He knew that he was a part of a long line of heroes, but he never expected to literally see himself.
The phantom was aware of the rise of a new Hero from the moment the Triforce of Courage had awoke. It was a burning, nostalgic feeling for the Shade, having been alone with his thoughts and forms in his white empty realm for centuries. It was invigorating that someone would receive his legacy after giving up his rest to help this next Hero.
The Shade stopped short when he first saw the boy's blue eyes. In an instant, the Shade's mind raced back to his own adventures as the Hero of Time and his adventures in Hyrule and Termina. He knew what it was to be alone and afraid in a strange new world - to be thrust into it - and he saw that fear and trepidation in the eyes of the boy before him.
However, he also perceived a spark of determination in the blue irises.
I am so sorry you had this pushed onto you, young one.
His thought was quickly banished from his mind; the Shade knew from experience that pity wouldn't help the Goddess' Chosen one. With a rekindled fire in his bones to protect his protégée from Evil as best he could, the Hero's Shade taught the reborn Hero the art of combat.
"A sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage," the Shade said when they first met, having deftly knocked the young hero back. The boy had rushed his front, once more easily blocked by the phantom's shield and counterattack. The young man rose with anger in his eyes, ready to attack again, but something in his soul stopped him short.
"You may be destined to become the hero of legend…" The Shade paused at the title, a shiver coursing through his bones; he knew what trials the boy must face. "But your current power would disgrace the proud green of the hero's tunic you wear." The boy's face shifted into an expression of shock at the skeleton's harsh words. While the Hero's Shade was angry with the boy's brashness, he said these words out of the need to prepare him for the grueling road ahead. There could be no doubt in his heart, no hesitation in his mind.
Their lessons were brief but powerful. Little more than information and blows were exchanged between the two warriors. The Shade noticed the boy steadily growing stronger each time he appeared in the shade's empty realm. The determination and experience in his eyes shone brighter and brighter every time. Nostalgia came into the Shade's mind upon seeing a familiar item when the boy, Link, visited for his third lesson.
The Hylian Shield's design and build was identical to the one he used to call his own so long ago. The Shade secretly marveled at its near perfect condition as if it were the exact shield he had bore on his own journey in the land of the living.
However, what caught him off guard the most was when the boy came to his realm another time with the Blade of Evil's Bane sheathed on his back. He had started describing the lesson but stopped and lost his train of thought upon seeing the familiar hilt.
"Boy, may I examine your blade for a moment?" he asked softly.
"...Sure," Link agreed to his request with a perplexed tone.
The Hero's Shade received the sword from Link's hand, a familiar voice singing with joy once he gripped the hilt. The Hero's Shade instantly escaped into the recesses of his mind, only to see a mysterious but nostalgic figure that he couldn't help but walk toward. It was the light - his light - that had guided him so much before.
The figure resembled a girl. Her body resembled the hilt of the Master Sword, but one arm was blue and the other purple. The arms themselves were flowing outward, reminding the Shade of waves in the ocean or wings in flight. A blue diamond outlined in gold rested on her chest, and her long legs resembled that of a dancer's with intersecting turquoise bands running up and down. Her blue face held soft lines that outlined a soft set of eyes. A small nose accompanied the pupil-less eyes, and a neutral expression rested on her lips before they shifted into a small smile.
"Hello, Master. It has been a long time." The girl spoke with a voice that sounded as if it emanated below watery depths before reaching the Shade with a clear message that conveyed happiness.
"The voice in the sword. The one I heard throughout my journey," the Shade whispered in awe.
"You are correct. Hylia gave me the designation 'Fi.' I sealed myself in the sword in a previous life to keep my time's Demon King at bay. However, he cursed both the Spirit of the Hero, which you once possessed and which now resides within my current Master, and the blood of the Goddess, the one you call Zelda, to fight him for eternity."
The Hero's Shade kneeled before the spirit, awed at meeting his vocal companion from so long ago. It was a challenge at times to hear the whispering voice during his adventure, but it always sang clearly in Sheik's presence, in his Zelda's presence. The spirit simply looked upon the shade, analyzing his emotions before coming to a conclusion.
