After three more days of magical and medical treatment, Link was finally able to get up from bed.
He didn't right away, though.
Instead, he sat there, legs hanging over the edge of the bed, one arm wrapped around his recently mended ribs. He didn't move; he just stared at the floor, where the Master Sword rested. He couldn't bring himself to lift it, as if in doing so he may release another terror on his homeland.
"Why did you betray me?" he thought at the sword. "Why did you let it happen?" He was slightly disappointed when it didn't answer. When Link had last used the Master Sword eight years ago, it had seemed as if the blade were alive, an extension of Link's will. Using it's magic had been effortless, instinctive. He couldn't figure out how that same sword had been responsible for Ganon's release.
"No," he chided himself, "It wasn't the sword. It didn't pull itself."
Taking a deep breath, he reached down and lifted it from the floor. It was perfectly weighted for him, though he was bigger and stronger than he had been before. He looked into the blade and saw his reflection. He averted his eyes, not wanting to see the guilt and shame he felt inside reflected on his weapon.
He wished Malon were here. The only peace he had found these past few days had been when she was sitting next to him. They did not talk about what had happened; in fact they had hardly talked at all. Just being in each other's presence was enough to sooth their wounded spirits. Link smiled to himself. When they had been in Lupis—Goddesses, was it really only two weeks ago? —He had wondered what the difference was between his love for Zelda and his love for Malon. At last he knew.
"Zelda," he thought. He still had not seen her since he awoke. He could sense her presence, but she had not come to him in person. He needed to talk with her, desperately. About their past, their future, and also what they were going to do now with Ganon restored to power. Nodding to himself, as if settling an argument, Link rose to his feet and dressed himself in clothes he found hanging in the wardrobe. They were expensive, and a little more restrictive than he was used to, but they were all they had. As soon as his green cap was on his head (Saria had salvaged it from the wreckage of the Temple of Time) he was out the door.
The Master Sword sat unsheathed on the bed, it's glow dimming as it's Hero departed.
* * *
"Well done, Malon, well done!"
Malon smiled at Darunia's praise as she blocked another blow from Mattalla's sword. He thrust forward, and Malon was able to block that too. They had been sparring for the past ten minutes, and she had only been disarmed twice.
Mattalla had arrived at the palace several days after the Temple of Time was destroyed, while Link was still unconscious. He had stayed in Goron City long enough to ensure that everyone was once again healthy, then he had left to seek out his brother, Darunia. Every day since then, for two hours, he trained with Malon. The girl had impressed him on the mountain, and she continued to do so now. As a seasoned warrior, he wanted to help this surprisingly skillful young woman reach her own potential
He jabbed at her midsection in what he hoped was an obvious attack. Apparently it was, for Malon deftly dodged to the side and pointed her own sword at his ribs. She stopped just shy of the skin. The room thundered with both Mattalla's and Darunia's laughter. "Behold, brother!" Mattalla exclaimed. "Our warrior farmer has already learned one of the most important secrets of combat: exploitation. If the enemy errs, then if must be exploited immediately."
"Indeed," Darunia agreed. "It seems Brother Link was right in bringing her along on his journeys. I wouldn't be surprised if her mere presence alone stayed the hands of hidden assassins."
Malon blushed and smiled at the friendly jabs. Mattalla had told Darunia how she and Link had been responsible for saving Darunia's son and the rest of the Gorons, and also of how she had helped him defeat a group of mercenaries hiding in the mountain city. Since then, she held almost as a high a spot in the Goron chief's opinion as Link did. It had been Darunia who had suggested Mattalla help train her, though he hadn't said why.
"Brother," Darunia said, "I would have a few words with Sister Malon alone, if possible. Would you mind meeting us at the war room two hours from now?"
"Of course not." Mattalla smiled at Malon and gently patted her shoulder. "You learn fast, little one. It is an honor."
Malon's blush reddened. "The honor is mine, Mattalla. Thanks for taking the time to teach me."
"My pleasure." With a nod to his brother, the Goron warrior departed the room, leaving Goron chief and farm girl alone. Neither said anything for quite some time, until Darunia said, "Walk with me, Sister Malon." They exited the room and stepped out into the western courtyard, where the sun was fading behind the castle walls. The flowerbeds and fruit trees glowed softly in the decreasing light.
