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Chapter 5: Rebuilding Hope.

The days that followed the defeat of Ganondorf and the disappearance of Link were some of the hardest the Princess Zelda had to deal with. Thankfully, she had the Princess of the Twili to help her. After the reunion between Midna (now having regained her true form) and Zelda, the two had set to work on restoring their respective Kingdoms. Thankfully most of the damage Hyrule had sustained in Zant's and Ganondorf's invasion was undone by Link and Midna as they quested for ways to defeat the two evils. There was still work to be done in getting rid of the roving bands of monsters, who still sought to set up some sort of base in the lands, even without the Evil King. There was also several negotiations between the Gorons and Zoras, concerning what had happened and how it could be prevented if it should happen again.

Unfortunately Midna had much more trouble in restoring her kingdom of Twilight. The magic Zant used to twist and corrupt her people was strange and powerful. Those she did return to their true forms still held scars of what happened, both physically and mentally. Midna however had helped from Zelda and together the Twili tribe was slowly recovering.

In those months there existed a peace between the world of Shadows and the world of the Light. Against the consul of the Sages, and against Midna's own instincts, the two royals decided to not only keep the door between the Twilight world and Hyrule open, but they encouraged cooperation between their two people. Very few actually traveled between the world's, but the offer was still there, and for now that was enough.

Even when the troubles in their Kingdoms had quieted down, Midna and Zelda still sought out each other's company. Originally what sparked their close friendship was their sorrow over what happened to Link. Zelda had not known Link well during their short acquaintance and would gladly ask Midna stories of the adventures she shared with him, happy to learn more about the brave hero who saved not only her life, but the lives of her subjects. Midna was happy with the situation as well, happy to brag about her parts in the adventure, and really grateful she had someone who would let her talk about Link, and just how much she missed him. Over time their friendship extended beyond just lamenting Links sacrifice and formed into something real and close, and the two were soon rarely seen without the other.

Of course Link remained on their minds constantly. During the first efforts in rebuilding their Kingdoms, Midna and Zelda fought bitterly over what should be done. Zelda was focused on fixing the damage Zant and Ganondorf had caused, while Midna wanted to place every effort on finding Link. Zelda would calmly explain how their people came first, while Midna screamed in her face, tears in her eyes. Link came first to her. She had spent months with the young man, constantly going through life and death moments, as well as sharing quiet moments of tender friendship. They were betraying Link, she had screamed at Zelda. They needed to find him no matter the cost. She had to. She had to save her friend, her….

Zelda had embraced the Twili Princess on many occasions, and allowed her to mourn. Eventually Midna came to Zelda side of thinking, and began efforts to heal her people. Both knew however, that once that was done, efforts would be directed into finding their lost hero. That day, may be today.

Midna stepped through the Mirror of Twilight, and an impish grin graced her regal features as she saw the trembling features of the incompetent guards of Hyrule castle. The Mirror had been moved from its home in Gerudo Desert to the the castle. Many of Zelda advisors were against this, fear of another invasion heavy on their minds, but Zelda had stated she trusted Midna and the Twili completely. It was a sentiment that tugged at Midna's cynical heart, that's for sure.

She gave the trembling guards a wink as she walked out of the room, laughing, and before she could start to head to the Princess' chamber, she heard footsteps hurrying towards her position, and she gave a sigh. Despite visiting the castle almost every day, that annoying captain always insisted he supervised her visit. No doubt when the Mirror activated, one of the trembling toads ran off to fetch their boss. She rolled her eyes and began walking, when suddenly a tall muscular man in big shiny gold armor appeared before her, scowling.

"I don't remember the Princess summoning your presence today, creature" The captain snarled, as he always did at her. Midna gave another sigh and gave him an annoyed look. What little hair he had on his balding head, was made up for with his rather large, bushy orange mustache. It looked rather ridiculous, and not for the first time Midna really wanted to pull on it. Hard.

"Well I just like to keep you on your toes I suppose." She replied, narrowing her eyes. "And besides, I just so love hearing the clanging metal sound that results from your soldiers shivering cowardice. Can't go a day without hearing it."

