Link breathed heavily, sweat dripping into his eyes. The Gilded sword felt like a heavy lead pipe in his hands, and the chain mail he wore only seemed to slow him down. Only five feet away, Shade stood tall with his sword drawn expertly, as if daring the young hero to approach.

"Come now, Link," Shade taunted, probably smirking beneath his helmet. "Is that all you can muster?"

With a growl, Link leapt forward and slashed at Shade. The spirit easily parried the blow, turning the Gilded sword aside and punching Link in the stomach. He heard, rather than felt, the blow as it connected with the chain mail beneath his tunic, and in a second he was lying on the ground.

Shade loomed over him, sword raised and seemingly disappointed. "Is that it?"

Link sprang up, knocking Shade's weapon away with a wild strike and attacking with his shield. Shade retreated under the sudden attack, ducking and jumping lithely.

"Excellent use of the Shield Attack," Shade shouted, as Link managed to land one blow on the spirit. His shield clanged loudly as it bounced off of Shade's armor, and Link retreated instantly, knowing that he had lost the initiative.

"Let's see how well you've mastered the Back Slice," Shade called, charging forward, leaving Link no time for a break. The spirit raised his sword high for a cleaving strike, covering the distance between them in less than a second.

Groaning from exertion, Link dropped to Shade's left, rolling on the floor like a Goron. In one smooth motion, he had switched positions and was now staring at Shade's exposed back. With a cry, he lunged with the Gilded Sword, but the spirit twisted aside at the last second.

"I swear to the Goddesses you have eyes in the back of your head," Link grumbled, not particularly surprised at his failed attack. Shade always had a knack for avoiding things like that- how could he move so agilely in such bulky armor?

"It's called intuition, and only experience can teach you it." The spirit called, turning around swiftly and sprinting forward once more. Link groaned and raised his shield, each jarring hit forcing him steadily backwards.

"It's my belief that the best defense is offense," Shade yelled over the noise. "Always attack aggressively. Always keep your foe pressed: never let them have one moment of rest. When you attack, your opponent must react, which leaves you with the initiative."

Link ducked under one of Shade's swings, hearing the air shriek as the spirit's sword cut only a foot above his head. He swung feebly at Shade's legs, but the spirit leapt to the side.

"Too slow, too slow!" The spirit cried. "What's wrong, Link, getting tired?"

Link's muscles screamed a loud yes, but he grit his teeth and glared. "Hardly. I'm saving the best for last."

"Oh? Then show me!"

Link lunged forward, trying to time the technique properly. He had only learned the Helm Splitter move today, but he was eager to put it into practice against Shade in actual combat. Drawing his shield back as if preparing for a strike, he lured Shade into a parry stance- and then he jumped.

With all of his strength mustered in his legs, Link almost flew into the air, the world turning upside down as his struck with the Gilded sword. To his immense satisfaction, he heard a loud clang and felt his sword shudder from the impact- a solid hit! With the momentum gained from his assault, Link gracefully flipped over Shade, tumbling gently on the grass.

"Guess who won?" Link yelled gleefully, turning around, expecting to see Shade lying on the ground. To his utter despair, the spirit still stood, its sword raised in a protective stance over its helmet.

"Good try," Shade laughed, "But the point of the Helm Splitter technique is to strike the head, not the sword!"

Link gripped his sword, furious that his victory had been snatched away so easily. He darted forward, Gilded sword pointed for a stabbing thrust.

"Keep your wits about you, even in the heat of battle," Shade advised, easily blocking the attack. He neatly twirled around and slashed at Link, who managed to duck barely in time. "You're losing your focus! There is a difference between an aggressive assault and a sloppy one!"

Once more, Shade jumped forward and rained a series of blows upon Link, who blocked some of them and dodged the rest. His heart was beating furiously, muscles screaming in protest- there was no way he could keep up the fight for much longer, his endurance was about to collapse.

As Shade drew back his blade for another strike, Link saw his chance: the spirit had carelessly left its guard open. Even as Shade swung, Link rolled, avoiding the attack and coming up behind the spirit in an improvised Back Slice. Once more, Shade's back was open, and this time, the spirit would be too late to avoid it. Link roared as he sprang forward, even as Shade spun around with a blaze of energy.

With a shattering blow that was luckily dealt to his shield, Link flew backwards, losing his grip on the Gilded sword and seeing it fly into the grass next to him. With a thump, he fell onto his back, realizing that the battle was over. He had lost. Again. Had he been expecting a different outcome?

Shade loomed over him, sword sheathed, body shaking in laughter. "Guess who won?"

"You never taught that move to me," Link said, getting shakily to his feet. His head was spinning and his shield arm felt numb… aside from Darunia, Shade was the strongest person Link had ever met.

"The Great Spin?" Shade asked. "I was intending to teach it to you last, as the final technique in your apprenticeship. I was rather well-known for using that move during my lifetime. I thought it would be fitting to teach it to my successor."

"Are you going to teach it to me today?"

"Not now," Shade said, picking up the Gilded sword and handing it back to Link. "Darkness is almost falling, and you're tired. You're learning quickly and mastering your skills well."

"Thanks," Link replied awkwardly, unused to compliments from Shade. "Although you still seem to be defeating me quite easily in each duel."

"Don't you remember our first fight?" Shade chuckled. "I disarmed you in less than five seconds. You're improving rapidly, Link, and every duel we have shows a bit more progress."

Link didn't say anything, but Shade clapped him on the back supportively. "Come on. We're about fifteen miles out from the Kokiri Forest. We'll have a long trek ahead of us tonight."

"What are you planning to do in the Forest?" Link asked, jogging to catch up with Shade as the spirit began to walk away.

"I already told you. We're going to complete your training."

"But isn't this my training? I mean, all the techniques you're teaching me?"

"It's part of it. But these duels are safe. Even if you lose, there's no threat of me harming you. You need some real experience before you can don the mantle of Hero."

"I've fought moblins and stalfos before," Link scoffed. "Even Iron Knuckles. I can't think of anything in the woods tougher than those."

Shade choked back a laugh. "Then you should have no problem handling what's in store for you."

"I don't even get to know what I'm up against?"

"What challenge would that be? You must learn to adapt to your enemy, and quickly find its weak spot. That is the only way you'll be able to defeat the Dark King. That is the only way you will become the Hero."

