Author's Note: Well this took longer then I expected. Anyway in this chapter we see our hero's who even though have overcome the many threats inside The Great Deku Tree there are still dangers for them to face within the Lost Woods.
Impa, Sheik, and I were travelling through the Lost Woods. The dark thick trunks of trees rose steadily into the night sky, which was freckled with stars. I could hear the sounds of rustling bushes and scurrying small animals.
It felt like we had been trekking through the dark forest for ages, and I wanted to get out of the eerie woods, soon.
"Impa, are we close to the end yet?" I enquired.
"We are about half way there." She informed.
We continued forward through the dark woods, stepping on twigs, and kicking stones as we did so. Suddenly Impa stopped moving forward, and Sheik and I copied her.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Over there." Impa answered as she pointed forward.
My eyes followed the direction she was pointing, and I saw a little ahead of us, standing in the moonlight between a group of trees, was a tall figure. The being wore a black cloak, with a hood covering his\her, but I could tell the person was staring right at us.
Honestly the figure looked a little creepy, but I thought that perhaps he\she was just someone who is trying to find their way out like us.
"Errrr, hello...are you lost?" I asked.
No answer.
"We are making our way out of these woods. Do want to join us?" I enquired.
No answer.
Now I started to feel uneasy.
"What the heck." I thought.
"Are you alright?" I questioned.
Once those words left my mouth the cloaked figure raised his\her arm up towards us, leaving the two Sheikah and I confused, but then a black shard with black mist around it appeared at the figures gloved hand. The shard then came flying towards us, or should I say me. It came at me at a great speed, and I couldn't react in time. Soon it was a couple feet away from my chest, and I knew it was too late, but then I felt someone push me to the side. I stumbled, and fell to the ground. I quickly sat myself up and when I did I saw Sheik standing in my place, and embedded in his chest, was the black shard.
I sat there in shock, staring at the still standing Sheikah, not knowing what to do. All of a sudden Impa charged past Sheik and straight to the figure. She unsheathed, then swung her kodachi at the attacker, but before her blade struck the villain disappeared.
Impa growled in frustration at the enemies escape, but then turned around and looked towards the young Sheikah, and bore a worried expression.
"Sheik." She muttered.
I finally stood myself up, and began to make my way towards the male Sheikah.
"Sheik...are you alright?" I asked as I reached my hand out towards him, but then his left hand instantly grabbed my wrist startling me.
"S-sheik?" I stammered.
Slowly he turned his head around to face, and what immediately got my attention were his eyes. They had turned pure white, and faintly glowed, and I noticed the shard in his chest had disappeared.
The male Sheikah then quickly struck me in the chest with the palm of his hand sending me stumbling backwards. I soon balanced myself and looked towards Sheik. His face turned to one of anger, and he had unsheathed his knives.
"STAY AWAY FROM THE PRINCESS!" He screamed.
"...What?" I said confused at the outburst.
Sheik then charged at me and swung the knife in his right hand. I jumped back dodging it by a couple inches. The male Sheikah advanced towards me attempting several more strikes with his knives. I was able to dodge each attack, but then Sheik span and kicked me in the chest sending me to the groundnext to some exposed tree roots.
I attempted to sit myself up when suddenly Sheik's foot pressed against my chest pinning me to the ground. I looked up at him his white eyes staring right at me. He raised his kunai in the air. My eyes widened in shock and terror. Was I really going to be killed by a friend?
"SHEIK STOP!" I shouted, but he ignored me.
The Sheikah then performed a downward thrust, but before the blade could reach me, the body of Impa appeared as she tackled Sheik to the ground making me let out a loud sigh of relief.
I looked over and saw Impa was on top of Sheik using her hands to pin his arms down.
"Sheik whatever that person did to you, you have got to fight it!" She encouraged, but her words seemed to fall on deaf ears.
He kicked Impa off him sending her over his head and she landed with a roll.
Both of them quickly stood up. Sheik swung his kunai at the older Sheikah, but she jumped back dodging the attack. The male sheikah then attacked with a flying kick which Impa rolled under. Once they were both on their feet Impa charged at Sheik going on the offensive. She sent several punches and kicks his way each one landing on his face and torso while telling him to snap out of it.
