"It starts, just like any other legend, with a boy. In days old he was the Hero of Time, destined to become the one to vanquish the King of Thieves. Legend tells another story when the Hero of Masks dispatches of a mere disguise. The next tells his valiant tale as the Hero of Twilight to spite the Shadow King. He even went so far as to divide and conquer to become the Hero of Four vanquishing Vaati. Each legend surmounted the next and for a time the world followed a pattern. Then, however, the legends stopped. The land moved on and time finally progressed forward..."

Faron Farm.

The truck rumbled against the cobblestone path of their driveway. The engine was smoking a tad and the clatter of the loosened fender made the background audio. Link stared across the pasture in a dulled gaze with earphones blaring music. Nothing too upbeat, he always stuck to old world symphonies and soothing overtures. Music today was too trance, too off-kilter and weird. Link turned back from the passenger window and glanced at his mother. The music is all he had been listening to these days instead of the shouting his guardians did. In the past few years, all they did was fuss, yell, and scream - it just prompted Link not to talk much anymore.

Link's parents, recently divorced, decided to split the custody and have him for two weeks at a time. Tonight would be the last night he'd spend at his mother's residence until the next two weeks circled by. Link didn't mind it much, especially since that would be the first time he would to go to Twinrough. The truck hobbled to a stop from the long driveway to the main road. The farmhouse was nearly an eighth-mile from a two-mile lonely road leading to town.

"Quit fiddlin' with that phone Link, I'm already sick of it." His mother griped about it.

Whatever. Link opened the door and stepped out onto the dusty stones which kicked up another coat of earth on his brown leather-hide boots. He tucked his new phone into his pocket and whisked around to the bed of the truck. He reached over the side-bed and grabbed two bags of feed for the cuccos out back. His mother complained as he did.

"Can't you grab one more!?" She bickered.

Link rolled his eyes. How about I jump on one leg all the way back! Link sheepishly grabbed a third bag, slung it over his shoulder, carried the other two under each arm and walked to the backside of the house. His mother followed close behind holding the fourth and final bag heading to the cuccos pen. She nearly toppled setting her bag down as Link, steps ahead, started pouring feed into the dispenser.

"I uh... appreciate it." She struggled to say.

Link didn't expect anything else and replied with a simple nod. She never did show heated gratitude too well but with what little she did, Link felt a little warmer inside. Unfortunately, his father didn't see it that way. Link's mother jingled keys before getting in through the back, screen door slamming shut right after her exit. Link eyed the action before leering the cuccos. The stupid flightless birds were always good for nothing in his mind, but they did make a good meal on occasion. He remembers when he was younger he used to batter them with deku sticks. He thought about picking up a stray deku stick and abusing one or five of them right now but he paused knowing they could summon other cuccos in one wayward caw. Link remembered that last time all too well.

I better just get inside. Link entered the house and locked the door after him. The night would be coming soon and so would that black mist. Link continued to secure the other three deadbolts on the door. His mother would yell at the top of her lungs if those locks weren't completely set. Link kicked off his boots and headed out the kitchen when his mother stopped him.

"Dinner'll be ready in a few..."

Link nodded.

"I uh, just wanted to let you know that..."

Link gave a hollow stare and cringed a bit then turned towards the living room.

"I know you wanna see your father tomorrow, but don't forget about me when you go off into that big little city over there." Her neck shifted side to side when she was making a point.

I won't... I'll be back here before you know it. Link smiled and leaned on the doorway threshold. He could never forget this place, they took him in when he was child, he was raised here in Faron, his whole life was this pasture.

"I'm glad I can count on you then. Goddess knows how much you mean to me."

Link felt that closeness yet again, emanating from his guardian mother. Link nodded and started to exit the kitchen and pass through the living room.

"D'ya mind turnin' on the television for me."

Link rolled his eyes but quickly walked over and slammed the power button. He adjusted the rabbit ears until picture clarity was as defined as a crumbled piece of paper. The channel was on the news, always chattering about things going on in Castleton.

The television announced. "A lot has transpired in the month since Dragmire announced his new running mate in the campaign for Kingship in Hyrule. Dragmire and His advisor, Iman, wish to hold a debate with current campaign-rival and promoter of the crown, Princess Zelda. Link strides closer to the set trying to make out her beauty through the hazy snowstorm screen. He adjusted the antennae, got a clear picture, and took a photographic memory shot of the blond bombshell.

