Chapter 34: The Promise Kept

It's finally time to return to Ordon- but despite Link keeping his promise, will Ilia care, at all?

The next dawn shone bright, a ray bursting out of Link's tiny top window. Brightly, it shined on them, and Link woke up, blinking in the sun. It seemed the 48-hour intense storm had ended. Even Midna could not ignore the sun any longer and moved for several moments, then stretched. After a long, long sleep, she seemed to have no trouble getting up. 

Link smiled at her as the rays twinkled across the room, and highlighted who he loved most- Midna. He smiled wider as she turned to look at him. She blushed. 

"Hey, Link." 

He blinked away the rest of the sleep, and got up, putting his armor and rest of outfit on. Midna did the same, now a twilit.

"What the heck's down there?" Midna asked, raising her voice a bit. Link chuckled, as he turned to where his basement was. "Basement," he answered simply.

"Why is it so creepy then?" she said. Link looked to her. "You know what basements are right? People always think they're creepy?" he said, unsure if she knew or not, what direction he should take with this.

Midna threw her hands down. "Of course I know what a bass mint is!"

Link hid his amusement, wiping away the grin that was growing on his face. What would Midna do in Hyrule without him? But he let the smile grow again, as he remembered he'd be able to see his friends again- even if the thought of seeing Ilia brought a pit of anxiety in his stomach.

---

It did not take long at all for them to finish getting ready until they edged on the path to Ordon Village. As they went down the bend, the sides of the grassy walls opened up into his old home. The thick rows of trees shielded the town from the worlds harsh gaze.

Short homes were on hills and most were brick-built. The small river that seemed to always glow even at night splintered off, into several different directions, into a small lake. Bridges went over them.

He took in a deep breath. He loved it here- but it just wasn't where he belonged.

It seemed everyone that lived in the dainty town were all gathering around, chatting about something, and perhaps having lunch. When Mayor Bo was the first one to look up, they all did. 

"Link!" Uli cried, waving happily. "Hey!" Jaggle cheered.

Link hurried over to them. "Morning!" He chuckled.

Sera got up, and pushed past her husband, Hanch, and pulled Link into the tightest, hardest hug he'd ever received. He wheezed loudly. "Oooh- 'kay-"

The rotund lady giggled. "Ooooh, Link, how we missed you!"

"Sera- breathe-"

"Oh!" She gasped loudly, then dropped him, and he fell on his bum, to the dirt floor. "I'm sorry! I just- missed you," she said. 

He nodded at her. "That's okay."

Soon, everyone had their turn going up and hugging Link. And that's when they all turned their gaze to Midna.

She gulped. She opened her mouth to speak, introduce herself, but nothing came out. "I-" "This is Midna-" he said, then stopped himself when Jaggle nodded. "Rusl sent us a letter explaining everything."

Link sighed inwardly. This made everything so much easier. But did he mention they were a couple? Or was that much too far?

He decided against it, at least for now. Midna wouldn't take kindly to him blurting out the Hero Of Twilight and the Twilight Princess were fooling around.

"I'm Midna," she smiled. It seemed now that the stress of telling them everything had flown out the window, it was easier to talk to them.

"So, you do know about the children?" Link asked. Mayor Bo nodded, chuckling. "Of course. Rusl told us everything."

With a nervous prick, Link wondered what 'everything' meant exactly. "Well- how has it been?" he asked grinning. 

He was planning to mention the war a little later on, so it didn't seem like he was coming here just to throw them in the way of their fight.

A strange silence took over them, and they all looked to each other but did not say much. "Uh-" Bo began.

Link's stomach sank. What could be wrong? "Wh-what is it?" he stuttered, heart pounding. He was expecting the worst. 

Bo looked uncomfortable as he reached his hand over to his neck, itching it. "Just tell him...!" Uli said nudging him softly.

"The- Gods have left the spring, we believe, Link."

Link heaved a heavy sigh. "I know."

Bo nodded gently, and everyone was silent. Only silence existed between them all. It wasn't broken for a moment, and when Link nearly sputtered that it was all his fault, he stopped it and said something a bit more productive. It wouldn't help to beat around the bush. "Actually, there is something we need to do."

Everyone looked up, and Bo blinked in surprise. "Really? What is it? Link, Midna, tell us anything."

Link swallowed nervously looking to them. "Yeah, um... see, this war is starting..."

Jaggle nodded. "We know."

Link's heart skipped a beat. "You- you know?" he stuttered. Uli smiled. "Rusl told us- everything, Link."

The Hylian wasn't sure how to feel- dumb, maybe, but a small weight lifted from his shoulders. Link was careful to pick his next words. Slowly he said, "we need you- to come with us if you wanna be safe."

