"Bato, the prodigal farmer." The face of the infamous leader of the Gerudo Thieves appeared within the yellow crystal. He looked as imposing and ferocious as ever. It was different from seeing him from a gaming console. The polygons and shaders didn't do him justice, like most things in this world. Even from the crystal, Bato could feel a great, tense energy coming from him.

"I see my reputation precedes me, even all the way out in the desert." Bato did his best to hide the fact that his heart was beating like a drum. He was face-to-face with one of the most iconic characters that ever graced a video game. There was fear, mixed with excitement and awe. "All well, I hope?"

"That remains to be seen." Ganondorf coughed a few times, went out of frame to what seemed to be a glass of water, then returned. "Goddess' cursed dry air."

"You should be used to that kind of thing." Bato shifted on the sofa. "I doubt this is a social call."

"You're right, it's not." Ganondorf's eyes locked into Bato's. "I understand that you are to head out into the desert, with the blessing of the kingdom, to help settle this civil war."

"Not by choice. Utia was able to 'convince' His Majesty that it would be in both the kingdom and Nabooru's interests to have me tag alone after uncovering a potential rebellion within our borders. She thinks that I'll have the same success as I did here."

Ganondorf's laugh echoed through the crystal. "She's desperate. Nabooru and I have been in a stalemate for over an entire year. Her mistress needs something to break this. Hence, the reason you are called. Hence, the reason I am contacting you now."

"Here to offer a better deal?"

The Gerudo king's grin showed predatory underneath the guise of civility. "You have no stake in this war. You have the power to defy the kingdom if you wanted to."

"What makes you believe that?"

"The fact that you can control the spirits and the wind. Not to mention your actions in the Lost Woods." He sighed, "Hylia knows only why you did it, though."

Bato looked at Avesa sourly, then turned his attention back to Ganondorf. "You're a dalcop for doing that, by the way." Her face became bright red, scowling. It seemed to a hit a nerve. "Just because the tree defied you, that gave you the right to kill him?"

Ignoring the impertinence, he replied. "I acted harshly and foolishly. I recognize that, now." Bato was surprised when Ganondorf made that omission. "There was nothing that would have been gained by cursing that tree. It was something I did out of anger and regretted in hindsight."

"I don't know if you're being genuine or insincere. From your actions in the woods to the attempted coup at the castle to the Battle of Hyrule Field. These events give me reason to believe in the former."

"Believe me, friend. If you had a cause, you truly believed in, then you would do whatever it took to see it through."

"For the people?" Bato asked, sardonically.

Avesa's face turned sour and stood up, emboldened by Bato's accusations. "Watch your tone! The King-"

"Avesa. Stop." There was a firmness in his voice, and Avesa shrunk back down. "Bato and I are having a conversation. Do not interrupt." He turned his attention back to the farmer. "That has always been my focus. My people's prosperity and place in Hyrule. The Royal Family seeks to denigrate and mock the Gerudo with their sanctions and laws. That's why I took up arms in the first place."

"But that didn't exactly pan out the way you wanted it to."

"How that kid was able to notify the king of my plans is beyond me," he said, bitterly. "The power from the Sacred Realm would have brought peace not only to the Gerudo, but to Hyrule as a whole!"

"Doesn't power corrupt, though? What makes you think that you'd be able to control that power?"

He shook his head. "I wouldn't allow that power to corrupt me."

Bato gave a smile, knowing full well of the consequences and the result of Ganondorf's delusion. "Of course you wouldn't. But we've seemed to have lost track of our conversation. What do you want from me?"

"A man of focus, I like that. All I want you to do is to listen. I've known Nabooru far longer than anyone. She always had a rebellious spirit that I thought I had control of. Her treachery was not expected. With the death of my subordinates, Koume and Kotake, any sense of familiarity I had with her is gone. I do not know what she is capable of now. You seek to resolve the dispute between our two factions. I ask you: do not be manipulated by her. Her machinations would have a dire effect upon the entire realm."

