Smoke and shadows surround me. Flames lick at the edge of the shadows, crackling with life and heating my skin to the point that I wonder if it'll melt off. Their orange glow is my only light in this seemingly endless abyss as I look around to try and see where I am. But, only darkness stares back at me.
A scream echoes around me, like sudden thunder on a calm day. It's a woman's scream.
Looking in the direction it came from, I can't find the source. No one's around. Then, a white-gold light appears, shinning so brightly that my eyes ache as if I've been reading for too long with tired eyes and I have to shield them from its intense glow with my arm.
After a moment, I lower my arm to see Princess Zelda in the distance and, behind her, Ganondorf. The princess' eyes are wide with terror, tears twinkling in those ocean-blue orbs like stars in the night sky. Ganondorf has a wicked grin plastered on his face and a devious spark in his ember eyes that matches the flames that surround us. He reaches out to the princess and I try to run to her, fear whirling through me like a tornado. But, I'm stopped in my tracks by something solid and invisible. A magical barrier.
Multi-coloured diamonds manifest beside me and a shadowy, cloaked figure appears within them, placing gloved hands on the barrier and shattering it. Shards like glass fly away in every direction and I cover my face, again, to protect it.
Once I feel it's safe, I stare in confusion at the figure that now appears to be looking at me; but, I can't see their face, since it's hidden in shadow from their hood. Yet, looking at this figure sends my heart beating as fast as a rabbit running from a fox. Unsure what to do with the figure – or my reaction to them – I give a curt nod in thanks and turn, running again to save the princess. Ganondorf's hands are almost enveloping her as I push myself further to save her, my breath ragged and my body shrill in protest as fear clutches to every part of my body like Morpha's gooey tentacles.
I'm only a few feet from her. But, before I can reach her, everything becomes black like a bottomless chasm.
I jolt awake. Opening my eyes, I see I'm lying in bed in my room that's in the barracks for the Imperial Guards, which is attached to Hyrule Castle. My body is dripping in sweat, my heart drumming against my chest, my breathing fast and deep, making my lungs sear with every breath. Hair sticks to my temples and my sheets are tangled around me, feeling hot and cold all at once.
Sitting up in bed, I wipe the sweat off my brow as my skin pulses with heat like a fire that's flickering to stay alive, while shivers scuttle over my skin, and I decide to get out of bed. I haven't had nightmares like that since I was a child and Ganondorf was loose in the world, planning to take the Triforce from the Sacred Realm. Why am I having these dreams again? Ganondorf is sealed away, deep under the castle. Maybe it's because of that. Maybe being so close to Ganondorf and his evil is bringing on these dreams. But, if that is the case, shouldn't I have had them before now? After all, I've been living near the castle for seven years now, and Ganondorf has been sealed away for the same amount of time.
Seven. That's right. It's been seven years. Seven years since Princess Zelda sent me back in time from saving Hyrule from Ganondorf. Seven years since I rushed to her side as a child to warn her of Ganondorf's plans. Seven years since I was in the forest with the Kokiri and the Great Deku Tree – whom I think is now a lively and ever-growing sprout. Seven years since I've seen Navi last and since I've been training to be a knight in the Imperial Guard.
I never guessed that the king of Hyrule – Princess Zelda's father – would really believe two children about the fate of the world and the real intentions of a man whom they had never met in their entire life. I guess it did seem trustworthy after both Princess Zelda's and I's hands glowed with the Triforce symbols we are connected to as we told the king of the future.
However, I can't help but regret many things and this regret simmers in my heart, nestling closer each day as it spreads like a suffocating miasma within me. I know it's for the best that I found my way to Princess Zelda and warned her about Ganondorf. It was the right thing to tell the king, that he believed in us, and still does. It was a wise idea to seal away Ganondorf and make a pact with the previous Gerudo leader for peace. But, I've left so much behind because I was sent back in time.
After all, I haven't seen the Deku Tree Sprout or the Kokiri since I travelled back. Is Saria even alive again? Is the Deku Tree Sprout growing? Or, is the Great Deku Tree alive once more? If Saria and the Great Deku Tree are dead, how are the Kokiri and Deku Tree Sprout faring? And, is Navi back in the forest, safe and sound? Or, did she perish as well, due to our long and perilous journey together?