"I would once again like to thank you for everything you have done for my people," Darunia said. "As both a chief and a father. I am in yours and Link's debt."
"No your not, sir," Malon insisted. "I was happy to help, and Link would have died before he let any of your people die while he was there."
Darunia sighed, as if this last statement pained him. "Therein lies the fatal flaw." Malon didn't understand and waited for him to elaborate. He continued, "Link is the finest man I have ever known, or could hope to know. He has saved the Gorons, along with the other peoples of Hyrule, dozens of times, even if they do not realize it. And you are right; he would die before he saw anyone hurt. It is his greatest strength, but also his greatest weakness." He sat down on the ground in front a small creek, and Malon sat on the bench beside him. Even with the added height of the bench, she was only eye level with the large Goron.
"You see, Malon," he went on, "The first thing a ruler must learn is that the needs of the many must outweigh the needs of a few. I know it sounds cruel and harsh, but that is the way it must be. That is why I quarantined Goron City, including my own son. That is why Princess Zelda has given the west to Ganon, to buy more time for the rest of the country. Link…Link does not understand this. If through his death he can save a single life, he will do it. It is honorable and heroic, but it puts the few before the many. Say for example Link was to die tomorrow, saving the life of an old and sickly man. That man would live, but then our best chance of defeating Ganon would be gone. I don't exaggerate, Sister Malon; without Link, our chances of defeating the Dark Lord are slim to none. Because Link sacrificed himself to save a single soul, the rest of the land would fall, including that life he died saving."
Malon nodded, understanding. "I understand what you're saying, sir. And when you put it like that, I have to agree. But why doesn't Link see this? He has to understand how important he is to Hyrule."
"That is the root of the problem. Link does not understand his importance. I have lived for over two hundred years, Malon, and in all those years, I have never met anyone like him. In the history of our world, there has never been one like him, and when he is gone, there will never be another. He knows that there are things only he can do, knows why he must fight battles that no one else has a prayer of winning. But he thinks that anyone can do it, given the time and experience that he has had. He knows he is special, but refuses to believe that he is unique. Has he ever told you how he mastered all aspects of Goron warfare in only a year, when even the most skilled warriors need almost a lifetime? That he has mastered the weapons and tactics of Hylians, Zoras, and Gerudo, in the span of eight years, when no one save a Goron would live long enough to do so? Link was created to be a weapon against evil, though he may despise the violence he must resort to. And he is still young! Imagine what he may do as he ages! What if all that potential, all that skill, was lost, along with Hyrule's best hope for peace, should he give his life for a single soul?"
Malon didn't want to imagine. She didn't even want to think of Link dying at all. But Darunia was right. For the sake of many, the sake of few must be ignored. He was right; it did sound cruel. But as a farmer and rancher, she knew that in order for a healthy crop to flourish, the few diseased crops must be allowed to die, to ensure against the spread. "You're right, sir," she admitted. "I may not like it, but you're right. I just hope Link sees it before something terrible happens." Then something came to her, something she hadn't even thought about. "Did you ask me to walk with you just to tell me this?"
Darunia smiled softly. "No," he replied. "I came to tell you that there is to be a council to decide the fate of Hyrule. Kaepora has awakened, and we must hear his news as soon as possible. Princess Zelda feels that you and Link should be a part of this meeting."
Malon's mouth dropped open in shock. "Me? The princess wants me in a war council with the rest of you Sages? Of course I'll come."
"She expected no less. Now why don't you go and get changed. I believe you will find clothes in your room. We'll be expecting you and Link at the war room in two hours."
"We'll be there, sir." Malon stood up and headed back into the castle. Darunia continued to sit there, watching the creek meander it's way through the courtyard, pondering a future he feared would come all too soon.
* * *
Zelda walked through the palace gardens, cloaked and hooded in the twilight. It was her favorite place to think. Normally, her thoughts here were small, fairly inconsequential to the land of Hyrule. Now, however, they were much more grave.
Fireflies flew through the trees, lighting her way as she stepped on to the little bridge crossing a small stream. She stopped in the middle, staring into the water. How had her life become so complicated so quickly? As princess, it was her duty and responsibility to care for her people, to be strong for them. But now…
"Thought I might find you here."