Impa sent another punch his way, but Sheik halted the fist with his hand. Instantly his hand plunged into his pouch and immediately came out with a Deku Nut, which he smashed across Impa's face. Upon contact there was a flash of light, and I saw Impa go flying into the trunk of a tree and then fell to the ground.
I dashed towards the unconscious body of the older women and checked to see if she was okay. I knelt down next to her and found that she was still breathing which filled me with relief.
I looked up to Sheik who's faintly glowing eyes stared at me. He had two Kunai at the ready, and again he shouted.
"STAY AWAY FROM THE PRINCESS!"
I knew I was in a dangerous situation. If he could take down Impa like that I knew he could kill me easily, even if she was holding back, but I still didn't want to hurt him, I understood it was the magic making him do this, but he may force my hand.
"Sheik. Listen, I don't know what your seeing but its an illusion. It's whatever that shard did to you. Now I know your stronger then some spell cast onto you, and you have got to fight it Sheik! You can overcome it! Until then, I apologize ahead of time." I said.
I then got out my hylian shield, then untied my sheath that held my sword from my back. I was going to fight the young Sheikah, but I didn't want to risk killing him so I decided to do battle with the sheath still covering my blade.
I charged at the Sheikah and attempt several strikes, but he leaned, jumped, and ducked out of the way of every one of them.
I again swung my sheathed blade at him and he ducked under the attack. He then kicked me in the chest making me stumble back, then advanced forwards sending me several swings with his kunai, which I deflected with my sword and shield.
Sheik then drew his arm back ready to lunge his knife forward, but before he did so I hit him in the chest with my shield sending him stumbling back onto his knees. I raised my sheathed blade in the air hoping the impact of the weapon would knock him out. I swung it down, but it stopped in mid air as Sheik's hands grabbed the sheathed sword before it could strike him.
He snatched the sword out of my hand, then kicked me in the belly sending me staggering backwards. Once I regained my balance I look at Sheik who had stood himself up, and watched as he unsheathed my sword, then pointed it towards me.
"You will pay for attempting to take her grace!" He hissed.
"Sheik, remember we are in the Lost Woods! It's me Link! I am your ally!" I stated, but again he seemed to be deaf to any words we say.
The male Sheikah launched himself of the ground into the air, and then came falling down towards me, and swung the adorea sword downwards. I raised my hylian shield in front of my face, but the impact of Sheik's attack sent me staggering back.
He then continued on the offensive, and armed only with my shield had no choice but to take on the defensive. The Sheikah attacked with different horizontal and vertical swings, which I would either dodge, or block with my shield.
He again swung my sword at me, but this time I whacked the attack away with my shield sending his arm back. The action left him open and I took the opportunity by driving my fist into his face. He stumbled back and I attempt to go on the offensive. I shot my right fist which held my shield forward but before it could make impact Sheik grabbed the shield halting the attack.
He then span around pulling the shield away from me, then bashed it against my torso and I went flying back into a tree.
I focussed my attention back to the sheikah, but instead of seeing him I saw my hylian shield flying at me. I ducked and rolled under it then heard its smack against the tree.
I stood myself up and the first thing I saw was Sheik's foot coming my way, but this time I didn't have time to get out of the way. So I took the full force of his flying kick to my chest which also sent me flying backwards and landed with a thud onto the grassy ground.
"Man I suck." I groaned mentally.
I stood myself up, and spotted Sheik walking towards me sword at the ready. I realized I had no weapon to defend myself with. So even though I knew I wouldn't actually attack with it, I took out my bow and drew an arrow. I pointed it towards Sheik who stopped in his tracks, which was what I was hoping for. He then dropped his sword, puzzling me.
"Is he surrendering?" I thought.
But then he took out a kunai, and raised it up next to his head, ready to throw it, but he didn't I suppose he realized I could fire an arrow fast then he could throw a knife, but I wasn't going to shoot since I didn't want to risk wounding him too bad, or worse. We had entered a standoff.
Even though it hadn't worked so far I knew Sheik was still in there, I just needed to reach him. So I decided to try and talk to him, see if I could possibly snap him out of it.
"Sheik. I know your in there, and you need to fight whatever spell was cast on you!" I declared.
"Stop." He growled.
"No. Sheik whatever your seeing it's an illusion your in the Lost Woods, and it's me Link your ally!" I argued.
"STOP!" He barked.
"Fight it Sheik!" I demanded.
"REN STOP!" He yelled, and what he said puzzled me.
