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Chapter Text

     Legend has it that a boy from the forest was chosen by Hyrule's Three Goddesses to epitomize Courage. He mirrored bravery and surmounted evil to every degree. The boy remained firm against faces of pain and grief and represented to many others what it is like to become a leader in one's own self-sacrifice. This grand Legend of the Hero of Time passed on for generations upon generations. The Kingdom of Hyrule will forever hold in its archives justice one man brought down onto the Demon King.

     However, nowhere in its versions speaks of diligence or effort through his perspective.

     A selfish heart would believe the Hero of Time accepted this as a vain attempt to be worshipped. The opposed would see his success as a holy surrender to save thousands of lives. Scholars quarrel endlessly over questions unanswered; nevertheless, time in consensus is but a curse. The flow of existence through past, present, and future holds more than the simplified measurements of minutes, hours, and days. Each second brings on a new possibility and fresh experiences. Time flourishes into relationships and memories. An ocarina with capability to manipulate this healthy balance can either give or steal precious remembrances.

     A child overcome by this fate could face catastrophic consequences.

     Standing before Princess Zelda is no longer the boy of legend, but a proud warrior. Link is prepared to be stripped of a title he labored for and the catalyst to this tale sits between them, glistening in pure light.

     "Link." Her Royal Highness breathes, "I must make up for my own mistakes. I need you to close the Door of Time and lay the Master Sword to rest. It is then the roads between time will shut."

     And without hesitation, Hyrule's Hero obeys. She painfully expected him to. Passing the Ocarina of Time to its original keeper, Link's thoughts focus on the silk gloves against his calloused hands. Both princess and warrior realize seven years did a plethora to their weary souls.

     "…As a Sage, I can return you to your original time."

     Link nods, surprised upon noticing the princess had not removed her hands over his own.

     "Regain what was lost." She smiles, "Home, where you are supposed to be, the way you are supposed to be."

     It is out of the question; they will share their last moments reminiscing. Time spent together was very short compared to their time apart. Princess Zelda still has her allure to her, and Link, his innocent curiosity. Returning to their original timeline will mean a new adventure without fear of persecution. They share a saddened glance with one another. At last, peace.

     Link loses his footing to the notes played by the holy instrument.

     He drifts unconscious.

Chapter Text

     Link gasps for air. His body jerks forward with his hand grasping his chest. It was another nightmare over his return. A dark wooden ceiling looms over him and he focuses on his racing heart until recognizing that ceiling was his very own.

     "Oh, right…" Link felt foolish. His eyes glance towards the furniture in his bedroom next. Everything remains untouched. It is exactly as he had left it, and Navi is nowhere to be seen. This adrenaline tapered off for a couple more minutes.

      No.

     She isn't coming back. Link wipes his sweat away. The Deku Tree had no means to send him a fairy and the thought brought Link back onto his mattress.

     …How many days has it been since Princess Zelda turned back time?

     He rubs a single eye. It was a little more than his fingers could count. Link's immediate visit to Her Royal Highness ended in swift action. Ganondorf had zero chance to access the Sacred Realm; he had no Spiritual Stones or the Song of Time in his possession. It was a bittersweet victory for the other two pieces of the Triforce. Recounting these events as a daily routine unfortunately annoyed the former Hero more than a desire to silently celebrate to himself.

     His blankets crinkle over his shoulders. This torture must end eventually. Regaining lost time is harder than its made out to be. The former Hero would feel exhausted after his many adventures and lying in bed now felt unbearably out of place. Link cannot share his experiences in Kokori Forest with Princess Zelda as he did not want her to pity him for it. Currently known as the "Boy without a Fairy" all over again, Mido makes it obvious he spites him. Everything was what it used to be, but Link can't avoid smiling over it sometimes. He will always remember the apology Mido wanted his adult self to pass along...

     If only Mido knew how silly he looked...

     …And the same question remains, what now?

     Princess Zelda made this choice out of the kindness of her heart. Link being cocooned in his tree house will not fulfill the favor she wanted to serve him. His brow furrows. He was the one not making enough effort. Instead, he is focusing too much on his horrid past timeline.

      I have to get up.

     It would be easier without so many eyes on him anyway.

     Link rises slowly in the shadows and gathers what he needs for his quick journey to Hyrule Fields. None of these thoughts are new to him and likely they will plague him until whatever "bigger purpose" is discovered. He has forgotten what it is like to search for his own happiness and his reflection from the Kokori Sword only emphasized this fact. Link changed so much. His blonde hair is matted again, and his cerulean eyes are dull. Ageing was notable in a simple stare.

     It was as if those repeated seven years disappeared into dust.

     No more. Link will let his mind wander and choose a destination from there. Princess Zelda nor the Three Goddesses of Hyrule would want to see him wither away. He was blessed to be given a second chance and he should not waste it. Setting off on foot, his sword and shield are secured against his back. An old map from his past adventures lays tucked in his tunic pocket. Just outside the tree house is a dirt trail that stretches onto a main path; its direction led to Kokori Forest's exit.

     Link may have been the only person outside tonight, but not the only living being. Kokori Forest is never silent under the watchful eye of the moon. Filled with various sounds of wildlife, his elven ears pay close attention to crickets quavering in harmony with the low croaks of frogs. It would be hard to believe Farore's purest creations suffered such disarray. The war-zone Saria would have screamed upon witnessing-

     This again.

     Link tapped at his forehead roughly with a palm. He successfully ended that thought. …There is no good in remembering Kokori Forest as a monster-infested pit. Perhaps talking to Princess Zelda again on how to adjust or maybe request training alongside the Hylian Knights? Anything to wrap his head around this newly found "free time" for a moment of tranquility. As Link peers through his fingers, an unexpected face startles him out of his boots. The former Hero reaches hurriedly for his sheath.

     "Hold it, hold it!" Mido pleads. He stumbles back to the Kokori sword's tip threatening his heart.

     Link's narrowed eyes grew wide, "Mido? What are you doing out here?" His free hand switches to replace his weapon; he hadn't meant for Mido to fall onto his rump either.

     His rival gasps out of embarrassment, "I-I should be asking the same to you!" Link's assistance was immediately denied. An aggressive slap to his wrist left a small sting over his skin. "Trying to kill me, the Great Mido!? You'll be in huge trouble when I tell the Deku Tree! Where do you think you're going this time?!"

     "Do you plan to follow me?" Link asks.

     Both boys are stuck sharing a blank stare. Mido's mouth stays agape. …Link fired so quickly at him. He is not armed with his sharp tongue, nor physically. Link is also equipped with weaponry, somehow, and even worse, to admit to him he was afraid of his interactions with Hylians-

     The former Hero did not have patience for this, it seems. He passes Mido while rubbing his wrist, "You should head back inside before the wolves find you."

     Mido grits his teeth, "Don't joke about that! Hey!" He springs onto his feet and turns in the direction of Hyrule Fields, "You're going to ignore me now?! I'm not finished with you yet!"

     "It can wait."

     "It can't, Link!"

     Mido catches up to him on the main path. Both boys reach an immense tree trunk together; it is carved as a grand arch signaling Kokori Forest's exit way. Hyrule Fields is just up ahead. Link turns to glance over and notices how bad in shape Mido was. He is a sweaty mess, panting and wheezing like a hog trapped in water. Link is hoping to not have to carry Mido to a healer, all for a scratch and a faint heart.

     "You…" the true Kokori hunches over, grasping his knees, "Sheesh…you really want to worry Saria to bits…"

     "She is spending most of her time in the Forest Temple. If she had a problem with my visits to Hyrule Castletown, she'd have shared that with me by now."

     Mido shot Link another glare, "...What's with you lately?"

     "Huh?" The former Hero is met with a finger to his face; his eyes cross to stare at it, surprised. It continues to press roughly against the tip of his nose.

     "Don't act like you have no idea what I'm talking about, No-Fairy!" Mido grew incredibly stern. He closes their distance, making sure to create a clear message for Link not to play around, "All this 'grown-up' talk and tasks on the daily! Speaking to the Hylians is risking us! I swear, if you embarrass anyone here to the Royal Family…!"

     "You're losing sleep over it, Mido."

     "You're not one of us!" he snaps and draws his finger away, "Remember that! I can never understand what Saria sees in you!" anger fueled no response from the stupid fairy-less boy, "Really! You're trying to make me look crazy, but I know you're up to something! I'll get an answer from you soon enough!"

     And to his shock, Link had already taken many steps back through the forest line. It is a boundary he knew Mido would never dare to cross; that Kokori had a huge fear of turning into a Stalfos kid someday.

     This will be a conversation to continue for another time.

     "LINK!" Mido shrills.

     Moonlight spread evenly amongst the grasslands. There are no trees in the way of blocking the passing breeze; it made the air feel crisp and refreshing. Kokori Forest always smelt of moss and earth, but Hyrule Fields carries a unique scent of flowering herbs and hay. Link can always travel in peace here. It is much quieter.

     His tired eyes skim his map so heavily marked in ink. The former Hero is reviewing old routes he has taken for tasks in his previous timeline. Much had to be scribbled out for the fact Ganondorf is not involved anymore. Link will need to purchase new scroll paper and begin from scratch reforming his map layout. It can be useful for adventurers new to Hyrule. He rubs his chin and shakes his head. What adult would take a boy his age seriously? He would look ridiculous proposing the idea to just any regular merchant on the street.

     What to do… He met with the night sky. Link would normally be asking Navi for some answers right now. The gates to Hyrule Castletown will be closed until sunrise; it was a protocol to protect Hylians from invasion of Gerudo and cursed Stalfos. Kakariko Village is an option, but many of the townsfolk there run shops closed for the nighttime. There was no rapport built with the villagers there; the same can be said for Zora's Domain, yet.

     Similarly, the thought of Princess Ruto made Link tremble with some distaste. Link could excuse the maltreatment for the dire circumstances they were dragged into, but he would not like to be forced into an engagement so early either. Princess Zelda made it crystal clear the Zora Sapphire is not to be shared with anyone but the Royal Family. It's a tool for proposal in Zora culture after all. It's just too soon to get mixed into all that drama right now.

     Link's wandering focus began to drift west. If only-

     Lon Lon Ranch.

     Link's posture immediately straightens.

     ...Malon has to be up at this hour.

     He hesitates.

     In fact, Link had not met with Epona. The first few days were hell-spent collecting evidence against Ganondorf and the last handful ending his week were focused on readjustment to this new life. There was no opportunity to unite with his companion. The former Hero gave one last look at his map before slowly stuffing it away again. …It would not hurt to try. This would make for easier and faster travel around the landscape.

     Link scales another hillside, it was a long walk. He reaches Lon Lon Ranch's front by circling its escalated perimeter. A familiar wooden sign swings along with the increasing wind speeds. He thinks its simply a draft from the hill's top at first, but some water drops gently tap his face. Rain. There was going to be a light shower tonight. Bothering Malon is something the former Hero was against, but on the other hand, he'd rather refuse facing another confrontation with Mido. He surely would be waiting for him if he dared to return home and soaked better yet. Link enters the opening cautiously.