She started at the voice, but only because it startled her. She felt a familiar presence in her head. "I thought you would still be in bed," she said, still staring into the water.
Her companion stepped up beside her, his form also covered by his cloak and hood. "I probably should be," he admitted. "But I couldn't stay. Especially since this is all my foot."
"It was no more your fault than mine," she said. "Rolondrof gave me fair warning, but I didn't see the signs until it was too late. I was too worried over my…our…" she couldn't go on. Malon's revelation was still too fresh in her mind, and she hadn't figured out her feelings on it.
Link looked down. "I'm sorry I couldn't be the one to tell you. I'm still trying to sort it all out myself." He paused. "How is he?"
"No change," Zelda said. "The doctors can't do a thing for him. They don't even know if he'll die. But he will, if I don't save him. I can sense it." She finally turned to face him. Looking up into his face, she couldn't help but see the similarity it held with her own. She was amazed that they had never noticed it before. Especially the eyes. Her father always said she had her mother's eyes.
Apparently, Link did too.
"I'll fix this Zelda," he said, "I swear. I'll beat Ganon, and I'll save the king. No matter what it takes."
Zelda couldn't help but smile at his determination. The way he said it almost made her believe it. Almost. He could see her doubt, but wisely didn't argue it.
Because even though he would die before admitting it, he wasn't that sure either.
"We're holding a council," Zelda finally said. "To decide what must be done to end this. I'm stalling for time, and Ganon knows it. That's why he's stopped where he is. He's taunting us. I would like you and Malon to be there. Your input would be greatly valued."
Link nodded. He turned to leave. Zelda's voice stopped him. "I am glad to see you Link. I've missed you."
Link smiled. "I missed you too, Zelda. I always do."
* * *
Two hours later, Link and Malon walked the brightly lit corridors towards the war room, Link in his stiff formal clothes and ever-present cap, and Malon dressed in an expensive yet still practical dress. They walked in silence for a time, Link constantly pulling at his collar. Malon smiled and couldn't resist any longer. "You look a little uncomfortable, Link," she said, trying hard to stifle a laugh.
Link looked down at her, smiling a little. "Just the clothes. A little more restricting than I'm used to."
"True," Malon said, finally giving in to the laughter. "But they're nicer than anything I've ever had, so I'm not complaining."
"They look very nice on you."
"So do yours," she replied. "But you're right; they don't suit you."
He smiled down at her, and she back at him. They walked a little further down the hall. Suddenly, Link felt a hand on his shoulder. Acting on instinct he grabbed the wrist and through the attacker over his shoulder. Malon gave out a little yelp of surprise and jumped back. To Link's astonishment, the assailant landed on his feet and twisted Link's arm. He found himself off his feet, spinning horizontally. He managed to get his feet under him before he hit the ground. He released the attacker's arm and steadied himself into a fighting stance.
"Stop!"
Amazingly, the voice that halted them from attacking each other was Malon's. That gave him enough time to get a good look at his opponent. He was tall, about Link's height, with blonde hair and striking red eyes. The lower half of his face was covered by a white mask, which connected to a white sleeveless tunic, the symbol of an eye with a single tear falling from it. He wore thick navy blue leggings and boots with several belts wrapped around his torso, pouches and bags hanging from them. Link gaped in amazement and relaxed his stance. "Shrike?"
Shrike also lowered his fists, just as surprised as Link. "Good to see you again, Link. I see you've still been practicing."
"Whenever I can. I'm sorry about all that, but when someone grabs my shoulder like that it usually means trouble."
Shrike lowered his mask to reveal a handsome face plastered with a wide smile. "Perfectly understandable. I acted on instinct as well. It's how we were trained after all."
Link remembered Malon was standing beside him. "Malon, this is…"
"We've met," Malon said to Link's surprise. "He came to visit you a couple of times while you were out. He told me you guys used to train together."
"Yeah," Link confirmed. "While I was living here at the castle, we were both accepted as Impa's apprentices to the Sheikah arts. But we both knew that Shrike was the real student and I was just there for the ride."
"Still," Shrike said, clasping Link on the shoulder, "You learned twice as fast as I did."
Link smiled back at him. "You're still better. I take it you're going to the council as well?"
"Yes. Impa requested that I be there. I've been out west the past couple of days, scouting the enemy, and my information will be of use."
