The storm raged violently at the captivity of Hyrule City. Lightning clapped so urgently that in the initial flash the city lit up as if the sun rose. The thunder that followed boomed across the landscape and tormented everybody who attempted to sleep. Drops of rain the size of fingers crashed down onto buildings and the road. Gusts of winds howled and roared, and whipped away at anything that wasn't secured to the ground. The dark knights and goblin clan members patrolling the streets were so beaten down by the bitter tempest that even they had to seek shelter. It wasn't long after the storm kicked into full swing that there was only one brave soul weathering through it.
"Look how bad it is outside!" Malon pleaded. "There's no way Link can make it back in a storm like this! We've gotta look for him!"
"Are ya crazy?!" Ashei exclaimed. "We don't even know where he went, and with all those monsters runnin' around outside, I doubt we'd find 'im alive!"
"Sir Raven, I'm begging you!"
Malon dropped to her knees and clasped her hands together.
"He's my brother gone off who knows where! He's hurt, and he's probably in trouble!"
"Malon," Raven sighed. "Please wait a-"
"FINE!" She screamed. "If no one will help me then I'll find him myself!"
She split toward the door.
"Malon!"
"You can't stop me!"
Malon grabbed the door handle and was about to tear it open when a deliberate knock came from the other side.
"Link!" She cried and ripped the door open.
"MALON! DON'T!"
"Thank goodness you're-"
She froze on the spot.
"I should think you'd ask who was knocking before you would so quickly allow someone entrance, girl. Especially considering the current circumstances. You're lucky I'm not an intruder with ill intentions."
Malon stepped back from the door and fell to her knees.
"Forgive us, Lady Impa," Raven sighed. "Please come in."
Malon broke into dry sobs on the floor. Impa stepped over her as she strode into the bar.
"Care to explain why you allowed such a breach in security?"
"It's nothing, Lady Impa. What news do you bring?"
"I came only to get out of the rain, and to check in. Now what's going on?"
Raven groaned and rubbed his forehead.
"It's Link. We finally found him, but he ran out of the bar about ten minutes ago, and we haven't seen him since."
"Why am I not surprised? Adelz, I want a word with you."
"Yes, ma'am."
Adelz stood from zis seat at the bar and approached. The two spoke in hushed voices.
"This is all my fault," Navi moaned, her little wings drooping. She sat on Din's gold bangles that Link had left behind on the bar.
"I wish I'd never yelled at him."
Talon's eyes rolled out of his reeling skull.
"Errhh, ma head."
He rubbed his crusty eyelids, sat up in bed, and looked around the dark room with its bleak furniture. The bed beside his was empty, as was the makeshift spot on the floor.
"Malon? Link?"
No one answered. Talon rolled out of bed and knocked roughly on the wall. He expected someone in the next room to shout back angrily, but it was quiet. The only sound he heard was the roaring storm outside.
"Dang. How long've I been asleep?"
He staggered toward the door, stepped into the hallway, and stumbled down the stairs.
"There y'all are," he chuckled. "When I didn't hear nothin' from upstairs', I was afraid y'all had gone away or somethin'."
The few people left in the bar stared at Talon as he came down the stairs. Ashei rolled her eyes and twirled her finger indicatively around her ear.
"Welcome back to the world of the livin', hon," Telma said gruffly.
"…Was it somethin' I said?"
"DAD!" Malon shouted angrily. "Have you been asleep ALL DAY?!"
"Not so loud," Talon grimaced. "Ma head hurts like crazy."
"GOOD! You deserve a hangover after all your drinking last night!"
"Now girl, don' chu-"
"You IDIOT!" She pointed a trembling finger at him. "While you were lazing the day away, I had to do all the work for the ranch by myself! And worse, Hyrule City's in danger!"
Talon's face went numb.
"What'd you say?"
"Hyrule City's under attack! The king was killed in front of everybody and Princess Zelda was kidnapped, and now there are monsters roaming the streets and Link's disappeared and no one will do anything!"
She threw her face into her hands and wept.
"Link, you stupid jerk! Why'd you have to run away?!"
Talon's face twisted into a solemn expression. He approached his daughter and wrapped his burly arms around her.
"Oh, Malon, I've been such a fool. I wish I could get you to understand, darlin', but there's no words for the pain I've felt these last few days. I know where Link's gone to."
Malon turned to her father and grabbed him.