     On both sides of the alley leaked lantern light from inside two buildings. A stable to Link's right bustled with horses and cows and to his left sat the ranchers' main quarters. An open two acres lay bare ahead. Everyone was to be in their locations at sundown except for one, and there she was, always in the center of Lon Lon Ranch's Riding Arena. He knew that bright red-orange hair from anywhere, yet the ranch girl was not singing her usual song. Link notices Malon's gaze is to the grass beneath her.

     She was wiping…tears?

     The former Hero is staring in awe at her. This is the first time he has ever seen Malon cry. Over what exactly? Epona would be directly beside her; and even then, his filly is nowhere to be found.

     Malon looks up and meets Link's gaze.

     The former Hero flinches. How stupid he was to be standing at the main gate.

     "Um….?!" He gasps.

     Her head tilts slowly. Malon began to rub her shining blue eyes before turning fully towards Link, "Am I seeing things? We haven't had a visitor in a while…"

     Embarrassment reaches the tips of his ears; they are flushed warm. The former Hero shook his head quickly. There is no way he was going to get Epona now that he gave his "first" impression as a stalker. Malon does not approach him and her unease becomes noticeable the longer Link stays quiet. He picks up on this and is confused as to why he was dazed. Perhaps noticing a few details out of place stunned him into speechlessness.

     "I-I was interested in riding, but I see no horses here."

     Really? That's all I could come up with?

     Malon smiles weakly to his save, "The horses don't come out until sunrise. My father says it's dangerous for them to be here while we're all asleep…" She turns her attention to a distant rumble of thunder. Link heard it too, his brow furrowing to seeing Malon wipe at her eyes again. He opens his mouth to ask.

     "Malon!" another voice calls out from behind Link.

     Both youngsters flinch. Malon's focus was off the former Hero and to the haughty man seen squinting from the alley.

     "Malon?!" It was Ingo. His tone seeped with frustration. He whips his head in all directions, "Where are you?! Malon?!"

     She appeared frightened, the expression crossing her once peaceful face brought Link to grasp at the handle of his sword out of instinct, "I-Ingo…! He can't see you here, Grasshopper!"

     "G-Grasshopper?" He's completely dumbfounded; Link looks down at himself. He used to be called Fairy Boy-

     Before he can process what is happening, the ranch girl takes his hand and yanks him after her. They head towards the stone tower at the back of the arena.

     "Malon!? Malon!" Ingo's voice grew fainter and fainter with each step.

Chapter Text

     Link watches as the ranch girl closes a door behind them. It is pitch black at first. She swiftly lit a few lanterns on the walls, and it was then that the awkward silence began to thicken. It only took a few minutes speaking to each other to turn out alone like this. Link is all too familiar with situations like these. It's worse for Malon not having memories of him, so he understood why she would feel uncomfortable in this predicament. It is the consequence of turning back time.

     "Er…Grasshopper?" Link chokes out, "Is that what you just called me?"

     Malon points to Link's tunic slowly, "It's uh...green."

     "Ah." He looks down at himself. No argument there. Without a fairy anymore, the tunic should still show to many in the Kingdom of Hyrule he is of Kokori standing. None of it mattered now though; they are being followed. The ranch girl is careful not to knock any gardening equipment scattered around before reaching the opposite wall. Link walks through the clutter to find she was pushing crates of milk. He does not waste a second helping her.

     "Mr. Ingo… would ground me forever if he saw me talking to someone from town..." She huffs as the weight of one crate gave her struggle. Link slides it aside for her and they continue to expose the back wall of the tower together.

     "He isn't a nice person?" he asks.

     Malon frowns, "F-Far from it. Here." She points at a gaping hole in the wall.

     Wow. Link never knew that was there.

     "Malon!" Approaching was Ingo's voice. She ushers Link into the open space and quickly follows suit. Her hands grasp at the handle of a large board, and with that smart action, two smaller milk crates slide to cover it. This mimicked a concealing door and hid their location. Both are panting like dogs. Link forgot how exhausting things were without magical gauntlets and a mature body. He never spent enough moments with Malon to notice she was this mischievous either.

     It is a nice hideout. Hay in one corner has fabrics lining its top; perhaps it worked as a bed, the size is suitable for a small child anyway. A broken wagon sits full of weaving material and cracks from the ceiling illuminates the space with pale moonlight.

     "Phew…we should be safe now." She breathes. A tie around the ranch girl's wrist helped to get hair off her neck.

     "Safe?" Link dusts himself off.

     Malon had not answered him. In the silence of this newly found room, faint noises of someone searching took minutes to finally settle. Link waits patiently for Malon to respond.

     "…He's a bad man." She hugs her knees to her chest. The white skirt of her dress is smudged with dirt, "My father was kicked out of the ranch because he overslept on an important visit by the Gerudo. They are searching for new mounts. Mr. Ingo wants no one from Hyrule Castletown to learn about their exchange."

     Link cocks his head.

     More silence. Both youngsters sat solemnly together. They listen to the sounds of pitter-patter outside. Rain is pouring much harder against the stone tower now; it was a good decision to have visited, or Link would have been drenched to the bone. He can't believe what he was hearing. None of this made any sense to the former Hero when comparing timelines.

     Malon picked up on his confusion. She continues with her chin resting on her knees now, "He took charge of the situation and the Gerudo liked him. I saw how angry Mr. Ingo was at my father and heard he isn't allowed to come back until he makes enough money to help with the ranch." Her eyes start to water again, "And…well… we watched as he gave up my closest friend as a 'bonded pair' with another steed."

     And then it clicked him.

     Epona.

     "What?" Link scoots much closer with anger roaring like a fire in his chest. Ganondorf is to blame for Ingo turning into a man of bad character, at least in his past timeline. The Demon King had been sealed away early, but the bloodied history of Gerudo versus Hylians still stands. Was Lon Lon Ranch really in that terrible of a predicament? Did they have to rely on the Gerudo regardless of Ganondorf? There should be more visitors from Hyrule Castletown.

     "…I'm sorry." Is all the former Hero could mutter; he watches in guilt as Malon is crying softly into her hands.

     She sniffles, "Do you know what it's like to lose a dear friend? I had no control of anything…"

     He nods. Link's thoughts are set on Navi; furthermore, all the past relationships with those he came across are gone. It pained him to know Epona was dragged to the desert. She is just a filly. He knew of his steed's likes and dislikes, her strengths and weaknesses, fears and confidence. Link has to get her back and not just for himself.

     "I do."

     Malon lowers her gaze, "Oh…I should be sorry too, then…" A change of subject will do the ranch girl better. She did not look like she had enough sleep, just like he had the past couple of days. There are notable scratches on her arms and legs. Old mud flakes Malon's elbows and ankles. Link uses this pause to dig into his tunic pocket and pull out his map. He lays it flat between them and the ranch girl is immediately curious by his gesture. 

     "A map…?" She asks.

     "I want you to guess where I am from. I'm not really a grasshopper."

     Malon blinks with sudden interest. She traces her finger over his cheap doodles of Lon Lon Ranch. "The woods, right? I only ever heard of kids in the forest wearing green like you do."

     The former Hero nods again. He points to the south-eastern part of the worn paper, "I-er… can tell you all about what it's like in Kokori Forest, if you're interested…?"

     Malon's saddened smile widens. She leans over to see where Link drew Kokori Forest. "Yes…! I-I'd love to! Thank you!"

     Bright sunlight shines onto Link's face. He is stirred from his sleep by the sound of galloping outside. That's right, he fell asleep while speaking to Malon. Getting carried away with talking to someone felt nice in a way. Loneliness does not help him sleep back at home.

     Link sat up and a heavy woven blanket fell from his chest. The former Hero takes it from his lap and examines it.

     So soft…

     Malon must have placed this on him.

     "You're awake!" she chirps.

     Link jolts. The ranch girl is seated beside him with a plate of breakfast in her hands; there are eggs and seared slices of pork belly. How exhausted was he to not notice when she left?

     "You were hungry, Grasshopper. I heard your stomach growling all night!"

     The remark made him blush. Link leans away and covers the lower half of his face, "I-I ate prior to coming here!"

     "You walked a long way from what you've shown me! I insist!"

     "But-!" He could not refuse; the plate is shoved into his hands anyway. The former Hero stares hungrily at it. It'd be rude to eat before Malon in the first place. After all, he did not expect to spend the night with a girl. Princess Zelda and Navi would scold him for forcing such hospitality, "I..."

     She interrupts, "I was reading more of the details to your map. Kokori don't travel as much as you do."

     "Y-Yeah…they're under the protection of the Great Deku Tree. All is given to them by Him, so Kokori don't have to travel outside of the forest for anything."

     "Ohhh…! I think it's so cool." Malon folds her hands on her lap. She watches Link finally comply and take a piece of pork belly into his mouth, "You must really know a lot of people from Hyrule Castetown. It's a good thing I hid you from Mr. Ingo, then."

     Link coughs. The grease is hot on his tongue.

     "Careful!" Malon pouts, "Gosh, you look like you haven't eaten in days!"

     "What about you, though? Did you eat?"

     She nods to Link's surprise, "I waited for Mr. Ingo to leave the ranch. He's locked all the horses in the Riding Arena and went out to search for me."

     The former Hero stares at her, "...You have him on a man hunt for you."

     "Well… I wouldn't say that." She looks away nervously, "I'd rather he not be present with my father's horses. Besides…" her smile fades, "He treats them so terribly whenever I'm not around."

     "I see…"

     They spend minutes together in silence. Link consumes the entire breakfast served to him; each bite satisfied him further. An experienced adventurer should always travel with snacks on hand, but he was so rushed to leave his small tree house. His own home was suffocating him. Something about that detail seemed a little more… careless about him.

     Regardless, Link should repay Malon the favor whenever he can.

     She is humming to herself. The former Hero glances over to hearing this familiar tune. He recognizes it as Epona's Song and can replay the notes backwards if he wanted to. This melody eases him; it's soft and catchy. There is no question as to why Epona felt just as comfortable around her as...he had.

     Link's grip over the plate's edges tighten, "If… it doesn't bother you asking…" He sets it down, "Your father, do you know where he is staying now if it's not here?"

     "Hm?" Malon tucks some hair behind her ear. She is thinking to herself for a moment. An answer Link does not want to see is a shrug. She looks like she has no idea, "…I want to say he could be in Hyrule Castletown, but it would be hard for him to find a job there. It is full of people and it costs a lot of money to stay in a room near nobles..."

     "He could possibly be in Kakariko Village then." Link stands and brushes the dust off his tunic's skirt, "I've visited it before. I want to find him."

