A/N: Hey everyone, it's Vakarian17. I've been a huge fan of the LoZ franchise for over a decade and the recent installment inspired me to write this fic.

This fic will show both of their perspectives. To make it easier to follow. Link's thoughts will be italicized, while Zelda's are bolded.

Lastly, I'm no professional writer. So errors are going to happen, granted just small. This is just a hobby of mine. I wrote my first fanfic just to share my own thoughts with you guys and it turned out very well and motivated me to continue on. It won't be for everyone, but for those who do like it. I originally posted this on archive of our own, and in attempt to reach my goal for a sequel I encourage you to check that one, and show your support by leaving a like over there.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any of the Legend of Zelda characters or universe.

"I'll be back in three days time."

"But father..."

The father knelt down to his son and ruffled up his messy hair, "Link, you always get like this when I need to leave. You're ten years old now, you need to take care of your mother while I'm gone. Alright, little guy?"

"Yes, father." he replied, eyes downcast.

Gathering his Royal Guard's sword and shield. He gave a quick kiss to his wife before turning back to Link, "Do not worry. You'll see me again, soon." Mounting his steed, he then took off for Hyrule Castle.

It was winter in the Tabantha Tundra, if it wasn't already cold enough, the raging blizzard would make sure of that. Sure there was snow year round, but at least in the summer it was manageable. They lived in a small village in the centre of the Tundra. Link was the only child of a loving mother and father. His father was Commander of the Royal Guard for Hyrule Castle; just under the command of General Impa. This required him to leave home often, whether it be to show up for a meeting, paperwork, or other miscellaneous assignments, it always seemed like he was never home for long enough. Link learned to enjoy the time he could with him. Rather than being upset that he left, his mother told him to be happy that he returned. His mother was a stay at home mom tending to the household chores, knitting clothes for Link; or repairing those he'd wreck on his little escapades about the house, and preparing meals for the family. Link always did what he could to help, but he usually just ended up getting in the way, but his mother always appreciated the effort regardless.

The two were making supper for the night. His mother was cutting vegetables, while he gathered some water for them to steam in.

"Mother?" he asked softly as he set the pot over the fire.

"What is it, dear?" she cooed.

"Is father going to be okay? It's really cold out there with the blizzard and things seemed urgent this time."

He noticed the way his mother winced when he said this, "Your father... he'll be okay." she said reassuringly. "Now go wash up for supper."

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Three days had passed.

The storm was still raging, billowing viscously, and consuming everything that strayed outside for just a little too long. Link was waiting expectantly at the door, waiting for his father to come home at any second. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours, and soon after Link became worried.

"He likely had to make camp, dear. The storm outside is worse than it was when he left."

He rose from his little spot in front of the door, but didn't leave the doorway. Part of him still waited for him to show up.

"It's getting late, lets get you to bed."

Link still didn't move from his spot, he was sure that his father would be back any second. He felt a tug on his arm.

"I promise to wake you up when he returns, okay?"

Letting out a sigh in defeat he nodded in assent before letting his mother tuck him into bed. She pressed a soft kiss on his forehead, before closing the door to his room.

He laid there for goddess knows how long, his father was coming home today and she wanted for him to sleep? Impossible. After what felt like an eternity, there was a knocking on the door. Careful not to alert his mother, he tiptoed out of his room and glanced at the door from behind the wall, ready to jump at his father when came inside. However, the man that appeared at their door was not father, but another; a Captain from the Royal Guard from what the insignia told on his shoulders. He was carrying something, and after closer inspection he realized what it was.

That's father's sword and scarf, but why does he have it?

The Captain handed mother the items in question, and gave her a grave bow before taking his leave. That's when Link appeared from behind the wall.

"Mother?"

She dropped the sword and scarf, the rattling of metal on wood nearly deafening as she turned to him with an expression he never seen on her face before.

"Why are you crying? Where's father?"

His mother knelt next to him, cupping his cheeks, "I love you so much, dear. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Your father seems to have gotten lost, I'm going to go look for him." she pressed a kiss to each cheek. "Stay here, okay? I'll be back soon."