"Dad, where's Link?! Please tell me!"
Before Talon could answer, a soft knock came at the door.
"Oh, what is it now?!" Ashei threw her hands in the air.
"Password?" Raven called as he approached the door.
There was no answer.
"I can't let you in if you don't-"
"Wait!" Navi leapt from her seat and flew to Raven. "It's Link! I can hear him!"
"Are you sure?"
"Positive!"
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Malon demanded. "Let him in!"
"What? Yes, she's here… Are you sure? …Link, are you okay? You're acting really weird."
"What's he saying, Navi?"
"He says he can't come in yet."
"Why, of all the-"
"He wants to talk to Impa."
Raven raised his eyebrow and looked over at the equally confused Sheikah.
"Can we ask why?"
"He won't tell."
Navi's eyes opened wide and she threw her hands on the tavern door.
"What?! You kn- all right, I won't, geez! How do you know she knows?… Link, you're not making any- …All right, I'll tell them."
She turned away from the door to the enthralled group.
"He just says he wants to talk to Impa. He won't let me say why, but it's really important."
"Oh, for goodness sake!" Telma barked. "There ain't nobody here gonna spill the beans on whatever big secret you two have! Now spit it out, already!"
"He knows how to find Princess Zelda."
"He what?!" Raven stuttered. "Impa, is he…"
"I won't know for sure until I talk to him face to face, which clearly won't happen until I honor his wishes and go out there in person."
"I'll go with you," Navi offered.
"Good. Maybe we can put an end to this nonsense once and for all."
With Navi perched on her shoulder, Impa pushed Raven aside and exited the tavern, closing the door roughly behind her.
"Link of Lon Lon Ranch, I am not a patient woman, and in the one day I've known you, you have brought what little patience I do have crashing down. You've caused more trouble and distress than any other teenager I've ever met. Now if you don't explain what this is all about, I-"
She paused when she held her lantern up to see him.
"…Excuse me, Link. I need a moment to extract my foot from my mouth."
"L-L-L-LINK! YOU–"
Navi shot into Link's face, and darted all around him.
"What happened to your clothes?! And that shield! And that sword! H-h-h-how did you–?!"
"Yes, Navi. I have the Master Sword."
"Bu-bu-bu-but why?!"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Link…I–"
Link shrugged nervously.
"You said you were looking for the Hero of Time. Here he is."
Navi would have stammered on forever if Impa had not intervened.
"Link," she began very carefully. "What happened?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell you la–"
"No. You will tell me now. This very moment."
She folded her arms. She wasn't angry, but her eyes still bore into him. The wrinkles in her face and neck stood out now than ever before.
Link had seen Impa enter the tavern. He'd watched her from around the corner of the alley, and had stood there gathering the courage to knock and request an audience with her. It was because of the respect she demanded, that he knew she was the best candidate to believe the incredible events he'd just experienced, even if it hadn't been for her 'truth-seeing' eyes. But there was another reason, too.
"You told me when we first met that you're Zelda's adviser, right?"
"Yes, I did."
"How well do you know her?"
"I have raised Princess Zelda from the moment her mother died in labor. I've fed her, cared for her, tutored her in the ways of law, politics, philosophy, magic, and just about every other learned field you can imagine. I'd like to think I know her relatively well. Forgive me if I seem blunt, but today's events have left me feeling irritable, and I'm standing in front of someone that Hyrule has not seen in well over a thousand years."
"I just wanted to know before I tell you all that's happened."
"Please do."
Link tread carefully to fill in as many details as he could, starting from the moment he woke up in Din's care, and describing Fi, following her to the Temple of Time, retrieving the Master Sword, and his journey into the Sacred Realm. It grew more difficult for Navi to relay Link's words as she became breathless from shock, but Impa's expression did not change when his story delved into the supernatural. She did not interrupt Link or Navi once. She stood rigid and listened to Navi while glaring at Link. When they finished, she said nothing at first, but continued to stare at him.
"You do realize that were it not for my abilities, I would call you the greatest liar the world has ever seen."
Link laughed nervously.
"Although, even if it weren't for my abilities, I'd still be inclined to believe you simply because of the sword on your back. Would you mind?"
Link drew the Master Sword and held it flat in his hands. Impa was no fool; she did not touch the blade. Instead, she held her hands over it and began to focus. Magic resonated from her fingers, and when the Master Sword reacted by glowing, she quickly pulled away.