     "H-Huh?! You do?" Malon takes the empty plate and stands too. She was very stunned, "But why?"

     "Bad men shouldn't run the ranch, right?"

     She sighs, flabbergasted, "You'd get me in a lot more trouble, we just met!"

     Link shakes his head, "I'm guessing he'd know where your horse is too."

     This made her pause. She watches Link's eyes with a mix of hope and confusion in her stare, "...You're going to bring her back?" Malon's voice went weak, "Really…?"

     "I don't see why not." He smiles.

     "But—Grasshopper—I mean-!" The former Hero's words must have overwhelmed her, "What is your name?!"

     "It's Link."

     "Link, and I, Malon! I owe you everything!" She drops the plate and moves herself close to Link's front, "You have to promise me you'll bring them both home! Their names are Epona and Talon! Epona and Talon!" She takes both his hands between them, not minding the mess scattered around their dusty shoes, "Please don't forget!"

     He swallows. Link is starting to think back on memories of when they were older. Malon was so grateful the first time he saved Lon Lon Ranch and her happiness towards Epona's rescue made them close friends. He turns his head away to avoid blushing harder. If only she knew this felt all too familiar for him, "This means you'll stay here then?"

     The ranch girl nods, "Yes!" She's enthusiastic, "My animals need me here. I'll do what I can to make them comfortable while Mr. Ingo is away." Malon hesitantly looks towards Link's sword and shield on the floor, "…I would feel terrible if anything bad happened to you."

     The former Hero couldn't respond. Something about watching Malon's face in that moment made his chest tighten and their hands at last pull apart. He crouches down to collect broken shards of porcelain on the floor. She follows, gathering the last of the sharp pieces.

     "I need to do something to pay back for the meal and stay you've provided me..." Link says calmly. He passes Malon the shards in a piece of fabric, "It'll be like repaying the favor. I won't be long."

     "Then it's a deal, Link." The ranch girl giggles, "I'll see you soon."

     He nods shyly.

Chapter Text

     There was no explanation for what happened back there. The former Hero is frozen in place. He had just stepped out of Lon Lon Ranch with his cerulean eyes glued to his hands.

     …Malon's skin is soft, like Princess Zelda's.

     He expected it to be a little dry or callous, because of the hard work Malon puts behind her horses and cows. His brow furrows. Link's feelings greatly changed since experiencing adulthood. In the beginning, he had no care for intimacy or attention from the opposite sex. Seven years passed with a shockwave of confusing emotions suddenly. The former Hero knew now they were just normal hormones in connection to becoming a late teenager.

     Both girls grew to be very beautiful Hylian women in the future.

     Pervert.

     Link slaps both his hands over his cheeks. Enough is enough. He has to focus on the tasks he's accepted. First, it would be to find Talon. With his help, surely the former Hero will get answers on where Epona is staying in Gerudo Valley. They are not going to let just any outsider in. Men are forbidden to enter the desert; thief camps there consisted only of women. Link continues down the path with cherry-red skin. He needs to calm down before anyone in Kakariko thinks he's carrying a disease.

     …How embarrassing, though. Link looks over his shoulder to watch Lon Lon Ranch getting smaller and smaller. Spending time with Malon would be more realistic than a princess, right?

     He kicks a pebble off the path. He always had to find a new way of entering Hyrule Castle. His thoughts always circulated back to Princess Zelda whenever he felt alone; moreover, it'd make him want to visit her. It is getting to the point that guards may post scrolls of his sketched face, if he is not careful enough. Her Royal Highness does not give Link signs that she likes him the same way he does. He will… consider giving Malon more of his time; that is if she is comfortable returning his feelings. Link sighs to himself; thinking this way is draining his motivation. At any point in this fresh timeline, he can ruin whatever new future comes. He will approach any situation with both girls openly, but carefully.

     Link glances ahead; a small bridge needed to be crossed to reach Kakariko's steps. He remembers Impa sharing that in this same mountain village resided many of the Sheikah responsible for protection of the Royal Family. Their entire history lays to rest in the Shadow Temple, full of blood and mystery. It is hard to see Sheik as Princess Zelda all along; her gentle nature does not match to being wrapped in bloodied gauze or holsters filled with throwing knives. If not for her right hand, she would have been captured by Ganondorf that fateful night. What could Zelda have learned on her journey, too? The Kingdom of Hyrule holds dark truth behind the Triforce.

     It would not shock Link if she resented him for her many challenges while in hiding.

     There is an endless amount of things he wants to tell her, still. The former Hero climbs up the steps, scratching his spinning head.

     Kakariko Village should be peaceful now with the Spirit of the Well dormant.

     Cuccos are scattered around the main entrance. They hop and crow, pecking their beaks into the grass for worms in the soil. Link passes them and continues searching. Talon was recently kicked out the ranch and Ingo is a man of efficiency and orderliness; that meaning, Talon may not have had enough time to pack and leave. Malon's pain is fresh. Her father not having any money to shelter himself could be a large reason for her tears last night. Link is praying the old man did not catch pneumonia with the storm that hit Hyrule.

     He checks everywhere, knocking on each door he passes by. Many shopkeepers would shake their heads like the residents had. The former Hero thought that maybe going into Hyrule Castletown should have been his first option, until seeing a few carpenters working on foundation for a new archery building. Their group splits to arrange bricks and plywood. Link rushes to one reaching for a sack of materials nearest to him.

     "Excuse me, have you seen a bald, round man pass by here?" he asks hopefully, "Big mustache?"

     The carpenter stops to squint down at him. His stare was of annoyance, "Huh? Ya mean our Master Craftsman? You got some nerve, kid…"

     "Huh?" Link cocks his head. The former Hero had no idea what he was talking about until noticing a shadow looming over him. Link quickly turns on his heel.

     "Bald, round, and with a mustache, eh?" The Master Craftsman leans down to Link's height; he got flustered over this man matching his exact description. All the carpenters are laughing at Link now. They have it wrong, it was not what he meant at all! Before the former Hero can explain himself, he earns a rough flick to the forehead by his elder, "We're busy here building what will become a new city for Hyrule! It is under order by Princess Zelda's right hand, the Great Impa! Run back home before your parents find you!"

     Link rubs the sore spot, irritated, "I-I didn't mean you! I was sent by a girl from Lon Lon Ranch! Her father went missing not too long ago. Have any of you seen him?"

     Laughter dies to sudden silence. He notices how serious they all became in a matter of seconds; it is not a good sign. A carpenter leans over to the Master Craftsman and whispers into his ear. Link's patience is starting to run very thin.

     "What?" Link sneers, "Do I need to give employee names to you all for the only ranch in Hyrule-?"

     He is stopped by a large hand to his face. Link closed his mouth and crossed his arms. It takes a couple of minutes for the Master Craftsman to put attention back on the angered youngster, "Talon was his name, right?"

     Link nods.

     "You can quit searchin'; he isn't coming back." And to that, they all burst out laughing again. He leaves Link to grab more building material for his team. After such a ridiculous and ominous message…!

     "W-What!?" The former Hero is not going to take that as an answer. He rushes after his elder and tries to block his path, "Hold it, what do you mean by that?! His daughter Malon is a wreck right now without him! Talon's needed back at Lon Lon Ranch!"

     "Needed?!" There was no stopping their howls. The Master Craftsman reaches a wagon full of bricks; there he collected one by one as a stack in his large arms, "That fool was lazier than an ol' dog! Workin' for us was a joke to him!" he chuckles, "Pah…! Wanting money...when all he ever did was ask for more breaks." He turns to reach back to his construction site, "Lon Lon Ranch will do better with a new team."

     "It's family owned!" Link sputters. He dodged the stack of bricks. It was no use; he was obviously being ignored again. The former Hero walked directly in way; this time each step his elder took forward, he took another step backwards, facing him.

     The Master Craftsman lets out a sigh to Link's persistence, "What do you want me to say, kid? Why don't you check Hyrule Castletown?"

     "You're suggesting he went to prison? Is he dead? 'Not coming back' is a serious claim!"

     Link got no response in return, and he felt his brow tick. He has had it. The former Hero unsheathed his sword and stabbed it deep into the dirt. All went silent again. He is not going to be disrespected. Boy or man, Link is not afraid to challenge anybody. Club Moblins would do him more of a challenge than any of these clowns.

     The Master Craftsman stares at Link's sword; it had been stuck dangerously in the space between his boots. He shares a glance with his employees, who then start to settle down. "Alright, alright… I'll tell you. Will you just sit still?"

     Link only stares, sternly. He watches his elder passes the stack of bricks to someone else before resting on a crate. The Master Craftsman picks at his own ear, "Talon heard from an ol' customer that his daughter was upset over some loss of a 'precious horse'. It made him leave the village for whatever reason. I can't tell you any more details than that."

     Link's mind began to wander. Talon…searching for Epona? The man could not even run from a Stalfos child. His eyes drop to the grass beneath them; Link grew lost thinking of possible outcomes. Talon could not be foolish enough to face Gerudo without any weapons…right?

     A pit forms in his stomach.

     Yes. He is foolish enough.

     No offense to Malon, but Link remembers how stupid her father was, falling asleep in the middle of a milk delivery to the Royal Family. Nothing woke Talon up but a cucco. Of all people, to delay a delivery as important as that; it gives a bad reputation to Lon Lon Ranch. Link's apprehension intensified. The longer he waits, the more at-risk Talon was to be captured by the Gerudo. It would be very difficult to bring him out of the desert in the body he is in now-

     "Is he your father-in-law or somethin'? It's no wonder you're so worried."

     The question made all carpenters roar. It snapped Link out of his thoughts and had the former Hero as red as the brick they carry, "Not funny!"

     "At ease, at ease…" The Master Craftsman shakes his head, "If it makes you feel any better, he left about two hours ago. You got time to catch up to him."

     Link opens his mouth but closes it stupidly. He wanted to mention the Gerudo but recalls Ingo's determination to keep their exchange on the down low. He lowers his head, defeated, "Alright. …Thank you."

     The Master Craftsman watches Link intently. He leans back before rocking himself off the crate, "Before you go, kid, consider delivering this to him when you find him. Talon's forgotten it." Link fumbles with a golden pendant tossed into his hands. It matched what was wrapped around Malon's neck.

     She is counting on him; Gerudo Valley is located on the complete opposite side of the kingdom.

     Link rips his blade back from the Earth. He rushes for the entrance to Kakariko Village, leaving the group of carpenters to gossip amongst themselves.

Chapter Text

     A quick pit-stop in Hyrule Castletown should do the trick on transportation to Gerudo Valley. The former Hero makes his way through wide-open gates and enters a bustling plaza lined with decorative kiosks. It was rush-hour for the Kingdom between noon to four in the afternoon. Hylian people of all sizes and classes carry or sell merchandise. Many of their stands display beautifully woven rugs, pottery, artisan jewelry, and hand-crafted furniture. Link cannot hear a single one of his thoughts over folk music playing. Just up ahead danced a happy couple with shoppers forming a separate crowd around them. Rupees threaten to spill over from a basket at their feet.

