The rain was pouring down.
He had to stay in the tunnel, or he would die. The rain had grown steadily worse and worse, and if it got any colder, his immune system wouldn't be able to fight the microscopic invaders that were everywhere. The Swamp Of Plague was famous in these parts for it perfect condition to grow bacteria. It was wet, humid, and there were still a lot of dead bodies half-sunk in the brown-green slime.
He shivered. He could feel the cost of coming here already on his toes. He looked down upon the black frost-bitten stumps he had left on his foot. He couldn't stay here much longer. Besides, he was already sure what he was looking for wasn't here.
A scuffle echoed from behind him, and he turned to find a swarm of rats, running towards him, their red eyes sending shock and fear into his heart. He instinctively pulled out his dagger, but soon realised that he couldn't fight against then with THAT. So, he did the only thing he could do. He ran out onto the hills that surround the swamp, climbing them with all his might. Fire burned in his legs, but the countless squeaks behind him fuelled them non-stop. Would he survive? Is his quest already over?
He got to the top of the hill and, because he was so exhausted, he stumbled down the other side, rolling in an eternal cycle. Until he smashed his side into a rock, waiting for him at the bottom of the Earth's blemish. He lied there, waiting for his demise.
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The castle's halls echoed with the sound of boots falling in hasty rhythm.
Zelda was storming away from the library; where she held a huge argument over some fable Link heard. A golden rupee? It didn't exist! He was always so gullible. However, as usual, he didn't listen to her. He probably was busy packing, saying that he plans to leave soon.
If he does leave, then I'll never see him again...
Tears flowed from her cheeks as she thought of her hero dying. She sniffed.
Well, then I have to be sure he never leaves...
Zelda wiped the tears from her eyes. She went cold at the thought of the challenge that lies ahead of her. Stopping Link when he's made up his mind? Even if it was for his own good, he'd never take note. Zelda cursed his bad habits of trusting creepy old men.
If only there was a way he could see the truth...
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Link was standing in front of his bed, an overflowing backpack set out on top of his cuckoo-patterned covers. Cuckoos are the only thing he was afraid of, and that's why he loved them so much.
But I need ALL this stuff...
He frowned at his pack. He then sighed and pulled all his stuff out onto the floor, in an attempt to re-pack. After repeating this for the umpteenth time he finally gave up, realising that he needed Zelda's help.
Like hell she'd ever help me. We haven't spoken for a few days now...
He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. The sun was high in the sky, almost blinding Link as he walked outside. There were no clouds in the sky to accompany the sun, and it reminded Link of one of Zelda's dresses. He quickly shook his head at the thought, and started jogging towards the main castle. His stone hut wasn't too far away from the main gate, but he was in a rush.
Guards were standing by the gate, like statues except for their occasional blink. Link strode up to them, and one sidled into his way.
"Who goes there?"
"You know who I am." Link replied panting. Why must they always ask? Wasn't my hat enough proof?
"Sorry sir, but you need a note to get into the castle now."
"WHAT!?!" Zelda never mentioned anything about a note! What nonsense is this guard playing at?
"It's a new rule. To keep out strangers." The guard had a smug look on his face.
Link snarled and raised his left arm to the hilt of his sword. He touched it, then calmed down instantly, helped by the spears pointed directly at his face.
"Fine. I have no note. I shall get one, however." He turned around and walked back to his hut. I've broken in before, I can do it again.
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Link looked fondly upon the items he chose to accompany him. He bent down to tie the laces on his Pegasus boots, mystical boots that allowed him to run faster than a rampaging Helmasaur. He smiled as he remembered his first encounter with the beasts.
He was in a cave, very dark and even damper. He just finished killing a Keese when he heard a loud patter of feet coming behind him. Without looking, he rolled to the side, and just in time. The bird-like creature ran right past him, and skidded to a halt. It turned around, its eyes boring into Link's. It was wearing a metal mask which had a huge spike where its nose should've been. He could've been impaled! Link stood his ground, and tried to assess his foes weakness. Well, the back of it wasn't covered, so there would be a good place to slash, he reckoned. Ezlo thought otherwise.
"Stupid boy! You could've gotten killed!" The hat with a beak was squawking again. "You have to take off the mask! Use your brain! GUST JAR!"
Link still had no idea why he agreed for the critical piece of cloth to assist him, but he pulled out the jar, and let rip. Dust was being sucked in from all sides, but even more amazingly, the mask came right off, disappearing into the void inside the jar. The onslaught didn't stop there however, because the revealed bird-thing came into the jar and clogged up the hole! It was stuck, in the mercy of Link. Link knew exactly what to do. He released his tight grip n the jar's handles, and the bird-creature shot into the wall, breaking all the bones in its body. He smiled triumphantly, Ezlo still scolding him for almost dying, and walked further into the cave.
He also bent down to tie Roc's cape upon his back. He loved this cape, it gave him the ability to glide, and even do flips! It's saved his skin many times before, and it was the perfect thing for breaking into a castle.