"...who?" I thought.
The sudden outburst made me lose my focus for just a moment, but that was all Sheik needed. He immediately took his chance and threw the knife at me, and struck me in my belly.
Honestly at first it felt like I was being punched. My attention turned to the blood that started to show under my green tunic. Soon a dull throbbing began, and started to intensify. I found myself not being able to stand, and I fell to my knees, then dropped my bow and arrow, followed by my back hitting the ground.
I lay there staring at the starry black sky wondering. "Is this where I die?" Then Sheik came into view, standing over me, adorea sword in hand. My attention turned from the blade and to his faintly glowing white eyes, which were starting to change. I noticed a bit of red had returned, and I realized the spell must be wearing off, but not fast enough. I watched as he began to raise the blade in the air for a downward thrust.
"Sheik...when you come back...don't blame yourself." I said weakly.
I closed my eyes waiting for the blade to be plunged into my chest, but just then I heard a THWACK then a THUD. I opened my eyes to Impa now standing over me. My hylian shield in hand, and I the noticed Sheik laying on the found knocked out.
The female Sheikah suddenly dropped the shield, then quickly knelt down to my side, and just seemed to stare in horror at my state, which wasn't helping me.
"...help..." Was all I managed to say which on its own was a struggle.
"Right!" Impa exclaimed.
She then grabbed hold of the knife, then looked into my eyes.
"Ready?" She enquired.
"No." I replied.
"On three." She announced.
"Alright." I muttered.
"One." She said then instantly pulled the small blade out of me making me howl in pain. "Are you alright?" She asked after I finished expressing my agony.
"I hate you...so much." I answered.
"Alright, but we still need to heal this wound! I'll give you one of my healing potions." The older women said.
"No. There is...one in my, pouch." I informed weakly.
Impa then grabbed my pouch and took a red potion out. Then propped up my head and put the bottle against my lips. I opened my mouth and drank the red drink.
Once I finished my knife wound began to heal, which felt weird. I could also feel my body become devoid of any aches or pains gained from my fight with Sheik. My skin became free of any sweat or blood leaving me cool and my body relaxed.
"How are you feeling now Link?" Impa enquired.
"Good as new!" I proclaimed happily.
Impa then grabbed hold of me and brought me into a tight hug catching me off guard. My eyes widened in surprise, and my face heated up at the embrace, the last person I expected this action from was Impa.
The action only lasted a few seconds as she quickly withdrew herself from me, as if she suddenly realized what she was doing, and I saw she wore a slight blush, which paled in comparison to mine, but honestly it made her look a little...cute. I also found myself feeling a little disappointed that the hug had ended. After such a intense battle with Sheik it was nice to feel a kind embrace.
The two of sat there for a moment just staring at each other, with an awkward silence hanging in the air.
"I am glad you are now alright Link" Impa uttered.
"So am I." I agreed.
Luckily before we could be plagued with anymore awkward silence we both heard a groan come from behind me.
We both turned put attention to the sound to see Sheik who was beginning to stir. He open his eyes and looked up at us, and I was filled with relief to see his eyes had turned back to there normal crimson colour.
"What...what happened?" He asked looking confused. I hesitated to tell him knowing he has enough guilt weighing on his shoulders, but it didn't need to tell him anything, because as his eyes noticed the bloody kunai in the grass, then the blade lying next to him, and me laying on the ground. He seemed to put the pieces together.
His face became appalled realizing what had happened. He look back up to us, he looked horrified with himself.
"Link...I am so, so sorry!" He apologized.
"Sheik. It's alright I'm-
"NO IT'S NOT!" He shouted shutting me up. "I-I tried to kill you...how can that be alright.."
Impa then got up, walked over to Sheik, then knelt down beside him, and placed her hand on his shoulder for comfort.
"Sheik listen, you did not try to kill Link, it was that evil person that tried to kill him." Impa stated.
"I remember...the one in cloak." He replied.
"Yes. I saw everything, you tried to save Link, and took that shard for him, and that shard put you under some powerful spell. To blame yourself would be foolish!" The female Sheikah continued
Sheik actually looked like he was listening and taking in what she said, but I couldn't know for sure.
As Impa was speaking to Sheik, my attention turned to our surroundings, and as I did so I instantly became alarmed.
"Impa." I said gaining both her attention and Sheik's. "Where are we?"