"Master, I believe I know what will give you what your kind calls 'hope.'" The Shade looked up and met the sword spirit's gaze, awaiting an answer. "Based on my analysis of the patterns that have surrounded the reincarnation cycle of you, Ganon, and Zelda, my current Master will be able to defeat Ganon for this-"
"It cannot be," the Shade swiftly rose to his feet and bellowed. "The boy isn't ready for his destiny. He will be killed. I have not fulfilled my duty to the utmost. Tell the Goddesses that-"
"Master, I believe that he will be able to defeat Ganon with your help. I have sensed a 65% increase in my current Master's combative capabilities since you began training him. At the current rate, I calculate that my current Master will have a 100% chance of defeating Ganon with Zelda's help once you pass on your teachings to him." The Shade's distress flowed away and turned to fear for the new Hero, causing him to fall to his knees and shake. Trembling breaths and whimpers escaped his skull.
"I cannot let him die. Not when it is still within my power to aid him. I have seen enough death for a thousand lifetimes. He does not deserve this fate."
"If I may, Master," Fi looked down at him with what the Shade could only see as pity. "In all of my time serving Her Grace through my many Masters, they have all shown great amounts of what you call courage in their battles. This, combined with the wisdom and assistance from their Princesses, gives them what they need to achieve victory against the power of Evil."
The Hero's Shade contemplated her words for a moment, finding truth in them. He couldn't have defeated Ganon without his own princess's help, both as melodious Sheik and as Zelda who could hold the Demon King at bay. This calmed the Shade, and he let go of his fear with a deep sigh. This was the boy's destiny now, and there was nothing he could do to stop that. However, he could provide help.
"Please Fi," he whispered, "keep him safe."
"I will, Master Link." Fi said softly. She bowed her head toward the Shade's, giving him a small kiss on the front of his helmet. "I promise, old friend."
The Shade lifted his head, releasing a sigh of relief. The goddesses weren't kind to him in his life, but maybe they'd be kind to his descendant. All he could do was prepare the Hero for the road ahead.
The Hero's Shade returned to his familiar empty world, making Link's eyes light up in curiosity as his bones regained his spirit. He approached slowly, unsure if the Shade was entirely present. The phantom looked at his student with what Link perceived as hope in his eye. The Shade returned the blade to Link, who looked at him curiously.
"Is this sword important to you?"
"In a way, yes. I will tell you more at another time. For now, we continue your training."
With that, the lessons continued. Link was undeniably curious about his teacher. What was he hiding? Legends of ancient Heroes were common in Hyrule, so was this ghost connected to them? If so, what kind of connection did he have? Student, observer, comrade. His mind raced as he examined possibilities with each clash of their blades but could find nothing, so he readily focused on the training his master gave him.
When Link arrived for the final lesson, he gripped his sword well, ready for whatever the Hero's Shade threw at him.
"Sheathe your blade, boy." The Shade's command left no room for argument - only a puzzled look on Link's face as he slowly obeyed.
"Are you not going to teach me the last of your skills?"
"Yes. However, before the lesson, I have something to tell you."
Link had a surprised look on his face. The Hero's Shade took a deep breath, sheathed his own sword and shield, and looked at the Hero with the most serious yet sorrowful look in his eye.
"Am I to understand that you have since comprehended your role as the Hero of Legend?" Link nodded in response. "And am I correct in assuming you have heard the tales of Heroes from the past?" Another nod. "I have not told you who I am, and I will tell you now. In this form, I am known as the Hero's Shade."
"Why are you called that?"
"Because when I was alive, I was known as Link, the Hero of Time."
Link's eyes widened to saucers, and his jaw opened. Everything clicked in his mind at once. The combat skills came from his adventure. He slid into their stances with ease. He knew about the tunic because he WORE the tunic. He knew about the sword because…
"That's why you wanted to see my sword. You wielded it!"
"Yes," the Shade said with a nod. "She's a dear friend of mine, much more than a simple weapon. I couldn't have defeated my time's evil without her."
