"Your arch is much better." I stated as Revali demonstrated the shot I taught him while in Rito Village.

"Well of course." Revali said dismissively. "Obviously one with my skill could easily master it."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how is the Power of Air training coming along?"

Revali huffed, "I am more at one with the wind than ever before. It is as if I am the sky itself." He boasted, his chest puffing out proudly.

I grabbed an arrow and strung it in my bow, taking careful aim at the targets. I was tired, but when it came to archery, my mind was sharp and my aim true. Impa had slept over in my room, which was the cause of my fatigue. We never went to bed at a proper time, talking and laughing into the wee hours of the morning. And Impa had to get up early, therefore I also got up early… because if I didn't get up, she wouldn't either.

My arrow sank into the target, dead center. I yawned.

"Tired?" Revali asked. "Or does my presence bore you?" He retorted sarcastically, as if anyone could find him boring.

"Just didn't get much sleep." I explained.

"Thinking about last night's discussion?" Revali asked as he grabbed more arrows.

"No. I was with Impa."

"The Sheikah girl from the dinner?"

I nodded in response. "Although this morning I did ponder for a while over those matters." Revali released a volley of arrows, all hitting their targets one after the other. "When do you think General Azo will arrive?" I asked when he released his final arrow.

"I had a Rito deliver the letter, so he should be here tomorrow at the earliest. Two days at the latest." Revali answered. "The Zora will take longer. Traveling over the land takes far longer than soaring through the skies. Pity all the other clans weren't blessed with flight."

"Yes, that's to be expected." I muttered to myself. "But once they are here, we can start…" I continued to mumbled to myself, lost deep in thought.

"Zelda?' Revali called, snapping me out of my intense thoughts.

"Sorry." I replied, chagrinned.

"Sounds like you already have things sorted out." Revali said dryly.

I sighed. "Well because of certain circumstances, I ended up getting up far earlier than I needed to this morning. Due to such an unfortunate event, I spent my hours devising which clans should be stationed where… based on proximity, ease of travel, and their strengths."

"Productive." Revali mused. I grabbed an arrow and notched it, feeling the pull of the bow throughout my arm muscles. It was a familiar feeling. And then I let it go.

"Just worried. Planning makes me calmer." I offered, watching as my arrow buried itself in the target.

"You may be doing a lot in the near future." Revali said solemnly.

I nodded. "Indeed." I shook my head, and looked up at Revali. "I think that's enough serious talk. We're here to train. Why not get a little friendly wager going?"

Revali's eyes sparked, "Just what does the little Hylian Princess have in mind?"

I awoke in my study, my head groggy and my body stiff. That's what I got for falling asleep in my study. I leaned back and stretched, several of my joints cracking in the process. My muscles were sore, but not from the training I had done yesterday with Revali… this was from an improper sleeping position.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. Looking out the window, I saw the sun shining. I stared at it for several seconds and then jumped from my chair, now completely awake.

"I'm supposed to meet Link!" I exclaimed, now dashing around my study. I grabbed one of the vials on my desk, which was what I had been working on so diligently last night… before I passed out. Then I ran into my room and quickly threw on some black pants and a blue blouse. I tied my messy hair up in a pony, not wanting to waste time combing it.

Following this, I grabbed the Hylian Shield and fled from my room, clutching the cold metal to my chest. Rushing to the front gates of the castle, I spotted Link waiting just on the other side of them, a small backpack strapped to his back as well as the Master Sword.

"Link!" I called, and his head swiveled in my direction. He greeted me with a smile and a wave. Once I reached him, I bent over for a moment, catching my breath. That was probably the fastest I had ever run. "I thought I had missed you." I gasped and then stood straight, trying to compose myself.

"We could have met some other time if you were busy today." Link offered, giving me a sympathetic look.

I shook my head, "It's not that. I was sleeping actually."

Link arched an amused eyebrow, "Even this is a bit late for you."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "For your information, I was up late in my study last night. Prepping this." I held the tiny vial up, the glass reflecting the sunlight. "I figured you could use it while undergoing your trials."

Link took the vial, examining it in his hands. "What is it?"

"Healing ointment." I explained, still feigning insult from his previous comment.

A small smile crept over his face, "Thanks Zelda. I'm sure this will come in handy."

"Yes, hopefully for only minor injuries." I muttered. I looked down at the shield clenched against my chest. "This is actually what I wanted to give you." I extended my arms outwards, revealing the elegantly crafted metal. The blue and red gleamed in the sunlight. "I know you said you weren't that interested in a shield, but I thought this one might work for you. It belonged to an ancestor of mine. She was swift and agile, like you, so this shield was specially built to cater to her strengths." I fell silent, feeling nervous.