The two Sheikah's eyes suddenly widened in horrible realization. Impa started looking around our surroundings, and once she finished she turned her face back to me and answered.
"I don't know."
...
How long we had been walking around I have no idea. I don't know if we had got any closer to the path, or if we getting further away. Everywhere we went looked the same, the trees, the bushes, even the ground. It looked like we travelled only a few metered, but it felt like a mile. The Lost Woods really lived up to its name. It's as if it was designed to have anyone who entered become irreversibly lost, and I knew what would happen if we were to wander or get lost, and the thought truly scared me.
I had no idea how late it was, but I was beginning to feel the desire for sleep come upon me, which told me it must be at least past midnight. Wanting to take short rest I slouched against a large trunk of a tree that look like all then other, and my action halted the two Sheikah.
"Link up! We must carry on!" Impa demanded.
"Can I not rest for five minutes!" I argued annoyed, which seemed to irritate Impa.
"Listen lad, every minute in here counts! Not only is there the threat of us changing, but there are other dangers in this place!" The older women warned.
"What other dangers?" I enquired.
We all then heard a loud howl, and a large figure leaped out of the bushes and tackled Impa to the ground. The thing resembled a wolf, and sported a shaggy, brown, fur coat. It also had glowing, pale, green eyes. The wolf like creature raised its big clawed hand above its head ready to slash at the female sheikah, but Sheik dashed towards the beast, took out one of his kunai, and plunged it into the monster's back. The thing let out a howl of pain and fell on top of Impa dead. She pushed the dead beast off of her, and immediately after it landed on the ground it dissipated away into flames, leaving only Sheik's small blade..
"What was that thing!?" I exclaimed now on my feet.
"A Wolfos." Sheik informed as he picked up his knife off the ground. "But they usually travel in packs."
Just then another howl was heard, followed by several more. Impa who was now standing up turned to Sheik and I, and said.
"Run."
We didn't need to be told twice, and we began to run as fast as our tired legs could carry. I stumbled on stones, tripped over roots, jumped over logs, and ducked under low hanging branches, as the three of us raced through the forest.
I quickly checked behind me to how close our pursuers had become, and saw they were only several feet away. Before I could turn my back forward I noticed two deku nuts go flying towards the wolfos creating a sudden bright flash halting them. I knew it would only stop them briefly, but it gave us a little time to widen the distance.
We kept running and running, as did the wolfos who were not giving up on what they've labelled their dinner. We eventually came to a small cliff edge with a large pond at the bottom, which earlier I would of rejoiced at finding, but right now my mind was too distracted.
"We have to jump!" Impa exclaimed.
"What if there's something in there!?" Sheik said.
"What if there isn't!" Impa argued.
I turned and saw the wolfos charging towards us with hungry eyes.
"Well down there is looking better then up here!" I declared, then jumped off the cliff edge soon followed by Impa then Sheik, and we all landed with a splash.
I soon began rise up, but before I could reach the top I felt a hand grab my ankle. I looked down to see it was Impa who was shaking her head. I looked back up and spotted the wolfos standing at the cliff edge staring down at then water, they were waiting.
We kept ourselves under the water for a couple minutes, and as I was beginning to feel the need for air become strong, the wolfos one by one left. We stayed under for a few more seconds, then when no wolfos returned we swam to the top. I burst out of the water gasping for air as did the two Sheikahs. We then turned around and swam to shore.
I climbed onto the muddy grass ground then fell onto my back panting, and found my two companions doing the same. As we stabled our breathing, my eyes turned to the trees that stranded a little ahead of us, and as I stared at them my ears caught the sound of what I believed to be music. It was very faint, but definitely there.
"Can you two hear that?" I asked.
"Hear what?" Sheik questioned.
"Shhh, listen." I quietly insisted.
They did so, and after a few seconds of quietly listening to the forest, both their eyes shot open.
"Is that...music?" Sheik inquired.
"Yes, and it is coming from deep within there." Impa answered, as she pointed to the trees before us.
'Should we follow it?" I asked.
"At this point I see now other option." The female sheikah sighed.
She then stood and began to make her way towards the trees that we believed housed the soft tube. Sheik and I quickly followed her.
The trees in this part of the Lost Woods were more densely packed then the ones in the part we were lost in. The trees left us just enough room to manoeuvre through. We soon came to a small opening between two trees. Impa was first to squeeze herself through, followed by Sheik, who was followed by me.