"Link! Go upstairs and finish packing! I know you ain't done nothin' at all!" His mother commanded.

The picture was lost in the annoying interruption with that roaring white noise to add insult to injury. He stuck out his tongue in rebellion and slammed the television with a angered fist. He went upstairs to his room when the picture returned on the set even better than before.

A few moments had passed while in his own room. Link started to pack but got caught up in his phone yet again. Having just got the gadget yesterday he needed to figure this thing out. His mother claimed it was just for calling her, his father, or the knights in case of emergency. Still this phone had everything: LED backlit touch screen, customizable photo editor, processing speed times a thousand, and all the essential apps. His mother made sure her name was programmed in but not so much his fathers.

He found an interesting game on the phone and started to play around. It was the only thing he could do. Signal service was so terrible out here in the pasture it could barely get radio. Link didn't mind though, he wasn't the type to communicate that much anyway. He was only a rookie to the cell phone game, never even questioning how it worked. He didn't even know he could play music and play games simultaneously but he would find out in due time. For now, it was all about getting to level two.

A distant howl of the Wolfos occurred and Link lifted his head. Evening just started, and the black mist would be here soon. Link lowered his phone and pondered. The black mist hadn't been starting since about a month ago, only sickening people about three weeks ago and up until last week it never made anyone mysteriously vanish. The black cloud was growing more violent with time passing. Faron Farm was getting anxious and the crops were slowly dying. No one in the cities wanted to do anything since they're worried about their little campaign.

I... wonder what it's like in the city... Link turned on his back, phone resting on his chest, and gazed at the ceiling. He hadn't seen his dad in over two months since he hauled up his stuff and moved to the city that cost him so much. Gambling was the new thing and somehow Link's mother never could keep up with his new swinging attitudes, that and the other disagreement.

Still, Link started to wonder just what the city would bring him. He was tired of kicking through deku sticks and going through brush and beaten path. He wanted to finally see the city and not through the lens of their goddess-awful television set. He wasn't scared at all, in fact he couldn't wait to embrace the newest locale. Exploring was in his nature as well as bravery. He tracked down the mysterious beasts that had ransacked a few garbage cans a few years back with only a few deku seeds and a slingshot. It turned out to be a couple roaming small dogs but nonetheless brave and courageous.

What's going on? Link's phone trembled in his hand making his whole chest vibrate. Link picked it up and stared to see the screen constantly scrambling with black background and white lines etching across it. Link sat up holding his phone at arm's length with a grim expression on his face. Then the phone stopped - no scramble, no vibration, nothing.

Odd. Link set the phone on his bed when it flashed brilliant white with a short jingle repeating twice. Link grabbed the phone again and stared at the screen. There was an emblem onscreen looking like a closed envelope. He unlocked the phone and found the text written to him.

TAKE COURAGE.

Take courage? Link tilted his head. Where the heck did this come from?

"Link!" His mother yelled from below. "Dinner!"

Her shrill voice just interrupted every thought. Link hurried though, and scampered downstairs with phone in hand. Their places were set in the usual spot now, in front of the television where the channel never changed for Link. His mother loved hearing the latest factual stories and if the channel was turned the screaming would occur.

Link endured no say yet again while eating down some baked cucco with veggies and potatoes as sides with a perfect glass of LoLo brand milk. They watched more news about the campaign with King Daphne and Princess Zelda versus Dragmire and Iman. This was the first of its kind - an election to be held for the right to rule. Hyrule had been in division for the better part of twenty years when the country decided to make growth happen exponentially. The advent of technology flourished in the kingdom but left behind the rural areas. Some leaders grasped and other leaders griped; this election is the means to an end, finally weeding it down to the people to make the decision; one side for the betterment of rural life in King Daphne and the other for city expansion in Dragmire. Link knew the situation way to well since this is all his life revolved around. From arrival so long ago onto these people's doorstep, to about two months ago there have been daily arguments between his guardian parents. The father, addicted to city life, suggests to go with new direction while the mother, rooted in the old ways, wants steady flow and ebb in Hyrule. Link never really cared, which is where his time spent harassing cuccos was well-placed.

Although, anytime he could steal a glance at the famous Princess Zelda the better he felt about paying attention. His mother watched in periods of statuesque attentiveness, only moving to chew or drink. Once the meal was finished, the program turned off, Link would wash dishes as his mother stood by inspecting and drying them.

