Chapter 9!

The Invisible Fan: I'm glad you think I got it right. The biggest problem is finding a balance between not jumping to conclusions too early and not sounding like dumbasses. (grins)

Milady Midori: Excellent, I'm glad I've finally gotten the hang of his character. (grins) Maybe I'll eventually fix the first chapters. Maybe. Eventually maybe. Good call on the grammar! That's what happens when I type up a chapter late at night and not bother proof reading properly. If you ever see any more mistakes, let me know! Also, I find the "!.?" thing bothersome, too, but if I don't add in the period then Fanfiction(dot)net removes one of them, for some reason. (hmm) I'm not sure if it's the same for others, but no matter, it's still understandable, which is the important thing. (grins)

I'm glad people are enjoying the story, I'll try to keep it interesting. I'm trying to write it so that both Link and Arn have noticeable flaws. After all, they are only Hylian. If anyone wants to, I'd love to hear exactly what parts make Link look weak. I definitely see what you all are saying, but I can't seem to pinpoint it. (hmm) I do already know I need to improve his battling at the beginning, though him getting knocked out from the Bulblins is kind of necessary, so I can't fix that. And Arn and his men being able to kick his ass is important to the plot, so that's stuck, too.

Also, if anyone doesn't know, Arrogate means to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right. This'll be useful to know in a few paragraphs. I love . (grins)

Chapter 9: Gift Of Magic

Once the bright, purple light faded, Link took a moment to take in his new surroundings. He stood on the circular platform marked with the Shadow Symbol - a triangle with circles next to each of the three edges - a wooden fence not far in front bordering the sudden drop to the Kakariko Graveyard. Link could hear the Gravekeeper stomping around below. Link had never learned his name, but could remember him stomping around the graveyard with a stick as a kid. He took over when the old Gravekeeper, Dampe, died of old age a few years ago. Amusingly enough, he still carried around a stick, albeit a larger one. Above, thick clouds covered the sky. When it wasn't raining, it was about to. It was strange, as beyond the Graveyard was clear skies. The residents of the Village often claimed supernatural influence, and for all Link knew, they were right. Poes often appeared at night, despite Kingdom-wide peace, and even though the Shadow Temple was rid of evil, it was still a dark, disturbing place.

After a few seconds of sightseeing, Link turned away from the quiet Graveyard and made his way to the cave set into the cliff. Kakariko was surrounded on all sides by rock, like Death Mountain was trying to engulf it. Once he descended the natural slope in the cave tunnel, Link stepped into a small cavern. Directly opposite him was the entrance to the Shadow Temple, blocked by a strange-looking door that almost seemed to have a face etched into the stone. That alone would be enough to deter any other traveller that happened upon it. Wooden, unlit torches filled the middle of the cavern, the dark wood hard to see in the dim light. Thankfully, Link didn't have to light them. He had no desire to enter the Shadow Temple, and no reason to. Once he entered the cavern, Link only had to wait a few seconds before blue light began to shine out of the rocky ground below him. Dim at first, it quickly grew brighter as a blue, diamond-shaped barrier appeared around him, and once again Link felt the strange sensation of floating as everything began to fade to white.

When the light finally faded, Link found himself staring straight at Impa, the Shadow Sage.

" Greetings, Great Hero. " The tall, muscular woman smiled at him. All around them, a strange blue light covered what Link guessed to be the walls of the Chamber far off in the distance. All around them floated blue, round platforms illuminated by beams of light that seemed to shine from nowhere. Link stood on the only accessible ground in the Chamber of Sages. Under his feet, the Triforce was etched in the marble. Beyond that were the marked platforms the Sages stood on, each with their respective colour and symbol. The atmosphere of this strange place was oddly calming, and the air was unnaturally still.

It had been a very long while since he was last there.

" Hi, Link! " Saria called out excitedly from Link's right. Link turned and waved, grinning broadly at his old friend. How he missed Saria... She had been his closest friend as a child. But he couldn't complain- how would that look?