     Kokori Forest could never be this busy. Mido's heart would stop being involved in what he would see as "chaos".

     Link adjusts his cap. It takes some getting used to. His goal is to find someone on their way back home from Hyrule Castletown. Wagons were mostly responsible for transporting many of the goods bought and traded from inside these walls; additionally, wagons held many crates and chests that are perfect for hiding in. If the former Hero has a chance to hitch a free ride in one, he'll save time and energy for himself. Link halts suddenly to let two children run past him, and without glancing over, he instinctively ducks his head. Link narrowly avoids a man carrying firewood.

     "S-Sorry, kid! …Camille!" the man shouts after his daughter and son, "Camille! Oscar!"

     The former Hero turns around and around. Unfortunately, there are no wagons in sight. Horses are mammals with very sensitive hearing and crowds like these would agitate them easily. He will need to check the alleyways. Link sees a separate crowd blocking his nearest exit. He takes a deep breath before squeezing himself through.

     The air was hot. Incredibly hot.

     He elbows and shoves with all his might; bodies press and stumble. Finally, upon reaching the end of his struggle, Link pops out from between two larger women carrying fur coats.

     "S-Shameful!" one gasps, "Shoo! Shoo…!"

     "That filth! Dear Goddesses, he stepped on my silk dress!" cries the other.

     Link coughs and rushes into the back alley before their husbands come to their aid.

     It is much quieter. He rests against the wall and breathes a sigh of relief. Not even five minutes into Hyrule Castletown and Link felt overwhelmed having passed through such high activity. Even Talon will have no space or peace to sleep here. The former Hero continues forward with no more obstacles, jogging in the direction to the other side of Hyrule Castletown with this new pathway.

     "There's no way you sold it for that! Just fifty rupees?!" a young lad's boisterous disappointment switches to excitement. Another sack of rupees drops onto his table, "T-Two hundred!" He bursts out laughing, "Heavens above, we're rich!"

     Link overheard this commotion. He slows his pace and stops to peek around a corner. Bingo. There he saw two Hylian men packing up their stand. A beautiful quartet of draft horses step forward and back. Their sides are attached to a heavy Conestoga wagon. This would make for a much more comfortable hitchhiking ride.

     One draft horse collects the attention of her owners by fidgeting with a bit over her tongue. The second Hylian rushes to adjust his mare’s reins, "Now now, don't get too eager around them or they'll want to gallop outta here too!"

     "Do you know what this means?!" the first skips over hugging both sacks of rupees to his chest, "We can step it up to the nobles and show them a thing or two that we can dress just as nicely as them!"

     "Your hopes are too high, friend...!"

     The former Hero waits in his spot. Upon examining the wagon, there is no crest on its sides or a sign indicating where they came from. It made for no guarantee they would be heading in direction to Gerudo Valley as Link needed. It took time for them to settle their horses down.

     "…You know what we could do?" the first smiles to his coworker, "I'm thinking this kind of money can convince the Gerudo to let us inside."

     "What?!"

     "Shhh…!"

     Link's ears immediately pick up on this comment. He notices some barrels a smaller distance away from them. The former Hero crouches and quietly made way to his new hiding spot. He waits patiently to eavesdrop on more information.

     "You have to be out of your mind!" the second continues, wide-eyed.

     "Am I?!" the other taps him roughly, "You heard of the rumors, right?! They're much prettier than Hylian women! Imagine wearing desert jewels in Hyrule Castletown. We'd be the new talk of the town!"

     The second man slaps a hand over his mouth to silence him, "You can't go shouting that stuff so loudly, fool!" His nervousness was obvious in his stare, "…You think this money can do it for us? That type of attention could earn us a visit with Princess Zelda, too?"

     He answers him with a nod and trades his coworker the sacks of rupees to hold. Link could only watch in shame for their ignorance. If only they knew the trouble they would get themselves into. Gerudo women do not take flirting lightly. What jewels would be passed to them? For hundreds of years, they never let men step on the sand.

     Link shakes his head. They are in for the rudest awakening assuming the same of Princess Zelda.

     "I say we go now, before the night falls." The first made sure their water cask is secure before climbing onto the driver's seat, "I assure you; they'll love the rugs we have on board!" He takes the reins, "The setting sun will give a much more vibrant appearance to our red and gold threads!"

     His coworker doesn't look convinced. He kicks a few pebbles in his path towards the driver's seat, "We'd be risking our lives..."

     He laughs, "There'd be no chance to a better life without risk, my friend! Hurry up and hold tight!"

     Link took this as a message to get on the wagon, now. He circles its side boards and jumps up; his palms catch the rim, and he pulls himself over. A crack from the reins startled all draft horses to trot forward and the former Hero settles himself in the wagon's bed. He is surrounded by dusty and…faded rugs.

     On condition that any of these rugs be sold, they would be worth less than twenty rupees.

     The former Hero did not know how long he had dozed off, but a sudden jolt brought him back to present time. Link gasps as the entire Conestoga's bed flipped and all stored items inside flew for him. He uses the same motion to roll himself backwards and quickly he stands on his boots as the wagon crash landed. Rugs unroll themselves and lay in heaping piles around him. Chests scattered in the wagon are dented and broken.

     What is going on?

     "Stop!" pleads a voice, "…H-Have mercy, we mean no harm!" It was one of the Hylian men from earlier.

     Link looks towards the front opening. He curses under his breath. Those two were not careful to keep their distance, he should have known. The former Hero slowly unsheathes his sword and ducks his head in the shadows of the wagon's caved bonnet. There he sees a group of Gerudo women pointing sharp spears at the pair. Both Hylian men had fallen far with what looked like arrows lodged into one of their draft horse's legs. All are frightened and kicking; the weight of the Conestoga wagon did not let the horses run free from danger.

     Link looks over his shoulder. Climbing out the back is no possible option. All was crushed and inseparable. He will have to make a lot of noise chipping his way through, and even then, Link is sure the Gerudo will catch him trying to escape. The former Hero grips tighter at his sword's handle. Think. With all the noise from both men and four horses, could he simply cut through the bonnet anyway and make his escape from the sides?

     His cerulean eyes spot a shadow circling the arch. Suddenly a spear pierces through. Link slaps a hand over his own mouth when cushioning his fall onto the rugs.

     Shit, that was too close!

     He examines his own side. The tunic he wore is split just under his arm. In seconds, the former Hero would have become a kebab. His throat felt dry, and Link swallows, quietly. A Gerudo was in fact circling the very spot he took shelter in. The outcomes are turning worse for him.

     "Any others?!" Link heard her shout.

     "O-Others?!" it is the second Hylian wincing next, "N-No…! I only came here with him-!"

     The former Hero pressed his back harder against the rugs. Another jab of a spear ripped into the bonnet. This hiding spot needs to be abandoned. Waiting here any longer would risk an instant death.

     "State your reasons here!"

     "We're telling you, all we wanted to do was sell or trade here! You'll ruin our livelihood!"

     Link slowly rolls onto his front. He feels the hot, burning sensation of sheared skin to his right. The sun is still taking its time to set. Unlike Kokori Forest or Kakariko, there are no available buildings or plant life to take cover in at their entrances. A large bridge is built over Gerudo Valley's waterfall in the direction of their fortress. Link would need to see exactly where they stood in Gerudo Valley to know where to run. Having seen arrows in one horse's leg, someone is keeping guard over the others surrounding them.

     "Men are not allowed entry into Gerudo Valley under any circumstances!"

     The former Hero crawls to the opposite side, furthest away from the shadow threatening him. He gently splits the wagon's bonnet with the tip of his sword and peeks out with one eye.

     One, two, three, four—

      Five, six, seven, eight—

     To Link's horror, there stood another group of Gerudo waiting impatiently for them at the other end of the bridge. The Hylian team is nowhere near the valley's cliff edge. They are trapped before the bridge's entrance and they are too far from the pathway leading out to Hyrule Fields.

     Link thought of what Navi would be telling him right now. Her instincts were to always be careful in any given situation. The former Hero is entirely outnumbered and without a bow of his own. He holds a very small sling shot that would do no more than bruise the foreheads of goliaths. Link noticed all faces were on the two men as one had screamed.

     "NO! NO, NOT LIKE THIS…!" the first kicks and thrashes. A Gerudo finished tying his wrists and another helped to lift his bound ankles off the ground. They drag him over the bridge towards an empty cage on their wooden trailer.

     Link shuts his eyes. The scales would tip in his favor with the help of Din's blessed fire and Nayru's protective love. He has to leave them to face their own consequences. Talon is priority for the former Hero right now, and this would mean-

     "Huh? I got blood on my spear."

     Chills ran down Link's spine. His head whips to the first hole punctured by the weapon. Upon looking at his side again, he notices the hot warmth he felt before was blood of his own. He was cut deeper than he thought he had been.

     Damn it…!

     Link's vision grew foggy. He glares at the hands tearing inside now. The Gerudo's eyes met with his in that instant. He has been found.

     "Would you look at that?!" she laughs, straightening her posture, "We got a squirt hitching a ride with these fools!"

     Others began to laugh with her. Poison. What entered Link's body was definitely poison.

     He coughs and the fabric behind him splits open too. He falls out of the Conestoga wagon with a hard thud on the red Earth, his muscles too weak to hold himself up. How could he have been so naïve?

     Link stares at spears pointing at his face, chest, and stomach. Violet shined on their pointed edges, and it confirmed his suspicions. He did not move his eyes away from the Gerudo who had injured him.

     "What a shame. Kids like you shouldn't be involved with matters like these." She approaches and raises the staff of her spear high above her head.

     "I pity you." The former Hero grits his teeth, "Warriors like yourselves shouldn't honor a Fallen King."

     He watches as all her muscles tense and a blunt end meets his forehead. Desert surroundings Link saw blacked out in seconds.

Chapter Text

     Pain. It radiates as pulsating throbs over Link's chest and back. This soreness was immeasurable compared to what he had faced before in battle. There is no doubt the former Hero is bruised in some places. His stiff fingers twitch and slowly cerulean eyes open to find a stone ceiling above. It was dark. Link grunts as he sits up. He cannot see much of anything around him, but by the feel of cold rock and the familiar scent of desert willow, he knew he was in Gerudo's Fortress once again.

     "Tsk." With a click of his tongue, Link's hands begin to scavenge for his sword and shield. The sounds of rustling chains follow his every move. Figures. The Gerudo thieves were smart enough to keep him locked up and without weapons this time. He just had to open his smart mouth.

     Link frowns and casually brings his cuffed wrists to his lips; he spits and spits onto the area before tucking the chains to his upper extremities underneath his legs. He pulls and turns his forearms without panic. Anxiety will only wear the experienced warrior down.

