I know, the previous chapter was heart-wrenching for me, too... But the Links MUST move on. Arriving back in the light world, they regroup and renew their confidence to keep going...

Onwards, to Hyrule Castle! Let's go! :D

Chapter 25 – Determination

The light which had engulfed the four heroes softly began to fade as it cast its light across a new sort of terrain, its brightness illuminating a different world than from when it had started. Slowly, the swirling brightness began to fade, leaving in its wake what had not been there seconds before.

Blue was the first to look around and examine their new surroundings, taking a step forward as he left the tight circle the Links had arrived in to look widely around them. His eyes narrowed in thought, his head bowing in concentration.

"Well… it definitely was a different trip coming back here than going there," Green commented with a brief smile as he shook his head, also taking a step to the side as he walked up next to Blue, looking around them to find out exactly where they had been teleported to. And his words rang true in the minds of all the Links- before, when they had been transported to the world of darkness, each of the heroes had lost consciousness and drifted into a sort of daze… but the trip back was nearly instantaneous. For them, a mere flash of light was all that had happened between them exiting one world and entering the next. He quietly wondered why- but as the third Link came to join him, Green instead looked to his side at Red as he shook his head, ignoring the thought as he once more turned his sights on their surroundings.

"Are we… back in the Moaning Woods?" Red asked as he looked, wide-eyed, at the multiple trees and bushes that littered their surroundings, crowding them and blocking their sight of far away.

"Y'know, this place looks familiar, too," Blue said as he nodded, looking back at the other two Links. "I'm pretty sure we were here before… Maybe we're back on the path we took through the woods?"

Green nodded as he listened to both Red and Blue's words, looking around him once more as he pondered their situation. "Hm, maybe…" The Green hero then paused as he found himself in a surprised state. Instead, he looked around him at the one hero who had yet to move or say anything. He blinked, his eyes slightly narrowing in a worried confusion. "Hey, Vio… you alright?"

The fourth Link had been gazing, almost forlorn, out into the trees, silent as the wind which blew through their hats. However, when he was addressed, he looked back over his shoulder, his expression ever as stoic and serious as ever. Calmly, he gave a simple nod, turning back to them. He… No. It wouldn't do to dwell on these thoughts of his. For the sake of the others… and for Shadow's last wish… he would do what needed to be done.

Walking up to them, Vio turned his sights on their surroundings as he put a hand to his chin briefly. "Blue is correct… these landmarks are familiar. I would dare say we are nearing the edge of the forest, where it meets with the outskirts of Hyrule Castle." His voice was calm and simple- hardly a hint of emotion crossed his face as he instead looked carefully around them, remembering every minute detail about just where they needed to go next.

Green was quiet for a moment as he looked back at Red and Blue- but, dismissing his troubling thoughts, he looked back to Vio and quickly nodded. They were all together, and ready to take on Ganondorf… now, above all, they had to remain a team. "What Shadow said earlier… he's probably right. We need to head to Hyrule Castle as soon as possible. I'll bet it's safe to assume he's already there…"

"Then what're we waiting for?" Blue shouted with a triumphant grin, looking over at Vio and Green. "We've already done this bit, so go ahead, guys! Lead the way out of here so we can kick Ganondorf's ass out of our world! That bastard won't know what hit him when we're done with him!"

Red cringed slightly at Blue's language, but grinned as he looked back at the other two and nodded. "I just know we can do it, guys!" he said with an enthusiastic nod. "I… I know we're a lot stronger than the last time we were here. We know all of our strengths and weaknesses… we're the greatest team ever, so let's give it our best!"

Green smiled, Blue's readiness and Red's cheerfulness warming his heart and setting his soul ablaze. They could do it. He looked back to Vio and gave a simple, knowing nod. "We'll always be a team. And Red's right- we're the best team there is. We're the team that will rid Hyrule of evil!"

Vio looked at the brave, strong, and happy faces of his friends… and, suddenly, found himself to be slowly, quietly smiling as he lightly bowed his head. Shadow… he had given the Links more than just his knowledge. His confidence surged through each of them… And he was not about to let their friend's gift go to waste. The smile on his face crept into a wider, though still quiet, grin- and he nodded, crossing his arms contently. "Our chances certainly are much greater than when we started out… we have each gained much in our travels… and the prospect of a four-against-one fight is also promising. We will defeat Ganondorf- there is no other option."

Fueled by the confidence of each of their friends, the four heroes cried out ecstatically as they whipped out their swords, the blade of each Four Sword swung mightily in the air as they clinked with one another, the tips meeting in the center in a triumphant gesture of heroism.

