Chapter 2

Link ran through the fields of Hyrule, their boots sloshing in the mud as they rushed to the castle. The tremendous downpour caused Link's clothes, a green tunic on top of a long sleeved brown shirt, to become heavy and damp. They had put on a light green cap to try and remain somewhat dry, but this effort was in vain as Link's light pink hair became soaked and matted across their forehead. Their uncle's lantern had been the only source of warmth and light as they trudged through the increasing dampness of the land. This act of compassion was now the only thing guiding Link through this terrible storm.

Link moved with passion, remembering what Princess Zelda had told them in the dream.

"My name is Zelda, princess of Hyrule. I'm being held prisoner in the dungeon underneath the castle. The wizard, Aganihm is planning to sacrifice me in order to free Ganon. Please, for the sake of all the lives in Hyrule, come to Hyrule Castle! Free me and we can make sure that tonight will not be the last night of Hyrule"

Still, doubt filled Link's mind. They'd been plagued with nightmares for years, but this one seemed different. It was so clear, and the princess seemed so real. Yet, Link was still uncertain as to whether it was real or not. In any case, Link's uncle said that he was going to the castle, and if there was even a chance that he was in mortal danger, then Link knew that they had to help in any way possible.

Finally, Link had reached the castle. Standing in front was a man in a fortified suit of armor. It was different than what the royal guards usually wore, so Link could tell already that something was different about tonight. Slowly, Link approached the guard.

"Excuse me, sir, my uncle left for business in the castle and I just wanted to make sure that he was alright"

The guard didn't respond.

"...um, my name is Link Kokiri. My parents were personal guards to the royal family if I need any kind of credentials to get in"

Still nothing.

"Please, I'm just worried about my uncle. I just need to make sure that he's ok"

Slowly, the guard's head tilted down to meet Link's eyes. But the guard didn't seem to have a face behind the helmet, just two swirling lights surrounded by blackness. Link jumped back in fear. This definitely wasn't a normal royal guard.

"I'm sorry to bother you sir, I'll just be on my way" Link said sheepishly whilst stepping backwards.

Still reeling in fear, Link began to walk back to their house. They'd only gotten a couple steps when they heard a familiar voice call out to them.

"On the east side of the castle, behind a bush, there is a secret entrance. Please hurry!"

Link stopped in their tracks. All of this was so uncertain to them until changed everything. Suddenly the doubt that Link had for the entire situation became doubt that they could do anything about it. If Aganihm was truly about to free Ganon, what good would a pink haired kid with a rusty lantern do?

Before they knew it, Link was at the bush that Zelda had described. Behind it, Link could barely make out what looked like a handle to a trap door emerging from the dirt. Sure enough, when Link pulled it, a secret pathway into Hyrule Castle was revealed. Link jumped in, landing on the hard, wet stone of the underground tunnel. They were finally out of the rain, yet the damp tunnel was far from dry. Slowly, holding the lantern in front of them, Link made their way through the passage. It was dead silent, until they heard a loud, familiar scream. It was their uncle. Link began dashing through the corridor, not caring anymore about being quiet. This whole time they'd been worrying about the safety of their uncle, but they kept telling themselves that they were just being paranoid. You're always the worrier, Link. Now, it the fear felt so real that Link could picture their uncle writhing in pain. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of running and worrying, worrying and running. Link's fears had been confirmed. Their uncle was slumped against a wall, barely holding on to his sword and shield. He was dying.

"Uncle!" Link screamed as they rushed to their uncle's side. In his haste, Link dropped the lantern that had been guiding his way, it's dull, ever fading glow being the only light in this dark place. Link's uncle struggled to look at the face of his nibbling as he breathed his last breaths.

"Link….I'm sorry, I'm so sorry"

"It's ok, I'm going to get you out of here, you're going to be fine!"

Link's uncle dropped his sword and touched Link's face.

"It's too late for me...but it's not too late for you. If you're here than it no doubt means that you've been contacted by the princess"

Link nodded, tears streaming down their face.

"T...take my sword and shield….find the princess. The fate of Hyrule depends on you. Don't let Aganihm win"

Link knelt at their uncle's side, still in disbelief.

"I...I can't do it by myself"

Link's uncle looked back at the pure fear and adrenaline in the young Hylian's eyes.

"It's ok...it's ok to need help"

The lantern's light finally faded away as Link's uncle passed, leaving Link in the dark, alone and scared. A feeling they hadn't felt in a long time, but a familiar one nonetheless.