She rushed back to her feet, and headed for the door.

"Mother, wait!"

"Stay here, Link! Please." her voiced choked at the end.

The door slammed shut, Link climbed up to the window just beside the door to look out for her. But she was already gone. The blizzard was still blazing strong, and it was near impossible to see even 15 ft ahead.

After a few more hours passed, Link grew extremely worried. He began fidgeting, and pacing, and thinking... way too much.

What if something happened? What if she got lost, too? What if...

These thoughts racing through his mind drove him mad, he had to go look for her. He needed to see father too. Putting on his snow boots, and warm doublet his mother made for him he trekked off to find his parents.

The second he got outside, he shivered. His doublet and boots weren't going to be enough to keep him from harsh cold, but he had no other choice. His parents were out there somewhere, they needed him. Link pushed through the ice cold, making it just outside the village before he started calling out for them.

"Mother! Father!" he cried out.

He wandered aimlessly out in the storm, calling for them until he seemingly lost his voice, he searched desperately for any sign of them.

Nothing...

A few hours past, and the cold was really getting to him now, his nose and ears were forming icicles, and his fingers were turning blue with frostbite. The snow was up to his knees, and he couldn't see anything, just a blanket of white.

He was lost.

Wandering around some more, there was something, finally something that caught his attention. It looked like a dark figure just a little ways ahead.

It must be mother.

Trudging along, he slowly made his way to the figure. As he got closer, and the figure became more resolute. Link's eyes widened with shock.

Lying face down in the snow was none other than his mother. He rushed to her aid quickly.

"Mother? Mother. It's me, Link. Wake up."

She didn't move.

Link continued to call out to her and rustle her body.

Why won't she wake up? Where's father?

He flipped her body over, hoping that she could see that it was him trying to wake her. But what he seen instead made him cry out in despair. She was covered with ice, her face lost all colour. Her usually rosy cheeks were pale, her plump lips were blue and tight, her sapphire eyes were grey.

She was dead.

Link tried to rouse her some more, the tears that fell burned his eyes as they were turning to ice almost instantaneously.

"Mother, please wake up. Father is waiting for us. Wake up! Why won't you wake up!" He was screaming at her, praying to the goddess to bring her back. But his prayers weren't meant to be answered on this night.

Burying his head into her chest he wailed. He didn't care how much pain he was in from the cold. Nothing could be worse than this. The woman who birthed him, loved him so dearly, made him smile everyday was gone. Lying here in this frozen wasteland.

There's still father.

He lifted her by the arms and started dragging her in the snow.

I'm not leaving you out here. We're going to find father.

The weight of her was too much, though. And Link just wasn't able to get more than a few feet. He pulled, and pulled, and pulled some more. Using all of his strength to try and take her with him, but to no avail. His hands slipped and he fell on his rear in the snow. When he looked back up at his mother, he could see a piece of paper tucked away in her chest. It came loose from the struggled movements that Link inflicted. Taking the frozen piece of paper, he read over its contents.

We regret to inform you, that your betrothed, John of Tabantha Tundra, Commander of the Royal Guard of Hyrule was killed in battle. We send our deepest condolences for he was a loving husband, father, and friend. We give you his sword and battle scarf to honour his memory, for these were his most treasured possessions. As well as the crest of the Royal Family; the highest honour any can achieve. We will make preparations for his burial with the other members of the Royal Guard in three days time.

Sincerely,

King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule

Link wanted to throw up, he was in such utter disbelief. He dropped the paper into the snow and sank to his knees.

Father's gone too? Then why did mother say that he was lost?

He started to feel heavy, and gave up on trying to move. Instead he found comfort in lying in the snow, it felt warm to the touch, in fact everything was starting not to hurt anymore.

Everyone I love is gone, I'm all alone. I want to see you two again. I want us to be back home, together. Don't leave me out here by myself.

He felt incredibly tired despite the cold, his eyelids grew heavy. The last thing Link could see was a shadowy figure approaching before his world went dark...

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"Get up, boy." a voice called out to him.

"Get up."

