Chapter 5: An Old Enemy

The young hero, Link is finally beginning to realize the extent of his destiny after winning the three Pendants of Virtue. With the Master Sword Firmly in hand, all that remains is for him to rescue Princess Zelda! Can Link meet his ultimate challenge?

Link whistled slightly, as he examined the powerful blade.

So much power, he thought in amazement. It's like holding a lighting bolt!

Suddenly, a huge mace crashed through the underbrush, forcing him to leap out of the way. Link looked up as three big knights stomped towards him, malice gleaming in their eyes. The boy only smirked as he lifted his weapon to chest level.

Looks like I have some time to test this sword out! He thought.

With a few quick strokes, Link carved up his opponents. As their bodies vanished, Link fell to his knees.

"I…I did it! But I feel tired . . . I have to rest . . ."

Wake up Link!

The boy sat up as a familiar voice cut through his mind.

"Zelda!"

The Princess' voice was now fearful.

There is only one night left, and Agahnim will cast an incantation on me when the moon is full! You must hurry, for if he succeeds, the seal of the wise men will be broken and the gate to the Dark Realm will be opened! Do not forget the sacrifice your uncle made! And your parents . . . do you think it was a mere accident they fell into the Dark Realm?

Link paused, wondering how she knew about his parents.

Please! You must stop Agahnim before everything is destroyed!

Link got to his feet. "Ok," he said, "I'll go. And now that I have the Master Sword, this'll be a piece of cake! I swore I'd kill Agahnim, and that's just what I'm gonna do!"

After a long trek back to Kakariko Village, Link was getting a much-deserved bath after his arduous trip. AT the same time, they were discussing their plans to get to the castle. But it wouldn't be easy.

"So all the paths to the castle are blocked?" asked Link.

"Yep!" the boy replied, lugging a large pail full of water to dump on Link's head. "Even going near the castle means certain death!"

"It's a shame the miracle wins were lost in the desert," said the Librarian, "Otherwise you could have just flown there!" He paused to watch the bubbles from Link's bath float around the room. "Then again, maybe we don't need them!"

The Librarian walked over to a desk and pulled out a piece of paper. "A large bubble filled with air can float," he said, "But to do it in one day will be hard work and we need to act fast!"

And so they began to build the balloon, with everyone working hard . . . well okay, almost everyone.

"Hey Link!" the boy shouted, "Are you gonna help or what!"

"Sorry," the aforementioned young man replied, "I have to save up all my strength for tonight!"

In the dark tower, Agahnim watched as the moon peeked over the clouds.

"At last! When the full moon reaches the pinnacle of its ascension, then I will cast the final incantation!"

He turned to look at Princess Zelda, who was lying on a stone tablet engraved with mystical symbols, and his mouth turned up in an evil smirk.

Suddenly, his shadow seemed to take a life of its one as it rose off the floor.

Agahnim . . .

The man started in surprise. "Master Ganon!"

Now is the hour of the incantation. You must NOT fail me!

Agahnim nodded. "Yes . . . my Lord . . ."

The shadow seemed to freeze for a moment before speaking again. I seem to be sensing a being with high emotional power heading towards the castle!

Instantly,Agahnim knew who his lord was referring to. "Could it be him?" he wondered. "Well, no matter. If he somehow manages to get here, then I shall send Princess Zelda into the dark world before his very eyes!"

Meanwhile, Link was hovering over the castle walls.

"This is too easy!" he said. "I'm almost halfway there!" He pulled on a chain, and the balloon collapsed around him. "Guess I spoke too soon . . ."

The balloon plummeted downwards, and made a soft landing on top of a parapet. Link scrambled out from underneath . . . and was met by a group of guards.

Link simply slashed them to ribbons, then raced down the steps into the castle and hurried through the winding hallways. Suddenly, he heard someone chanting in a cold and terrible voice . . .

"NE-AN-DERU-TAA! CRO-MAN-YOM! CRO-MAN-YOM!"

Cautiously, Link stepped into the room and found Agahnim with his arms outstretched and chanting in that cold and terrible voice. And in front of him, a figure was hovering on a column of dark blue smoke.

"ZELDA!" Link gasped. Indeed, the princess' body was buoyed on the cloud as if she was light as a feather. Angrily, Link rushed at the evil sorcerer, but Sahasrahla's voice stopped him.

Link! Do not put all of your trust in the Master Sword! Even its great power can not harm Agahnim!

"WHAT!" Link exclaimed in shock.

He tried slashing at Agahnim, but his sword went through him like he was a ghost! The evil man turned to face the young hero and his eyes flashed brightly like a pair of stars. Link tried to move . . . but was startled to find that he couldn't!

"I have been waiting for you, hero," he said coldly, "And now you can watch as your precious Zelda vanishes before your very eyes!" he turned back to the princess. "Behold the Princess' last moments in this world!"

Link could only watch in horror as the smoke turned inky black and engulfed the girl's body. There was a huge burst of dark energy, and when it cleared . . . the Princess was gone!

Chuckling wickedly, Agahnim turned to face Link again. "Now it is only a matter of time before evil conquers this world!" he said, "And evil the legendary 'Hero of Time' is helpless before us, now that we have the power of the Triforce!"

To be continued . . .

Ooh . . . a cliffhanger . . . aren't I an evil one? Well, actually, that's how it goes in the comic, but either way, you won't want to miss out on the next chapter, 'cause things are REALLY gonna get weird!