Again, the villagers nodded. "We're all packed and ready. Don't worry about it." Sera chuckled. "Wait-" Link began, chuckling himself. "So- you guys k-know e-everything?"

"Oh yes," Uli smiled. 

"Oh." 

Bo gestured to the left. "Carriages all ready and stuff too."

That's when Link's heart froze. "Wait- wait... Where's Ilia?" he looked to the mayor. He shifted uncomfortably. "She's still in her room getting ready, finishing her packing, if you'd like to help."

The Hylian nodded vigorously, wondering how she was doing. But the way Bo acted- Link wondered if it wasn't good.

He looked to Midna, and she gestured with her head. Okay- he was free to go. He walked into the house and began to walk up the old familiar wooden stairs.

He took a deep breath, before he turned to round the corner on the stairs- then went ahead. There was Ilia.

She was faced to the side, so saw him as he came up. "Ilia!" he smiled, unsure of what else to say. Her green eyes with only a tint of blue were wide in surprise. "Link? I didn't think you'd return," was all she said, simply, for the moment.

Link wasn't sure if she was excited or happy or whatever... but his heart slowly began to sink, as she just stared at him wide-eyed. What did he say next? Again, like their last encounter, nothing felt quite right.

He winced, as again, same as last time, he was overwhelmed with the urge to tell her he loved her just as she did love him, be selfless- but he knew it would only end with everything going down in flames. Honesty was the only way to salvage their relationship right now. 

He really did want her pain to go away- this had all been said and done before if this was going in the direction he thought. His mind was panicked.

"Ilia," Link breathed suddenly, "...you okay?" It was the only words that could escape at the moment. But instead of breaking down into sobbing tears as he suspected, she just raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course, why?" she asked.

Link was taken aback. Because the last time they had an encounter she'd been absolutely tearful- now she gave off an extremely cold aura.

"I thought-" the Hero of Twilight choked out. But she just looked absolutely confused, then turned away, and continued folding her clothing.

Link had his jaw clenched. That was it? She just turned away?

"Did- did you miss me?" he chuckled. "Oh yeah," she shortly responded, folding her wardrobe.

Was- this some sort of sick joke?

"Ilia- I'm sorry but-"

"What are you talking about?" she snapped, turning around and glaring at him. Link stared eyes wide, as she turned back around. "I-I came back home, just like I promised," he said. What should he say? 

Was there anything right to say? No, there wasn't, and he knew this. He'd been through this whole confusing dance once before- and he was already tired of it.

His feelings for Ilia were deep, and that was true. It took him a while to decipher what it was between them. "You know, Midna's always been a part of me." he began, guessing she knew, as Rusl supposedly told them 'EVERYTHING'. It may seem cruel to speak about to her, as she was obviously hurting, deflecting it off with anger.

"You know she's my other half. I had to find her before I could- realize where my path may lie." 

Her folding got a bit more fierce. "Midna's my lover, part of me forever... but you're my best friend, a part of me forever too."

After his mini-speech, he breathed softly, but audibly, trying to catch his breath. He was doing this because he loved her so much.

"I want you to help us fight this war- if you'll like to."

"I already agreed to. What's with this big fuss?" she spat strongly, but Link thought he heard her voice crack. "You belong with Midna, and on your adventures, I get it."

A part of him shattered, and he felt he'd been slapped in the face. 

He could barely take his eyes off Ilia's back, but then ripped his gaze away, after a long, uneasy moment. His heart was beating rapidly, as he walked down the stairs, furious. He knew he was with Midna now- there was no question, but he hated this- the way his childhood friend acted privileged, as if just because they'd been friends for so long, she deserved his romantic love. 

His mind had been growing more and more confused since he had been pulled into the twilight, about Ilia and him. And only in Midna's kiss had he realized it and by Ilia's bitter anger.

He knew where to be now. It was just as she said. He knew where he belonged. He couldn't let her jealousy define his life. Midna was his future.

Ilia watched as Link stepped down the stairs, and tears pricked at her eyes. For the first time in her life, her fear was confirmed. She had lost Link.

------

The carriages moved along the land, in southern Hyrule, carefully making their way to Kakariko Gorge.

"What's been going on?" Link asked Mayor Bo.

"At first we didn't know- didn't understand," he began. "Just that the Gods were gone-"

"How'd you know?" Link said, tilting his head. Bo frowned. "You know how it is, Link. The glow of those springs- they were still there, but something felt- different. And somehow, it clicked they were gone, especially when Rusl sent a letter, you see... It's all different now..."

Link looked down and didn't bring his eyes back up. "Hey, I know what you're thinking," Mayor Bo's quiet speaking suddenly turned loud and booming. Link looked quickly up. His friends always were good with his mind. "But we're all gonna live because of YOU."