     There is no telling what happened to the two Hylian men captured before him. All he can pray for is that they are alive. That type of extreme security at the bridge made it hard for Link to resist comparing timelines again. The Gerudo must feel very threatened by Hylians at this point, earlier than what he could remember. Their desert king is not here to lead them; the Royal Family refused Ganondorf's proposals for an alliance. Disdain and hatred. It will forever stain history in this timeline like the Hyrulean Civil War.

     One wrist slides free. Link shook it off to get a feel of circulation again. He twists the second chain between his fingers and pulls harder for his other wrist to come out too. Chances are that Gerudo Valley will be low on resources, without Ganondorf's participation in forming false peace between himself and Hyrule's king. A true con artist. Habits with thievery would be more aggressive out of desperation. The former Hero did not know how to bite back his tongue sometimes. Seeing people here operate with bad intentions always frustrated him and Nabooru. It is against Gerudo custom to steal from women and children and to murder innocents. Both agreed that Ganondorf led the entire desert civilization astray.

     ...But how could they be treating Hylians like this now?

     What would this mean for Nabooru if she were to find out?

     The former Hero is losing focus. Link frees his second wrist and begins feeling for the chains cuffing his ankles. His thumbs shove down the flaps to his boots and past the metal rings. They felt cold touching his skin. Link kicks off his footwear and is able to slip his legs free from the new spaces formed. In his past timeline, he found Nabooru stuck trying to retrieve silver gauntlets from the Spirit Temple. Her adult size affected her mission for a small crawl space in her way. Link benefits again being a child. She would be too far away right now for the former Hero to explain his situation to her. He will need to handle this alone and hope to meet Gerudo Valley's second-in-command under better circumstances. Nabooru's trust is not one he'd want to lose.

     His elven ears listen for guards. Link strapped his boots back on and felt the walls for a door. His palms slide over what felt like bars instead. There is always a way out of something; he just had to find it. Link pushes an arm further into the darkness and finds a heavy lock. He'd have to smash it out.

     Malon, no worries. It's going to take me some time to get back to you, but I'm alright.

     Link picks up his chains and pulls. They stretched just enough to reach the door, and he hit the lock repeatedly. Pushing past whatever poison was in his system was a daring challenge. It is not like he did not feel its effects currently. Upon standing for the first time, a mild wave of dizziness got to him. The former Hero felt incredibly nauseous with sudden movements. Each of his actions has to be a pre-planned thought first. It is a problem that will eventually slow him down.

     "W-Who's there?!" shouts a hoarse voice. Link froze with a dented cuff over his head. He looks around to where he's heard it. The panicked voice is not of a woman's, and it continues with wavering fear, "What are y-you doing!? You'll alert them…!"

     "…I'm trying to get out of here?" Link lowers the cuff and waits, "...Who are you?"

     Silence. A man is heard coughing. The sounds of shuffling caught Link's attention enough for him to glance ahead. A cell had to be in front of his own. Chains are rattling loudly in the same direction.

     "I…I am Hylian! I own a ranch in the center of Hyrule F-Fields! My daughter-!"

     "Talon!" Link jolts. He presses closer to the bars and shouts louder, "Talon, is that you?!"

     This voice stammers out of surprise, "Y-Yes?! But do I k-know you?!"

     The former Hero sighs in relief, "No! I am a friend of your daughter's, Malon! I was searching all over for you in Kakariko Village! She is very worried about you!"

     He could hear a wince. As lazy as many found Talon to be, he cared just as much for his daughter. It is great news he is alive, but it's the worst area to be discovered in also. Talon whimpers, "I am guilty of disappointing her. She must have told you already, her favorite pony was given away for free by my assistant manager! He had no right…"

     Link notices the change of tone. It was despair. He raises his cuff and hits at his lock again, "Gerudo visited—the ranch, I know. I figured Epona—was brought here. You came to get her yourself?"

     "Oh Epona…" Talon is then heard sniffling, "I would not have come here knowing a friend of hers was searching for us…"

     The former Hero looks towards the darkness. Comforting people is not his strong suit, especially in cold and eerie fortresses. A loud snap nearly startled Link, and his cuff split completely in half. He had to grab another ring to continue smashing his lock, "If it—makes you feel any better…I have not told Malon I suspected you searching. Have high hopes. I'm going to get us out of here."

     "You sound too determined, child. The women here carry weapons sharper than a sickle! You're no match to them!"

     The lock falls off and lands with a hard clang. Link pushes open his cell door and looks down the hall to see a torch light near to burn out. He rushes to it and retrieves it from its hanger. A couple gentle breaths against the oiled pit fed the fire. The former Hero successfully revives the flame and approaches Talon in his cell.

     He'll admit he felt pity for the older man. Link now sees how badly his condition was up front. Talon raises his head to see him. His skin is littered with scratches and his jean overalls have torn holes in them.

     "Are you hurt?" Link asks him first.

     Talon's mouth was agape. He is staring at Link's side before quickly looking away, "S-Sore, but I'm alright. What about you? Your clothes are bloody."

     Link feels his side. He is surprised to discover what was tucked under his arm to protect his wound. It is a pressure dressing that stopped his bleeding, "I'm…okay. They nicked me when I was caught at the bridge."

     "You should take this chance to save yourself then. Malon will understand if you have to-"

     "I promised her." Link crouches down, "I'll find the dungeon keys and get you out."

     Talon couldn't pull his eyes away. Something in his stare signaled to Link that he was as doubtful as he was terrified; he could not blame him. The man cannot hurt a fly and here he was, beaten down and terribly frail. The sight of this angered Link to his very bones.

     He straightens his posture and goes to leave.

     "Wait."

     Link looks over his shoulder at Talon.

     "How will I know you'll return?" he scoots closer to the metal bars.

     "Give me two hours tops. I will need to find Epona too." the former Hero pats his pockets and finds Talon's pendant. Link slips it in through the bars for him to take.

     Talon gently collects his accessory. Torch light illuminated tears flooding his eyes, "Malon, I'm so sorry…" he whines again, and Link has to glance away.

     "Two hours, sir. Count the minutes in your head if you must..."

     He nods, "T-Two hours…" Talon's head ducks onto his ashen knees, "Thank you, thank you so much…!"

     Link was furious. The former Hero cannot get that horrible image of Talon out of his head. When he finds who put their hands on him the way they had…

     He is approaching his first main exit. Link shakes off the torch and grips its handle tightly. Right now, anything will sort as a weapon for him. Its black iron made for a durable staff to swing, and its pointed basket frame can catch a sword if held correctly. Gerudo women guard the inside and outside of the valley's fortress. Having experienced being captured here before, Link will use it to his advantage. He will not leave Talon, Epona, and his Kokori sword and Hylian shield behind.

     "I'm telling you, those mismatched mats for rugs would not sell for a single rupee." Says one Gerudo. She is combing her hair with a golden brush around the corner. The former Hero stays low, his vision intermittently fogging and clearing. He was not hallucinating, there are two women casually talking to one another.

     "Pah, if Hylians truly think that is of high class, they should see the fine rugs in our Spirit Temple. They have no idea what is really deserving of royal attention."

     They disappear into the next hallway. He straightens his posture and reaches a flight of stairs in the opposite direction. It led to a higher level and a balcony expands onto an elevated patio outside. The former Hero looks left and right before carefully traversing through. On his side tonight is a night sky. No silver metal will reflect moonlight showering him out here.

     But Link suddenly halts. A Gerudo stood with her back towards him. She is in his way of entering another room and continues adjusting her face veil. Her body leans over to catch a clip that fell from her hands.

     The former Hero lunges forward and clubs the thief on the back of her skull. His body sways over the poor Gerudo now collapsed onto the floor. Sudden movements, right. How can he forget? Considering more of a stealthy approach would have be the safer option. Link sighs and closes his eyes. He is stabilizing his motion sickness for a moment. This guard did not have dungeon keys on her, so it was on to the next one if destiny made it be.

     Link uses one boot to shove the Gerudo over the edge. She rolls off and lands onto a trailer full of dry hay below. Outside, Gerudo Valley's Fortress shook with high pitched screams. Guards in the lower-level cry for help. That should distract them enough to make it to the opposite end. Link trudges inside with a small yawn. Either all the traveling or poison dosage itself made him tired…

     Or pretty inconsiderate.

     Link shakes his head and enters an empty kitchen. Cold food is left abandoned on a table with no signs of dungeon keys. He grumbles. There was supposed to be lit cell here for prisoners considered important to desert civilization. The Gerudo must have rearranged the layout to the fortress during those seven years in slumber. Link felt foolish and circled around to reach another flight of stairs, bread in his opposite hand.

     Experience is experience, but not all the time does it pertain exactly to someone's unique conflicts. That was what Navi had taught her partner during their travels together. Adapting makes for survival.

     And Link, well, was a victim of this outcome. Again.

     He ran into a Gerudo Swordswoman as she was putting on lipstick. The sight stupefied him and got him in serious trouble when he was caught staring. Her beauty hit Link like a bag of rocks.

     The former Hero yelps as he crashes into a few crates. Link had to move out of the way in the most ridiculous ways possible. Reason one, without a shield, two shamshir blades threatened to slice him to bits. Reason two, even these were laced with more of the same poison he was infected with. He raises his face and immediately tumbles out of the way. The Gerudo Swordswoman leapt and slashed at the spot where he rested a second before.

     "You have got to be kidding me…!" he pants. Standing and stumbling, Link holds his injured side and rushes for the exit. He hears her draw her blades again and ducks, one shamshir spun like a boomerang and narrowly missed Link's head. It crashes powerfully against the door and falls on the floor.

     This is it, now is his chance! Link grabs its handle and raises it when turning. He faces a now stunned Gerudo Swordswoman.

     "What in the world…?" she scoffs and steps back. Her brows are furrowed, "You have to be on a serious high with our herbs! What do you think you're doing with that, kid?! P-Put it down!"

     Link does not answer. He charges at full speed and spins on his heel. The torch staff knocked her blade out of parrying position and his own shamshir crosses between them as a concealed attack. Link's opponent skids away with bright sparks bouncing off from metal in contact with metal. She is highly trained for this, but she may have never had a child fight her like this before. The former Hero will take any incredulity to defeat her.

     His knees wobble. There are dungeon keys rattling at her waist. Link begins to think more about weaknesses and strengths between them. Shamshir blades, although effective with performing deeper cuts, cannot thrust effectively like in lancing. There is no power behind the weapon enough to pierce armor. It's lightweight and much easier to block enemies with a curved edge; however, if an opponent is in close-quarter-combat...the wielder risks death.

     Am I overthinking it?

     A loud gasp brought Link back. The Gerudo Swordswoman has wide eyes as she slumps against a wall behind her. It confused him. He notices drops of blood speckling the stone in red, and there, the former Hero catches a cut in the thief's forearm. He had successfully grazed her. She gave him a glare as she saw Link was aware of her injury, too.

