kari found that? Wow!" He pointed with his head. "Can you put it next to the flowers?"

Zelda complied and placed the weapon where he had asked. As she set it on the polished wood, she inhaled to take in the sweet fragrance of the daisies. She let out a contented sigh.

"They are not my favorite, but they are still lovely to smell."

Content, she walked over to the chair she had occupied earlier. She crossed her legs and leaned forward. "Are you sure you're feeling well?" Her eyes took in his pale face and soaked clothes. "You look like you saw a Big Poe."

Link looked away and shrugged his shoulders. "I'll be fine. I've just been through a lot." His gaze returned to her as his lips curled into a small crescent. "So what's going on in the world? It's hard to be social when you're confined to a bed."

Zelda's cerulean eyes still glistened with worry, but she let the subject drop. She folded her arms in her lap and took a deep breath. "Well, we've still had no success with the Mayor. He always seems to change the subject whenever I ask about the Rod of Seasons." She looked again to the flowers. "He left in a hurry this morning before I could talk to him. He seemed genuinely upset."

A knot formed in Link's throat. "Is it something serious?"

Zelda shrugged her shoulders and chuckled. "Probably."

The hero looked at her curiously. "You don't seem worried."

The monarch moved her hands to the side of the chair and leaned back. "Link, Hyrule has been under my leadership for over seven years. If there is one thing I have learned, it's that everything is 'serious'." She gave a mischievous grin. "It's just a matter of how serious."

Link laughed out loud. It felt good. He could feel some of his inner tension draining away.

"Well, I suppose I will remember that if I ever have to rule a country," the hero joked.

Zelda looked him over and chuckled softly. "Stick to being a hero."

A smirk plastered itself on Link's face. "You don't think I could do it?"

The queen shook her head. "I just don't want to compete with you." She smiled warmly. "Someone with your courage should be out on the battlefield, not trapped in the study signing endless documents and quarreling with petty nobles."

Link nodded. "I'll take your word for it." He shook his legs. They were beginning to fall asleep on him. "So what will you do with the mayor gone?"

Zelda shrugged her shoulders. Her fingers began to play with the fabric of her clothes. "A few of us plan on visiting the Maku Tree today. Hopefully, he can help us."

"Hopefully." He looked into her eyes. "I appreciate you doing all this. Talking with the Mayor amongst other things. I wish I could help." His eyes looked at his injured state. There were still plenty of unhealed bruises and scars. "But Ilia would have a fit if I moved from this bed."

This time it was Zelda's turn to laugh. "Very true." She gently touched his arm. His muscles tensed at first but gradually relaxed beneath her hand. "I appreciate all you do for Hyrule and me." Her face grew serious. "But please do not try and shoulder this burden alone. You have friends to help you."

A nervous laugh escaped the hero. "I guess I'm guilty of that."

Zelda nodded as she retracted her arm. Her gaze wandered to the fireplace as the two said nothing for a minute or so. The mounted clock continued to tick faithfully on, almost as if counting every second that passed in silence.

"Link, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Zelda said at last. She still faced the fire, letting the warmth caress her cheek. "You mentioned something a few days ago just after we found you. You had more information on Zant." She paused. "Would you be willing to share that with me?"

Link rolled his shoulders and nodded. "Of course. I forgot all about it once Ilia started acting like Dr. Borville." He took a deep breath as he prepared his story. "She mostly confirmed the suspicions we already had."

The monarch leaned forward in interest. "Like what?"

The hero started counting the facts off his fingers. "For one, he practically worships this Mudora. I don't know what their history is, but apparently Zant thinks his purpose in life is to revive him."

Zelda placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. "Which he has already done. So what is his goal now?"

Link shook his head. "Atrayu didn't know, or if she did, she wasn't saying. She did know it has something to do with Kari."

The monarch nodded thoughtfully. "The Ancient Sages said something similar."

The hero contracted his fingers one by one like a wave. "Which leaves the question, where does Kari fit with all this? What connection does he have with Zant and Mudora?"

"Did Atrayu tell you anything?"

Link sighed. "Sadly, no. But she did say a few other interesting things. For example, the whole purpose for attacking Castle Town was to obtain the Book of Mudora."

Zelda gasped. "All that for a book? But why?" She stopped short as she realized the answer.