I don't have any answers to these questions. I know that, when we asked the Gerudo leader we made a pact with about Nabooru, she said no one had seen her; and there's been no sign of Impa anywhere. We haven't heard anything from the Zora about Ruto, nor the Gorons about Darunia. As for Rauru, I only ever knew of him in his spirit form, already perished. From what and when? I don't know.
As far as I know, only Princess Zelda is alive out of all the Seven Sages. It isn't even possible for me to check for myself if everyone is alive or not. After telling the king of Ganondorf's plans, I was brought in and trained as a knight for the Imperial Guard. As a child, I had to train rigorously. Then, once I became a teenager, I was made an official Imperial Guard and tasked with protecting Princess Zelda by the king's orders. Thus, I can't leave her side, let alone the castle, which creates sadness to swell within me like a frost spreading through my veins.
It does turn out that one of the older guard captains knew my father who was an Imperial Guard when he was alive. Before he died, he was trying to protect the queen, my own mother and I from the Hyrulean Civil War, before the current king unified Hyrule. In the end, the queen died, along with my father; which lead my mother to run away to the Kokiri Forest, gravely wounded, to save my life. She had asked the Great Deku Tree to protect me from the war. Unfortunately, the Kokiri couldn't save my mother from her grievous wounds, despite them trying everything they could.
So much has happened. I don't even have Epona anymore. She's off at Lon Lon Ranch with Malon. I miss these old friends. I regret not being able to check that everyone is doing well, and that I can't pass on my knowledge to others. And, I have to admit, that I hate not being considered the hero who protected Hyrule. In the end, the king has made me into an Imperial Guard; but, Princess Zelda and the king were thanked for preventing a disaster. The green clad boy from the forest who had a fairy is never mentioned. Now, I am a guard to the princess. Nothing more.
This irks me, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth as if I drank the poison that flows with the ReDead beneath the Kakariko graveyard. I don't want to be selfish. If anything, I partly hate myself for feeling this way; sometimes having such a fierce mental battle within myself that I end up almost snapping at anyone nearby from rage burning my soul into feeling like a Fire Keese. I'm grateful for this stable life the king gave me. But, I did save Hyrule. I helped to defeat Ganondorf when all seemed lost. I helped to free the spirits of the Seven Sages and defeated the corruption that Ganondorf spread across Hyrule like an unending nightmare. Princess Zelda did what she believed was best by sending me back and giving me a chance at a normal life. But, that isn't what I crave. It isn't what my soul yearns for so much that it hurts like a needle that's embedded into my very being. Nor is it what my heart beats for. I want to be acknowledged as a hero. Not be forgotten and blend in with everyone else like a Poe in a graveyard.
Now dressed in my green tunic and hat, cloth pants, leather boots and leather gauntlets, I lean against a cool stone pillar as I wait for Princess Zelda to dress. As I adjust my hard leather baldric strap, I wonder what it would have been like if I was the Hero of Hyrule. If I was recognized for all I did. A feeling of glee I barely have anymore, after losing so many I care for, nestles into my stomach like a fluffy cloud and I can't help but want to smile. But, I refrain myself. After all, I have to constantly focus on my job to guard the princess. You know, keep up appearances and such.
The door to Princess Zelda's chamber opened, and she walked out in her usual attire; a pale pink dress with magenta trim that fell to the floor and rose up into an attached, high collar around her throat, but the dress was sleeveless and had matching, long gloves. It was accented by a magenta cloth bodice, and intricate golden pauldrons that hold up the cloth bodice with a symbol of the Triforce and the ancient sacred bird known as a Loftwing in the middle, with a matching intricate golden belt. An indigo piece of cloth draped from the belt that had a crimson border, with an intricate design depicting the golden Triforce with a red outline, a fading teal Loftwing, along with random resigns underneath and along the boarder in yellow, crimson and black. A golden circlet with a red gemstone in the middle was delicately worn on her forehead, with hollowed Triforce earrings hanging from her long, pointed ears; and her long, blonde hair flowed down to her waist, part of it pulled back at the top to keep her forehead bare for her circlet.
Her royal blue eyes focus on me as I walk to her side, a light breeze gently rushing in through an open window beside a palace guard clad in silver plate armour with cobalt blue cloth barely noticeable underneath. The breeze brings with it the smell of blooming flowers, and dew. I wonder how the princess isn't chilled by it, since she has no sleeves.
"It's a nice day today, isn't it Link?" Princess Zelda speaks softly, her voice reminding me of a gentle stream, as she looks ahead with her hands clasped delicately in front of her.