"I take it," a deep voice boomed behind them, "That we are all going the same way?"
The three Hylians looked up to see another motley trio approaching them. Mattalla was there, accompanied by a tall, heavily tattooed Zora, and an equally tall and powerfully built woman with dark skin and red hair braided into corn rows. Looked nodded in recognition. "Nomaru," he said to the woman. His voice took a harder edge with the Zora. "Zakro."
"Link," the Gerudo woman nodded. "It is good to see you again, my friend. Though I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Me too, Nomaru, me too." He took the woman's hand in a strong grip. He turned to Zakro. "How are you, your highness?"
"I'm fine, Link." The Zora king's voice was even colder than Link's had been, and Malon suddenly felt very uncomfortable. There was some history between these two, and whatever it was, it hadn't ended well.
Shrike also seemed to sense this. "We should probably go. They're expecting us."
Link and Zakro stared at each other a moment longer, blue eyes meeting black. The looked away at the exact same instant, neither conceding defeat. The six of them walked the remainder of the way in silence, and Link pushed open the double doors into the war room. The Sages were already seated at the large round table. Kaepora, the owl Link had saved, the one Zelda had told Malon was in fact the reincarnation of the original architect of the temple of time, perched in the middle of the table. They all took their spots at the table: Mattalla beside Darunia, Shrike beside Impa, Nomaru by Nabooru, and Zakro beside Ruto. Link and Malon sat on either side of Saria, across the table from Princess Zelda.
"Thank you all for coming," Zelda began. "I'm sure you all have met in one capacity or another, so we'll skip the preliminaries and get right to it. Ganon has returned, and for those of us who remember him, this means that all of Hyrule is at stake. We must find a way to stop him, before it is too late. Link, if you could give everyone some background on the story…"
Link stood and related the same story he had told Malon. When it got to the part when he was sealed in the Sacred Realm, Zelda stepped in and described the tyranny she had experienced in Hyrule during Link's seven-year slumber. They finished the story together, up to the tale of Link and Ganon's final battle atop the rubble of Ganon's tower.
Then Darunia, Ruto, and Nabooru spoke, relating the troubles that had plagued them the last few weeks, from dragons to sickness to civil war. Shrike filled in what he knew of the enemy's movements.
Finally, it was Kaepora's turn to speak. "I'm sure you are all wondering how Ganon broke free of the Sacred Realm and spread his influence into this realm. I am ashamed to say that it is partly my fault. I did not keep a close enough eye on him, believing that once locked in the Sacred Realm he would be of no more threat to Hyrule. I should have known that one touched by the Triforce could not be so easily contained."
"As far as I have been able to deduce, shortly after his imprisonment, Ganon slowly began to build up his power. We had stripped him of his magic when we banished him, but he knew that magic was neither created nor destroyed, only changed. All he had to do was bide his time, and he would once again be at full power. But that still wasn't enough. In order to escape the Sacred Realm and enact his revenge, he needed to become stronger. So he sought out Necron."
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber. They had all heard stories of the evil tyrant, a warlock who almost brought Hyrule to it's knees. The Great Hylian Wall had been constructed in memorandum of his defeat. "I had thought," Zelda said after the initial shock wore off, "That Necron was killed."
The old owl shook it's head. "No, one as powerful as Necron could not be so easily destroyed. Like Ganon, the only way to defeat him was to banish him to the Sacred Realm. In any case, Ganon searched the Sacred Realm for Necron, to add his power to his own. Last year, by Hylian time, he found him. But Necron would not give up his power so easily, and a great battle was fought. That was when Ganon's actions came to my notice, but I fear it was too late."
"What happened?" Nomaru asked.
Kaepora paused for a moment. "When I arrived, the battle was over. Ganon had won, and the mighty Necron was subverted to his will. It was then that my body—Rauru's body—was slain." Again, another sharp intake of breathes from Link and the Sages. Kaepora smiled sadly at them. "Do not worry for me. I have been quite content inhabiting this body. I've grown quite fond of it."