Link grabbed the shield from me, quietly inspecting it. He turned the sheet of metal over in his hands and after, slipped it onto his arm, testing out the weight and maneuverability.

"It should be quite sturdy too." I offered, needing to say something in the silence.

Link gave it one last look over, seeming satisfied. "It's perfect, Zelda." His eyes met mine, a bright smile on his face which melted my heart.

I breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm so glad you like it."

"It will work great. It's not too big and very light for its size. Shouldn't slow me down or get in the way at all." This was the first time I saw Link so excited about something… well besides shield surfing. "You said this belonged to your ancestor?"

I nodded, "Yes. Sheik Hyrule, a warrior queen from years ago. She was known as the Wind Scourge, because it was said she was as fast and furious as the wind."

"Huh. Where has it been until now?" Link asked, tracing his fingers over the sleek edges of the shield.

"In the castle catacombs. There's a whole weapon room down there. Many famous relics, most probably forgotten with the passing of time." I mused, thinking about the dingy and dusty corridors underneath the castle.

"Catacombs?" Link asked, curious.

"Yes. It's a tunnel system underneath the castle. We store important memorabilia, treasures, and documents down there. It is also the final resting place for the royal family."

Link frowned, "So it's an underground graveyard?"

I pondered this for a moment. "I suppose you could look at it like that."

Link didn't look enthusiastic. "And you just wander about down there?"

I nodded. "There is so much down there. It's very fascinating. And the catacombs seem to go on forever. Not even I'm sure how far down they go, despite my years of exploring."

Link scratched the back of his head and gave a nervous laugh, "You're not scared?"

I rolled my eyes, "It's not like anyone is going to come back from the dead."

"Looks like someone never heard the tales about stalkoblins." Link remarked.

"Stalkoblins?" I laughed. "What on Hyrule is that?"

"Skeletons of dead bokoblins that rise from the ground at night and attack any that venture too close." Link replied, completely serious.

I blinked at him. "Those are the children's stories you were told?" I said incredulously. "That doesn't sound like a children's story at all!"

"Well they were designed to scare us. So we wouldn't venture out at night." Link clarified. "It worked."

"I can imagine."

Link shook his head, "I also have something for you" Link slung off his backpack and pulled out a small box. Handing to to me, I carefully took it, wondering what he could have brought me. I slid the lid off and widened my eyes in complete surprise.

"My sister made them." Link said as I stared at a pair of beautifully crafted brass knuckles. I pulled on from the box, turning it around in my fingers so I could look it over. The metal was polished smooth and although not as hardy as anything Goron made, it was definitely a well-made piece. And the small blade on the side was a nice addition.

"They're lovely." I whispered in awe. "I can't believe your sister made these."

"She's pretty good." Link replied. Quickly I slipped one of the knuckles on, marveling at how well it fit.

"Tell her I said thank you." I replied, my eyes still captured by the glint of steel.

"Of course." Link replied. I carefully took off the brass knuckles, treating them as if they were fragile, when I knew very well it would take a lot to break them. Closing the lid, I took a step towards Link and reached out for a hug.

"Thank you Link." I said, my arms encircling him. As if it was a natural response, his arms returned my embrace, wrapping around my torso in a warm hold. "Please be careful, Link." I mumbled next to his ear.

"I could say the same to you." Link returned, a slight note of teasing in his voice.

"I'll be careful. I did promise I would be more diligent about these things after all." I replied.

"I'll hold you to it, then." He said, his voice low.

I swallowed, and pulled away from Link, even though I wished to hug him for a few seconds longer. "Good. I need someone to keep me accountable."

Link smiled at me. Then his hand came up to my face and gingerly tucked a stray lock of my hair behind my ear. "When I get back from my trails, I want to talk to you about something."

"Oh?" I said, a bit alarmed.

Link shook his head, "Nothing to worry about. It is important, but I think it best to wait until I'm back."

My curiosity was piqued by his words, but I merely nodded in response, "Very well. I understand."

"Be careful, Zelda." His deep blue eyes locked with mine.

"You too Link." I felt myself lean closer to him, and him to me, but we still kept some distance. Yet that didn't stop the instinctual pull between us, as if something existential was drawing us together.

And then the tension snapped as Link spoke, evaporating as if it was never there. "Until next time, Zee."