" Much has happened, these last few days, has it not? " Rauru, who stood between Impa and Saria on the yellow platform, began. " As the Sage of Light, I see all that occurs in Hyrule Field. "

" If that is so, " Link replied, dropping his smile, " Then you already know my first question. "

" I do. " Rauru said. " And it is one I cannot answer. "

" I figured as much. " Link sighed, not bothering to hide his annoyance. " It has to do with family, after all. "

" Don't get petty! " Nabooru huffed from behind him. " We don't do this for fun, you know! "

" Then why? " Link asked, swiveling to face her. " Why do you withhold these things from me? And don't give me a speech about fate and destiny! I've heard enough of that already! "

" I'm afraid there is no other we can give. " Rauru answered. Link simply stared at him with an expression of weariness and disbelief. Once, when Link first met Rauru, the Sage had told him that he, for a long time, did not believe in the existence of the Hero of Time. This told Link that the ancient Sage could not foresee the future. How was he so sure, then, that keeping such an important piece of information from him would be connected to his destiny? Link had already fulfilled that. Hadn't he?

" Please forgive us, Link. " Saria said softly from his right. Link turned to face the Kokiri only to see her hovering directly in front of him instead of on the Forest Medallion platform. She had been slightly taller than him when he was a boy, and that was the height she now floated, her face an expression of sadness. Link subconsciously mimicked the expression, instantly upset with himself. It had always bothered him to see her unhappy, and apparently still did. " We, as Sages, cannot interfere in these sort of things. " She continued. " Just like all the others in Hyrule, you must find your own way. We can only interfere if it is related to us. "

How he wished he could oppose that. He wished he could declare her excuse insufficient, demand they tell him everything they know... But Saria was right. His affiliations shouldn't warrant special treatment. And what kind of man would he be to arrogate it?

" ...I suppose I can't argue. " He replied after a pause, smiling weakly at his dear friend. " Often it seems you have grown older than I. "

" And I envy you for that. " Saria replied with a smile of her own.

" If you are satisfied then, Great Hero, " Rauru interrupted, " There are important matters we must discuss. " Link nodded, returning attention to the old man. Rauru was the last of the Ancient Sages. He had eyes that seemed to stare into you, as if he could see exactly what was in your mind. He also had a damn good poker face, and Link found it impossible to know what was in his. No doubt he spent his time teaching the other five Sages. Link could only wonder how much they now knew, and wonder if any mortal man would live long enough to learn it as well.

" Is there anything new you can tell me about the dark magic in the Temple of Time? " Link asked the Light Sage. " The Princess and I believe the appearance of magically created monsters is related. "

" Alas, " Rauru shook his head slowly, " We cannot discern anything. The evil aura that surrounds the Temple has blocked us so effectively, I can only conclude it was specifically designed to do so. We are deliberately being blocked so we cannot guess or prevent whatever may be occurring inside. "

" You and Zelda theorised that it may be the magic of dark interlopers. " Impa added. " If this is correct, then it only strengthens our desire for haste. You were wise to consult us first, Link. In your current state, you would be no match. "

" Unfortunately, Great Hero, " Rauru finished, " You'll still be so, even with our power added to yours. "

" How can that be? " Link uttered, confused. " Your strength was enough to oppose the King of Evil. How is it not enough for a being no where near equal? "

" Along side our power, you were also protected by the Master Sword. " Saria explained. " It's ability to repel evil made it a key element to Ganondorf's downfall. The sword you have now would have been destroyed in seconds had you used it against him, and it will be destroyed if you used it now against this evil, which, while not equal to the Triforce of Power, is still not to be laughed at. "

" What do you suppose I do? " Link asked.