Link stirred, but felt weak.

"It's time for you to wake up, boy." He felt a jolt of pain across his entire body that shot him awake.

"Relax, just a little spark electricity." He heard a small chuckle afterwards.

Getting his bearings straight, he looked over to the one speaking to him. It was a young woman, no older than his mother, but she was different. There was no loving appearance about her, in fact he felt slightly intimidated. Her red eyes shot daggers into him, and she had several tribal tattoos, but didn't know where they came from; nothing he's ever seen. Her snow white hair, was long, down to her waist and wavy. She wore from what he could tell, a sneaking outfit, no armour like father, and definitely nothing to keep her warm through the cold. The outfit was pure white, perfect camouflage for this type of weather, and it had one of the markings that was in her face on the chest piece inked in red.

"You're lucky to be alive. If I didn't come when I did. You'd have had the same fate as that woman over there." she motioned over to the table beside him with her eyes.

Link's eyes shot over to see that there was a blanket covering his mother's body.

"Mother..."

"Oh, so she was your mother? A pity. Someone like her never stood a chance out there in this storm." The woman ridiculed.

He shot a glare towards the woman when she said this.

"My name is, Venus. And I'm the one that brought you to this place." She said, paying no mind to the glare she received.

"Why did you save me? Where are we?" he asked.

"We are in the Hebra Mountains, on one of its peaks. This cabin is hidden within the mountain. As for why I saved you, well... I guess you can say I saw potential in you. Potential that I can use."

"Potential you can use?"

"That's right. I'm going to teach you everything I know and harness that potential. Whether you are willing or not."

A shiver ran through Link, and it wasn't from the cold.

"Why?"

"What better than to train someone who owes me their life and has nothing? You'll be the perfect catalyst, boy."

"My name is-"

She slapped him across the face, "I don't care what your name is. You are nothing, but a tool, a failure. A failure who couldn't protect his parents. Someone like you isn't worthy of a name."

The pain that surged through Link brought tears to his eyes, and she punched him in the arm in reprimand. "Crying is for the weak! Do not shed tears in front of me, boy. Emotions are for the weak. They are only a hindrance that serves no purpose."

Link got off the table in a rage, he felt weak in his legs, but he didn't care. He wasn't about to be smacked around. He charged at her, ready to strike with all his anger, but before he could process what had happened, he was suddenly on the ground. A sharp pain came from his right shoulder. She had flipped him over and dislocated his shoulder. He screamed out in pain, and this only caused her to tighten her grip on his arm.

"Screaming out in pain is for the weak willed, we never show our enemies the satisfaction of our pain. It only fuels failure. We attack with one purpose, and that purpose is simply to eliminate the opponent by any means." She jammed his socket back into place, and the pain soon went away. "Emotions are only a burden, and by showing none you remove an obstacle. You harden your resolve. You make yourself a better warrior."

Moving his shoulder around, he got up and looked back at Venus, his eyes sparked with curiosity. A wicked grin grew on her face.

"Boy, I will turn you into the best warrior Hyrule has ever seen."

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He trained arduously. Day and night. The two had started the next day, after he buried his mother at the top of the mountain. She was hard in Link, very hard. Every time he made a mistake, every time he had a slip of emotion, every time he'd hesitate for that split second. She beat him, and she beat him good. Punching him, kicking him, throwing him against the walls, hitting him with her scabbard. She was trying to beat his flaws out of him. Physically and emotionally. Venus would often remind him of how he was nothing, how he wouldn't be anything but a failure. Someone who would simply fade away into obscurity, watch his loved ones die, be a dependant, a burden...

Link spent many nights crying when she wasn't looking, many times where he felt best to simply kill himself, but he could never do it. Despite the pain and suffering he's endured for the past four years, he knew he had to keep fighting, he had to keep training. So that he could be stronger, better, so that the painful memory of his mother's lifeless face would stop haunting him.

Venus trained him in everything: Stealth, strength, endurance, swordsmanship, archery, hunting, fishing, alchemy, literature, aerial techniques, how to go long periods without sleep, focusing techniques...