Link glanced back up at him, but then back down. "You're too stubborn to die, anyway." he chuckled. "Or to let any of us die."

The Hylian's heart jumped. What he just said, reminded him of something awaiting in Kakariko Village. Ashei- and her father.

The excitement came rushing within him. He distracted it, by looking out the window. 

What would Ashei think? Would she be excited? Angry? Upset?

Sighing, he stared onward at the pace they were going. They weren't trying to rush to Kakariko but wanted to get there soon enough, unsure if they were being watched under the God's watchful eyes.

Link tapped his boot, unused to not speeding through Hyrule, whilst on a horse- but there certainly had been times when he'd taken his time, especially as a wolf.

While Link stared out the window, he heard some of the families chuckling and joking- and his ears were then blessed with Midna's voice- but no voice of Ilia's was heard.

The Hylian shook his head- he still didn't know if he was angry at her or not.

He smiled softly when he heard Midna chuckling in another carriage, but his ears then picked up another conversation.

Were they talking about Midna? His sensitive ears perked a Bo hummed, and he tried to angle his listening to the discussion.

"...pretty and really nice... you think?"

"Obviously Sera... the letter implied enough, and see the way they look at each other?"

"...just always thought it'd be Ilia or even Zelda."

"...yeah, but now..."

"...I suppose you're right..."

The speech came from Sera, Uli, and Pergie. He winced, knowing Ilia carriage was directly by the other ladies. How was Ilia? Still upset, he supposed.

He honestly didn't know how long things would go unresolved between him and Ilia. All he knew was the guilt that swarmed him from their last argument.

He didn't know- and never even knew- how to approach. Especially considering last time they spoke... Even though he knew his life had been far simpler when Ordon and Ordon Village was his only world, he thought he'd never leave, he wouldn't trade right now for the world.

Was that wrong? This was confusing.

They still had a lot to do in this world though, that was true. And there were decisions- although, perhaps none as painful as leaving the past behind and taking Midna's hand. He smiled gently at the sky, and the how much darker it'd grown since they'd sent out.

The gray clouds and rain were calming now- it reminded him of the resistance that'd stormed that the Gods simply could not break.

---

Loud chattering and laughs came from a campfire.

Many tents were set. The road had been deemed longer than suspected, and so Link and Midna decided in their experience it was best to rest for the night and eat finally.

As they talked, Link couldn't help but keep glancing over at the dejected Ilia, who picked at her food. She looked up, bags under her eyes, and when she caught Link's eye, all she did was swiftly turn her head away.

He swallowed nervously. Had he hurt her feelings? Well yeah, of course, he had. But was she obviously showing it? What would she do if he tried to speak to her again? Not right now of course. 

The fire was burning bright, and she'd probably just try to shove him in. Sighing, louder then he meant to, he returned to his food, trying to ignore this whole mess.

The girl continued to keep to herself though, talking to none, and barely picking at the food offered to her. Link glanced around the familiar place and smiled at how odd it felt to be camping here, with all he loved. 

He looked to the shallow water by the bridge and his heart soared when he remembered jumping into it countless times onto Epona, and how it used to excite his horse so... He couldn't wait to do it more.

Link had himself situated with a said horse almost leaning up against Midna, and though he wouldn't move, he wondered if it gave them all the impression, that specifically the woman of Ordon Village had been gossiping about.

Everyone sat sporadically around the fire, talking about something or another, their excitement to see Rusl, the children, everyone. The weather was growing colder, but Link kept the fire big and lit. Midna ate beside him, being silent herself. 

The Hylian suddenly got the impression something was wrong. "You alright, Midna?" he whispered in her ear. She nodded silently, chewing. For several long moments, Link thought that was the end of it, but she swallowed then after another few seconds, spoke. That's how Link could tell she was nervous. "I just don't feel like I belong."

Link raised his eyes in surprise. "What?" he whispered. "Of course you do?"

Midna shrugged hopelessly. "Do they even like me?" she then gestured to Ilia. "Farmgirl doesn't."

He frowned. "They all really, really like you. I can tell. Just like everyone, they have to get used to this situation and get used to the fact Twili exist. They're taking it slow, I suppose," Link tried to explain his theory, as best as he could.

"I suppose..." she mumbled, taking the wing in her mouth, ripping the juicy, flavorful meat off and chewing again. She still sounded uncertain though.

Link glanced at Midna as she ate, and smiled softly. 

He remembered the time any meat he'd offered on their first adventure- which he referred to as the Twilight Journey- and how she declined the food, finding it 'disgusting' compared her own food, back home, in her realm.

Not that he tried not to chuckle, as she tore it apart with her teeth. Everyone else kept eating also and returning to his own meal he chewed, and his eyes suddenly locked with Ilia's for a second. She glared at him, then turned away again. 