The rather shiny captain glared at her with anger and took a few steps forward, hand on the hilt of his sword. "Do you dare insult my men, monster?" The captain said, in a voice that Midna assumed was suppose to be threatening, but came out sounding more like a frog. Midna grinned a cruel grin and closed the distance between them, placing her face mere inches from his ugly mustache.

"I have actually that a soldier is only as good as their commanding officer, so I guess that means I'm insulting you."

The shiny captain's mustache made an indignant rustle, and he drew his sword, as Midna prepared a spell to make him quite intimate with the wall, when a sharp voice cut through their hostility.

"That will be quite enough."

The two froze, and turned to look down the hall to see the Princess Zelda looking down with a calm annoyance. She was accompanied by her royal guard, two advisors, and her personal bodyguard, Impa. Unlike Zelda, Impa did not try to hide her annoyance, and was sending a piercing glare at the shiny captain. Midna adopted her impish grin, while the shiny pain in her butt stood tall in attention, saluting the princess.

"How many times must I have this conversation with you two." The Princess said, making her way towards them. "Captain Loyahl, you are to treat Princess Midna with utmost respect when she is here." Zelda said, stressing Midna's royal title, as the captain sunk into a deep bow to Zelda. "I will not tolerate your animosity towards her anymore. Disrespect a honored guest one more time, and I will speak to Impa about your reassignment. Am I clear?"

The captain was now on his knees, practically begging for forgiveness, as Midna held her hand to her mouth, laughing slightly as he was reprimanded. "And you, Midna." Zelda said suddenly, turning to the Twili, and causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

"Must you provoke everyone? These are respected men and women who serve Hyrule. Instead of scaring and insulting them, try showing them a bit of respect, please."

Midna looked at the shiny captain, then looked back at Zelda with a raised eyebrow and a crooked smile. "Respect is earned princess."

The Princess sighed, "So it is." She muttered, before looking at the growling captain. "You are dismissed, captain. Midna, join me. A few friends will be meeting us for an important talk."

Zelda turned and began walking down the corridor, towards the library. Midna quickly fell into step beside Zelda, aware of the fact that Impa was now watching her like a hawk. That unnerved her a bit. The Sheikah woman was defiantly imposing.

"So princess." Midna began cheerfully, glad to put the thought of the shiny captain out of her head. "What friends are we meeting? And why am I only stumbling on this meeting by chance?"

"You knew them once as 'The Resistance', though now they are known as 'The Protectors'." Zelda responded, ignoring the accusatory tone Midna had. She knew the Twili well enough to know she was just trying to get a rise out of her. "As to why I didn't summon you, I wanted to get them well informed before you were brought in. It will be a sensitive subject to a few of us, and you tend to be rather confrontational at time."

"Confrontational?! Me? Princess you wound me." Midna spoke with mock hurt in her voice as she grinned. "I am only ever on my best behavior."

"Yes, that was abundantly clear a few moments ago." Impa said, sharply, causing Zelda to smile as she tried to fight back a laugh, and Midna to look at her mock offended.

"I will have you know, my dear Impa, that I was merely defending myself. Captain mustache started it."

"Yes well try to not to let it happen again please" Zelda said diplomatically. "Well are trying to bring peace between Shadows and light. It would set a good example if you tried to get along."

Midna rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "All right all right, I will be a model Princess from now on. So what is this super secret sensitive meeting we are about to have."

Zelda stopped, as her guards stepped forward to hold the doors to the royal library for them, and she looked at Midna with a small smile, and hope in her eyes.

"Well, since peace has returned truly, I thought it was time we get our Hero back."

Colin stood in the center of the bustling Castle Town, starring at the new statue placed in the fountain a few months ago. On a pedestal a stone warrior stood, a fierce expression on his face, a sword drawn and a shield raised high. It looked like this stone warrior was ready to jump off his pedestal and fend off some evil horrendous monster. Colin stared at the familiar stone face, wondering how it could look so foreign to him. The young boy's eyes fell to the plaque on the statue, and read the important looking words.