By the time he was sixteen, Link had mastered archery; he was able to hit 200 yard targets with each arrow splitting the previous one. Same could be said with him being in the air, with the focusing techniques he acquired, it was like time slowed down for Link and he was able to nail targets from 150 yards while airborne.

With hunting, came stealth. He learned how to sneak up on various targets big and small and take them down without none being the wiser. He had exceptional tracking skills, as well as being able to play out scenarios before him. He was intelligent, and very aware of everything happening around him. She taught him what to look for when gutting each animal, what was good to eat and be used for materials, and what was best left for the scavengers. This led to her teaching him various recipes to use out in the field, recipes that could save his life. With focusing techniques and a lot of food, Link was able to stay up for days without sleep while still running at full capacity. She taught him literature so he could understand and write down the recipes for elixirs, meals, and to understand information and other inquiries that she felt might help him. Venus showed him different types of elixirs and potions that would help him various ways, whether it be; a stamina boost, resiliency to the cold or heat, stealth boost... She reminded him that knowing what elixirs to use for any given situation would be the difference between life or death in the wild.

With his endurance training, Venus would make him run up and down the summit. If he didn't make it back by a certain time, she would beat him and make him do it again. With how high their elevation was; there was less oxygen in the atmosphere. Not to mention with it being constantly well below freezing, and the three feet of snow. It made it ideal conditions for endurance training. Link was soon able to run the summit, which happened to be about 5km, in about 2 minutes, which was even faster than Venus herself. She made him push boulders that were several hundred pounds, and do other high intensity exercises out in the snow to improve his muscle endurance and strength. Soon enough, Link was able to push the boulders with a relative ease, and was more than able to keep up with the high intensity exercises.

When it came to swordplay, he was very adept at it. He used to fumble around with a sword in hand, unsure of how to stance or parry properly, but the scrapes, bruises, and broken bones made him a quick learner. Link was a lefty, and used only a one-handed sword. The sword she gave him was heavy, but he preferred the weight to it. Every swing felt impactful and had a lot of force behind it. At first, he thought that having the increased weight would reduce his speed too much, but after he got used to it, it was no longer an obstacle. When they first started swordsmanship, Link used to fear for his life as he dodged and parried her attacks, but he eventually learned how to overcome that fear; that useless emotion. He no longer feared for his life, he now fought with a relentless intent to win every fight, no matter the cost. His judgement in battle became unprecedented, his reaction time unparalleled, his agility and strength unmatched.

His eyes... ones that once radiated with happiness and joy, were now cold, void of emotion. His face... that once smiled and laughed, was now a stoic and expressionless mask. The small and frail frame he had in adolescence was turned into a battle hardened, toned body. There were plenty of scars across his chest, arms, legs, and back from his encounters with Venus and the wildlife. He wasn't ripped, but he was toned and fit. His build was good at deceiving others from his true strength.

Venus would often send him on survival missions. Sending him to either: Death Mountain, Gerudo Desert, further north of the Hebra Mountains; where it was the coldest of all Hyrule, Faron Woods... for weeks at a time. All he'd have is his sword, a bow, a hunting knife, and a travel pack he made for himself. She did this to see if he could simply survive in the wild, alone with the bare minimum. A test of all that she taught him. She'd tell him to make a camp at a certain point in the region, and that she'd see if he was still alive in a few weeks time. Every time, he'd manage to somehow survive, in the absolute harshest of conditions.

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Three more years would pass, and Link was at the age of nineteen. He had just finished doing his endurance training, beating his 5km personal best with a time of 1:48.

"You have done well in your training, boy." Venus said as she approached Link. "You have mastered everything I have taught you."

"What's next?"

"For you to carry out what I set out for you to do in the first place. I had said that I was going to use your potential, now is that time."

"For what purpose?"

"Your father was Commander of the Royal Guard, correct? Well respected by his men, and somewhat of a hero in the eyes of Hylians. Your mother was of Faron, she grew up in the wilds and faced her own deal of hardships. Her tenacity resides within you I can guarantee that."

