500 Hundred Years Ago


The day began like any other with the morning sun greeting the land with its light and warmth. Somewhere, there grew an ancient forest with no name; a large, natural realm full of mystery and wonder. One such wonder was the many secret passageways that led to new places; regions far and unexplored or even entirely new worlds if one searched long and hard enough. However, many believed the forest was cursed for there were legends that spoke of people never returning once they entered, leaving only the bravest souls to wander inside...

More fascinated rather than frightened by the tales, a boy and his horse roamed deep within the endless woods. For days and days, they had traversed the quiet forest, venturing forth with no direction in mind as they resumed their search for the boy's lost friend.

Not long ago, the boy and his horse had quite an adventure in a strange, bizarre world fraught with danger in the form of a trouble-making Skull Kid wearing an evil mask and an ugly falling moon. There were many familiar faces worn by not-so-familiar people, turning most situations into awkward encounters. Some days the boy thought he was in a never-ending dream, only to be brought back to reality by an impatient fairy. Nonetheless, the boy had eventually set things back in order, returning peace to the world of Termina. Afterwards, the boy and his horse continued on their journey, leaving behind their new friends and allies after a heartfelt goodbye.

What awaited the boy and his horse was a peaceful journey through the old, mysterious forest. Or so the boy had thought...

It was near noon when they stopped for a short rest beside a small stream within a sunny, grassy meadow. While the horse was noisily lapping up the cool, refreshing water, the boy took a quick drink and sat on a nearby rock. Music from an ocarina filled the meadow as the boy played his favourite song. It was an upbeat melody; the very first song he had ever learned to play, taught by his close friend back in the village where he was raised. Playing it always lifted his mood as it brought back fond memories of her and the time they spent together. Innocent days as children.

The boy stopped his song short when he heard the rustling of leaves behind him. He stiffened and snapped his head towards the sound, noticing something large moving quickly through the tall grass, heading straight in his direction. He put away his ocarina and hopped off the rock, his hands gripping his sword and shield the instant he was on his feet.

Facing the oncoming threat, the boy moved to stand protectively between his horse. He anticipated a common forest monster to suddenly lunge out and attack. However, the first thing to poke out of the tall blades of grass was a pointy black nose attached to a yellow snout.

The nose cautiously sniffed the air. With a quiet hum to itself, the creature fully stepped out into the open.

It wasn't a hungry monster, but a Keaton – an elusive yellow fox with three bushy, black-tipped tails and narrow slits for eyes. The size of a large, slim dog, the intelligent beast was as tall as the boy, even when it sat on its haunches. Black lips curled into a friendly smile as the Keaton looked over the boy, a curious gleam in the corners of its narrow eyes.

The boy lowered his guard, surprised to see a Keaton appear when he no longer possessed the magical mask of the animal. All the special masks he had acquired in Termina had disappeared when he had unknowingly left the boundaries of the world, their powers seemingly bound only to that realm.

Equally as curious as the Keaton, the boy put away his weapons and returned the fox's smile with his own.

"Well, hello there!" greeted the Keaton in its cheery, child-like voice. "That song you were just playing, you're a Child of the Forest, aren't you? Never have I seen one of you so deep in these big old woods. Are you lost?"

"No, I'm not lost," the boy replied with a shake of his head before raising his brow, intrigued. "You recognized the song? There is only one other Kokiri who knows it... A girl with green hair. Have you met her?"

The Keaton rocked its head side to side in a pondering manner, swaying in tandem with its three tails. "Green hair... I think I may have, a long, long time ago. You see, I was on a very important mission for my friend. Oh! That reminds me..." The fox stood up and began to slowly circle around the boy, its eyes slightly wider to get a better look; "Could you be the one I'm supposed to find? Perhaps not, you're much too small. My friend asked me to search for a hero. One named... Oh, what was it now? Harol Yazarez? Have you seen this hero wandering around?"

The boy furrowed his brow at the strange name as he turned his head to follow the fox. "No, I haven't seen anyone else. Why are you looking for this hero? Is your friend in danger?"

"Well..." The Keaton soundly sighed as it came around from behind the boy. Head bowed, it slightly drooped its ears, looking scared and worried. "It will not just be my friend in danger, but someday, it will be our world... So it's important that – Hmm?" The fox jerked to a stop and thrust its nose about an inch away from the boy's left hand, eyes wider than usual as if surprised. It straightened its ears and stood tall to meet the boy's gaze, suddenly elated. "Oh ho ho! I see now! Child of the Forest, you really are the one! You are Harol Yazarez!"

The boy flinched back in slight shock and pointed at himself. "Me? That's not my name... I'm..."

However, the Keaton didn't wait to listen as it started to happily saunter away towards the tall grass. It paused briefly to glance back at the boy. "Please, you must come with me! My friend would like to meet you!" It vanished into the grass and not a second longer, it hollered, "Don't be slow or you'll truly end up lost! Keaton will show you the way! Come! Come!"

The boy hesitated, wondering if he should follow in spite of him being the wrong hero the Keaton was looking for. Curiosity as well as his adventurous side got the best of him. If the fox's world really was in danger, then the boy had to somehow help; a duty he took to heart.

He quickly turned to his horse, finding her silently watching him by the stream, already awaiting his command. With a click of his tongue and wave of his hand, he called his faithful companion over.

The horse let out a snort as she trotted over. In one smooth motion, the boy hopped onto her bare back and pressed his heels into her sides, making her charge straight into the grass.

From his higher perch, the boy saw flashes of yellow between the blades of green as the Keaton sprinted across the small meadow towards a wall of shrubs. The fox made a brief appearance as it bounded gracefully over shrubs and disappeared into the forest.

The boy clutched to the mane of his horse and snapped his heels against her sides with a shout, breaking her into a full-speed gallop. Just as she was a few feet away from the shrubs, she copied the Keaton and leapt right over the obstacles where she landed on the other side without a hitch. The horse and her rider continued on, chasing after the three-tailed fox weaving through the trees up ahead.

Twisting and turning, through hollow log tunnels and up and down slippery slopes of mud and rock, the pair ventured forward, beckoned by the mysterious Keaton. The fox was noticeably leading them into the deeper parts of the forest as trees appeared taller and older, their thick, wide canopies blocking most of the sunny sky.

Over half an hour or so later, the Keaton had finally slowed to a stop between two large, vertically tall boulders jutting out of the ground like crooked, pointed pillars.

The boy tugged on his horse's mane to slow her down to a walk and gave her a pat on her neck for her incredible efforts. As they approached the boulders, the boy noticed strange markings carved deep into the inner sides that ran from the ground to the very tops. With another tug, he stopped his horse in front of the panting Keaton.

"We're almost there, Harol Yazarez," said the fox between gasping breaths. "It gets tricky past here so stay close behind me. We'll go slow!"

"Wait!" exclaimed the boy before the Keaton could make a move. He placed a hand upon his chest and said in a firm tone; "My name is Link. I'm not the hero you're looking for, but I think I can still help you and your friend."