"The voice in the sword…" Link said with a whispered awe as he glanced down at his blade. He always thought he was hearing things. Midna's comments didn't help, but now this theory was laid to rest with the Shade's recollection and conviction.
"So, wait, that means you're my ancestor, right?"
"Yes, you and I share the same bloodline. Our heritage has held the Triforce of Courage and the Spirit of the Hero for centuries, and our blood will continue to do so for eternity, as will the Princess and King of Evil."
The Shade's statement made Link's vision unfocus. His soul had been reincarnated for centuries? Both he and Princess Zelda were to be subjected to Ganon's cruelty with no end of the struggle in sight? These swirling thoughts caused his knees to weaken, and he dropped. The Shade simply lowered to one knee, looking at Link's slowly forming tears. The young man shook with a sad expression painting his face.
"What's the point of fighting like this if Evil just comes back? Will this fight ever end?" Link asked with a break in his voice.
The Shade put his hand on Link's shoulder. The boy lifted his head so that they were face-to-face. The sadness in the boy's eyes broke the old Hero's heart. No one deserved the life they had to live. And yet, part of the ghost did not regret his role in the world's destiny. His own past pain and suffering had served him well, tempering his soul into the unbreakable spirit he now possessed. Even with his distaste for the godessess, the Shade knew that he would answer the call to fight without hesitation if he was ever asked again.
"We fight so that others don't experience our suffering." The Shade stood. "This is our destiny, to protect the world from the Demon King's wrath. Would you wish that kind of pain on Ilia? Colin? ...This world's Zelda?"
Link shot onto his feet, tears still falling from his eyes as he glared at his ancestor with everything he had, the wolf's fury bright and clear. "Of course, I don't want them to suffer! Why the hell do you think I'd want that!?"
The Shade calmly peered into Link's eyes. "I fought for my friends in my time as well. Now it is your turn. Use your friends as your light. Look to their faces for strength."
Link steadied himself with a deep breath and reflected on the Shade's words. His whole journey had started because he wanted to save Ilia, Colin and the others. Without that, he would've never met Midna or Zelda, seen the world, and made so many friends.
Link hung his head in shame. "I am sorry for lashing out. I was out of line."
"There is no need for shame. I was a tempest during my adventure, too. I detested the goddesses, but saving the world, seeing the pure joy of the people after Ganon's fall, and the peace that came after made it all worthwhile." The Shade simply stepped back and drew his sword and shield, ready for combat. "Now, shall we begin the final lesson?"
Link looked up, fierce determination shining in his eyes. He knew what had to be done. This was how it had to be. And if his friends and the rest of the world were spared from suffering, then he would fight. For the kids, for Midna, and for Zelda most of all. With conviction in his heart, the Triforce of Courage glowed brightly on his hand. Link drew the Master Sword, and he heard the voice within singing a heroic song.
The lesson was intense but hopeful. Both warriors gave everything they had, flawlessly blocking and attacking each other, spinning around in a dance of steel and spirit. Internally, the Hero's Shade heartily laughed at the fire in Link's eyes. If this was what their legacy held, he had no doubt that the world would be safe, no matter what powers Ganon possessed.
Then the lesson ended, both panting as they sheathed their blades.
"You have done well in your training. You are ready to face Ganon."
"Thank you, master. I could not have come this far without you," Link said as he walked up to the Shade and held out his hand. The old Hero received it, feeling nothing but pride at his descendant's strength and kindness.
"You already had all you needed before you met me. I only helped you see it."
Link stepped back with a smile and happiness on his face. The Shade couldn't help but release a small chuckle, amazed at seeing such light, even in the darkest time of his life.
"Go, and do not falter, my child!"
Link gave his ancestor a last look over his shoulder before leaving the Shade's spiritual realm. Once the familiar green tunic had fully disappeared, the Shade felt a peace pervade throughout his being, allowing him to close his eye one last time and truly enjoy the fruits of his labor from another life as he finally joined his loved ones in paradise.