"There is not doubt about it," she whispered. "You are the true holder of this sacred blade, Link of Lon Lon Ranch. Or should I call you the Hero of Time?"
She suddenly bent to one knee and bowed deeply before him.
"P-please don't, Lady Impa. That's not necessary."
"Allow me this one small courtesy, my boy," she answered as she stood upright. "For it is all I can give you. If the question does not seem out of the blue, how do you feel?"
"I'm sorry?"
"What are your feelings regarding your sudden responsibilities? Are you happy, angry, surprised?"
"To be honest, I'm terrified."
"Good," she put her hand on his shoulder. "It is an arrogant fool who does not fear for a great burden he has been given. While you have tried my patience today Link, and I do mean greatly, you are neither arrogant nor a fool. And let me say that it was a wise decision to come to me first in this situation. If you had strolled leisurely into the tavern without a care of your surroundings, if nothing else, you would have given everyone inside a good deal of shock."
"I know."
"And I can see in your eyes your fear. I don't know why the Goddesses have chosen you for this ordeal, and likely you don't either, at least not yet, but if they trust you then so too do I. It would be a great honor to assist you in any way I can."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Thank you, Impa."
"Believe me when I say you are more than welcome."
"I asked about your relationship with the princess because I need your help. When I asked the spirits where I could find her, all they said was, 'you will find her in the place she calls home.' Do you know any place like that?"
Impa put her hand to her chin and groaned.
"God forgive me, but those blasted spirits couldn't have been more cryptic if they tried."
"This is so cool," Navi whispered. Link and Impa both looked at her in annoyance.
"Sorry." She turned bright red and sat embarrassingly on Link's shoulder.
"Princess Zelda was born in Hyrule Castle and has spent the majority of her life within its walls. If she would consider any location her home, it would be there."
"Of course!" Navi jumped up. "If those evil guys kidnapped Princess Zelda, then the castle is the last place anyone would think to look for her! If I was gonna kidnap her, that's where I would take her."
"Unfortunately, what you've said makes me worry more about Her Majesty. Not too many people outside of the Royal Family and myself know the true secrets of the Triforce, and since you claim to have made a wish on it, then she is in even more danger than before."
"Why's that?"
"The Spirits warned you that the same evil forces who kidnapped Her Majesty are also searching for the Triforce. That means their only purpose for capturing the Princess was to hold her hostage until we gave it to them, but since you've made a wish on it, they no longer have a reason to hold her as their hostage."
But why not? Isn't that a good thing? What does my wish have to do with them?"
"The Triforce is a powerful, magical relic indeed, but it is not omnipotent. It has to adhere to many of the same laws of physics that we mortals do. It takes a lot of energy for the Triforce to grant a wish, and it has an extended cool down time. Once a wish has been made, another one cannot be made for one hundred years."
"Which means that the bad guys can't make whatever wish they want," Navi realized. "And if they can't get what they want, they'll never give Princess Zelda back."
"Not alive, anyway. If they find out about the Triforce's condition, they'll likely dispose of her before we can reach her, and if she dies, Hyrule will be without its most important leader."
"That's bad. Really, really bad."
"Fi."
The blue maiden back flipped out of the Master Sword.
"You called for me, Master?"
"Whoa!" Navi jumped back. "Who's this lady?"
"Is Impa right about Princess Zelda?"
"Affirmative. The reasoning behind her guess as to Princess Zelda's location and condition is quite sound, and under the circumstances I can confirm that Lady Impa's guess has an 82 percent chance of accuracy."
"Then it's settled. Navi, we're going to Hyrule Castle."
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Adventure time!"
"And just how do you intend to reach the castle? Many dark knights stand guard at its entrance and will not allow anyone inside. I doubt they'd make an exception for you."
"We'll get there the same way we did this morning."
Link walked past Impa and pulled the tavern door open. As he did, Ashei and Malon tumbled out and collapsed into a pile.
"Did you get a good earful?" Impa asked, smirking. Caught red-handed, Malon's face turned bright red as she picked herself up and brushed the dirt from her dress. Ashei had a far different reaction.
"HOLY MOTHER OF FARORE! YOU–"
Impa streaked over and clasped her hand over Ashei's mouth. She could barely move under Impa's strong arm.
"Don't be a fool! Do you have any idea how many dark knights you'll call to us if you go announcing it to the world?! Calm yourself, Ashei, for the safety of everyone here!"