Bato took this in silently. "Normally, Ganondorf would be threatening violence if he didn't get what he wanted. That was apparent when he cursed the tree. But now he tries to appeal to my sense of reason. Is it because he thinks I have the power to destroy him, or does he genuinely have a concern for all his people. I also can't discount the fact that Ganondorf would be lying, and this is just another ploy." Clearing his throat a few times, he spoke. "I don't know what's exactly going on between the two of you. If you're so amicable about the welfare of the Gerudo, why did you let this war drag on for an entire year?"

"The future of the Gerudo is where we differ. While she believes in cooperation and stagnation, I believe in the full potential of my people. They can do so much more, if given the resources. Unfortunately, the 'right of conquest' doesn't sit well with the peace loving Nabooru. How can our people thrive if left under the thumb of the king? This is where we are. The Gerudo are meant to be a great people, and I will not allow some other nation to tell them otherwise!" He spoke with great fervor and righteousness. "Consider my warning. Use your heart and your mind to discern the truth. That's all I ask."

In response, Bato could only look at him, blankly. "Who are you and what have you've done to my Ganondorf?" This wasn't the same Ganondorf, surely. Though he had aspirations for the Sacred Realm, his reasoning for rebellion came from a place of care for his people.

Then again, he could be lying. "I'll see you soon, Ganondorf."

He nodded. "I look forward to meeting you, Bato." The crystal shone for an instant and grew dim. Bato forgot that she was even there. "How did you get in, anyway?"

She pointed to the window. "The vigilance of the guards leaves much to be desired."

"So, what happens now?"

Avesa folded her hands. "Now, you call the guards, and I will be punished."

Bato's eyes grew wide. "You knew what was going to happen, did you?"

"Such is my faith in the king. The chances of me escaping after your conversation is zero. I am prepared to face whatever the enemies of my king have planned. Even, if it means death." She stared boldly at him. "Do what needs to be done."

"Such strength," Bato muttered. He then went to the entrance of the room and called the guards. When three guards arrived, they found Avesa still sitting there. Restraining her, they were about to take her away when Bato stopped them.

"Wait. I want you guys to make sure to treat her with respect."

The guard looked to Bato. "Yes sir. I'll make sure to tell the others."

"See that you do," Bato smiled at them. "Because I have ways of knowing." The unsettling smile sent shivers down the guard's spines. Saluting, they took Avesa away. Bato called on the third guard, "call Lady Impa here as soon as you can."

"No problem, sir." The sun was beginning to rise. "Around this time, she's probably at castle grounds, practicing." By the time the guards were finishing examining the scene, Impa arrived. Her face was already frazzled. "The sun hasn't risen, yet you've already caused problems for today."

"Yes, I'm completely fine. Thanks for asking."

"I wasn't asking how you are. I know you can take care of yourself."

"That's the joke." Bato walked around the room, with his sleepwear still on him. The servants were converging towards Bato to change him when Impa declared, "clear the room." At once, everyone bowed and exited the room. The door was closed. She looked around the area and near the window. "She got in through here?"

"She did say that the defense in the castle was lacking."

She frowned and shook her head. Then, she went up to Bato and walked around him. "Did she truly attack you?"

"No," Bato replied. "She was standing right on top of me when I awoke. She had the opportunity to kill me but didn't take it. She hesitated. I didn't have to do anything; I just spoke to her harshly and she collapsed on the floor." He took out the yellow stone. "She was a messenger and wanted only to deliver a message."

"Did you have an intent to kill her?"

"No! I'm insulted that you even think that!"

"I've read that you were able to disarm some men just by looking at them. You think that's what you might have done to her?" He couldn't help but smile because that exact what happened. Impa took the crystal from Bato's hand. She studied it. "A communication crystal. These things are a useful way of talking but have only a one-time use. The potency of the crystal is dependent on how profound the yellow color is." She studied it, carefully. "Looks like it's been used recently. Do you know who?"

Bato looked hesitant in telling her. She picked up on this quick, "eventually I'm going to find out, so you might as well tell me now."

He conceded on that point. "Ganondorf."

"Ganondorf?" She whispered. "Are you certain?"