Once I came out the other side I saw we had entered a clearing in the forest, and at the centre of the clearing sitting on a small stump, playing what looked like a worn out ocarina, was a little girl, who had green hair, and clothes which resembled the ones the Kokiri wore.
The little girl had her eyes closed and seemed to not have noticed us yet, and continued playing her merry tune. I don't know what it was about the melody, but listening to it lightened my spirit. I could feel all the stress I accumulated over the day simply vanished, and be replaced by a great joy, I could listen to this music all day if granted, but unfortunately the girl had finished her playing her ocarina, and placed the instrument on her lap.
She then opened her eyes, and upon seeing us she immediately gasped.
"Who...who are you?" She stammered.
"It's OK, you don't need to be afraid of us." I said trying to calm her down. "My name's Link, and this is-"
"Impa!? Sheik!?" Saris exclaimed interrupting me.
When the two Sheikah heard this their eyes widened in surprise.
"...Saria?" Impa uttered.
"It is you two! Wow I haven't seen you nine years!" Saria stated.
"Yes, when we came and delivered the Kokiri Emerald." Impa added.
"Well what are you doing here now?" The Kokiri asked.
"We came here to retrieve the Kokiri's Emerald, for what purpose you can ask the Great Deku Tree. We were just on our way out when we got lost, but luckily for us we found you." The female Sheikah answered.
"Hmmm, well OK then, and don't worry I know the way out." Saria revealed.
"Ah, good we must be leaving immediately." Impa said, but just as those words left her mouth she let out a loud tired yawn, and seemed pretty embarrassed by it.
I still didn't know how late it was, but I knew it was late enough for usd to want to go to sleep.
"If you are all tired you can sleep here. The grass is soft, and now monsters come here, that's why I play my music in here." She offered.
"That is defiantly a kind offer, but we must be going now." The older women insisted.
"Impa, we need our rest, and besides we don't want to be going through this lost woods when we are this tired when that person could be out there." Sheik quietly advised.
Impa looked like she was taking this into consideration, and after a small moment she came to a decision.
"Fine we shall stay here for tonight, but we leave first thing tomorrow morning."
...
Saria, Sheik, and Impa lay sleeping on the grass, but I was having less luck. I was sitting down resting my back against the stump Saria sat on earlier. Honestly I should be used to sleeping on the ground by now, but I guess without Epona to rest on it's not quite as easy.
As I sat there I noticed a figure approaching me. For a second fear crept upon me as I for a moment believed the person to be the one in cloak from before, but then I realized it was Sheik making me let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Can't you sleep?" I quietly asked.
"I was sleeping, but I didn't like what I saw." He answered.
"Oh, a nightmare?" I questioned.
"No...I'm pretty sure it was a memory." The Sheikah revealed, as he sat down next to me.
"What did you see?" I enquired.
"It's nothing important, just something that happened a long time ago." Sheik informed.
"Was it about Ren?" I questioned.
Sheik looked at me, a shocked look on his face.
"H-how do you know that name?" He interrogated.
"You said it while we were fighting, and other things like stay away from the princess." I revealed.
"So that's why the memories of that day are so fresh in my head." Sheik deduced.
"What happened on that day?" I enquired.
The young sheikah stared at me looking a little unsure whether to share or not, but he soon came to a decision.
