Dear Readers,
When the King asks Zelda to keep them safe, he's asking her to wield her power of the triforce on their behalf. Now, concerning Zelda speaking to Link, that is kept at a minimum for the time being because the focus is really on the four sword heroes, however there will be future instances where Zelda communicates not only with Link, but also with one or more members of the four swords team—maybe. And as for Link's emotions, I'm sorry I can't answer that one. Spoilers. And you'll just have to wait and see what happens with Blue and the Yiga. More Spoilers!
I love reading your reviews. Please don't stop. They encourage me.
Sincerely,
DragonWing85
For the rest of the day, all five heroes trained on the Great Plateau. As daylight turned into dusk, morale quickly dissolved.
"Green," whined Red, "I'm tired. We've been sparring all day! Can't we take a break?"
Blue added, "And I'm hungry. All we had was a stupid apple for breakfast. When are we going to eat?"
Vio leaned against a tree trunk and dropped his branch. "I can barely hold my weapon."
Green wiped the sweat from his brow. "Alright. Alright. A little rest won't hurt."
"What about food?" asked Blue grumpily.
"What about it?" asked Link appearing behind him.
"I,uh, I was wondering when we'd eat."
"When we return to Kakariko Village," said Link walking to the center of the group. "Why aren't you sparring?"
"We're taking a break," said Green. "Is that alright?"
"No. You still have an hour of daylight left. You can rest then."
Everyone groaned.
Green pulled Vio to his feet. "Come on. It's only one more hour."
"I can barely move," moaned the purple clad hero.
Red whined, "I don't want to do this anymore!"
Green eyed Blue before he could open his mouth to complain. He nodded his head reluctantly. "Okay. Okay," he mumbled under his breath. "Red, I'll make you a deal. If you beat me in this next round, I promise not to tease you for one whole day."
"Really!?" shouted Red. He swung his half-broken tree branch with renewed energy.
Vio smirked. "I guess I got one more round left in me."
"That's the spirit!" said Green as they started another match.
An hour later:
"I win!" shouted Red to the top of his lungs.
Blue collapsed on the ground, breathless. "I really thought he'd lose."
Vio dropped his weapon and sank to his knees. "I surrender! I surrender. Please. No more!"
Green looked around. "Where's Link?"
"Probably hiding in the trees—just waiting to drop down and scare us to death," griped Blue.
"Maybe he's cooking us a big dinner because we practiced so well!" said Red cheerfully.
Everyone glanced at each other and responded simultaneously, "Nah."
Green started up the hill.
"Where are you going?" asked Blue as Red helped Vio up.
"To find Link," said Green. "I think I know where he is."
Soon, all four Links stood at the cave of the Shrine of Resurrection.
Green spoke up, "Impa said we were supposed to meet here at the end of our training. Come on. I bet he's inside."
"I love this place," whispered Vio as the walls glowed with soft blue and orange hues from the lights. "I wonder if—"
"Hey, there's Link!" whispered Red. He wasn't sure exactly why he was whispering, but it seemed like he should.
"This place gives me the creeps," said Blue crossing his arms to keep the chill away. "It kind of feels like a tomb."
Link was quiet, his back to them.
They all waited for him to say something. But he didn't. He didn't even twitch. It was as if he were miles away…trapped in the prison of his own mind.
"Link?" said Green barely audible.
The hero turned to face the new champions. He gave them a worried smile.
"Sir," said Green, "we finished sparing. What would you have us do now?"
"Do?" questioned Link. It had been so long since he'd had a team, it felt weird. "Do. Hmm. I…I want you to listen…to a story—about our Hyrule. Have a seat."
"The floor's cold," protested Blue.
Vio popped Blue on the back of the head. "Would you shut up and sit down? I want to hear this."
Link tried not to laugh as Red giggled.
Once everyone was seated, the hero began his tale. "A hundred years ago, the people of Hyrule saw signs that Ganon was about to reawaken. So, the King did all he could to keep his people safe. Although the Sheikah dug up ancient technology to use as weapons, Ganon's power caused it to it turn on them, taking many lives." Link paused to compose himself. "The Princess felt it was her fault for not awakening the power within her to save her people. And…she despised me for it."
Red frowned. "Why? You didn't do anything."
"I…was a reminder of her failure to unlock her power because you see…I had unlocked mine. And the sword I carry was a sore reminder of that."
"You have a power—like the others?" questioned Green.
"What is it?" asked Red excitedly.
Link ruffled the locks of the boy's hair. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He then grew very solemn and took a deep breath. "There's a saying. A soldier who has lost his passion has—"
"Already lost the battle," finished Vio.
Link looked surprised but nodded. "The battlefield isn't just a game. It's real. If you go in half-hearted, you 'will lose'. That's why we lost the first time." Link looked over at the tub that held him for one hundred years. "But hope was renewed when the princess's power was awakened. And now we have a second chance. We can't fail this time."
"We won't." said Green with determination. "You can count on us!"
All of them nodded in agreement.
Link sighed inwardly. You could barely finish sparring that last hour! You're not ready! …You're all going to die—unless I can come up with a plan.
Blue broke the silence. "So, you're really over a hundred years old? Then how old is Impa—a thousand?!"