The Keaton chuckled and started to stroll past the boulders nonchalantly. "Harol Yazarez; Link; it does not matter what name you go by, you are still the one we're looking for."

"How do you know that I–"

"I can sense it. Come now, Child and four-legged companion, follow me!"

A little confused, Link shrugged and decided to go along, interested to see where Keaton would take them. "Let's go, Epona," he said, leaning forward and gently squeezing his horse's sides with his heels. With a snort and shake of her head, Epona followed in the Keaton's footsteps in the same leisurely pace.

When they entered the shadows between the tall boulders, Link thought he saw the markings flash with a dim blue light in the corner of his eye. However, when he turned his head to look, the rocks remained dull and gray.

"Beyond here lies a fascinating world of magic," said the Keaton, drawing the boy's attention back forward as they left the boulders behind. "My friend watches over this place. Always has for the longest time. Longer than I can remember."

In awe, Link glanced around the forest; it appeared the same as any other part of the woods, but he could feel something different in the air. It was calm, cooler, and eerily quiet. Nothing stirred among the trees, not even a breeze. All he could hear was Epona's clopping steps as she trampled the ground. It was subtle, but the boy could sense a strange power protecting the woods, the feeling similar to another forest he grew up in.

A wistful smile fell on his lips. "Is your friend a guardian? Like... the Great Deku Tree?"

The Keaton's ears twitched and he raised his nose high to let out a wheezy laugh. "Oh ho ho! A tree! A tree! You Children are so alike! When you first see my friend, you may think he is made of tree, but in truth, he is a very big and wise old dragon!"

"A dragon?" Link uttered in shock. Once upon a time, the name of such a beast brought a great sense of dread and visions of lava and flame. However, with how kindly Keaton spoke of his dragon friend, there was nothing to fear. Just like how there were all sorts of people good and bad, the same could be said of any monster and creature; something Link had learned from his adventures.

His surprise quickly turned into fascination. "How very big is he?" he asked, imagining a great serpentine dragon the size of a mountain coiled around the largest trees they had seen.

"Very big!" the Keaton replied with great emphasis. He turned around and rose on his hind legs to spread his forelegs wide, much like how a young child would exaggerate the size of things with their arms. The fox twirled back around and continued on without missing a beat, his three tails sweeping side to side with every step. "You will see soon enough. He's been waiting to meet you for a very, very long time, Harol Yazarez, so I know he will be thrilled."

Link sighed and tried to argue, "But I'm not the hero he's looking for..."

"But you are! Keaton makes no mistakes! Now stay close!" The fox took a sharp turn into a small gap between some bushes twice his height.

Link sighed once again. There was no turning back now. With a gentle tug on Epona's mane, he made her turn and follow the yellow fox named Keaton through the bushes. It was a narrow fit with branches scratching at Epona's sides and Link's bare arms and legs. Not wanting Epona to get hurt any further, Link resorted to using his sword to chop away the overgrowth. It was a slower trek compared to before, but Keaton did not seem to mind as he led them through the magical forest maze. They traversed down selective paths out of many, passed by trees old and young, straight and bent, around and between rocks of various shapes and sizes, and trampled through thickets higher than their heads.

As far as Link could tell, there were no distinctive markings or certain patterns to follow, making him wonder how Keaton knew exactly where to go. Not once did the fox ever hesitate in choosing their next path, even when it appeared as if there was no obvious way forward. However, it was a trick to the eyes – as Keaton had mentioned earlier; there were small openings only viewed from certain angles that one knowledgeable Keaton would only know.

"What happens if we go the wrong way?" Link had asked out of curiosity as they took a short break. Hacking bushes with his sword was tiring. He sat under a tree to catch his breath, constantly pushing Epona away as she tried to lick the sweat off his face.

"Then you will have to start from the very beginning again," said Keaton, waiting patiently next to the boy. He flashed a knowing smile. "A mystery you Children of the Forest have encountered before in your own woods. Now, shall we continue? We're nearly there!"

Heaving a weary sigh, Link nodded.

They pushed through the last few obstacles consisting of dense shrubbery and brush until they finally stepped out into a wide, open area, blinded by the bright afternoon sun.

Wincing, Link shielded his eyes and gazed over the vast clearing situated in the heart of the forest. In the middle of the lush green field of grass and wildflowers was a lonely temple built from stone.

Epona let out a happy little whinny to be out of the forest and under the sun. She trotted delightfully into the field to graze the plentiful young grass, hungry from their journey.

Link started to walk towards the temple, assuming that was their next destination. However, Keaton went a different way. "Your friend isn't inside there?" Link asked, pointing.

Keaton chuckled. "Oh ho! Of course not! He is much too big to fit inside that! And like a tree, he cannot move. Not that he would try. He waits in the forest just over here. Come! Just a little farther!" He broke into a sprint, dashing past Epona and across the field to the other side, sending swarms of bugs buzzing through the air in his wake.

Link chased after the fox without a second thought. He called for Epona as he ran by her. However, she didn't move to follow, too busy chewing her food. He turned around to jog backwards, waving his arm at her. "Epona! Come on! Let's go!"

Snorting, Epona gave him a sideways glance and a flick of an ear before she went back to grazing.

"Don't worry!" Keaton shouted, "We will return here later! Your four-legged companion will be fine!"

Seeing they were in an isolated area free of monsters and dangerous creatures, Link trusted in Keaton's word. "I'll be back soon, Epona," he told her. Very rarely did she wander far from where he left her, so he wasn't too concerned for her safety.

Twisting back around, he joined Keaton waiting between two large trees with raised roots that seemed to shine and gleam. There were numerous small stones tucked within the crevasses of the woody roots, some polished smooth and layered with colours, others rough and sparkling with minerals, and a couple that looked like pieces of colourful crystals.

"Do you like what you see?" asked Keaton, noticing Link bending over for a closer look. As eager as a child, the fox hopped next to the boy and gestured a paw at the stones. "I collected these from every place I've been to!"

Link made a sound of awe. There were at least over a hundred pretty little stones, with a good number of them overtaken by the growing roots. "You've travelled far to many distant lands, haven't you?"

Keaton's eyes turned into joyful slits as his three tails swished back and forth. "Many, yes! Far and wide! Fun and dangerous! To remember those places, I try to bring a little piece of it back. Why, this is only a small part of my collection, but some of my favourites are here! Like this one! And this one! Oh! This one too! The shiniest ones, I like best!" He bounced between the two trees, pointing at various stones with a paw or nose.

One caught Link's eye. Half-embedded in a big root was unmistakably a green Rupee. He knelt in front of it, lightly touching it with a finger. Before he could ask where Keaton had found it, the fox's sniffing nose was right in his face.

There was a gleam in Keaton's gaze as he smiled fondly. "You like this green one too? The scent has long faded from this stone, but I can still remember it and it smelled just like you! Like the forgotten woods where I found it!"