"Alright," Link said, walking in stride with Shade as the sun's orange form began to set in the distance. "I'll defeat whatever's waiting in there."

"I'm sure you will," Shade said mildly. "But it will change you, there is no doubt about that.

The light was quickly waning as Link and Shade returned to their camp, a small alcove hidden by a cluster of trees. Zelda was waiting there in a light doze, taking advantage of the momentary rest period. Link lightly shook her awake, watching in amusement as her eyes fluttered open dazedly.

"Time to go already?" She yawned, allowing Link to pull her to her feet.

"Afraid so. How was your nap?"

"Bad. I can't get any sleep with all these… nightmares."

A worried look flitted across Link's face. "You're still having them?"

"Every night since we left the Shadow Temple," she muttered guiltily, after a small pause. "I keep seeing all of them. The sages. And… you." She shuddered, and Link could only guess at the horrors she saw in her sleep.

"What… do you dream about?"

Zelda shivered. "I can't remember most of them, but the really vivid ones stick with me, even after I wake up…"

"Vivid? What do you mean?" Link asked, with a slightly sick feeling in his stomach.

She looked slightly pale and sick, causing Link to hold her gently. "Zelda?"

"Torture," she said hollowly. "Death, and blood… every night, I have to watch it over and over…"

"And who… who was being tortured?" Link asked, already knowing the answer.

Zelda only looked away, without answering. He could feel her body trembling against his, and saw her take several deep gasps of air. "They're just dreams," she muttered, sounding as if she was reassuring herself more than Link. "Nothing… nothing to worry about."

"Are you alright? Zelda?"

She closed her eyes and nodded, trying to regain her composure. "It's nothing, Link. I'll be okay." She brushed her golden hair back and forced an unsteady smile on her face. "How was your training?"

"Not bad. Shade still won, of course, but I made some solid hits."

"That's good," Zelda murmured faintly, looking distracted. Link strained his eyes to see her clearly in the growing darkness.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine. We've got bigger stuff to worry about anyways. When are we leaving?"

"No idea," Link muttered, looking for Shade but unable to locate the spirit. "Shade's probably scouting out a trail. He'll be back in a bit, I think."

"Did he tell you anymore about why we're going into the forest?"

"He told me that I'm supposed to complete my training by experiencing something there," Link said, "But I have no idea what that means."

Zelda looked just as confused as him. "What, like a rite of passage?"

"Sounds like it."

"Any idea of what we'll be seeing in the Lost Woods?"

Link shrugged. "Moblins, Deku scrubs? Maybe even Stalfos or skull kids…"

"Skull kids?"

"Kokiri who became lost in the woods and were slowly twisted and cursed into a skeletal form, at least according to legend. You can bet that we'll probably meet a few of them."

"They can't be that dangerous, can they?"

"Can't tell you, as I've never fought them before. Maybe Shade has, though: ask him. We won't be getting to the Lost Woods for another day anyways. Tonight we're just trekking into the outermost part of the Kokiri forest."

"The Hero spent most of his childhood there," Zelda murmured thoughtfully, staring up into the darkened sky. "Do you think that might be significant?"

"I don't see how. The Hero's been dead for a long time."

"Yeah, but… never mind."

"What?" Link asked, catching her tone. Zelda only stared into the darkness pensively.

"… nothing. Like you said, I'll ask Shade."

"Zelda, are you sure…"

"I'm fine," she cut him off abruptly, before softening her tone. "I'll tell you later, Link… there's a lot on my mind. Anyways, Shade's coming back." She pointed to a glowing figure that was headed their way, shining in the dark. "We should probably get ready to move."

"If you say so," Link muttered distractedly, still pondering over Zelda's behavior. She seemed slightly upset- was she thinking about her dreams? Or was it something else?

Regardless, Link kept quiet and decided not to bother her, knowing Zelda well enough to realize that she wanted some time to think. After all, she had the Triforce of Wisdom, not him.

"I've scouted out about half a mile into the forest," Shade whispered, as they left their camp and covered any traces of their activities. "No monsters, but it's almost pitch dark and there are lots of tangled bushes and trees to trip you up. Follow closely to me and you should be fine."

"How large is the forest?" Link muttered back, as he and Zelda followed the golden spirit through the darkness. Their feet were already crunching loudly on dead leaves and fallen branches- the noise seemed enough to wake the world to their presence.

"We'll probably be marching for four or five hours," Shade replied. "I'm hoping to make it to Kokiri village before dawn and set up camp."

"Kokiri village? There are still Kokiri here?"

Shade laughed harshly. "Not Kokiri as you would know them. But they still probably live in the village still, taking abode in decaying tree houses and guarding their village from the few outsiders that come."

"Skull kids?" Link asked. Shade nodded.

"They won't take kindly to us. But scare them enough, and hopefully they'll leave us alone. Most of them live in the Lost Woods, anyways."

"Where we'll be going, eventually," Link noted.

"No one said it'd be easy."

"What are skull kids like?" Zelda asked, remembering her earlier conversation with Link. "Shade, do you have any experience with them?"

"Plenty," the spirit growled. "Annoying little bastards. Agile, fast, and their crude weapons can be deadly if you're caught by surprise. One of them stole my horse when I was young. You wouldn't believe the trouble I had getting it back."

"And how do we fight them?"

"No need to harm or kill them," Shade said. "They're only little more than children, after all. Just scare them away: they'll usually not bother you again. Although they can be pretty tricky and devious- if they run away, don't chase them, or you might wind up lost in the woods until… you join them."

"I'll keep that in mind," Zelda muttered, looking around at the tangled tree branches around her and imagining wandering the twisted woods alone until she fell into madness. Even with Shade lighting the way for them, it was still hard to see in the perpetual darkness, and more than once she felt her cheek stung or arm cut by a particularly sharp branch. Link didn't seem to be faring that much better: only Shade seem unbothered by the gnarled trees and vegetation, whether because of his ghostly form or simply experience.

"This would be the perfect place for an attack," Link muttered, tripping over a twisted root and barely stopping himself from sprawling to the ground. "It's too dark to see anything, and the forest is too dense of us to escape from."

"Very true," Shade replied, "But fortunately for us, the skull kids, however devious they seem, are not murderers at heart. And moblins and stalfos prefer to stalk the Forest Temple, rather than blundering around in such a thicket."

"Why do they still guard the Temples? Without the sages, the temples are powerless."

