A wanderer returns... but none knew he was ever gone.

[doublehelixhero]

[He wakes up to the feel of a breeze and the smell of grass and dew. That's a bit odd; he could've sworn he was inside that old farmer's barn. How did he get outside? Did someone decide to walk around while he slept?

[No. Several voices all chorus, each from a different part of his mind. You haven't moved since you fell asleep, adds the stronger

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[doublehelixhero]

[What if this is that strange empty Hyrule? He looks around, and then he looks down at himself. No, he's still grown. But how much time has passed here? If this strange place could pull heroes from all sorts of Hyrules, then time doesn't have to flow the same as it does away from here.

[He sighs and rubs the back of his head, idly toying with the tie holding his hair back while he sifts through his memories, trying to remember what he could of this place.

[Someone is coming.

[He looks up at that, looking back and forth and quickly spotting the taller figure walking in his general direction. It's a figure he hasn't seen except for in a mirror for six years...]

Fierce?!

[doublehelixhero]

[It's childish -- far too much so -- but he doesn't care. What are you doing now? the god in his head has time to ask, but he doesn't bother answering. Instead he runs forward and throws his arms around Fierce, pulling himself close. The last time he did this... his face was against Fierce's lower stomach, but now, he can lean against the god's chest. He's a lot taller now, taller than he thought.

[But he's not thinking about that now. He's not thinking at all.]

Fierce! I thought I'd never see you again!

[doublehelixhero]

[Everywhere yet nowhere, the god says in his head. Link sighs.]

All over the damned place, it seems. I started off in Termina, and I've just been wandering here and there, killing monsters as I go. I've been trying to find a way home, but... I couldn't.

But now I'm here. This is going to sound stupid, but... [Time is never constant. You should know that by now. Shh. He's trying to think.] How long have I been gone?

[doublehelixhero]

[He sighs.] I don't know how I did. I dozed off, and when I woke up, I was in the Stone Tower Temple. It was just like when I came here in the first place, just like... [He looks around.] Last night. I went to sleep in this old farmer's barn, and well...you see where I woke up.

[One month. There's a soft, bitter laugh deep in his mind. Then no one even truly knows you've been gone, do they?]

Six years, give or take a month or two. [He stares down at his hand, trying to remember how little he was back then and failing.] Six years.

[He doesn't know what else to say; even the voices are oddly silent now. He shakes his head and looks up at Fierce -- Been quite the while since you were the one looking up.] I... Yeah, I have.

You were... looking for me?

[doublehelixhero]

It's just odd. After so long trying and failing to find Hyrule, I'd basically just given up on ever seeing home again... and now I'm in this place again.

[He looks down. He knew he was tall -- he's gotten used to being the tallest person in the room -- but now... He's a lot taller than he was last time he grew up. He doesn't feel so little anymore. It's a strange feeling.]

Yeah. It's been a long time.

I doubt anyone else has even realized I've been gone. How am I going to explain this? [However you must.] Or maybe I shouldn't bother...

[doublehelixhero]

I... [Yeah, you did! a small voice whispers from a hidden corner of his mind. That's why you were staying with us...] I guess I had.

Nice to know someone's missed me. [He looks a bit confused. He only knows of one song that only a few hear... is that it?] The song?

There's... no really much to explain, really. I stayed in Termina for a while, but... [He shakes his head and chuckles.] You know me, Fierce; I'm not much for staying in one place for very long. So I just wandered around all over the place.

After a while, I starting hunting monsters everywhere I went. I needed to. I didn't want anyone to get hurt and... [he smiles a wild little smile] it's what I'm good at.

[He grins at that, reaching down to put a hand on the mask.] Yeah, I do. Right here [he pats the mask] and right here. [He points to his temple.] I've had to use it, sometimes.

[doublehelixhero]

It's not that... though thanks. Thanks a lot. It's just that as much as I wander around, I doubt anyone else has even noticed I ever left.

Ah, that song... [He laughs at that; it's oddly frantic. No, he tells himself. Not here, not now. It's no use, though, and he knows it. Just thinking about it is enough to make that hunger spike inside him.] Yes, it does. It's gotten louder as I've gotten older. Or maybe I've just gotten better at listening for it.

[You've certainly gotten that strength, haven't you?]

No. You're not a burden to me. I... I don't know what I'd have done without you, really. [Lost yourself a long time ago, no doubt. Shut up; he doesn't need to be told that.]

[doublehelixhero]

[He nods.] I guess you've got a point. Sorry; in some ways, I just feel like the whole world's forgotten me.

The Mountain? [Are there monsters there? He thinks for a moment, trying to remember. Yes. Yes, there are. Most places away from the field and the towns have monsters in them...

[He laughs again and then grins over at Fierce.] Sure, I'll join you. Let's go.