Chapter 4.

Hero of Winds, Present day-

I felt a warm breeze on my face, as my small sailboat glided slowly across the waters of the great sea. It is a small vessel, which I purchased a few years ago from a merchant on Windfall. My previous ship, the King of Red Lions, had been lost during a storm shortly after I departed the great Sea with Tetra. (Though King Daphone's spirit had ceased to inhabit the boat right after Ganon's defeat.) Overhead, Quill glides through the sky, keeping pace with my boat. Several Seagulls are also following me, trailing along after us like a winged procession.

When Quill landed on our Island, I immediately grabbed my sword and Shield. Komali is not one to send for help lightly, so I know the situation must be serious. Still, it will be awhile until we reach our destination, so I once again pull out the Journal, picking up from where I left off.

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Hero of Twilight, centuries ago-

The Legendary Hero.

At long last, I finally understood everything. Why my father fled Hyrule when I was an infant, why Rusl was so cryptic about my parents ... it all makes sense now. There had been rumors circulating since I was a child that one member of the Hero of Time's family had survived, and from the outfit I am now wearing, I would safely guess that I am, the last of that bloodline. I suppose I should be angry at Rusl for not letting me in on this little piece of information, but I realize he did it to protect me, as the ancient hero's family had mostly been wiped out by the forces of evil, and they would have been more than happy to get their hands on me, the sole survivor. As the Light spirit vanishes, I am left to contemplate the fact that the fate of Hyrule- nay, the entire world- rests in my hands.

Very quickly, I was reminded by Midna that I must fulfill my end of the bargain, and retrieve the item she seeks from the forest temple. She seems very determined to recover whatever it is that is hidden at the temple, judging by how eager she was to retrieve it. Normally, I would have been irritated about being bossed around like this, but right now helping this imp achieves my goals, as Illia and the kids may be being kept prisoners there. I still do not trust this creature that dwells in my shadow, but for now, we are uneasy partners.

As I headed back towards the Forest Temple, one of the gang of monkeys suddenly sprang forward, and stole my lantern. Ignoring Midna's complaining, I raced after the little thief. As I pursued her, I noticed the monkey stopped every so often, as if she wanted me to catch up. The light from the lantern drove back the poisonous fog, clearing the way for us to pass. Along the way, I was forced to kill several monsters that pop up, as the monkey cowered in fear. Finally, we cleared the fog area, and the monkey dropped the lantern, and ran away. I quickly discovered that the Lamp has run out of oil, which I easily refilled with oil I had bought from the merchant earlier.

As I walked into the forest temple area, I noticed a large golden wolf sitting near the entrance. Having never seen a creature like this before, I approached the wolf curiously, only to have it suddenly growl and lunge at my me! I barely had a chance to draw my sword before we were engulfed in light. I suddenly found myself on a white plane of light, surrounded bu an eerie mist. The wolf was gone, and as I looked around, I suddenly felt a presence behind me. Turning quickly, I saw what looked like an exceptionally tall Stalfos in armor, with one glowing eye, and an ancient looking sword and shield. Having heard how dangerous Stalfos can be, I drew my sword and charged him, only to be knocked back on my rear.

"You disgrace the Hero whose tunic you wear." The Shade who stood before me was curt and abrupt, but he was not an enemy as I had thought. I cannot say exactly say why, but... for some reason, I... trust him. Even though I have never seen this creature before there is something almost ... familiar... about him. Raising his sword, this spirit began to train me, teaching me the Ending blow, a deadly maneuver to use against my foes. He then tells me to find the howling stones throughout Hyrule, and promptly vanishes. Since the Shade said he had more sword moves for me to learn, I am certain I will see this apparition again.

As I approached the forest Temple, my footsteps grow more cautious. We Odorondians have always held this place in reverence, and I have never ventured inside. I looked carefully to the left and right, half expecting to see a Kokiri or a Skull kid, creatures that supposedly inhabited these woods before our people settled here. As I stood in front of the door, I began to wonder what dangers and surprises await me inside.

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Hero of Winds, Present Day-

I closed the book, as the peak of Dragon roost grew closer on the horizon. Who was that shade my ancestor saw, I wonder? And what was that imp's agenda? I am pulled out of my thoughts, as the sight of the great dragon Valoo sitting atop his volcanic peak, letting out a mighty roar. An escort of Rito guards approaches my boat, greeting me warmly.