Ashei bit Impa's hand, who let go.
"I know that, I ain't stupid! But look at him for crying out loud!"
Link stepped past them into the tavern. Raven was sitting at the bar drinking from a glass of water in his hand, but as soon as he saw Link, he spat.
"What the?!"
"Remember what I said about giving everyone a heart attack, Link?"
"Link," Malon breathed. "What are you wearing? Why…"
He ignored her and pointed to the crawlspace above the fireplace.
"We can get to the castle from there."
"Oh yeah!" Navi cried. "That's how we got to the castle this morning when we met you, Impa! If we follow the same path, we can get into Hyrule Castle and find Princess Zelda!"
"Understand, Link, that right now Hyrule Castle is the most dangerous place in the city. It is where the highest concentration of goblins and dark knights reside, and if you are caught they will likely try to kill you. Are you sure the two of you can handle it?"
"I sure hope so. If Princess Zelda isn't in the castle, then…"
"Link," Impa put her hand on his shoulder before sending him off. "Are you sure you're up for this? I can't imagine how hard this must be for you."
"I'm scared…but at least I'm not alone."
"That's right!" Navi agreed. "I'll be there to help!"
"And you have my support as well," Impa smiled.
"And mine too!" Ashei cheered as she wrapped her arms around Link and lifted him up in a crushing bear hug.
"I knew you were somebody special the momen' I laid eyes on you!"
"Ack! Can't breathe! Ashei, your armor hurts!"
"Master," Fi's voice echoed in his head as Ashei released him. "I may know of a way to assist you in your mission to locate the princess."
She appeared before him and continued.
"The Master Sword contains an ability to dowse for and locate hidden objects and persons with limited regions. The Ocarina of Time contains trace amounts of the Royal Family's spiritual signature. If you let me analyze it further, I may be able to absorb that signature and use it to locate Princess Zelda."
"Good idea," Impa replied. "With the sword spirit's help, you'll be able to navigate the castle safely without fear of getting lost or running into an enemy."
Link pulled the ocarina from his pocket and presented it to Fi. A soft whirring buzzed from her lips, then she turned and sent out a low, cracking whistle.
"According to my calculations," she declared. "Princess Zelda's location is approximately two kilometers northeast."
"That's the direction of the castle. No doubt about that."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Navi cried. "Let's go!"
"Hey Link!"
Rio jumped from behind the bar counter. In his hands were the two carnival prizes, the clawshots.
"You better take these. You never know when they'll come in handy."
"Thanks."
"Link?"
Malon's trembling hands were clasped together as she approached him nervously.
"Wh-why? What are you…?"
Link stuffed the ocarina back into his pocket and hugged her tightly.
"I'm sorry, Malon. I can explain everything, but I really have to go. I'll be back soon, okay?"
It was a long time before he let her go. He fired one clawshot, flew into the tavern rafters, and ducked into the crawlspace.
"I'll come back! I promise!"
With his final word, he pulled himself on his elbows into the dark tunnel and was gone.
"Impa," Malon shuddered. "Dad. What's…"
"Adelz," Impa signaled, and ze approached.
"Shall I follow after him?"
"Please do. Provide him assistance if he needs it, but do not make yourself known."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Adelz disappeared in a shadowy flash.
"Lady Impa," Raven protested. "Is that really necessary?"
"You saw for yourself how he handles himself in confrontations, Sir Raven."
"But he has the Master Sword now. Surely he can handle himself?"
"Master Sword or not, he is just a boy. The Goddesses have entrusted him with a most difficult and important task, and until he has the skill and maturity to handle it himself, I will give him all the help he requires, whether he wants it or not."
"Forgive me for saying this, Milady, but you're decision is biased."
"And so is yours."
Impa's eyes flashed at Raven.
"I and everyone in Hyrule City care as much for the princess and for the Hero of Time just as much as you do. Do not think your family circumstances make you any the wiser."
Link was out of the crawlspace and in Jovani's abandoned home within seconds. The rug thrown on the other side of the room and the lifted trapdoor cover were both as he left them yesterday morning.
"Link," whispered Navi. "I think someone's following us."
"Do you know who it is?"
"…No. Whoever they were, they just disappeared."
"Could you tell if they were bad or good?"
"No. They were so fast, I couldn't read their thoughts."
"Then let's keep our eyes open. I don't want anybody getting in the way."