"I'm sure vengeance was part of his plan too," Link added.

Zelda's voice softened. "And what about Rusl?"

Link hesitated for several seconds, his mouth forming a thin line. "She said he knew too much." The hero didn't mention it had resulted from Rusl's meeting with Zelda.

"Well, he is with the Goddesses now," Zelda replied. Despite his omission, Link could still see the guilt dampening the monarch's cerulean eyes. She knew what had happened. She continued. "What I am curious to know is how Zant is still alive and how he escaped the Twilight."

Link shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe Mudora helped him with all that. They seem to share a connection as well." He paused. "Atrayu didn't meet Zant until a year ago. She was wandering the lands as a mercenary when she met him on the outskirts of Hyrule."

"Why did she join him?"

Link's eyes dropped. "I'm not allowed to say."

"Why not?"

The hero looked back. "She forbade me. I have to honor her request."

Zelda exhaled in frustration but moved on. "Well, is there anything else you can tell me about their meeting?"

The hero nodded. "For almost a year, her jobs consisted of rounding up monsters for his army. Then, Zant heard I had returned to Hyrule. He sent Atrayu to track me down but forbade any sort of interaction."

"Is that when you were captured?"

The hero looked out the window. "Rather, when I let myself get captured. But that's how I found Kari in the first place."

Zelda's eyes lit up. "That's it! Maybe if you remember where and how you found , we can figure out how he fits in with everything."

The hero was quiet for several seconds. "Not now. Not without him around." He looked towards the door. "I still haven't told him the story of how we met. He should hear it first." His eyes met Zelda's. "It's not a pleasant story to listen to."

The monarch nodded sympathetically. "Well, then you should tell him soon. The faster we can figure out what Zant is planning, the better."

Link's voice rose sharply. "I know!" Zelda jumped in her chair, clearly startled. Link's face softened. His voice carried a hint of shame.. "I'm sorry. I just don't enjoy thinking about it."

The monarch was silent.

The hero tried to smile to alleviate the situation. "There was one final important tidbit that I learned."

"And what's that?" Zelda asked cautiously, as if she were walking on glass.

"Zant and Mudora are hiding in catacombs deep beneath Death Mountain. Atrayu gave me detailed instructions of how to get there. The entrance is a cave at the back of an old ruined village on the other side of the mountain. It's a long hike, but you can't miss it."

Zelda's eyes brightened. "Do you know what this means?"

"I do." Link slapped a hand into his fist. "When the time is right, we will strike them so hard he won't know what hit him."

True to his name, the Maku Tree was a large tree. His thick wooden trunk towered above the travelers and was easily distinguishable from anywhere in the city. The branches of his canopy blocked out the sun and cast the entire sanctuary in shade. Thin wooden eyelids covered his lethargic brown eyes. A large sleeping bubble grew and shrank from his mouth, threatening to pop on his small twig of a nose.

Aside from the sleeping deity, the Maku Tree Chamber was rather plain and unimpressive. Smaller deciduous trees created a buffer from the bustle of the capital. Small birds made their nests within the branches and darted around frequently and sporadically. A large and intimidating iron gate stood open near the entrance. A grass carpet cushioned the companions' walk as they stood before the guardian of Holodrum.

"Great," Midna rolled her eyes. "I'm sure this big and powerful stick will be a great help to us while he's sleeping."

Colin's arms tensed. "Should you really be saying things like that?" He looked around cautiously. "What if he can hear us?"

The Twili smirked. "I'm sorry. I forgot we might drown in his drool if we're not careful."

The swordsman frowned. "I'm being serious."

Midna shrugged her shoulders. "So am I." She pointed to the snot bubble. "Look at the size of that thing."

Tifa giggled aloud. "I wonder if we can pop it!"

Zelda gently squeezed the Kokiri girl's hand as she held onto it. "Stay with me, Tifa." She took in the sheer size of the tree. "Now, I wonder how we wake him."

Tatl crossed her arms in front of her wings. "Shout at him. He deserves it for being asleep on the job. Some guardian he is."

The monarch shook her head. "That would be rude. He is a deity after all; we need to show proper respect." She cupped her hands so her voice would carry. "Excuse me, Great Maku Tree."

No response.

Zelda spoke a little louder. "Great Maku Tree!"

Still no response.