     Her hand went to pull out a Deku Nut for escape.

     "Ohhh no you don't!" Link dashes towards her again and with all his might, he smacks the torch's staff into her side. His opponent falls over, crying out in pain. Link quickly kicks away her shamshir and he hurriedly digs for the dungeon key ring attached to her belt.

     "Why you little…!" hands try to grab onto Link's tunic. He's truly had enough of this. The former Hero uses this moment to knock her out during their struggle.

     An eerie silence filled the room.

     "H-Hah…" Link is left panting. His head hangs over and it feels extremely heavy. He exerted himself. To his left is a large chest and he slowly gets up to see what was inside. A small click indicated it was unlocked. 

     And to his relief, there lie his Kokori Sword and missing Hylian shield.

Chapter Text

     Link forgot how much time has passed, but he finds Talon curled up in a shaking ball at the center of his cell. Keys jingle in the former Hero's hands. He flips through each until finding the right one turns its lock.

     "Talon." Link steps forward and pushes open creaking bars.

     "K-Kid?!" His elder jolts upon hearing its hinges. The old man looked as if he had seen a ghost when turning around. Both Hylians are very relieved to see each other alive.

     "Easy, easy..." Link approaches and focuses on Talon's wrists, "Hold still so I can get these chains off you."

     "B-But you're back in one piece?! ...How?!" He watches with worried eyes, "Dear Goddesses, I can't believe it. I never got your name, still…"

     "It's Link." They see two metal rings drop onto the floor and the former Hero moves to his ankles next, "You'll have to keep it down, they're catching on."

     "A-Are they?" Talon shudders, "Dear Goddessess, they're coming this way?"

     A silent nod brought the older man to whine. They hear faint footsteps in the distance.

     "Don't worry-" Link reassures him.

     "But-!"

     The former Hero pushes his hand against Talon's mouth. They are staring at each other now; Link's expression is stern and Talon's helpless. He wants their pause to bring the rancher to relax. Talon is given the time to take slower breaths through his nose and his terrified gaze begins to soften.

     Link questions him with a whisper, "…I'm going to ask you, can you run?"

     Talon nods. His swallow gave him some feeling of hesitation. It's possible they can take the stairs together out back and try locating Epona and other horses that way. An archery range for Gerudo people hides on a mountainside behind the main fortress. Link cannot depend on Talon's speed for escape. A jump into the waterfall can kill them both, and there is no Eye of Truth on hand to traverse the Haunted Wastelands. They have to depend on the bridge in the direction to Hyrule Fields. Royal Family Law will not permit Gerudo to cross outside of their own territory, so this would consider the boundary as a safe zone.

     Link rises, and Talon follows by the motion of his finger. Both Hylians make their quiet escape through the dungeon's dark hallway.

     "Forgive me, Malon, forgive me…" Talon sighs. His fist clutches his pendant to his heart. Link can hear that shaking voice bounce with each shallow breath taken. He keeps a keen eye on their surroundings while leading. Link will admit, missions like these are not his favorite. The only time he's ever had to protect someone else during escape was Princess Zelda. He'd have to thank Ganondorf this once, for giving him the experience to do this again.

     Link raises his arm. This action stops Talon in his tracks, and he nearly bumps into him. They reach a door leading outside. It has no window or crack to peer out of. Link crouches down and formed his own way of spying by turning the door's knob slowly. Muffled voices ahead grew clearer upon opening their exit. Gerudo women are at a loss for words. They surround others lying injured on stretchers made of fabrics and wood.

     "Who harmed them?!" shouts one. She shoves another Gerudo Swordswoman out of pure anger, "How could you let this happen?! I told you to keep watch on the northern side!"

     "You think it's my fault?!" She snarls, "Where were you to guard the eastern entrances?! It's closest to the main path! Someone is still robbing us and we're wasting our time sitting out here!"

     More hands attempt to separate them both; many fail to grab flailing arms and fists. Talon is stunned to see the victims' many injuries through the door's crack. He looks at the former Hero paying no mind at his feet, "…did…you do this?"

     "…Huh?" Link raises his face.

     "Y-You smashed her head in. I see a few with cuts and bruises on them. What of the swordswoman over there?" Talon points, "She looks sick…"

     Poisoning, beating, and other violent crimes. How is Link going to explain this to his daughter? The former Hero slaps a palm over his own face and drags it down. He will not hear the end of it when Malon is told what he's done.

     He blushes at this realization while looking away, "I-Is now really the best time to ask…?"

     "Ah, sorry..." The older man clears his throat, "F-Fair. What are we going to do, then?" he crouches down behind Link, "There's too many of them..."

     True. Both are stuck eavesdropping on arguments. Talon was right by the observation. They'd be foolish to run out in plain sight, but now the longer they sit, other groups behind them in the dungeons will catch up. Planning something next cannot take more than a few minutes. Link's eyes are skimming the entire terrain. It only frustrated him more that an endless number of things were confirming his fears. The perimeter is just too different in Gerudo Valley compared to being an adult. Not even crates lie around like before. Construction on Gerudo Fortress could not be complete; its highest level needed stone still. Talon is nudging Link for what seemed like an eternity, and it makes the former Hero increasingly annoyed by his persistence. He whips his blonde head to see what he wanted.

     "What?" Link hisses.

     "Your pockets." Talon's eyes are surprisingly sparkling, "What do they have?"

     He didn't have time for this. Link grumbles lowly, "…Deku nuts? I stole them from the guards. Why?"

     "Look over there." Talon points past him again to the group of Gerudo fighting, "To their right, I see barrels. Those carry explosives. Is that what those symbols mean?"

     There was silence. The former Hero lit up as much as he had. He turns to Talon with a sudden smile on his face, "Talon, that's it! Your pendant…! I-I can use it as a sling!"

     The older man did not show any hesitation. He passes his pendant to Link, and the former Hero turns it in his palm. Its dragon's face is curved, so its inside is hollow. The space is enough to fit a Deku Nut inside. Strings attached to the sides are made of flexible leather. Both Hylians were hopeful of this new plan of action. They nod to each other and Talon traded for Link's shield. He takes a few steps back while the former Hero opens the door wider.

     "You keep a good hold on it." Link stares at his Hylian shield's front. "I don't want to lose it."

     Talon smiles nervously. It was small on him given Princess Zelda had it designed for the former Hero's new size, "Same to you, Link. That pendant is a gift Malon's mother gave me. Do not break it."

     Link grips the leather strings tighter. He loads his new sling with a Deku Nut and waits patiently. Gerudo women continue fighting in larger numbers. A few heads were in his way, dipping and turning between himself and the explosive barrels. Voices far behind them start to bicker also.

     He needs to act now. Link took a sharp breath in for stillness and held the hot air in his lungs. He daringly steps out in the open and releases it into the wind.

     The events domino each other faster than he ever could have ever imagined.

     In a split second, the Deku Nut smashed into the explosive barrels' protective layer. A chain reaction first releases a flash of light, so bright that it lit the night skies white. Fire expands directly after, with an explosion powerful enough to jolt the ground. One side of the fortress caves inwards. Both Hylians nearly fell to the force against their fronts. Those who were unlucky to be near the deadly blast either perished in flames or scream blind. They trudge on with teary eyes.

     "L-Link…!" the older man hoarsely shouts.

     "Keep moving, Talon…!" Link warns.

     They run through a heavy cloud of thick smoke together; their throats and lungs burn from what felt like acid. Yes. This is enough to get them through without being detected. The problem was, they needed to stick together the best they could. Link continues to shout for Talon while shoving through Gerudo still standing. Talon's own coughs and hacks reassure the former Hero that he was close.

     It is complete chaos. Dust picks up from the dancing sands and rising temperatures. A sharp twinge aches Link's thigh. He had no chance to think about it; a piece of stone is lodged in his leg from the blast. Talon's large hand grasped his collar and both Hylians continue up the mountainside for Gerudo's archery grounds.

     The air got much cooler and clearer. Tall wooden targets left rounded shadows on the ground below. Link and Talon find themselves a good resting point in a Gerudo stable; covered in soot, but luckily, they are okay. Their shouts at one another had startled the horses, though. As much as the explosions earlier, their kicking and shrills rung their elven ears crazy.

     "You can't possibly be alright!" Talon starts again, shaking, "You're bleeding!" He focuses on the stone Link had pulled from his muscle, "I-I'm begging you, please, carry your own shield the rest of the way! Another injury like that to your chest and you could be done for!"

     "I said I'm fine! Seriously, what has gotten into you?!" The former Hero shoves away his Hylian shield. He just finished tying a torn piece of his own sleeve over the new flesh wound. A healing potion can easily solve this when they make it back home. It's not like he was dying. Sounds of destruction continue at the bottom of the mountainside. Spreading fire from their attack could be what is triggering other blasts.

     "How will you ride safely? Your legs will not reach over their sides!"

     "Talon, that's enough." The former Hero rises from the ground, frowning at him. It is bothering Link that Epona had not been found during their visit. The older man watches as Link raises his Kokori sword and flinches to each rope being sliced apart by a simple swing. Horses gallop away from their broken ties.

     Talon steps aside, "You tell me how you're going to mount any of them without a saddle. You'll fly off-"

     "I'll figure it out-" Link's tone is flat.

     And Talon interrupts with a plea, "You'll climb with me. Have you ridden horses this frenzied before?"

     The former Hero kept his mouth shut. Horses rush down the barren path with some staying in the archery range. A few make their escape to the mountainside's lowest level. Telling Talon he lived a past life will make him look insane, so there is no point in it all. Link's thoughts get jumbled. Gerudo horses are stationed in this one stable. If Epona was really sold to desert civilization, then she should be here with the others. There is no reason they wouldn't have her here unless-

     Link closes his eyes next. The thought of Epona possibly being slaughtered made him sick. Talon notices Link's concerns and approaches. His hand rests over his back, but the former Hero took this gesture with a grain of salt.

     He grunts, "You question me on riding a horse because I'm small?" Link glares at him, "After all I did already?"

     Talon winces, "No! I… only say it out of care, Link." Talon crouches down to his size. He made no eye contact with him knowing he was mad at him, "Malon-" His lips pressed and quivered. Link's glare softens as he watches him hesitating, "…She's just like you. Any challenge Malon is told she cannot accomplish; she'll want to do it anyway. I remember she fell off a horse before because I told her she could not jump our obstacles. I was deathly afraid she hit her head. O-Older people don't want to see youngsters pass away before they do. It's…it's just not right!"

     The former Hero waits with what felt like guilt building up in his chest. Talon knew how to pull pity out of anybody and its clear it worked for him many times before. What a pain. Link rests a hand on his own hip. It's true that Malon is hard-headed. Meeting her for the first time, he was surprised to learn the details of her travels to Hyrule Castletown without any weapons. Talon has every reason to worry. The former Hero was letting his own frustrations get the best of him again.

