Authors Note:

Hey guys, I know that I said that I wouldn't update it again this month...but with the completion of the third draft of my book, and waiting for my editors to get back to me, I had some extra time. So I got done with the next part. I do not know if I can get another part done this month, but I will work on it when I have the time.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Link rested in the shrine with Midna, staring up into the vast ceiling. Midna laid next to him, waiting to continue.

Link sighed. I don't know what those two were on about...yes I remember that I accepted being the hero...but they are plenty strong and can easily deal with whatever problem comes their way. Link closed his eyes. So why...why wait for me to clean things up...it makes no sense.

Link sat up and opened his eyes. "Now...what to do?" Midna barked. Link looked over. "I know we should go back to Purah, but those two are on their way there. It's why I picked this shrine to hide in. I don't think they will give up their pursuit that easily. We need a way to avoid them before going back to her."

Midna whined. Link took out the Slate and examined the map that he had complete. "I know you don't like it Midna, but we don't have much choice. They are going to be a problem and we need to find a solution. Here is what I'm thinking, we go and unlock more shrines. That will give us more places to go and evade them." Midna growled. "That isn't the only reason. The power in those shrines will help us in the long haul." Midna snorted and laid her head down in defeat.

Link's expression soured. I'm not sure if that was a yes but I'm taking it as one.

Link gently petted Midna. "Thank you for understanding." Midna snorted again. "Let's get three...maybe four more shrines before heading back. That way more places to go, buy time for those two to leave, and we might find more spots from the album." Midna hesitated but nodded. "Great."

Link stood up, the pain in his foot gone, happily jumped on it. Good thing it wasn't sprained or anything. Note to self, never kick a Goron.

Link's eyes turned back toward the map on the Slate. "Alright...we should avoid the central area. Those wide open areas would give them a chance to catch up. We should stick to the roads. As for a vantage point...the Dueling Peak Towers would be our best bet."

He clicked on the map, and Midna barked quickly. Link gazed at her, but the teleportation started and they disappeared.

Both appeared on the tower in question. Link smiled. Alright we made it. Whining echoed in his ears. He looked down at Midna with her tail between her legs, shaking, and whining loudly.

Link blinked. "Oh...you are afraid of heights...my bad."

WwwwwwW

Mipha, Gaddison, Rivan, Symin, and Purah sat inside the lab. Mipha had just finished a sparring lesson with Gaddison and Rivan. All were sat down and eating a meal.

"Man this is delicious," Rivan said.

Symin bowed. "Thank you. Purah doesn't know how to cook, so I had to so that we could survive."

Purah pouted. "I too can cook."

Symin shook his head. "Burning meat isn't cooking."

"It's no longer raw so yes it is!" shouted Purah.

Symin smirked. "I believe even you said that it tasted horrible."

"Just because it counts as cooking doesn't mean I can cook well," argued Purah.

Mipha laughed. Gaddison tried to hide her chuckling and failed while Rivan laughed more openly than Mipha.

Purah pouted. "Not funny!"

"Really?" asked Rivan. "Because I think it's hilarious."

Gaddison still held her chuckling. "It's...not that...funny."

"None the less, it is still delicious food Symin," Mipha stated. "Thank you for the meal."

Symin bowed with a smile. "Thank you once again."

Silenced filled the lab. Rivan tapped his finger against the table. "Isn't Link here yet?"

"What do you think?" Purah asked. "I don't see another person here besides us."

"I just hate waiting," Rivan replied. "Why wait when we can actually go out there and find him."

Gaddison turned toward him. "Rivan, how many times have we missed him? What if, as we leave the outskirts of the village, he arrives?"

Rivan shrugged. "We turn around and meet him. After all, we can see the particles of his teleporting. Unless he is going to walk here."

"...but I am concerned," Mipha spoke. "He should have been back by now."

Purah sighed. "Well if you recall...he loved exploring, so he must have gotten side tracked."

