Fyras14: Sorry for the long delay...there were a few things I had to go around to fix in this chapter...but, I must warn you guys, next chapters might not come on Monday, but I will keep the update on Monday thing, in case I do get the next chapter on time...believe me...correcting a 35 page chapter gets a little difficult once in a while...but, I do hope you enjoy this chapter and do leave a review!
Summary: After the attack on her castle, Zelda manages to escape, half dead. Found by Link in the wild, she is taken care of, but when fate plays its harsh hand once more, the princess must do everything in her power to aid the hero, recover her kingdom, and maybe fall in love. AU Twilight Princess.
Please read or review, or criticize, whichever comes first. Flames are not accepted, frowned upon, and possibly deleted.
Also remember, that this story is not a walkthrough, and that Zelda and its characters do not belong to me.
"We humans fear the beast within the wolf because we do not understand the beast within ourselves."
-Gerald Hausman
-Chapter Four-
-The Wolf, the Imp, and a Hawk-
A strange sense of pain circled Link as he opened his eyes, wondering just why he was so sore all over. Sure, his job sometimes kept him in bed for a couple of days, but still, this pain that he felt right now was strange. It barely lasted, but he still felt the same.
Shaking his head, the young goat herder got up from what he could assumed was a bricked floor; somehow, he felt different, strange even. Something about himself was completely off, yet that didn't let him deter him as he examined his surroundings. Link gave out a weak gasp as he soon realized he was no longer in the Ordon Spring, or any forest whatsoever. He was in a dark, and small cell, and not only that, he was chained?
Just what the he…before Link could go on with his thoughts, they suddenly came to an abrupt end when he took a look at his hands, or what once used to be his hands. Paws! Where the hell did I get…and this fur! What the hell is going on! Link looked at himself frantically, finding even more changes; fur, paws, large ears, sharp teeth, a black nose. What…what happened to me? he thought, as he examined his reflection on a nearby puddle that had formed by the drops of water coming from the ceiling, and found out he was no longer that young man from Ordon, but a simple wolf. He wasn't a man, but an animal, a beast of green fur and sharp teeth. But…but how! The hero cried out mentally, as he tried to pry the small chain around one of his paws with his teeth, before he suddenly looked up. Oh goddesses, no! Ilia…Colin! Whatever happened to them! Did…did those creatures do something to them! I…I…I gotta get out of here, fast! Not caring about hurting his new canine teeth, Link began to bite off the chains; one pull here, a bite over there, but nothing appeared to even scratch the hard metal. Despite the failures, however, Link didn't stop. He just had to get out of here!
"Hehehe…not very bright, are you…?" A voice called out, breaking Link out of his concentration and chain biting. The man clad in wolf's skin looked around, trying to find the intruder that had invaded his cell. It didn't take long, however, for the intruder to make itself known, as from out of the shadows, a strange creature appeared, surprising Link even more. Whatever this creature was, it was quite an unusual thing; the intruder was some sort of imp, not like the ones Link encountered in the woods while out hunting, wearing a strange helmet that covered her head and right eye, with long orange hair tied on a ponytail behind its back. As he stood there watching the stranger, the little imp grinned maliciously at the wolf, before she jumped in the air, and landed right in front of Link, facing the bars of his cell. "I finally found you!" it cried, the voice indicating that it belonged to a young woman, now that Link listened well.
"Who are you?" the wolf asked her through barks, causing the little imp to chuckle, at what it would appear his attempts to sound scary.
"Ooh!" the imp mocked, folding her two small arms over her chest. "Aren't you scary!" Link, for his part, barked again. "Ee hee! Are you sure you want to be doing that? Barking and glaring at me?" she asked. Link only blinked, finally realizing that the little imp understood nothing of what he had said. That didn't stop him from barking all the same.
"Who are you!" the wolf repeated, his ears twitching back slightly.
"Oh, if you are going to keep doing that, well," the imp began, cocking her head. "I was going to help you get out of here if you were nice…" The effect of those words were almost instantaneous, Link stopped his growling and glaring, and stared back at the strange creature, hope barely visible upon his blue eyes. The imp grinned, seemingly amused by his change of behavior. "Eee Hee! Much better! You humans are sure obedient to a fault, aren't you?" Walking a little closer to Link, the small imp hit him on his new mouth, causing it to go up from the force. Link managed a small whine before the strange creature replied, "Oops! But you aren't human, are you? You're a beast!" At that moment, having had enough of the imp's hitting, Link tried to bite her, but the imp was faster, and with great skill jumped out of the way.