"Alright...I'll tell you. Guess you deserve to know after I almost killed you over the memory." He said. "Well it happened ten years ago. At which time Princess Zelda and I were eight years old, and we were the best of friends. We did everything together, ran around together, played music together, shared secrets with each other. All the while I was supposed to be learning, watching Impa who was eighteen years old at the time, watch how she looked after the princess, but I wasn't like I am now. I goofed off, was mischievous, it got on Impa's nerves a lot. The Princess and I would sometimes sneak away from Impa which would drive her crazy, and one day when we snuck off we ran into Ren. He was a young trainee doing archery, only a couple years older then us, that day he helped us hide from Impa, and he instantly became a close friend. Her grace and I would sneak out to go see him, and sometimes snuck him into the princess's secret garden. I taught him how to play my harp, and Zelda asked him to teach her how to use a bow. He was quite the veteran at the weapon, but was terrible at teaching someone how to use it. One day Ren told me and Zelda to meet him in the princess's garden later in the night, said he had a surprise for us. We immediately agreed. When the sky turned black it was a moonless night, I snuck myself and Zelda out of the castle and into her secret garden. Upon getting there we saw Ren he was patiently waiting for us, but before we could reach him he ordered us to stop. We asked him why then he simply said he was sorry, then suddenly we were surrounded by thieves who wanted to kidnap the princess and hold her for ransom. Turns out Ren was working with them he had become a trainee to find out all the ins and outs of hyrule castle. I took out my kunai and screamed at them to stay away from the princess. Of course they didn't listen, but before they could attack Impa appeared. It was a massacre she slaughtered them all mercilessly all of them besides Ren that is. He had his bow and arrow out ready to fire and was aiming at her grace, but I stood in front of her. I screamed at him to stop but he refused. I...I remember looking into his eyes, seeing only anger, and hatred. I saw he was about to fire, so I threw my kunai at him striking him in the chest. I ran over to him, crying. I begged him to tell me why he did such a thing, but he didn't respond. I suppose he couldn't. When I looked into his eyes again, I saw the anger, and the hatred were no longer present, but instead there was sadness and regret. He died in my arms. After that I focussed on my training, never goofed off, never played, rarely spoke, but I always felt the pain of that day." Sheik explained, with tears streaming down his face, and I was suppressing some of my own that threatened to spill.
"Sheik...listen, you did your duty, you protected Zelda." I said.
"I put her in danger Link!" He argued.
"You were only eight. And you were deceived!" I reasoned, followed by a short moment of silence.
"I-I understand that. Besides I know her grace forgives me, never blamed me in the first place to be honest. The King even forgave me, as did Impa, but I wonder does Ren forgive me for killing him?" Sheik admitted.
"You shouldn't have to be spending your life regretting what you did Sheik." I insisted.
"Are you saying he deserved death!?" The Sheikah hissed.
"No, but you took a menace's life to protect an innocent's. If you didn't, maybe he would be alive, but maybe you and Zelda would be dead instead." I reasoned.
"I guess...but I still remember all the good times we shared. I just hope he knows that I didn't want to do what I did, I just had to protect her grace." Sheik replied staring sadly to the ground.
"Well...I can't speak for him, but I know I forgive you for almost killing me. So perhaps he does too." I replied.
Sheik then turned his attention away from the grass and to me. He stared at me for awhile seemingly taking in what I had said, then I noticed a small smile appear on his face.
"Thank you, for listening, and for forgiving me." He thanked.
"What's a friend for?" I smiled, and Sheik nodded in agreement, then stood himself up.
"Goodnight Link."
"Night."
With that I went and found my own space on the grass floor, tried to make myself as comfortable as I possibly could on the uneven ground, and lay there as the need for sleep overtook me, and I entered the land of dreams.
...
It was morning, and Saria was leading us through the Lost Woods back to the path. We were all walking in comfortable silence, I looked around at my surroundings the Lost Woods is very different in the day then it is in the night, but I suppose that is true for any forest. At night the woods was dark and foreboding, but in the day it felt peaceful and calm. It looked like a place I would love to come to for a nice stroll, that is if I didn't already know that danger rests in here even in the day.
"We're almost there." Saria announced.
"Great." I sighed. " Can't wait to get back to Kakariko Village and rest in a actual bed."
"Chair Link." Sheik reminded.
"Oh yeah, forgot about that. I'm sure Nabooru will let me share hers." I chuckled. Then received a glare from Impa who seemed to be a master of the art. "Just kidding!"
Then there was silence, actually to much silence there were no birds chirping no animals scurrying around, just...quiet.
"W-what's that!?" Saria exclaimed, breaking the silence, and was pointing ahead of us.
I looked to where she was pointing, as did the others and saw black mist seeping through a group of packed trees. It started coming towards us, then continued past us. The mist then rose into the air and covered what little view of the sky we had left.
"What in Farore's name is happening?" I muttered.
"Over there!" Sheik cried while pointing ahead.
The rest of us looked over to where Sheik was pointing, and saw stepping out of the shadows of some trees, was a large black horse wearing silver armour, and mounted on top of it was the cloaked figure from earlier.
"You!" Hissed Impa.
The cloaked person let out a deep chuckle, then grabbed onto its cloak then flung it off. Now no longer wearing it we saw who it truly was, and my eyes widened in shock at the sight.
"Ganondorf!?" I exclaimed.