Link took two steps across the tiny room, his rain-soaked leather boots squelching on the creaky wooden boards. He jumped into the trapdoor and plunged into the water system below. This time, he did not struggle against the current. He swam along with the water, kicking his legs and pumping his arms as he went further into the waterway. He felt himself drop with a waterfall and into a deep pool below, so he swam upward and resurfaced, and found himself once more at the bottom of the castle tower.
He wasn't alone. Link pulled himself up onto the metal grating floor nearby and was immediately confronted by a squadron of bokoblins. They were upon him before he could remove the Master Sword from its sheath.
One bokoblin charged at him with a rusty dagger, but he knocked it away with his arm. Two more attacked, then four more, and before Link could push them all away, they grabbed at his arms and legs.
"Get off of me!"
Link yanked out the Master Sword and swung it wildly at his attackers. The bokoblins released him and looked knowingly at one another, sniggering.
"Navi, can you tell what they're thinking?"
"They're laughing because think you have no idea how to use a sword."
"Oh, like they'd know."
Link grasped his sword in both hands and swung as hard as he could. Three unlucky bokoblins were caught in the reel, and he half expected them to be sliced in half. However, the moment the Master Sword made contact with their skin, their bodies exploded in a puff of sparks and smoke.
"What the heck?"
The remaining bokoblins shrieked upon seeing their comrades disappear, and clawed and climbed over each other to retreat.
"Navi, what are they thinking now?"
"Are you gonna make me translate for everyone and everything you meet?"
"C'mon, please?"
"Good grief. They're scared of your sword because they recognize it. They saw how it killed their friends and now they know you're the Hero of Time."
"They're trying to run, but they can't get away. What should I…"
"Destroy them, Master," Fi's voice answered.
"What?"
"If you had not defended yourself with your sword, they would have tried to kill you. And if we had not entered into the water system when we had, they would have ventured into the city to cause harm to those living here."
"They're not gonna do any of that now, though. They look scared. I don't think I can kill them…"
"Do not show mercy to those who would betray it at the first opportunity, Master. These bokoblins have nothing but evil intentions, and if you allow them to go free, they will continue into the city and hurt innocent civilians."
Link held down his sword and hesitated, and as he did, one bokoblin flung its club wildly at him. Fi jumped out of the Master Sword and spread her arms, and a flash of light erupted from her body. The attacking bokoblin, along with the others, screamed in pain. When the light vanished, so did the bokoblins.
"Whoa…" Navi gasped.
"Fi, what did you do?"
"I purged them," she explained. "With the inherent abilities contained within my residual body, the Master Sword."
"You did the same thing to Wallace earlier, right?"
"Correct, Master. The Master Sword is a magical blade crafted by the hands of the Goddess of Hyrule and by the very first Chosen Hero. It is just as capable of piercing through biological material as any physical sword, if not more so, but its magical abilities allow it to judge and eradicate on contact anyone with corruption in their hearts.
"And just as the Master Sword can destroy evil on the spot, so can I, the Spirit of the Blade. Its abilities are mine, for we are one and the same."
"Link, this is all very fascinating, but…"
Navi pointed up into the dreadfully tall tower.
"How are we gonna get all the way up there again? It took you forever to climb up to the top last time, remember?"
"We're not gonna climb this time."
"Huh?"
Link plucked the two clawshots from his belt and fired one at the stone wall. The chain shot out, the claw tightly grasped some of the climbing vines, and Link flew up into the tower. He came to a stop as soon as his feet hit the wall.
"Oh yeah! With your clawshots, we'll make it to the top in no time!"
"Based on the speed of your trajectory," explained Fi. "And the estimated height of this tower, I can positively confirm with an 86 chance that we should arrive at the top of the bastion within six minutes, Master."
Link alternated his second clawshot, then the first and second again. He flew back and forth between the tower walls as he went up and up and up. It wasn't long before he passed by the open window and saw the great storm outside.
"All that pretty rain, and I can't even enjoy it. I wonder if Princess Zelda likes rain."
"Link?"
"Yes, Navi?"
"Well, once we find Princess Zelda, will you come back with me to the forest?"
"Huh?"
"It's the whole reason I came to the city, remember? I had to find the Hero of Time and bring him back to meet the Great Deku Tree. He needs you to destroy whatever evil is trying to destroy Hyrule."
"I bet the ones who kidnapped Zelda are the same ones whom the Great Deku Tree and the Spirits were talking about."
