"What?!" My gut sank deep into the abyss, signalling the reality of my nightmare.
Link frowned. "She's been missing since this morning, and Talon figured that you would volunteer to come and help me look for her. Of course I'm not exactly happy with this predicament, but as the saying goes keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Feh, same here bud.
"So, where do we go from here?"
He handed me a tuft of dark grey fur. It was quite unusual, as the strands were much thicker and coarse than a regular mutt would have. "Who or what ever kidnapped her was obviously around a Wolfos at one point, which can only mean one thing. We're heading to the forest temple."
...
After we had breakfast, Talon was kind enough to give us a map, and some bread to eat along the way. Just before we left though, he pulled Link aside. He looked wistfully at him, full of sorrow and hints of nostalgia.
"Link, before you go I need to give you this." From behind him he opened an old wooden chest, and inside it was a simple sword with a surprisingly fancy blue scabbard, with gold inlays. He carefully handed it to Link with both hands, treating it as if it itself came from the Royal family. "Before your father died, he wanted me to give you this when you grew old enough. As you know we were great friends and... Well," Talon continued, even though his eyes were starting to brim up with salt-watered tears. "He told me that you were destined for greatness, for an adventure. Somehow he knew that, because he believed in you. Even though you're only going to try and save my daughter, I have a feeling that there is much more to come. I-" The friendly old farmer pulled Link into a tight embrace, as he couldn't go on anymore.
Link stood there, and didn't say anything. But he didn't have to. They were sharing a precious moment that I was only a stranger to, separate as if a bubble had enclosed them. Finally they pulled apart, and Link nodded. "Thank you. I will find her, no matter what it takes."
Talon turned towards me. "Even though I've only known you since yesterday, I believe in you too Sheik. I'm sorry to trouble you but-"
"No no, it's okay. I'm really in no rush. Finding Malon is important to me too."
He smiled, thankful but his eyes remained melancholy. As soon as we left, Link said without even looking at me, "You know, I still don't trust you. Her disappearing and you coming here, it's no coincidence. Talon may believe that you're a good guy, but I'm not that easily fooled."
"Meh, you're just jealous." I don't know what came over me, but for some reason I felt like I had to respond by showing him off... Now I had a greater understanding of the animal instinct that only guys could feel.
"What?!"
"Yeah, that's right. You're just jealous because Malon doesn't like you."
"What do you mean?" He turned to face me. "We're really good friends as a matter of fact. I've known her much longer than you, and she even says that I'm like a brother to her! You know we-"
"See, that's your problem." I interrupted, feeling quite proud of myself. "You're just friends, and you want to be more than that. I know what it's like to be on the other end, and let me tell you-" I felt a fist connect to my face, and I could sense the warm, coppery taste of blood from where I accidentally bit my tongue. "What'd you do that for?!"
Link spat on the ground. "It's people like you that make me sick. You pretend to be shy, to get to know girls then when you get tired of them you just cast them off to the side, like they're just dirt, unwanted and useless. You're just a piece of Moblin shit."
Even though what he said wasn't true about me, the fact that he had morals like that astounded me. Maybe he wasn't that bad after all once you got to know him...
When we reached the stables, Link handled his own saddles, and tossed me one as well. Geez, I didn't realize before how big these animals were before. My stallion's nostrils flared, almost as if he were challenging me. I hesitated, not knowing what to do.
Link looked at me, puzzled. "Well, aren't you going to get ready?"
"Umm, yeah, of course it's just that..."
"Wait, don't tell me you've never saddled a horse before? Here, let me do it." He grabbed my saddle, and prepared the horse for me. "By the way, his name's Charcoal." Link handled the horse well, who calmed down as he readied him for the ride.
He handed me the reins, and we led the two horses out.
The sun made everything illuminate, giving a false sense of cheer and happiness in the atmosphere, which was good in a sense to start off on our quest for Malon. At least if we had a false sense of hope, it might make it a bit easier to find her. Link hopped on, as I struggled to get my foot in the stirrups. He gave me a strange look, surprised that I didn't know what I was doing. Finally, I managed to get on, albeit with a little more sweat than should've been required.
Without a word, he kicked Epona on the side and set off without me, so I did the same. But Charcoal just stood there, doing nothing. "Wait! I've never rode a horse be-" And at that very moment, my horse decided to charge full speed, catching me by surprise. Thankfully my hands were on the reigns; otherwise I probably would've fallen off.
I soon caught up to Link, who glanced back at me. "So, you've never been on a horse before?" Instead of being off putting like usual, he was just being genuinely curious.
"No, not really. Where I come from, we don't really need to, I mean castle town is so close by that we don't really need animals to ride."
"Hmph." Link grunted. I was starting to think that his grunts were pretty much his own trademark."So, you must live in Kakariko then. If you can't ride, then how did you end up in the middle of Faron woods anyhow?" Suspicion crept back into his voice.
"To be honest, I don't know." Technically that's true, I don't know how I got here. Most likely it was magic, but I didn't really want to get into it now. I just wanted to focus on the present, because it's not like he'd believe me anyways.
"Really." He asked rhetorically. Yup, I could tell that he still didn't trust me. Suddenly, Charcoal reared up and bucked me off leaving me to hit the hard packed yet grassy ground. For a moment I was stunned, at which point I realised that a grotesque looking pig like monster loomed over me: a Moblin.