Tatl sighed in frustration. "I got this." Before Zelda could stop her, the yellow fairy beat her wings hard and flew as fast as she could into the Maku Tree's snot bubble. As Tatl pushed against it, a large pop rang out and the fairy soon found her small body covered in slime.

"Ewww!" Tifa held her nose and pointed. "Icky!"

The Maku Tree's eyelids slowly rose as the noise sapped the drowsiness from him. His large brown eyes looked at his surprised visitors as his wooden mouth bent into a smile. "Well, it looks like I have company."

Colin bowed politely. "Please, Mr. Maku Tree, forgive us for waking you. We didn't mean it."

Midna looked at him. "Yes, we did."

Tifa giggled as her fairy companion hovered towards her, mumbling irritably as she tried to wipe the icky ooze off her wings. The Forest Sage looked up at the large tree grinning at her. "Hello Mr. Tree, do you know The Great Deku Tree?"

The Maku Tree looked at the small Kokiri Girl. "What have we here? One of the forest children? What are you doing so far from home?"

Tifa beamed. "I'm on an adventure with my pal, Link."

The deity hummed in understanding. "I see. Well, I do know the Deku Tree. I grew from a seed he sprouted long ago." He looked to Zelda. "But I digress about the past. What brings the ruler of Hyrule out here to see me?"

Zelda gasped slightly. "You know who I am?"

The Maku Tree laughed heartily. There was an odd croak to his laughter, perhaps from the groaning of the wood as his mouth moved. "Of course. In my sleep, my dreams show me all that occurs in Holodrum and the lands beyond."

A large knot formed in Colin's throat. He swallowed hard.

Zelda folded her hands in front of her lap and bowed humbly. "Well, Honorable Maku Tree, we came seeking the Rod of Seasons. We need it to awaken the remaining sages."

The deity frowned at Zelda's words. "Ah yes, I thought it weird I could no longer sense their energies. And an evil storm has been brewing over Hyrule as of late."

Zelda's heart dropped. Her thoughts lingered to her beloved kingdom. She could only hope it would survive long enough for her to return.

Midna eyed the Maku Tree. "What can you tell us about Mudora?"

The deity mumbled to itself deep in thought. Its eyes gazed up at nothing as it focused on the name. "Mudora? I'm afraid I have no recollection of that name. Perhaps before my time."

As Colin looked into the kind eyes and benevolent smile of the Maku Tree, he felt more at ease. "So…the Rod of Seasons?"

The Maku Tree wiggled his nose. "Oh, of course. It's in the Temple of Seasons to the north."

Zelda smiled politely, cutting off Midna before she could comment. "I am afraid we were denied access by the Mayor of Holodrum. We were hoping you could help us with that."

The deity frowned in concentration. "Well, that's strange. But of course I'll help you." He rustled the branches in his canopy. A brilliant flash of light descended slowly from the canopy. The group watched in anticipation as a small seed landed softly on the grass. It was blue and pink and had a strange symbol on the outer shell. It seemed to exude a powerful aura.

The Maku Tree continued. "If you show this seed to the Mayor, he should understand that I sent you and grant you access to the Rod of Seasons."

Midna folded her arms in disgust. "We should've just come here first."

"You all are still looking for the Rod of Seasons?" Din's voice carried across the sanctuary. They all looked to see the energetic dancer looking at them from the gate.

As she walked towards them, the Maku Tree greeted her warmly. "Good to see you well, Din."

"It's good to see you too, Honorable Maku." She brushed back her large ponytail and leaned against Colin. The youth didn't even budge when she placed her weight against him. She winked at him. "Hello, again. Aren't you a strong one? Just like your mentor." Colin's face flushed and he was at a loss for words.

Zelda looked at the dancer and frowned, her lip twitching in mild irritation. As much as she appreciated her old friend, she disapproved of the woman's flirtatious and playful nature. Especially around Link. She masked her thoughts and turned once again to the Maku Tree. "You two know each other?"

The Maku Tree's eyes brightened. "Of course, it is my job to protect her."

"Protect her?" Midna repeated skeptically. "From what? Dirty old men?"

Din leaned off of Colin and walked to the Maku Tree's sword, blatantly ignoring Midna's comment. Her playful nature seemed to swap places with a more mature young woman as her face became solemn. "Perhaps you should tell them."