"You got a message?" She quizzically stated.

Link nodded.

"Not from me." She said in uproar. "I don't even know how to send one of them text messages."

Link paused and shrugged.

"Take courage... Take courage in what?" She shook her head drying off a plate and setting it in the cabinet.

There was a brief silence before his mother started up again. "I just wanna let you know I gotta go and man the cash register down at mister Earlin's shop. With him bein' missin' and all, I'm goin' to be gone all day. Good riddance, since ya father won't be here till the evening to pick you up."

I can't wait! Link smiled and looked the other way

"I want you to get up, feed my cuccos, and finish up that packin', you understand?"

Link smiled and deeply nodded.

"Good." She stated, drying the last dish, "don't want no problems tomorrow."

She hugged him stiffly and briefly only to head upstairs without so much as a good night. That was his guardian mother. Link drained the sink and stared out the window to see the black mist curling closer to the house than it had before. He knew the mist was getting bolder. Link looked at the deadbolts and wondered if that would be enough to stop it from getting in if it wanted. Link dried his hands and shut the blinds. He headed upstairs to his room and laid in bed. He grabbed his phone in haste and checked the message again.

Take courage. Link blinked in amazement. He still didn't know how he should portray the thing but the fact that he got a text still intrigued him. Link drifted to sleep quickly spending his last night in his mother's house - for two weeks. He didn't sleep much but when he did he felt he went comatose. His rest would restore him for days on end feeling like he could do a marathon and a decathlon in succession. As for now, neither were in his mind. His phone charging, his suitcase nowhere near packed, and his door securely locked he was ready to drift into dreams.

Link did not experience a phantasm, he barely felt like he slept, but the harsh early morning sunlight proved him wrong. Link awoke, stretched and hopped out of bed. He ran downstairs and slid into the kitchen. On the table rested a new wallet, a plate of leftovers, and a note from his guardian mother.

"I know it ain't much Link but here's a wallet full of three-hundred rupees and a plate of last night's dinner. Make sure you pack and if ya want, come by and see me to say goodbye."

His mother wasn't much for words but Link got the general gist. He quickly ate and traveled upstairs to get his phone and also change into his favorite clothes. He eventually walked outside of his house and locked the doors to face the huge pasture of Faron. His posted hands on hips and smiled a bit. Link wore a durable green tee in a v-neck with three X's acting as a tie going down his chest. Underneath was a tight white tee acting as an undershirt. Link wore two wide belts intersecting on his right hip with many pockets on them. He wore dark green shorts since it was summer with high white socks to match the height of his brown boots. Topping it all off was the only memento that traveled with him to this house - tunic hat barely hanging onto his head and trailing down to the small of his back. He loved the way it looked and it made him feel connected to the true parents he never knew.

Link brushed his brilliant golden hair and faced the woods. There was a shortcut through the brush to get to town. He usually took the path when his mother didn't insist to drive him into town herself. The woods were but a small journey compared to the one he wanted to take in the streets of Twinrough. Today was the day after all. Link journeyed across the field and into the woods where it was shaded and cool. The blazing early sun hadn't reached this area yet to give it exceeding illumination but Link could see just fine. Link swished through tall grass and over roots going through wooded areas. He took a slight pause at the gorge, like he always did. He peered into the horizontal pit and noticed the deeper shade. Link quickly noticed the strong branch up above and ran to swing from it. He leapt across a small fifteen foot gorge by way of stumps and overhead branches. He swung to the next side and rolled on landing. He came to a stop when he heard children up ahead.

They are out here prettyearly. Link lurched behind a medium-sized bush and watched the five kids search in the woods. Link knew the rules for these kids: they weren't supposed to go anywhere near the gorge, which they were abiding by.

"I found one!" Mel shouted.

She picked up a frog and shoved it in the boys face. The other girl, Nae, stuck her tongue out to the boys. Link remembered when he used to frog search as a kid. Those days were long gone.

"See I told you we would win!" Mel exclaimed.

"No way you cheated!" Erico accused.

"Yeah!" Tem added.

The two sides butted heads when the shy kid came in for the tiebreaker.

"I saw them pick it up." Vin quivered.

The bush rustled and out popped Link. The kids were frightened at first but then they saw the huge smile on Link's face and they lit up.

"Link!" They exclaimed, running to him with big eyes. "Look what we found. Yeah!"

