Do I really want to do this?
In front of Link sits the legendary blade, sheathed in a stone pedestal blemished by centuries of existing. Just one touch could awaken something from inside the seal and perhaps release it, and that was a situation Link didn't want to have to face.
He gazes at the embellished hilt. A green jewel adorns the very top, encased in gold. A striped pattern twists down the handle, leading his eye to another simple outline. And then there is the blade itself- somehow untarnished, glistening as though it had just been placed inside its prison. The Four Sword is beautiful, and as a child Link had thought it only legend. Now he knows better, thanks to his lifelong friend.
But now Princess Zelda was gone, kidnapped by that phantom that had shaped itself to resemble him. He knew he had been defenseless against the shadow, and beat himself up for not being able to help the young girl. Now she was taken, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Except maybe pull out the sword.
Link feels like it's almost speaking to him, calling out to him in a soft whisper. Pull me out. Release me. You know you want to.
It's not that he doesn't want to. He would do anything for Zelda, but a gnawing fear accompanies his loyalty. If I do, I could break the seal holding Vaati and his monsters. But is there really any choice?
Taking a deep breath, he takes his first step towards it. There seems to be a strong aura around the object, pushing down heavily on him with every passing second. Link begins to second-guess himself.
I can't turn back now. I have to do it. For Zelda.
He reaches forward before he can fight with himself any longer and grips the polished handle. "O Four Sword, lend me your strength!" He pulls upwards and the sword comes up with his right hand; a bright light blinds him temporarily as he raises it high in the air.
When the beam subsides, Link faces three other boys also holding Four Swords, glancing around at each other. And they all look exactly like him.
So this is where it begins…