"Regardless, it was then that Ganon had enough power to reach through the barrier between worlds and touch his brothers, Rolondrof and Skorn, through their dreams. He instructed them in what would need to be done to usher in his return, and what they would need to do to keep you all distracted, especially Link. He has been able to feed some of his magic power into Rolondrof's already formidable reserves, which he used to magically cloud the gathering of Ganon's army, along with convincing people of convert to his Church of Ganon, a front for gathering followers and the sacrifices he needed to return."
"But how was he able to cover his tracks?" Link asked. "That much magic would leave a trail for the palace wise men to follow. And even though I accept he could anticipate some of my actions, how was he able to know where I was in Hyrule at any given moment?"
"As for your first question, there are none alive who have enough knowledge and skill to track this magic. That is why Balio and the others have not been able to sense it. Such power has not been seen in Hyrule in thousands of years. As to your second question, I don't know. But there are many things about the Sacred Realm that even I do not understand, and it is possible he found a way I could not foresee."
"And now, we come to the present. Ganon realized that if the Master Sword was the way into the Sacred Realm, then it also could be the way out. And so for these last two months he as waited, watching as his plan unfolded, waiting for the moment to return. I am afraid you all know what happened next."
No one answered. No one needed to. It was Darunia who spoke first. "With all due respect, Brother Kaepora, how he escaped does not concern me as much as how he can be stopped. How are we to do this?"
"I have thought long on this, and I believe I have found a way," the owl replied. "If Necron can be reached, and defeated once and for all, Ganon's power would decrease back into levels we can handle. At the very least, we will be able to return him to the Sacred Realm, where we can buy time to plan further."
"But how can we reach him?" Zakro asked. "We can't just walk into the Sacred Realm, can we?"
"No," Link answered, "But it can be reached. I would catch glimpses of it every time I traveled through time."
"I believe that through the combined powers of the Sages, coupled with Link's drawing of the Master Sword, we can open a doorway into the Sacred Realm." Zelda looked round the table as she spoke. "We now come to the heart of this meeting: are we to undertake this course of action, and who will see it through?"
"Of course we will do it," Ruto said. "If it is the only way to defeat Ganon, it must be done."
"And I'll be the one to do it." Link not so much rose from his seat as he seemed to grow from it. "I let him loose. I have the most experience in this area. It can only be me."
Everyone wanted to disagree with him, Malon especially. But none of them could find the words for it. "I am afraid it's not that simple," Kaepora explained, and for a moment Malon felt a guilty twinge of hope. "The Sages are representatives of all the races. As such, a representative of each race must make the journey."
"In that case," Mattalla boomed, also rising to his feet. "I will represent the Goron race. I would not see this task in any other Goron's hands, and I would never allow Link to go alone, even if it was permitted."
Numaru rose as well. "In that case, you will need me to accompany you on behalf of the Gerudo." She smirked playfully. "You will need someone to hold a fighting-mad Goron in check."
"I realize that technically Sheikah are more of a philosophy than a race," Shrike said, "But I will make the journey on Impa's behalf."
"I will go," Zakro proclaimed. "As king of the Zora's and their greatest warrior it is my duty and my right. If I go, this quest will not fail."
Still standing, Link said, "None of the Kokiri will be able to make this journey, so I'll go on behalf of both the Kokiri and Hylians."
Kaepora was already shaking his head before Link finished. "I am sorry, Link, but it is one or the other. It cannot be both."
"Then that leaves only me." Everyone was shocked to hear Malon's voice. Link looked at her as if she had just swallowed a sword. "I've been involved in this since the beginning," she explained, "Even if it was by accident. I'll see it through till the end."
"No," Link said simply, forcefully. "Out of the question. We'll find someone else, a soldier…"
"All the good soldiers will be needed here for when Ganon makes his move," Malon countered. "I can fight, and I'm pretty sure I know more on field medicine than anybody else going." She looked into Link's eyes, but she spoke to the room, echoing Darunia's words. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
Link continued to stare at her with fear and sadness in his eyes, searching for an argument. But Link was an honest man, and he could find no fault in his logic.
"Very well," Zelda said, breaking the silence. She could feel Link's pain at the decision, but there was nothing she could do about it. "You have all volunteered for this quest of your own free will, though I know it is a reluctant choice, and I am sorry that it must be made. We will do our best to hold things together here. I hope that we will all be able to find the strength to weather this coming storm. We are the chosen, my friends. We must not fail. Our world depends on it."