"Spoke to the man, myself. You were right, his behavior is peculiar."

She went up to him. "What did he say?"

"He tried to speak to my sense of reasoning. That Nabooru is in the wrong, and she has something planned that would be harmful to both the Gerudo and to us."

"I hope you didn't take his words seriously. He isn't trustworthy."

"That's something to be considered. The way he spoke about his people and what he wanted them to be is another story, though."

Impa looked at Bato, sourly. "A true king wouldn't attack innocent people and slaughter soldiers by the thousands."

"I'm not condoning his actions. I'm saying that this wasn't a delusional despot talking to me. He seemed level-headed. It's something I wasn't expecting."

"What were you expecting?" she asked, sarcastically.

"The ravings of a lunatic and a madman?"

Not responding to Bato's humor, she shook her head. "At any rate, His Majesty and the others will be notified of what happened to you. All I can do is offer my apologizes for the 'lack of defense' and do better, but I doubt His Majesty or Lord Rarro would like to make this incident public."

"I know, talks are fragile, and they want to keep the peace. I'm fine with that."

She cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Unlike most nobles, you're taking it surprisingly well."

"Well, I'm not a stuck-up noble. I can appreciate the kind of position His Majesty and the others are in right now. Besides, now that this incident happened, I'm sure that the delegation will be more…amicable to some of our requests. Especially when the messenger is from Utia's delegation."

There was a face of shock for a split second before her poker face reasserted itself. "You pay a dangerous game, Bato. I have a feeling that you know that people of power don't play nice."

"You're telling me?" Then, he realized something. "By the way, has anyone else learned of this incident? If Link or Saria found out-"

"Thankfully, there were no eyewitnesses to the incident, but there were some noise complaints. We just said that you had a penchant for 'intelligent conversation' and gave you a warning about disturbing the other guests. They seemed to have bought it, though."

"Throw me under the bus, thanks. That's cool. Whatever makes them sleep at night." He stretched a little. "Well, I'm going to have breakfast."

"Breakfast?"

"Yeah. Breakfast." The two were silent for a moment. "You know, the meal that you have at the start of the day?"

"You mean to break your fast?" Impa clarified.

"Yes…I'm going to break my fast."

He was about to head out before she put her hand up to stop him. "Clothes."

"Ah."

Though it was mentioned in passing, Bato thought more on Ganondorf's particular behavior. "The Ganondorf I know would be arrogant, fierce, crazy. But he didn't act like a madman. It's strange because I've never seen him care for anyone but himself. I could feel darkness still with him, but it wasn't malevolent. His reactions, his behavior. As if, they're humane. Why?" Bato was making his way back from the Great Hall. He met some other dignitaries there who were preparing for the last day of the session and apologized for his actions. Even though he didn't do it, intentionally. It looked like everyone was exhausted, but strangely happy. He made his way to the Main Hall and sat down in a quiet corner. He saw everyone moving from one place to another, just like before.

"There's a reason Ganondorf is acting the way he is. I want to know why. But he isn't my problem. Why should he be? I have a manor, some lands, some people, swag, even a favor from a lord. Why am I fixated on this?"

"Bato?"

"I'll be dead by the time he does anything. He won't be my problem. He shouldn't be my problem now."

"Is he okay?"

"So, all I need to do is avoid him at all costs! But why?! Why did I indulge him the way I did?" His eyes went dark. He felt two hands, one on each eye, covering his sight. "There's only one pair of hands that these belong to." His sight returned and turning he saw Saria smiling right at him. In front of him was Link, smiling as well.

"We called you a couple of times," Saria giggled as she swayed playfully. "You weren't talking."

"I was deep in thought."

"Yeah?" Link came closer. "What about?"

Bato was planning to tell Link about his trip to Gerudo Valley but didn't know when. "I guess now's the perfect time as any. About a mission. From the king."

"From the king?"

"Yes. He and the Gerudo delegation want me to travel to the valley." Link's face dropped, disheartened by the news.

Saria looked concerned. "But there's a war going on there."