"Many things have taken abode in the once holy temples in the sages' absence," Shade said cryptically. "Evil tends to gather in one place, and corrupt the outlying areas around it. Thus, the temples in this world are like castles, keeping the Dark King's lands under watchful eye and guard."

"Does that mean we must destroy the evil infesting the temples?" Zelda asked. "Won't the Dark King hunt us down long before then?"

"Destroying the Dark King's minions will not weaken him in any way," Shade said calmly, hacking through a cluster of bushes with his sword. "Thus, capturing all the temples would be a waste. They are already too far tainted and corrupt in this world."

"Then why are we heading to the Forest Temple?" Link asked.

"You're terrible with details," Shade sighed, causing Zelda to stifle a laugh. "As I have told you before, we are here to complete your training. Not to free a temple, or slay a monster, but to unlock the hero within you."

"Why here, of all places?" Link shot back.

"If you are the Hero true, then you will find your answers in these woods. Or rather, the answer, for it alone will silence all your questions."

"It? What's it?"

"Do not question your mentor," Shade ordered, clearly annoyed.

"You aren't my mentor," Link replied, a sharp pain flaring up in his chest at the memory of Impa.

"Of course not," Shade said, his tone slightly softer. "But at least trust me. If not as your mentor, then as a friend."

Link said nothing, but stopped his interrogation of Shade as well, leaving the trio silent once more. Only the snapping of twigs and leaves underfoot was heard, and it made the forest seem completely isolated and abandoned. Not even birds or wildlife disturbed the night, it seemed, making the Kokiri Forest even more haunting. Not even moonlight could pierce the thick forest, which only added to the menacing, brooding feel of the woods.

"I remember," Zelda whispered to Link, "That my first encounter with a moblin was in the Kokiri Forest back in Hyrule. You took me there, remember?"

"Yeah, that's true," Link said, sounding slightly startled, as if he barely remembered the event that seemed so long ago. "But we were at the Forest Temple, which is still miles away from here… if only we had brought the Ocarina with us…"

"Is there any way to get to the Forest Temple, aside from the Ocarina?"

"You can blunder around in the Lost Woods and hope that fortune shines on you," Shade laughed. "Or you can trust in the Goddesses and allow Courage to guide your path."

The night wore on, but despite the uneasy feelings shared by Link and Zelda, no ambush or attack befell the threesome as they marched raggedly through the Kokiri Forest. Once or twice, Zelda could have sworn that she had heard rustling movement off into the woods, or series of sharp jabbering noises that were barely audible over their crunching footsteps. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind- Shade seemed to be paying the disturbances no heed, which meant that the area was relatively clear of danger. Still, the shadows in the forest continued to wrack her nerves, even with Link's reassuring presence and Shade's guiding light.

After they had marched for hours, Shade stiffened, coming to an abrupt halt. The spirit was completely still, piercing blue eye gazing into the distance. Zelda and Link stopped behind him, warily scanning the woods.

"What is it?" Link hissed, drawing the Gilded sword.

"Nothing dangerous," Shade murmured. "I think we've found an ideal spot to set up camp."

Zelda turned in a circle, unable to see through the blinding darkness. "Surely you're not talking about here?"

"Not here, but we're getting close. I was hoping to find it tonight…"

"Find what?"

"The Kokiri Village," Shade replied, already moving before Link or Zelda could respond. "Follow me."

They caught up with him, noticing even as they did so that the woods were gradually thinning out. Up ahead, Zelda could indeed see a clearing, and the faint outlines of- a house?

Shade drew his sword, leading them out of the woods and into a large meadow. "I don't think anything will be waiting for us there, but be ready. These woods have changed much since I knew them… perhaps the same will hold true of the village."

Through the darkness, Zelda could see the rough shapes and forms of many structures strewn throughout the area. Once upon a time, perhaps it would have been scenic, or even charming. Now, she only felt shivers up her spine as they entered the deserted village. It felt like Kakariko all over again.

"I'm surprised the houses are still standing," Link muttered, as they passed by a decaying hovel that had been built into the hollow of an enormous tree. "Or at least, not completely destroyed. Are all the houses built from the trees?"

"The Kokiri lacked the proper tools and techniques to construct elaborate homes and castles," Shade explained, as they passed by another ruined tree-house. "However, they lived in a special balance with nature: it provided them food, shelter, and isolation, all that the Kokiri desired."

Zelda glanced around the small village, looking at the gloomy and run down "houses." None of them really seemed like a suitable spot for them to rest in, and the idea of staying in the open without cover seemed foolish. "Are you sure this is a good place to rest, Shade?"

He didn't respond, only leading them toward a smaller structure that was built in a rather secluded part of the village. The small hut had been constructed into the upper regions of the tree: an actual tree house. Zelda stared up at the house, noting that the only way to enter it was to climb a decayed and splintered wooden ladder.

"This is where we are staying," Shade said firmly. "At least for the night."

Neither Link nor Zelda questioned his wishes, too tired to put up much of an argument. Link obligingly stepped forward, testing the strength of the ladder. The construction creaked and groaned, but the Kokiri wood seemed to be exceptionally strong. Link hesitantly climbed up the ladder, followed by Shade; Zelda was simply able to teleport to the top, appearing on the parapet in a blaze of green light.

"Why'd you choose this house, Shade?" Zelda asked, looking into the small, one room hut and privately wondering if it could fit all three of them.

"Nostalgia," he said vaguely, waving away her question. "I'll keep watch outside, don't worry. You and Link can have the room to yourselves. Good night."

As Shade went back outside, Link settled down on the floor, stripping off his gloves and boots and laying his weapons aside. "Bit cramped," he muttered, trying to find a comfortable position on the floor. "Still, I guess it's better than sleeping in the open."

"I suppose," Zelda muttered, walking around and examining the room. There was a smashed bed in one corner, big enough to fit a child, and various items strewn haphazardly on the floor. A cracked mirror hung on one wall, so dirty that Zelda couldn't even see her reflection. Next to the mirror, a small plaque hung, covered in grime. She squinted, trying to read the words on it.

"What's that?" Link asked, somewhere behind her. Zelda blinked, trying to read the sentences.

"They're a bunch of records."

"Say again?" Link's voice was faint, as if he was on the verge of falling asleep. Obviously, her discovery hadn't stimulated much interest in his exhausted brain.