"Stop that!" Link barked, angrily.
"There, there," the little imp cooed. "No need to get rough and start biting heads off!" Before Link could bark at her once more, the imp put her hands together, and in the matter of seconds, formed a small ball of black and orange energy. She let the ball go, catching Link by surprised as said ball hit the chains on his paw, releasing him. The creature only managed a laugh at the wolf's reaction, before getting closer to him and surprising him even more. "You look kind of surprised! Eee hee hee!"
"Well, yeah…!" Link began, only to stop when he realized that the imp wouldn't understand him. The imp, however, had soon lost interest in him and was floating in midair, she moved closer to the bars, and with a simple spin, was out of the cell that imprisoned the wolf.
"So! I bet you're wondering where we are, right?" Link shrugged. "Well, since you have been such a good boy for the last five minutes, I'll tell you!" Suddenly, the little imp stopped talking, but continued after giving Link a toothy grin. "You, my little beastly friend are in Hyrule Castle!"
"WHAT!" Link cried out, surprised. But…but, how! How in the world did I get here! It couldn't have been those creatures…could it? …but…if they were…why did they bring me to the castle…? As this thoughts circled his head, the little imp talked once more.
"Of course, beasts like you, coming to visit the castle this time of year, well, let's just say you're not exactly welcomed!" She gave the confused wolf a small grin, that was soon replaced with a frown, as she turned to look away. "Sure…with your land's new ruler, anything is possible…" The last comment managed to get Link's attention, and he stood there, mouth opened.
"New…new ruler?" he whimpered, wondering what she meant. According to Rusl, the ruler of Hyrule was a young woman, close to his age. The princess, by the name of Zelda, was wise beyond her years and very much loved by her people…so…why would there suddenly be a ne—
"Wondering about your princess, eh, doggy?" the imp asked, making Link blink in bewilderment. "I wouldn't delve on the past too much…" The mocking tone on her voice was gone, replaced by a certain sadness…or were Link's ears not hearing right? "…she's dead. Been dead for a while, now." At those words, Link froze. The ruler of Hyrule…the fair princess….the one that he had to deliver the sword to…dead? But…but…how…? What in the world had happened! "She gave a good fight, or so I hear…yet, she lost…and now, she's dead," the imp went on, catching Link's attention once more."Now, he's your new king…but…" Confused at her last comment, the wolf barely noticed as the imp disappeared, and in seconds landed on his back.
"What the!" Link began to move around, attempting to get her off of his back, but the little imp held tightly to his fur, and giggled at his effort.
"Take it easy! You want my help or not!" Link stopped. " Good boy, pretty good listener, aren't you? But…listen here, since I'm helping you, you have to do something for me…" She grabbed Link's new ear, bringing him to attention.
"HEY!"
"My help will cost you, however," she explained, not letting go of Link's ear, even as he started growling. "If I help you get out of here, you have to do some…things for me…and maybe, if you do them, I just might help you find your missing friends!" The imp let go of Link's ear, as he looked back at her in surprise. How did she know about Ilia and Colin…? "Now, that's better! Shall we get going? We've wasted enough time as it is!"
Link had no chance to bark out a complain before he felt a strange energy surround his body. The wolf closed his eyes for only a moment, and then, when he opened them again, he stared at his new surroundings in shock. He was back in Ordon Spring! None of the darkness that was in that castle surrounded the area; it was exactly the same. Perhaps...he was back to normal too? Link looked down at himself, only to let loose a sigh.
Nope. He was still a beast. Damn…I thought that…
"Aww…is the little doggy sad? Sorry to break the sad news to you, but even if you have already left that darkened realm, you still haven't returned to normal! Hee!" Without warning, his shadow was pulled from beneath his feet, and out came the little imp. Her skin was a little darker in color, as if taking the shape of his shadow in some way, but still, that malicious grin was still there. "You thought you'll get rid of me that easily?" she asked, smiling. "Sorry doggy, but it isn't going to happen!...Oh! and about your condition, well, I wouldn't know how to fix you up, you know? I don't happen to be a doctor!" The imp laughed once more, seemingly amused by the wolf's predicament. Link only managed to growl in response. "Well, it's not like this is my fault, you know? In fact, I expected you to turn into a spirit as soon as you entered the Twilight…guess this caught us all by surprise! But, then again, this is so much fun!"