Ready and charged up for the fight, the Links of the Four Sword shouted out once more in triumph as they sheathed their swords, grinning widely and readying their trip back to the castle. And as they turned to walk out of the woods, Vio guiding them and the others talking excitedly amongst each other, an almost delightful air surrounded the four…

Red smiled as he looked at the others walking alongside him, his smile so wide that his cheeks pressed up against his eyes. They… they could do it! Looking forward, his eyes lit up as he felt a sudden, warm wave of happiness surge through him… And yet… His smile quieted as he stopped walking, looking down at the grass in thought. That feeling…? It was wonderful, and he knew he had felt it before…

The other three had not walked a few steps before noticing the fourth one in their party had stopped. Smiling, they looked over at him, Blue poking him teasingly in the shoulder as they asked what was wrong. But, as Red looked up… his face was beaming in a wonderful smile, and he whirled around on his feet as he turned to look ecstatically behind him.

Each of the three other Links instantly turned around to see what had caught Red's attention- and, their jaws and hearts agape, they stared delightedly at the sight in front of them.

Draped in golden, pure light, the warm figure of the Keaton stood in front of the Links, her delicate, gentle head bowed lightly as her ever-closed eyes looked upon the four children with grace and gentle gratitude. And though her muzzle was quite like that of a fox's, each of the children knew and could feel the heart-lifting smile which was worn silently around her mouth.

Looking at the four heroes gathered in front of her, the Keaton lifted her head as she took a single step forward- and, with another warm wave of her love washing over them, she spoke to all four of them in her tender, calm voice.

Courage, strength, wisdom and heart-

Falter not under thine strengths apart.

Tests of each await ye ahead-

To know when to lead, and to be led.

Her words, greater in strength and devotion than any she had yet spoken to the heroes, radiated through their hearts and spoke to their very soul as the heroes listened quietly to her advice. Briefly, Vio looked back at the others, who also returned his glance, before looking back at the Keaton. Remaining standing where he was, he simply implored her with a nod and a smile as he spoke kindly to the one who had helped them so much on their journey. Her riddles were no longer the question… they were the answer.

"Keaton… we would never have gotten anywhere without your guidance. I understand the tests you tell us of… We will not break the confidence you have placed in us."

Green smiled as he looked from Vio to the beautiful golden fox, also nodding quietly. "I know… The road ahead will be rough… rougher than anything we've faced before. But… we'll do it. We'll beat Ganondorf, and save Zelda. I promise."

Red was the next to grin as he nearly jumped up in down in his place with cheer. "Green's right! I just know we can do it! We're Link- the Four Sword heroes!" He looked to the side, flashing his bright grin at his friend. "Right, Blue?"

Blue almost laughed as he wrapped an arm around Red's shoulder, rubbing his friend's hat-hair with his fist. He looked back at their guide with wild, bright eyes. "You bet we will! We're strong, and we've got the Four Sword. Nothing's gonna stand in our way!"

Vio smiled quietly as he looked at the others, then back at the Keaton. She took one more step forward, her eyes glowing with an almost motherly radiance, as she spoke one last time to the four Links.

Faith and hope, my children, do not toss aside;

in thy darkest hour, these shall be thy guide.

Face the evil King, apart and combined

in each other and the world, thou are confide.

As the Keaton finished her speech, her words grew quiet as she bowed her head, her peaceful, shut eyes almost glowing with kindness and strength for the heroes. The heroes no longer needed to fight amongst each other- or doubt another, or feel the need to go on their own. They were four Links, and one team- and they could all feel the true words of the beautiful fox rising and growing in their souls. To face the King… apart and combined… the four looked at each other, smiling in quiet understanding.

Feeling their souls connect like they hadn't experienced before, the Links nodded to each other as they turned to look back at the Keaton- and yet, in the small clearing where she stood, not a single being was there- instead, the empty plain of grass was lit up by the sun shining through the darkened canopies, sending its blessing rays through the thick of trees and dancing across the faces of each of the heroes.

And yet… though in her absence, the Links no longer felt the empty feeling of loss or helplessness like they had before. No… this time, she had left them with the feeling of accomplishment, of determination- of faith, and of hope. Once more, the four turned to look at each other- and giving each a small, quiet smile of understanding, the four turned around and resumed their walk out of the forest.

And though four sets of footprints led the way out of the woods… one soul burned in their hearts as they marched triumphantly to the field of battle.