Link perked up. "Forgotten woods? Do you mean... the Lost Woods?"

"Lost Woods... A fitting name!" Keaton laughed.

So Keaton had truly met the Kokiri girl with green hair. The fox was well-travelled and certainly knew his way around the 'cursed' forest, which gave Link an idea.

"You like going on a lot of adventures?" he asked.

"Of course! Since my friend cannot leave this forest, I go where he cannot and bring back treasures and tales of my travels."

"After I help you and your friend, would you be able to take me to some of these special places? I would love to see them all." No matter how long it would take... His friend was still somewhere to be found, he knew it in his heart.

At Link's request, Keaton straightened in his posture as if startled. The fox's smile turned into a broad grin as he tapped his front paws out of excitement. "You wish to join me for an adventure?!" he practically shrieked, making the boy wince.

Link smiled and nodded. "Hope you don't mind. Here, I'll pay you for your troubles."

"Why, I do not require payment of any–" Keaton cut himself off with a sharp gasp.

From his Rupee pouch, Link had pulled out a big silver one. It was so smooth and untarnished that its surfaces reflected the sunlight like a mirror.

Keaton's eyes widened at the brilliant shine of the silver Rupee as Link held it out for the fox to take. "Th-That's... Magnificent! Never have I seen something so shiny!" Keaton was hesitant to take it however.

Link shifted closer, so the Rupee was right under the fox's nose. "It's yours. If you won't accept it as payment, then accept it as a gift."

The happiness on Keaton's face was indescribable. He suddenly pounced on Link, knocking the boy flat on his back. "Such a marvelous gift!" Keaton yipped, crushing the boy beneath him in an awkward hug; "Let this be a symbol of our newfound friendship, Harol Yazarez!"

Wind knocked out of him, Link managed to wheeze, "P-Please... just call me Link."

"Link, you shall be henceforth, my young friend!" The fox clambered off and bit the front of Link's tunic to pull him back up.

The boy dusted off his clothes and offered his silver Rupee, still safely clutched in his palm. His smile returned, feeling just as happy as Keaton to make a new friend.

Gently, Keaton picked up the silver Rupee with his mouth and spat it onto the roots of the nearest treasure tree. Then, with a paw, he nudged the Rupee into a small crook where it sat next to a rounded, dark blue stone speckled with gold.

For a moment, Keaton stood back to marvel at his collection, his eyes sparkling like his stones. "You are as kind as my dear old friend, Link. He will like you very much! Since you and I are now friends, he may even consider you a part of our vol tierru!"

Link rested one hand on his hip and raised an eyebrow. "Part of... what?"

"Vol tierru. Vol ti-er-ru!" Keaton enunciated slowly, which did little to explain what that was.

"Is that the name of a secret club?"

"Club? No, it is not whatever that is. 'Vol tierru' means..." Keaton shut his eyes tight as he tried to remember, head bobbing side to side. "My friend once said that dragons of his kind loved to live in... Ah! Yes! Clans! You, me, and my friend; we can be together in a clan! Like a pack! Come! Let's be on our merry way! I cannot wait to share this wonderful news with our big, old friend!"

Keaton was running down the forest path before Link could say anything. The boy smiled nonetheless, not minding that he was suddenly now part of a clan with a Keaton and a dragon. He was used to joining groups or brotherhoods without having to ask after offering a helping hand or demonstrating a bit of generosity. Sometimes, however, he would get dragged into situations unwillingly, such as the engagement with a Zora Princess...

Link hurried after Keaton and, together, they resumed their journey to meet the dragon of the forest. There were no tricks nor enchantments through these parts of the woods, only thick, old overgrowth that hid away the path the deeper they went.

"Although I pass through these woods often, even I get lost in here sometimes!" Keaton admitted with a sheepish smile as he tried to sniff out the rest of the trail. He paced in a circle along the edge of the surrounding barricade of bushes and gave up after one round. "Oh, but there is a trick now that we are close enough! If you ever lose your way, straighten your ears and listen for the music of the forest."

Familiar advice. Link tuned his ears to their surroundings, expecting to hear the faint notes of a musical instrument, but all he heard were birds far off in the distance. "I don't hear any music..."

Keaton tilted his head and twitched his long, black-tipped ears. "Do you not hear it? The birds! Listen carefully to the melody they sing! It is a long forgotten song of the ancient dragons – or so my friend says."

Link took a minute and listened to the chirping. There indeed was a song being sung and not just random bird cries as he had first thought. Smiling, he understood what they needed to do. "So we follow the music to find the right path?"

"Correct! Which means, we must go this way!" Keaton charged straight into the bushes slightly to their left, his three tails vanishing in a matter of seconds. Aside from the slight rustling of leaves, there was hardly a sign Keaton went through; the masterful skill of an elusive 'ghost' fox.

Link, on the other hand, couldn't help but leave a messy trail behind him as he chopped away thickets that were too dense for him to force his way through.

The song of the birds gradually got louder as the boy and the fox travelled deeper in winding directions. It didn't take too long when Link spotted some of the musical animals perched in the branches of the tall, giant trees. They were the size of crows and their feathers ranged wide in a variety of colours and striped patterns. Timid creatures; they flew away the instant Link and Keaton stepped into their view, fleeing to join with other birds somewhere up ahead.

The pair were guided by the music until they reached a particular point where the birdsong seemingly came from multiple directions.

Keaton sat on his haunches as if trying to decide which way to go.

It felt like a minute of waiting when Link started to make a suggestion; "It sounds louder this–"

A thunderous roar of a mighty beast suddenly interrupted him, giving him a start. It sounded close by that he had instinctively fallen into a defensive stance with his sword and shield drawn. His wariness soon turned into confusion when he noticed Keaton hadn't even flinched from the monster's drawn out cries. It was then the boy realized the roars were forming the same melody sung by the birds.

Hearing the tune, the birds sang back, their voices as one, resounding to every corner of the forest. As a giant flock, they noisily fluttered away as if summoned by the great beast.

"What was that?" Link asked, mesmerized by the number of flying birds among the trees.

"My dearest friend whom you shall soon meet!" Keaton replied, hopping onto all fours enthusiastically. "He knows we're here and is guiding us the rest of the way! Come! We're almost there!"

After ten more minutes of trudging through forest, they finally stepped out onto a naturally widened path. An old trail led up a gentle slope with towering trees lined on either side, their large, mossy roots making up most of the forest ground. High above, beneath the canopy, were dozens of birds occupying the branches, singing the dragon's song in unison, the volume almost deafening up close.

Twinkling at the foot of each tree was a vast array of more shiny stones tucked within the crevasses of roots; hundreds more from different lands collected by one very adventurous three-tailed fox. Link didn't get a chance to ask just how many there were because Keaton bounded ahead up the slope.

"We have made it!" Keaton shouted from the top, visibly shaking with excitement.