Something's wrong... Link's eyebrows furrowed as he felt something lurk around.

"Link what's wrong?" Asked Vin. The teen nudged the children back the way they came as Link looked back vigilante. The kids were nearly out of sight when the fog spilled out from the gorge. He hadn't noticed it when he leapt over but it was still nestling in the wide pit. Link stepped back, he had heard the stories of what the black mist can do. The dark fog rose higher as if waiting to overtake Link. The teen didn't bat an eye and crouched down to make himself a smaller target. The black mist got to an apex and started to flood down like an ocean wave. Link grabbed a stray deku stick by his foot and vaulted himself backward and away from immediate danger. Link rolled onto the path and started bolting after the children. He kept the deku stick in hand for added security. The mist made the leaves rustle in fear and the dimness of the shade is probably what caused it to stay.

Link caught up with the children who were out of the woods and heading into the field where town was close by. Link paused at the woods to look back into the path and watched. The children snuck closer in the umbrella of Link's protection. The black fog spilled out into the sunlight and quickly dissipated in the rays of light. Link nodded in achievement but kept staring into the woods. Link saw wiry vine-like tentacles whisk through the tree-line as well as what seemed to be a Deku Baba head. Link was shocked to see them for he had only heard stories. This one seemed bigger than the rest from the shape of its silhouette. As soon as it registered to him, the mist grew fuller and multiple tentacles raced from the woods. Link was completely surprised and clamped onto the deku stick even harder. Four tentacles lashed and sent Link to the ground.

The children ran as a result but the tentacles grabbed four out of five. Mel, the girl holding the frog, started to run back to assist her friends. The tentacles latched on with ease and started to reel back. Link swung as hard as he could and rocked the four tentacles with a single slash. The vibration set the children free as they tumbled to the ground. Link scooped up Vin and Nae, the two smallest, and started to lead the charge back into town.

Mel's scream rang throughout the field and Link paused. A fifth tentacle held onto Mel and the frog tightly as the Deku Baba emerged, burning in the morning light. It jostled its head, as if teasing Link to come try again.

Mel! No! Link started to run for the danger with deku stick in all. The rabid flower let out a growl and swung to overwhelm Link. The deku stick snapped and the teen lay hurt on the ground. The mist subsided and the tentacles withdrawn.

Mel had been taken.

The four children huddled together, watching Link get to one knee and wiping his mouth.

"That thing just took off with Mel!" Erico exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Tem added.

"I'm not going back in there." Vin shook his head.

"But it's our friend!" Nae shoved Vin.

Link saw the children were distraught. Innocently playing in the woods to the capture of a friend, the children needed some form of comfort. Link eventually stood up and stared at the woods. A deku stick alone wasn't going to do the job, he needed a true weapon to avenge the capture of this little girl.

Nae approached Link, tugging on his pants. "Is Mel going to be alright?"

Link gave the children a resolute nod. Don't worry children, I'll figure this one out. Take courage. The children looked to Link, at that moment, knowing he would come through for them. They took the cue and decided to go home and be safe.Link watched the children go with tragedy on their minds. Innocence abounds in the young of Faron but with this incident the youth could be scarred. Innocence that he wish he still had an ounce. Link turned back to the woods one last time, making a resolution in the mysterious words.

I will take courage, for the good people of Faron. For the innocent ones finding a place in this world. For my own, which I never got a chance to know...

Link scurried into town knowing exactly where to go.

Faron Farm was a small section of thoroughly traveled ground with wood cabins in lines. There were shops for everything here from clothing, to a market, to a bazaar, and even a realtor had set up shop. There were always people rustling about in the daytime hanging around restaurants and bars or at the shooting gallery. He could hear the various townspeople talk of the events about the black mist. Link passed through town holding on to his resolution firmly. His destination is the house he finally had the courage to step to about a year ago. This house was offset from the line hidden by trees and a square yard. Link passed through the yard and boldly knocked on the circular door. Locks unset and the door went ajar.