The plane of light which lit up the empty field of grass stood alone, silent, as its guests had left the woods… and yet, in the center of the glowing rays of sunshine which shone through even the densest of trees, a soft illusion began to form in the light of the sun. The beautiful form of the Keaton, appearing in a wispy, ghostly form, sat quietly in the center of the circle of light, her closed eyes watching from afar as the heroes disappeared into the distance. Her power… it was growing weaker by the moment. She would no longer be able to appear to them as she had done before… But, it was worth it.

With the invisible smile once more appearing across her maw, the fox tilted down her muzzle as she spoke once more- this time, her warm and enlightening voice radiating confidently and proudly throughout the troubled lands of her children, before her form finally faded away into the light.

Sacred heroes, force of four, together as one-

Thou evil of shadows, thine power is undone.

"So…" Green started off as he looked back with a smile at the two Links which were trailing just a bit behind. Blue and Red looked up at Green from their conversation, wondering what he had in store to say. Vio, who had been walking next to Green as the two led the way out of the forest, also turned his attention to their leader.

Green once more smiled as he looked out ahead of them. "The Keaton's words… Courage, strength, wisdom, and heart…" He looked over his shoulder once more, his eyes glinting. "If I didn't know any better… I'd swear she meant each of us."

A hint of a smile crossed Vio's face, though he continued to look forward as they pressed on through the lightening brush of the woods. "Of course," he said simply with a nod. "We've all learned to see each other's strengths… Green's courage, Blue's strength, Red's heart…" He fell silent, a strange feeling crossing over him as he refrained from continuing, instead suddenly abashed. Hm… before, he wouldn't have hesitated to state what was true, even if it would toot his own horn. And now… he didn't feel as if he was right to glorify himself, even if it was true.

"Don't forget Vio's wisdom!" Red cheerfully interjected for Vio, clearing the uneasy feeling which had come over his friend as he jumped upwards, nearly leaning on the other's shoulder with a wide grin.

Blue grinned as he also walked up to the others, eager to lash out at their enemies with his sword. "More importantly- Don't forget our "tests of each"! What do you think's gonna be there?" He looked ahead as his eyes burned in an excited passion- and, Green thought humorously, if he didn't know any better, the hero was looking forward to the challenges the Keaton had spoken of.

Reaching behind his back, Red smiled as he pulled out Malon's harp, cradling it in his arms with a smile. Looking back up at the others, he nodded as he replied, "I dunno… but I think it may have something to do with each of the items we got on our adventure. And, in a way… they each kinda symbolize us, don't you think?"

Vio smiled as he looked at the Red hanging on his shoulder… He nodded as his mind wandered. Even Green and Blue smiled as they looked at Red… They did, in a way… The heroes hadn't thought of it before. Each of the Links, as they continued their walk, pulled out their own weapon they had received during their travels.

Green and his torch, which he used to light the way for them and guide them through troubled times… With its light, and his own internal light, he would bravely forge through whatever darkness to lead his friends once more into the light. Though even Green knew of the thoughts of fear which sometimes plagued him… he would never hesitate, not for a moment, to forge boldly on, if it meant leading the others down the right path. He was their unafraid, unfaltering leader.

Red with his harp… he restored their soul in ways the others never thought they'd need. The songs only he had heard in the desert- their magical qualities had kept the Links motivated and energized to keep going, in the hardest of times. There was hardly a moment when the others were not exhausted beyond belief- and yet, Red's joyous support and smile would once more then rejuvenate their spirits… The others could not imagine where they would be if not for his always-cheerful words of heartfelt encouragement.

Blue's sling was, of course, truly a mighty weapon… and one with a power not seen on merely the surface, just like the small hero himself. Like the destructive weapon, he was brash, headstrong… he charged in without a second thought for his safety. Throwing aside logic and strategy, he instead faced his enemy head on, with all the power and rage he could muster, ready to sacrifice it all to defeat those who opposed him and his friends. But it was not always an anchor- instead, his unyielding strength and determination would bring the Links through some of their toughest times.

And with Vio, whose rod of light left no darkness uncovered… He was the ever-confident voice of reason for the Links, the one who kept them on the right path and helped figure out even the toughest of puzzles. When the going got tough, he knew the right way to get them out of a bind. And with his weapon, which could pierce through even the darkest of riddles and barriers… he would leave nothing unsolved, and anyone or anything standing in his way of aiding his friends would feel his wrath.

Green smiled as he looked up from his torch to the others. "We've… we've come a long way, haven't we, guys?" he asked with a quiet laugh. "Remember when we first started out…?

"We were a mess," Vio commented simply as he looked forward with a quiet smile, his light rod hanging lightly- yet in a careful grasp- by his side.