"That's why they want me to go. After what happened yesterday, the delegation was so impressed that they wanted me to smooth out the tension between the good and bad guys. I tried to say no, but Hyrule and the Gerudo are not on good terms right now. If they said no, they would take it as an insult."

"So, you're being forced to go?" Link asked.

"Yes. Otherwise, I'd rather stay with the both of you." Bato smiled at them, but that did little to assuage the children's fears.

Saria looked down. "I can't come with you, Bato. I have the forest to look after."

"I know, Saria. I wouldn't ask you to come with me."

Link stepped forward. "But I can come, right?"

Bato ruffled his hair and hat. "Yes, Link, you can come." He smiled at this.

"No fair." The Kokiri sage pouted cutely. Bato patted her on the head. "There's going to be real danger. Link's got the gear and the skills, so he's all good. I need you to continue to look after the forest and the Kokiri. The King will still want to keep in communication with the others, and they can't exactly do that without a speaker."

She glanced at him briefly. "Fine." She said, bashfully. "But not because you asked me to."

"So, what are you going to do today?" Link asked, excitedly. He got over the news quick. "Lady Impa said that we have the whole day to ourselves until the evening!"

"Lucky you." Saria looked at both of them, disdainfully. "Meanwhile, I'm stuck in the castle listening to numerous boring people."

"They're not boring, they're important! This is where the king will officially introduce you to everyone! You gotta make a good first impression. Besides, Zelda's invited you to sit with her, so you won't be alone."

"I guess. It's much more interesting with Bato though!" She smiled at him widely. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Just then, a loud bell rung in the Main Hall. "Guess that's my cue. I'll see you two later, okay!" She ran off into the Great Hall.

Link looked at Bato, "so, what now?"

"I have some things to look at. I haven't been in Castle Town in a year!"

The sounds of vendors shouting out their goods. The smell of freshly baked bread. Bartering and bargaining, where people come from all over the kingdom for networking and entertainment. Bato missed the bustling and vibrant marketplace that had once been his stomping grounds a year ago. There were some old faces, as well as some new ones. The same fixtures and greenery were still there. There was no doubt, however, that the place had changed in only one year.

Since they were close by, Link and Bato made their way to the Church of the Goddesses. However, when they got there, Bato saw another building close by full of people. It was the community kitchen. The aroma of hearty stews and soups called upon the less fortunate. Again, the smell of bread mixed with the root vegetables, grains, and herbs. Volunteers, some of them were the sisters from the church, stirred large cauldrons over the fire. There was a system in place, and it seemed that the lines were endless.

To the side of it was the dining area. Wooden tables and benches were used upon the patrons, enjoying each other's company. It wasn't a pub, but there was camaraderie. On the wall, there were papers that listed jobs searching for able-bodied people to work. Men, women, and children of all ages were each served a hearty portion. There were some who ate their fill solemnly, but the majority of them were full of smiles.

"They were able to open this place, thanks to you, right?" Link asked.

Bato shrugged. "I mean I gave them a payment on the building, some vegetables, and some ideas. Nothing more."

"I think those guys would disagree." Link and Bato looked on and saw a couple of children, fed and healthy. They were waiting their turn in the soup kitchen. Excitedly talking to one another, upon closer inspection, they had nice clothes on, unlike the rags that the majority of the people were using a year ago. Upon closer inspection, he saw a face that was familiar to him. It was a boy. The same boy that attempted to rob him the first time he was in Castle Town. He looked well-fed, with friends, and with decent peasant clothes on. Bato smiled to himself, "I told you I would help you all."

"Something funny?" Link asked, confused.

"Nothing." Bato glanced over towards the church. "Next place, the church."

The Church of the Goddesses was still grand and imposing now, like it was a year ago. Crowds of people were exiting the church, the congregation mostly likely finishing a service. Looking closer, Bato could see some walls had been reinforced by fresh stone and the steps looked a lot cleaner. As they walked, a sister happened to spot Bato. She gasped as she dropped her broom and ran off.

Link, confused again, asked, "What's with her?"

