In the clinic, Bato was finishing signing off some more documents while Link was sitting in the waiting room. He started to swing his legs slightly, and Bato smiled at that. Near the end of the week, it was as the doctor said. Link was fully healed. Not even a blemish was on him. If anyone had seen him, no one would have known that he just survived a monster attack. Even the doctor and his assistants haven't seen anything like this.

"Usually, when people get attacked, they'll lose an arm, a leg, or both. That kid is remarkable. He's truly blessed."

"You have no idea," Bato thought, continuing to absentmindedly sign all the release forms. Now that Link was in top physical condition, it meant that he would start living with Bato for the foreseeable future. He wondered what that would entail. Regardless, he made a promise to the goddesses to look after him. While he wasn't ready to be a guardian, fate was throwing him into the deep end.

With the documents signed, Bato reached for his rupee wallet, but the doctor stopped him. "No. It's been covered already."

"Really? By whom?"

"The commerce guild. When they heard what had happened, they came in and paid for all the treatment costs."

"Hmm…" This was peculiar. Baza or a guild member covered the bills? That meant he would have to stop by and offer, thanks. Or, at the very least, get the reason. Nodding his head, Bato went to the waiting room where Link was. He was looking at him with his blue eyes. His blond hair was sticking out from his hat, and he looked just the hero when he went off to Termina. "Are you ready to go?"

"Where to first?" Link asked, standing up and straightening himself.

"First, a snack. Then, the commerce guild."

Bato and Link ate at a nearby café. Buying some funny-looking pastries, he and Link sat down on a bench while watching the people from the city square coming and going. They were going on, eating their food in silence, when Bato asked, "Where did the mirror shield from Ikana go?"

Link stopped for a moment and stared at him. Returning to his food, he answered, "I think I lost it on my way back from Termina. It was before going into the Lost Woods, right when those pack of wolfos attacked."

"That's a shame. Practical, yet freaky at the same time."

Another bout of silence. Link couldn't take it anymore, finishing his pastry quickly and looking at Bato earnestly. "Seriously, how much do you know about me? You said you saw me through my eyes. Does that mean you saw…everything…"

"Only bits that pertain to the setting. I didn't see you while you were sleeping, washing yourself, or anything private. It was only the highlights of your adventures, that's all."

"Why in Hylia's name did you get visions of my life?"

Bato looked at him. "I don't know. I wonder that myself." He could tell that his life was just a game for millions of people to see. If he did, how would he react to that? "All I know is, like it or not, I've seen what you've seen and heard what you heard."

A shiver ran up Link's body. "Okay. That's not creepy, at all."

"Sorry if it is."

"It's just… I still find it hard to believe. Even after all the things you said at the clinic, it's very hard to take you at your word when it comes to this." Link thought for a moment. "Tell me of a moment in my life that no one else would know."

"Any moment?" Bato asked, as he finished his food and pocketed the garbage.

"Any moment." Link was now focused on him.

"If it starts to get uncomfortable, you can tell me to stop, and I will right away."

"… Okay."

Mentally preparing himself before beginning, Bato took a breath. He said these things in a whisper. "Right after you received the Kokiri Emerald. Mido met you at the entrance of the Deku Tree. He blamed you for his death and swayed everyone else to his opinion. When you were leaving the forest, Saria stopped you on the bridge. She offered you the fairy ocarina to take with you. Then, you left without saying anything."

As if something pierced his heart, Link swayed back and forth a little. He held his tunic tightly and a single tear dropped onto the ground. "I…uh…ah." Suddenly, he felt a familiar presence embracing him in a side hug.

Bato's voice was soothing. "It wasn't your fault. Ganondorf cursed the tree long before, and you granted him peace before he passed. While Mido could be considered a prick for what he said, no doubt that he and the others were mourning him in their own way. Not knowing what happened and the real reason why he died."

"It just…hurt." Link shook his head, a little. "No one said anything when I was leaving. Everyone ignored me. They hated me for what I've done." Link dug his knees into his chest. "Why do they hate me? I saved them all from that monster."