"How can he explore at a time like this?" asked Rivan. "The kingdom is falling apart, and the Calamity is barely being held back by Princess Zelda."

Mipha gazed up toward the ceiling. "I am aware of that."

"Then we should go and find him!" shouted Rivan. "We have wasted enough time here. We need to track him down and get on with your stupid plan."

Gaddison glared at Rivan. "Not this again."

"I told you back at Kakariko Village that I am against this plan," Rivan stated.

"But you agree he isn't ready to fight the Calamity," Mipha replied.

Rivan rolled his eyes. "Yes! We also don't have a lot of time either!"

Purah smacked Rivan. "NO YELLING IN MY LAB!"

Rivan scowled. "But you were yelling earlier!"

Purah smacked him again. "MY LAB! MY RULES!"

Rivan fell to the floor. "Ouch."

Mipha stared at Rivan. "...what is it that is bothering you so much? It can't really be my plan."

Rivan sat back into his chair. "It is." He made no eye contact.

Mipha blinked. He is lying. "Very well then."

The door burst open. Everyone inside immediately turned their attention to the source. There stood Pyle and Bargoh.

Purah scowled. "You two again. What did your elder say? To apologize? To work under me?" A dark glow shined in her eyes. "Please tell me it's to work under me."

Pyle scowled. "We know he is here."

Mipha blinked. "...Link?"

Bargoh nodded. "We saw him teleport this way. Where is he?"

"He isn't here," Purah spoke. She stood on the table. "He hasn't come back yet. Most likely because he is off exploring."

Pyle slammed his foot. The ground shook. "Don't lie. We are sick and tired of chasing the hero around."

Mipha stood up with a scowl. "And I've told you his name is Link."

"We won't ask again," Bargoh stated. "Where is he?"

Tension rose rapidly. Pyle and Rivan reached for their weapons. Bargoh and Mipha stood firm. Symin backed away to give them some room.

"WAIT!" shouted Teba's voice. He landed behind the Gorons.

Pyle turned toward him. "Did you find him?"

Teba shook his head. "He isn't here."

Bargoh and Pyle stared at Teba.

Mipha glared at Teba. "Have you've been waiting here this entire time?"

"Yes," Teba replied. "I over heard your conversation with Purah. That he was suppose to come back here after unlocking the local tower and the Central Tower."

"He has done both towers," Pyle explained. "We saw him teleport this way after we confronted him."

Everyone's gaze immediately turned toward the two Gorons.

Mipha fist trembled. "Confronted?"

"We saw him gliding through the air from the Central Tower," Bargoh replied. "So we went after him."

"However because of the wolf that was with him he thought we were with the Yiga clan," Pyle stated.

"That is when you explained to him that you weren't right?" asked Teba.

Bargoh rubbed the back of his head. "We tried but he wouldn't listen. So we had to fight him. In the end, he managed to escape."

Dead silence. Mipha's fist tightened, Gaddison jaw dropped, Rivan's entire body shook as he gritted his teeth, Teba wore a scowl, Symin glared at the Gorons, and Purah stared blankly at the ground.

"You two are idiots," Teba stated.

"What were we suppose to do?" asked Pyle.

Bargoh nodded. "We couldn't let him escape. You understand don't you?"

Teba crossed his arms. "I understand that you two made the biggest mistake out there. It's understandable that the hero would be cautious, and on top of that that wolf with him knew about our visit to the village and what we were trying to do. You two rushed in and spooked him. Now he will be even harder to find."

"But he is here," Pyle stated.

"No he isn't," said Mipha.

"What do you mean he isn't here?" asked Bargoh.

"I can confirm that he isn't here," Teba replied. "I saw no particles of the teleportation that he can use that we saw when he left the local tower. The shrine here has been activated, but not completed so he can teleport back here."

Pyle and Bargoh blinked. "What?!"

"He tricked us?" asked Pyle.