Link jogged up the slope and slowed to a stop the moment he caught up to Keaton. Eyes wide and mouth agape in awe, the boy stared ahead at the sight of an enormous silver-scaled dragon with a huge crown of golden horns. It was resting between two of the tallest trees Link had ever seen in his life.

Although grander in scale, the sense of tranquility and reverence felt the same as if Link had entered the sacred grounds of a guardian deity, reminding him so much of the Great Deku Tree and his sacred meadow. Calm was the big old dragon, eyes closed towards the sky, its majestic horns of gold tangled with vines and dotted with the colourful bodies of singing birds.

Link now understood what Keaton had meant earlier; seeing the dragon's limbs entwined in the roots of the giant trees and its body covered in layers of moss, the dragon appeared as if part of the forest. Undoubtedly the guardian of the area, the dragon's immense power was unmatched, which could explain why no monsters roamed the woods.

"Meet my friend, Link," said Keaton, speaking quietly as if not to disturb the dragon; "He's been waiting for you. Go on. He may be large, but his heart is kind."

Link took a deep breath. He was hesitant to approach, hating to disappoint Keaton and the guardian dragon for not being the hero they were looking for. He tensed when the dragon slightly lowered his head at the sound of Keaton's voice, slow enough not to throw off his feathered companions perched in his horns.

The dragon opened his three eyes – the third situated vertically in the centre of his forehead. Each eye was milky white and blind, staring ahead at nothing. He opened his big mouth and spoke, his voice loud as thunder and as gravelly as an old man, silencing the song of the forest birds; "Come, come closer, Herial Yaarez..."

"Oh! It is 'Herial Yaarez'! I've been saying it wrong," Keaton uttered under his breath with a short, bashful chuckle. "Apologies, Link. No wonder you thought I was mistaken."

Link rubbed the back of his neck anxiously and whispered, "But I'm still not this 'Herial Yaarez' person..."

There was a rumbling hum coming from the dragon as his mouth formed a sharp-toothed smile, appearing to be amused. "There is no need to be afraid of this weary, old dragon. Long have I waited to finally meet you, my young friend. Atarl adune tarei kun ei, Herial Yaarez. Our realm will one day be in grave danger and you are destined to save it, Hero of Time."

Link flinched in surprise and pointed at himself in spite of the dragon being blind. "You know who I am?" The title 'Hero of Time' should only be just a legend...

"Yes, I know who you are," the dragon replied, gently bowing his head, his smile never fading; "Ah, but you do not know of me. You have journeyed far. Come and have a rest. I shall tell you more."

Keaton gave Link an assuring nod and started to casually walk towards the dragon.

Link followed after the fox, keeping his gaze on the dragon's third eye, feeling as if the great guardian could truly see him and was peering right into his soul. He was the least bit intimidated by the dragon's sheer size and magical power. Instead, with each step he took, his fascination grew, interested to hear the tales the wise, old dragon was willing to impart.

Once Link settled next to Keaton upon one of the giant tree roots, the dragon turned and lowered his head so the pair didn't have to painfully crane their necks. Nostrils flared as the great guardian picked up their scents, his snout only a couple metres away from them.

Link could see every sharp, browning fang in the dragon's mouth as the guardian continued to speak; "Ages ago, I ruled the land and sky of Ishgar as Drakin Ikal Yureintheil – ah, as spoken in the common tongue, I am the Ancient Dragon King, Yorenthall. This was once my kingdom, but taye luei saye – only a distant memory now, long forgotten by the passing of time. A king I am no more, for I am the last of my kind. This peaceful place among these trees was long determined as my final resting ground. However, when I lost my sight, I began to see the fates of all worlds...

"The past, the present, the future; lands and realms near and far beyond our reach. Yes, even yours, Herial Yaarez. Young as you are, your strength and courage stands above most. Heral firin nae. Your heroic spirit, it resonates across the boundaries of time, bright as the sun in my mind's eye. I have witnessed your incredible feats and here, I must ask of you, my young friend; I seek your power for what is to come."

Yorenthall closed his two eyes while his third remained open, seemingly gazing into the woods behind Link and Keaton. "Blind I am, but the future I can still see and this world is destined for ruin... This land will become a bleak and dismal place ruled by a powerful evil."

Link shot to his feet, hands furling by his sides. "What kind of evil?" he asked, anticipating the worst. In past adventures, he had dealt with wicked monsters, cursed beings, creatures and demons that thrived on pain and misery, and even objects possessed with evil spirits; he dreaded to know what new evil he would have to face.

"I do not know..." answered the dragon, slowly shaking his head, making Link deeply frown with worry. "Its true form escapes my sight. Only as the darkest shadow does this entity appear in my vision. One day it will rise and spread over this world, corrupting and destroying everything it touches.

"But all is not lost," Yorenthall opened his eyes to stare blindly at the boy, sounding and appearing hopeful; "All paths lead to the same outcome, except for one, for the future is not absolute. It can be altered and you are the key to that change. You are the glimmer of hope for this world; a light that defies the darkness.

"However, to become this world's light, you must first walk two separate paths. One full of despair and loss, and the other, full of life and hope. This journey will be your longest and most difficult trial you will ever face. You must endure to overcome pain, grief, and sorrow in order to find yourself again. Only then will you gain the power to change the fate of our world."

It was so much to take in all at once that Link was utterly stunned. For a short while, he stared dumbly in disbelief until it finally dawned on him that the entire fate of this new world was suddenly depending on him. He clutched his chest, feeling it uncomfortably tighten. A powerful, unknown evil was going to threaten the world and he was the only one to protect it, which was no easy task by the sound of it.

Daunting as it was, Link was no stranger to this insane level of responsibility. He may just be a boy in appearance, but he was also the 'chosen hero', known only in forgotten legends. He had bravely battled some of the greatest evils before and prevailed in the end. This should be no different.

Link took a slow, deep breath to regain his composure and set his mind. "What exactly is this trial to gain such power?" he questioned, crossing his arms and raising his brow in a confident manner. "Where are these paths I must go if I am to save your world?"

Yorenthall lowered his head further, his expression full of sadness and regret. "A trial that no other could overcome, but you. Time and fate will take you where you must go and grant you the strength to keep moving forward... Forgive me for placing this burden on your young shoulders. I am but an old and feeble king whose time is at its end." He bowed humbly, his mossy chin nearly touching the ground as if to beg. "I beseech you, Herial Yaarez, please save this land from the forces of evil. Protect the future in my stead..."

Link was taken aback by the great dragon's humbleness. The powerful, mighty Dragon King was not asking, but pleading for the young hero's help. There was no way he could refuse what was once again his destiny. He had told Keaton that he would help so his decision was already made.

The tightness in Link's chest was gone, replaced with a fervour so great that his determination likely shone through his eyes and carried on in his voice; "I'll do it, King Yorenthall, I promise I will protect this world from evil."

