Chapter 9
A majority of the camp have turned in for the night, with the exception of some who were either guarding the camp or just wanted to stay up longer. The Ordon group all gladly welcome peaceful slumber.
Almost all of them.
Link stirred in his sleep, but not loud enough to wake Zelda & Ilia. In his mind, something had been occurring.
There was nothing but darkness. Torches lit up the walls, showing a hallway. Link hesitatingly walk and then started dashing to the end of the hallway, which led him to a forest area. Ahead of him were two figures at the edge of a river bank, though he cannot see their faces. One was wearing a cloak and kneeling at the bank, while the other was a woman who stood. The standing woman slowly placed a hand of comfort on the kneeling person's shoulder.
Lighting suddenly flashed. Rain started to pour down heavily and the two figures faded away and the scene changed to a more open place.
"Traitor!"
Turning his head to the direction of the voice, Link saw a man give out an agonizing scream as a sword pierce his chest and fell to the ground. Through the pouring rain, Link saw bodies scattered around him. A group a people were standing in the sea of corpses. One person Link could make out was a dark figure. The figure stared at Link with his golden eyes and being charging up towards him. Link braced for impact, but nothing came.
Link was now in a different forest area at nighttime. Heavy footsteps are heard around him, but he couldn't tell which direction they were coming from. Link ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Once he got far enough, voices started to whisper in his head. Most he knew, some unfamiliar.
"You're gonna do great things, Link," came his father's voice.
"I think he may be the one," came Impa.
"This is your fault!" shouted Sheik.
"Don't hurt me, please!" Begged a woman's voice
"Help!" screams of Ilia echoed.
"Don't leave me," Zelda pleaded.
"You think you can stop me? You're just a boy!" Came a dark evil voice.
Link shut eyes and got on his knees as clutched his head as the voices kept on running through his head. No matter how hard to tired to block them out, they kept going on and on, never seem to end anytime soon.
"Open your eyes," a gentle feminine voice then whispered.
The voices came to a sudden halt. Link slowly opened his eyes and stood up and realized he was in a different area. There were stone walls around him, lighted up torches on the walls, and stained glass windows high above. In front of Link was a sword on a stone pedestal with the symbol of the Triforce at the center of the pedestal.
For some reason, Link felt drawn to the sword and walked towards it.
"Take it," the feminine voice spoke.
Link put his hands on the handle of the sword. With one pull, he removed the sword and everything went white.
"Wake up, Link. It is time for you to rise."
Link darted up from his bed. He took a breath of relief once he realized he was still in his hut. However, he still felt uneasy about his dream. Just when he was considering going back to sleep, a sudden green light had slowly brightened up the room. Link saw a small floating green glowing ball just a few feet away from him. It was bigger then the fairies Link had heard about, but it wasn't a fairy. The green ball flew back through the door.
"Follow…" It was that voice again. This time, it sounded clearer. Link went outside while trying not to wake Zelda & Ilia. He looked around but the green ball had vanished. "This way..." Link still manage to hear the voice and followed it. With luck, he found the green ball at the forest end. It went into the woods to which Link followed.
Unbeknownst to him, Zelda had woken up from the sound of his footsteps. She had watched him looking around and darting off. Grabbing her bow and arrows, she carefully followed Link throughout the woods.
"What in Hyrule is he up to?"
Link continue to follow the green ball in the woods. The light had disappeared from his view as he arrived at a forest clearing. Right in the middle of it was a huge building of some sort. It looked old as parts of the structure were chipped off, and vegetation was overgrown on some parts of the building.
The green light appeared in front of the entrance for a brief moment before going inside. Before Link followed, the sound of a twig snapping caught his attention. To his relief, it was only Zelda.
"Zelda? What are you doing out here?" Link asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," she remarked.
"I know this may sound crazy, but something lead me here." Link looked at the entrance. "And I think it wants me to go in there."
"Well, I'm not letting you go in there alone. Who knows what could be inside."
"Fair enough," Link agreed.
The two friends both entered the temple. The inside of the temple was pitched black.
"Wish I brought a lantern," Zelda commented.
Just then, torches hanging on the wall in the chamber brighten up the room, revealing a grand hall with a red rug down the center.
Link and Zelda looked at each other in confusion. "I guess not," the latter remarked.
"What is this place?" Link wondered as he looked around.
Zelda looked around the room as well. "Judging by the structure of this place and the carving on the walls...I say this is probably an ancient temple of some sort. Though it looks like it seen better days."
They both looked around in every area of the temple. Never in their lives had they seen such structure this great before. Link was looking when he caught a green glow from the corner of his eye. He turned and saw the green glowing ball yet again. Link ran towards it, but the green ball went through the wall behind it.