"The hero is very clever," Bargoh stated. "But that does mean there are only few places where he can be. If we move now-"

A powerful slam drew their attention toward the table. Purah stood on top of the table with club in hand. Mipha went for her trident.

"Mipha...no," Purah spoke. Mipha stopped. "You two are the biggest idiots I've ever had the displeasure of knowing."

"What was that?" asked Pyle.

Purah shot an icy glare at both the Gorons. Both gasped in horror. "You two may in fact have doomed us all. You confronted him and even fought him without explaining the full story to him, and now he might be cautious of everyone. Even Mipha and even me. You two scared him, forced him to run and hide when we could have simply sat him down, given him food, and then helped him recover his memory."

Pyle and Bargoh were frozen in fear as Purah continued: "You didn't realize that because Midna, Link had not only a way to be aware of Yiga clan members, but also the three of you. At least Teba had a solid plan in mind." Purah pointed the club at the Gorons. Both were shaking in fear. "Go and tell your elder of this event. I don't want to see you two leave Death Mountain until we have Link ready to fight the Divine Beast there." Pyle and Bargoh were sweating. "NOW GO!"

Pyle and Bargoh quickly left. Purah lowered her club.

Rivan slammed the table. "Those damned bastards!"

"Calm down Rivan," Gaddison stated.

"I didn't even get a word in!" Rivan shouted. "I wanted to tell them off!" He took a deep breath. "...however...this makes it very clear...that he isn't ready."

Teba looked over at him with Purah and Mipha.

Purah smiled. "So you finally agree with Mipha's plan?"

Rivan's eye brow twitched. "If two lowly Gorons can make him run...then he clearly isn't ready for the big fight. Those damned idiots."

Teba lowered his head. "...I agree."

Mipha turned toward Teba. "...Teba..."

Teba swallowed his pride, got down on all fours, and lowered his head. "I humbly beg for your forgiveness for my recent actions Princess Mipha. If you allow me, I want to help you with your plan."

Rivan scowled. "What?! You think that we can just forgive you just like that?!"

Purah smacked Rivan. "What did I say about yelling in my lab!?"

Mipha stared at Teba. "...tell me...do you still disagree with my plan?"

Teba closed his eyes. "...yes...I stand by what I said earlier...but it is clear now that it is our best chance to have...Link regain his former power and trust in us."

Mipha smiled. "At least you are honest. I do forgive you." Rivan twitched in anger. "However, I do not trust you." Teba remained silent. "Even after all your tribe has done for us...what you did has broken my trust in you. Yet you have realized your mistake, and have shown my sincerity in your apology, and honesty in your words. Which is why I will give you one chance to regain my trust in you."

"What would you have me do?" asked Teba.

"First, get off the floor," Mipha said kindly. Teba rose up and looked Mipha square in the eyes. "I want you to find Link. Do not approach him. Watch him. Make sure he is safe from afar. Only approach and aid him if he is in a dire situation."

Teba nodded. "Very well."

"We aren't going to search for him ourselves?" asked Gaddison.

Mipha turned toward her. "He still has to come back here and complete this shrine. It is better than searching around for him and missing him."

Rivan sighed. "Dammit...I hate when you use logic."

Mipha smiled. "It's important to use it in times like these."

"Yeah yeah," Rivan replied.

Purah tapped her foot. "What are you waiting for Teba?"

"Oh right," Teba stated. "I promise that he will be safe."

"Actions speak louder than words," Mipha said without looking at him. "Now go."

Teba bowed and left without another word.

"I still don't trust him," Rivan stated.

"Neither do I," said Gaddison.

Mipha nodded. "Same. However, I said all I needed to earlier and I meant it. If Teba pulls this off...then I will trust him again."

Purah held a bright smile. Once again, you swallow your own feelings for the greater good Mipha...you keep bottling it all up...yet every bottle has a limit to how much they can hold. You need to be honest and let those feelings out...before you snap and do something that you will regret.