" You certainly can't use the Master Sword! " Darunia bellowed. " You need a decent weapon! One that can withstand such magical power. "

" There's still a Great Fairy you haven't found yet, Kid. " Nabooru said from behind him. " She's a Great Fairy of Magic. "

" The Fountain is deep under the water at the far side of Lake Hylia. " Ruto explained with her usual tone of superiority. " You still have those heavy boots, do you not? " Link nodded. " Good. " She continued. " From the bank, if you pass the Water Temple, a cave will be visible at the edge of the cliff adjacent to the Temple Isle. Then all you need to do is swim to the surface. A man like you should have no trouble with that much water. After all, no one less could ever have become my fiance! "

" Uh- r-right! " Link stammered, instantly shrinking back a few steps from the Zora. She didn't seem to notice his panic. At the time he acquired the Zora's Sapphire all those years ago, he had no idea what marriage was, and had not understood in the slightest when she had talked about engagement. He didn't even know what a fiance was when she had mentioned it seven years later. He only figured out what it was all about after he had been sent back to this time, when Malon explained it to him a year later. Ever since then, whenever he thought about Ruto or the Spiritual Stone of Water, all he could think about was how close a call it had been. If she had not become a Sage...

" This Great Fairy of Magic can strengthen your weapon. " Rauru said, Link delighted at the change of focus. " While it will be nowhere near as effective as the Master Sword, it will be able to withhold against a powerful magic attack, should it be struck with one. This can be used defensively. But keep in mind, Great Hero, " He added, " It will not reflect magic like the Sword of Evil's Bane. "

" I understand. " Link nodded again.

" Then accept our gift, Great Hero. " Rauru replied. " These medallions will add our might to your own! " With that, Rauru looked up, raising his arms above his head. A moment later, a bright, yellow light began to form above his hands, starting as small as a bead and growing rapidly. To his right, Saria floated back to her position on the Forest Pedestal, holding her hands close to her body in prayer with her eyes closed. Soon she too raised her arms above her head. A green light then appeared, the same as Rauru's had. Link then watched as all the other Sages followed suit, one after the other, like a wave. Darunia flexed his arms, Ruto crossed hers in front of her face, Nabooru slapped her hands together, and Impa held one hand over her mouth and the other just below. By the time the purple light was formed above the Shadow Sage's head, Rauru's had floated over to Link, just out of reach. It was soon joined by the other coloured orbs, until they all floated in front of him, just out of reach. Then, in the same order, each light dimmed, until they had all faded, leaving the familiar Elemental Medallions in their place, rotating slowly in the air. Link held his hands up to catch them, and they all dropped into his open palms with a soft clatter. There was no light cast on them, yet they all still seemed to shine.

" There is nothing more we can offer you, Link. " Impa said after a few moments. " Once again, we Sages depend on you. Be sure to visit the Great Fairy of Magic in Lake Hylia before you return to the Castle. "

" I will. " Link replied confidently. He closed his hands around the medallions. A moment later, their light shined through his fingers, and when he opened his hands again, they were gone, absorbed inside him so it was impossible for him to lose them.

" Good luck, Link! " Saria grinned, waving him goodbye. Link waved back as once again the magical, blue barrier formed around him. " Don't forget, " She added as Link was lifted into the air, everything fading to white, " I'm rooting for you! "

" We're all rooting for you! "


" A fine horse, this is! " Sagan declared for the fourth time.

" So you've said. " Lane moaned. " Now do us a favour and say something else! "

Arn stood silently by his shack, his arms folded as he watched his men crowd around the beige horse he had returned on. None of them has had the pleasure of owning such a creature since they had been banished, and the soldiers, Sagan the animal person in particular, were delighted. Arn had arrived earlier that day, having taken the entire afternoon and night to cross Hyrule Field. He was concerned that the castle soldiers may come to retrieve their horse, but as no one there besides Link and the Princess knew who he was, there was little chance of that happening. Even if Link was the kind of man to sell him out from spite, Arn knew the boy wouldn't unless he favoured losing his own head in the process. The Princess certainly wouldn't risk it, either. So they were safe. The horse was theirs.

" Now all we need is five more, " Donovan chuckled, " Then we'll be set. "

" You're welcome to go get them. " Arn growled.