He let out another deep chuckle and his face started to burn away, leaving only his skull with two horns appearing on his forehead.
"No boy, I am Phantom Ganon. I come from a dimension far from here." He informed, then raised up his hand, and a ball of blue energy formed in it. "You do know the punishment for going against the great king? The sentence is death!" He darkly declared.
I watched as the villain sent the blue energy flying towards us. All of us leapt out of the way and the energy ball flew past us, then exploding against a tree breaking it. The top half came falling down and hit the ground with a loud THUD sending dirt into the air. Luckily none of us were hurt, at least to my knowledge. With him wielding this kind of power I immediately knew we were in danger.
"Saria run!" Impa ordered.
"Alright." Saria replied then ran off to find a safe place. Fortunately phantom ganon didn't seem interested in her.
"Impa what do we do?" I asked.
"We fight!" She stated. Then began to charge towards the enemy, but before she could gain any ground Sheik grabbed her arm then flung her over him and onto the ground.
"What do you think your doing!?" Cried the older sheikah.
Then both her and I noticed his eyes had gone back to been pure white.
"Oh no." I thought.
Impa got to her feet but had no time to counter attack as Sheik sent several punches and kicks her way.
"Link I'll handle Sheik, you deal with him!" Impa said in between dodging and blocking different attacks.
"On my own!?" I exclaimed.
"I'm sorry Link, but I'm busy." She apologized, while evading a kick.
"Great." I thought then turned to face the phantom.
"HAHA to kill the so called Hero of Hyrule will be a great joy, and after I am done with you boy, I shall go to that Kokiri Forest, and slaughter all who live there." He darkly laughed.
"Not if I kill you first!" I declared as I took my Adorea Sword and Hylian Shield.
"You'll have to find the right one to do that boy!" He sneered.
He and his horse then rose in to the air, and floated back into the tree's shadows which enveloped him.
"What is he doing?" I thought.
But then I saw him again charging towards me on his horse in the air. I raised my shield to defend myself against any attacks he may send. Then in the corner of my eye I spotted something to my left within the trees. I turned my head to see it was another Phantom Ganon charging towards me. I looked to my right and saw yet another Phantom Ganon. I checked behind me and again saw another one.
I kept looking at each of them wondering how I will defend myself, when the Phantom Ganons to my front, left and right turned round and disappeared. Now knowing what was going on I turned around and saw the real Phantom Ganon flying over me. He sent a lighting blast down towards me, which I failed to evade in time and it struck me. My whole body was in searing pain making me scream out. Soon the pain began to die down, but my whole body felt burnt. Of course it became very tempting to use my red potion, but I didn't know what else this guy could do so I didn't want to waste it.
I ignored the pain I still felt all over my body, and focussed back on the battle. I saw that the villain was performing the same trick again, coming at me from different sides. I looked at each one seeing if I could spot a difference, and to my luck I did. Three of the ghost's armour was darker then the one to my right. Realizing my sword would be useless in reaching him, I placed it back in its sheath and took at my bow then drew an arrow. I waited for the other phantoms to turn around and leave. Once they did I knew the one to the right was the real one. I fired my arrow towards him and it struck him in his skull face making him let out a yell of pain.
Phantom Ganon pulled out the arrow which left a small crack in his skull and threw it to the ground. I watched as he floated of his horse which turned and disappeared, and in the phantom's hand appeared a lance.
I shot another arrow his way, but he merely hit it away with his weapon. I realized the bow and arrow had served their purpose and put them away and again unsheathed my sword. I noticed that he again was forming a blue ball of energy in his free left hand.
"DIE!" The evil spirit screamed and sent the energy ball flying at me.
I quickly leapt out of the way of the attack, but then saw he had formed another, and again threw it at me, and again I jumped out of the way.
I looked up to the phantom to see he was creating yet another one. As I watched I remembered the battle with TwinRova. Now knowing what to do I waited for him to attack, and of course he did. I watched as it came closer then closer, and when it got close enough I instantly swung my sword and struck the ball sending it flying back at Phantom Ganon. He flew a little to the side dodging that attack but only by a few inches. The dark spirit then looked to me in annoyance.
"You are stronger the I thought, but no matter. Your end will still be by my hand!" The phantom declared.
