Darkness surrounded Link. Quietly he leaned against the wall behind him, resting his head against it. The ground was hard underneath him and his belly was empty. Link wasn't sure how long he had spent underground, time had lost all meaning after a while. Day and night... It all blended together in this underground labyrinth. He was on edge constantly and never slept for long.
Although his circadian rhythms were the least of his concern. The maze he had entered into was nearly impossible to navigate for he couldn't even see where he was going most of the time. On top of that the maze was crawling with enemies, some Link was familiar with such as moblins and bokoblins; however there were others that Link had no idea what they were... if they were monster or spirit. Then again, he wasn't sure if there was much of a difference between the two anymore.
In reality Link had been underground for almost three weeks, aimlessly wandering the labyrinth beneath the Lost Woods in hopes of unlocking the Master Sword's true power. Link had survived up to this point, but he was growing wary and uneasy in the darkness. There was no time to rest for very long and Link always had to be aware of his surroundings. Food was hard to come by, but thankfully water was easier to find as it dripped from stalactites.
Link had collected some shafts of wood which he created into torches. It helped him navigate better, however it also drew attention to him. So he used them sparingly. As the days went on, Link began to wonder if he'd ever make it out of the underground cavern. He hadn't sustained any serious injuries and those he did, the ointment Zelda gave him quickly healed them.
His thoughts wandered to Zelda more often than not. He wondered how she was doing... if she was safe... as well as if Zelda was here with him, how she might go about escaping this impossible maze. No matter the circumstances, Zelda could always come up with a plan. He hadn't realized how much he had come to rely on those plans... even if they were crazy.
Link hadn't been able to come up with a plan. As soon as he entered the labyrinth he walked straight in, the darkness quickly wrapping around him. He didn't spare any time to strategize, mainly because he hadn't been fully aware of the challenge ahead of him. Then again, Link had been trained to act swiftly and ask questions later. Thus it wasn't surprising he found himself in his current predicament: lost, tired, and hungry.
There were rats that scurried about which Link had caught and cooked, however they were mean and suspicious, which made it hard to catch them. Some vegetation grew down here, some scraggly vines with violet berries which were horribly bitter both raw and cooked. Still it was food so Link ate it. He was even desperate enough that he had cooked the flesh of several monsters he defeated. The meat was tough and tasted bad, but he needed sustenance if he was going to make it out of here.
Link let out a long sigh, wondering for the thousandth time how he was going to find his way out of here. As he did this, his thoughts drifted to his family and then to Zelda.
"What would Zelda do?" Link mumbled, the sound of his voice painfully loud in the dead silence. His ears had become extra sensitive after days in the silent void that was the maze as they had to compensate for his diminished eyesight.
Zelda likely would have come up with a plan from the beginning, carefully surveying what she could about her surroundings... although that was hard since it was pitch-black. Still, she'd likely piece together some plan, however what that was, Link had no idea.
No matter how he wracked his brain, he couldn't think of a way to get out of the maze. If things weren't shrouded in darkness he could easily mark where he had been. Link sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He was at a loss.
Link grabbed his sword, pulling it easily from the sheath on his back. Although he couldn't see the blade in his hands, holding it made him feel calmer. This was a trail to awaken the swords power, perhaps he had to do something with the sword... but what? How would navigating through this labyrinth and defeating any monsters or spirits he came across really help? He hadn't felt any different since he started. Why was this labyrinth even here? Surely it wasn't just for him to pass a trial.
"That would have been one of the first things Zelda would have asked if she was here." Link spoke softly. Zelda, ever curious, would have been fascinated with this place and would have tried to uncover whatever she could. She would have spent a long time surveying and analyzing, trying to gain a better understanding.
Link furrowed his brows. Perhaps that's what he needed to do. Not necessarily uncover what this place was, but study it, learn about it. It had to have been made for something once, meaning someone had to use it. Thus there must have been a way to navigate.
Feeling hopeful, Link jumped to his feet. He sheathed his sword and grabbed the torch next to him. Striking two pieces of flint together - which he had taken from a moblin - the torch sparked to life. Lifting it, Link began to study the walls, floor, and ceiling around him, searching for something, anything. His progress was slow, but it was all worth it when he spotted an old sconce mounted on the wall. Link brought his torch up to it, the sconce sparking to life. The flame flickered within the metal brackets, but it remained lit.
