At the moment Link threw open the hatch at the top, smoke blasted out into the fresh air. He took a deep breath, and realized how much he needed it. It was already sunset. He could hardly believe so much time had passed in the tree. He was sore, and desperatley wanted a bath. He looked at the sword he had been allowed to use. He was hoping to keep it, so he wouldn't have to use the same sword he killed his friend with.
"You did pretty good."
Link froze. It was that deep, familiar, far-off voice. He turned his head slowly and gasped. The shadow was standing there, like a silouhette before the setting sun. Or really, he was a sillouhette all the time.
"Wha-what do you want?" Link asked, part terrified.
"I want to see if you're good enough to fight me." it replied flatly," But you still aren't. You aren't a complete waste, but neither are you not one. I need another test of strength from you. You have already proven your courage."
"No! Explain all of this to me now!" Link demanded in a loud tone.
"If you complete this next task, I will reveal a bit about myself." it offered.
Link thought for a long moment. He had nearly died in the tree. But mystical forest monsters? Come on! What could be worse than that? Besides killing your only friends, even if they were jerks.
"Alright. What is it you want me to do?" he asked.
"I want you to go to Death Mountain."
Link stood bewildered and horrified. Not only was Death Mountain the single most dangerous place in Hyrule, nay the world; it was directly over Kakiriko Village. In fact, Kakiriko was at the very base of the mountain. The only way up was to get through Kakiriko, and travel up the trail. Then, if you survived that treacherous journey, you would arrive at the Goron village. They had been pretty hostile to Hyrlians as of late.
"What?! No wa- Oh, alright. Fine. But I'm not going to be happy about it."
"Good." And with that, the shadow vanished, leaving Link on top of the tree.
He had done his duty, and looking down over the forest, it did not seem as creepy anymore. He looked down at the entrance to see the breathless Anar looking up at him, his sword covered in purple, red, and green substances.
"Anar!" he called down.
Anar looked up. His nose was bleeding and a bit misloacted. Link shuddered, figuring he must have been hit by a deku nut," What took you?" he asked.
"A lot of things." Link replied, giving a weak smile.
A/N: Sorry for the wait. Listen, I know the chapter's short, but I'm going to be working on the next part, and developing the plot, so give me some more time. I haven't been working on the story much at all, but this chapter is a sign that I haven't given up on it.