Chapter 19:

Voices called from every direction in the black chaos Link was struggling in. He remembered passing out from excruciating pain racking his body and soul. Amidst all the confusion Link came to realize what might be happening to him. If he was supposed to have been here already, and the fact that his 'other half' as he'd come to call it was shattered. Everything inside him was in disarray, memories called to him, the one person that didn't want to respond. As much as everything seemed familiar, it was not his place. Someone was messing... no had already messed up the Hero's route in destiny. Link didn't like the word, but it was all he could think of. Now he was who he was, nothing was going to change that even if a split personality disorder started to cause him trouble.

Abruptly Link's eyes grew heavy and the sounds faded to joyful silence. The youth tenderly opened his eyes. He shut them instantly at the glare of light. Alright who opened the curtains?

"Link!" a high pipsqueek of a voice called, "Get up you lazy boy you've been sleeping long enough!" Link felt something buzz around his face then bump it a few times.

"What the - ! Get away!" Link swatted weakly at the ball of light. Nausea swept over him as his brain sloshed into complete conciousness.

"He won't recognize even you Navi." said an unfamiliar mature voice, "I told you he's not the Link we knew."

Link turned his head, his eyes widened slightly at the owner of the speaker. It was a small girl that looked about the age of 12 or 13, all dressed in different shades of green. Her pale skin came in beautifal contrast with her dark green hair that was pulled back by a headband, showing blue eyes that seemed to have seen more than her age let on. If not for such an adult voice, Link would've sworn it was just a little kid.

The girl smiled gently while standing from the chair she'd been sitting in, "Good afternoon Link, I am Saria the Sage of Forests." she waited. Link saw a hint of hope flicker behind her calm expression.

Well the truth hurts, "Sorry, but I havn't the slightest clue to who you are." another wave of nausea hit, forcing him to lay his head back, "Ugh, what happened?"

Saria did her best to hide the disapointment, "A channel of magic suddenly consintrated between you and your siblings." she explained.

"And that's supposed to mean what?"

"When spirits that have the ability to access the flow of magic freely it creates a sort of bond which never goes away. Whether you have control of what the river of magic allows you to use is up to the user. That's where people with special supernatural talents come in, otherwise known as Wild Talents. Those such as us sages can control our magic freely because we have had experienced tutors before us or we simply just learn."

"So basically we overloaded... that sounds odd even to me."

Saria nodded, "It is peculiar. The... Link we knew had been able to use magic in his own unique way. Since you are supposed to be him you must find it easier than most to fight. Do you not?"

"Well of course he does!" Navi flitted closer to Link's face, "Denial denial but I still feel my lazy old buddy in that thieving head of yours." she ducked the Hylian's hand.

"Where are they?" Link sat up with some difficulty, stiffness making his bones creak.

Saria lended a hand to steady him, "They're recovering, though we don't know how well. You can answer that for us."

Link suddenly grabbed the sages' small wrist firmly, "This is not our time, we want to go back." he looked into the experienced eyes of Saria. The Kokiri simply sighed, looking away from the mockery of her best friend. It hurt to see him changed so, sure there were similarities but little bits of personality in common were where the comparison ended. Navi settled on the same shoulder Saria's fairy Spryte was standing.

"May I ask you something?"

"I'm not stopping you."

"What's it like, living when you come from?"

The thief blinked in surprise at the question. He couldn't really give a good explanation considering most of his time had been spent behind stone walls here. Link released her wrist, "Um, you're asking the wrong person for that answer."

"You're refering to you being a criminal. Your profession can be put aside for a few moments can it not?"

"You've got a point there." Link swung his feet over the side of the bed, "For me and my brother and sister it's exciting. We're always running though, trying to survive, to blend in with a society that frowns on us for who we are. Being chased by a betrayer, and a very smart one at that. He's the one who forced us to steal the Master Sword which in turn brought us here. But, amidst all that there are times where we just simply live, loving one another as the Goddesses said we should. And we always will, so that's not changed in the millenias. There is still love, hate, betrayal, friendship, adventure. Magic is minimal though, it's like it's dying."

He was now speaking from inner thoughts, "Before we came to get the Sword, the forest fairies of our day visited us, one of them I think was a Great Fairy. She mentioned that the land was dying from the lack of magic being there. Atleast that's what I got from her cryptic sayings." he looked back at Saria. She nodded looking like information was being calculated inside her mind.

"Well, I'll take you to your siblings."

"Hey Link." Navi flitted to eye level as they walked, "You mentioned little or no magic, then how is it you guys battle evil?" she flew from left to right in wide semi circles to either side of his face.

"Evil has not changed I suppose, but it's been ages since the Hylian people have encountered any sorcerers. They've switched to... more material ways I guess." Link explained as best he could.

"Hmm." the fairy switched sides again, "Must be a very complicated world then."

"Why do you say that? You've never been 4 thousand years into the future."

Navi muttered something undistinguished, "Because of the stuff you packed with you. It's all very intricate, time."

"Time can be a great healer or a great destroyer."