"Maybe. So will you go with me?"
"To be honest, Navi, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I just accepted a really big responsibility, one that'll change everyone and me forever. Any plans I had for the near future have gone out the window, not that I was really planning anything when it came to my life, but still."
"Please Link!" Navi tugged on his green sleeve. "It's really important! He didn't let much one when I was talking to him, but I really think the Great Deku Tree is in danger!"
"Why don't we start by finding Zelda first? I promise I'll get to the Great Deku Tree as fast as I can, but I…there's only so much I can do…"
"Link…"
"Master," Fi began. "You are not feeling well?"
"I don't know what I feel. Yesterday I was just a stupid ranch boy feeling sorry for himself, and now I'm suddenly everyone's Chosen Hero. The time that I've spent in the city has been really humbling. It's made me realize just how selfish I've been…"
"Selfish?! Link, how could you go and say a thing like that?! You are anything but selfish!"
"But-"
"You stopped for a random fairy you found on the street to help her find one person out of a million, and in the end you ended up being that one out of a million! You're a really nice guy, Link, even if you weren't the Hero of Time."
"She is correct, Master. The Goddesses themselves recognized the honorable qualities that grew within your spirit as you became an adult. It is why they have chosen you for this great destiny. You may not have confidence in yourself, but you have divine intervention on your side."
Link looked back and forth quietly between his companions, then continued claw-shooting up the tower, zipping past another open-shuttered window. Lightning flashed outside, and thunder followed.
"I had hoped that the Chosen Hero's apprehension would have diminished by now," Fi said to no one. "I need to recalculate."
Navi followed after Link as he zoomed up.
"Link? What's up with the sword lady?"
"Sword lady? You mean Fi?"
"Yeah, her. What's her deal?"
"She's the spirit of the Master Sword, I guess. Why?"
"Why does she speak that weird gibberish?"
"Weird gi- Navi, she speaks fine."
"No she doesn't. I can't understand a word that comes out of her mouth. She sounds the way you did right before you ran out of the tavern."
"You mean you can't understand her? Fi, what's going on?"
A soft whirring came from Fi's mouth before she spoke.
"It has been many years since I last absorbed any languages into my memory, Master. I speak an ancient Hylian dialect that I can only estimate has been dead for centuries, if not millenia. With some extended time in this period, I should be able to attain the dialect which you and your fairy guardian use to communicate."
"Then you can't understand Navi either?"
"Not at the moment, Master."
"But how can I understand you? I speak Old Hylian, but no one ever taught it to me. When did I learn?"
"I lack the information required to assess that data, but I will provide an answer to your question as soon as I can. Please don't hesitate to come to me with any further inquiries you may have, Master."
With her evaluations complete, Fi disappeared into the sword.
"What did she say?"
"She just said she speaks another language, that's all."
"Well I coulda told you that! What language does she speak?"
"Old Hylian."
"I guess that makes sense. But what about Impa?"
"Impa? What does she have to do with this?"
"When we were in the inn, Fi said something to you but Impa looked like she understood."
"Impa's a smart lady; I bet she's learned the language at some point in her life, and even if she hasn't, I bet she could tell with her Sheikah eyes."
"I guess that makes sense."
Navi trailed behind in silence while Link made his way up. When he came to the top floor, he saw no more vines for his clawshot. Worse, there were more bokoblins waiting for him.
"Oh great. Now what?"
"The grate. That's what."
"What?"
Link fired up toward the floor. The claw grappled onto the grating, and he zipped up until he was dangling from the bottom of the metal floor.
"Link! Look out!"
The bokoblins above stomped over to him and began smashing the clawshot with their feet and swords.
"Hey! Stop that!"
Link released the clawshot and reached out to grab the grating in front of him before the bokoblins could stomp on his fingers. He dangled his way over to the edge of the floor with the bokoblins in pursuit above, jabbing through the grating with their ragged swords. He yanked himself up and pulled out his sword, but before he could take any action, one of the gruesome goblins shoved him. The Master Sword slipped from his hands as he fell.
"Not again!"
Link dropped down the tower. He fumbled and twisted in the air, trying to reach for his clawshot once more. Something hard rammed into his back.
"The…staircase…"
That was his last thought before he blacked out.