Link entered cautiously - something he grew to apply. The door closed behind him and locked automatically like it always did.. Link crept around the narrow hallway crouching as he did. Somehow, the owner of the house always knew Link was present. Link felt prepared this time as he rounded the first corner. There was an open doorway on his left where he saw the resident sitting with his back turned against Link holding his staff up keenly straight.. The teen eased up a bit and entered the wide square room. It was built like a sparring arena with halls surrounding the room. Link stepped further in reaching out for the shoulder when he felt a presence drop in from behind him. Link rolled forward over the mannequin with its clothes thrown up. The true resident dropped down slamming the ground with his staff, missing Link. The teen rolled up holding the first staff in hand. Link crouched a bit as the resident rose to form. He was paler than anyone else he had seen in Faron because he stayed inside all the time.

"Welcome back, Link." Zark said.

Link smirked.

Zark dashed forward thrusting the staff toward Link's torso. Link blocked twice and had to dodge the third, which was a sweeping uppercut. Zark spun and leapt bringing up the staff in his rotation. Link back flipped which trapped him against the wall. Zark took a step and went into for a deadly slash with all his might. Link saw the fury in Zark's battle-hardened eyes and froze. Link was going to get struck like he always had. Link thought of his resolve and focused back on track. Link watched the staff follow through and optioned to parry. Link rolled in a semicircle around Zark and lifted the old man up into the air with a swing of the staff. Link mustered up the remaining strength and struck a double hit to the mid-air opponent who telegraphed Link and blocked. Link missed the deciding blow and Zark slid across the floor staff held upright to act as brakes.

The skinny old man lifted his head and actually smiled.

"We'll it's about time!" Zark complained. "I've been pummeling you for the last two months with that move set."

His voice, scruffy and deep, was full of experience in battle and hardship. The last time there was a true skirmish in Hyrule, the Gohma's nearly took out the north quadrant almost fifty years ago. Zark was lieutenant in that army and to this day keeps his skills sharpened.

"Welcome back, Link. Sneaking out one last time?"

Last time is right... but, there's something else. Link looked down a bit, troubled at his thoughts.

"What's the matter?" Zark asked. "I'm guessing there's a lot more to this than I know."

Link made eye contact with Zark looking on with ferocity and willpower. Zark noticed it and started pacing like he always did when a thought crossed his mind.

"The black mist... It's treachery has not yet reached our great kings ears, but still it should not go unnoticed. I wonder sometimes if this newfangled election is really helping or hurting sweet Hyrule."

Zark turned to face Link.

"You have warrior's blood in you Link, that I can sense. You came here not for me, but for the will and safety of someone other than yourself, correct?"

A creature of the mist took a little girl just now. I need to save her and do away with the mist that haunts us. Link stepped forward with clinched fists and the burning passion in his eyes. Zark felt the intensity emanating from this boy which encouraged his worry.

"It is dangerous to go alone. Here take this." The old man stated. Zark tapped his staff on the floor two times and a gate in the rear of the house lifted up. Link wondered what mystery had unraveled in the house.

"In my garden you will find the tool I found in the fields of Hyrule. It was in a shrine underground, which I have yet to rediscover. The tool, however, has never been used... until today."

Link faced Zark and gave a Hyrule Knight's salute. Thank you, Zark.

Link turned and exited the square dojo and out into the garden. He saw the treasure chest sitting in the middle of the garden with flowers all around and trees on the outskirts of the high gates. There was a small path leading to the center of the garden with the treasure chest on a small mound of grass with flowers on both sides. Link stepped to the chest as wonder and joy imparted upon him. He could hear his own joy bubble up in wondrous tones as the lid of chest was set all the way back. There was a glowing green light emanating from the box as Link reached in. He stepped back, spun and hoisted the prize into the sky.

You found the Light Sword! Enshrined in Hyrule's depths it was said to be a tool of the sages of old. There is also a mysterious power hidden behind the blade.

Link hoisted the sword into the air as light shone brilliantly from the blade. He grabbed the hilt tighter and swung it down and across. His phone vibrated as a reaction to the item and explained it in a quaint bold-printed notification. Link was impressed with his technology and the sword.

It was middleweight, mildly sharp, and a bit of a short blade. Link wanted to complain but it was better than that deku stick he had. He tucked that away into his inventory. He took another look in the chest and pulled out a sheathe - of course not with the same intensity. He attached the scabbard to the rear cross of his two belts and devilishly smirked. He slashed right, he slashed left, he did an angled slash, and then spun on the fourth.

Link noticed two things in this moment.

The sword vibrated in the third and forth hits as if it was honing its hidden power the phone delightfully mentioned, but the power never came to fruition. Link briefly wondered just what the hidden power was when he noticed the second event.