I brought a hand up to my chest, "Goodbye Link." He gave me a little wave and a grin in response and I returned both with one of my own. And then I watched him turn and walk away, onwards towards a journey he had to partake on his own. I wouldn't be able to help him with what he was about to go through…. Whatever that was.

Yet I had my own journey ahead of me, that I too would embark on. I sighed and let my hand fall to my side. It wouldn't be long before I would see Link again, yet that did not stop the trembling of my heart as Link finally evanesced from my sight.

I was walking… although I wasn't sure where. Everything was saturated in fog, almost as if I was deep in the Lost Woods again. Yet something felt different that told me this wasn't the lost woods.

I took several more steps into the mist, trees randomly appearing which let me know I was in a forest. I wasn't sure why I was here, but something compelled me forward, as if it was paramount that I do so. I moved onward, slowly it seemed, yet before I knew it the fog ended at a large outcropping of rock that stretched skyward until the fog masked my vision once more.

At a standstill, I looked left and right. Nothing could be seen either way, but something compelled me to head to my left. Thus I walked onwards, my hand tracing the jagged rock. As I continued, the mist began to dissipate, revealing crisp, green woods and a steep cliff above me. Trees covered the rest of my view, but in the distance I could vaguely make out what appeared to be stone buildings… I must have been close to some civilization.

Soon the cliff above me slanted downwards until it leveled off with the very ground I was walking on. By now the trees had become sparse, and just ahead of me, to the East was a stone temple. I recognized it immediately: the Temple of Time.

At this point I realized I was on the Great Plateau, yet how I got there wasn't relevant. Instead there was this tug in my chest, compelling me to continue up the slope that led to the top of the cliff. Hastening my step, I made my way to the top of the cliff and looked out upon Hyrule. The castle was the first thing that caught my eye, gleaming above the lazy layer of fog that refused to lift. Beyond that was the glow of Death Mountain, appearing ominous in the distance. And although I appreciated the beauty before me, I knew this was not the reason I had hiked up here. There was something else here for me… but if it wasn't before me…then perhaps behind?

I turned around and analyzed the trees, brush, and rock that greeted me. There was nothing special about it… just a ledge with another even higher cliff above it. For a moment worry seized me that I would have to climb it. Recalling the last time I had climbed such a formidable rock, I would not do so without a paraglider with me.

However that thought quickly faded as my eyes caught hold of something else. Walking over to the back of the cliff, I noticed a dark hole amongst the shadows cast by the trees and brush. At first it had blended in with the shadows, but now, it was clear this darkness led into a cavern. I pushed away the brambles and branches that covered the opening. Once done, I stared into the maw of the cave, a cold updraft coming from it.

I bit my lip, uncertainty rippling through me, yet once again, something inside me was being drawn into the pit. Against all my better judgment, I jumped down into the cave, the only light coming from the opening. I brought myself against one of the walls, bringing a hand against it so I could guide myself using it. Then I took a step forward… and then another… until the darkness swallowed me. I felt a crushing fear grip me, and as I stood there, petrified, suddenly a soft blue glow appeared. It seemed the rocks themselves were glowing, dotted with areas of brighter light, which made the entire cavern walls look like the solar system: aglow with stars.

I gasped in awe, not expecting such a fantastic spectacle. I gazed for a moment at the sheer beauty, but then recalled why I was here and continued onwards, finding it much easier to navigate now. The cave quickly opened up into another cavern, which was barren. I hurried on towards the tunnel in the back, and walked into an eerie chamber.

I stopped dead in my tracks, not sure what I was looking at. There were several odd pods at the center of the room. Above the pods was a dome that stretched down from the ceiling. It looked to be covered in giant roots with strange patterns on them and as I took a step towards the pods, the patterns began to glow a bright blue.

Now that the room was fully illuminated, I could see the entire chamber had odd patterns engraved all around it… on the walls, ceilings, floor. And as I approached the pods, I could see they were big enough for a person to fit inside of, like a burrow, however they were filled with a clear liquid, which I assumed wasn't water.

"You must come here, Zelda." A voice echoed out, making my head spin. "If all should fail, this is your only hope."

"What do you mean?" I asked softly, hoping for more explanation than that.

"You must come here." It repeated sharply. "If the worst should happen."

"Please, Hylia." I called back, "Please tell me what this place is."

The Goddess's voice grew into a crescendo, louder and louder, echoing throughout the cavern. "You must come here-"

"If all should fail-"

"Come here!"