"They see, but they cannot see. They hear, but do not understand."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means that even though you did all these remarkable things. Getting a fairy, finding the Kokiri Sword, and slaying the monster in the Deku Tree, they still couldn't believe any of it. Because they thought they knew who you were. They didn't believe that you could do these great things." Bato held him a bit tighter. "I know. You're a hero. You're a hero…and you had to leave."

"It's not fair." Link mumbled and he covered his face completely. Bato could feel him crying quietly to himself. After a while, Link became a lot calmer. He and Bato walked side-by-side while heading towards the commerce guild. When they got there, the receptionist greeted them both.

"Mr. Bato! I'm so glad to see you back here!" She noticed Link beside Bato. "And who's this young guy?"

"This is Link. I was asked by the church to look after him for a while." Technically, that was true. The Goddesses gave him the charge, so it was a good cover story.

"Hiya Link!" The receptionist gave a grin and waved over all the other clerks around the immediate area. "You're so cute, you know!"

"Uh… Th-Thanks." Link blushed as the girls started to crowd him. "Bato? Help?"

"I got a meeting with Baza," Bato said, walking up the stairs. "Just stay here, I won't be long." Despite Link's pleas for help, the farmer continued to walk up to Baza's office.

"You never stop getting into trouble, can you?" Baza looked like his usual self. But, there was some tension in these words.

"Can you blame me if trouble starts following me around because of all the things I'm involved in?"

"Yes, quickly, in fact."

"Nevertheless, I have to thank you for both the community kitchen and for paying Link's medical bills."

Baza gave a quick wave. "Daw, no problem at all. From what I've been hearing, you've practically saved both that young lad and Malon. Least I could do."

Bato's expression darkened. "So…you know what happened to Malon, too?"

"Word gets around, Bato. The three freaks that try to take her were all apprehended. Including the one that got away from you. The community was looking for blood. In the end, the thugs were all hanged. Not before a mob came and beat them half to death."

"Mob justice, at its finest." No matter what world you're from, harming an innocent child is a cardinal sin. It demanded the ultimate sanction.

"Well, you won't have to worry about that lot, anymore. It's good that you stopped by. I have a location on where the community kitchen will be."

"Where?"

"It's going to be near the church and the slums. So, it'll be able to cater to most of the poor there. Aita suggested it and the property was not half bad. It just needs to be fixed up is all."

"Well, we do have the best craftsmen Hyrule has to offer."

"Yeah, we do. All we need now are the supplies," Baza gave a wry look towards Bato.

"I know. That's why I intend to use my crops to support the kitchen."

He smiled at that. "That's what I wanted to hear! Just make sure that you stockpile a lot! There are plenty of needy folks out there that require the food. Moreover, some nobles expressed interest in this project. If it succeeds, then we might have to open more kitchens around the city. Oh, speaking of which." Baza took a letter from his desk. It was sealed in fine parchment and had the seal of the Royal Family. "A messenger came and delivered it to me a few days back. Knowing that you're involved, and you would be stopping by, they asked me to deliver this to you."

He had a smug look on his face and Bato hated it. Humorlessly, he took the parchment, broke the seal and read the letter:

To Bato of Termina,

The great and Honorable King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, first of his name, Ruler of Hyrule, has taken note of your great deeds of valour and renown and wishes to meet with you to discuss, at length, urgent matters that cannot be disclosed through correspondence. You are hereby requested to come to his court to have an audience with his excellency.

You are to arrive two months from the date of this correspondence, and not a minute later, to be properly presentable by his excellency's staff and receive the hospitality as a sign of respect and goodwill. Furthermore, you are to stand before the great and Honorable King Daphnes at high noon and to hear whatever requests he makes of you. If you do not show up on time, reactions will be taken depending on the nature of your tardiness.

Written, but not dictated by his faithful steward,

Lord Dabo Rorru, Royal Family Steward

Bato rolled his eyes and Baza couldn't help but hold in a snicker. "No doubt they're trying to make you into a pompous puppet."

"Which, I wouldn't appreciate due to my occupation." Bato gave a deep sigh, throwing up his arms. "I don't have to go to this, do I?"

Baza slammed on his desk, "Are you kiddin' me? That's a Royal Summons. You don't snub the Royal Family! You do that, and you're arrested on sight for contempt. Nobody wants to make an enemy of the Royal Family. Especially, when said somebody is involved in guild business!"