The dragon lifted his head to his full height only to take a quick, deep bow, making the birds in his horns fly off to the nearby branches. There was a shimmer in his blind gaze as he peered in Link's direction with the brightest hope. "Alune yer ile saras nai! My gratitude stretches beyond my reign as king. Centuries' upon centuries' worth. My faith in you will never waver, even when you lose your way and believe you have failed.

"Before you embark on your journey, take some time to rest while you are here. Tierruden," Yorenthall shifted his nose from Link to Keaton, "please show Herial Yaarez where food and water are plentiful."

Keaton stood abruptly as if snapping out of his thoughts. "Y-Yes, of course!" He hopped off the root only to stop and face the dragon, ears and tails drooping. "My friend..." he began, a quiver in his voice, "when you said your time is at its end... Y-You don't mean..."

Sadness returned in Yorenthall's expression as he slowly nodded. "I am afraid that day is soon upon us, tierruden. I cannot escape this fate... nor can you."

"What is it? Is something bad going to happen to you two?" Link asked, taking a tentative step towards them.

"We have lived long for this moment to finally meet you, Herial Yaarez," said the dragon, his voice hoarse and weary, sounding just as tired as he appeared. He turned his blind gaze towards the treetops and closed his eyes. "But our time has come to fulfill your destiny. Before you can save the world that lies in the future, sacrifices must first be made..."

There was a pang in Link's heart as he glanced between Keaton and Yorenthall, understanding why they shared the same sorrow. He abruptly shook his head and put on a brave face. "No! There shouldn't have to be any sacrifices. I promised I would protect this world and that includes you both!"

"Our fates cannot be changed, Herial Yaarez," said Yorenthall, shaking his head. "I have seen our every outcome and this is our only hope to prevent the ruinous future."

Link frowned. "But... There has to be another way... If I'm supposed to be the hero..."

"Link," Keaton moved to stand in front of the boy and put on a forced smile, "don't worry, it will be okay! We each have our own destiny. It is this world's future you need to focus on saving, not us. I'm sorry we won't be going on an adventure together... Our time as vol tierru may be short, but every moment we still have will be cherished!"

"Ah, aie ne yui vol tierru," said Yorenthall, his tone and expression warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to a second ago. "A friend of tierruden is a friend of mine. It is regrettable we do not have long to stay as one. Fleeting it may seem, our bonds of friendship will not be forgotten. Rest well until our time together must come to an end..."

Keaton took a small step towards Link and tried to act cheerful. "There is a stream nearby where many berries love to grow! If you're hungry or thirsty I can..."

Link was shaking his head. He had no appetite when his stomach felt sunken with dread. If he stayed near Yorenthall and Keaton, Link wondered if it was possible to stop the bad thing that would soon befall his new friends. Unfortunately, he knew the answer. Yorenthall, a powerful dragon who could see through time, would already know Link would fail if he tried...

Disheartened by the truth, Link didn't have the energy to stay on his feet, so he plopped back down on the big tree root. "I'll be fine," he muttered, heaving a big, depressing sigh.

Head hanging, Keaton silently joined him and placed a paw on the boy's shoulder.

"Perhaps a song to lift our moods," suggested Yorenthall, sensing their despair. He lifted his head high and the nearby birds suddenly swooped in to perch on his majestic horns. They began to happily sing, breaking the tension and silence. "The song you hear is an old hymn once sung among my kind, but now lives through these feathered ones. It has been passed down through their generations, as it once was in my kingdom..."

Hearing that gave Link an idea. He pulled out his ocarina and held it in both hands before him, fingers over the holes. The magical instrument brought him comfort, making the sinking dread go away. "King Yorenthall, will you pass down your song to me as well? So I can always remember you and Keaton."

There was a rumbling in Yorenthall's throat before he let out a raspy laugh, startling his bird friends and sending them flying off again. "I would be glad to. Then for your amusement, would you like to hear an old dragon sing? Long ago, this hymn, Drakin yi Sele Seis, was a song to honour our ancient gods, the Drakin Seinu. It was believed to awaken the true powers of a dragon worthy of the gods' protection."

Yorenthall took a very deep breath and sang his song, his thunderous voice reverberating throughout the forest like a bellowing beast. After his final note, Link joined along with the surrounding birds, playing the melody on his ocarina, only to have the sound of his instrument muted by the deafening chirps.

Not sure if he had played it correctly, Link tried again and was satisfied to hear the birds respond back to his music with a chorus of their own.

"Drakin yi Sele Seis will be a song of remembrance as well as hope," said Yorenthall, visibly content at the tunes that filled the air. "When you find yourself lost, play it well to seek those who will listen."

The dragon curled his neck to gesture at his right, mossy shoulder with his nose. "Do you see this here? The mark of–"

"My friend," Keaton interrupted with a light-hearted chuckle, "your body is covered in green moss. We do not see anything else!"

There was a brief flash of surprise on the dragon's face before he ripped away some of the layers of moss with his mouth. "So it was! See it now? The mark of Drakin Aeythir... Or perhaps it is on my other side..."

"It's there!" Keaton assured, hopping up the roots for a closer look. "Link, come and see! It is fascinating. I've only seen it once!"

Curious, Link climbed the roots and noticed something dark on the dull silver scales of Yorenthall's shoulder. It was a faded, black symbol of a snake-like dragon with three pairs of feathered wings and a long tail that coiled around Yorenthall's upper arm.

"That is the crest of our vol tierru," Keaton answered Link's questioning stare.

"In traditions of old, Drakin were marked with the crest of the vol tierru of their choosing," began Yorenthall, his expression turning wistful. "Those who bore my crest of Drakin Aeythir were protected by my magic, bounding us together. However, with the loss of my eyes and the use of my arms, I am unable to pass on this tradition, but know that I will still protect you both as if you were my kin.

"Memories of our vol tierru will not fade as long as you remember, Herial Yaarez. One day, you will find a vol tierru to call your own and they will be your light as you will be theirs."

Link felt a warmness in his heart and smiled at Yorenthall's sentiment. With no place to really call home, there was a part of him that longed for close companionship with other people. Some days felt very lonely, even with Epona constantly by his side. In spite of the friends he had made during his travels, there was never a sense of belonging that made him want to stay with them for long.

Although Link had just met Keaton and Yorenthall, being here with them was different somehow. They saw him not just the hero they needed, but a friend and member of their clan – their vol tierru – which the boy understood held an intimate meaning.

Perhaps knowing that he would soon lose them made him feel this way.

Not wanting to dwell on that thought and ruin what precious time they had left, Link played his ocarina for the rest of the afternoon, sharing the songs he had learned from his past adventures. Each melody carried heartfelt emotions as they brought back memories of friends, places, and various people he had met along the way.

King Yorenthall's song was no different as Link played it once more at the end, making the forest seem to tremble from the many birds singing in unison.