" You shouldn't have written him off so quickly. " Viscen, who stood near Arn, commented. " We could have used him to get hold of anything we desired, horses included. "

" Bastard or not, we will not manipulate my son. " Arn snapped in response. " You would think the same should I say that of your daughter, Viscen! "

" My daughter has nothing to offer anyway. " Viscen grumbled. " And if she did she would gladly give it! "

" You are fortunate for that, at least. " Arn replied. He turned away from his second-in-command and returned his attention to the horse and his men. Donovan gripped the horses reigns, inspecting the beast. He was the oldest of them all, with short, greyish-black hair and a round, aged face. He had once been sour that Arn, a younger man, had been in charge, but since they were forced out of the Kingdom, Donovan had grown to respect him, and Arn had learned just how knowledgeable the soldier was. Had Donovan not been with them, they may never have been able to survive in these desolate woods. Beside him, Sagan chatted with Lane. Sagan had long, brown hair, a pointed face, and narrow eyes. He was the youngest, having only been in his teenage years when the war started and they were forced out. The boy had not been given the chance to live his life, but took the misfortune in stride. Sagan always seemed too kind-hearted for their way of life. Lane had dark-blonde hair and a long face. He was a right jerk, and Arn often had to put him in his place. But the man could still follow orders, which was the only reason they all still put up with him. Lane got on well with Bryer, though. Bryer had short, brown hair and a long scar on his face from a past battle. He was a battle-monger, and before they were banished, Bryer would always be the first to start a fight in Arn's squadron. Nowadays, though, Bryer was the hunter, and was proficient in catching what few animals lived in the surrounding woods. To Arn's left stood Viscen, who copied Arn's stance. Viscen had silvery-white hair, a rare look among Hylians, and was usually a sign of Sheikan ancestry. His daughter had inherited the colour as well. Whatever Sheikah they had in them, though, it was from way back, as Viscen's face and build looked no less Hylian than the rest of them.

" Sagan! " Arn barked a few minutes later. " You will be in charge of the horse. "

" Thank you, Sir! " Sagan replied happily.

" So how will we use this beast? " Viscen asked under his breath, so only Arn could hear.

" We are best to wait a while to make sure they aren't looking for it. " Arn lied. " The next step is to acquire more of them. There is a sizeable ranch in the middle of Hyrule Field which will surely have horses. "

" A good plan. " Viscen replied. " And what of Link? The boy knows we are here, and works for the Royal Family. "

" He will not reveal us unless he wishes to die before the foolish king. " Arn muttered. " If he returns here, we will make him regret it. But we will not take his life. "

" I understand. " Viscen nodded. No more words were spoken. Viscen seemed to tread lightly around the subject of Link. How disappointed Arn had been to learn the position his son held in the Royal Family. But upon meeting the Princess... Arn couldn't help but forgive the boy. Princess Zelda was a very wise woman, and it pleased him to see Link had set himself up behind her. It broke his heart to see that Link had become a warrior. To know the boy had seen bloodshed, and caused it. But the boy was kind and noble, and had a smart head on his shoulders. That was good enough, under the circumstances. And being such close friends with the next Queen of Hyrule, Link was in the position to make a difference. But not while the King was still alive.

Arn knew from Link's behaviour when he stepped out of the throne room yesterday that the King had turned on him. Link had tried to hide it, but the boy was a terrible liar, and the truth was etched into his face like over-sized words in a children's book. The King was no doubt pinning Arn's mistakes to Link, and it was quite possible the only reason Link was not suffering the same fate was because of the Princess' attachment. No doubt the ice will only get thinner as Link presses the issue of their fate. No... The best thing for the boy was to let it go. But Link was stubborn. He grabbed hold of what was right and refused to let it go. It was honourable... but unwise. The boy would just ruin his reputation in the Kingdom, destroy his future. Arn had to make sure Link would drop it. Make sure he moved on. But he knew Link's type. Simply begging the boy would only strengthen his resolve...

Arn had to force him to walk away...