WwwwwwW

Link warped off the tower with Midna after marking some shrines and two stables from the top of the tower. Midna, happily on the ground, kept her guard up more than before. Link and Midna approached the first stable.

Link looked at the sign. "Riverside Stable. Well there is a river there so it is well named."

Link and Midna looked inside and saw no people. Midna growled and stayed near Link.

Link rubbed his chin. Where is everyone? This place is kind of creepy without anyone here. Did they all get killed?

Link walked up to the shrine and activated it. "I don't like this. Let's keep moving. I'll come back to complete this shrine later."

Midna remained silent but on guard and near Link. They quickly left the area and moved on to the next. Both stayed on the main road, and it was pretty clear of monsters. People passed them by,

some on horse back, some on foot. Midna didn't show any hostility toward them, yet Link still remain on guard. Link gave them a simple wave, and continued making his way on the main road.

Soon, they came across another stable. This one was full of people working, making the beds, cooking food, and tending to the horses. Much like the one near Kakariko Village.

Link smiled. This one feels much better since the people are actually here. Plus, Midna isn't growling or anything like that.

"Greetings stranger," a worker called out to him.

Link looked over toward the worker. "Me?"

The worker wore a green shirt and blue overalls. His head was shaved with brown eyes. "Yeah. I don't think I've seen you around here before."

Link nodded. Think of a reason for traveling right now. "I'm a traveler who is interested in the shrines and towers. Since they have activated, I'm going around and examining them."

"I see," the worker stated. "Well we do have a shrine near the river. Just as a heads up though, a storm is heading this way. You should take shelter in the stable soon. Just make sure your wolf doesn't go around and scare the animals...or try to eat them." Midna snorted.

Link nodded. "Thanks for the info and she won't."

The worker returns to his chores. Link and Midna approached the shrine and activate it. Link looks at the map. He was on the edge of a new territory undiscovered due to lack of tower activation.

Link rubbed his chin. Well this should be an easy fix. Just find the near by tower and activate it. It must be close by.

Link stared into the sky. Dark clouds rolled in quickly. "Oh boy. Storm is quickly approaching." Midna barked. "We should go take shelter inside." Midna barked again. Link turned toward the stable but stopped. His sight caught the shore on the other side of the river, a patch of forest...that called out to him. A memory tried to surface yet failed.

Midna barked to get his attention. Link remained still. "That forest...I think...I know it." Midna barked three times. "I know the storm...but...I want to check this out." Link approached the river. Midna followed. "Don't worry. I'll help you get across."

Link entered the water first. Midna jumped in and began swimming to the other side with ease. Link tried to keep up yet couldn't, and Midna beat him across. Link walked out of the river and joined Midna, who shook the water off when he was near.

Link put up his hands. "Easy. Easy. You win you win!"

Midna wagged her tail. Link turned toward the forest. An eerie feeling sank in.

Link swallowed. Why am I feeling this way?

Link slowly entered the forest. Midna followed yet with caution. Step by step, Link went further into the forest. Both reached the center, and Link stopped.

Link trembled. "I...what is this feeling? Why do I feel this way?"

Link hesitated before reaching for the Slate. Why...am I hesitating? This is important to remember what happened...did something bad happen here?

Link's heart accelerated, his body trembled, and then the images: Zelda and him running through a storm with a wolf companion, both covered in dirt and grime, collapsing in this forest, Zelda crying, Link holding her, and finally Link saying "my fault" to Zelda.

Loud thunder forced Link back into reality. He collapsed on all fours and began shaking. Rain began to fall from the sky as tears fell. Midna walked up to him and whined with concern.

Link sank his head to the ground. "This is all...my fault...my fault..."

WwwwwwW

Heavy rain fall poured from the sky at Hateno Village. Mipha, Gaddison, Rivan, Symin, and Purah were inside the lab, watching the storm unfold.

"Do you think Teba is okay?" asked Gaddison.

"Who cares," Rivan replied with a bite.