"That was a wonderful gift of music, my young friend," said the dragon, wearing a pleasurable smile. "A precious trove of songs, much like how tierruden treasures his stones. I could feel the importance in each melody."

"Thank you, Link. I enjoyed listening to them all!" said Keaton, lying comfortably on the tree root next to the boy, curled up in his tails.

"Aruei yi. This day is nearing its end," said Yorenthall, his blind gaze staring at the evening sky. He sniffed the air and his expression turned sombre, a look that shattered the tranquility brought upon by Link's ocarina. "I can smell the coming of night. Herial Yaarez, before your journey can begin, there is a temple that you must enter where you will find the first of your paths."

Link was saddened that the fated moment had come. "Is this goodbye?"

"Someday, we will meet again," assured the dragon with a slight nod, making Link hopeful. "I will always be waiting for you here when you lose your way. Tierruden, you know what you must do. When it is time, do not forget: Arriei yu en tiyir."

Ears and tails drooping, Keaton let out a whine and looked almost close to tears, which only made Link confused. "Understood," said the fox, his voice quivering, "I will not fail you, my dear friend." He gave the dragon a respectable bow and one last look before hopping off the root. "Link, we better get moving before it gets too dark to see!" he shouted as he quickly trotted around the same tree.

Before Link could hurry after the fox, Yorenthall said to him, "You will shine through the darkness, Herial Yaarez. My deepest faith lies in you. Zorei ni Drakin Aeythir seiru."

"I... won't fail you either, King Yorenthall," the boy promised, meeting the dragon's blind gaze. He copied what Keaton had done, giving the dragon a slight bow of his head and a steadfast look before he left the area.

Keaton was waiting on the other side of the large tree where another downward sloped path awaited. "There is a magic shortcut that will take us back to the temple you saw earlier. It is one-way only... Are you ready to go, Link?"

Without hesitation, Link nodded.

At a jogging pace, Keaton led them down the shallow slope and around a steeply curved bend where a pair of tall, lanky white-barked trees grew, visibly standing out like sore thumbs amongst the shades of brown of the other forest trees. Etched into the pale bark were rings of mysterious runes at various heights of the trunks.

The runes flashed with magical light when Keaton and Link walked through the space between them. Nothing seemed to happen, but when Link took a quick glance back, he was surprised to find the white trees gone and in their place were normal trees and a wall of dense shrubbery in-between.

"See? One-way only!" said Keaton, laughing at Link's bewilderment. "The temple and your four-legged companion aren't too far from here."

True to his word, it was only a few minutes of walking in a near-straight line when they emerged from the forest and into the clearing, just to the right of the lone temple. The evening sun was still shining above the treeline, but would soon retreat behind the forest within the hour.

As they made their way towards the temple's entrance, Keaton was noticeably dragging his feet and moving at a slower pace, head and tails hanging low. His playful energy seemed to have completely drained away, leaving him glum.

Link lightly patted the fox on the back and asked, "What's wrong? King Yorenthall said we would someday meet again... didn't he?"

"He did, yes..." the fox replied with a wavering sigh. "But... it will be a long time from now and... much will change around here... It will not be the same, Link."

"It doesn't have to be a long time. What if I come back early?"

Keaton smiled, but there was no cheer behind it. "I wish it was as simple as that, my friend... Oh!" He suddenly perked up when he saw Link's frown. "I'm sorry, I-I shouldn't be so gloomy like this. I should be happy to help you on this very important mission!"

The fox was back to his old, chipper self in an instant. He dashed a quick circle around Link and bounded ahead, stopping at the corner. "The way in is just over here!" he shouted with renewed enthusiasm.

They stood at the foot of the mossy stone steps. Epona had happily joined Link's side when she spotted him coming around the temple. She had greeted him with a gentle nuzzling of his face and a lick of his cheek.

Link drank in the details of the small, old temple as his eyes swept up from the heavy wooden doors towards the top of the tall bell tower set with a big rusty bell. There was a large, rounded, stained-glass window above the doors, depicting a radiant golden sun oddly shining in a dark purple, starry sky. Moss had filled every crack in the stone on the shadier sides while ivy climbed the tower and draped over the roof and walls that got the most sun.

The temple wasn't as elaborate or overly complex in structure as other temples he had visited or explored, but there was still a great sense of significance to the little building, making him wonder who had built it in such an isolated location.

"Link, this is the beginning of your long journey to save this world," said Keaton, his tone quiet. He stared apprehensively at the doors at the top of the steps as if afraid to enter. "There is no turning back once you step inside this temple. Are you ready to take on your destiny?"

Link gave a firm nod. "I made a promise, didn't I? I'm ready." His confidence seemed to rub off onto his friend.

Taking a deep breath, Keaton straightened in his posture and smiled boldly. "Then so am I."

Link stroked Epona's face and told her to stay until he was back and received another wet lick to the cheek in return. He bounded up the steps after Keaton and paused before the great doors. Up close, Link noticed a faded emblem on the weathered old wood, but couldn't quite make out what it was. He joined Keaton in pushing one of the doors open, hearing it creak and loudly squeak from unoiled hinges.

Warm, stale air rushed past them, carrying a strong, musky scent. Inside was a wide open chamber lit up with golds, purples, reds, and greens coming from the sunlight shining through the beautiful arced, stained windows. Rounded stone columns etched with odd markings were situated on either side of a central walkway.

Link strolled next to Keaton down the middle, their feet stirring the layers of ancient dust with every step. At the end was a low altar that led to a wall made of a bluer stone than the rest of the temple. Carved upon it was the same radiant sun that shone on the glass window above the main doors. To the right of the altar was a doorway leading to a dark, back room.

"What is this temple for?" Link asked as they headed straight for the altar.

Keaton quietly hummed for a second. "A long time ago, our friend once told me this was a special place, created by beings from another realm to connect their world with ours. Celestial beings... eternal gods? Something like that. All I really know is that here," the fox hopped onto the altar and pointed with his nose, "behind these big stone doors, is the start of your destiny. Only you can open this."

"These are doors?" Link raised his brow as he looked over the large slab of blue stone, one hand on his hip. They looked awfully familiar. However, he didn't see any special key slots or pedestals that could be used to open them. "Are they like the Doors of Time?"

"Doors of Time?" Keaton repeated with a snort and amused smile. "No, no, my dear young friend. I have no idea what that is, but these doors are known as The Eternal–" He was suddenly cut off by a deafening roar of a mighty beast that shook the windows and made the earth tremble.

Link froze. That cry belonged to King Yorenthall and it sounded like he was in danger! Link was about to sprint towards the temple doors when he felt something snag the sleeve of his tunic.

"You mustn't!" Keaton cried through a mouthful of Link's shirt. Tears glistened in the corners of his eyes as he stared at the boy pleadingly. "It's too late, Link! It's too late to save him..."

"... sacrifices must first be made..."