"Is there any way to get past this wall?" Link asked.
"There's got to be some sort of secret switch. Temples tend to have that," Zelda suggested.
The pair begins feeling around the wall, trying to find a switch. As Link did his search, he noticed an engraved Triforce on the center of the wall.
"Center..."
"Did you hear that?" Zelda asked.
"I...I did," Link answered, "But I didn't think you could hear it too."
"Me neither. What did it mean by the center?"
"I think it wanted me too…" Link instinctively place his left hand at the center of the Triforce.
The engraved triforce begin to glow and the wall then moved up, revealing another hallway behind it. They both looked in awe, but unsure.
"You think we should go in there?" Zelda asked.
Link too was a bit hesitant, but his instinct told him otherwise. "I think we should."
The two friends slowly went down the dark hallway. There was a bright light at the other end. Link and Zelda ran straight towards it. Soon they entered another room but weren't prepared to see a familiar object.
The sword from Link's dream was in front of them on the same pedestal, to which he got a better look at it this time. The blade appeared to be a double-edged arming sword with a narrow ricasso. It had a wide but shallow fuller that is almost as long as the blade itself. The handle and grip of the blade had a shade of purple and blue. There was a yellow gemstone on the crossguard of the blade. Near the crossguard was an engraved triforce symbol.
"I...I've seen that sword before" he muttered.
"You know it too?" Zelda said.
"I had a dream about it. I saw different scenes. When things calm down, I started to hear voices. I was trying to block them out when a voice told me to open my eyes. When I did, this room appeared and so did that sword. Wait! How you know about the sword?"
"I had a vision when I was watching you dueling Rusl back at the village," Zelda looked at Link, "You had this sword and was fighting a man. However, the vision ended before I can see who won...I think it was a vision of the future."
"Indeed it is."
The pair jerked their heads up and saw the green ball hovering over the sword. A sudden white flash emulated the room, blinding the two friends. When the light died down, they saw a humanoid woman slightly floating above the ground. She had green hair tied in a bun, along with matching color clothes and boots, and golden wrist cuffs.
"Fair Link. Noble Zelda," the woman greeted.
"Who are you? How do you know our names?" Link asked.
"Do not fear me, young one. For I am Farore. One of the three goddesses that created this land long ago. We have been watching and guiding the both of you throughout your lives."
Link look at her with a realization on his face. "You mean...?"
"Yes, Fair Link. I was the voice who guided you here, and to those clothes you now wear," Farore looked at Zelda. "I was also the one who led you to your friend long ago."
Zelda's eyes widen with shock at that revelation.
"But now I'm here to guide you to a greater cause. For you will be part of a great destiny that will determine the future of Hyrule." Farore made a gesture towards the sword. "Come forward, Fair Link. Take this blade as it was written in the ancient text." Link just stood and stared at the goddess in confusion and hesitance. Farore seems to sense his inner conflict."I sense some confusion within you, along with uncertainty for what your future holds. I guess that's to be expected. By now you both have seen the true colors of Ganondorf, having to witnessed his wrath for yourselves."
Link looked down at the ground in sadness. Memories of the village attack went through his mind.
"Then, allow me to lower your anxiety with some information I think you both would like to hear." Farore paused for a brief second. "Many from Ordon have survived the attack."
The friends jerked their heads up with a mix of relief and happiness.
"They have?" Zelda asked the goddess.
"Yes. Sadly, some have been taken prisoner by Ganondorf himself. If you wish to save them, I would highly suggest you take this sword, Link. Now that I have told you this, are you now ready to accept this destiny and take this sword?"
Link didn't have to think his answer as he darted towards the sword but stopped halfway when Farore hovered a few feet above, still looking at Link.
"It would seem you have already made your decision," Farore lightly smiled. "Then in the name of me, my sisters, and Hyrule pull the sword from its pedestal and raise it in the air!" Farore hovered a few feet behind the sword, waiting for Link to claim it.
Link looked back to Zelda. Her eyes had a look that told him to do what he thought was right. Link stared at the sword for a moment. He then started to walk slowly towards it, and gently placed his hands on the sword handle. Using all his strength, he pulled it from the pedestal and pointed the blade towards the air. As he did, the blade gave a small bright glow.
"It is done," Farore said.
Link lowered his blade to examine it. Zelda slowly walked to him to get a better look at the sword.
"It looks beautiful," Zelda commented.
"It certainly is," a new voice entered the room.
Link and Zelda darted around saw Impa standing at the entryway of the chamber.
"Impa?! How long you were standing there?" Link asked.