"For you, maybe," Link growled, but wondered what she meant about turning into a spirit. "Anyway, what you meant about turning into a spirit?" Instead of answering, the imp only shrugged.
"You do know I have no idea what you are saying, right?" she asked him, causing the wolf in question to shake his head.
"…Great…just great…" Link mumbled, getting a laugh from the strange imp.
"Well, I can clearly see the connection here!" she giggled at her own joke, but, her laughs soon died down and she was down to business. "Okay, listen…the only way you can get back there, into the twilight, is by the assistance of a Twili…one from the Twilight, like me. But, as I told you before…I need you to do…some things for me before I get you back into the Twilight Realm, okay?" Link managed a nod, not like he had much of a choice if he wanted some answers and to save Colin and Ilia. "Good doggy…now, I want you to get me a sword and a shield," Link only gave her a look, to which the imp answered, "Well, it's not like you can manage with them."
"And why would you need them for?"
"Still no idea what you are saying, but still, wondering will get you nowhere, doggy…so, anyway, you know where to find a sword and a shield? We can't go on if you don't get me those things."
Link thought for a moment. He remembered the sword he was supposed to present to the princess of Hyrule—correction, the deceased princess of Hyrule—was still in Rusl's house. He would never let me get in his house like this, Link thought, looking down at himself. Hmm…maybe I could find a way inside…but, if Uli sees me? Damn…this is very difficult...now…where could I get a shi—ah! Talo told me that Jaggle had crafted an Ordon Shield not too long ago for Rusl! Maybe I can use that one!
"Well, then…let's get going, doggy!"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
It took him a while to get back to Ordon Village, and already it was getting dark. The blue-eyed beast wondered what had happened to the village; had it also been attacked by those beasts? As he was walking through the path that let back to his home, he was almost hit by a large club. "What the…!"
"Uh-oh! Trouble, doggy!" the imp called from his shadow, her mocking tone still present in her voice. Link only growled at the group of green man that had suddenly surrounded him, trying to find a way out of this mess. "Why don't you give them a bite or two, after all, you have big teeth!" Ignoring the snickers coming from his shadow, Link jumped at one of the green men, biting hard unto its arm. The green man yelled out in pain, as its arm broke in two, forcing the wolf off of him. Link spitted blood, before he tackled the beast, and bit it hard on its neck. Another of the strange creatures tried to club the wolf in the head, but instead clubbed its ally when Link moved out of the way, and in turn, tackled the second green man to the ground, before biting him in its throat. Agonizing cries came from the fallen creature, before it went limp, with its companion following after.
During the whole trip through the small forest path, Link was glad to not hear that mysterious imp's voice again, however, another voice caught his attention nearby. "Hey! You!" On pure instinct, the wolf turned and growled at the unknown creature, only to stop when he noticed the small squirrel hiding behind a tree. "Thank you for getting rid of those monsters," the squirrel squeaked. "they just came and attacked the nearby village…"
"What!" Link barked. The squirrel was little frightened by the wolf's reaction, but didn't show it.
"I don't know exactly what happened, though," the squirrel began, as it moved towards the path that led to Link's home. "Most of us, forest animals, were quite scared…one of the tamed animals in the village, a hawk, was fighting those evil monsters…so, I suppose that hawk would know what is going on." Link was mildly puzzled by this revelation.
"A hawk?"
"Yes!" it cried, as both animals made it towards the entrance of Ordon Village. Once inside the village itself, Link couldn't help but bark out a gasp, as he saw the state of the village before him. Some houses carried the reminiscence of being burned. The small bridges that were built near the small trail of water were destroyed beyond repair, and the men…the men carried torches and sticks, looking around wildly as if expecting something to happen.
Noticing the stare that Link was giving to the men, the squirrel explained, "The villagers have been on their guard since their children were taken away."
"The children!" the wolf asked in shock, unable to believe it. Not only Ilia and Colin were gone, but the other kids, too? …oh…no…
"…Yes…grabbed by the monsters and taken away," the squirrel said, looking at the scene in sadness. "The hawk I told you about and, from what I could gather, a mare, tried fighting the monsters…but, they failed. The mare quickly left after them, and no one of us animals have seen her ever since…and that was almost a day ago…"
A day…Link thought in shock, as he continued to stare at the small group of village men, all guarding Talo and Malo's house, which appeared to have survived a bit of the carnage. Couldn't even help them…for a day…damn it all…
"The hawk is gone, too…looking for some goat herder," the smaller animal continued, catching the attention of the larger wolf behind it. A hawk? Looking for a goat herder…? That couldn't be…? "She has been asking about the human since yesterday…said that that human might help…" It took a while for the wolf to make a connection, and when he did, he almost cried out in joy.