The gate sealed behind him.

Zark had always been one to use time locks and set traps. Link shouldn't have been surprised. Link trotted through the garden looking for a way out when he spotted tall weeds in the corner. Link slashed and cut the trees down in one horizontal slice. His sword inadvertently had hit a diamond shaped stone, which flashed yellow. Link turned his attention to the gate, which sprung back up into ceiling. Link smiled but turned back toward the switch. There was a crate behind the switch, when curious Link shoved aside in a few pushes. The crate blocked a path leading underground underneath the markets of Faron Farm. Link quickly traveled down into the catacombs when a thought occurred to him.

So this is how Zark has been getting around... Link saw many ways split off into directions underneath many markets. Link memorized the stores up above and knew which ones he didn't want to visit today. He came across the general store where his guardian mother was helping today. He wanted to stop in and see her again but then he thought about the scolding.

Maybe I'd just be better off alone... Link ventured down the catacombs, boots slamming against the tightly packed soil, he heard a screech up ahead. Link paused, left hand on his sword, itching to use it on the screecher.

Link looked left, Link looked right. Nothing there.

A keese slammed into his neck, biting him quickly. Link flailed and dropped his sword from the pain. Link rolled to evade a second bite as two more keese joined the fray. Link welcomed a battle now that he had a weapon of choice over there on the ground. Link quickly realized his worry made him drop his sword. Link let the rabid bats approach and then rolled back to the tool. He missed slicing the first keese and nearly got the second in a wayward attempt. He steadied his mind and hand and thrust for the third. The hit connected and Link quickly dispatches of the other two keese. The bats exploded in darkness with four puffs of smoke coming back onto the explosion's center point and dissipating. A heart popped from the event which link joyously picked up. He felt much better about the happening and moved onto the nearest door.

Link emerged in the post office- a small building at the opposing end from Zark's estate. It was small, quaint, and very efficiently uncompromisingly organized. Postman ran a tight ship, refusing to hire anyone because he claimed it would mess with his time table. He even went so far and had the eccentricity to give up the name he once had and alter it Postman. Link knew this guy was a bit compulsive, so he planned on making his visit short. He wasn't about to run his routes yet so stopping in early was acceptable.

"Link!" Postman exclaimed. "Five-hundred Shepherds Drive, right?"

Link smiled and nodded.

"How ya doin kid? Good? Me? I'm alright. Just getting ready to make my runs, don't interrupt my runs."

Link rolled his eyes quickly but kept a smiling face.

"I've got a letter for ya!" Postman dug into his bag and instantly handed Link the envelope. The swordsman spun and held the letter high into the air. The phone chimed in with notification and vibration.

You received Father's Letter! It looks pretty important. If only you had something to put it in...

Link was only starting to get used to his phones interruptions.

Link opened and read the letter. It was definitely from his father with the contents written by hand. The date was from two days before and from the looks of it written with urgency. Link discovered his guardian father was going through tough times and borrowed money from some people called the Gerudo Mafia. He continued saying something about money back with interest, in deep with the mob, and most importantly not knowing if he'd be there to pick him up. Link set the letter down and pondered.

Father is in trouble... I've got to go save him. Link shuffled to find a place to store the letter.

"Important news huh?" Postman questioned. "Just doing my job. Hey I noticed you don't have a place to put that letter, here's an old parcel bag I used to use. Don't interrupt my runs."

Link took the bag and showed it off by hoisting it up into the air.

You got a Parcel Bag! You can hold letters, deliver items, and courier for others. Now you have a place for Father's Letter!

I can't leave Mel in danger. I can't forget my resolution. I told myself I wasn't going to let those children lose their bliss. Father will... He'll just have to wait. Link started for the door and twisted the knob leading out. He opened it and noticed Postman stretching and running in place. Link watched in smug weird horror as Postman shuffled out into the bright of day. He jogged in place as Link met him outside, closing the door after himself.

"Hey I also noticed that sword you got there, been a while since I seen one that nice. Did you know Zark, zero-one Main street, used to teach swordsmanship in the Hyrule Army?"

Link nodded.

Postman deflated for just a moment. "Did you know that Benzo, sixteen Faron avenue, has a nice wooden shield to match that?"

Link perked up at the sound of a defensive item.

"His shop is right over there, it's stop number twenty-two on the old route. Don't interrupt my runs."