"They're personal records or achievements," Zelda muttered, trying to read the scribbled handwriting. Most of it was obscured, but she could read some: Best Score at Gerudo Valley Archery Range- 1500. Heaviest fish caught at Lake Hylia- 30 pounds. Fastest time at Lon-Lon track- 47 seconds. Zelda frowned, unable to understand why a personal records plaque was hanging on the wall of a dilapidated Kokiri hut. And according to legend, Kokiri couldn't leave the forest. How could they have reached places like the Gerudo Valley or Lake Hylia?

"Link, come look at this. Link?" Zelda turned around, only to see that he had fallen asleep on the floor, chest rising and falling with each breath he took. Slightly exasperated, but understanding of the toll that Shade's training was taking on him, she merely smiled and turned away from the records plaque.

Finding a spot next to Link, she curled up in a ball (the hut was too small to stretch out fully) and closed her eyes, resolving to tell Link about her find the next morning… and to question Shade about the growing suspicions in her mind.

Link was awakened at the crack of dawn by Shade, who jabbed him repeatedly on the shoulder with his gauntleted fingers.

"What do you want?" Link asked groggily, sitting up and blinking through the early morning light that poured through the rotting wooden windows. Next to him on the floor, Zelda was still sleeping, her face twisted into a mask of worry and anguish as she mumbled softly. Was she having another one of those dreams again?

"She'll be alright," Shade said, noticing Link's worry. "Come, I've got something to show you."

"Shade, what are we doing?" Link asked, pushing himself to his feet and hearing the wooden floor creak. Shade was already outside of the tree house, waiting out on the front landing.

"You'll find out soon enough. Follow me."

"What about Zelda? Shouldn't we wake her?"

"She'll be fine. This should only take an hour at most. And the area is perfectly safe."

Link glanced back at Zelda, who was turning uncomfortably in her sleep, obviously still affected by her nightmares. He felt a vague sense of uneasiness leaving her alone, but Shade was impatiently calling his name.

"I'll be back," he whispered, stroking her cheek softly before he left the small room. Outside, the early morning air was refreshing and crisp, and it there was a decent amount of light, allowing Link to see the rest of the village from atop the tree house. From a first glance, it seemed like the rest of the tree houses were in just as sorry condition as theirs was.

"The Kokiri Village," Shade breathed. "I almost forgot what it looked like. It's in a pretty dilapidated shape, though, and the original inhabitants are long gone." There was a definite note of sadness in the spirit's voice, before he resumed his earlier, brisk conversational tone. "Let's go, Link. There's something I need to show you."

Link followed Shade, jumping from the ladder and landing in the wet, dewy grass. The area, as Shade had said, was quite deserted. It seemed like a snapshot, where everything in the scene was frozen but for them. Even the small amount of water in the pond next to the tree house was stagnant and brown.

Shade silently led the way, circling around the pond and striding towards a small entrance on the opposite side of the village. As they walked, Link looked curiously into the houses that they passed: the ramshackle wooden structures were all badly decayed, and some of the doors were splintered and broken, as if they had been violently smashed apart.

"Do any skull kids live here?" Link asked, thinking that the dank and isolated houses would make good hiding places for the little monsters.

"They prefer to brood in the Lost Woods," Shade said. "Occasionally, they will wander back into this village, and perhaps sit for awhile and think of their past lives as Kokiri. But they never stay for long: this place reminds them too greatly of what they have lost, and inevitably their hatred bids them return to the Lost Woods."

"Do they live in the Forest Temple like the other minions of the Dark King?"

Shade chuckled ruefully. "No, the skull children are not the Dark King's minions, nor allies of them. They are simply unfortunate Kokiri, banished from their home and forced into the Lost Woods until they twisted. They hate and fear the Dark King, for it was he who ruined their lives."

"But they would also not hesitate to attack us, given the chance?"

"They see us as outsiders, and traditionally in Kokiri lore, outsiders are heralds of bad omens and fortune. They would view us with hate and mistrust… especially with all the weapons we bear. It's best to avoid them, if possible."

Shade led them through the small entrance, partially obscured by centuries of plants and moss which hung over the opening. Inside, a long, snaking passageway led somewhere else into the forest. Link raised his eyebrows at Shade.

"Where does this lead to?"

"Questions, questions, questions. Had Impa never taught you that patience is a virtue?"

"She taught me never to walk into a trap. Trust only takes you so far."

"After spending countless centuries in this world, there are few things that can surprise me," Shade said, confidently walking forward. Link grudgingly followed, despite eyeing the choking vines with deep mistrust.

"You shouldn't be worried," Shade muttered. "This was the Kokiri's most treasured grotto… and it will help you understand your roots with the Hero."

"How will that help me fight the Dark King?" Link asked rather impatiently.

"You must know yourself before you know your enemy," Shade intoned. "Only the Hero who has mastered himself can take up the blade of Evil's Bane."

Link didn't exactly like the tone of this- it sounded as if he was about to go on some sort of spiritual journey- but he decided not to question Shade's motives, following the spirit further into the woods. After all, Shade had been an excellent teacher so far. Maybe he had something to show Link. Or maybe he was as wild as a Hylian cuckoo. Whichever one, Link figured he had nothing to lose.

"We're almost there," Shade whispered, almost reverently, and Link perked up his head in excitement. The trees around them were thinning and up ahead, he could catch a wide glade of some sort, still obscured partly by the forest.

As they tramped through the last of the forest growth and emerged into the wide open space, Link nearly gasped. In front of them, looming ominously over the forest like a grey, brooding titan, was the largest tree he had ever seen in his life.

"By the Goddesses," Link murmured, awestruck as he remembered the legend. "The Great Deku Tree?" Of course, the legends had always described it as a leviathan of a tree, but Link hadn't been expecting anything of this size. The tree's roots and base snaked across the ground at least a hundred feet, and it was nearly three times taller than the trees surrounding it.

"It is the Great Deku Tree," Shade affirmed, "Or was. It is not here anymore, having died and passed up its essence long ago. Still, perhaps some of it lingers here yet. Come, Link."

Silently, Link followed Shade down a gently sloping hill, walking ever closer to the gigantic husk of a tree. As they walked closer, shaded from the early morning sun by its stretched branches, Link could see that the bark looked grey and dead, yet the tree still stood proudly, a testament to its power and majesty.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Shade breathed, stopping ten feet from the tree's base and gazing up into what appeared to be its face. "The sacred guardian of the Kokiri… and it gifted the Kokiri emerald to the Hero, if you remember from the legend."