"But… everything's good between us now, right?" Red asked, having finally stopped leaning on Vio and instead resuming his walk next to Blue. His bright eyes looked up at his friends, wide and innocent, openly trusting them. "We… we're a much better team than before. And we don't fight with each other anymore…"

Blue nodded enthusiastically, swinging his sling across his shoulders with a wide grin, his opposite hand clasping firmly on his friend's shoulder. "Red, we're the best damn team Hyrule's ever seen. And how can the best team defeat the forces of evil when they're fighting with each other, huh?" He grinned as he teased, playfully jabbing Vio in his shoulder. When the other reacted by sharply flashing his irritated eyes at the other, Blue let out a hearty laugh as he ran ahead, Vio grinning as he chased the other, hot on his heels.

"…Dangit, Blue, quit hitting everybody!" Green shouted after with a laugh as he also chased after the pair, looking to his side with a comforting smile as he nodded to Red, quietly telling the other boy to follow their lead.

"I think it is about time for YOU to be the one receiving the punishment!" Vio shouted out, his own face even breaking into a grin as he lifted his light rod, swinging it around like a club in front of him as he chased after Blue. "Ha! Take that!" Finding himself having caught up to Blue, Vio laughed as he swung his rod lightly at the back of his friend's shoulder.

But what came next to the other three who had approached him was a complete surprise. Vio was, of course, not confused when the Blue hero, who had stopped running, avoiding the playful hit- but instead his eyes narrowed in bewilderment as the hero suddenly whirled around, his eyes wide.

"Guys, stop… look!" he breathed as he turned around to where he had faced before, lifting his hand up to point at the sight in front of him. The eyes of the three other Links followed his gaze, their eyes setting their dismaying sights upon what loomed overhead.

Hyrule Castle looked so different than when the heroes had last seen its glorious, stone-white walls. The beautiful aura of light it seemed to emit was long gone- replaced instead by an eerie settlement of darkness and shadows. Even its walls were stained, tinted with the harsh, cruel color of the night as dark clouds of shadow billowed up and around the walls, infecting the once great, yet now malicious-looking fortress in agony and fury.

Looking upon the terrible sight, it was a horrified Red who summed up the sight in a few, breathless words.

"The castle… it looks… poisoned…"

"Ganondorf!" Blue snapped through his gritted teeth, his hands forming into fists. "He's already taken over the castle! Look what he's done to it!"

Suddenly, the hero's rage calmed as he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he looked back at the others.

Green nodded calmly to Blue as he let his hand fall from his friend's shoulder, back down to his waist- where he gripped the hilt of his sword determinedly. "We all know what to do," he said seriously as he nodded, looking at the others as they all nodded back and drew their swords as well. "This is it. Once we go in… there's no turning back."

"Who said anything about turning back?" Red joked with a cheerful grin, though his eyes lightly narrowed in the same determination of his friends as he bravely held his sword out in front of him. "We'll go in and there and we'll win, Green! For Zelda!"

"For all of Hyrule," Vio finished quietly with a smile, his light rod put away as he instead gripped his sacred sword and shield, looking at the others with a determined, ready smile.

"Let's do this!" Blue roared energetically, swinging his sword high into the air as the other Links rounded around each other. With another loud, victorious cry, and without waiting a second longer, the heroes of the Four Sword turned and ran the last stretch of their adventure towards the gates of Dark Hyrule Castle- determined and ready to face the ultimate evil which lay waiting within its ominous, foreboding walls.

Edit: Sorry for the sudden change on you, guys, but the whole chapter-planning has changed on me, so my upload schedule will be a bit different. :( Details on the notes of tomorrow's Chapter 26: Vio! ;3

- P.S.! Because I feel bad for not updating one chapter a day like I initially promised, I've decided to give ya'll a little treat. Here, I've sketched, scanned, and finished a single picture about the fic. Yup- I've drawn the designs for each of the Link's four weapons! This is, in my mind, how I imagined each of their gifts look like. I hope you guys like this little tidbit! (I'd draw the Links themselves, but I fail at drawing people.) Anyways, here it is!

- Since FF won't let me post the full link on here- type into your address bar, without the commas, i54, .tinypic, .com, forwardslash, 2j2ylms, .png.

Again, I'm sorry for the delay, guys! I hope you all are ready for the story to start escalating VERY fast... ;)

P.P.S. Congrats and a shout-out to The Great Mikey Weston, who grabbed the lucky 100th review slot! :D -throws confetti- Here's a cookie.