"The Hero…."

"Calamity Ganon..."

"...the worst…"

"...Death…"

"...should fall…"

"...Hyrule…."

"Come here-"

"...wins…"

"Come here-"

"...should happen…."

"...Destruction…"

"COME HERE!"

I gasped and my eyes sprang open as reality came crashing back. And along with it came a nauseating level of pain in my head, as if there was an infinite amount of pressure pushing upon my skull, trying to crush it. I couldn't even open my eyes… sound, movement, color, touch… Everything was pure agony.

I remained motionless in my bed, riding out the waves of pain, although it felt like it would never end. I barely moved - barely breathed, for everything made the pain worse. Instead I prayed to the Goddess that it would pass soon.

Focusing on that thought, I endured. Finally I felt the pain recede… slowly, but it still lessened which was a huge relief. Eventually I felt my body relax and I let out a long exhale. Some time later, all that was left was a dull headache, which was much more manageable. I sat up in my bed, rubbing my frontal lobes. I had no idea how long those events lasted - It felt like hours, but for all I knew, it could have been minutes, seconds even.

Quickly I dressed and pulled my hair into a high ponytail. I made my way to Impa's room, who rolled her eyes at me, complaining that she was starving to death waiting for me. I apologized as she dragged me to the dining hall where we had a peaceful breakfast.

"So Link is gone." Impa mused as she stuffed her mouth with pancakes.

I nodded. "Yes. He left yesterday early afternoon."

"You going to be alright?" Her voice was teasing, but there was a seriousness to her question too.

I rubbed my forehead, the remains of a headache still present, "Of course. I got by just fine before him." I replied dismissively.

"That's not what I meant." Impa gave me a look as if I were a child. "You never got a chance to talk to him."

"There wasn't any time. Besides, it can wait until he returns." I explained.

"Who knew you'd be such a procrastinator." Impa remarked, giving me a sly look.

"I just didn't know what to say." I answered truthfully. "Besides, it would have been a bit awkward if I'd told him right before he left. Good luck, Link. By the way, I have feelings for you. Anyways, see you in a month when you return.'" I rolled my eyes. "I didn't seem the best timing. But we did agree to talk when he got back." I offered, although it had been Link that said he wanted to talk to me, but still, I could tell him then.

"That's fair." She gave me. "Although you better follow through."

I sighed, defeated. "I will."

Impa laughed, "You sound so despondent. Who knows, years from now you could be thanking me!"

"Years from now…" I muttered. I turned to look out the window, a pretty view of the castle town and the forest just outside it greeted me and beyond it… the Great Plateau…

Because of all the pain I was in this morning, I completely forgot about what had caused it… the dream. "I need to go to the Great Plateau." I suddenly said.

"What?!" Impa said in utter surprise. "Where did that come from?"

I turned to look at Impa, my eyes grave. Quickly I told her about my visions, something I had left out when I had recounted my adventures to her originally. "Last night I had a dream about the Great Plateau. I think something is up there. Something that will help us." I finished.

Impa huffed, "And you're just telling me about these visions now?"

I gave Impa an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I should have told you. I guess I just didn't want to worry you."

Impa frowned, "Worry?" Why would I worry."

I mentally catechized myself. She didn't have to know about the side-effects of the visions, but now there was no choice. "They aren't exactly pleasant." I explained hesitantly.

"Like you see gruesome things?"

"Sometimes." I replied faintly. "But they're also painful."

"Oh."

I glanced down at my half eaten plate. "Yeah…."

Silence consumed us, but Impa recovered quickly, "Ok, well let's go to the Great Plateau then. I know today we already have plans to go to the Guardian research lab, but we can leave tomorrow."

I stared at Impa, my heart swelling, "We? As in you're coming too?"

Impa gave a sheepish smile, "I was meaning to bring it up this morning, just hadn't gotten the chance yet. But I discussed it over with my father, and we both think I should accompany you. Specifically to Gerudo to deal with the Yiga… he thinks it would be good training for me to lead a Sheikah force… but I'll tag along anywhere else you go."

I smiled, moved by her offer. "I'd really appreciate having you with me."

"Also, I'm not filling in for Link. Meaning we'll have to take some guards with us wherever we go. So no complaining!"

I chuckled, recalling my dislike of always being tailed by guards. But now it didn't bother me as much. I still didn't like it, but I understood why they were with me. I had always been confident I could defend myself and would be capable of doing anything on my own. But over the course of my journey with Link, and meeting so many people along the way willing to help us… well now I realized I didn't have to do everything alone. It was ok to ask for help now and then… even if it would take some getting used to. "I think I'll be alright with a few guards. Just not a whole army."