Link tentatively strode forward, raising a trembling hand to one of the tree's massive roots. As Shade watched without movement or sound, Link gently rested a hand on the tree bark, which felt tough and weathered.

"Hero…"

Link jumped back in shock, as the voice, deep and ancient, spoke shook his head. The sound seemed to be coming from every direction, and from inside of him as well, as if speaking into his soul. Shade seemed completely at ease, as if he had been expecting such to happen.

"What's going on?" Link hissed, but Shade only stood still.

"O, Hero of Hyrule… chosen of Farore..." The voice boomed like a cannon shot, and yet seemed almost languid and weak. Link turned on the spot, gazing up into the face of the tree, searching for the speaker.

"I was the guardian of this forest… long ago… when my children were still free from the predations of evil…"

"You were the Great Deku Tree?" Link asked, wondering how the spirit was talking to him. Wasn't the tree… dead?

"The Deku Tree was my mortal shell, the form I took to watch over my children… they were the source of my power, and I theirs, and when they fell, so did I."

"But… you're still here," Link asked, puzzled, feeling slightly ridiculous for talking to a tree. "Even though the Kokiri are gone."

"Aye, noble hero, nothing may escape this world. It is the Dark King's domain, and as long as he holds power, I cannot sleep in eternal peace… nothing can…"

The thought of Impa's restless spirit, tortured and agonized, suddenly flickered through Link's mind, and he shuddered. The same fate had befallen all of the sages… and now the Deku Tree was telling him that the souls of possibly millions had gone through such torment for a thousand years?

"The Dark King knows of you," the Tree spoke, "But he regards you and your companions as mere insects. He does not wish to waste his energies hunting for such a small threat, especially when he knows you will be forced to come to him. In this world, the Dark King's power is absolute."

"Then how can I overcome him?" Link asked.

"By embracing your destiny as the Hero," the Deku Tree responded. "With courageous virtue, skill unrivaled, and the blade of Evil's Bane may you destroy the Dark King forever…"

"But the Master Sword. Blade of Evil's Bane. It has been lost, has it not?"

"Nothing is truly lost… memories grow foggy, legends become obscured… but it will always be waiting in the place it was left."

"But where was it left?" Link muttered. If only the Hero of Hyrule could touch the Master Sword, then it stood to reason that the blade was still waiting wherever the Hero had left it. Unfortunately, it wasn't like he could consult the spirit of the Hero and find out the exact location…

"You," the tree called, and this time, it seemed to be addressing Shade. "You whom I have known and loved like a son… who have suffered as much as I for these many years... will you guide this Link to the mantle of Hero…?"

Shade bowed his head respectfully. "I will, Great Deku Tree. But there is only so far that I can guide him, before he must find himself. He is almost there."

"Yes…" The tree seemed contemplative for a moment, as if lost in memories. "He has entered here a young man… but will leave as the Hero. It is… his calling. His fate awaits in the Lost Woods, waiting for the Hero to wield it once more. What say you, Link, Hero of Hyrule?"

Link felt an inexplicable surge of reverence fill his entire being, and he dutifully knelt to one knee, bowing his head in a sign of humbleness and respect. "I am ready," he said, voice strong and unwavering. "If my fate lies in the Lost Woods, then I will not rest until I discover it. And I will free you, Great Deku Tree, and save this world from the blight of the Dark King. I promise that."

"Then go, young hero and old friend. Go, and leave not this world in peril one second longer than necessary. The Dark King will fall and the kingdom of the Goddesses will be restored. It is the destiny of the true Hero."

The Great Deku Tree's voice faded away, its last words ringing in Link's ears. He waited on his knee with baited breath, but no other revelation came. Only the morning silence remained in the peaceful meadow, shadowed by the withered hulk of a once great tree.

"Let us return," Shade urged, resting a hand on Link's shoulder. "The Great Deku Tree has told you of your destiny… it is up to you to fulfill it."

Link slowly stood, keeping his eyes fixed on the tree. "So destroying the Dark King is the only way to release the souls trapped in this world? And to end the corruption of the Sacred Realm?"

"The Dark King will fall and the kingdom of the Goddesses will be restored," Shade repeated. "Defeating the Dark King will do more than rid the world of an evil. It will restore the good and purity of this realm, and release the damned souls imprisoned there."

"Including you, Shade?"

"Including me. I've gotten my hopes up in resting in peace after this is all over. Don't disappoint me, Hero."

Link grinned. "I won't."

"So, where exactly is the Lost Woods?" Zelda asked, watching in amusement as Link and Shade scrambled after her.

"Just a little bit farther," Shade said, as he and Link fought an uphill battle against rough terrain and snarled plants. Zelda, of course, could simply use Farore's Wind to teleport without exerting much effort. She was standing on a small hill that overlooked Kokiri Village, and in every direction her eyes were greeted by a sea of trees.

"Why is it called the Lost Woods anyways? What makes it so different than the Kokiri Forest around it?"

"That's one question I have no idea about," Shade called back. "Perhaps it has something to do with the Forest Temple's presence- or maybe the land was cursed to begin with. Regardless, they have always been called the Lost Woods, and no one questions that much."

"I see," Zelda murmured, turning around and glancing into the dark and brooding trees behind her. For reasons unknown to her, they were venturing inside the Lost Woods, with the vague objective of "completing Link's training." Despite her growing understanding of Shade, he still remained much a puzzle to her.

Zelda turned back around to see Link and Shade nearly level with her, climbing up a small rocky path. It was nearly noon- she had been shaken awake by Link after having another nightmare. He seemed different somehow, although Zelda couldn't quite place why… maybe her mind was just playing tricks on her. Still, both Link and Shade had remained oddly quiet as they ate a small breakfast of roasted keaton, and she herself didn't feel much for talk at the moment.

"Excellent. We've already made good progress," Shade said in satisfaction, walking next to Zelda and staring into the forest. "We can venture into the Lost Woods with some daylight."

"Does it really matter in there?"

"I suppose not. Still, it's nice to stumble upon lighted haven in those woods. A place to rest for awhile, safe from the gloom of the woods and predations of its inhabitants."

Shade's words seemed to imply that skull kids would be the least of their worries. Zelda nodded dryly and flexed her fingers, feeling her Triforce hum in response. Magic crackled in her veins and she smiled at the comfortable feeling.