Link grinned. There were likely more sconces within the labyrinth that he could light up. Not only would lighting them make it easier to see in the darkness, but they would also serve as a marker for where he had been so far.
Link set forth, his mood uplifted. He went, scanning the walls for more scones, finding some every few paces. If he looked behind him, at any time, the last two were typically visible, minus if he had just made a turn. Link continued this, winding his way through the labyrinth and lighting sconces for hours. Occasionally he would come across some he had already lit, and would either backtrack or find a new path to follow.
This began to occur more often, making Link feel like he was getting close to finding his way out. Just as he lit another sconce, a scuffling noise sounded down the path ahead of him. Link drew his sword, the torch dropping to the ground, just as a black moblin ran out of the darkness, his long hands reaching out for Link.
Link leapt back out of the way, and as the moblin grasped at the spot Link had just been, Link rushed forwards, slashing his blade upwards. Blood splattered the walls and dripped onto the floor from the moblin's severed arm, which flew into the air and landed behind the moblin, out of sight.
The moblin whimpered, falling to its knees. Its dark eyes found Link, and he could see the deep hatred in his eyes, but beyond that there was an acceptance in its eyes, which looked far too human for Link's liking. Gritting his teeth, Link cut across the moblin's neck, opening the monster's throat. The monster dropped to the floor, wheezing as it gasped for air. Then it fell still.
Link looked down at the beast, almost pitying it. It was gaunt and thin, its bones protruding from its black skin. Its teeth were broken and it had scars all over. Link wondered how such a creature had found itself in here. As far as he knew, only a select few were allowed entrance... so why would monsters and spirits be here?
Link narrowed his eyes. Perhaps this place was a type of prison. A place where foul beasts and spirits were sentenced, slowly withering away in the darkness. And where he came into play? Link wasn't sure. He glanced down at the master sword, the blade coated in blood. Just what was he supposed to do with it?
He flicked the blade, removing most of the blood. His eyes went back to the moblin and although it wasn't appealing in the slightest, Link was desperate. Hunger clawed at his abdomen like a carnal beast, ready to tear him from the inside out.
Using the few fibers and plant material nearby, Link built a small fire. He carved into the moblin's body, removing the thickest muscles and cooked them over the fire. Just like the other monsters he had eaten, the meat was tough and tasted horrible. Nonetheless, he ate it and was grateful when his stomach felt full.
While he ate, Link's thoughts wandered. He felt encouraged about his progress in the labyrinth, although finding all the sconces would take awhile. And even then what if he missed the exit passageway? There had to be a better way to go about this, however he was unsure as to what. And then there was the sword...
Suddenly an idea came to Link. He recalled when he had entered the Lost Woods after he had obtained the Master Word. It had guided him through the misty woods, giving off a faint glow. Perhaps he could use the Master Sword again to navigate the underground tunnels.
Link took out the sword once more, staring at it in the dim light, the orange firelight reflecting on its silver surface. Link wasn't sure how he came to the next idea, but he felt as if he should meditate, focusing on nothing but the sword in front of him.
Slowly, Link closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing... in and out... in and out. Gradually his mind began to clear and he felt an odd sense of peace come over him, despite the circumstances. He focused on the sword in front of him, picturing its purple grip and silver blade in his mind.
Link.
Link creased his forehead as it sounded as if someone had just called his name. Link pricked his ears, listening carefully.
Link!
There it was again. Link was certain now. Opening his eyes, Link let out a barely audible gasp as he saw the Master Sword giving off a faint blue glow. He wasn't sure what he had done, but something worked.
Link stood up, ready to test his hypothesis.
He pointed the blade in several directions, pausing each time to see if the blue glow would change. As he changed direction for a third time, the blade suddenly intensified, signaling to Link to go that way. Link hurried along, feeling adrenaline rush through him. For some reason his heart was pounding and he felt a distinct tug on it, as if the master sword was pulling him along.
At each intersection, Link would pause and test each direction until the sword's blue glow intensified. This continued for hours, yet Link pushed onwards, knowing he had to finish this now. Who knew what was happening in the world above. Calamity Ganon could have returned by now for all he knew. The kingdom could be at war, while Link was trapped in perpetual darkness.
He pushed onwards, ignoring the tiredness and soreness he felt. He had to end this now!
Rounding one final corner, Link's footsteps came to a stop as he saw in front of him a large iron door built into the cracked stone walls. Link carefully approached them and placed a hand on the doors, giving them a push.