The Maku Tree paused for a moment. "Din is an Oracle. The Oracle of Seasons to be exact."

Colin looked at the dancer but then quickly looked away. "What's an oracle? Is that like a sage?"

Din shook her head, her red ponytail bobbing along freely. "Not quite. Oracles are a little different than say the first oracles were the chosen vessels of the Goddesses when they wished to visit their creation. Because of that, a little of their power has trickled down to us."

Zelda nodded her head. She was glad Din was finally serious. "So that's why you share a name with the Goddess of Power." She paused. "Does that mean there are two others?"

Din nodded. She looked around carefully, as if she were afraid someone might overhear her. "We try and keep a low profile. There are people who would try and take advantage of our power. That's why I pose as a traveling dancer."

Tatl giggled. "We should dance right now! I can sing another song."

Din smiled warmly but shook her head. "I'd love to but I have something I need to tell you first. I came here to advise you to just forget about the Rod of Seasons."

Zelda tilted her head in curiosity. "Why?"

Din hesitated."How should I say this?" She took a deep breath. "It was stolen last night. Someone snuck in and took it without leaving any clues for us to follow."

Midna punched a nearby tree in frustration. "If Kari did this…"

Zelda placed an exasperated hand on her forehead. "Well, this certainly complicates things."

Din's eyes saddened as she looked at her friend. "I'm sorry I had to bring this unfortunate news. I know you really needed the Rod." Her eyes brightened slightly. "Don't worry though. The Mayor already has a search party looking for the thief."

The Twili sighed. "Why am I not comforted by that?"

Zelda's eyes lit up. "That would explain why he was upset this morning."

The Maku Tree scowled. "Not to change the subject, but it would seem we have some unwelcome guests."

Everyone looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The Maku Tree continued to direct his gaze to one tree in particular.

"So you sensed our presence?" A voice called out from one of the treetops. A shadow leaped out from the leaves and landed deftly on one of the lower branches. The limb bent a little from his weight but held firm. There was a black tattoo of a scorpion on the lithe young man's bicep. It was no surprise they hadn't noticed him, for his dark skin and brown camouflage made it difficult to distinguish him against the color of the trees. He took a crossbow in his hands, armed it, and aimed it at Zelda.

"Scorpio, I presume," the monarch said coldly after noticing the tattoo. She looked down the shaft of the crossbow without battering an eye.

Colin reached for the sword in its scabbard. A bolt landed inches from his foot from a different tree. He froze where he stood.

Fear paralyzed Tifa's entire body. She shivered like it was winter and her face turned pale. "It…it's them again," she whispered. "The mean men with the flames."

"No one moves," the assassin warned. A brown facemask hid everything except his eyes. "Don't think I came alone." He laughed smugly. "There are snipers all around you. One wrong move and you die."

Midna cursed to herself. "We walked right into an ambush."

Another bolt sailed right by her foot. The Twili cringed.

"No talking!"

The assassin looked at his five victims and then to the Maku Tree. "That's better."

"What do you want now?" Zelda shouted. She heard a click from one of the other trees as another bandit armed his crossbow. The lead assassin held his hand out to halt his accomplice.

The shady man lifted his head and spoke with confidence and authority. He knew he had the advantage. "We're here to offer a trade." He signaled for one of his companions with a nod of his head. Another man, dressed similarly to the one in charge, landed on a slightly higher branch.

In his hands was the Rod of Seasons!

The head assassin grunted. "You're looking for this, aren't you?" He paused. "Well, we'd be willing to give it back."

Zelda's eyes narrowed. "In exchange for what?"

The man in charge pointed at the monarch. There was authority in his voice. "For you, Zelda. Come with us, and we will give back the Rod. Your friends might even live to see another day. Refuse, and this Rod will vanish forever." The assassin pointed his crossbow at Tifa. "Not to mention the bloodguilt you'll have to live with."

"Don't give into them, Your Majesty!" Colin shouted. Another arrow scraped the skin of his arm, drawing shallow blood.

The assassin's tone was stern. "This is your last warning. Tell your friends to keep quiet or they will be killed." He looked to the Rod of Seasons and back to the monarch. "So what is your decision?"

Zelda's mind raced. What should she do? There was no telling what would become of her if she went with them. She had no idea who they worked for or what they wanted with her. On the other hand, the success of their quest and the lives of her companions lay in her hands.