"No idea." Closing into the entrance, the crowd began to thin. They stood at one of the side doors heading into the church. He noticed that Link was shuffling his feet. He stopped and turned to him. "Something wrong?"

Link was about to say something before he stopped himself. Taking a minute a silence, he answered, "It's been a while since I've been to a church."

"A while, huh?" Bato took a knee. "Any particular reason?" He found it peculiar that a hero chosen by the goddesses was not very devout.

"They're the ones that decided my fate, right? They put me on this path of a hero. I dunno. I-"

Bato scratched his chin. "You're angry with them?"

"Yeah," the boy sheepishly admitted. "I never asked to be a hero. I was carefree, living in the forest with the Kokiri. But they had different ideas. I went through a lot for something I didn't want."

"True. You didn't ask to become a hero, you were chosen. I get that. Your fate being decided the moment of your birth would irk anyone."

"…But?" Link looked at him, expecting his rebuttal.

"Was I that obvious? Anyway, they also helped you get out of that mess by empowering you with the Triforce, supported you with the Sages and friends, and gave you the courage to do all of those crazy things during your adventures."

"Are you saying I should forgive them?"

Bato shook his head. "I doubt they would care whether you forgive them or not. What I do know is that they are not indifferent towards you. Farore appears to be sympathetic to your situation."

"Farore? Sympathetic?"

"Yes. She felt bad for you. So, they're thinking about you. If they didn't, you wouldn't receive the support in defeating Ganon, right?"

Link shuffled his shoes a little. "It sounds a bit of a stretch to say that one of the goddesses feels sorry for me."

"Lighting strike me down if it's not. She told me herself."

The boy stood still for a moment, looking into Bato's eyes. There was uncertainty. "I don't even know how to pray."

The man stood up and offered his hand. "Let me show you, then."

Bato and Link made their way to the altar. Some parishioners were still in the church, attending to their private prayers. Looking around, there wasn't a sister in sight. While Bato found that strange, he shrugged it off as something inconsequential. Again, the number of people started to thin out until finally, when in front of the goddesses' statues, there was no one there. Bato turned to Link, who was looking a bit anxious.

"Don't sweat it, Link. It's not difficult to pray."

"Really?"

"Prayers are more than just nice words of praise and platitudes. They are a connection between yourself and the divine. When you pray, you're having a conversation with them. While they are owed all the respect that must be given, they're also not going to smite you for the littlest reasons."

"So, why do people pray in the first place?"

"In my experience, most people pray because they want something. Mortal creatures that we are, we are constantly looking for more. From the good like to heal someone to the bad like wanting harm to another. People pray for countless reasons, but at the end of the day, it is us mortals that offer those prayers to the goddesses."

"Do you have experience in prayer, Bato?"

Bato knelt down on the floor. "Kind of. A bit of it touch and go. What I can suggest to you is this form of prayer. Close your eyes. Relax. Picture the statues in your head and what they represent. Din with her mighty arms. Farore with her healing light. Nayru with her ancient knowledge. Just do your best." He then bowed his head and closed his eyes. He felt Link coming up beside him and shuffling a little.

Bato woke up, like always, in the same white foggy area. He wondered who he was going to meet today until a voice popped up, "where am I?" Turning, he was surprised to see Link looking around. "Link?"

Link turned and ran over to Bato, "where are we?"

"This is…the Sacred Realm."

"The Sacred Realm?" Link glanced around again. "It's not the one that I'm used to."

"That's because the one you're used to is the Chamber of Sages in the Temple of Light. This is the Sacred Realm proper."

"The Sacred Realm is an empty, white space?" Link wasn't impressed, at all. "So, what are we doing here anyway?"

"Normally, this would be where I would speak with the goddesses."

It took a minute for Link to process that comment. "What?! You mean the goddesses talk to you here?!"

"Well, yeah." Bato looked around again. "But it looks like no one's here right now. Hold on." There was a light coming from the sky, illuminating a figure of sorts. "There's something there." They both made their way closer, towards the light. Link ran up in front of Bato who could see the figure was a statue.