Shannon! Link thought, smirking a bit. She must think I must be somewhere around here! That's why she has been looking for me…for a whole day! "So, where is that hawk, now?"
"I don't know…last time I saw her was, as I told you, yesterday…she must be deeper in the woods…looking for that goat herder…but…" The squirrel trailed off, unsure of what it was about to say next, before it looked back at Link. "If you are planning of going around the village, though, I would be careful around here…after the attack, the villagers have been quite jumpy, and well…" It looked at Link up and down, before it turned to leave. "Wolves won't receive a warm welcome!" And before Link knew it, the squirrel ran off.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
It had not been too difficult to get both sword and shield, despite the all the work it took Link to avoid getting caught. While Link felt bad about stealing the weapons, he knew that if he didn't do what the strange imp ordered him, the wolf wouldn't had a chance of finding either Ilia or the children.
As he went about gathering the weapons, Link had found help, surprisingly, among the animals in the village, all whom had recognized his scent, and easily identified him as Link; even a wild hawk had recognized Link right away. They all had given him valuable information on how to get the weapons, but that didn't meant he had not gotten help from overhearing the conversation of the nearby villagers. It was during this eavesdropping that he had seen Rusl in his new condition. The poor swordsman was covered in bandages, blood all over them, guarding the pregnant Uli from any further attacks if any monsters decided to come back, while his wife looked on worriedly, fearing for his safety. It took all of Link's willpower to not whimper at the scene, before he approached the older man's house, and stole the princess's gift.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
He was back at the Ordon Spring, the place where he had returned back to his village as a wolf by the strange imp, Midna, who was talking once more,
"Now, listen, little wolf, when we get to the Twilight, no sudden moves, okay? Let me take care of getting you inside the place, right?" she told him, as the wolf made his way towards the bridge that separated the Ordon and Faron Woods. He didn't get that far, as a strange voice stopped him.
Wait…it said, making Link look around, with Midna giving her own opinions about the interruption.
"Who's there?"
Come…to…my spring, the voice went on, completely ignoring the imp's demand. Link, for his part, decided best not to argue against the strange voice, and went as quickly as he could towards…the strange voice's spring? You have…been…transformed by the power of shadows…the voice noted, drawing Link's attention to the Ordon Spring's warm waters. Come to me…Link began to get a little hesitant at the demands, but wondered if this strange voice could help him with his small predicament. Unfortunately, when he touched the spring's waters, something else decided to make itself known.
From the heavens, strange pillars fell to the ground, striking hard into the water, and digging deep into the ground. They were dark in color, glowing with strange symbols that created a sort of invisible shield around Link. "Damn…" Midna cursed from within the wolf's shadow, as Link cried out,
"What's this!" Had that strange voice led him to a trap?
Beware…came that strange voice again. …A shadow being…it approaches…
"What are you talking about!" Link demanded. "What shadow being?" The voice didn't speak again, as a strange black hole appeared above Link, dropping a strange black creature down below, followed along by a trio of black pillars, that seemed to create a barrier around both of them.
The creature let out a loud screech, as Link examined its features. It was a strange being with large arms, wearing some sort of helmet, with long hair sticking out from the back, its body the darkest of black, with markings all over its body. If Link didn't know any better, he would have admitted that this creature and Midna were of the same species, but then, unlike Midna, this creature wanted to get rid of him…permanently. Letting out that strange screech again, the monster dashed towards Link, its large hands ready to cut him clean, but the wolf was faster, moving out of the way, letting his instincts take over. He jumped over the black creature, and bit down hard, holding unto its back with sharp teeth. It let out another screech, this one clouded in pain, as Link bit him repeatedly. Link continued biting the large creature, as it struggled to get the wolf off of itself, only to suddenly freeze, before it collapse to the ground. Link soon got off of the creature, and watched in astonishment, as the creature split into millions of tiny pieces, that were whisked back to the open hole up in the sky.
What…what just happened? Link mentally asked, as the strange pillars disappeared into pieces away from the spring. He found himself looking around the spring for any other danger, when suddenly a white light engulfed him and the spring whole.