His beloved Claw shots were soon strapped to his sides. An extendable and retractable claw on a chain; it was the coolest thing ever. The best thing was that he had two! Link was busy reminiscing about his battle with the dragon-like Aerofols as he put some Deku nuts into a pouch on his hips. You never know when a blinding flash of light will come in handy. Now that he was properly equipped, he strolled out the back entrance to his hut and circled around to the west side of the castle; the side with the orchard. He aimed his Claw shot and grappled up onto the highest of the trees. Apples fell around him, clunking on his Mirror shield which was covered by his cape. When he reached the top, he scanned the horizon. The guards were prancing around the court yard's statues. They looked so funny. Some were going faster than others; some were going in opposite directions... almost as if they planned for this to happen.
He flipped into the air, and started to glide towards the castle wall. The air whooshed passed him in all directions, almost as if it was moving out of his way. The ground was getting steadily closer to him as he reached the castle, and he only just managed to grab onto the ledge and pull himself up. He looked below him, the castle's patrollers oblivious to his presence, just as they were when he first tried to meet Zelda. He looked towards the spot where he found the hole in their defences, but it was blocked up by a crate. Well, Zelda sure knew how to make this easy for him.
He glided to the spot, his shadow carefully placed so the guards wouldn't see. He reached the ground and started running towards the crate. The boots kicked into action, and soon he was running so fast it was a wonder his hat stayed on. He managed to pull out his shield before he smashed into the box, protecting him from the splinters of wood. The debris was lying on the grass as he entered the small gap.
A few moments later, he entered the castles hall. It was as magnificent as before; candles lighting the walls and chandeliers illuminating the centre of the grand chamber. He scanned the room, and found no guards. What he did find, however, shocked him so bad he almost cried out. Standing in the very middle of the room was a heavily armoured figure, a huge axe in his hands. He had his back turned to Link, so he tried to sneak by him to the door on the left. He took one step and the deepest voice he ever heard echoed around the room.
"WHO GOES THERE?" It wasn't a question, it was a demand.
"I am Link. Hero of Time, wielder of the Master sword, and the keeper of the Triforce of courage." He drew his sword as he said this next part: "Who is asking?"
"I AM HARATHAR. I AM THE BEST ROYAL GUARD THERE IS. I AM ALSO THE END OF YOUR LIFE." He turned around to face Link at this point.
Link stifled a giggle. "I have faced countless people who say exactly the same thing, and I always prevail. What makes you so special?"
"BECUASE I-"
"A better question would be: Why do I have to fight you?" Link interrupted.
"THE PRINCESS REQUESTS ME TO STOP ANY THAT TRY TO REACH HER."
Even me...? "Enough talk."
"LET OUR WEAPONS DO THE SPEAKING."
"Mine's a poet," Link said as he charged at the giant figure.
The inevitable clash of metal never came. The guard raised his axe to block Link's charge, but didn't count on him flipping over him at the last second, brushing of his helmet and landing behind him. Link's sword came into contact with the back of his foes neck, and he asked if he would surrender.
"NEVER!" The helmetless being spun around and tried to hit Link with his axe in reply. Link ducked under his enemy's horizontal slash and rolled under his legs, jumping up to rest his sword against the uncovered neck again. A deep growl vibrated through the air.
"I... I ADMIT defeat..." The voice got quieter as that word was said.
Link enjoyed this. "I'm sorry, what was that? Your voice kinda faded on that last word."
"I... YIELD."
Link sheathed his sword and patted the back of the bald head. "I'll see you later then." He started walking towards the door. It was a grand door, as it led into the royal chambers. Link pulled on the handle, but it was locked. At that moment, a key was hurled towards his head. Link side-stepped and caught it in his teeth.
"Show off..." A grumble was just barely heard from behind him. Link winked at the source. He grabbed the key and shoved it into the door making them swing open. At the end of the hall, was Zelda sitting upon her throne.
"Impressive. You managed to get here." The doors shut behind Link as he started walking towards the feminine voice. "However, it did take you a while."
"Zelda... I'm sorry I was so stubborn before." Link walked directly up to her.
"So am I. In fact, I've had a change of heart."
"I can go!?!" Link faced lightened up.
"Even better. I'm going with you."
"Wha-what!?!" Link's face suddenly was masked by his shock, because his hat fell over his face as he recoiled.
"I have thought about it hard. So, now I'm interested in it too."
"But we'd need like, 50 soldiers to accompany you!"
"Not if we make a cover story." Zelda winked at him.
"Nice."
Zelda stood up, and linked arms with Link. They both started walking towards Zelda's room, to think up a suitable lie.
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Woop! Another chapter done. :D
I don't know what you think, and I don't care too much, but I think this is going really well! (I'm kidding. Reviews are always welcome. Please dont be offended.)
Woops! I didnt proof read! I hope nothing is wrong...