"How do you know of such things?" he quirked an eyebrow in question.

"I've been watching you for a long time, boy. I know who you are and I have reason to believe that you could very well be Farore's Champion."

Link eyed her suspiciously.

What is she getting at? Farore is only mentioned in legends and tomes regarding about a great evil that plagues the land, and how she was a goddess that was responsible for creating all of life across Hyrule. Also, it was mentioned that she constitutes the Triforce of Courage. Which supposedly, affords some "hero" great courage and mystical abilities. I'm just a nobody from Tabantha.

"I have studied for years about this... evil that plagues the land. It hasn't come for thousands of years, but there is plenty of evidence that shows that it will soon arrive. As we speak, Divine Beasts; great constructs that are essentially super weapons are turning up across the four corners of the land. Smaller machines of the like, built specifically to combat this evil are also appearing."

"How do you know that these are related?"

"My ancestors were the ones that created them, in my tribe there were many tales about how they aided in the fight against a 'Calamity' ten thousand years ago and drove back the darkness."

"And what makes you so sure I'm Farore's Champion? I'm no warrior, I'm nothing."

"That's exactly what makes you her champion. How could a simple boy survive all that torment and training? Someone with nothing, no purpose. You're not a noble, and you're not a knight that's seen the hardships of war. Yet, you fight and train like you've been through countless battles. It doesn't add up. You should have been dead years ago, and I tried to kill you. Everything I did was to push you to your limits and confirm my suspicions. To change your fate."

"Change my fate?"

"If we do nothing, if there is no hero. We will all die. I've been seeking out this chosen one for years, and I believe you are him."

"Just because you say it, doesn't mean anything." he derided.

"There is a way to truly see if you're the Hero of Legend. In the Lost Woods, there is a great Deku Tree that resides within. Now this isn't some ordinary tree and some measly walk in the woods. Only the Hero of Legend can enter and face the trial laid out before him."

"What is this trial?"

"You must make your way to the Great Deku Tree, and retrieve the blade of evil's bane that it protects. Though this is no easy task."

Ah, yes. The blade of evil's bane, the Master Sword. I've read about it, and seen sketches of it. It is said that it resides in its pedestal, waiting for its one lone master to return and claim it. Only after the one in question is deemed "worthy" can he claim the power of Master Sword.

"And what if I'm not able to claim the Master Sword?"

"Then you die, and I continue my search for another candidate."

He was angry at the fact that she'd cast him aside like that, but it didn't show across his features.

This is the chance I've been waiting for. What would all I have been through mean if I didn't at least try? If I die... I know that I died trying. But... I don't like to lose, and don't plan on it.

His path was clear, and Link was determined to see this through. Venus could see the hardened resolve in his eyes.

"Good. Now go to the Lost Woods, confront the Great Deku Tree, and retrieve the Master Sword."

Link quickly gathered his things. He brought his travel pack, along with enough elixirs to get through the cold weather and to the Woods. All he had for clothes was an old green tunic with some trousers, along with some leather braces and boots.

"One more thing." said Venus as she came into his room.

He turned around and noticed two very familiar items in her possession.

"I went to your house after I found you in the snow and gathered these. They were your father's, a Royal Guard's one handed sword; one of a kind. And a scarf that represented his ranking within the unit itself."

The scarf was long; reaching down to his waist when he wrapped it around his neck, and royal blue. On the bottom of it was the Royal Family's crest that was followed with red tassels at the end. The sword was about three feet long, and looked almost identical to the Master Sword. The difference being was that in the middle of the blade on either side were two grooves, and the blade was tinted black. The wings on the hilt were a little wider than that of the Master Sword's, and the gold gem that was in the middle was replaced with a ruby. The leather wrappings were red, and at the bottom of the hilt was another ruby. The scabbard was also black, with red trimming along the top and bottom of it. He took a couple slashes at the open air.

It's real heavy. The weight feels really good. And I never knew the scarf he wore signified his rank within the army.

Sheathing his sword, he grabbed his makeshift bow and quiver, gathered the last few elixirs for his travel pouch and was soon ready to leave. It would be a two days journey to get to the Great Hyrule Forest. There wasn't any more time to waste, so he headed for the door.