They didn't budge. Link narrowed his eyes. He knew this was the end of the labyrinth, there had to be a way to exit. Link scoured the walls and floor around the door, searching for some lever or trick that prevented the doors from open. But it was to no avail. He slammed himself into the doors several times, the metal creaking in protest, but they did not budge.
Rubbing his shoulder, Link stared at the doors, growing frustrated once more. He kneaded his forehead, trying to think what he was missing. Link's gaze went to the sword in his hand and deciding he had nothing to lose, Link walked over to the door, stopped two steps away from it and lifted his glowing sword up in front of him.
Closing his eyes, Link inhaled deeply and began to focus on the Master Sword. He let his mind empty until all that existed was him and the sword. He felt a tug in his chest and then-
Link! I am here!
Link's eyes snapped open, the Master Sword glowing an even more intense blue than before. Link raised the sword higher, the blade an extension of himself. Link had always felt that any sword he used became a part of him, but what he felt now with the Master Sword... It truly felt like him and the blade were becoming one. It was like they were joining and when Link really focused, he swore the voice calling his name was the sword itself.
As Link lifted his blade upwards, the door began to shake and then it opened, groaning as it did so. Link lowered the sword and stepped through the doorway, which promptly shut behind him. Link observed the room he was in, which was a large circle room with sconces evenly spaced on the walls that held an ethereal green fire.
At the far end of the room was a another door... likely an exit. Taking a step towards it, Link came to a stop as the ground began to shake, causing pebbles and dirt to fall down from the ceiling. Link squinted through the dim lighting, aware now that he wasn't alone. He could feel a powerful presence in the room with him.
"So small." A voice echoed through the room. Link whipped his head around, his hand clasping the hilt of his glowing blade harder.
"Who are you?" Link called, his voice soft after not having used it very much for several weeks.
"I, little Hero, am the Keeper of this place." In a blink of an eye, an apparition appeared before Link, materializing from thin air. Link stared at the spirit in front of him, having never laid eyes on something like it before. The spirit was slightly larger than a horse and quadrupedal. It had a lean body and had feline characteristics. It's pelt was striped white and pine green, the stripes jagged and irregular. It had large saber-tooth teeth and sharp claws. Most peculiarly, it had a main like a lion but it was made of green fire, the same green fire that adorned the sconces along the wall. Additionally, at the end of its striped tail was a wisp of green fire.
Link watched the spirit, not sure if it was friend or foe. In response, the feline spirit observed Link too, its pale green eyes meeting Link's blue ones. Finally, Link lowered his blade slightly and pointed at the door behind the spirit. "I need to leave. I have people waiting for me."
The spirit grinned. "I imagine you do, Little Hero. But the thing is, I can't let you leave so easily. If you want to leave, you'll need to defeat me." Without any further warning, the giant spirit rushed Link, jumping through the air, its large paws stretching towards Link - claws extended.
Link dove to the side, too surprised to counter. Instead he took several steps back, trying to process what was happening and what he was supposed to do. But the spirit didn't give Link time to think. Instead the Keeper swiveled back to Link and lashed out at him, his large paws slashing at Link's head. Link barely had time to react as several strands of hair were cut from his head.
Raising the Master Sword, Link began to react on instinct, deciding now wasn't the time to plan and try to understand. Right now he needed to fight. And that was what came naturally for Link. His body instantly responded, driving the sword outwards at the large cat-like spirit. The creature bounded away, grinning as it did so.
"Show me that you really are the Hero of Hyrule. That the blade chose correctly!" The spirit snickered, trying to goad Link. Unfazed, Link darted to the side of the spirit and attacked, thrusting his sword forward. However the spirit was fast, faster than any monster Link had encountered. Despite its size it was surprisingly quick and light on its feet.
Link corrected and followed the spirit, ready to strike when he saw an opening. But the spirit was cunning and as soon as Link pursued the spirit, it leapt out, long claws scraping through air. Link brought his sword up, the claws hitting against the blade, stopping their trajectory. Link's muscles strained as he fought against the sheer strength of the beast before him. Slowly, Link could feel his arms begin to buckle under the weight of the spirit. Before his arms gave out, Link stepped back, lowering his sword as he did so. Sliding the sword out from underneath the claws in one quick motion, the spirit fell forward now that nothing was holding it in place. Link, with uncanny speed, altered his direction with one quick movement and stabbed forward with his sword.