I sprang up, ready to defend myself. I kicked that stupid bastard right in the head, surprising him for a split second. Just as I was about to serve him another bout, a sword came through right out his stomach. He disappeared, leaving a green rupee in his place.
Link knelt down, to collect his reward. "Hmmm, well that's odd..."
"Yeah, I mean why did he just suddenly disappear and turn into a rupee?" Seriously, how does that even work.
"That too, but that's not what I meant," He looked troubled. "What I mean is that the fact that we even came across a Moblin in the middle of Hyrule field, where it should be relatively safe. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"
I thought for a moment. "I guess you do have a point."
"Of course I do." Geeze, no need to get all cocky. "Hmmm. I guess what they're saying is true, dark times are coming. They're saying that Lord Ganon is getting uneasy, and that strange things are happening all around." Link stood up, and deposited the jewel in his coin pouch. "Oh well, we better get going."
At that moment, I just realized that Charcoal was gone. "Damn it, where did-" I fell to the ground, woozy. I must've knocked my head on the ground when I fell off. "Ergh..."
Link hopped off of Epona. "Looks like you're going to have to man up and ride with me."
He picked me up, struggling a little under my weight. Somehow he had me riding in front, while his arms wrapped around to grab the reigns. He said that it'd be better that way, in case if I fell unconscious so I wouldn't fall off. Turns out he was right.
...
When I came to, the first thing I felt was a light breeze of fresh forest air. A canopy of leaves covered me, leaving me the protection of the shadows. I sat up, and noticed that I sat within a small clearing with a pool of water, which lay under a light waterfall. Half a bottle of red potion lay beside me, and Link's clothes a few feet away. Wait, what was Link's clothes doing lying on the ground?! I looked towards the pool again, and noticed he was swimming. I mean skinny dipping.
He then turned his head towards me, and noticed that I was awake. Promptly, he changed direction and started to swim towards me, then when he came to the shallow part he started to stand up. He was close enough that I could see how fit his upper body was, and my pants tightened. I immediately ducked my head, pretending to feel sore again so I wouldn't have to see the rest of him. I couldn't bear it. A waited a few moments, giving him some time to get changed.
"Oi! Eat some bread. We're behind enough as it is." Asshole. My little moment of nervousness immediately left me, as his butt attitude counterbalanced it.
I caught the loaf with my amazing reflexes (if I do say so myself). Even though the bread was more chewy than I would've liked it, I couldn't afford to be picky. I was hungry, and thankful at least that Talon was kind enough to give us some.
After my last gulp, I asked Link "So, where exactly are we?"
"Oh, we're just a little off of our route to Faron woods. It would've been useless to keep on going with the state you were in, so I gave you some red potion and let you recuperate here. Would've been way easier if I came alone."
I immediately sprang up, pissed off. "You know what? You should learn how to be less of a piece of shit and-"
"Well excuuuuuuse me princess!"
"Silence." An overpowering goddess like voice resonated in my ears. "Quit bickering like useless children."
Link looked around wildly, trying to find the source of the voice. "Huh?!"
"Who are you?!" I said.
"I am the spirit of Faron woods. Listen closely, as your fates are intertwined. Step forth young heroes." Two squares of bluish light appeared. I dipped my foot tentatively in one, and was immediately transported into a dark blue space, filled with crystals along the side. Eerily, my reflections on them did not reflect that of my cursed one, but of that of my original self. I thought for a moment that I had been cured, but when I looked down at myself I became disheartened. No, today was not the day.
Suddenly, a ghostly figure appeared within my midst. "Welcome to the sacred realm." Her body was completely covered by a cloak, which rustled within a non existent breeze.
I stammered "Who, who are you?"
"Someone who once shared a similar fate as yours," She answered vaguely, without explanation. "Listen closely little one, as you must be prepared to ready yourself for your destiny, and for the method for which you will return to your true form.' Sweet! Now I'll finally be able to know how to beat my curse!
The spirit continued. "Dark times are coming, and you must be prepared to face them with wisdom alongside courage to defeat the evil Ganondorf. Hyrule must be rid of his corruption once and for all, and the time is ripe for his defeat. You must journey alongside Link, and guide him through many perils in order to collect the eight pieces of the triforce of Wisdom. Only then can you finally reawaken Zelda from her deep long slumber, after which you will gain the proper force to vanquish the Demon King.'
"Along the way, you will infuse your instruments with magic and song, to pave the way for future generations. Their fates are lined upon yours.'
A big old treasure chest appeared in front of me, beckoning. "Go on. Open it. Within you will find garb of the ancient Sheikah tribe, and a map with the locations of each piece of the triforce of wisdom. It is time for you to reclaim what was once yours.'
Reclaim what was once mine? What in Dins name did she mean by that... After I donned my new clothes, (a skin tight body suit, a poncho with the Sheikah symbol and a bunch of wrappings) the spirit continued on.
"It's time. Go forth young adventurer, and trust your gut instincts. Only then will you be able to find out who you really are."
A blue square of light appeared once more, and it was at that moment I remembered that she had forgotten one minor detail. "And what about my curse? You said you'd tell me how to cure it?"
"Oh," the spirit paused, pondering what to say. "Once you reawaken Zelda, you will return to your true self."
"What do you mean by"- before I could finish what I was about to say, some sort of invisible force pushed me along, to the portal in which I'd return to the real world.