It told him everything he didn't wanna know.

He could read pain and anger in her frown and green eyes, but he found himself happy her memory was still here. The thought slipped into his mind randomly, but he wondered if it was the Goddesses' telling him to be ever grateful.

But within these emotions he read easily, there was a lingering curiosity within everyone. 

They didn't know much but apparently knew enough. He did not know their exact thoughts, but the energy made him feel they longed to know more- but was not nosy and rude enough to ask.

His ears perked up when he heard Sera mutter his name. His eyes landed on Midna, who glanced at him, confused as him. Why'd they continue to whisper about it- and what about? A gentle, chilly breeze flew past them, promising more.

Suddenly, Jaggle dropped his chicken and screeched in anger. Link stared, eyes wide until he heard a familiar giggle and looked to who it belonged to- Midna. He chuckled himself, but mainly because her laugh filled him with a sort of joy- he couldn't explain. 

His chest tingled, and he suddenly looked forward to even the simplest things... That's what it did to him. He felt more at ease, and some tenseness lifted from his shoulders. For now- he was surrounded by his family who only wanted to protect him.

---

They had resumed their trek early the next morning, and it drizzled lightly. Link busied himself with anxious thoughts. The other carriages kept pace with the one both Link and Midna led, just behind a bit. They were in the Gorge. Kakariko Village was so close, it wasn't even in the distance anymore, basically. 

He fiddled with the reins of the horses and remembered Ordon had disappeared over the horizon a while ago. He was worried- just because of how they'd all get along, the war- what was after they gathered them all?

"Stop being so nervous," muttered Midna, and Link remembered she knew him better than anyone else. 

"Hm?" He turned to her, eyes wide. "I said stop being so nervous," Midna chuckled. 

Link jokingly rolled his eyes. "Nervous? Oh, sure, Midna."

She slowly glanced at his hands with a stern look. "I can see you shaking," she put it simply. He shuffled. Why did Midna have to be so good at reading absolutely everything about him? Well, this was what he asked for, wasn't it? He'd never regret it. 

"Just imagine shaking hands with everyone- you'll rattle them all up."

Link chuckled, even though he knew he wouldn't be shaking hands with them- he just imagined it. "Why are you so calm?"

"I just try not to be- hope for the best, prepare for the worst- is what my mom always said."

Link nodded. "It makes- sense..."

And, in fact, it did. The more and more he thought about it, the more and more it made complete and utter sense. 

"I'm nervous as all hell too," Midna suddenly admitted in a fast breath. Link looked to her. In her eyes, he could suddenly see how much more this anxiety feeling had taken over her- she just wasn't physically showing it 'till now. 

But he knew it was only a matter of time before Midna admitted this. She couldn't be cool and dandy all the time. "What are you worried about?" he frowned.

"They're all gonna hate me, aren't they?"

Link vigorously shook his head. "No! You're amazing, Midna, a person to be adored. If I venerate you, they all will." He looked to her and threw a reassuring smile, and her pounding heart calmed down. She wished she could just open her mouth, and admit how much his soft smiles helped. They were so gentle- calming.

But she frowned, and doubts still filled her heart. And she couldn't help but voice them. "Yeah, I'm sure everyone's gonna be overjoyed a lying imp has gone and hooked Hyrule's greatest hero."

Link raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, Midna? Everyone stares at us because we're the best looking couple here."

Midna blushed. 

"And- look, you don't know the villagers of Ordon and the others like I do- they aren't going to point a finger and call you a bad guy, especially because you never were. It's my fault I fell in love with you anyway."

Midna's face turned even redder. "Uh- okay, um-" "Not that that's a bad thing!" placated Link. "It's just... L-look nobody is going to be upset that we're together, besides the Goddesses' and whomever else... but they don't matter. All my friends and family aren't really the judgemental type."

Midna stared off. Maybe he was right. But she was still having some doubts. 

Link sensed her skepticism and smiled again at her. "Trust me. Everything's gonna turn out better than you think, Miss Worry."

"Hey, you're worried too!"

Link nodded. "Yeah, I know. But you've been reassuring me this whole time- I gotta have your back too. I always do, so you know."

Midna involuntary smiled. "Thank you, Link... I got yours too." 

She sighed blissfully, and her heart pounded again for all the right reasons. Damn, she'd spent the better part of her life, being defensive, and even angry and hateful.

Midna was lucky to have Link, and Link was lucky to have Midna.  Through thick and thin and through hell and back, and anything at all.

And they would always have one another...

Always.

Author's Note

I hope everyone is having a good day and here is another chapter! All rights belong to Nintendo besides my own stuff!