     Link sighs and bows his head in apology, "Fine, I'm sorry..." This made Talon smile, "If we really can't find Epona… I'll mount a horse with you, saddled, and defend you as you ride." The rancher couldn't stop beaming and Link raises his fist, "Look, we don't have much time left. Can you hurry and calm the last one already?!"

     Talon sets Link's Hylian shield down to approach the last steed in the stable. Link plops onto a crate rather exhausted. His bones creak and ache. Gerudo poison was weaning off, but he could not ignore how tired it made him feel. He sees how experienced the old rancher was in settling what looked like a wild animal in the moment. A familiar tune came from his lips, Epona's song again, whistling through his teeth.

     In times like these, this melody still eases Link's heart.

     "There, there…" Talon brushes the horse's mane back, "You poor thing. The explosions must have scared you so much…"

     Link smiles faintly. He can see where Malon gets her gentleness from. Both Hylians stop to hear a high-pitched whine. They looked to a single shack resting far from the stable they were currently in. Link leaps off the crate's top and stares with wide eyes.

     "Epona!?" he exclaims. Another shrill from the small shack sent him running for it.

     Talon jogs after Link with joy in his expression, "Epona?! Is it really her?!"

     Two rusted door are forced open and inside is their missing filly. She shakes her small head and white mane; Epona's red-brown coat is dirty but free of wounds. Link throws his arms around her neck and holds onto her tightly. Leaving Gerudo Valley without his Bay Silver horse would have torn him to bits. She did not pull or flinch away from the former Hero's grasp. Their reunion nearly brought Link to tears.

     "She is normally shy around others!" Talon was in tears of his own petting the top of Epona's head. He looks back to the steed he had set a saddle on, "Link, we should hurry now. I am not worried you'll fall off of her. Epona's height is suitable for you!"

     Link sniffles. He is overwhelmed with memories of his travels with his companion and pulls back to have a better look at her one more time. The former Hero's hands frame Epona's face, "...R-Right! We'll go, its our best chance! I'll lead the way and make room for you!"

     Both Hylians return to the main stable together, strapping and collecting whatever they could find to help them on their journey back to Hyrule Fields.

Chapter Text

     A bow and arrow never felt more powerful than in this moment. Link is beaming with his deep desire to fight again, awakening. Another deep breath stills his pounding chest and one cerulean eye lines up to his thumb at the arrow's rest. He aims, before releasing his new bow's heavy string.

     A Gerudo arrow from him encounters another barrel.

     "Goddesses!" shouts Talon. The old rancher ducks under Link's Hylian shield. Debris from this large blast rains down on them in small chips and pebbles. He did not know why it had to be this way. Link was having more fun with this than he ever could. So suddenly, Epona's presence lifted the forest boy's mood. Malon's friend is a completely different person in his eyes now.

     Link starts laughing. He leans forward to help his filly increase her speed. Even small, she was as powerful as he remembered. His trust in Epona will forever be until the end of time.

     "Um…Link?!" Talon calls out nervously, "I-I'm starting to think you've forgotten I'm with you here!"

     "You're still in one piece, right?!" He smiles over his shoulder at him.

     "That's not funny!" the rancher whines, "You need to take this seriously!"

     "It'll be alright, Talon! We're almost there!"

     Many Gerudo scramble to grab weapons of their own. Their formations are disturbed by not only explosions and spreading fire, but their mounts dispersing across the entire valley. There is no chance for some to jump onto their steeds with the panic they faced. It made for a slower counterattack on both Hylians.

     Everything is falling into place.

     "Look out!" Talon yelps. Link looks ahead to see a guard raising her spear at him. The former Hero loads another arrow and shot her in the leg before she could strike. "S-Sorry…! Talon calls out to her when passing by. He leans almost too far on his saddle and gasps while clutching tightly. Fire bursts from another spot they traverse through.

     Link feels his quiver behind him and counts each fletching. He has twenty arrows, and they are approaching the main exit. Epona's small hooves maneuver through canyon terrain. She easily dodges tall and isolated rock formations. Talon's steed makes just as much progress as her. His stallion's long legs made no great efforts to jump over fallen Gerudo in their path.

     "I-I see it!" the rancher exclaims while pointing, "The bridge...!"

     Link looks up; however, his expression sours suddenly. He leans back with the harsh pull of Epona's mane. Her hind legs extend, and she kicks the air as she settles into a full stop. Talon whips around in shock when soaring on.

     He shouts, "What the hell are you doing?!"

     An archer was prepared to shoot him, and the former Hero foils her plan. He draws back his bow string to see her head disappear behind the canyon's edge, "Keep going! I'll find a way to tear this all down!"

     "You'll what?!" he cries out, "But Link-!" Talon turns forward to stay balanced. His horse already crosses to the other side safely.

     Link pulls his fist over and Epona obeys. She turns with a small whine, and he strokes her mane to comfort her. Heavier hooves echo smoky skies. He knew by a beast's howl that the Gerudo had released their training grounds' monsters. Epona is too young to outrun a wolfos; the former Hero looks back finding a menacing crowd heading in their direction.

     "Come on… there has to be something." He grunts.

     "Link!" Talon calls out again.

     His head tilts and an arrow misses him. Its pointed end left behind a warm scratch. Both Hylians flinch and Link taps quickly at his filly's center to start a trot.

     "Hurry!" The rancher takes shelter behind a boulder close to Hyrule Field's boundary.

     Link frowns. He can escape and forget about the bridge. Gerudo will find their way to build it back up again; however, it will slow their crimes on other Hyruleans in the process. Princess Zelda came to mind when pondering over a decision. Link would essentially be risking his own life again for others, but deep down, he feels it is worth an attempt. The former Hero can't sit back and see someone like Talon end up in their prisons again, so halfway onto the crossing, Link chooses to raise his hand and smack Epona's rump. He did this as hard as he could. This startles her and he allows himself to fall onto the bridge's wooden planks.

     "LINK!"

     Epona dashes to the other side. She skids to a stop once reaching Talon's extended arm. The now panicking rancher goes to climb off his steed.

     "STAY!" The former Hero held out his hand to him. Link rolls and avoids another arrow sticking in his previous spot.

     "You've gone mad!" Talon winces, "They're on their way here already, there is no need to cut it all down! COME TO ME!"

     No. Link was going to stop the wolfos' path, before stronger enemies like Stalfos and Dead Hands reach them. He turns his back to Talon's dismay and takes a few steps forward while firing arrows. It terrifies the rancher, but he sees the younger Hylian's plan instantly. The former Hero is not aiming at the crowd reaching the bridge, but instead-

     Its ropes.

     One by one each snap apart and wobbles the faltering bridge. Link nearly loses his footing to an enemy arrow grazing his shoulder. The harsh momentum of desert winds against flailing ends made this crossing to be more like a flag banner than a stable connection between cliff edges.

     "Shit…!" He curses, Talon shouts out in pain for Link. An all-white figure cuts through the air and leaps onto the far flat. It was a White Wolfos. The former Hero struggles to keep balance as it scratches and scuffles. It sinks its large claws in and hoists itself over. Link trades his bow with his Kokori sword and did not show any hesitation slicing another rope.

     Pure preparation. A jolt in the bridge made an escape from snapping jaws. Gerudo women line up at the canyon's edge shouting and pointing. A second wolfos makes its appearance, however, it was much more hesitant. The distance between desert land and open sky is larger. It rocks back and forth. The beast was too unsure and met the deadly drop below after jumping.

     Link tries his very best. He swings to avoid powerful fangs and claws. White Wolfos deal more damage and are more durable than multi-colored wolfos guarding the Forest Temple. It made for a heavy distraction for him. Killing the beast with his own hands cannot be his main goal. In no time, one archer was going to pierce Link's chest if he waits too long.

     "Link…!" He hears Talon cry. The former Hero locks his teeth around the edge of his blade. He jumps to catch a loose rope and swings himself behind the White Wolfos. Just over his cap passes an enemy arrow and he sheathes his Kokori sword. The beast whips around but rips apart another rope in the process. Link gasps to the bridge dropping into an 80-degree angle.

     Both had seconds to grab onto anything. The White Wolfos howls and cries. It tumbles past Link with its paws missing planks. He can't watch as it fell to the roaring waters beneath them. He'll control his breaths and energy for climbing. The former Hero doesn't waste time. He grips open spaces between wood and rises. Arrows strike spots above and below him with the help of speeding mountain-gap winds. Talon must be worried sick about him. Link can still hear the old rancher sobbing and screaming overhead.

     But one strong voice took all attention off his surroundings, "STOP!"

     The former Hero freezes and looks back to see a pair of amber eyes he didn't expect in these moments.

     Nabooru.

     Her hand is over what could have been his killer's bow. The Gerudo archer stands with her arrow aimed directly at Link's head. From that distance, she'd have been able to end his life with the release of her bowstring. She too is shocked to have her own leader clutching her weapon's curve.

     "But-"

     "…Pull back." Nabooru sternly states, "Let them go."

     Desert wind nearly takes off Link's cap. He hesitates to move. Those stone-cold expressions of hers were always so hard for him to read.

     She saved him.

     …For what reasons?

     They do not break their stare with one another. Seconds felt like centuries. Link swallows before pulling his small body up towards the edge. His hand extends over, and he felt a much larger one grasp his wrist. The force yanks him powerfully. Talon was a snotty mess on canyon rock. He continues to cry while forcing Link to his chest.

     "Link…! Oh, Link, I thought you were dead…!"

     Normally smothering would receive a punch to the gut, but the former Hero simply turns his face. Nabooru had already put her back to them. She points for others to rally up at the fortress. Her iconic ponytail sways along with her movements.

     Link will need to find the time to thank her for the mercy she's shown him today.

     "And did you see how you handled that wolf?! You ducked and rolled, and it was like you could see its movements before real time!" Talon raises both fists, striking the air excitedly, "Have you ever thought of becoming a Hylian Knight?!" He gasps, "Link, you could become Princess Zelda's personal bodyguard even!"

     The poor boy's heard Talon chatter from the valley through most of their journey in Hyrule Fields. He did not know if his pounding headache was because of him or simply because he hasn't had a bite to eat since Malon's plate of breakfast a while before. That statement is a crazy stretch given Hyrule's successor already had a bodyguard of her own. Impa is more experienced in hand-to-hand combat than Link. Her position would never be given up unless she was buried under the ground and Link is not going to challenge that fate for himself either.

     He looks to Talon tiredly, "Eh...I don't think I'm cut for it…"

     "What do you mean you're not?!" The rancher gestures to Link with a hand rising and falling, "You have so many years ahead of you and you challenged an entire valley full of thieves already! Thieves!"