Nodding as my response, I fall into step just behind her left side, letting her lead us to wherever she needs to go.
"Today I have an urgent meeting with my father. Well, the king, I should say," She informs calmly, looking out the windows of the hallway we are walking through. A red carpet extends through the entire hall in the exact middle of the stone flooring, muffling our steps as we walk.
"I wonder what it could be about," the princess ponders aloud, her voice now subtly sounding worried, the tone barely noticeable like trying to find blood within lava. It's usual for her to do this, even with the other guards around. She told me, once, it's because I always listen so well. I guess it's always easy to listen when you barely speak like I do.
"This does trouble me, Link," She confesses, the worry blooming in her tone like the first bud after the snow has been whisked away. "There have been no urgent meetings with the king ever since we informed him of Ganondorf's intentions, after you returned from your time travels. And, to be honest, I have a bad feeling about this." She sighs, "What could possibly be wrong?"
With that last, unanswerable question, the princess proceeds further down the hall and down a winding stairwell that's also covered in red carpet placed in the center. I admit, I always wonder how this castle was built to these perfect and specific details. And, with what the princess has said, I also admit that a nervous feeling is sizzling in my gut like badly cooked meat.
Once down the stairwell, we make a right turn and head down a large corridor, toward the king's throne room. When we reach it, the guards immediately open the large, wooden double doors slowly. I can only imagine how heavy these doors are and I can't help but think how easy it would be to open them if I still had the gauntlets I wore on my journey or even the Goron's bracelet.
Holding back a sigh, I try to focus on the task at hand. Every day, it seems, I reminisce over what I lost when I was sent back in time. It's petty and it shames me, making me want to curl into the smallest ball in existence. However, I can't seem to stop myself from doing this time and time again.
We now stand in front of the king in his royal attire of an elegant, powder white tunic and pants, which have an intricate gold belt, and a midnight blue elegant overcoat that's adorned in the same symbols as the cloth in front of the princess' dress, but all in gold and the symbols are only on the trim of the coat. His golden crown has the same red jewel that Princess Zelda has on her circlet, but his is atop his crown with wings on either side of it. I kneel to one knee and bow my head, keeping my eyes to the ground as Zelda lightly curtsies to her own father.
"My King, what is so urgent that you have summoned me?" Princess Zelda inquires, her voice even and careful, as if she can upset the delicate balance of the universe simply by her tone. Unfortunately, I've seen all too well how this is true with the inhabitants of this world. Not just the nobles and royals.
The king sighs strenuously, as if he's about to say the heaviest words of his lifetime. "Zelda, my daughter, I fear Hyrule may be in danger once more. The Imperial Guards that watch over Ganondorf's prison have reported strange noises coming from it, along with dark lights escaping the seals. Some of the town guards have also reported seeing what appear to be monstrous beasts in Hyrule Field of late. It seems the original Gerudo magic to seal Ganondorf away is no longer holding."
"Then," Princess Zelda begins, her tone wavering from its calm tone, pausing for only a brief moment. "We need to find another magic user of some kind. Someone very powerful, to reseal Ganondorf away."
"Yes. I have already sent scouts to fetch someone known as 'The Greatest Magician of Hyrule'."
"If that is so, what seems to be the matter?" The princess questions, dread seeping into her words like the wind through a cracked window.
"They never returned."
Heavy silence crushes down over the already suffering atmosphere, like the boulders up at Death Mountain.
My heart sinks, as if someone is pushing it down into my stomach forcefully. Those poor scouts.What happened to them? I wonder before the king's words pull me back to reality.
"It has been months with no word. I hoped they were simply delayed. However, now I fear the worst. We need to find someone capable, and strong, to fetch this magician."
"Why not send our knights?" The princess proposes, her voice straining to stay calm.
"Unfortunately, we do not have many knights available. The war has been over for seventeen years, but most of our armies fell during it and it has been difficult to recruit new people when there is no impending war."
"Then why not our Imperial Guards?" She offers quietly.
I should go, I think, hopeful. I faced Ganondorf once before, along with his horde of monsters. I'm an Imperial Guard. I've been trained to be the one of the most capable knights in all of Hyrule in order to guard Princess Zelda. I can handle this.
Then, the king replies with determination so strong that it feels like an invisible force is pressing into my mind.