The statue of the Hero's shade. Pristine and whole. Its elite guard armor and horned helmet signified its status. The one wearing it, however, was a blue skeleton. His heart froze and he stared at it. He was about to laugh before Link spoke up. "Hey, this statue is holding something." The statue was presenting a scroll, held in a brown scroll cover. Link grabbed it and the light disappeared. "A scroll?" Taking the scroll out from its holder, Link examined it. "Hey, this scroll is blank!"

"Really?" Bato came up and held his hand. "Let me see."

Link handed the scroll to Bato. In turn, Bato started to examine the scroll when he stopped. This scroll was the hidden skill for 'Ending Blow.' The hidden skills were a mechanic from 'Twilight Princess'; special sword techniques for taking down certain enemies. He looked at the statue. Then, back to the scroll.

"I told you! Nothing written on it!"

But Bato wasn't listening to him. He looked back at the statue and then back at the scroll. His eyes grew wide, and he felt heavy. "The Hero Shade is the Hero of Time. But Link can't read anything off this thing. But I can. Am I supposed to teach him the hidden techniques, then? What kind of bootleg paradox bullshit is this?!" He muttered to himself, "I hate time travel."

"What is it, Bato? Are you sick?" Link looked genuinely concerned.

"Link," Bato sighed and summoned his bound sword. "How would you like to learn a new sword technique."

The boy shouted ecstatically, "Really!?"

"Yeah. This scroll is going to help." He started to read off it. "Enemies that are filled with energy will quickly recover and attack again, even when stunned by a powerful strike. The ending blow is a secret technique you can use on stunned enemies to end their breath before they spring back into action. When an enemy lies collapsed on the ground, stunned, target the enemy. Then, leap high into the air and deliver a final strike. Always seek the opportunity to end the breath of your enemy by sensing its demise."

"How in Din's name can you read whatever's on there?"

There was no time for an explanation. As soon as he finished reading it, a Hero shade appeared with its blade drawn. Link immediately got his sword out, with an intense look on the shade. "Hold on, Link. Just do what I do." Bato walked up to the shade and struck it down a few times. With a final heavy slash, the shade fell on its back. At once, Bato jumped up, thrust his sword down and stabbed it in its chest. It disappeared in particles of light. The particles reformed into another Hero shade. "Okay, your turn."

The boy looked at his glided sword. With a burst of speed, he struck the shade with a few strong swings. Like before, the shade was knocked back. Link jumped a high distance, thrust his sword downwards and stabbed the shade in the chest. The shade disappeared and, this time, it did not reform.

"The first skill, the ending blow, has been passed on," Bato declared nonchalant. With this, the space brought out another stream of light from the sky.

"You said this was the first skill. How many skills are there?"

"Including this one? Seven. Come on." They went to the other stream of light. Bato felt this was going to be a thing. When they got there, the same shade was waiting with another scroll. He took it this time. Unrolling it revealed the hidden skill 'Shield Attack.' "You're gonna need a shield for…oh-" At once, both of them wore Hylian shields on their backs.

"Where did these come from?"

"Sacred Realm, who knew?"

"If you would rather not explain it to me, fine. Why do we need a shield?"

"Because this is going to teach you a shield skill. Shield Attack. "No matter how well-tempered a blade is, if a foe is clad in armor and bears a shield, the sword will do it no harm."

"I get that." Link thought back to all the Darknuts and armored enemies he faced in the past.

Bato continued, "When facing such a foe, you must thrust your shield against the defenses of your enemy, causing the fiend to recoil. Those experienced in the way of the sword will see the moment when they can use the shield attack." The shade appeared, readied with shield and sword. Bato took his blade and attacked. The shade blocked it, but Bato followed his attack up with his shield to the shade's face. Then, he attacked, striking it down. It disappeared and reassembled, as before."

Link nodded and jump attacked the shade, which recoiled backwards. Link got close to the shade and bashed his shield against his sternum, following up with another jump attack. The shade reconstituted itself as Bato continued to read the scroll. "The shield attack can also be used to repel an enemy's projectile attacks." At once, the shade didn't target Bato, but Link, with a sphere of light energy. Reflexively, Link bashed the projectile with his shield hurling it back to the shade. Knocked down, it disappeared.