"Hold on, boy."

When he turned around Venus gave him a look he never seen from her before. A reserved smile.

"Good luck... We will not cross paths again."

It felt weird being alone, truly, for the first time since that fateful night all those years ago. But he embraced it, for there was no going back. He went to his mother's gravestone atop the mountain.

Well mother, this is it. All those years of hardships and training are finally being invested into something. I won't be coming back to see you for some time, so I hope you can forgive me. This is something I must do, there is no other path for me. None that I can see anyway. I will make you and father proud, and I will remove the weight of the burden that I have bestowed upon you.

He rose from his kneel, giving a small nod towards the gravestone before starting his quest to retrieve the Master Sword.

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The journey to the forest was uneventful, it was quiet and peaceful. When he got to the entrance however, he felt this weird sense of... familiarity. He couldn't quite place it, but it felt like he's journeyed here before, even though he knew he's done no such thing.

There was a thick fog that shrouded the woods, along with small laughter and mocking noises coming from those Koroks. He encountered them a few times when he was on his survival missions. They liked to play games, but if you caught one they'd give you a seed to use; each one increased the travel packs carrying capacity by one. The first one he caught gave him the small travel pack that now resides along his waist, claiming that it could stuff practically anything inside with no hassle. He actually laughed at the Korok until it stuffed his entire bow into the pack effortlessly. Since then, if he's had the chance to collect more seeds, he'd take the extra couple minutes to play their little game.

The trees all had weird facial expressions carved into them he noticed. Some looked sad, others happy, some evil, some worried, some passive.

None of these look like the Great Deku Tree though. This is supposed to be a trial, so I'm guessing there's gotta be some clue as to how to navigate through here.

It was then that he noticed a couple torches lit by one of the trees a little ways up. He grabbed one, and brought it to the ground.

Well there's no path I can follow. The ground is still covered in fog. Same with the fog in the air, the torch doesn't seem to help with clearing the density of it, it's still as thick. There must be something.

He paced around for a few moments and that's when something about the torch caught his eye. When he walked in one direction, the flames would blow ahead of him, and if he turned around the opposite way, the flames would blow back behind him.

There's no wind here, so it's impossible for the flames to be blowing like that. Is this the clue?

Curious, Link carefully followed the flames emanating off the torch. When the flames would suddenly shift to a different direction, so too would he. This continued on for about an hour until he finally reached a clearing. Where the fog dissipated and something else entirely was being presented to him. It looked nothing like the Lost Woods, but a small safe haven instead. He followed the path down further into this new section of the woods. Until the dirt road was replaced with stone.

And standing just a short distance away...

The Master Sword.

In all its glory, the blade of evil's bane was there, in its pedestal.

Link slowly approached the triangular pedestal, nerves setting in as he came closer. He was soon merely an arm's length away, but before he could grab the hilt however, a deep voice rang throughout the forest.

"Who is that? Did I doze off again? Hrm? Well, well... it's you."

The Great Deku Tree? He was expecting me?

"I've been watching over Hyrule over time immemorial. Most people have referred to me throughout the ages as; The Great Deku Tree. That is the weapon created by the ancient Goddess. The sword that seals the darkness; that only the chosen knight can wield against the Calamity Ganon. I must warn you to take extreme caution. The sword stands as a test to anyone who would dare attempt to possess it. As you are now, I cannot say whether you are worthy or not... If you sought to free the sword in any sort of weakened state, you would surely lose your life where you stand." The Tree let out a deep laugh. "Best of luck, young one..."

So... A test of true strength. A test to show the sword that I'm worthy...

After a few long moments he finally exhaled.

I accept.

Link took hold of the Master Sword and soon became engulfed into the sword itself.

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He appeared on a metal plate, in a room with designs he's never seen before, and it was large enough to have an enemy bokoblin camp with some trees and other bushes. A mystical voice called out to him.