"Are we going in now?"

"I think so," Shade nodded seriously. "Are you ready for your destiny, Hero?"

"We'll see soon enough," Link said grimly, drawing the Gilded sword and gripping it firmly. "Lead on, Shade."

As they entered into the Lost Woods, the light from the outside quickly dwindled until Zelda could only see several feet ahead of her. Link and Shade were barely visible, moving around her like silent wraiths. The only sound was the soft crunching of their feet upon the ground… and the occasional rustle of unidentified creatures in the background.

"Follow me closely," Shade warned, voice a barely audible whisper. "I know the paths well enough… but if either of you get lost, I'm afraid we won't be able to find you again. The Lost Woods has a magic that change people and things… even a hero won't survive long in this place."

Zelda felt Link's hand slide into hers, and she squeezed it reassuringly. It was a physical bond that would help them stay together, and an emotional one to keep their sanity. She walked closer to Link, eyes alert and scanning the dank surroundings for anything threatening.

"Can you tell us where we're going, yet?" Link asked, voice somewhat muted.

"I can't tell you where to go, because this is your path to decide," Shade replied. "I'm just the guide, Hero. I'll let go eventually, and you'll have to find your own way. Remember what the Deku Tree told you."

"Right." Link breathed deeply, the Triforce of Courage glowing brightly on the back of his hand. "This is where I become the hero, or die in the attempt?"

"An astute summary. Hopefully it will be the former."

"Hopefully."

Zelda listened in on the conversation, vaguely wondering what Link and Shade were jabbering about. And what was the Deku Tree? Surely not the forest guardian of legend…

"Link, what…"

Her question was interrupted as a hail of darts whizzed uncomfortably close, causing her to snap out a quick Nayru's Love from pure reflex. That was good, because a second volley came a second later, bouncing harmlessly off of her shield.

"The test begins!" Shade cried, darting forward into the gloom. Link was hunkered down next to her, using his shield to protect himself from becoming a pincushion. Squinting through the dim light, Zelda could barely see small figures darting behind trees and taking cover in bushes. Where they responsible for the ambush?

"Skull kids!" Link breathed in recognition, and without warning he too left Zelda's side, darting enthusiastically into the underbrush after one of the screaming imps.

"Where are you going?" Zelda called, even as another volley of darts clattered off of her shield.

"I'll take the right flank, you cover my left!" Link cried, his sword gleaming in the air. Shade was nowhere to be seen, his golden figure swallowed up by the consuming darkness of the woods.

We've already been split apart, Zelda realized in despair. The first thing that Shade had warned them not to do was to get separated… and what had they done? Goddesses!

The skull kids were still peppering her erratically with darts, and she wasn't particularly inclined to taking off her shield lest a stray missile hit her. However, she couldn't do much with Nayru's Love protecting her…

"No need to harm or kill them." Shade's earlier words came back to her now. "They're only little more than children, after all. Just scare them away: they'll usually not bother you again."

Grinning, Zelda strode forward, completely invincible to the puny darts volleyed by the skull kids. To the little imps, it must have been demoralizing, to say the least. They fled from her, yipping and screaming in high pitched voices as they retreated deeper into the forest. The braver ones, or perhaps the slower ones, were simply knocked down when they came into contact with Zelda's magical barrier. They too were quickly convinced to run away with their comrades.

"That was easy," she remarked to herself, feeling her spirits soar at the minor victory. Then she turned around, and realized that she could see neither Link nor Shade.

Oh Goddesses.

"Link!" She called, leaving the underbrush and walking back to the path where the ambush had begun. "Where are you? Shade?"

She turned in a circle, scanning her surroundings, but this only exacerbated the situation when she realized that everything looked the same: she had lost track of direction, and with it, her only chance of escape from the cursed woods. Her spirits suddenly plummeted. How could she have been so stupid to have been so easily separated from the group?

"Link?" She called once more, panic overwhelming her senses. "Shade?"

"Over here," a distant voice called. Her heart leapt: it sounded as if the voice was coming from her left.

"Link? Shade?" She walked towards the area, keeping Nayru's Love ready as a precaution. "Where are you?"

"Right here, Zelda." Shade stepped out from behind a massive oak, sheathing his silver blade, skull kids nowhere in sight. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"No," she replied, unfathomable relief flowing through her at the sight of Shade. "I just thought I… had gotten lost."

"That was a bit chaotic," Shade admitted. "Still, everything's alright now."

"What about Link?" Zelda asked, her momentary relief now giving way to panic once more. She whirled around, looking for any sign of him, but only she and Shade were alone in the woods. "We've lost him!"

She turned back around to call Link's name, but felt Shade rest a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry," the spirit muttered calmly. "He isn't lost. He'll be fine."

"How can you say that? Didn't you say earlier that the Lost Woods are nearly impossible to escape from?"

"If he is truly the Hero of Hyrule, then he will find a way."

Zelda gaped at Shade for a full second, who only looked back at her with his unblinking gaze. "Look, Shade, this isn't the best time for all of this nonsense about fate and destiny…"

Shade's blue eye gleamed. "You think this is nonsense?"

"Link's lost out there!" She cried. "You're just going to abandon him?"

"I'm not abandoning him. This is the best help I could possibly give him."

"What in the name of the Goddesses are you talking about? Link's life depends on us!"

"No," Shade said, a steely tone in his voice. "He is taking his fate into his own hands. This is his test."

"Test?" Zelda nearly choked. Shade's idea of a 'test' was leaving Link in the middle of the Lost Woods…? "This is his life on the line, not some damn test!"

"If he is the Hero," Shade continued, "He will return to us. All we must do is wait." As if to make his point, the spirit moved to a broken log, sitting down on the mossy surface. He patted a space next to him, looking at Zelda. "Want a seat?"

"I can't believe this," Zelda muttered, gazing at Shade with a new light. Was the ghost mad? Had Link been right all along… had Shade only been waiting for the right moment to tear them apart? "I thought you would help us! I thought… I thought you were the Hero!"

"I am helping you," Shade replied. "But I can only do so much. Link is on his own, for now. It is better that way."

Zelda glared at the spirit for a full ten seconds, before turning around and calling Link's name again. Shade might be unwilling to help, but there was no way in hell she was leaving Link to die in these cursed woods…

"Link! Link-"

She was abruptly cut off as Shade clamped a gauntleted hand over her mouth, his blue eyes burning into her soul. Zelda struggled and flailed, but there was no real hope for her to break away from the spirit.

