A few days had passed since the second attack on the village and Link felt numb. His mother was dead and although he knew it, the reality of the situation still hadn't hit him. He didn't feel grief, he didn't feel misery, he just felt angry. He was angry at himself for leaving the village undefended all so he could talk to his old friend once again. He felt so selfish. He was furious at Ghirahim for leading him away from the village. As much as Link wanted to believe that Ghirahim had no hand in the attacks, he couldn't deny the fact that the village was ravaged straight after Ghirahim had told Link that he was basically going to destroy the humans of this world. Link clenched his fists. How could Ghirahim do this? How could he hurt Link even more after he had abandoned him once before?

All these thoughts flurried around Link's head as he approached the shrine of Hylia. He had needed to get out of the village and go somewhere peaceful, where he would be alone and not be attacked or bothered. Link closed the golden shrine doors behind him and approached the statue of Hylia that was at the end of the platform. Translucent water swished gently around the platform as Link walked across it. Birds flitted to and from the trees bordering the serene place and waterfalls cascaded down the stone walls behind the statue. When Link reached the edge of the platform he stared at the copy of Hylia in front of him. He wondered if she truly looked like the statue or whether the artist was just guessing when it was sculpted. Link knelt in front of the monument and closed his eyes, the sound of the water below him bubbling away as he bowed.

'My goddess Hylia, we need your help. My village was attacked a few days ago, and I was told something very concerning by someone I think is turning to evil,' Link started, 'I don't know if the words were true or whether we should be worried but I fear there is a darkness looming and I fear things will only get worse from here…,' Link trailed off. He opened his eyes and wondered if Hylia could even hear him. He sighed and stood to his feet. Suddenly a bright light erupted from the statue and Link covered his eyes, shocked. The light beamed for a few seconds then simmered down. Link looked at the statue and was shocked to see a ghostly figure in front of it. The figure was shaped like a woman but she was larger than any human he had encountered, towering over him. Her skin looked like it was a mist and it swirled and swivelled around where her face should have been.

'My child, it seems that we have come to meet again. Although I am sad to see it is as a result of unsettling times. Although you may not recognise me, I am Hylia. I am very aware of this evil you mention. As you've noticed, evil-doers and monsters have been emerging more and more recently. This is because of an evil that is slowly but surely rising up. This malicious being I speak of is named Demise. He plans to take over this world and make it into a world of darkness,' Hylia spoke in a grim voice. Just like before, Link heard her voice in his head and a feeling of wellness pierced the depression he had been feeling.

'Then, I'm sure you know this as well. My mother was a victim of this evil, she died recently and even though I have no one anymore…' Ghirahim flashed through Link's mind, 'even though that's the case, I am determined to help my village and protect them no matter what. Please…tell me what I can do,' he begged.

'I am deeply sorry for your mother's death. Even though you are apart from her now, I can tell you that she is happy and is in no pain. As for what you can do, well my child. Please keep defending your village as best as you can and protect the humans from harm. Meanwhile, I am gathering powerful forces to fight alongside me and take down this great evil. It will be dealt with, so please do not worry,'Hylia said reassuringly.

'I want to fight alongside you!' Link yelled abruptly.

'My child, your courage is immeasurable and your power is strong, I have no doubt about that…but you are needed by the humans. They need you to protect them in the darkest hour and that is a great responsibility to uphold. I know that through your wisdom you will understand that your part in this war is among the humans.'

Link sighed defeatedly and nodded. He wanted to help but Hylia was right. He had to protect his people. Link thought about Ghirahim. What was Ghirahim's role in all of this? Despite his anger at Ghirahim, Link felt worry for him. Would he die? Link clenched his fists and spited himself. Why should he care about Ghirahim? After all Ghirahim had probably caused his mother's death and he had even threatened to kill Link.

'If it is any consolation, Ghirahim did not cause the death of your mother. Demise was the one who set the monsters upon the village. In fact, I believe the young man tried to save your life by leading you away from the village. Although, you are right to worry about Ghirahim. He is young like you and although he hasn't cut all ties to the human world, I believe he will be lost to us if left by himself. I know this is a lot to ask, my dear child but please save him before it's too late,' Hylia requested. Link had forgotten that Hylia could hear his thoughts.

Link went to reply but the ghost-like figure had disappeared and the presence of the Goddess had vanished. Link's eyes were wide and he felt conflicted. Was what Hylia had said really true? Had Ghirahim tried to save him? Link wanted to believe the Goddess. He wanted to believe that his friend hadn't completely disappeared. Link sat on the floor cross-legged and watched the water bubble around him. A niggling feeling of hope betrayed his cynicism. Now his mother was gone, he really felt he had no-one but perhaps…just perhaps he could get Ghirahim back and save him from himself. But how could he do that when he didn't even know where Ghirahim was? Link slumped over and sighed. He needed to save Ghirahim before this war started otherwise he was worried Ghirahim would die. Link wasn't sure if he could handle another person he loved dying.

Huh.

He still loved Ghirahim then. Well, that wasn't so surprising seeing as they had been childhood friends after all. Yet after all these years? Link hadn't realised that he still considered Ghirahim as his family. He sighed at himself. Why hadn't he tried harder to get Ghirahim to stay? Maybe he could have avoided all of this. Link fell to his back and spread his arms whilst staring up into the blue abyss of the sky and watched as a bird soared through the atmosphere.

AN: Hey guy's thanks for reading and for sticking with the story. I know that the story seems pretty slow at the moment but I promise you that you will not be waiting long.

'Waiting long for what?' You might say.

I know why you really came here and it has something to do with the romance tag. Don't worry my kittens, all will soon be revealed. Huehuehue.