     The former Hero rubs his temples. Epona is trotting happily beside Talon's steed. Perhaps she knew she was returning home. The filly had to feel some sort of familiarity being beside her owner's father. After everything that's happened, this would be enough to give Link peace for a little while. His blank stare causes Talon to ruffle his hair.

     "Earth to Link!"

     "H-Hey!" Link shouts, catching his cap. He nearly falls off Epona for how exhausted he was.

     "Have more confidence in yourself, boy!" Talon leans closer to get a better look at his face, "How about we stop in Hyrule Castletown before Lon Lon Ranch?"

     "What?" Link glances up at the older Hylian, confused, "W-Why? That's farther away."

     "Because I don't think you can handle Malon's… 'excitement' when we all get back." He straightens his posture and rubs his chin, "I have a bad feeling she'll scold the both of us seeing how dirty we are."

     He is right, for once. Link has blood on his tunic, wounds, bruises, soot, and sweat. Talon looks like a homeless person for how badly his clothes turned out being in the dungeons. The two Hylians share one last glance before nodding. They'll freshen up to reassure the ranch girl that they are okay.

     "So…you're saying you're not going to tell her about Gerudo Valley?" Link asks. He is perplexed.

     Talon clears his throat, "Well... I owe you the favor for not giving Malon the idea I'd be the type to go after Epona. She will never let me live it down if I tell her what's happened today."

     He blinks. Link did not expect Talon to lie, but he can consider it'd be for the mental well-being of his daughter. Maybe not even a lie, it would count more as omitting some truth. Okay. He can let this slide.

     "Fair." Was all the former Hero muttered. His body kept screaming for slumber. He yawns and leans into Epona. Her mane is soft against his face, "Can you just… wake me up when we get there?"

     Talon smiles, "I will."

Chapter Text

     Wood burns in a series of sharp cracks and pops, as if air pockets are bursting beneath the fire. Orange and gold dance together in a brick fireplace while flames find their way upwards until curling in on themselves again. Link and Talon found a hostel in Hyrule Castletown’s back alley. Without money in their pockets from their capture, an old woman on the streets shared sympathy for them. She allowed the two to rest together for tonight, without demanding any pay.

     The former Hero rests with damp hair and clean hands folded across his stomach. Above him, a warm-lit ceiling and its surrounding walls decorated with paintings of Hyrule’s most popular locations. He envies Talon for how quickly he falls asleep. The large rancher barely made it out of the bathroom before sounding the dragons—his snores are deafening.

     Link breathes out and squirms under the covers. His new position lays with one arm tucked under his head. Cerulean eyes watch the fireplace once more. He wishes that maybe its heat can provide him with enough comfort to sleep.

     Today… was a longer day than he expected.

     It is great news Talon and Epona made it out alive from Gerudo Valley, but the victory isn’t as sweet as Link had hoped. Nabooru’s stare at him across the canyon continues to haunt him. The responsibility she has over Hyrule’s entire desert civilization must weigh her more than boulders. It's letting him free after all he’s done that isn’t helping with his regrets either.

     The former Hero rubs his eyes and settles himself again. Nabooru will have to regroup with everyone and find ways to ease the chaos started there. Not only that, Link destroyed her people’s only access to Hyrule Fields. They need to depend on what they have in the valley and in Desert Colossus until the bridge is built.

     One verbal apology can't make up for the problems caused, this the former Hero knew.

     Talon snorts before tucking his face in his pillows. Elven ears pick up on Epona’s tiny shrills outside. It seems it is hard for her to sleep, much like her own companion. Link rises and adjusts his new robes. He will traverse Castletown tonight to clear his mind. Above all, he cannot sleep anyway.

     Old floorboards make no effort to conceal the former Hero’s stealth attempts. Talon being a heavy sleeper will not affect his journey in the slightest. It is mostly the old woman waiting for Link in the hallway. Her shawl covers her head full of white curly hair. This takes the former Hero aback entirely. He did not expect their host to be up at this hour.

     “Child, just where do you think you’re going?” She asks him, approaching with two arms crossed into long sleeves.

     Link stammers, not knowing how to begin a story or a lie. He's been caught. A twinge of pain strikes him at his side, the exact spot where a Gerudo nicked him with her poisonous spearhead. This is enough not to excuse him for a quick departure.

     “I…?”

     The old woman shakes her head, “I insist that you rest. You and your friend have traveled too far to worry about small matters.” She places her hand onto Link’s shoulder, “Your pony is right where we left her. I just checked.”

     Link grimaces, “I have nothing more than a scratch.”

     “Now I know that is not true. Tell me, you are also covered in bruises.”

     There is a pause. The former Hero can’t come up with anything given his condition. Talon did carry him inside this hostel when they arrived and Link awoke to searing pain in his legs when trying to climb off Epona. Warm water from his bath cleaned him of dirt and blood, but his strained muscles barely rested between that time and their escape. Link's chin is tilted up by the gentle pull of a pinched index finger and thumb. The old woman is giving him the warmest of smiles.

     “Something tells me you are not used to relaxing…aren’t you?”

     He hesitates, eyes widening to the realization that he makes his plight so obvious to others. The former Hero quickly moves his face out of her grasp. He wanted her not to read him anymore.

     “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ma’am…”

     “It is a cold and harsh world out there, boy. I am eighty-five years old now, turning eighty-six in just a couple more months…” She leans closer, in a direction where Link can see her clearer, “I can say I’ve had my fair share of troubling experiences. The Kingdom of Hyrule is at peace today, but years ago, it is a world I’m glad you never had to see.”

     Cerulean orbs shimmer to her words. There is no reason for her to speak so fondly to a stranger like him. Just because he is a child in her eyes, should she immediately pity him? This boy traveled back and forth in time, making seven years a possible forty-five, and here she attempts to compare his-

     Link’s emotions are incredibly fragile, and he knew it, too. These thoughts have to cease—immediately.

     He sniffles, bringing a quick arm to his face in order to rub away tears. Don’t. To continue breaking down like this in front of her can spread rumors about him, send enemies on his past friends, ruin his chances of being normal again-

     Link gasps to the pull of her hands. Lashes open to find himself resting against her chest, his face tucked into a space just over her abdomen. The old woman smells of lilies and spruce, a comforting scent in this overwhelming tornado of sorrow.

     “Breathe…” is all she whispers, stroking the back of Link’s head, “I pray the Goddesses will find you and your friend peace.”

     No one in his past or current timeline sat him down to reflect on his own actions. Everything the former Hero has ever known was to serve the purpose of those same Goddesses—a foreseen prophecy exclaimed by Hyrule’s Princess in order to save the Kingdom and the rest of the world. Even being a stranger, this old woman has wisdom in her words over his trials. Being forced to grow up is an experience he never wishes on his worst enemy.

     Because looking back on everything, sometimes Link wonders why he agreed in the first place to take such responsibility.

     If he had known how it would affect him in the end…

     Would he have risked it all again?

     Link cries and cries, unable to control his burst of tears and erupting agony. Together, they sit on two chairs resting in the hallway’s dim space. A fallen Hero is broken apart by the regrets and nostalgia he’s bottled up for a lifetime.

     A small and silk-gloved hand reaches out to touch the snout of a Red Bay Silver pony. The filly controls her shrills, allowing these gentle fingers to stroke the white painted stripe between her eyes. It is her gesture with the shake of her wild mane, that she seeks more of this kind affection.

     “Princess…” warns a worried but stern voice, “We should return to the castle before the guards notice your absence. We've been gone for too long.”

     “At ease, Impa…” she responds, a small smile notable through the shadows of her cloak’s hood, “Isn’t she pretty? I would love to a have a horse of my own someday to travel Hyrule Fields…”

     “I take it that Link has put an impression on you.” Her royal bodyguard stands closer, observing the filly greedily accepting their shared attention on her, “Unlike you, he roams around without a crown though.” The corner of Impa’s lips too curve upwards into a smile.

     Zelda pouts and she doesn’t look her way. The two decided to traverse Hyrule Castletown in secret. The king’s preparations for making Hylia’s reincarnation become Queen has been an ordeal. Not one guard, maid, or tailor can stroll in castle halls ignorant of the princess’s exhaustion. She works day and night, studying the Kingdom of Hyrule’s history and political wrangles.

     Impa is a Sheikah sworn to protect the Royal Family at all costs. Her rigorous training is not shy of violence, but she can agree being cooped up in a library space will wear down any war general. This time outside is what Princess Zelda needed. It is the most she has seen her smile since their planned escape together.

     “Many times, I do wonder how Link is doing.” Zelda moves her hand away and to her own chest, “As familiar as he feels to me, it seems he isn’t interested in getting to know me more.”

     “What makes you think that Your Highness?” Impa inquires.

     She swallows rather hesitantly, “Well… his visits to the castle have turned infrequent, haven’t they?” Her quiet steps across cobblestone leave a trail of soft clicks in the midnight air.

     Her bodyguard follows, wondering over how much time has passed since Ganondorf’s sealed fate, “I suppose you are right.” Impa frowns, “The forest boy was quick to tell you what was going on in that man’s head. He is the only one who believed you aside from me over his bad intentions with the treaty. Link retreated just as hurriedly.”

     “Ganondorf wishing to travel Hyrule Fields alone was suspicious enough. It still hurts me to know Father was hesitant towards the big decision. At least it is all over now...”

     Impa nods.

     They continue down the back-alley path. Kiosks sit empty with their fabric tops fluttering in the breeze. Princess Zelda wishes she can enjoy life like many of the commoners here. From her carriages’ windows, she’s seen the many things kids her age do. They run around chasing cuccos and play with their dogs. Children laugh and sing with the tunes played by street performers in the marketplace.

     It gets lonely being the only child of King Hyrule…

     Impa notices the princess turn somber again. She gently taps Zelda to catch her attention.

     “Princess, if I may ask…please excuse my intrusion.”

     “You may speak.”

     “I am willing to search for Link and deliver a message to him personally, if that is what you so desire.”

     She blinks, staring at the taller woman she has always known as her closest friend more than a shield. Tears well up in Zelda’s eyes. She will admit it is a gesture that is just too kind to follow through.

     “I say this as a means to lighten your mood.” Impa's metal boots halt and her larger body slouches to be that of the same height as Hyrule’s Princess, “I do not think you are at fault for Link’s absence. When he arrived at the castle, his determination to help you try Ganondorf came with countless amounts of evidence. He has lived a second timeline, just like you. I think he is catching up with what was granted to him, and maybe, he continues to help others as much as he had when he was the Hero of Time.”

     Zelda sniffles, appreciative of Impa’s fondness and reassurances. The two hold each other in a warm embrace.

     “Thank you, Impa. It will mean the world to me if you set out to find him…” Her grip tightens, “As I am too afraid to tell Link I am sorry again for putting the entire world on his shoulders...”

     Under the moon, they wait in silence together to recollect themselves, not knowing just how close they were to their long lost warrior.