The welcome shine of daylight warmed Link's skin to his thankfulness. A few heavily armoured guards stood at attention, two other sentries were on the oposite courtyard entrance. Sitting however with the feeling of a hospital waiting room in the gardens were Kai and Avvi. Despite their clumsy efforts when they saw their older brother, they managed to get to their feet and embrace him.

"Link bro, we need to get home. This isn't our place to be. It's making us sick I think..." Kai mumbled under his breath. Link had complete understanding in his sibling's suffering. They hadn't been this broken since that fateful day of betrayel.

"Sage Saria, I know you and your counsel don't exactly trust us, but please, we just need to go back. I think both you and I know that requires the Master Sword in my hands."

She understood, but went on to explain that it wasn't that easy. Saria felt that something was messing with the destinies of perhaps more than just his. Anyone or thing that could do that would have to be a really amazing magic and time manipulation. Link made it clear that they didn't care.

"Link you are acting selfish!"

Link rounded on the female, "Well that's how we act, we're only interested in keeping us alive. You ever heard of self preservation?"

"No honor amongst thieves then. If it came to it, then you'd abandon your family!"

"Don't you dare say that!" Link snarled, "Not all thieves are the same."

Saria's sigh brought her face down like it was too heavy to even let out. Link was hurting her he knew, but being that it didn't hurt him he had no compassion. It was all just a huge mess.

"I'll see what I can do." the Sage then nodded to them and left. Link watched the small figure disapear with a heavy heart. He felt a twinge of guilt but that was it.

"I don't think they're gonna give up so lightly. I can smell skeptism in all of them, even the spiritualist." Kai said quietly, although with his faded physical strength made it hard to hear. Avvi didn't say anything, it was like she was caught in a daydream holding her brother's arm.

Rather rudely as usual Navi popped in the middle of them, "Ahem, I hate to inturrupt this tight nit reunion but you guys can't stay here."

Kai swatted the fairy away, "No? Really? We didn't know that." Navi retaliated by grabbing his earing and tugging it with all her might, "Ouch! Get off me you pest!"

"Listen you selfish idiots I'm trying to help!" she landed on Link's shoulder and kicked him with a tiny foot.

"Oh, and how exactly could you help us?" Kai glared holding his ear.

"Shh!" Navi gestured to the guards though one could wander what they could hear in their snug helmets, "Saria's right there is a big thing at work, and whatever it is it's affecting you right now and most likely your home in the future."

"Ok. Now it comes back to this!" Link snatched the fairy up, "Why would you want to help us?"

It seemed fairies were immune to his physical hold because the instant he held her she was floating free glaring at him, "Would you hold your own! I'm not at liberty to say! Only that the Great Fairies need you to open the magic flows once again. The balance of the time stream is tipping very badly, they want you to reinstate the magic back in your time."

"And how exactly would we do that?"

"You'll find out once I get you back. But please Link, you don't have to dwell on the past or be the Hero of Time again, we are just asking one last favor." Navi seemed worried now.

"'We'?"

"Gah! We don't have time for this! Do you want your sister to get better or not?" the fairy pointed to their sleep walking sister and hit a nerve, "All of you to get better! Well? Are you in or out?" The brothers looked at eachother with uncertainty written all over their faces. There was no telling what these magic users had planned for them. But what other choice did they have? They didn't know the terrain here so the fairy could be a valuable asset... ass which ever you prefer. Link felt a tug on his hand. He glanced down to see a glassy eyed Avvi smiling gently at him like a small child wanting to be picked up. She lifted one glowing hand, turned and froze the guards at the far end of the courtyard. Within the blink of an eye she rounded on the other pair and both were immobilized.

"Well I guess she answered for you 'brother'. Let's get your stuff and skat! You're altering the hidden history books as it is!" Navi flew ahead, "Come on! Don't waste time musing!" Without a word of question Avvi followed.

"I forgot we could do that." Kai said while falling into step. It worried them both at their sister's behavior. Soon they might be like that so what the heck? Take the chance. Kai let worried thoughts of his sister slip away into survival mode. There was no room for fault, and as long as they worked together they'd all return home alive and well even if it was back into the clutches of Mitchell's hands. Atleast it was back where they knew how things worked. Navi led the fugitives through a maze of halls and secret short cuts only known to a few and, after taking out a few guards they found their gear. Somewhat scorched but still in tact. First in the room, Avvi swiftly threw her brother's respective bags to them though she still didn't say anything.

Link armed his gun with the exploding rounds, relishing the sound of metal against metal as he cocked it. He glanced at their fairy companion, "Where's the Master Sword? No going anywhere without that."

"Nope. Actually it's in the Princess' room of all places."

"Oh great."

"No need for the sarcasm, young Link." the voice belonged to Nabooru. The Sage did not flinch when they turned their guns on her. She was carrying an scabbard made of the finest quality of Hylian workmanship, resting in its place was the sword.

"Nabooru what are you doing here with that? What are -ppghtd!" Kai snatched Navi up with one hand to muffle her.