Link's stomach dropped like an anchor. "But... he said–" It was his turn to get cut off, this time by an ear-popping explosion that violently rocked the temple, throwing him and Keaton to the floor. Every glass window soundly shattered and stones noisily cracked and crumbled.

Thankfully, the main chamber remained mostly intact with the floor littered with sharp, shimmering glass and broken stones.

Free from Keaton's hold, Link ignored the fox's cries as he dashed down the hall and shoved through the temple doors, determined to save their friend. He wanted to prove Keaton wrong, that there was still time to save Yorenthall.

But something was telling him that there was no changing their fate. He clenched his jaw and pushed that feeling aside.

Outside, the glare from the setting sun made him wince, but did little to stop him as he jumped down the whole flight of steps and continued running. Epona was nowhere to be seen in the clearing, making him hope she had run off to hide, spooked by the noises. The sky erupted with noisy flocks of colourful birds that were fleeing from the direction of Yorenthall's sacred ground, a clear sign of turmoil.

Link saw the shine of Keaton's stones and made a sharp turn, never stopping; until he came upon the remains of what used to be part of the forest path. He skidded to a stop at the edge of the devastation. Whatever had forced their way through, used more than just a little blade like Link.

Someone had cast some sort of dark curse that ravaged the surrounding forest along the trail, leaving withered trees and plants and blackened earth.

There were a pair of footprints in the dark, dusty soil. Boots of adult-sized people, one larger than the other. Fearing they could be related to the great evil Yorenthall had spoken of, Link hurried on, following the trail of death. The dead plants crumbled to dust at the slightest touch and branches easily snapped, their limbs bone-dry.

The deeper he went, the more guilty he felt when he realized he had left a trail for anyone to easily navigate through the forest. He hadn't thought twice about it... He could only be blamed for endangering Yorenthall and his woods.

The forest was silent and growing dark with the setting sun. There were no birds left to sing their songs. Most of them had safely fled, but unfortunately not all. At the last stretch of the path, Link came across about a dozen of the birds lying dead on the ground.

Angry, Link pressed on, bursting into the open trail that led up the slope. Halfway up, he slowed to a cautious crawl when he heard harsh breathing and the voices of men coming from the top where Yorenthall should be.

"... frail old lizard," one man spat in disgust, his voice deep and spiteful; "No wonder you Ancient Ones died out."

"He may appear blind and frail," spoke another man, young and more reserved, "but this Old King has lived as long as some gods. His lost magic is unlike anything else and his power surpasses all other dragons still alive. Take it as yours and you will stand above them all. Rule them as their new king."

Link was prompted to quicken his pace when he heard Yorenthall's pained and struggling voice; "V-Vie... ne-neyiz... King... you will not... but... Des... pair..."

"What did you say?" demanded the first man in a guttural growl.

"Despair," murmured the younger man, amused. "So a grim future awaits us?"

The other man snarled angrily. "Blind old fool, you still have breath to mock me? If you have seen my future, then you should know that I will not rule in misery, but in blood!"

Link rushed to the top only to witness a nightmare unfold before his eyes; Yorenthall lay wounded, his head and neck bleeding profusely and his crown of golden horns lying in pieces on the ground. Two men in dark clothes stood before the dying dragon, their backs turned.

The tallest and largest of the two men was shrouded in a crimson aura, his short and spiky, dark blue hair fluttering from the angry energy. With a roar, he swiped his right arm, sending large, claw-like blades of red at the helpless guardian. Blood flew as Yorenthall's neck and face was torn asunder, the crimson blades cleaving through scales and flesh and striking into the trunk of one of the giant trees that embraced the dragon.

Yorenthall only jerked his head from the impact before he lay completely still, his harsh breathing silenced and his blind eyes dull and gray, truly staring at nothing.

Link's blood had run cold and he could barely breathe. He was frozen in horror, not wanting to believe what had just happened. He drew a sharp gasp when there was a flash of icy blue coming from Yorenthall's body. Faded markings on the dragon's silver, bloodied scales began to shine, making Link hopeful the guardian was still alive and casting a spell. However, the cold light turned wispy like shimmering smoke, rising from the body only to be drawn towards the man who had slain the great dragon.

The smoke enveloped the man, merging with his aura, changing it from crimson to the same icy blue as Yorenthall's light. It burned like a cold blaze, the man's magical power spiking to an unfathomable level, making the forest shiver under his fearsome might.

The man reared his head towards the sky and laughed, gleeful at the sheer power flowing through his veins. He raised his hands above his head in a triumphant manner, his visible tanned skin turning black and thick with dragon-like scales, while the claws at his fingertips became longer, sharper, and deadlier. "How glorious!" he exclaimed in an exhilarated sigh; "This is the lost magic of the Ancient Ones – the power of Aether, the basis of all magic. None can stand against me now. I am invincible. Every last dragon will cower in my presence before I slaughter them like sheep!"

Unnerved by the man's demeanour, Link took a wary step back, stumbling slightly from the slope. The little noise and movement suddenly drew the attention of the two men.

The smaller man was first to turn around in one quick motion, fierce red eyes flashing in the shadows of a hooded black cloak, narrowing at the lone boy in green. He carried a large and thick tome bound in dark brown leather in one arm.

The taller man whipped around in an angrier flourish, his aura flaring when his cold blue, reptilian eyes fell on Link. The front of his whole body was drenched in the blood of the slain dragon, further adding to his terrifying personality. Onyx scales had formed beneath his eyes and his face was aglow with bright markings, similar to what had appeared on Yorenthall's body for a split second.

Link flinched into a defensive stance with his sword and shield equipped in an instant. He was numb inside; overwhelmed by a flurry of emotion. Something at the back of his mind was telling him to run because this was a confrontation he knew he would not win. However, his feet felt rooted to the ground and he was unable to pry his eyes away from the man who killed his friend.

A cruel smile twisted on the tall man's blood-splotched lips, baring a mouthful of sharp teeth and prominent fangs. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he snarled, claws flexed by his sides, looking ready to kill some more as he took a few, stomping steps forward.

"Interesting," spoke the smaller man, his free hand cupping his shadowed chin, a smile of intrigue no doubt on his lips. "Not only did we find the last Ancient Dragon, but what appears to be... a mythical forest elf. Hmm, but this boy..." Red eyes narrowed at Link, sending a nervous quiver down the boy's spine; "This can not be a mere coincidence. He may prove to be an obstacle if you do not kill him now."

Link tensed and steeled his gaze as his attention flickered between the two, clenching his weapons in a white-knuckled grip. He could hear his heart racing in his chest, anticipating the tall man to make the first move.

However, the man stopped several paces away from the boy and snorted in disdain. "This weak little whelp? With that puny knife, what can it do? Trim the grass around my feet?" He guffawed, the taunting laughter releasing the rage in Link's heart.

Within seconds, the boy was upon the man with a furious yell and a jumping slash. His Kokiri Sword was a flash of silver, slicing into leather garments from shoulder to stomach. However, his blade failed to cut into flesh. Instead, it glanced off hidden black dragon scales marked with pale blue, strong as steel.