The monarch looked pleadingly at her companions. Colin looked at her with resolute eyes. He was ready for whatever came next. Midna gave her a subtle nod as well. Din bit her lip in concern while the Maku Tree looked with hostility to the bandit defiling his sanctuary. Tifa shivered in her boots as her eyes darted nervously from tree to tree. Her knuckles were clasped tightly together against her stomach while Tatl perched atop her shoulder whispering encouragement. Zelda's heart melted at the sight of the fragile girl. She couldn't bear to put the Forest Sage through any more terror.

A large sigh left the monarch. "I will go with you."

The assassin seemed to smile in victory beneath his facemask. Several more assassins jumped down from their hiding places. They kept their crossbows aimed at their victims while one of them bound the proud monarch's hands behind her.

"The Rod of Seasons!" Zelda demanded.

The assassin laughed from his lofty perch. "As you wish. You can have it." He tilted his head and his accomplice tossed the Rod. It landed safely with a thud in front of Midna's feet.

Zelda looked imploringly at her companions before a bag was thrown over her head and a member of Scorpio stepped in front of her. He tossed a flash bomb to the ground. Everyone wrenched away and shielded their eyes from the intense light. After a few seconds, their eyes painfully reopened and adjusted to the sunlight.

Zelda and her kidnappers were gone without a trace. Only the Rod of Seasons and the Maku Seed remained.

Midna picked up the ancient artifact by her feet and held it tightly. She looked to her companions. "We have to go after her." They all nodded in agreement.

Din rested her hands on her hips. "May the goddesses be with you. We will be praying for her safety."

The Maku Tree nodded. "If there is anything else you need from us, please do not hesitate to ask."

Colin grabbed the seed and led the group through the iron gates and out of the sanctuary. They rushed into the town square and nearly collided into the Mayor and an entourage of his soldiers. Bodies fell to the ground, along with the Rod of Seasons and the Maku Seed. It took a few seconds for everyone to climb back to their feet and a minute after that to calm the frantic shouting.

The Mayor stepped forward, a middle-aged man with slick black hair, spectacles, and a stubby goatee. His hand straightened the wrinkles out of his blue doublet. "Excuse me, I do apologize for the confusion, but we are all in quite a hurry." The Mayor said.

"So are we!" Midna spat back. She picked up the Rod of Seasons.

The Mayor looked intently at the relic resting in the Twili's hands. "Funny you should say that since you are holding the very object my men and I have been searching for. Do you realize what you have was stolen last night?"

Colin held up the Maku Seed. "It's not what it seems like, Mr. Mayor. Someone else stole it and gave it to us. The Maku Tree said we could have it and told us to show you this as proof."

The leader of Holodrum hesitated. His eyes bounced from the rod to the seed to the soldiers to Colin and the others. "That is the Maku Tree's sign. And that is quite a story, however unlikely it sounds." He looked again to his soldiers. They stood at attention. "However, the fact remains the rod was stolen and it now rests in your possession. I am afraid you all, in addition to the Queen of Hyrule, will have to be placed into custody until I can confirm or deny your story with the Maku Tree."

"Can't you just do that now?" Midna asked. "We really need to get going."

The Mayor shook his head. "I cannot risk you going free so soon. Plus, I am a very busy man, and verifying your story is not my highest priority. I will get to it as soon as I can." He nodded towards the soldiers. "Take them to the dungeon until I give further instructions."

"But Zelda needs us!" Colin shouted, but it was to no avail.

Everyone had their hands bound behind their backs with strong rope. Their gazes were low and their hearts were heavy as the soldiers marched them like slaves. The Mayor watched with hands on his hips as the procession left the sanctuary. A flash of uncertainty crossed his face. Little did he know that his actions had also extinguished Zelda's last chance for rescue.

A/N- I'm moving soon, so next chapter will be out a little later but still before the end of the month. Also, an important notice, some of you will notice that it seems like Din introduced herself as the Oracle of Seasons for a second time. In Chapter 25, I originally had her identity revealed earlier, but thought it seemed out of place and changed the dialogue a little later on. If this isn't an issue for you, you probably read the chapter after I revised it. If you did notice this, I figured I'd give you an explanation so it doesn't seem like I'm repeating things.