"Calm yourself," Shade ordered, dragging her back to the log and forcing her to sit. "Link will be alright. He will come back to us, when he's ready."

Zelda took a deep gulp of air, glaring at the ghost. Was this some sort of cruel joke?

"Sit, and rest yourself. There is no point in worrying: Link is too far from our help. He must find himself now."

"We can still…"

"No, we can't," Shade interrupted, rather sharply. "This trial will make or break Link. It will mark him as the chosen Hero or damn him for eternity. That is the risk that all heroes must understand. It was the risk I took, centuries ago."

Zelda only continued to glare at Shade, who rested his hand firmly on her shoulder. Both a sign of comfort, and to prevent her from leaving. "He'll be fine," Shade muttered, staring off into the gloom of the forest. "Have faith."

Unable to do anything else, she turned her eyes from Shade and searched through the darkness of the woods for the familiar form of Link, her heart thudding like Bongo's drums. She prayed to the Goddesses that he was alright, and that Shade's confidence would not prove faulty. She tried not to imagine Link, hopelessly lost in the forest for eternity, driven mad by the isolation and tricks of the Lost Woods…

Link grinned in satisfaction, watching as the small group of skull kids fled in terror. As soon as he had approached them, the little monsters had fallen back promptly, as if unnaturally scared by the golden light that shone from the Gilded sword. His Hylian shield had blocked most of their darts, leaving him relatively unscathed. All in all, he hadn't expected such an easy victory.

He turned around, fully expecting to see Zelda off in the distance, but only darkness greeted his eyes. The woods were absolutely quiet now, and deathly still. He took a hesitant step forward, searching for any trace of Zelda.

Okay, not good. He was alone and lost, the two things Shade had warned him not to do. Way to go, Hero. Link refrained from smacking himself in the forehead.

His heart was beating wildly, and his brain was telling him that he should be in full panic, but for some reason he felt oddly calm. The Triforce of Courage was shimmering on his hand, providing a comfortable warmth and presence. It eased his nerves considerably, as he sat down on a nearby tree stump to plan his next move.

The forest had already messed up his sense of direction- wherever he looked, the trees all looked the same, and no sign of his original path could be seen. It seemed unlikely that he would simply be able to stumble back to Shade and Zelda- no, only a miracle or the Goddesses themselves could save him.

Yet, despite the awful futility of his situation, Link still remained calm, sheathing the Gilded sword and closing his eyes. He thought back to everything that the Deku Tree had said, and all of Shade's lectures. It wasn't hopeless just yet. He might be lost, but there was still one thing that could guide him. Looking down at the Triforce of Courage, he flexed his hand, feeling the warmth that spread throughout his body. The Goddess Farore still smiled upon him, at least.

Jumping up from his seat and taking one last glance around the area, he felt an irresistible tug to his left. It wasn't his mind or gut instinct telling him direction… nor was it a mere whim. He took a few tentative steps left as the Triforce continued to shine brilliantly. Link quickened his pace, grinning- he felt sure that he was going the right way. The trees around him gradually receded as he continued running in his chosen direction, until the woods thinned enough to reveal a rather small meadow, lit with a rare beam of sunshine.

Calming his thudding heart, Link walked forward confidently into the field, the waist-high grass slowing his movements considerably. He was still lost, and this area didn't look at all familiar to him- but he continued forwards anyways, drawn by an unknown urge deep inside him. The Triforce of Courage was pulsing rhythmically, as if urging him ever onwards.

As he continued to stride through the meadow, the sun light gradually faded, leaving him once more in the dimness of the Lost Woods. In the distance, he could barely see the rough outline of a crumbling staircase… his heart began to beat in excitement. He had been here before, that was why it felt so familiar… that was why the Triforce had guided him here.

The Forest Temple.

He broke into a run, sprinting across the field and coming to a stop at the long, winding staircase that led ever deeper into the woods. The stone footsteps were crumbled and mossy, and he carefully stepped forwards, his Triforce almost burning his hand in excitement. Looking up, he could barely see the top of the staircase, flanked by two massive stone pillars.

Jumping up the stair steps two, Link scrambled up the stone pathway, eager to reach the top and discover the secrets hidden in the area. He had been led here for a reason, and by the Goddesses, he would find out why. The Triforce of Courage was almost painful now, feeling like a hot poker on the back of his hand. He stripped off his gauntlet and let cool air rush over the golden symbol, even as he vaulted the last steps of the staircase.

A tangible sense of excitement filled his body as he walked forwards into the darkness, like a conquering hero returning to his homeland. The shadows seemed to fall back as the light from his Triforce hit them, and he strode on with supreme confidence, drawing the Gilded sword with casual ease. Directly in front of him, ominous and imposing, was the entrance to the Forest Temple- but that was not what drew his attention.

Embedded in the soft earth in front of the temple was a sword, gleaming silver even in the dark twilight of the woods. While the rest of the area was covered with wild plant growth, the sword seemed completely unaffected by the passing of ages. Its blue-steel hilt remained perfectly untarnished and the blade seemed, if possible, even more keen than the Gilded sword. Link took another step forwards, sucking in his breath as he gazed at the sword. The Triforce was beating almost hungrily, as if yearning to reach out and grab the weapon…

"So this is what you led me to," Link muttered to his Triforce, as if expecting it to answer back. "Only the Hero can wield both the Triforce and the Master sword…"

Link walked forward, reaching out a trembling hand to grasp the blade. Was this what the Deku Tree had meant by fate? Had he found his destiny as the Hero when he found the blade of legend? Was this… the task that Shade had meant for him to complete?

He traced a finger on the sword's delicate blade, feeling the coldness and power that radiated from it. There could be no doubt: this was the Master sword, the legendary blade wielded by the Hero of Time. How had it ended up in such a place? Link could only wonder as he gripped the sword, easily pulling it free from the ground. A warmth filled his body, and an unbelievable feeling of power surged through his mind.

Link held the sword up into the light, gazing at it with awe and reverence. The blade seemed to have a light of its own, brighter and more pure than even the Gilded sword. It was perfect in every way: a weapon fit for the Goddesses themselves, and wielded by their chosen hero. He swung it several times, testing its balance and weight: the Master sword felt lighter than the air it sliced so effortlessly.