Impa pursed her lips, "And here I wanted to call in the entire calvary."

I rolled my eyes, "Ha ha, you're hilarious."

Impa beamed, "Anything to make you smile, Princess."

I shook my head, "We should probably finish up here. We'll want to make it to the research lab soon so we have enough time to inspect it."

Impa pointed her fork at me. "You." She clarified, "So you have enough time to inspect it."

I laughed at this. "Yes, you're correct."

Impa and I continued to chat as we finished our meal. Then we made our way to the stables and began the jaunt to the Guardian Research facility. Icefire trotted happily along next to Impa's horse, Shino, a pretty red mare. It didn't take long at all for us to reach the top of the stable's next to the Tanagar Canyon, where we boarded our horses. Then we walked to the edge of the canyon, the giant research building just below us. There was a set of stairs that led down onto the roof as well as several ramps for larger cargo.

Impa and I climbed our way down onto the roof and then descended into the actual building by another set of stairs. My eyes widened as I laid eyes on the enormous inside of the research facility. There were guardians everywhere, some fully constructed with limbs moving, while others were torn apart, mechanical guts strewn about on the floor. Beyond that there were parts lying about - piled on the floor, scattered about on tables and benches, and shoved onto shelves. There were several other people present, both Hylians and Sheikahs, but my eyes landed on Purah and Robbie, who were at the center of the building.

Hastily, Impa and I made our way over to the two researchers. Robbie's head and upper chest had disappeared inside a large guardian that was oddly shaped and had no limbs… instead it had propellers on three budding units from the main body.

"What is that?" I asked as soon as we reached them.

"That." Purah grinned and pointed a finger at it, "Is a skywatcher. Our latest project."

"It flies?" Impa asked.

Purah nodded. "Yup. We also got completely stationary ones too. They act like guards, patrolling a specific area. We're thinking we can mount them along the castle barrier walls."

"Brilliant!" I exclaimed. "And then have the regular guardians patrol around the castle, and the skywatchers… well watch from the sky!"

Purah chuckled at my enthusiasm. "That's the idea. If we work fast enough we can have guardians exported to all the major cities in Hyrule. Granted places like Wastelands and Eldin may only get two or three due to the harsh environments."

I nodded my head, "Yes that makes sense."

Impa put her hands on her hips, "So you going to give us the tour?"

Purah waved her hand at us dismissively, "Yes, yes. Give me one minute." She turned away from us and hurriedly wrote something down in a journal that looked to have seen better days. A few minutes later she stood up and walked over to us. "Alright. Let's go. And don't touch anything!" She said, giving Impa a pointed look. Impa merely shrugged.

"And that's that!" Purah stated proudly two hours later.

Impa yawned. "Impressive." She said dully.

Purah had spared no detail as she took us around the lab, informing us of every little mechanism we walked upon. "You certainly have a lot going on here." I replied, my mind overwhelmed with everything that I had just taken in.

Purah waved her hand, "Just a few side projects. The guardians are Robbie and I's main focus."

"Yes, I concur." I said. Sorting the guardians out would be a great asset. It surely could turn the tides in fighting Calamity Ganon.

"Seems like you've accomplished a lot." Impa said, grabbing a metal part about the size of her hand. "Why not take a day off and come to the Great Plateau with us?"

I looked at Impa in surprise, not expecting her to mention the Great Plateau. Purah too looked surprised and slightly aghast at the thought of leaving her research. "Why are you even going to the Great Plateau?" Purah inquired.

"Zelda had a dream." Impa stated as if it was the most obvious reason.

Purah arched her eyebrows. "A dream… you're traveling all that way for a dream?"

I sighed, "There's more to it than that. It wasn't just a dream. But a vision. From Hylia. There is something on the Great Plateau that I need to find." Recalling my dream now, the inside of the cavern had ancient design on it… very much like those on the Sheikah Slate.

My eyes widened in shock. "Actually, having you go may be a good idea, Purah." I stated suddenly. "I think what I'm supposed to find might be something left behind by the ancient Sheikah race… something like the Slate and these Guardians."