"All right, all right, I'll go. If that's what you want. Kind of figured that this would have to be a mandatory thing. Well, I'm not going unless I'm able to bring Link along."

"Promise me, Bato! Don't play around with this!" Baza pointed his finger fiercely.

"I promise!" Bato held up his hands. This summons was a great deal. "I mean, why do a summons in the first place; it's not like I did anything remarkable."

Baza looked like he was going to punch something.

"I mean, all I've done was help with opening a community kitchen and boosting Castle Town's econo-"

"Bato shut up! We all know!" Baza got up and paced around the room. "I have people in the guard! I have farmers working for the guild! You think that your little stunt between you and that Bandit army was going to be hidden for long?"

"Ah, shit."

"Shit's right, kid!" He got closer to him. "The guild's all about making profit, but not at the expense of human life." He tapped on his chest. "Your life. I see an army coming for me, I'm getting out of there, no questions asked! But you?! You stayed and took them on?! Bato!"

"Guys had it coming!" Bato shouted, with equaling intensity. "I was attacked at my work! I was attacked at my home. MY HOME! Cobn couldn't do shit. You couldn't do shit. These guys were hauling ass to kill me. You mean to say that those motherfuckers thought they could get away with screwing around with me?!"

Baza breathed deeply and sat down at his desk. "Your life matters. Crops can be replanted. Profit can be made again. But you only have one life. Don't risk it doing stupid shit."

"Not if you're on new game plus." Bato did the same. "I apologize, Baza. You're right. I must be smarter when fighting my battles and not rely on emotion."

"You have people now that want to help you. People that do care, regardless of where you are in your life. Think about them before deciding whether the cause is worth your life." He held his arms up, "but, ultimately, you make that choice. I can't tell you how to live your life. I'm just sayin think about the people you'll leave behind."

Nodding, Bato headed towards the door. Baza called out to him. "You know, Talon was deeply grateful to you. Saving his girl. How would he feel if his daughter's savior died over an overgrown cabbage?"

He said nothing. Walking away, he wondered what set him off like that. The fact he was questioned on his actions or the fact that he wasn't bothered by sacrificing his life to save another. The whole thing completely vexed him. When Bato got downstairs, a small group had gathered around in one of the sections at the bottom. Everyone was absentmindedly staring at the roof. "What's going on?" He asked a nearby hunter.

The hunter, wide-eyed and said, very timidly. "They've gathered themselves underneath the guild master's office. You know, the walls are pretty thin in this place. So, if people get rowdy, then everyone would know."

"Oh." Hairs standing on end, Bato knew that the small group heard his conversation with Baza. "So. Everyone heard that."

"Many people have told the guild master that heated conversations can be heard through here. But, I guess, he forgot about that when he was…talking… to you." Clearing his throat, he quickly left Bato, who was at this beside himself. Jofary was right. Secrets would reveal themselves in time. Truths were meant to be spoken. When Bato walked over to the group, everyone took one look at him and scattered. Everyone, but the young Link who was standing in front of him.

"Ready to go?" He asked, impassively. Bato nodded his head and both went out through the door without saying anything to anyone.

It was a walk from Castle Town to Bato's farm. A silent, agonizing walk. Neither of them wanted to talk about what happened. Link, and a couple of others, probably heard that whole exchange from downstairs. The sun was setting, and some people came out and started to light the town lamps.

Finally, Link spoke in a long while. "So, you took down bandits?"

"Heard that whole thing, huh?" Bato was dreading this conversation. But he knew it had to be done lest there would be some misunderstandings. "Yes, I took down twenty raiders that were attacking my home."

"What'd you use?" Link had a fascination in his voice now, interest piqued.

"Traps, wooden fences, a sword, paralysis spell."

"Traps? Paralysis? What kind of traps?"

"The elemental kind. Ice, fire, poison. Someone steps into it and the trap releases the effect. The effect depends on what trap it was. A burn for fire. Frostbite for ice. Poison for…well, poison."

"And the paralysis spell?"

"Use to incapacitate, but not kill. I used after I…" Even months after the attack, Bato would still be disturbed by images of the one he killed. Both at the forest and the farm. "…killed a few of them."