"You have come, hero, just as my master had predicted."

The cold voice caught Link off guard, but he somehow wasn't surprised or even frightened by it. He still felt incredibly calm, even slightly lazy. His heart was pumping in excitement from his discovery and yet, a cold detachment from the world had settled over him. He turned around, gripping the Master sword and searching for his challenger.

The man stood several feet away, wielding a wickedly serrated blade and black plate mail armor. A cape fluttered over his shoulders and a palpable sense of dread flowed from him, yet Link stood unflinching. He narrowed his eyes as he took in the man's red hair and greenish skin- a Gerudo.

"You appear as the Dark King, but are not he," Link called out. "What manner of creature are you, specter?"

The man chuckled, raising a black-gloved hand to his face. "You have unmasked me already, hero. I am but a mere spirit, set to do my lord's bidding." With a cry, his face began to burn and peel away in arcane red flames, until only a leering skull remained. The eye sockets burned evilly as they regarded Link.

"You are the Dark King's phantom," Link said calmly, remembering the monster from legend. "The same one defeated by the Hero, centuries ago?"

"It is I," the spirit nodded, "Brought back from the gap between worlds to once more serve my master, after I… failed him."

Link nodded, remembering the phantom's defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time. The Dark King had imprisoned the ghost to another realm as punishment, a similar fate enacted upon the Dark King by the sages…

"He said you would come," the phantom said, as if speaking more to himself than Link. "My master said… the Hero would be drawn to the legendary blade. You are the Hero, then, as only he can wield it?"

"I am the Hero," Link said confidently. "And just like my predecessor, I will spit your master upon this blade."

"We will see, young Hero. Can you defeat me, the mere phantom of my master?"

"If you wish a challenge, then I will not back down." Link was itching to try the Master sword in combat. He had always regarded the Gilded sword as a fine weapon, and was eager to see how the Master sword's power compared.

"So be it. Master has entrusted me with keeping the sword hidden away forever. I will not fail him a second time." The phantom rose into the air, hovering several feet off the ground as it twirled its blade.

Link didn't move, standing confidently in his position. All of the things that Shade had taught him over the past week began to flood through his mind… and with the Master sword, he was readier than ever to defeat this foe and claim the title of Hero. The Triforce of Courage burned as it sensed the coming battle, and Link gripped the Master sword and his shield tightly.

Without warning, completely silent and grim, the phantom swooped down, sword held like a lance. It could fly- and apparently maneuver well, even at such high speeds- but Link was more than ready. He rolled aside, directly behind his foe as Shade had taught, before lunging forward at the phantom's back. Only a second late- the Master sword clipped the flying cape of the ghost, but did not pierce its flesh. The phantom turned to regard Link, eye sockets burning with fiery hatred.

"You are more like the hero than I thought…"

The phantom dove at Link once more, but he twisted away with ease, only now realizing how much Shade's training had benefited him. Only a month ago, he would have been hard pressed to avoid an attack like that…

And Link also remembered something else that Shade had taught: that an aggressive offense was the best defense. He was losing the initiative by allowing the phantom to strike first… he would have to take the fight to his opponent…

As the ghost flew down for a third time, Link sprinted forward to meet the spirit, heart pounding in the thrill of battle. Their swords met and locked as the two adversaries twisted with all their might to wrench their weapons away, the pure silver of the Master sword clashing against the dark black of the phantom's blade.

Just where I want you. With the phantom unable to move, Link grinned as he struck the spirit with his shield, sending the ghost reeling. He was quick to capitalize on his foe's momentary weakness as he leapt forwards, stabbing at the spirit's chest plate. The Master sword slid through the plate mail armor as if it was paper.

The phantom hissed and flailed in agony, hands searching desperately for its own sword that lay a foot away. Link approached the fallen warrior, a cold look on his face.

"Tell your master that I am coming for him. Tell the Dark King that for all his atrocities, the Goddesses will see him rot once I'm through with him."

The phantom growled menacingly, and raised its left hand. Too late did Link realize that the ghost was casting a spell- and with a blinding flash of light and a searing hot pain, Link found himself lying on the floor, a black burn mark in the center of his tunic. He groaned and sat up, wincing as the heated chain mail links chafed against his skin. Nothing serious- but he had been caught off guard, absolutely inexcusable.

The phantom was crawling towards its own weapon, trembling violently from the mortal wound Link had dealt it. Getting to his feet, Link retrieved the Master sword and walked slowly towards the phantom, which was still struggling to reach its weapon.

"I… will not… be defeated," the phantom spat, burning eyes beginning to fade.

"It's over," Link called sternly. "I have bested you, just as the Hero did centuries ago. Even with your sword, you will not be able to win."

"I must!" The spirit cried in pain. "Or master will banish me- to eternal imprisonment, for my failure!" The ghost seemed more like a sickened creature rather than a phantom of the Dark King. For a moment, Link felt a stab of pity mix with his anger as he viewed the pathetic monster, worming on the ground. It shrieked, as if already imagining that it had been banished to a different dimension. "No master- I beg of you! Please!"

"I pity you, servant of the Dark King," Link said, watching as the phantom struggled and convulsed. "Your master despises you, and would discard you without a moment's hesitation. Your existence has no meaning: you serve a monster that would kill you as easily as those he terrorizes."

"I will kill you, Hero!" The phantom cried, snatching at his sword. "I will not be banished again to the gap between worlds!"

Link merely turned away, sheathing his sword and slinging the Hylian shield over his back. There was no honor in destroying such a crippled enemy- and the phantom would do him no more harm. He began to walk away, descending the steps of the forest temple, even as the spirit's cries echoed around the clearing.

"I WILL KILL YOU, HERO!" Link turned around, watching calmly as the phantom ran at him with a sudden burst of power. Gripping the Master sword tightly, tensing his muscles, Link waited until the spirit was almost upon him, pointing its blade straight at Link's neck-

With a blur of silver, Link whipped the Master sword out of its sheath, parrying the phantom faster than the eye could follow. The ghost merely stood in shock, halted by the quick counterattack, and then crumpled as it finally succumbed to its chest wound. Link stepped away as black flames began to consume the phantom, and its body writhed from within the inferno.

"Please, master! Please…!"

Link left the temple, a sickened feeling in his stomach as the phantom's cries mingled with the booming laughter of a demon…