The wolf stood back, as a large ball of light sprouted from the waters of the spring, and began to float in the air in front of him. It stayed there for a couple of seconds, before it soon began to take shape, causing Link to gape, for before him, no longer stood a ball of light, but rather an Ordon Goat engulfed in light, looking down at the small animal with those bright yellow eyes.
O brave youth…it said, making Link blink as a sudden realization hit him; it was this giant goat…he was the one that was calling him! It is a pleasure to finally meet you, young one…I am one of the light spirits that guard this land of Hyrule…my name is Ordona…it said, nodding its head at the still, gaping Link. …the shadow being you defeated was here to steal the power of light I wield…Ordona explained. The entire kingdom has been turned into a netherworld ruled by the cursed power of darkness…
"…cursed powers of darkness?" the wolf asked, almost in a whisper, barely noticing his shadow twitch slightly.
Yes…Ordona answered. However, the blight will not stop with Hyrule. Before long, the entire world of light will fall into the hands of the king that rules the Twilight.
The king that rules the Twilight? Link thought, as he stared up at the spirit. This King of the Twilight was the cause of all this destruction, pain…the one that had killed the princess…the one that had caused the kidnapping of the Ordon children and Ilia…was he…that king?
To save the land from the King of Twilight, the lost light must be recovered. Ordona went on, causing Link to blink. He blinked once or twice, before realization hit him. Was this great spirit of light asking for his aid? Him, a mere goat herder? Yet, even as this passed through the wolf's head, Ordona took no notice. The three spirits who have lost their light must be revived. There is but one that can revive them and free this land…the huge spirit gave a small pause, as it and Link looked in each others' eyes. …You…
"ME!" Link cried out, jumping a bit as he did so. He could barely hear out a small chuckle coming from the great light beast.
You have yet to discover your true power…those transformed by Twilight usually cannot recover their original forms…the spirit explained to a shell-shocked Link. Unless…if you were to return to Faron Woods…the place where you first transformed and revive the light spirit…there…by the power of the light spirit, you may find the means to return to your original state of being…As soon as those words entered the wolf's ears, Link turned to look at himself, venturing to ask,
"So…this isn't permanent?" He gave a loud sigh, when he saw the large spirit shake its head.
No…it is not…it said, before nodding back at the smaller creature. Have hope…brave youth…the spirit of light, Faron, will aid you…Farewell…Link didn't even get a chance to speak before the large spirit disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. Still, Link stood there, wondering many things, before he decided that he wasn't going to get much answers by just standing there, and made his way to Faron Woods.
Crossing the bridge that led to the woods, Link stopped right in front of that strange black wall that had gotten him into this predicament in the first place. "Here we are!" Midna's voice cried out, sounding smug. "The Twilight is not too far away! Get ready!"
"Ready for what?" the wolf asked, not getting an answer at first. He was rather surprised, when a strange, huge orange hand dragged him into the black wall when he turned away for just a few seconds. Link gave a loud yelp of surprise before everything went fuzzy, before slamming straight into the ground.
Link shook his head, as he got up, and was rather surprised at what he saw. No longer did the woods looked green and alive, but rather grey and black, with them a certain tint of death that now, decorated the trees and ground; all in all, the new appearance of the woods almost made it look solemn somehow. Even Link felt like crying as he made his way slowly towards the spring, only for him to stop when he felt a strange weight on top of him.
Midna was on his back, sporting both sword and shield, the former as a weapon, and the latter as a sort of helmet. "Hmm! So these are the weapons you use in your world?" she asked, wielding the sword left to right, almost cutting off one of Link's ears in the process. "You really think this things can slay the creatures of the Twilight?" Her question was answered by a growl, before said creature received a shield on his own head. "Well, I sincerely can't use these, but don't worry, I'll hang on to them for you!" With a snap of her fingers, and before Link knew what was happening, the shield and sword disappeared into a spark of white and black light, hidden away into the shadows. "Alright, then! Let's begin!" Midna cried out, shaking the wolf out of his shock, before the imp went on again, "Remember, you promised to help me out and I help you out, okay, doggy?" Link only nodded.