"To the one who stands trial to obtain the Master Sword. You must fortify your mind, body, and soul by eradicating all obstacles that appear in this realm. In this illusory realm of sacred mystery, anything can happen... All that will be obtained here will be lost upon your return to the reality you know. To the one standing to be Farore's Champion... Overcome the Trial of the Sword and claim the blade as your own."

So, I just keep fighting until clearing floors until the sword is satisfied. I see... in that case.

Unsheathing his sword, Link charged towards the three bokoblins. He cut down the first one with a slash across its chest before quickly stabbing the other in the neck. The last one swung its club at Link, but he managed to sidestep it and slash it in the back.

When the last one fell, the room shook for a second, and the plate he appeared on glowed blue. Going to the plate, he felt himself being taken out of the physical world and moved once again.

The next room he appeared in had a Moblin with brown fur, and two brown bokoblins; one being an archer.

The tests get harder and harder as I progress.

The landscape was slightly different, instead of just a few trees, there was a giant hollowed out skull that was used as their camp and several more trees that he could use for stealth. Climbing up one of the said trees, he took aim at the lantern dangling above the group inside the skull. It was only a 100 yard shot, a simple task for Link. The lantern dropped and there was a series of explosions and screams that filled the air for a few moments. The room shook once again, and the pedestal lit up. Link hopped off his perch and proceeded to the next floor...

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He was about a dozen floors in now. The wave of enemies and types he was facing grew increasingly difficult as well as the landscape. It went from a forest type landscape to one where there was nothing, but rain and small pockets of land surrounded by water. Then it went to the freezing cold, like in the Hebra Mountains. If not for his survival training, he likely wouldn't have been prepared to face such conditions.

Did Venus know about the Trial of the Sword? Is this why she pushed me as hard as she did and was as ruthless as she could be? To test my resolve, my will?

He didn't know whether to thank her or curse her, maybe a bit of both. But he was beginning to truly understand why she did what she did.

Now on floor 15, he noticed something different about the way the landscape was. There wasn't anything intricate or difficult about it. It was simply just a flat open area in a 50x50 yard room. The thing that immediately caught his attention, was the arrow coming for his head. He wasn't able to dodge it completely as it pierced his shoulder.

He cried out as the pain surged through him.

Looking out from where the trajectory was, Link could see that a Lynel with blue fur had another arrow at the ready. Rolling out of harms way, he snapped off the arrow imbedded in his right shoulder and took aim with his own bow. Link had never actually faced a Lynel before, they were a rare bunch as it was from what he read. Something to be feared and avoided at all costs. They had the lower body of a horse, and the upper body of a man; a man that was built like ten. Horns on their head and glowing eyes that struck fear into any that dared to venture too close. They were smart creatures, very adept at finding their prey and listening for subtleties that would give them away. He was this far now though, and there was no turning back. Fear was simply an obstacle, an excuse not to fight for what someone believed in. There would always be fear in this world, but he chose to fight in spite of it. Link shot the arrow and nailed the Lynel in the head, stunning it for a short time. He quickly climbed atop his back and dug his blade deep into the tough hide of his assailant. The Lynel grew in anger and bucked Link off its back before galloping away to gain some distance. Putting its bow away, it got down with its hands and charged at Link like a bull with blinding speed. Anticipating this, he leapt over the beast and drove an arrow into the back of its head, causing it to crash violently into the ground. Without hesitation, Link was already slashing away at the beast doing significant damage to its major limbs. The Lynel roared once again, the force behind it threw Link back several yards. Pulling out its cleaver, it charged at Link again doing a sweeping attack for his chest, but Link managed to do a backflip over the attack and take out its two front legs, causing it to once again, fall face first into the ground. Link grabbed three arrows and shot them into the skull of his adversary. Malice oozed out from the puncture wounds as the Lynel swayed back to its feet. It approached Link, or at least tried to. The wounds inflicted took their toll on the Lynel, and before it could get fully back on all fours it fell back to its knees. Its blue gleaming eyes flickered until they soon grew dark, void of life. The room shook once more, the pedestal lighting up. Link sheathed his sword and allowed himself to once again be taken to the next floor.