"LINK!" cried Navi. She zoomed down and grabbed his shirt with her tiny hands, but his body was much too heavy for her to lift and she tumbled down with him. They fell with a splash into the water at the bottom of the tower. The Master Sword landed with a clang on the nearby metal grate.
Navi pulled and pulled Link's unconscious body up to the surface with all her strength. She gasped and choked for air, then for no reason looked up. A rotted piece of the staircase was now plummeting down toward them.
"AAAGH!"
Navi jumped onto Link's chest and pounded frantically on him.
"LINK! Wake up! Please wake up! Link!"
He floated limply in the water. Navi looked up at the falling staircase and covered her head with her arms.
"Help! Someone please! HELP!"
Suddenly, Link's body swooped out of the water. The staircase landed with a heavy splash, spraying water all over. Navi clung to Link's flying body. Fi hovered in the air above Navi. Her legs were wrapped around Link's arms, as if he was carrying her on his shoulders. Instead, she carried him.
"Fi! Thank goodness!"
"Videtur quod minus est, domine, gladio possit satisfacere. Ubi me oportet providere auxilio possum, nisi prius sit exercitatus melius."
"Ah…Fi…I still can't understand you."
"…I…will help…"
With Link in tow, Fi floated them over to where the Master Sword laid. She let him down gently beside it.
"Is he gonna be okay? He hit that staircase hard enough to break it off the wall. That must've hurt."
"Indicandum domino meo, quod mihi lectionis non accepit aliquam solidam iniurias. Sed oportet quod excitaretur, quaevis minor iniurias curare, et ascensionis in summa arce repetemus."
"Eh…what?"
Fi pointed one long sleeve at Navi, then the other at Link's shoulder.
"Well, whadya know? He dislocated his shoulder again. Poor guy."
Navi swirled in circles over the constantly reappearing injury.
"If he keeps getting hurt like this, I'm gonna use up all my life energy, but… I don't think I'd mind…"
Moans stirred from Link's throat, and he opened his eyes.
"Link! You're awake!"
"Please relay your physical status, Master."
"Wh…what? I think I'm okay. For now."
"How does your shoulder feel?"
"It feels fine, Navi. Why do you ask?"
"No reason."
Link pulled himself up shakily and walked over to the Master Sword, plucking it from the ground. As he wrung the water from his clothes, Fi suddenly flew behind him and wrapped her legs around Link's arms again, lifting him in the air.
"Fi?! What are you do-"
"There's no time to explain or rest, Master. We must resume our search for the princess. I can assist you with the bokoblins at the top of the tower, but you must be ready when I designate."
"How?"
"Prepare the Master Sword, and be ready to attack."
"Got it."
Navi rested on Fi's shoulder while she carried Link back up the tower. Link held the Master Sword tightly in one hand and pulled out his shield as he ascended above the reach of the bokoblins. They clawed and grabbed for him aimlessly.
"Now," Fi declared as she released him.
Link swung his sword in a downward strike as he landed in the center of the bokoblins, and the resulting shock wave knocked them to their feet. He spun blindly before they could rise, swinging the sword in a full circle. Each bokoblin exploded as it made contact with the sacred blade. One bokoblin remained and attempted to run for its life, but Navi swooped toward it and shoved it from the floor, and it tumbled down below.
"That's for earlier, you smelly jerk!"
"Thanks, Fi. I owe you one."
"As of the moment, it is of no concern. However, once we have completed our current mission, I highly recommend you acquire training in sword mastery."
"I hadn't noticed."
"Link, look."
Navi floated to the barricaded door at the other end of the tower.
"I bet they closed it after we left the castle this morning."
"My readings indicate that the weight of this doorway is over 270 kilograms, Master."
"Think you could give it a go and hope you open the door like this morning?"
Link held his hands out before him. The gold plates on his leather gloves gleamed in the dark tower.
"I think I can handle it."
"Please keep in mind, Master, that there could be more enemies loitering behind the door leading to the castle. Be cautious."
"Got it."
Link cracked his knuckles, marched up to the door, and yanked the handle with both hands. It nearly ran him over when it ripped off of its giant hinges.
"WHOA! Link, how did you do that?!"
"Let's just say I've got a really good pair of gloves."
Link tossed the door aside and it crashed onto the floor.
"We are fortunate of the deafening storm outside. If anyone had heard that crash, Master, you would have inadvertently drawn more enemies to us."
"Oh crud! Forgot about that!"
