Chapter 1
Link took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, earthy air. He enjoyed wandering in the Faron woods near his new home on the surface; the surface he and Zelda, his best friend, occupied together. After the defeat of Demise, there was not much for the young hero to do. Link stretched and put a hand on the bird statue atop the viewpoint tower in the woods. He closed his eyes in the wind- if he could not be bothered to scale the tree in the center of the forest, this was his other perch. He took one more breath, but it hitched in his lungs as he remembered Fi. She was his old servant, and he missed the sword spirit had said that she wished they would meet again in another life, and Link wanted the exact same. He let out his breath in a sigh, realizing that Zelda must miss Impa as well. The two of them lost their servants, and though they did not need any more help, both Link and Zelda each wanted their friends back.
He recalled Groose, another friend, and smiled. He couldn't exactly be considered a friend in the beginning, but Groose really came around when Link and Zelda needed him the most. Groose was just as much help as I was, even though he wasn't in the prophecy, Link reflected to himself with a reminiscent grin. I wonder how Peatrice is doing? he worried, smile disappearing. The poor girl loved him with all her heart, and he cared about her as well. Link slammed his hand down onto the railing of the viewpoint, how could he have forgotten about her? I hope she finds someone to make her happy, since I can't exactly go back… Oh goddess, what if she never lets go of me? What if she grows up to be an old lady, knitting and waiting for my return?! He shook his head. I'm sure she will meet someone to help her, maybe ol' Groose will be there for her. They sure do seem like they'd like each other. Link stopped pondering the past as he jumped to attention, and his sensitive ears pricked as he picked up faint shouting in the woods. He removed his hand from the railing and crept down the stairs to the ground below. As his foot hit the damp grass, he heard another shout and angry chatter. It sounds like it came from the bridge near the tree, Link calculated. Who could that be? Zelda's still in the temple!
Link's heart pounded in his chest, almost drowning the sound of the muffled shouting in the woods. As Link passed the patch of dirt where the spirit trials were held, he shuddered. A chill crept down his spine as the world around him seemed to turn into the blue spirit world of those ghastly trials, the trials he could never forget. He thought he could even see the guardians around him, waiting silently and motionlessly for the last petal to fall from the spirit vessel. At least they taught me a lesson, and I won't fail to remember it… he thought hesitantly. Link took a deep breath, and brought himself back to the task at hand. Who is causing all the ruckus? Link wondered to himself as he approached the side of the great tree. He pressed his body against the tree and scooted to the side towards the water. Link turned his head around the corner gingerly. He quickly swiveled back and slammed himself against the tree, searching for cover in the crevices of the bark.
Ghirahim!