Link looked cater-corner from the post office and seen the bazaar where Benzo worked.

"Looks like my day is just starting. See ya Link!" Postman started to jog off yelling to any and everyone. "Don't interrupt my runs!"

Link deflated but got back on task and practically dashed to the bazaar. He walked in and immediately it felt dim. The bazaar was, for lack of better term, a bizarre place with dingy outdated antiques laying everywhere but once in a while Benzo would have some nice junk.

"What'll it be?" Benzo grudgingly stated. The owner was large and lurched everywhere. His expression was one of one of flaccid surprise, especially with his mouth constantly open.

Link eyeballed the shield already. Benzo stared at Link, turned to the shield, turned back to Link, glared at the counter, turned to the shield and back to Link.

"You want that?"

Link nodded.

"200 rupees."

Link cringed. Two-thirds of his money, ousted in an instant.

Link opened the whole wallet and out popped a couple orange rupees. The great thing about rupees is they always gelled together when stuffed into a wallet but it was just heard letting go. Link forked over the currency and Benzo gave up the Shield. Link responded with joy when he hoisted it up into the air. His phone followed pattern afterwards.

You just paid for the Deku Shield! Strong, durable but heavy, you can defend yourself with ease. Although prolonged exposure to fire makes the shield go to ash. And heavy attacks turn this shield into toothpicks.

The shield was made from deku wood layered several times with two horizontal bracers in the upper and lower parts of the shield. Carved into the item was the emblem for the deku which made the shield a little more reverent. The defensive item felt right in the swordsman's hand.

Benzo glared at Link, who uncomfortably and cautiously backed out of the shop. Link emerged in daylight and saw the townspeople hustling, bustling and gathering supplies for their laborious days. He could hear the people all around still talking about the black mist. It was hard to separate the truth from rumor. One crowd said the mist swarmed the chimney and made Wallmasters crawl into their living room. Another crowd said the mist makes ghoulish sounds on certain nights the moon is shaped. Another crowd said the black mist was taking people.

Link believed that was true.

He grew fortified with each step and even sturdier as he whisked through the tall grass heading toward the woods. It was getting close to noontime now, and the dusk in the bush was nothing but a faint shade. Link easily entered, restocking his deku stick inventory and approaching the gorge he skipped over. He looked down into the ten foot deep pit and it occurred to him.

This was filled with mist this morning, and I disturbed it, I'm the reason Mel was taken. Link mustered up his courage and progressed deeper into Faron Woods.

The gorge was small and rounded but fairly deep. He hadn't thought of it but how was he going to get back up there? Link paused for a moment pondering his action, but turned forward to the path. He quickly came up to a moss-covered cube-shaped stone. The stone was floating by way of a thick vine hanging from the two-tree archway. Link surveyed his options and noticed a space big enough for him to crawl. Link got on his stomach and quickly slid underneath the block. Foliage was tight everywhere else so this seemed like the logical path. Link felt relief from the first obstacle and headed further down the gorge.

Link passed into the wide berth of the gorge and stopped, taking in the sight. The area looked decrepit. There were toppled trees and weeds everywhere with a dark atmosphere acting as a canopy. Link grabbed sword and shield as he ventured further, hoping to be ready to defend himself. He walked a path when he heard that same growl again. A small deku baba sprang from the ground and lunged at Link. The teen cringed holding shield in protection and the baba slammed against it. Link took the opportunity and swung his sword in a horizontal slash. The baba dodged and spat a green substance. Link rolled to dodge and came around with a hooking slash. The baba shot up vertically in pain. Link slashed three more times to finally cut the heavy threads off the baba. The violent plant toppled over and converted into a friendly deku stick. Link revisited the weight of the Light Sword one last time and was impressed. The first turn-by-turn battle of this journey turned out successful. Link grew with confidence and progressed into the gorge.

There were rounded walls created by roots with trees up top. There were thick vines hanging everywhere probably created from the mutant baba abducting people. He didn't want to chance throwing his sword and getting it stuck somewhere so he had no way to cut this natural rope. Link explored further, the gorge walls growing higher as he did, when he came into a clearing. There were eight unlit torches in a medium-sized circle with vines wrapped around them and leading up to the canopy and over to the other side where an intricate thorn-gate rose from the ground. Link stepped further in wishing he could get fire to this place but the way deku sticks burned he wouldn't make it all the way here in time. Link kicked a rock in a moment of thought when he felt something approach - a dark veil grew thicker over the area.