"I don't see anyone out here!" Navi shouted over the wind as she clung to the entry where the door used to be. "I bet they're all hiding inside!"
"Let us continue with caution. Even without nearby enemies, the treacherous weather of the torrent will make traversing across the roofs of Hyrule Castle extremely dangerous. Good luck, Master."
Fi then disappeared into the hilt of the Master Sword.
"Good idea," said Navi. She zipped up to Link's cap and ducked under it.
"I'll hold onto your hat so it doesn't fly away in the wind."
"How kind of you."
Link took a big breath and stepped out of the turret. The rain and wind hit him instantly, blowing water directly into his face. He rubbed his eyes and continued.
"What's with this crazy storm?! It never rains like this this time of year!"
He traversed along the allure of the curtain wall, clinging to the merlons to keep from slipping. The night sky was blotted out by the storm, and with only an occasional clap of lightning as his light source, Link could barely make out his hands in front of his face.
Fi! Where am I going?!"
"Follow this curtain wall to its end, Master. Then turn right and continue down the next allure."
"This wind is so strong!" cried Navi, as she held desperately to Link's hair.
Despite the battering wind, Link followed the path on the wall as far as it would take him, then went right. Now that the storm was to his side rather than his front, he made his way much faster. It was far too fast, however; when he came to the end of the allure, he felt the floor give out beneath his foot, and he fell face first onto the adjoining roof below.
Ow ow ow! Dammit!"
"Link, are you okay?"
I think I broke a tooth! Can't I go anywhere without nearly killing myself?! Malon was right, I'm a walking wreck. I couldn't be more self-destructive if I was a masa-"
"Link? Are you there?"
"…Navi, did you say something?"
"Yeah, I asked if you were okay, and then you went on a tangent about being the world's biggest clutz."
Not that! I thought I heard someone."
"Link, please help me."
"There it is again! Don't you hear it, Navi?"
"What the heck are you talking about?"
"I'm being held prisoner in my own domain. He's taken control of the castle and killed everyone here. I'm the only one left. Please help me, Link."
"Where…where are you? Who's he?"
"He is the same demon responsible for killing my father."
"Link, what's going on?"
"Hang on tight, Navi."
Link ignored the blasting winds and plodded across the roof. His boots and clothes were saturated with rain, but while they weighed him down they did not slow him down.
"This way. Here my voice, Link."
"You…you spoke to me this morning. You're the one who told me to let go when I was about to fall. You taught me the Song of Storms. Why does it feel like I've known you for so long?"
"Follow me…my dearest friend."
"…I'd follow you anywhere."
"Link, what're you doing?"
Navi's question was heard only by the sudden burst of thunder. Link trekked blindly across the roof of the castle, ignoring the rain and wind, ignoring the thunder and lightning, ignoring the dark of the night and the fear of dying if he fell again, and all the while the gentle voice in his mind grew closer and more angelic.
"Even the Spirits of Hyrule didn't sound this good when I met them."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
When it spoke this time, the voice was so clear it felt as if someone had whispered in his ear. He looked to his right. Beside him was another tower, this one with a conical roof. It had a big shuttered window, and it was open. Link reached for the sill of the window.
"Link, wait! No one leaves a window open in a storm like this! Who'd leave it open, except someone who wants us to get in?"
"Exactly."
"But what if it's a trap?"
"It's no trap."
"How do you know?"
"It's okay, Navi."
As soon as he began to pull himself up, Link felt a small hand grab the back of his shirt and tug it forward. With its help, he climbed through the window. He stepped carefully into the tower and heard the window shut tight behind him. He found himself in a well-furnished apartment. A marble fireplace lit up the room well enough for him to see the walls lined with shelves and shelves of antique books. A large canopy bed with velvet drapes decorated the other end of the room.
"Dang!" Navi admired as she crawled out from under Link's hat. "This place ain't too shabby. How come we couldn't get a room like this at the inn?"
Light footsteps moved from the window in front of them. They were face to face with a figure cloaked from head to toe.
"…Hey! Adelz, what're you doing here? I thought you were back at the inn with Impa! Did you follow us here or something? What's the big idea?!"
"Navi. That's not Adelz."
"Oh really? And just who else would it be?"
As Navi complained, the figure moved her small hands to the hood of her cloak, and lowered it. Her long, mahogany hair drifted down as the hood fell, and Link found himself looking into sharp blue eyes identical to his own.
"…Ooooh."
"…Your Highness."