Phantom Ganon then came flying down towards me, twirling the lance in his hand. He swung the weapon down once he reached me, and I jumped back away from the attack , but he continued to advance. Swing. Swing, Swing. I ducked under the first strike, blocked the second with my shield, then parried the third.
The Ganondorf lookalike then lunged his lance forward. I hopped to the side dodging the attack. He then span around and swung the lance at my feet. I jumped in the air over the weapon and swung my sword at the villain's head, slicing through his right horn.
Phantom Ganon then screamed in pain and staggered back. He then floated back into air with a look of rage plastered on his face.
"DAMN YOU!" The evil spirit yelled, as he quickly created an blue energy ball and threw towards me.
Again I waited for it to get close enough, and once it did I swung my blade hitting the ball of energy sending it back towards the phantom. He quickly swung his lance at the energy ball sending it back at me. I then quickly swung my sword and hit it back towards the enemy who again swung his weapon sending the ball back towards me. Then I swung again, then he swung again, then I swung, then he swung, then I swung, then he swung, until I struck the blue ball of energy sending it flying towards the evil spirit at a great speed. This time he did not react quick enough, and the energy ball hit him exploding on impact.
Phantom Ganon then howled in pain and fell to the ground. I took my chance and charged towards him, and leapt in the air with my sword raised above my head, then with a downward thrust I plunged my weapon into his skull.
There was a short moment of silence only my tired breaths being heard. I slowly pulled my blade out of his head, and took a couple steps back, and watched as the evil spirit's body floated in the air limp, and his body became covered in blue flames as he dissolved away. Phantom Ganon was defeated.
I let out a sigh of relief, then remembered my two companions. I turned my attention towards them to see they were quite some distance away, and were still in the middle of fighting. I dashed towards them hoping to help. As I got closer I noticed Sheik's eyes return to their crimson colour, and a expression of confusion formed on his face.
"What's going o-" He uttered, but was cut off by Impa's fist been driven into his face.
"Impa stop!" I exclaimed while grabbing onto her arms to stop her from wailing on him.
"Huh?" Was her reply.
"I killed Phantom Ganon. The spell is broken." I informed, and her eyes widened in realization then looked towards Sheik as did I and we saw him covering his face while groaning in pain.
"My apologies Sheik." Impa said.
"Don't worry about it." He assured.
Before any of us could exchange further words we heard a familiar voice calling us.
"Guys!"
We turned to see Saria running towards us and soon came to a stop in front of us.
"Wow Link, that was so awesome watching you beat that evil spirit!" She said excitedly.
"Oh, really? Thanks." I replied while rubbing that back of my neck.
"Yes, you did well Link, but you only defeated his phantom the real evil king will not be so easily vanquished." The female Sheikah warned.
"I know that Impa, but when the time comes I will be ready." I affirmed.
"Good." She replied with a small smile. "Now Saria, would you kindly continue to lead us out of here."
"Of course, follow me!" The small girl said.
...
We soon found the path we had lost and Saria continued to lead us down it. It wasn't long until we stepped past the last few remaining trees, and entered into open land. Hyrule Field. It felt so good to no longer be surrounded by trees. To be able to look ahead and see for miles and miles. To look up and see the entire blue sky, but the most pleasant sight of them all was seeing my dear horse Epona, still waiting patently for me besides Impa's and Sheik's white stallions.
I quickly dashed towards my brown horse, and upon reaching her I immediately wrapped my arms around her neck.
"Epona I missed ya!" I declared, and got a happy whine as a reply. "So you missed me too huh?" I asked, and received grunt for a response. "Awww, not even a little bit?" Another grunt. "Haha I knew it!"
"You sure do love your horse." I heard a voice observe, and turned to see Saria.
"Sure do! She won't admit it, but she loves me too." I replied making the Kokiri giggle.
"Come on Link, no time for chitchat! We've got to move!" Impa ordered.
"Alright." I responded then turned to Saria. "I'll see you later." And then began to climb on to my horse.
"Yeah, hopefully." The girl replied.
We all then thanked Saria for her help then turned our horses, and Impa, Sheik, and I galloped away on our stallions from the Lost Woods and Saria. Towards Kakariko Village and Princess Zelda.
And done. Well in this we got to see what happened with Sheik all those years ago and that's cool right?...right? And I know Phantom Ganon doesn't have the power to control anyone, but this is a fanfic so that doesn't matter right?...right? Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed and please review critism is welcome!