Finally his sword met something tangible, digging into flesh. The sword sunk into the spirit's upper arm, blood gushing from the wound, staining its striped pelt. "I wouldn't count that as a victory, Little Hero!" The spirit cried and then slashed at Link with its other front paw. Link leapt backwards, yanking the master sword out of the creature's leg. However Link wasn't fast enough and the sharpened claws cut across Link's chest, tearing into the left side of his abdomen. The wound was shallow, but it stung nonetheless.
"You cannot defeat me like that!" The creature called, circling Link. Its right leg still gushed blood, but it looked as if the wound barely bothered the spirit. Link glanced down at the Master Sword, wondering what exactly he had to do to defeat this spirit. Running at the spirit, Link jumped up in the air, pointing his blade downwards to strike the creature. Yet the spirit once more moved far faster than expected, darting here and there in the blink of an eye. It was faster than any creature, monster and animal alike, Link had ever encountered.
"What are you?" Link hissed as he crashed into the ground, his sword cutting through empty space.
The spirit let out a low laugh, amused. "I told you, I am the Keeper. But if that does not satisfy you, then know that I am an ancient being. Only the Deku Tree outnumbers me in years. While he is a being of knowledge and peace, I am a being of shadow and mystery. The Darkness is my Domain - I see all that lies within it. Even the most vile and grotesque of things. And because of the things I see, I know what you are up against, Little Hero. And if you ever want to defeat the Calamity, then you must first defeat me!"
Link gripped his sword and charged at the spirit, hacking away as the spirit dodged again and again, effortlessly avoiding Link's attacks. Even if Link would carefully set up a trap for the spirit, it easily evaded, as if it anticipated everything that Link did. Lunging once more at the spirit, Link aimed for its head, however as he jumped up to strike, the beast swiped a paw through the air, knocking the knight clean out of the air.
Link tumbled to the ground and rolled until he hit a wall. Seconds later he scrambled to his knees, his body aching. He stammered to his feet and stared down at the spirit, who was carefully analyzing him.
The spirit sighed and shook his head in dismay. "This won't do. Although skilled for someone so young, your attacks won't mean anything against the Calamity. You must use the sword at it's full potential!" The spirit took several steps towards Link, its eyes glowing an eerie green color. "It is time to finish this, Little Hero. You must trust the sword, Believe in the Sword!"
With that the spirit flicked its tail, which immediately caused all the green flames to go out. Even the green flames around the spirit's neck and on its tail disappeared. Now nothing but darkness remained.
Link's eyes darted about, trying to discern from where the spirit would attack. His ears pricked, straining to hear even the slightest noise. He stood frozen, waiting for the creature to attack. All the while, his mind raced, trying to come up with a plan... Everything had a weakness. Surely Link could figure out what the Keeper's was.
The blade of his sword glinted in the darkness, still faintly aglow in blue light. However it didn't shed much light on the surroundings. He was still blind. Yet the key to defeating the spirit was for Link to use the Master Sword at its full power. The creature had said so even, revealing to Link what its weakness was. All Link had to do was awaken the sword. But how?
Link held his sword out in front of him, a more casual stance and grip, certainly not ready for an attack. And although his body screamed at him that this was not the time and place to do this, Link felt compelled to continue. Link inhaled, focusing solely on the sword. The blue glow suddenly intensified.
Link.
Once more he heard his voice. By now he was almost certain it was the sword.
You must break the seal, Link.
Link stared at the sword, his brows furrowing. The seal that held in the sword's power... he had to break it... But how? That was always the question he seemed to come back to. But then he recalled the spirit's words, as if the spirit was guiding him along the entire time: Trust the sword... believe in the sword.
Knowing what he did next would either save him or kill him, Link let down all his defenses, completely ignoring his surroundings and the threat that loomed. Instead he focused only on the sword, its blue glow all he could see. Images flashed in his mind, of his father, his mother, his sister, Epona, soldiers he had trained besides during military camp, Revali, Mipha, Sidon, and lastly... Zelda. She smiled at him, a sweet and gently smile, her eyes aglow with understanding. She motioned to something behind her: a door.
And then the door swung open to reveal a blinding light. In that moment, Link felt the sword in his hands begin to shake. The blue glow intensified, shedding light on the surroundings. Just as this happened, the spirit manifested right in front of Link, it's sharp claws descending upon him. Yet for some reason, Link knew the spirit would attack then. He lifted his glowing blade upwards, which clashed against the spirits claws.