Impa walked towards them. "Long enough." Impa bowed to the goddess. "Farore..."
"Dearest Impa." Farore gave a small smile. "It is nice to see you again. I believe you have some important things to share with these two."
"What is she talking about?" Zelda looked at Impa.
"I'm afraid I haven't been entirely truthful. To the both of you," Impa confessed.
"What do you mean?" Link asked.
Impa looked away from the pair before she asked them a question. "Have you both ever heard about the legendary story of the hero that saved Hyrule from darkness?" Link and Zelda looked at each other before they shook their heads. Impa faced them and started to recite the legend.
"This fair kingdom will fall underneath the control of the shadow of darkness for many years. Innocent lives will be shattered underneath this rule. But do not lose hope. For one day, a young man dressed in green will arise to vanquish the darkness and bring light back to the kingdom."
"Ok. What does that have to do with me?" Link questioned.
"It's not just a legend. It's a prophecy that had been foretold by my people generations ago," Impa explained. "You, Link, are the hero of the legend."
Link felt a mix of shock and confusion. "How?"
"Only the chosen hero can open the door to this room and can pull The Master Sword from its pedestal."
"Master Sword?" Link looked at his newfound blade.
"Indeed. That is no ordinary sword. It was crafted by the goddesses. This temple is one of the few places Hyrule that can hold this blade." Impa turned her head away from Link. "When I first saw you, I immediately had my suspicions. I thought it was just wishful thinking, so I didn't say anything. For so many years we have waited for the hero when none came. Some had already lost hope that the hero was real." Impa faced him again. "But here we are now, in this chamber, with The Master Sword in your hand. This proves that the legend is real. I've always believed the prophecy was true. As did your father."
Link had not expected to hear those words come out from Impa. "You knew my father?"
"Yes. Those trips he would take out of your village, he would come here to help us on our missions. When you have told me your name and that you were from Ordon, I instantly knew who you were. I had to get you to safety."
"What happened to him? Why hasn't he returned back to Ordon for 7 years?" Link demanded.
Impa took a deep breath. "Leal was on a scouting mission with a group when they were ambushed by Ganondorf's troops. Leal...gave himself up to let the others escape."
Link was about to say something else when Impa had cut him off.
"Before you ask, I don't know whether or not if he's alive. Ganondorf is very secretive on the prisoners that he doesn't execute publicly. Some stay in his dungeons. Others are forced to be slaves. Believe me, if I knew where Leal was, I would've rescued him long ago. I'm sorry you have to find out this way after so many years, Link."
Link can see the look in Impa's eyes. They were filled with sadness and regret. He could tell that she had felt guilty about the whole thing. But Link didn't feel any resentment towards Impa.
"It's not your fault," Link assured her.
Impa was most certainly not expecting those words. "You don't blame me?"
"Dad was always looking out for others, including me. Always said he wanted me to grow up to be happy. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary for him to join a resistance group if it meant I have a good future."
"Leal was a brave man and a good friend. Always putting others before himself. His sacrifice was never forgotten among us," Impa looked to Farore. "Leal always kept up hope when others start to lose it. He believed in the prophecy and so dedicated to finding the legendary hero. Judging by your clothing, I guess he already figured it out."
Link looked down at his green tunic. Everything made sense now. The reason why his father never let him look in that chest for all those years.
"You are correct, Dearest Impa," Farore spoke up. "Fair Link is indeed the chosen hero. However, there is another part of the prophecy that is untold."
Link and Impa looked in confusion. Farore started to recite.
"The hero shall be accompanied by a young maiden of bow and arrow. This maiden will vanish on water but return with a far greater destiny. With the hero, they both shall vanquish the darkness and restore peace back to Hyrule."
Farore looked towards Zelda.
"Me?" Zelda exclaimed.
"Yes, Noble Zelda. You are the maiden that will accompany Link. This part of the legend was hidden in order to keep you safe from evil."
Zelda looked back at her adoption revelation. Was the reason why her mother gave her up was because Zelda would take part in a destiny to save Hyrule?
"Was...was that why I was given up?"
"That is something for you to figure out on your own, Noble Zelda," Farore responded
Zelda looked down with disappointment, and yet was somewhat relieved.
"What about my father? Is he alive?" Link spoke up.
"That is also something that you will have to find out for yourself Link. I cannot tell, but I assure both of you will get the answers that you seek in time. As of now you two must prove yourselves with the title of Saviors of Hyrule. Once you are ready, you will face Ganondorf and put end to his reign once and for all," Farore explained.
"But...what can I do?" Zelda panicked. "Link has a powerful sword, but how can I stand up towards Ganondorf?"