Link started to silently think on this, another painful silence encapsulated them. The people were starting to thin out and the crowd becoming less and less. "So, you know what's like to take another's life."

"Yes."

"How did it feel?" Link's question was cold. Bato could feel no judgment, but rather a sense of trying to understand.

"Terrible." Bato thought on it some more. "No. At first, I was terrified about what I'd done. But, as the bandit group kept coming, there was no doubt that they were trying to kill me. So, I killed another one. And again. And again. Then…" He was silent on this.

"Then what?" They were still walking. The land was getting darker and darker. The air between them was getting palpable. Did he have the courage to tell him what happened next?

He hesitated and looked at the young hero. Link was looking at him, expectantly. "… There was a rush. I won't deny it. For the moment, it felt good to cut down on the people who try to hurt me. That the suffering that they intended for me was coming back to them. Voices in my head telling me to keep killing. I was enjoying being a murderer, but the feeling was only for the moment. That's what stopped me. I wasn't a murderer. I was protecting myself and my home. So, before I got lost in the blood lust, I started to paralyze the bandits after cutting a few of them down."

The two silently walked for a little while longer. Link was quiet, probably reflecting on what Bato said. How easily the line of protection and murder could be crossed in blood lust. "I knew I was right in defending my home. But that's no excuse. Life is precious, Link. We do not needlessly throw it away unless the cause is worth our lives. At the time, it was either me or them. But, if I had to do that same battle again, perhaps. I would have tried to save all of them."

"Even though they hurt you?" He could hear the skeptical tone in his voice.

"Even though they hurt me." Bato and Link arrived at the farm; the lights were already on. The two stopped right outside the entrance.

"So, you felt the same."

Bato looked at him. "Did you?"

"Yes." Link whispered. "I had to. It happened on my way back from Termina. Bandits blocked the way. Four of them. I kept on walking, but they stopped me. Wanted my things. Wanted…me…" He had a disgusted, fearful look on his face. "I didn't say anything, and I tried to get away. But then, Epona." The horse neighed in the distance; delighted to see his master's return. Galloping to his side, he nuzzled him. Link had a moment of joy, before turning dark. "They started to attack him. I just got angry. I just saw white before I noticed I was holding my sword that had blood on it, with one of the bandits on the ground…dead. The other three rushed me, blades drawn. I…cut them down too."

Link started to quiver. Bato looked at him, who was trying to continue his story. "My blade was full of their blood. Their bodies lying there."

"What did you do afterward?" Bato whispered.

"I…I had to get away. I just left everything there, the bodies, the loot they had on them! I just had to get away. Take Epona and leave that place." He started to fixate on his hands. "I've only killed monsters on my journeys. But this felt different. It felt…wrong. Besides Ganondorf, I don't think I've ever raised a blade to kill." He started to look desperate, eyes jerking side to side. "The monsters kill people. I killed people. Does that make me a monster? Am I just as bad as them?!"

"No, you're not, just stop." Bato cradled his head. "It's okay. Just stop." He was shaking now. Monsters were fair game. Nevertheless, when it came to people, it could get complicated. Especially, when you had a prior history with that person. Link had to kill, and most likely he will kill again. He will kill because he will have no choice. But it didn't mean he enjoyed the killing. It was a necessity, and he needed to know that. "Killing to protect yourself and other people don't make you a bad person. Yet taking a life, any life. It hurts, just the same."

Releasing him, Bato saw Link's face in the torchlight. He was crying now. "I'm supposed to protect people! That's what a hero does!" He started to yell, frantically, to no one in particular. "I-I just wanted them to leave us alone! That's it! I didn't mean to kill them!"

"I know. As you grow up, you will be faced with many situations that will call on you to make terrible decisions. No matter what the intent might be. Don't let the idea of taking a life stop you from making the right decision. Remember, why do you use your blade? For what purpose? For whom? So long as it's right and just, I don't ever see you becoming a bad person." He held Link's shoulders firmly. "You will never be like them."

Link looked lost and exhausted. He collapsed, crumpled on the ground. Bato carefully picked him up and carried him inside. "Welcome home."