" What in Din's name-!.? " Bryer suddenly shouted, ripping Arn from his thoughts. His attention returned, Arn watched as a great shadow fell across the ground, and the sound of heavy wing-beats filled the air as his men turned to face behind him, looks of alarm on their faces. The horse began to panic, rearing and neighing as Sagan barely kept it under control. Instantly Arn whirled around, stepping back as he did so. He heard Viscen pull out his sword, a short-sword he kept hidden under his cloak, as did the rest of them. Above them, something large filled the sky. The sun was directly behind it, and so Arn could not see it's features, but if he took a guess, he would say it was shaped like...

...Like an owl.

A really, really big owl.

The beast hovered for a moment, beating it's mighty, feathered wings before it landed on top of Arn's shack, it's hooked, bird feet scraping against the metal as it gripped the tin roof. If it had been at ground level, Arn would say it was half a man taller than him, and three times his width, not counting it's massive wings. As it folded them at it's sides, it leaned down a bit, the sun now not directly behind it, allowing Arn to finally see it's features. He was shocked to realise that it was an owl. A really, really big owl. It stared down at Arn with large, yellow eyes. It had two antennae sticking out of it's head that were positioned to look like large eyebrows.

" Hoo hoot! " It bellowed in a mighty voice. " I'm honoured to finally meet the father of the Great Hero! "

" It talks! " Lane gasped from somewhere behind him.

" Weapons ready, Men! " Viscen ordered. Arn heard four swords being drawn. But he didn't draw his own. The owl looked unconcerned at their action, simply tilting it's head to the side as it fluffed it's feathers leisurely.

" I am quite a sight, I do say. Hoo! " It seemed to chuckle. " But you mustn't fear me, friends! I am Kaepora Gaebora, the Great Owl. "

The Great Owl... Link's companion, the fairy, had mentioned this name yesterday, when Link was last here.

" Sheath your weapons! " Arn barked back at his men before returning his attention to the owl. " You know my son? " He asked it.

" Hoo! I do! " The owl hooted. The bird constantly stretched it's neck out as it spoke, as if it was trying to get a closer look at them. " I remember when he was just a tyke... Rather thick, he was, but had a strong will! In fact, he is the reason I am here. "

" I want nothing to do with him. " Arn stated dismissively.

" Hoo! You've confused quite a few people with that attitude. " Kaepora Gaebora said. " I, one of them. But while I don't understand your reason, Friend, I know you must put it behind you. "

" That is not an option. " Arn huffed, folding his arms. The owl simply paused, staring it him with it's large eyes. Suddenly it broke out in hooting laughter, flapping it's wings in delight. Arn could only stare in surprise at it's behaviour, his mouth agape.

" I do apologize, Friend! " Kaepora Gaebora chuckled when it finally settled down. " But you look just like your son with that face! He has your eyes, you know. And your frown! Hoo hoot! But I didn't come here to point out your likeness, nor force you to end your quarrel... On the contrary, you're quite welcome to continue the feud you have started. What I ask of you is to aid your son in his time of need. "

His time of need...

Was Link in danger..?

" What are you talking about? " Arn asked, barely hiding his alarm.

" You remember the state of the Temple of Time, do you not? " Kaepora Gaebora asked. " A great evil resides inside, that may be trying to awaken an even greater evil. Link is tasked to destroy it. Not only that, he has also been attacked once more by hordes of monsters, and we suspect it will happen again... But Link is stubborn and proud, and will not accept a travel companion to aid him in battle. It is crucial that he succeeds... Failure not only means his death, but the fate of Hyrule will be sealed, and it will not be one of prosperity and peace. On behalf of the Sages, I beseech you to assist your son, and help ensure his victory. Hoo! "

He has been attacked? Arn thought, narrowing his eyes in concern. Again? He was sure the first attack had been the green beasts on the giant boars. So what else has attacked him then? Those Bulblins managed to take him down... Was Link injured further? Worst-case scenarios flashed into his mind. Such fears for his son had never troubled him since he had thought the boy was dead, eighteen years ago. Now they flooded his mind so quickly, stunning him. Arn found it amazingly difficult to keep himself composed. What in the name of the Goddesses was he doing? His son was a grown man, and a skilled fighter! He had survived all these years without his father, there was no reason that would change now!