It didn't take much convincing after that. Purah almost instantly agreed to go with us the next day to the Great Plateau. In preparation, she road back with us to the castle and we spent the night at the research lab, preparing for our trip. Additionally, Purah and I both informed our father's and they made accommodations for us to have guards escort us along the way. I was surprised how willing my father had been. Probably because I had donned it as a research mission with Purah, who my father seemed to support adamantly, and it was only to the Great Plateau, which was a military fortress. We really couldn't be safer.

Additionally, I went to see Urbosa, who I gave my plans for sorting out the clans, as Seggin, the Zora Sergeant, would likely arrive when I was gone. General Azo had already come, and I knew with those two, along with Urbosa, Daruk, and Vorel, I would not be needed at the meeting to sort out all the plans. Instead I would give them my ideas and they could handle it from there. It also helped that Urbosa assured me they could handle things without me.

Thus by evening, all three of us were ready to set off for our adventure tomorrow. I pondered exactly what was so critical on the Great Plateau that Hylia had been so insistent upon me going there. Furthermore, she had made it out to be a last resort… thus did that mean she expected us to fail?

I slept uneasily that night.

Link traveled down the old road, grass growing upon it. The sounds of soldiers training echoed in the distance from the military training base nearby. It hadn't taken him long to get here at all. And now he was back to where it all had started… here at the entrance to the Lost Woods.

Mist swirled about as the bright forest behind him faded away to rock. Link took a step into the mist, and moments later he was surrounded by it. He pulled the Master Sword from his back, the blade glowing faintly.

Heading in deeper, he reached the old, crumbling archway, all around it, the eerie ash-white trees that reached for the skies with skeletal branches. He recalled last time he was here with Zelda… how she had been able to see spirits lurking inside the woods. He had no idea such beings existed, but he didn't think they were malicious; at least the Deku tree had made it seem like they were on the same side.

Taking a deep breath, Link swiveled the master sword around, waiting for it to glow brighter. When it did, he began to walk in that direction. This continued until the fog began to melt away, revealing a tunnel that led into Korok Forest, which seemed even more bright and colorful after than he remembered. Link sheathed his sword.

Several tiny Koroks greeted him, waving and giving excited cries as he walked by. Link smiled at the tiny creatures, having a soft spot in his heart for them. They were so kind and pure. Making his way to the great Deku Tree, Link stopped when he was right before the tree, gazing up into its weathered, barky face.

"So you've returned, Hero." The Deku Tree's deep voice echoed out. "I was wondering when it would be." Link nodded, his eyes determined. The Deku Tree studied Link for a moment. "You are here to complete the Trials."

"Yes." Link replied without hesitation.

"Very well." The Deku Tree said. "But I must warn you now, these trials will not be easy. They will unlock the true power of the sword, but only if you prevail. If you fail to complete them, the sword will remain sealed and you could even die from these trials. Tell me, Hero, do you still want to do them?"

Link didn't even have to think about it. "Yes." He nodded firmly. After all, this was his duty. If there was something he could do to help in this fight against Calamity Ganon, it was this. Zelda already had so much to do, he wouldn't put this extra burden on her. This he would handle himself.

He wouldn't back down.

"I see." The Deku Tree studied him. "You are quite determined. That is good for you will need it." The Deku Tree paused. "Before you start the trials, let me tell you about them. Underneath Korok Forest and the Lost Woods is a tunnel system. It is vast and intricate… more of a labyrinth. Many who ventured into them were lost, never to be seen again. But there is more to the tunnel systems than that. There are ancient beings who reside underground… long forgotten by Hyrule.

"Your test, Link, is to enter the labyrinth and make your way out of it. It may only take you a few days, it may take you a month, it may take you a year… or you may not make it at all. You will be tested like never before, and you'll have only your sword and your wits to help you. I will ask only once more; are you sure you wish to continue?"

Link did not waver and met the Deku Tree's blank look, "Yes."

"Then tomorrow morning you will enter the tunnels and begin your trials. Until then, prepare yourself. Collect what little provisions you can carry with you, rest, and mentally steel yourself. Many do not understand the toll darkness can take on oneself until they start losing their minds below ground."

Link nodded, not sure how to feel about that. The trials were far different than what he was expecting, far more carnal than he imagined. He expected he'd have to fight, but he did not expect having to survive. Although they sometimes went hand in hand, they were very different.

Link walked away from the Deku Tree, deciding to scavenge up plants that could be used as food or had other beneficial uses. He had learned a thing or two while traveling with Zelda about medicinal plants. As he foraged about, several Koroks joined him, dancing and cheering him along. He smiled as he worked, their joyous nature refreshing.

He would miss their light-heartedness in the days to come.