LINK OF ORDON

HERO OF HYRULE

BRAVELY SACRIFICED HIMSELF

IN ORDER TO DEFEND

THE LAND OF HYRULE.

MAY OTHERS OF HIS COURAGE

RISE TO PROTECT US.

Colin stared at the words, feeling nothing in particular. Was that right? Shouldn't he be feeling something? Shouldn't he feel sad, or inspired, or pride? Instead he just felt empty, as he looked back at the fierce looking stone man calling himself Link. He wasn't Link though. This was the Hero of Hyrule, defender of the weak and enemy to evil. This was a person who knew only fierceness and war. That was not Link.

Link was kind, and funny, and lazy. Link was a ranch hand who was skilled with the sword and the pride of Ordon village. Link was a goof, who enjoyed running around the village causing trouble with the other kids. Link was someone who spend an entire day just listening to what you had to say. Link was someone who made mistakes too. He was someone who lead a wild boar into the village. He was someone who got yelled at, and told he could do better. He was someone who did better. Link was his friend.

Colin clenched his fist and looked down, overwhelmed by the nothingness he felt by looking at this statue that was not Link. Link was gone. He wasn't coming back.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he jumped, and looked up at the concerned face of his Mother. "Are you okay sweetie?" She asked softly, knowing he wasn't.

"I'm sorry. I just…" he began, looking at his mother, then looking at his baby sister she held in her arms, then back at the statue. "I just miss him" he said softly, ashamed of his own weakness. His mother pulled him close in a half hug.

"I know you do sweetie. We all miss him. And you know what? It's okay. It's okay to miss him."

Colin looked away, not wanting his mother to see the tears growing in his eyes. He swiped at them, then began to walk towards Malo Mart. "I'm going to go back to Beth and the others." He said, wanting to get away from the statue of not Link and his mother quickly. Uli gave a sigh and looked after her son sadly. Link's sacrifice hit everyone in Ordon badly, but Colin seemed to take it the hardest. She looked at Links statue, looking at its fierce face.

She smiled sadly, and let herself get lost in thinking of Link. She remembered how he he constantly came around, seeking instruction and praise from Rusl. Her husband was like a father to the young orphan, and he was like a second son to her and Rusl. "Oh Link…" She muttered sadly. "We all miss you so much."

Uli was snapped out of her reverie as her newborn daughter began letting out small cries, letting Uli know she was hungry. Uli smiled, and walked to a nearby bench, and began feeding her daughter.

Back at Malo Mart, Colin entered the busy store, and looked around for Beth. It was strange, she used always made fun of him with Malo and Talo, but after he saved her from King Bulbin she began acting really nice to him. Then after they heard that Link was gone, she was to one to come and comfort him. He began to think of her as a really good friend, and was able to talk to her about a lot of stuff. It was nice.

He spotted her lecturing Talo about behaving himself when he was here, and Colin walked over to them. All the kids from Ordon where here. Him, Beth, Malo and Talo, as well has his mom, and Beth's mom Sera. His dad was at Castle Town as well, but he had important business at the castle with the Princess. When his father first said he was making a trip to the Castle, Colin had asked if he could come along, having really wanted to see the statue they had made of Link. Once news got out though, all the kids wanted to come, with the exception of Ilia, so Colins mother and Beth's mom offered to watch the kids.

Malo was currently running his store, as he rarely got to visit Castle Town so he wanted to get a feel for what the customers wanted. It amazed Colin how savvy of a businessman Malo was for such a young kid. Sera was helping Malo at the counter, having taken him under her wing when she learned of his shop's success. Talo, after escaping the lecture from Beth was looking at all the merchandise, and begging Malo to give him something for free.

Beth rolled her eyes at Talo, then turned to Colin and smiled brightly at him. She was so pretty when she smiled, Colin thought and couldn't help smiling in return.

"There you are!" Beth said sweetly, grabbing his hand with both of hers. "Isn't this town soooooo amazing! We have only seen small villages, but this is something so amazing! It's all so glamorous!"