"Second skill: Shield Attack. Done."

Link was grinning, "that was awesome! Things would have been so much easier with this thing. Imagine all the energy attacks I could have sent back!" So it was that Link and Bato headed off to each pillar of light, learning all the hidden skills. Back Slice, Helm Splitter, Mortal Draw, Jump Strike and Great Spin. Each time, the Hero shade's statue began to deteriorate. First, the changes weren't that noticeable. By the end, however, it had taken the same appearance as in Twilight Princess. With the last skill learned, both saw a red light coming from the distance. They both looked at each other, then headed out. When they got there, it was a TP Darknut waiting for its opponent. Suddenly, a barrier formed between Bato and Link.

Bato touched his hand against the barrier. "Test time."

"Test?" Link looked at the Darknut. "What is that thing."

"A Darknut."

"Darknut?! That's not any Darknut I know!"

"That's because it's not any that you know. It'll have a few tricks on it, so be prepared for anything."

Link sighed wearily. Turning, he walked towards the Darknut. It wore golden heavy armor with an ornate sword and shield. Its pauldron and helmet gave it a more regal look than an ordinary Darknut. The boy hero took up a fighting stance. The Darknut turned and faced him, slamming his gigantic sword a couple of times on the ground. Link began to circle, and the Darknut faced him, anticipating his move. Suddenly, the Darknut slammed its sword, causing Link to step back. In response, Link closed in the distance and bashed it with his shield. The Darknut stunned, Link tried to follow it up with a Jump Strike. In the air, the Darknut recovered and swiped upwards, hitting Link.

Link fell to the ground and got back up quickly. The Darknut slowly moved towards him. Link circled the Darknut and slashed it right up against its back. Pieces of its armor started to fall off. In response, the Darknut turned and slammed his sword twice, with the recoil hitting Link. Link shielded himself from another attack with grit, then block stabbed the Darknut with more pieces of its armor falling off.

It started to take a more humanoid form as the pieces of armor fell. The Darknut was getting a few hits as well, wearing Link down. When the last of his armor disappeared, the Darknut took a large step back.

"HIT THE DIRT!" Link heard Bato scream at him, and he went prone on the ground. The giant blade that the Darknut was using was thrown towards Link, who was already down. It hit the barrier. It brandished a smaller long sword, discarding its shield onto the ground. Link shook his head, taking note of his enemy's increased dexterity and agility. Link defended himself with the shield; the Darknut's blade striking harder and harder. But fatigue was getting to the boy, and a momentary lapse in defense allowed the Darknut to strike at him. However, before performing the killing blow, Link leaped out of the way, struck three times with his sword. With the fourth blow knocking it down, Link jumped up in the air and struck it down with an ending blow. The Darknut fell, and so did Link. His form spread out on the ground.

The barrier dissipated. Bato rushed over to Link and cradled the boy in his arms. "You did good, kid." Link smiled weakly. Bato put him down gently and summoned his sword.

"What are you doing?" Link asked. "He's beaten."

"Not yet." As soon as Bato spoke those words, the Darknut got up slowly. Its chain mail damaged with a gaping hole in its chest. Bato was prepared to strike before a voice stopped him. "You fight pretty good."

"I recognize that voice." He solemnly bowed. "My lady."

"My lady?" Link asked, struggling to get up. The Darknut disappeared and reappeared at Link's side. Holding its hand over it, a green light enveloped the hero. Soon, all of Link's wounds and cuts were nowhere to be seen. He looked on with amazement as the Darknut took off its helmet, revealed to be Din. She changed back into her goddess form. "Who-"

"Lady Din. It's good to see you," Bato acknowledged. Din got up and faced Bato.

"You trained Link well."

"He trained himself. As you well know," referencing the fact that the Hero's Shade was the Hero of Time.

"I guess. You didn't do too bad as a teacher. You'll have uses for the skills, that's for sure."

"You have my thanks for your generous endowment."