What was that? Link searched around with scruffy groans coming to life in audio form. Link unsheathed his sword and shield and stood ready. He heard the leaves rustle behind him and then on his right. Soon there were even more rustles when Link was suddenly surrounded.

Monsters.

Specifically bokoblins, who were hired pig-faced mercenary ready to swing anything at anybody at anytime. Link gripped his shield and backed up into the nearest torch. Eight bokoblins approached Link in their ragged clothing covered in dirt and mud bearing clubs and deku sticks. Link tightened his left hand and leapt with a double handed vertical slash. The first bokoblin didn't see it coming and flew back in agony. They made a small assertive battle cry and tried to surround Link. A bokoblin struck Link's shield then another slammed his back. Link slashed and returned both of their hits. The next bokoblin up horizontally swung as Link ducked and sliced upward sending the bokoblin into two others behind him. Link ran, gaining confidence, and smashed into the final bokoblin with his shield. It rolled to the ground with Link standing over him.

That wasn't so bad. Link nodded.

A firey arrow slammed into Link's shoulder and the swordsman nearly lost his possessions. Link clutched the arrow and yanked it out sacrificing one-of-three hearts to instantly heal the pain. The burning effect of the fire still lingered as Link finally made contact with the eighth bokoblin, it was an archer, hanging back to cover the other seven. The bokoblin knocked another arrow and aimed steadily. Link got ready to defend himself when another bokoblin swung for Link's head. Link rolled out of the way with the arrow whizzing by and slamming another bokoblin in the chest. It exploded in black smoke leaving behind a heart in the process. Link's eyes opened up for the prize when he dashed for it. A bokoblin leapt in his way as a firey arrow embedded into its neck. Link slammed into the enemy and fell to the ground. That bokoblin exploded in mist as the other five enemies surrounded the fallen swordsman. They reeled back club and deku stick alike when the green clad teen rose rotating to slash the all five in a daring spin attack.

The five bokoblins were all sent airborne dropping their artillery and fading to mist before they hit the ground. An arrow whizzed by and notched into Link's side. Another heart sacrificed, Link yanked out the troublesome bolt. He really needed to do away with that archer bokoblin. He felt fatigue instantly over him with beads of sweat and the panting occurring. Still he rolled not towards the still present heart but to the club the bokoblins held. The archer bokoblin knocked and shot an arrow right into the club Link defended with. The teen got to the middle of the eight torch set up and released another spin attack igniting the posts. The archer bokoblin had just realized he was the catalyst for him getting past the trap. The bokoblin struggled to get another arrow up when Link hurled the ignited club and crashed the distant bokoblin in the head. He caught fire and in seconds exploded in mist. The torches fire scorched the vines effectively letting the gate open. Link felt successful and looked over to the heart to find it blinking away. Link quickly dove for the restorative but it fizzled out in haste. Link slammed a fist on the ground, wishing he'd got that sooner.

Link got to his feet and passed through the gate leading into the new area.

Fatigue possessed Link, who was down to a single heart. It felt like his life was going to blink away but he pressed forward. He got to the end of the path when his trek abruptly ended.

Faron Bastion.

His phone read the name of the location but not handing out any other information. Faron Bastion was a temple used to pray to the goddess Farore for giving us fruitage and pasture. It has long been abandoned up until this point with Mel somewhere inside. The exterior was made of gray stone with a wide berth at its foundation. The gorge continued deep into the earth beyond the temple with huge trees acting more as pillars than beautifying the area. The limbs of the massive trees acted as tethers to the temple. Upon closer examination, the bastion was completely suspended by the towering trees where branches and moss covered over the entire stone structure. Link gasped in wonder at the exterior for only a moment when he realized he wasn't here for himself.

Link mustered up what he could and approached the temple entrance. Lit torches on both sides indicated someone, or something, was home. He remembered his resolve, his promise to take courage from the mysterious message on his phone. He would rescue Mel, he would take revenge on the giant baba and he would - if possible - dispatch the black mist. This was the first time Link felt this much purpose in his life, finally fighting for something worthwhile made him feel like ten-thousand rupees. Fatigue would be the main factor now, with one heart difference between life and death he would stay cautious and remain vigilante. He took his first step into Faron Bastion and never looked back.

From here on... A legend would be born.