Colin smiled at her enthusiasm and wished he could share it. He preferred the quiet tranquility of Ordon. It was to crowded and loud for him here, but he was glad she enjoyed it. "I'm glad you think so. It's a bit to crowded for me though. I think I would rather go fishing at Ordon."

"You would." She said with a huff, letting go of his arm and putting her hands on her hips. She gave him an exasperated look before smiling at him again. "If it's too crowded for you we could go to the ally behind this shop and talk for a bit. If you want." Colin felt something warm in his chest. She always knew when he needed to talk somehow.

"Okay but after, I will take you shopping. I have some rupees I saved up from chores." Beth gave him a large smile that made his stomach flip, before grabbing his hand, telling her mom what they were doing, and leading him out back.

The entered the alley, and took a seat on the steps leading to the shop. She looked at him, expectantly for a minute, before he told her about the statue, and how he hated it. How it was nothing like Link. She listened patiently as he vented, before pulling him into a hug.

"I miss him to." She said softly, still holding tightly onto him. "I know he was older than us, and he didn't have to treat us nicely, but he did. He always spent time with us, and he made sure we knew he cared." She pulled away and swiped at her tears, smiling. "It's weird to think of Link as a big hero, isn't it?"

"Yeah, a little bit." Colin said, reaching other and wiping some of her tears away, causing her face to go red. "Remember how many times Mayor Bo would yell at him because he and Fado fell asleep and let the goats run loose. Not very Heroic." Colin said with a small laugh, and Beth began to giggle to. She leaned against him, and Colin's heart skipped a few beats.

"Yeah. He always got those goats back though. Talo would always run off to help him and they would make a game out of it." She sighed contently, nuzzling more into Colin.

Colin let the silence sit for a bit, before letting his head rest on hers. "Thanks for talking to me." He said softly. "I really needed it."

"Don't worry about it." Beth said, just as softly. "I like this."

They stayed like that for a bit, before they were interrupted by a grinning Uli asking if they wanted to go to the other shops. They both said yes, blushing brightly at having been caught sharing a moment. The rest of the day was good, as they spent running around Castle Town, allowing themselves to be kids in a new place, ignoring the fierce stare of not-Link.

Hogwarts Castle.

Dumbledore was in his office, pacing as he was prone to do when a rather difficult problem was placed in front of him. The current problem he was facing went by the name of Link. It had been three days since he had spoken to the young man, and finally he was well enough for Poppy to let him go. Link was over joked and wanted to run around and explore that castle, and was a little irritated when he was placed in another room to be questioned by Aurors Bones and Shaklebolt.

That had just happened, with him standing watch and making sure they didn't mistreat Link, though he was certain they wouldn't. Kingsley and Amelia were a good sort, people he could rely on if what he dreaded ever came to pass.

During the interrogation, Link said exactly what he had told him and Minerva, just as Dumbledore knew he would. The Aurors were skeptical but Altus told them he trusted link completely, and reluctantly they went to report to the Minister. And now the problem presented himself.

Cornelius will undoubtedly want to have the both subjected to Veritaserum, and when it's proven the boy is proven to be speaking honestly, he will want him poked and prodded by the Unspeakables. They would want to know of this other world and how Link got here. That was unacceptable however, and Dumbledore would not allow.

He needed a way to keep the boy here, at Hogwarts, where he could monster the situation. Link had proven himself virtuous and brave, and a capable warrior, and that was someone he might be in need of. Plus the mark on his hand intrigued him.

Dumbledore paced and paced, before he sighed and sat down. He looked up and stared at the sorting hat, before a smile smile came to his lips, and his eyes began to twinkle. He was beginning to think of a plan.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Now I want to quickly address Impa's involvement in the story. I know she is not in Twilight Princess, but I really enjoyed her character in past games, and I saw no reason she could not be in the Twilight Era. I will later get in to what makes her different than the other incarnations of Impa's, and where she was during the Invasion. Anyways I hope you are ready for Harry and Link to meet in Proper, because that is what is happening next chapter. I hope to see you guys there!