Nabooru presented the prize to them, "I have come to the conclusion to help you. As Navi has intervened so shall I. I will not stand by and watch my or the Kingdom's people destroyed." Link looked at Kai who looked at him. No way.

"What's your deal lady, we're both fellow thieves despite your noble position."

"And like you I want to protect the tribe that is my family. I'm sure you understand that."

Link kept his hostile stance, "And just like a good thief, I won't trust you."

"In just a few minutes Link, the replacements will find their fellow guards frozen. Within a moment the entire castle will be alarmed and that will bring the other Sages to find you. Trust me Link," she said almost sadisticly, "they won't be as leniant as I will. So either you take it and leave or I'll simply call the others upon you." She had them there. It was a risky gamble, but at this point Link was desperate to get his family back home. He reached out slowly then snatched the blade out of the Sage's hands. Nabooru smiled pleasantly at them, "Good luck my friends." the Gerudo saluted then smoothly placed her hand across her chest, the Kingdom's formal farewel.

Navi flew to one of the doors, "Come on this way, I'll lead you to the Temple of Time!"

Right before Link's eyes Nabooru vanished. Whoa, I need to learn that trick. The trio of present day Hylian's sprinted after the glowing poofball of light through a series of complicated passageways. Link could only wonder how people still remembered which way was which. Luckily for them the temple was close to the castle entrance and the people seemed very jumpy and cleared way without complaint. It must've been the explosian from the other day. Despite people not having any phones, word traveled fast.

Link suddenly collapsed on the steps leading to the temple door. The voices were pressing his mind again, probing from foreign toungues and unknown intention. Link felt his mind split several ways as his alternate Hero personality suddenly flared to life. The thief grinded his teeth together, leaning on the sword for support. Shots rang out from Kai and Avvi as they desposed of the castle guard. Their armor not made for their weaponry. It was all happening in a dreamlike state to Link. Lightheadedness kicked in and sound became muffled. He felt the memories of the Hero of Time rise and try to stop him from leaving. Absolutely not, this is not where I belong! Link snarled mentally before throwing the dizzy spell off briefly.

"Let's go!" Link yelled. He felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle with an almost staticy feeling. Magic. Ah crap.

Link whirled around sword in hand and deflected a streaking silver beam against the blade. The spell ricocheted off and dispersed into nothingness. It was the one Zelda had called Rauru, the Sage of Light if Link recalled correctly. The old man didn't look happy at all. No duh.

"Nice day for learning spell deflecting thief Link but you need to get that sword back in its resting place now! if you want to get back!" Navi yelled in his ear over the rucuss of firearms and bow twangs. Light and swift, the thieves sprinted into the Temple of Time straight through the remaining guards.

"All three of us come on!" Kai gestured frantically being the first to reach the stone. The eldest brother came beside them but suddenly felt as if someone had punched him directly in the brain, stunning him.

"Ah no no no no Link get up you idiot!" Kai glanced worriedly over at the growing mass of troups outside the secret chamber. Rauru was readying another spell and was being joined by Zelda. Link gained control for a split second and stood holding the sword out for his sister and brother to grab the hilt.

At the same moment the sword slid into its socket an explosian of golden and blue light creased the air. Link felt his body grow heavy, the waterlike feeling of a whirl pool only this time it was going clockwise. Something felt wrong though. The thief didn't remember the scores of lightning and the foreboding darkness trying to choke them. What had they done?

Without warning the sword suddenly shuddered violently in its stone, glowing hot white light. A high pitched note like a glass harp filled Link's ears as the flow of the Time Stream came to a halt. It gave one last shake before the blade shattered into six pieces sending the three flying backwards in an explosion of rainbow sparks. Link lay on his back, stunned. He struggled to breath for a few minutes, then stiffly managed to push himself to his feet. He realized the warm hilt of the Master Sword was still in his hand.

"Agh... uhhh..." Avvi got to her feet as well no longer the dreamy eyed obediant zombie a few minutes ago, "I didn't do it." she said when she saw the charred scene of destruction before her. Yep, she was fine.

"Wh-where'd the blade go?" Kai asked. Link turned to look out of the chamber and froze.

"Never mind that Nakai, what happened to them." he pointed to the exterior sanctum of the temple. The walls and floor were marred with blood and pieces of flesh so clean was the obliteration. Shocked, the Adriane's cautiously stepped forward. They left footprints of blood in their midst. The air reeked of death and mayhem.

"Hey look! The Spiritual Stones are gone to!" Avvi exclaimed.

Indeed they were missing. Whatever had passed through here took more than just lives. One of the heavy redwood doors was missing, the other groaned on its hinges. Link listened before sticking his head outside.

Nothing.

That was definately something. They were supposed to be in the middle of one of the biggest cities in Hyrule. And all he heard was... screams... gunfire and also smelt burning flesh and homes.

000

Oh dear I havn't updated in such a long time it's ridiculous. Well, this is the end of this fanfic, yay! o0 I mean, no. Just kidding I believe I'm going to have a sequal. I hope you enjoyed and, and hope you come to read the sequal which I guarantee I will not go inactive on. But forgive me school is a hassle. Well, please review!