" You don't seem to be so confident in your Great Hero. " Arn replied eventually with a sneer. " If Link is the man you all boast him to be, then your time is wasted here, as is mine. " With that, Arn turned and walked away. " Sagan, " He barked as he passed them, " Get that horse out of here. "

" Yes, Sir! " Sagan replied, turning and leading the horse away from the Great Owl, and towards the other end of the shanty town.

" I hear your meaning. " Kaepora Gaebora bellowed to Arn's retreating back. " But Great Hero aside, whoever is after his head is going to great lengths to get it. You've seen that yourself... How well did he fare? "

Arn stopped walking.

" Do you want to hear what I said again? " The owl asked nonchalantly.


Sunlight shined down on Link's face as he stretched, the sound of water gently lapping against the rock of the Temple Isle. He always found Lake Hylia relaxing, and today was no different. He had transported there from the Kakariko Graveyard just moments before. It almost seemed like no time had passed in the Chamber of Sages, and the sun was still high in the sky. That gave him plenty of time to visit the Great Fairy and perhaps make it to Lon Lon Ranch by nightfall. He had promised Zelda he'd return tomorrow at the latest, so he should use the time to rest, even though he had slept well enough just last night. Link found he had great endurance and could go days at a time without sleep. His record was four days in a row before sleep deprivation began to mess with his head. He could probably have stayed awake for another day or two, but Navi made him stop when he apparently claimed there were Cucco's following him... Thinking about it now, it must have been pretty funny.

" Here are your boots. " Navi said. She was low to the ground, flying in circles as the Iron Boots appeared from the blue, glittering light. Link reached down and slipped them on. They were two sizes too big, so he was capable of wearing them quite comfortably over the top of his regular boots. This made it easier to switch out of them when underwater without leaving him barefoot. " Remember the signal? " Navi asked when he was done.

" Two fingers and a flick of the wrist. " Link replied, holding up two fingers as he flicked his wrist at Navi, who's body tilted forward and then back- her way of nodding.

" Oh, " She uttered, " Don't forget the Zora Tunic. " This time she circled around him, flying fast as the blue sparkles began to cover his body and almost filling his field of vision. Moment's later they disappeared, and his green tunic was now gone, replaced by the blue Zora Tunic. Link thanked her as he took a heavy step forwards, sitting down at the edge of the water. There he slipped in his weighted feet before sliding off of the rocky island and dropping down into the lake.

The first thing he noticed once submerged was the sound of water in his ears. Link disliked how hard it was to hear underwater. That Zora ability was unfortunately not another feature of the tunic. It was a tolerable discomfort, however, as while his hearing was dulled, the water of the lake was crystal clear. He could see almost as well as he could on land. After a few seconds of holding his breath, Link forced himself to breathe in. His lungs did not fill with water, though. Somehow the tunic prevented that, and it was like he was breathing regular, Hyrulian air. How it worked, he could never guess. The tunic didn't cover his face at all, yet it prevented him from drowning. One day he will have to ask King Zora what kind of spell was cast on it.

After a few minutes of sinking, Link finally reached the lake bed. The light easily reached that depth, and the ground was covered in strange water plants and an odd grass that was thick and long, and swayed with the water current. Schools of fish darted around everywhere. Most of the fish were small, but there was the occasional group that would have been a fisherman's prized catch. All this, coupled with the shimmering light from above, made the entire scene simply breathtaking. Link certainly enjoyed the underwater stroll as he made his way towards the face of the cliff that surrounded the lake.