"Rivan none of that," Mipha spoke sternly.

Rivan sighed. "Can we really trust him?"

Mipha shook her head. "We have already been over this and you know my answer. Repeating it won't change anything. Gaddison, Teba knows how to navigate through a storm. He has helped up many times to calm Ruta. Though...this storm is far worst than the down pour Ruta brings. I'm sure he landed some where to hide from the storm."

Purah nodded. "Rito have always had a natural sense about storms. The truly talented can even sense the wind direction."

"Is he one of those talented ones?" asked Gaddison.

Mipha smiled. "He isn't at Revali's level, but he is still skilled. I do believe that he could sense the wind direction."

"Wasn't he a giant jerk?" asked Rivan.

Mipha smile held. "It wasn't that he was a jerk...he was just prideful. That just made him seem like a jerk."

Rivan stared at the wall. "I'm guessing that you have plenty of stories about the other Champions too."

"Oh yes," Mipha stated. "Oh boy if Daruk could see his race now...he would smack them around."

Rivan blinked. "Really?"

Mipha nodded. "He was very silly, but serious about his job. He did it with a smile on his face. Even though it took him the longest to learn how to properly pilot his Divine Beast."

"Weren't you the first one to master yours?" asked Gaddison.

Mipha nodded. "Yes. Although Link was close behind with his."

Gaddison and Rivan blinked.

"What?" asked Rivan.

"I thought they were only four," Gaddison stated.

Purah smiled. "Oh that's right you don't know. They are actually five Divine Beasts. Ganon didn't get Link's though."

"Why not?" asked Rivan.

The door to the lab slammed open. Everyone's gaze turned toward it and all gasped. There, soaked to the bone, was Link. His face concealed by the traveling hood he wore. Midna rushed inside, equally soaked, and shook off the water.

Mipha stood up and began walking over to him slowly. Yet...she stopped. What is this feeling...something isn't right.

Purah stood on the table, put her hands on her hips. "Took you long enough to get back here. You made these people wait a long time Link, and that was very rude of you."

Link walked in slowly. His movements seemed slow...like he was in a trance. He went right by Mipha without stopping. Rivan stood up, with his guard up.

Purah held her stance. "Well...what do you have to say for yourself?"

Link reached the table and stopped. "...why..."

Link's words were barely audible. Mipha...wanted to run up to him...yet the depressing aura Link was giving off...made her hesitate.

Purah blinked. "What was that?"

Link gritted his teeth, grabbed Purah and picked her up with ease. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!"

"What are you talking about?" Purah asked. She noticed something moving down from Link's soaked face, tears.

Link lifted his head up and stared at Purah. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THIS WAS ALL MY FAULT?!"

Dead silence. Gaddison froze in place, while Rivan stood firm.

"What are you talking about?" asked Purah.

"THE FALL OF THE KINGDOM!" shouted Link. "THE MONSTERS APPEARING EVERY WHERE, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE PRINCESS, IT WAS ALL MY FAULT WASN'T IT?!"

Purah began shaking. Link's words, his aura, all gave off such power. She tried to reach him to knock him out. Dammit...curse these short legs and arms!

Link continued to cry. "I ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING THE HERO...AND EVERYTHING TURNED OUT LIKE THIS! THAT CLEARLY MAKES IT ALL MY FAULT!"

Mipha rushed over and punched Link in the gut. All air left his lungs as his grip loosened. Purah broke free and landed on the table. Link fell to his knees...and tried to say something. He collapsed to the ground and fell unconscious.

Mipha eyes began to water. She shut them tight...not allowing a single tear past them. It wasn't your fault...Link...why would you think that?

Rivan sank to the ground. "What...the hell was that?"

Purah shook her clothes. "Clearly he is getting pieces of his memory back...and they are all jumbled up confusing him."

"Why...would he think this was all his fault though?" Gaddison spoke finally.

Mipha opened her eyes. "I...honestly do not know."