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When he came to this level however, it was nothing like the others. He was on a small floating platform, the room was dark and the biggest one he's seen yet, so big that he couldn't see the bottom of the floor, just a big empty abyss. In front of him was a set of stairs that led upwards to...

The Master Sword...

Yes, just above him was the very thing that he worked essentially his entire youth for.

"To the one who stands trial of the Master Sword..." The ancient voice called out to him. "I commend your efforts in this trial. You are now deemed worthy to wield the Master Sword and claim its power for your own as Farore's Champion. Courageous hero... chosen by the blade... Take hold of the Master Sword."

He slowly approached the pedestal where the sword lay dormant and took the hilt. The second he made contact with the hilt he felt himself being engulfed once again by the blue entrails.

When he came back to reality, he was back in the forest with the Great Deku Tree. Both hands were still on the hilt of the sword. He tightened his grip, and pulled...

The Master Sword slowly came out of its resting place, a gust of wind flared once it was finally free. Link brought it up close to his face and inspected it. The wings on the hilt were purple and it was laced in a green wrap for grip. The yellow gem in the middle meant to signify part of the Triforce, and a few inches up the blade was the Triforce engraved into the blade itself. He closed his eyes and brought it to his forehead in thanks before lifting it skyward. A divine light pierced the night sky, striking the blade with all of its purity. The light soon dimmed, and when Link looked back at the sword he noticed that it had a blue glow to it. Taking a couple swings in the air, he felt this sense of familiarity once again as he held the blade.

It's real heavy, the perfect weight. The length is just right for my reach, and it feels very easy to handle. Almost as if I've handled it before...

He sheathed it in the scabbard that magically appeared on his back. It was purple and had gold designs all over it with a symbol of the Triforce notably in the middle of it. Grabbing his father's sword, he put it in his travel pack for safe keeping.

"Ah. You have finally returned. You look stronger than when I last saw you... The Master Sword returns to its master once again. When used again Calamity Ganon or those tainted by his malice, it will become suffused with holy light... At such times, the true power of the sword will manifest... Bring peace to Hyrule, young one." said the Deku Tree.

With the help of some friendly Koroks, they led him to a tree that teleported him back to the entrance of the Lost Woods.

Once he was out something dawned on him.

What next? Where do I go from here?

He hadn't actually thought of what to do next. A huge part of him was skeptical about even being able to find the Master Sword let alone wield it. Yet, with the odds seemingly stacked against him, the blade of evil's bane sparkled on his back on this particular night.

The sword glistened a few times, causing Link to unsheathe it in question. When he looked at the sword, he felt a wave of nausea crash down on him. His mind was suddenly being filled with images and memories that were of him? No they weren't him, at least he didn't think. They were of those who looked like him, images of a young man, adolescent, or child pulling the sword out from the pedestal.

So these are the Champions that wielded the sword before me? Why show me this?

It played a particular memory next. One where he watched a former version of himself fall to the darkness of Ganon. One where he failed to save Hyrule. It then showed him the following events that depicted Hyrule in ruin, and the soul of the Hero being reborn only to stave Ganon off for short periods of time.

My failure in the past caused all of this. I couldn't stop him. Does that mean I'm doomed to fail? Or that there is an immense pressure on me not to fail?

It then showed events of what was to come to the land should he fail in his task.

Everything that I know, all the people, the kingdom, everything would be turned asunder. He'd commit genocide amongst all the races, and Hyrule would fall into an age of darkness.

Next, it showed him crowds of people kneeling before him, begging him to save them. All of them with that same look in their eyes.

Everyone knows about the sword that seals the darkness. I am a beacon of light, a symbol of hope. I understand now the weight of this burden before me. The lives of everyone; mother, father, child, brother, sister, all life looks upon me to lift them out of the shadows and guide them to the light. Should I falter... should I stray away from this path, give them any reason to lose hope. All will be lost. If that's the case, then there is only one thing that can be done... I must stay strong and silently bear any burden that is bestowed upon me. For I am the symbol of hope, I am Farore's Champion, I am... The Hero of Time.