The man's look of surprise instantly transformed into utmost anger, making Link leap to the side to put some distance between them. He raised his shield protectively, peering over the top rim to meet the man's glare.

"Foolish little whelp," the man snarled, exhaling pale flames from his mouth with every spoken word. "Quick you are, but I am quicker!"

In a blinding flash of icy blue and a rush of hot wind, the man was suddenly towering next to Link. The boy didn't have time to even blink when he was hit hard in the right side of his body, feeling as if he was punched by a Goron's big, rocky fist. Both the wind and lights were knocked right out of him.

When he came to, he found himself lying face-first on the ground with someone crying in his ear and pawing at his face. "Link! Get up! Please!"

A groan was his only response as pain wracked his entire body; sharp and throbbing and aching all over. It hurt greatly to move, let alone breathe.

"Link! Come on! Please get up!"

A wet and fuzzy nose was nudging his face out of desperation. Through his grimace, Link found Keaton standing over him, tears streaking down his furry cheeks.

The fox gasped in relief. "Link! Get up! Get up! We need to hurry back to the temple. Our friend's protection will not last much longer!" He bit the back of the boy's collar and attempted to pull him up.

With a pained grunt, Link used Keaton's help to stagger to his feet, using his sword as a crutch and his shield hand to brace his wounded right side. Fortunately, there was no blood staining his tunic, however the strong and blunt blow he received had likely broken some bones and caused some internal injuries. He could barely stand straight and every breath he took was agony.

The attack had also sent him flying somewhere in the forest because he was no longer in the sacred grounds and the two men were nowhere to be seen. He saw snapped branches that marked his flight path and the splintered trunk of the nearest tree that had 'softened' his landing, which would explain the numerous cuts, welts, and abrasions on his bare arms and legs and the pounding headache.

Keaton sidled right next to Link's uninjured side. "Lean on me! We need to go now! Time will return back to normal shortly!"

"Time... isn't normal?" Link managed to utter as he painstakingly reached behind him to put his weapons away. He draped an arm over Keaton's neck and clutched onto the fox's mane, leaning heavily against him.

Keaton jerked forward, pulling Link along as he limped as fast as his broken body could move. "Time is normal for us, but not for those bad people. Our friend's spell has stopped them in place, but they will soon be free, so we must hurry to the temple!"

"... I will still protect you both as if you were my kin."

"Keaton..." Link croaked, his throat tight and his mouth dry. Tears stung his eyes as the grief finally hit him. "Yorenthall... H-He's..."

"I know, Link... I know..."

There was nothing more to say. They swallowed their anguish and saved their strength, focusing on stumbling their way through the forest. It was several agonizing minutes until they found the familiar path that led to two white trees etched with runes. The shortcut to the temple.

Just as they were about to reach the white trees, they heard the smashing of wood followed by the angry shout of the tall man somewhere close behind them; "Still alive, whelp?! You cannot run from me! I can smell your stench!"

"Oh no no no!" Keaton whimpered in a panic. He quickened his pace, much to Link's discomfort.

The boy gritted his teeth and hissed through the jolts of pain, every breath cut short. He was lightheaded, dizzy, and nauseous, desperate for a potion in his pouch, but there was no time to stop and drink one.

They passed through the magical trees and hurried to the clearing. The sun had set behind the treeline, casting only dark shadows over the area. Above, the sky was a hue of dark purples and blues with flickering stars beginning to appear, soon to be accompanied by the full moon peeking over the treetops.

The temple was in their sights, renewing their hope. Windows had been shattered and the roof of the bell tower was missing, collapsed or blown apart by magic powers unseen. As they trudged their way to the entrance, Link kept glancing around in search of Epona, but she was still missing. He could only pray she was okay.

Hobbling up the steps was torture, but once inside, there was brief moment of reprieve with the temple floors evenly flat before the altar.

"Almost there, Link," Keaton wheezed. "Soon, you will be safe!"

What about you? Link wanted to ask, however he didn't have the strength to speak.

Keaton practically dragged Link up the altar and turned sideways so the fox was against the stone doors. "Your left hand, Link. Place it on the doors! Quickly now!"

Shifting most of his weight onto Keaton, Link touched the cold stone with the palm of his trembling hand as commanded.

"Arriei yu en tiyir," said Keaton.

Link gasped and nearly jerked away when the back of his hand flashed gold with a familiar sacred symbol.

The Triforce? How? He blinked and the light was gone, his skin back to normal. There was not a moment to think about it or question what he saw because there was a loud crack that made both Keaton and him jump.

A thunderous rumbling shook the entire temple as the big, heavy stones doors slid open. Air rushed inside the small dark chamber on the other side. It was an enclosed, rounded room with a lower floor down a few short steps and it was empty as far as Link could tell.

The temple entrance was suddenly blasted inward by a violent explosion that sent wood and stone flying. Through the thick clouds of dust and falling debris, Link caught a glimpse of the tall man storming through the broken doorway, his entire body wreathed in his icy blue aura and his scaly face twisted with snarling rage.

"They're here! Quickly! Inside, Link!" Keaton shrieked. He was a blur of yellow and black as he circled around Link and shoved the injured boy into the small room.

It was a painful short tumble down the steps and onto the cold hard ground below. Wounds were badly aggravated from the rough landing that Link writhed and hissed in agony. A rush of warmth flared from his left hand, followed by light that chased away the darkness. The floor shook and stone noisily grounded as the doors to the chamber began to close.

Blinking away tears, Link found himself lying in the middle of a large, glowing, magic circle carved into the floor. Strange and familiar runes shone with power, not only on the floor, but on the walls and ceiling too where another magic circle was glowing. As Link struggled to push himself up, he noticed the golden mark of the Triforce once more on his left hand, shining as brilliant as the magical runes.

The tall man roared like an angry beast. Link snapped his head to the side only to see a blinding white blaze of energy fired in his direction. In the next moment, Keaton jumped in front of the closing gap of the stone doors only to be swallowed up by the light. His shrill howl echoed within the chamber, even long after his body was vaporized.

Link dropped flat on the floor, choking in anguish at the loss of another friend. The searing hot energy shot into the room right over his head and struck the back wall with the force of a bomb, blasting away etched stones and shifting others. Cracks quickly spread outwards from the damage, cutting the life out of runes they touched in both the walls and ceiling. The magic circle on the floor flickered and dimmed, but its light had yet to fully die.

Stone snapped and crumbled from above. The last thing Link saw was the ceiling coming down on him.


A/N: Apologies for the long wait! This chapter was ten years in the making (in my head), the pivotal moment that led to Link's new life in Fairy Tail. How do you think Link and the others will react after learning how it all truly went down? Find out in the next chapter!

Thanks so much for sticking around and reading!

P.S. Poll is still open until the next update so choose your fighters before it's too late! Take care until next time.