"Zelda, they will not stand a chance against the monsters unless we send a small army. Even then, they could be at a great disadvantage. Most of our guards are trained to defend against assassins or small invasions, not monsters. Either way, I have someone in mind."
"Who?" She asks, curiosity and hope drenching that singular word like a cloth that's fallen into water.
The king's next word is filled with command so powerful that it seems like he could control the most determined soul with his voice alone.
"Link."
My heart jumps in my chest, my blood beginning to pump with excitement. The king really said my name. He really wants to send me out to get this magician. This is my chance to be the hero Hyrule needs again and maybe even be recognized for it this time.
"But, Father, Link is my personal knight," Princess Zelda protests, a subtle hint of dread lacing her voice.
"Indeed. But, we shall get the captain of the guard to protect you in his absence," the king replies easily. "From what you told me seven years ago, Link was the one who saved Hyrule from Ganondorf once before. He has the blessing of the goddess Farore and holds the Triforce of Courage. He will not be in as much danger as anyone else we attempt to send."
"And what of Link's life?" Zelda retorts, checked rage flailing to set itself free with every word she articulates. "He may have a goddess' blessing and may have an attachment to the Triforce. But, he is still a man. You would risk his life so easily?"
"I have made my decision, Zelda. He is more than capable. And, it is better to risk one life than to throw away many more than those we have already lost. It is his duty, as an Imperial Guard, to protect his Princess at all costs. Even if it means with his own life on a mission away from her."
Princess Zelda pauses, then curtsies again, "As you decree, my king. I will retire now. May Link accompany me? You can send the captain once I am safely in my chambers."
"Yes," the king replies, his voice tired. "But, Link," I look up to the king as he looks at me with a stern expression etched into his aging face. "Come straight back here once you've accompanied my daughter to her chambers."
I nod and stand, following the princess back to her chambers. The entire walk is silent. Almost uncomfortably so. The princess seems to be off and the air between us feels strained, as if a rope that holds the entire universe together is pulled tightly between us and can snap at any second. Why and for what reason? I don't know. But, she does seem against her father's decision to send me to get this magician. Is it to give me a normal life again? If so, I do wish she stops wanting this of me. Maybe I should tell her how I feel about this? No. I could upset her. I have to stay silent. Like always.
Once at Princess Zelda's chambers, she beckons me inside and leads me to her desk where she opens one of the drawers. Turning around, she holds the Ocarina of Time, her eyes saddened as if she's sending someone to their death. Plenty of memories flash behind my eyes; Saria handing me her ocarina, Princess Zelda throwing the Ocarina of Time into the water as she escapes with Impa from Ganondorf, of Epona coming to my side when I play her song, of every song I learned for every temple I had rid of evil, of the Sun Song that allowed me to change the time of day and stun the ReDead...so many memories, so many adventures. The notes to the songs aren't in my head, but I remember their tunes faintly. Like an old lullaby from childhood.
She holds out the ocarina to me, "Take this, Link. It's dangerous to go alone. So, this will be of assistance to you. Do not lose it and always trust its magic."
Nodding, I reach out and take the ocarina, looking at its shiny, royal blue painting once more and feeling its cool surface with golden trim near the mouthpiece, before I place it into a magical pouch attached to my belt that can hold anything I need.
"I suggest you also get a bow and shield from the armoury before you leave," the Princess says, her tone dull as if all emotion was swept away by a nonexistent wind.
Nodding once again, I bow to her and head for her door.
"Oh, and Link?"
I turn to look at the princess, my hand hovering over the doorknob.
"Please be careful," she pleads, her eyes sparkling with threatening tears.
Giving her a small smile, I nod and leave her chambers. As I walk back to the king's throne room, the captain of the guard passes by me, nodding on his way to the princess. I nod to him as well and make my way into the throne room, excitement lighting up inside of me like the sun. Once in front of the king again, I kneel just like last time.
"Link, please rise." I do so and look at the king as he speaks informatively. "You will be gone for a long time. Take whatever you need from our stores of food and in the armoury. And take this letter," he hands me a folded piece of paper with the same symbol I remember from the Hylian shield on it, which is the royal crest. "It will ensure you bypass anywhere you are prohibited from and explains your journey. Also, do not forget to head to Lon Lon Ranch to get yourself a steed."
Nodding, I bow once more and take my leave. Once I have packed for the trip and gotten all my gear, I head out of the barracks and journey into Castle Town. It's time, again, for me to be the Hero of Courage.