She scoffed, "Shut up, Bato. I don't need words of praise or worship. I'd rather see it to believe it. I am a goddess of action, after all." She turned to Link. "A heart to defend and the courage to fight. No wonder my sisters chose you." Link blushed and looked down to the ground. "As for you, Bato." She turned to him. "I understand you'll be heading to war soon."

"War zone, my Lady."

"Whatever," she said, dismissively. "But know that there are some out there that don't share in yours and Link's peaceful ways. They will aim to kill and will do anything to achieve their aims." Link shivered as she said this with an icy tone. "Will you kill? Will you spare? What will you do?"

Bato was silent for a moment, and Link looked at him, pensively. "I won't deny that killing is a fact of war. There will be times when we will be called to end a life. But it is something we do not take lightly. My loyalty's is where it has always been. To myself," he looked at Link, "and to the people I care for."

"Hah," she snorted a laugh. "Good answer. Be in charge and let no one tell you otherwise! The little voice is especially nasty. It'll tempt you to do some nasty things if you're not careful." She said this in a playful tone as Bato looked on. How did she know about the little voice?

She turned to Link. "You've done good, kid. Don't think this hasn't gone unnoticed. We've always been watching. You make for an interesting person to look at." Link was clutching his fists and shaking, still looking at the ground. Bato knew he was angry but frightened enough not to do or say anything. He wanted to say something on his behalf; to let know the boy's true feelings. No doubt that she felt it too but said nothing about it. "Lady Din, please, I beseech you," he thought to himself.

"Speak your mind, Bato." He saw Din staring right at him.

Stunned momentarily, he recovered somewhat. "You know how the boy feels. One of the architects of his fate is standing right in front of him. Yet, he's too scared to defy a goddess."

"As he should be. Besides," she looked distantly, "I'm not good with comforting people. My sisters can do that."

Bato's response became emotional, and he tried not to let his reactions show on his face. "For fuck's sake. You're one of the Primordial Goddesses of Creation, and you're telling me you can't comfort a child?!"

She looked at him, sharply. "What do you mean, 'for fuck's sake?' How are you gonna say that to a deity, let alone me?! Are you calling me out? A Goddess of Creation?!"

"Yeah, I'm calling you out!" Din's eyes grew wide. "You think I'm not feeling anything with this insolence? If you must know, I am pissing myself right now knowing the fact you can smite my ass instantly! But I won't stay silent. He deserves to know why. Do you want me to say, 'I need you' then," he gestured quietly, outstretching his arms, "…I need you!"

She froze for a moment, looking uncertain, stunned by the boldness of this mortal who had thrown away his pride for that of another. Her attention went back to Link, who was still despondent. She hesitated for a moment before she knelt down and gave him a hug. The boy wasn't expecting it, his face frozen in shock. "I am sorry, Link," she whispered to him. "Truly, I am."

"Why?" He whispered back.

"On your shoulders, you carried the fates of everyone. There was no other soul that showed more courage, more kindness, more ferocity, apart from you. We used you as an extension of ourselves, as we could not interfere with the world directly. You became our hands to heal a broken world. You became the voice that gave hope in the darkness. We chose you because you were the only one worthy enough to wield the power of the goddesses and bring back balance to the world." She released him and stood. "I understand now my sister's feelings about your injustice. That you were taken from your life, fought, then discarded after the battles have ended." That line hit Link like a knife through the heart, and it showed. "That was wrong. I was wrong." She gestured towards Bato, "allow him to be our apology to you. Let him guide you to the life that you so desire."

Link collapsed on the floor with silent tears on his face. Bato knelt before Din at a distance. Her face didn't show any signs of fury over Bato's defiance. She looked somber. "Don't muck this up." She disappeared in a red light. The realm started to fade away.

Link and Bato were back in the church. Bato woke up first to see Link shaking and in tears. Immediately, he took him to his side and held him tight.

"Bato?" The voice of an old lady was behind them. Turning, he saw Canoness Aita and a group of sisters looking on with stunned amazement. "What in Hylia's name happened to you two?"

"What do you think? We met God."