Soon, we are all inside, where all the Rito are gathered in the main chamber. There are looks of concern on all of their faces, telling me that all is not well here. In the center of the room stands Komali, who upon seeing me smiles and walks forward.

"LINK! Thank Nayru you're here!" He says, clasping my arm in a welcoming handshake. "It's so good to see you again, my friend!"

"Thank you, Komali." I reply warmly. "It's good to see you again, very good." As I look him up and down, I cannot help but notice how the former prince has changed. No longer a boy, The young Chief now has a full beard, much like his father did. Gone is the under confident youth who gave me the first of the three pearls so long ago, and in his place stands this brave young man whom I have the honor of calling friend.

"So is Medli with you?" He asks, looking over my shoulder.

I shake my head. "No Komali, I'm afraid she decided to stay with the children this time."

"Oh." He replied, slightly downcast. "Well, I understand." I can tell from the disappointment in his voice he really wanted to see her. My wife had been like a mother to Komali, after his grandmother died. She and I were kind of his surrogate parents, as I gave him courage when I saved the great Valoo from that Ghoma monster years ago. He looks up to the two of us, since his own father was too busy being a chief back then, never having time for his son.

"So Komali." I ask, getting to the point. "What was so urgent that I had to be summoned here so quickly?"

"The Darkest of Tidings, I fear." He replies, looking away. "I am in urgent need of your help, Link. Last night... Queen Pala was outside the Arie, playing with our infant son... when she mysteriously vanished." His voice began to tremble. "The guards heard the sound of a scuffle outside, but when they got there... all they found were a few of her wing feathers..." He held up a note clenched in his fist. "And this message saying if the Hero didn't come to Overlook island by noon tomorrow... my wife and son would be killed!" Komali burst into tears as he finished. "I'm so sorry to get you involved in this... but, please help us, Link!"

I put my hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, old friend. I'll get your family back." Turing to go, I look back over my shoulder. "Whoever took them is going to wish they were never born!"

Komali simply nodded. As I walked past the door guards, one of them spoke up. "We both wish you the best of luck, Link! Do we not, Skett?"

"That is indeed correct, Akoot!" The other guard agreed. "We shall pray to the Goddesses for your safe return!"

As I depart from Dragon Roost, I realize that the journey to Overlook island will take some time. My mainsail set and my course headed, I pull the Journal out and begin reading again.

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Hero of Twilight, centuries ago-

The Temple is an amazing place. Appearing as a single, massive tree, it's interior is a series of rooms and chambers, all infested by monsters of every shape and size. The monkey I encountered earlier, I know why she brought me here now. Going from room to room, I rescued the rest of her tribe from imprisonment, all the while fighting off Skulltullas and Bokoblins. I also found traps, such as annoying, centipede-like creatures who hide beneath tiles, waiting to throw me off. Eventually, I find the lead monkey, who attacked me with an enchanted boomerang. He is being mind controlled, and once I defeated him, the frightened primate flees, leaving me to claim the magical boomerang for my own.

I just don't know what to make of all this, so many new things I have never seen before. From the Cucco-like creature Occoca and her child, to the rotating bridges that both the wind and the gale boomerang can turn. And this imp... while she is very annoying, there is something about her sarcasm, and determination to get what she wants, that is most... unique. Rusl was right, there is much I have yet to experience in this world, and I feel this is only the beginning.

At the end of the dungeon, I find myself face-to-fang with a giant, Deku-Baba like monster. With the help of the Monkey leader and some bomblings, I was able to slay the horrific monstrosity. Afterward, Midna grabs a strange piece of what looks like broken armor, claiming it was what she was looking for. I get a feeling of dread from the thing, as it seems to wreak of evil. I have no doubt that that is what mutated that plant into a monster, and shudder at what it's power could do in the wrong hands.

I was disappointed, however, that none of my friends are here, and the monsters must have taken them deeper into Hyrule. Minda urged me onward, wanting me to head deeper into the twilight to retrieve the next part of her... whatever it is. I can only hope that I will find Illia and the others soon, and that they are all right.