Not like I got any choice…he thought. She's practically playing her cards well…
"I need you to gather a few things for me…in exchange, I will help you find your friends…can't really tell you the details right now, but you eventually will find out…but, they'll be easy to get, trust me…" Midna grew quiet for a while, before a smirk appeared on her face, causing Link to look around. He could barely make out the sounds of something…it sounded like an animal in great pain. "Do you hear that noise?" the imp asked, sounding a little amused. "Could it be the lamentation of the spirit that had its light stolen?" Link began to run, trying to reach the strange noise. It didn't take long for the two of them to notice the small light on the distance. "Aha! That must be the spirit that goat was talking about!" Midna cried out, as the wolf approached the spring.
What Link saw at the spring made him stop, abruptly; like everything around it, the spring too, was dark and solemn, but even more so than what little the wolf had seen of Faron Woods so far. In the middle of the spring, floating in the air by sheer force of will, or so it appeared, was a small ball made out of light…fain light, Link realized with a sick sensation.
…please…a voice gasped from a distance, sounding faint, barely reaching Link's canine ears. …be careful…These woods…have changed…The dark clouds of dusk…cover this land…this drape of shadows…which is called the Twilight…Link grimaced as he heard a faint cough from the spirit's voice. In this twilight, those who lived in the light...become as mere spirits...it is a place...where the dark ones and evil creatures dwell...I...am a spirit...of light...Blue-eyed beast. Look...for my light... Retrieve the light stolen by the dark beasts…I beg of you…it cried out.
"Hmm…retrieve its light, eh?" Midna spoke up, sounding a little amused. "Oh…but the Twilight is so wonderful! But, then again," she shot a compassionate look at what remained of the spirit. "…I guess if we help this spirit, it might turn you back to normal, huh? And not only you, but these whole place, too…hmm…"
"Then we better hurry!" Link cried out, as he turned to leave, only to be stopped by the voice of the spirit once more.
Wait…brave youth…take this vessel with you…and collect the tears of light that the…shadow insects have stolen from me…In a flash light, a strange object appeared by Link's feet. It was a small like twig with strange crystal balls attached to it. The wolf grabbed it with his mouth, and look confusingly at Midna.
"…Shadow insects, he says?" she grinned at the wolf below her. "This could be fun!"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
In a way, Link had to admit that hunting for shadow insects had amused him…a little. Going around the woods chasing after little insects that could run as well as they could bite had not been a pleasant experience, but, then again, he wouldn't have seen the effects of the Twilight in his home. Now, Link could finally understand what Midna had meant by 'turning into a spirit' back in the dungeons.
Coro, the lantern salesman, Link had met during Talo's kidnapping had been turned into a spirit, at least, to Link's eyes. The poor sap was fearing for his life, as unknown creatures circled his home. Midna had been kind enough to explain that the shadow creatures could only be seen by these spirits, for Link had to use his sense of smell and a few animal senses on his side to spot the creatures. For once, during her explanation, Midna didn't seem to take pleasure in seeing Coro crying out for his life, but appeared rather disgusted about what the Twilight was doing to an innocent, of course, she didn't let it show it much.
What seemed to be just a few hours later, the wolf was walking back towards the spring, the vessel of light full, in his mouth. As he approached the spring, he could barely see the light returning to it. It wasn't until Link dropped the vessel into the water that the changes were more noticeable; light seemed to explode from the area, as the darkness of the Twilight disappeared, returning the color and life to the woods, meanwhile Midna returned to his shadow.
Thank you…brave youth…Before Link had any chance to blink, a large light engulfed the spring, only to be replaced by a large squirrel, its tail curling around its body, light surrounding it like a cocoon. My name is Faron, it said, nodding towards Link. I am one of the spirits of light who dwell in this land of Hyrule. I use the life force of the gods to protect this forest…It seemed to glance around the area as if to make its point, before turning back to Link. O brave youth…in the land covered in Twilight, where people roam as spirits, you were transformed into a blue-eyed beast…a sign…it was a sign that the powers of the chosen one rest within you…and that they are awakening.
The only thing Link did, was blink in confusion, wondering, Power? Chosen one? What is it…wait a minute, something is…Trailing off from his thoughts, Link took a moment to look at himself, only to let out a startled cry from human lips. No longer did Link wore animal skin, but rather, he was human again, but not only that, but wearing a rather strange green tunic and a matching hat. He didn't mind the clothes much…he was back! He no longer wore fur, no longer had to wave a long furry tail, he didn't even have fangs anymore!
"I'm…I'm back to normal!" the goat herder cried, finally noticing the Ordon Shield and sword strapped on his back, as he looked at himself once more. "…I'm normal, again…" Link sighed in relief.