Far to his left was the entrance to the Water Temple, set deepest into the lake bed and sealed shut, Link having never reopened it. For some reason he lost all the weapons he had collected during the adult portion of his adventure, only retaining the items he had collected before he opened the Door of Time and the Sacred Realm. The Sages had explained that the weapons didn't belong in Link's time. Since then, however, he had managed to get back many of the treasures, though none were from the Temples except for the Fairy Bow, which he couldn't live without.

After what felt like half an hour, he finally reached the rocky wall, and soon after, the underwater cave. The entrance was almost concealed by a large rock, but there was still plenty of room for Link to slip past. Once inside, though, he was immediately faced by a dead end.

All you need to do is swim to the surface...

Link signalled to Navi to remove the Iron Boots, and seconds later he was rising quickly through the water, no longer held down by a great weight. Kicking his legs, Link soon made it to the surface, gasping mostly out of habit as his head broke through the water. Wiping his fringe from his eyes, Link took a look around the room. He was in a Great Fairy's Fountain. The walls shined with a greenish tinge, and the floor was white marble. At the far end was a set of small steps leading to a platform in front of a small, shallow pool of water bordered by two ornamental, marble torches with green fire, casting it's hue across the room.

Link pulled himself out of the water and made his way up to the pond, stopping when he stood on the Triforce symbol. There, following procedure, Link pulled out the Ocarina of Time and played on it the melody of the Royal Family, Zelda's Lullaby. The notes echoed around the room, and once the song was complete, the soothing tune was replaced by a high-pitched laughter. The centre of the small pool began to ripple outwards. From there the Great Fairy appeared, small at first and growing in size as she rose, twirling in place with her arms tucked behind her head as she laughed. When she finally came to a stop, she was three times Link's size. The Great Fairy had long, red hair tied into three pony-tails that seemed to float on their own, and she wore the usual skin-tight outfit and high boots. The Great Fairy chuckled at him as she hovered in the air, moving to float on her side as if she was laying down, her head propped up by one hand as she tapped her leg leisurely with the other.

" Welcome, Link! " She cooed in a loud but gentle voice. " I am the Great Fairy of Magic! Please toss your sword into the water, and I will infuse it with a magic spell. " Link obeyed, unsheathing his sword and tossing it loosely into the pool of water, where it landed with a splash and sank to the bottom. The Great Fairy then sat up, holding out both her arms with another chuckle as a strange, spiraling beam of green light appeared from nowhere and shined into the water where his sword rested. The light faded a few seconds later, and the Great Fairy laid back down.

" Your sword is now blessed with my power. " She stated. Flicking her wrist, the sword rose up out of the water and floated back over to Link, who grabbed it when it came into reach. It didn't feel any different, but the hilt had changed colour, now a darker yellow than it had been before. " Now your sword can withhold against powerful magic attacks. Also, you can use your magic power to shoot beams of light from your sword. " The Great Fairy continued. " If you choose to use it, you can shoot a straight beam with a stab, and an arched wave with a horizontal or vertical slash. The light will cut through absolutely anything, and will not dissipate until it hits, so aim carefully. " She chuckled again and sat up once more, smiling warmly at him. " When battle has made you weary, please come back to see me. " With that, she threw her arms up and sank back into the water, shrinking as she did so. When she was gone, all that remained was the echo of her laughter, which quickly faded, leaving the room once again in silence.

" So you can shoot beams, huh? " Navi commented from above him. " Sounds pretty neat! But she also said it won't dissipate till it cuts through something, so you should be careful when you use it. "

" I wonder how this will help me in the Temple of Time..? " Link muttered to himself as he sheathed his sword and walked away from the fountain. Did the Sages expect him to cut his opponent in half? Or was it their intention for him to use this purely for defence, and attack with, say, the Light Arrows? He was itching to test this new ability, but if it was as powerful as the Great Fairy claimed, he'll have to be wise about how he chooses to use it, and he doubted any of his friends would be all too pleased with him if he cut holes into the ancient temple.

Good thing his aim with his sword was better even than his archery.


Kaepora Gaebora is awesome if you get past the talking.

'Till next chapter!