As the two fought, the blade's glow began to dim, fading until the blade was emitting a faint white glow. Yet Link still felt the power flowing from the sword into him. This was it. This was why he had come here.
And now, it was time to finish things.
Link pushed free from the spirits attack. Stepping just out of range, he slashed out at the air, the blow so strong and full of power that a forceful air current was created, which sliced through the room. Not expecting this, the spirit didn't have time to evade. Instead the powerful blast of air cut across the spirits chest and face. The spirit roared in surprise and pain. It retreated, being swallowed by the darkness.
Link took a step after it. Then all of the flames suddenly sparked back to life, illuminating the room in a soft green glow. The spirit stood a short distance in front of Link, it's eyes shining in approval. "It looks as if the sword did choose correctly, Little Hero." There was a hint of amusement in the spirit's voice. "You've passed the Trail of the Sword."
The spirit then knelt to the ground, blood streaming from it's injury. Link ran over to the spirit and knelt besides it. "Are you alright?" He asked, fumbling in his backpack for the healing ointment Zelda had given him.
"Do not fret, Little Hero. I shall not die. But it will take a while for these wounds to heal." The spirit said, once more seeming amused by Link's actions.
Link held up the ointment bottle, which he had just found. "This should help. It is the least I can do after your help."
The spirit sighed, "I was only doing my duty, Little Hero. If you had been unable to connect with the sword, I would have killed you. You shouldn't waste your time on me."
Link shrugged, "Even so, you did help me." He extended his hand to the spirits wounds, which had already stopped bleeding. The injury to the spirit's front leg was already scabbed over. Link gingerly applied some of the ointment to it. Then he moved onto the large wound. Once finished with the spirit's injuries, he tended to his own, applying ointment and then bandaging them.
"You remind me of another Hero I once knew." The spirit said once Link was finished tending to its wounds.
Curious, Link asked, "You knew the previous heroes?"
"A few." He replied. "They were all determined like you. With good hearts."
Curiosity prodded at Link, yet he wasn't even sure what to ask the spirit about the previous Heroes. As if sensing his curiosity, the spirit continued, "I imagine just like them, you and your Princess will find a way to prevail."
Link nodded, hoping that would prove true. "Have you seen Calamity Ganon?" He asked, recalling what the spirit had said during their fight.
"Not seen. But felt." The spirit replied, "The monster slumbers on, gaining strength deep within the bowels of Hyrule. As it gains more and more strength, it gets closer to laying siege upon Hyrule."
"Do you know how long we have?" Link asked.
"Not long." The spirit replied. "Perhaps several months."
Link nodded, grateful for the information. Standing, Link sheathed his sword, which was still faintly glowing. "I need to go. There are things I must do."
"I imagine so." The spirit rose to its feet. Link looked into its green gaze as the spirit bowed it's head to Link, making Link's eyes widen in surprise. "Your kindness will not go unnoticed, Little Hero." The spirit flicked its tail and brought it in front of Link. "Hold out your hand."
Link did as instructed and watched as the spirit's tail lowered down above Link's palm. The wisp of flame was directly over Link's hand, but it did not burn - if anything it felt cold. The spirit gave a flick of its tail, and a small green flame dropped from the wisp of green fire. The small flame landed in Link's palm, no bigger than one of his fingernails. "When Darkness has descended and you feel all alone, know that you are not. For I am the Keeper of the Dark. Just call and I shall answer."
Link stared at the green flame in his hands, so small and delicate, yet it kept burning. "When you surface, give that to the Deku Tree. He will know what to do with it." Then the spirit turned away from Link and began to slink into the shadows. As his body began to fade into the shadows, only his fiery mane, tails wisp, and glowing green eyes visible, he looked back at Link and said, "Good luck, Little Hero." And then he was gone.
Link stared into the darkness for a moment, reflecting on all that had just happened. His eyes looked down at the green flame in his hand and he felt a surge of gratitude for the spirit. Then his eyes wandered to the door on the far wall and with urgency he headed for it, remembering he had an entire kingdom awaiting his return.
He pushed open the door and began to clamber up a set of old, crumbling stairs. Carefully he made his way up them. They seemed to go on forever until finally he glimpsed a shard of light. Increasing his pace, he finally surfaced, the light from above blinding him, even if his surroundings were bleak and foggy. It was more light than he had seen in weeks, and his eyes had become exceedingly sensitive. Even the dim lighting in the Lost Woods was so intense it caused his eyes to water.