O brave youth…that tunic you were now, was once one that belonged to the chosen hero of legend…now, you wear it…Faron explained, causing the young man to turn his attention, a rather shocked expression present on his face. …it can only mean that his power has awakened within you…you are the chosen hero of the gods…o, brave youth.
"Th-the…what?" the young man, no, hero cried out, almost tripping on his own two feet at the revelation. No, no…that couldn't be right. He was a goat herder, a goat herder for the goddesses' sake! He was no hero…no, he couldn't be…so, he was a little skilled in the sword…so what? He was strong and agile, but that was obvious for one growing among a village, where everyone cooperated…but…but a hero…it was just, so hard to believe.
Your surprise is to be expected…Faron explained, nodding his large head at the still, disbelieving hero before him. It has been foretold, young Link, that you must save this land from the darkness that plagues it…
…it has been foretold? Link thought, his mouth hanging open, as he looked back at the spirit. But…but, I'm just a simple goat herder…Yes, he was a simple man, with a simple job, yet, here he was, being told by one of the guardians of this land of Hyrule that he was a hero, one foretold to come to relieve this land off the darkness. A chosen hero of the gods…a hero…A hero who is destined to save…and yet couldn't even save his own friends…the young man added bitterly, recalling his failed attempt at saving Colin and Ilia and the kids.
Deep within these woods, the spirit went on, oblivious to the inner turmoil of the chosen hero. A dark power rests in a great temple, once home to forest creatures, now closed due to its forbidden power. Link looked back at the spirit as he said the last words; a temple, here in the woods? Since, when? Long, long ago, I and the other spirits of light locked it away, deep within that ancient wood. You must know, because of its nature, it is a power that should never be touched by any who dwell in the light.
…a dark power? the young man thought, looking concerned.
…but, this world weeps beneath a mantle of shadows, Faron went on. And so, there is no choice…you must match the power of the king of shadows. If you would seek this forbidden power, then proceed to the temple in the forest depths…where once, forest creatures played and laughed, where fairies roamed in numbers…where life was plenty, but now has become ancient and lost…go, now, brave youth…And with those last, simple words, the great spirit of Faron was gone, and with him gone, the small imp took her chance to pop out of Link's shadow and surprise the hero.
"Well, well, who would have thought it? I mean, you, a hero? The little puppy has become an alpha male! Now that, was unexpected!" she cried out, smirking, meanwhile Link, still looked at his hands, unsettled.
"…You're telling me…"
"So…" Midna began, changing the subject as quickly as she brought it up. "…are you planning on heading to that old temple that spirit mentioned?" Link frowned. Did he need to…or better yet, did he actually have the power to find that dark power the spirit spoke about? Was he really a hero? But…heroes always did what they were told they had to do…in fictional tales, and this was the real world. There was real danger, real people were involved…even death. But, on the other hand, if he was going to do this…no, if he had been willing to save Colin and Ilia, but, they had been different. They were his friends. Could he possibly go through hell and back for strangers, even for this Midna imp whom he barely knew, and save them, as he would have his friends? But…if he didn't…
Hero chosen by the gods…nice mess you got yourself into Link…nice one…but…he glanced at Midna, who was still waiting for his answer, and was rather confused by his silence. …I have to…for my friends… "…well…I'm no-"
"Isn't that a coincidence?" Midna cried out, not even letting Link finish his sentence, her cocky expression back in place. "That's exactly where that thing I need is!" Link gave her a suspicious look.
"You mean…that forbidden power was the thing you wanted me to help you with?" Midna began to wave her hand, brushing the question aside.
"Ah, details, details! You worry too much! Remember that you, owe me!" Before the young hero could even say anything against her logic, Midna disappeared into his shadow. Link gave his shadow a look, and then muttered,
"Yeah…I can clearly see the connection here, too…"
A small, brown hawk flew over trees and stones, its head moving from right and left, trying to spot a certain blonde haired youth, to no avail.
For hours, now, or maybe a day or so, Zelda, after the attack on the village, had looked all over for Link, frantically trying to find the young goat herder, to see if he was well. She had been somewhat relieved, after her failed attempt to save the children from the Bulblins, that Link had somehow evaded capture. But now, he was gone. Not even the forest creatures knew of his whereabouts, and even that strange black wall in the entrance of Faron Woods had taken her by surprise, and already sensing the malevolent aurora that surrounded it, Zelda dared not fly any closer.