Farore lifted her hands in front of herself. A small golden glow emerged above them, revealing a golden archers bow holder floating above her hands. The bow holder hovered towards Zelda's hands and landed on them.
"These are the Light Arrows, gifted by my sister Nayru. They cannot kill Ganondorf. However, they can incapacitate him for a short time. They can also repel even the darkest magic. That holder contains an unlimited supply, so no need to worry about running out just as long you have the holder."
Zelda looked at the arrows. They were the most beautiful arrows she had ever seen. She placed the holder on her back and looked at Farore with a thankful smile.
"There's one more thing I would like to give to you, Noble Zelda. Please step forward."
Zelda did what Farore had told her and stepped forward. She was suddenly engulfed in a bright glow. Link reached for her, but Impa placed her arm in front of him and look with reassurance in her eyes. The glow then died down, revealing Zelda in a completely different look.
Instead of wearing her villager clothes, Zelda was wearing a dark blue suit similar to Sheik's, only without the Sheikah symbols. In addition, she also had brown fingerless gloves like Link, red wrist cuffs, boots in a darker shade of blue, and blue face mask. Her hairstyle had also changed. The bottom half was tied, and there were two braids hanging in the front. A final accessory she was given was a small golden crown then went around her head like a headband. One final change she noticed was that her archer's bow had transformed into a golden bow with elegant carvings.
Zelda looked at herself in awe at her new attire and bow. Link also felt the same and couldn't help to find her stunning.
"I hope you find your attire best fitted for you." Zelda nodded her head toward the goddess. "Then from here on, you both will carry on without me. I cannot see the future of Hyrule, but if you both succeed, then it will once again reach greatness. I must return back to my sisters. We will watch over you both during this quest. I wish both of you with good luck."
Farore started to descend up and slowly vanished in thin air. Link and Zelda both watched the green goddess vanish with uncertainty in their eyes.
"Link. Zelda." Impa spoke softly, catching their attention. "I know there's a lot to take in right now, and I don't blame you both if you are overwhelmed. But if what Farore said is true, then you both could be Hyrule's only hope to be free from Ganondorf's reign. So many had lost hope that light will overcome the dark. You both can reignite it."
"How can do so something like that?" Zelda asked. "We're just simple ranchers against him and an army of his followers."
"Some of the greatest heroes, both in fiction and real-life, start out as simple people like yourselves. All you need is the will to stand up. One voice could spark up hundreds, even thousands! If no voice is heard, others will remain silent. As long as those voices stay quiet, Ganondorf will continue to spread fear and destruction and more innocent lives will meet the same fate as your village."
"She's right…" Link spoke. "If we don't do something, then who will?" Zelda still had a look of unsure and doubt. Link took notice of it and gently place his hands on her shoulders. "Zelda...I'm just as unsure and overwhelmed as you are, but know this. No matter what, I will always be by your side."
"And you both will not be alone," Impa spoke up. "You have me and the others to back you up. With all of us working together, we can take down Ganondorf."
Zelda stayed silent as she considered Link and Impa's words. "I'm not even sure if I could take down a tyrannical king," Zelda paused. "But I will not stand by while innocent lives are lost to that monster."
Link smiled at Zelda and hugged her. "Just remember Zel, we're in this together."
"We always have," Zelda hugged back.
"Now you both have accepted your roles, you must prepare yourselves," Impa stated.
The pair ceased their hugging and faced Impa.
"Do we really have what it takes to bring down Ganondorf?" Zelda asked.
"We will all help train you both with the skills you need to fight off Ganondorf's forces."
"And how do we know when we'll be ready to fight Ganondorf himself?" Link ask.
"You'll know that answer within time," Impa look at the window. "Dawn is rising. We best get back to the others before they wonder where we went off too."
All three hylians left the sword chamber with newfound confidence within them, but the small feeling of uncertainty still remained.
Link has found The Master Sword and he and Zelda have been told their destinies.
And we're about to come to the conclusion of Act 1. I'm starting a new semester of college tomorrow, so I won't be updating this story much. I'll still be writing as much as I can.
What Farore looks like: Type www. deviantart / alphagirl404 / art / Zelda-Goddesses-648740801 (its space out on purpose since this site seems to really hate links.
Things to note:
Link & Zelda meeting Farore is somewhat reminiscent of Link meeting Fi in Skyward Sword. I even listened to Fi's theme when writing that part.
I still wanted to reference Zelda being Sheik in Ocarina of Time so I gave her own look similar to Sheik's getup.
Link's dream was partially inspired from Rey's vision from The Force Awakens. Zelda isn't the only one having weird dreams/visions.