Looking around, Link blinked rapidly, trying to get his eyes used to the light. He tried to get his bearings, but he had no idea where in the Lost Woods he was. So he unsheathed his sword and held it up like a torch, waiting for it to glow soft blue once more and lead him safely through the Lost Woods. Gradually Link made his way through the misty woods, following the light of his sword until an arched opening appeared, green vegetation on the other side. Running towards it, Link grinned as he entered Korok Forest, delighted to see lush, peaceful forest and the towering Deku Tree at its center.
It finally set in that Link had done it. He had passed the trials!
Slowing his pace to a casual walk, Link walked up to the Deku Tree, who smiled as soon as he saw the fair-haired Hylian. "You've returned." The Deku Tree called.
Link nodded, then held up the small green flame the Keeper had given him. "The Keeper gave me this."
The Deku Tree's hollow eyes widened in surprise. "How unlike the Keeper. You must have made an impression. I can properly store it for you." On cue, a light green Korok with darker stripes walked over to Link and held out an arm. Link crouched low and gave the soft green flame to the Korok, who gave an excited cheer, then disappeared inside the Deku Tree.
"You must be tired, Link." The Deku Tree said. "You've earned a good rest. And a decent meal. There is a fire as well as a bed waiting you. The Koroks also gathered an assortment of plants and mushrooms for you."
Link smiled in gratitude. "I appreciate it, but I need to leave. We don't have much time."
The Deku Tree fixed Link with a knowing gaze. "I understand, but rest for tonight. That will give me time to prepare the gift the Keeper gave you. Besides, Princess Zelda needs her knight fully rested. There would be no point leaving now and exhausting yourself."
Link looked down at the ground, feeling frustrated, but also knowing the Deku Tree was right. Besides, he was very hungry and he hadn't slept decently since he descended into the underground labyrinth. Link gave a firm nod, "Ok."
"Good." The Deku Tree replied. "I am glad to see you safe, Link. For now, rest and recover."
Link sighed, his shoulders sagging in the process. He made his way into the hollow inside the Deku Tree and quickly began to prepare himself a feast. As he cooked the food, his mouth watered and his stomach growled ferociously. Once everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection, Link devoured his food. He left not a morsel behind and once done he had never felt more full in all his life. He made his way to the room with beds in it and practically fell onto the soft beds, exhausted. As soon as he closed his eyes, he was already asleep.
The next day Link woke much later than he normally would. He felt guilty for sleeping in so late, but also very refreshed. He made himself a quick breakfast then headed outside, stretching as the soft rays of sunlight brushed his face. His eyes had finally adjusted to the light and it felt truly wonderful to bask in the sun's rays.
Link walked in front of the Deku Tree, who greeted him with a smile. "You look well rested." Link nodded. "That is good. For I fear the road ahead will only get more treacherous. Calamity Ganon grows stronger and stronger everyday. Time is running out before he returns."
Link grimaced, "The Keeper said so too."
"Yes. I imagine the Keeper has an even better idea of how close Calamity Ganon is to returning than I. He knows all about that which lies in the shadows."
"What is the Keeper?" Link asked.
"He is an ancient entity, much like me." The Deku Tree responded, "While I let my branches stretch high into the sky and feast upon the sun, he slinks about in the shadows and Darkness, keeping that which should remain in the Darkness, there." A Korok suddenly came into view and walked over to Link. "I have sealed the flame for you. As I'm sure the Keeper told you, this can be used to summon him. All you need to do is break the seal and he shall come." The Korok handed Link a necklace. The small green flame the Keeper had given him was encased in a hard but clear material in the shape of a teardrop. Beneath it the flame still flickered and burned. The teardrop was attached to a thin leather chain. Link took the necklace and put it into his backpack.
Looking back up at the Deku Tree, Link said, "I need to go."
"Yes, I know." The Deku Tree responded, "Tread carefully, Hero of Hyrule. Use your newfound power and connection with the sword to protect Hyrule. Together, you and the Princess will prevail."
Link nodded resolutely, determination filling him. He had passed the trials. Surely with this newfound power he could defeat Calamity Ganon. Link turned away from the Deku Tree and waved goodbye to the Koroks as they cheered and waved at him. Then he focused on the path ahead. His first destination was Hyrule Castle... and then he would find Princess Zelda.