Finally, giving in to exhaustion from flying for hours, Zelda looked down below, trying to find a safe spot to land. She spotted the Ordon Spring not too far away, and landed gracefully upon its waters. Deciding a bath would probably soothe the pain of her bruises and exhausted body, Zelda began to splash water at herself. It was during this splashing, that she noticed something seemed rather…off, or no…that feeling…Turning around, Zelda finally spotted the change, the bird gave out a loud squeak of surprise. What in the world? she thought, as she began to hover in the air, her expression firm. Did…something happen to that strange wall of darkness? Deciding to go explore the area further, Zelda prepared to fly away from the spring, before a strange glow seem to catch her attention.
…rightful ruler of Hyrule, a kind voice spoke, as Zelda turned her full attention towards where it had come from. It didn't take long for the light spirit of Ordon to appear, nodding at Zelda, who in turn, despite her surprise, bowed politely.
"Oh, great spirit!"
Arise, young ruler…you and I must speak…fate has been awful to you, Ordona observed, as he examined Zelda's new form.
"I believe it has been so…great spirit…umm…"
Do you wish to find the goat herder, child? the spirit guessed, causing Zelda to be taken back by his question, but not deny it. You must not worry for him, child…he is fine…however, his fate has begun to unfold before him…
"His fate?"
Indeed…the gods have chosen him as the hero…to save your land from the Twilight…
"The…the hero chosen by the gods?" the hawk cried out, shocked and amazed all at the same time by the revelation. "He is the hero talked about in the ancient tales of my kingdom!"
Hero, he is…he carries within him the essence of the hero of old, the one who could travel through time…the gods have confirmed this by seeing his transformation to the blue-eyed beast…
"Blue-eyed beast? Essence?" Zelda asked, confused.
Yes…like you, he too, was transformed by the Twilight, yet thanks to Faron's light, his true form was revealed, and his humanity returned. Zelda suddenly let go of a the air she didn't know she was holding in. Yes, Link was fine, and not only that, he was the great hero chosen by the gods! But, if he had returned back to normal…could she…
"…and, if I may ask, O Great Spirit of Light?"
Do so, princess of destiny, tell me what you wish to know…Zelda seem to hesitate, but went on, either way.
"…how…how can I break my curse? You told me that the Great Spirit, Faron's light, was able to restore Link's true form…I…I feel that my being yielded to evil long ago…so, I ask you, spirit, can you cure me of this evil that plagues me so?" Her heart sank low as soon as she saw Ordona shake his large head.
I fear that I cannot, for pure evil rests among your very soul…it has yet to corrupt you, yes…and it never will. Not even my brethren are capable of breaking you this curse that plagues you so…
"Yet…Link was spared…was his transformation different from mine?" the hawk asked, fearing the answer.
Yes…as you, he too, carries within his being the triforce…WHAT? The triforce? Zelda was rather taken back by this bit of information. She had been with him all this time and she hadn't even noticed….had she been a bit…distracted, to not even notice the mark of the gods? …he was merely transformed by the corrupted form of the Twilight…Zelda, deciding that her surprise could wait, pondered her next question. If the spirits couldn't help her, as they had Link, perhaps something else could.
"Then…could the Blade of Evil's bane aid me?"
I fear not, child…while the sword does dispel evil, it is evil that plagues your very being…it is old and sacred…just like the blade…which cannot touch those with pure hearts…those not clenched with evil to their very cores. Despite the fact the blade cannot kill those with blessed power and souls, there was once a man that was both sacred and evil, yet he was defeated by the great blade, but unlike him, you are sacred to a certain flaw…the blade wouldn't recognize the evil within you…
"…so…being sacred is a blessing, yet at the same time…a curse…" Zelda lamented, as she lowered her head.
Do not despair, child, Ordona advised, making the small hawk look back at the spirit. There is but, another way to return you to your true form. The princess felt relief wash over her being, and she extended her wings.
"Really!"
…however, it comes with a great price…
"A price?" Zelda asked, confused. While she was willing to pay any price to return to normal and aid Link in his quest, something about Ordona's sadden voice made her worry.
Yes….the curse can only be broken…by death.
Done! Alright...you guys will be seeing this really long chapters from now on...and most of the story will change, other than descriptions and the feelings of the characters which I will try to tune out more...and again, I apologize for the delay...
See you next update!