Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda franchise. This novelisation is based on the walkthroughs of packattack
Chapter 2
Repetition is the mother of all learning.
His senses slowly returned to him, bringing first and foremost an incredible sense of fatigue. However the world had apparently foreseen to that, as he was laying on something comfortable and more or less soft. A bed, most definitely. Once he became aware of the fact that he was awake, he slowly opened his eyes, trying to remember how exactly he had ended up here, as well as where "here" was.
A crude, wooden table was at the other side of the room, with a plate, a spoon and a couple of books just thrown over. Two large chunks of a tree trunk instead of chairs. A couple of paintings just barely in sight, and a multicolored heart with a lot of yellow thorns hanging on the wall. It was his house. But how had he ended up in here…?
Link slowly moved his head and saw a bunny. A huge bunny head. Purple. With huge eyes. Staring right at him.
"WOAH!".
He fell off his bed. There's a reason why I don't like being woken up…
"Ooooh, you're waking up.", said an unknown – but surely young and male voice. And something was chirping…? "Good. I was starting to worry about you, buddy. The name's Ravio. Hey, you listening to me? What, the rug tastes really good or something? I'm a traveling merchant. I found you in the Sanctuary. Passed out. Alone. Strange, if you ask me.".
Man, whoever he is, he sure likes to talk… Link finally got up from his carpet – it was not a rug, thank-you-very-much – and was greeted with a serious threat to Yuga's "weirdest looks ever" position.
It was a guy his age – thirteen – and his height, dressed in violet robes that reached the floor tied with a red sash and a belt with a green jewel. The huge bunny hood he had seen earlier completely concealed his features. The "outfit" was completed by a blue and black striped scarf. Totally unreasonable for mid spring. And as if that was not weird enough, in front of the boy – what was his name again? Ravio? – flew a teal, white, red, bird… mouse… head… thing.
"It looked like you needed a pal,", continued the boy "so I took the liberty of lugging you here to this vacant house. Seemed like the perfect place for you to shake off the snores.".
"Woah, thanks…", said Link, shaking his bewilderment "Bit you know, this is my house…".
"Say what? This is your house?", exclaimed the boy, suddenly looking very awkward. "Looked empty-ish to me.". Link briefly wondered what exactly would make someone deem a books-spoons-plates-paintings mess of a house as "empty". And what kind of person just invites himself to strangers' homes? "How long was I out?".
"Dunno. It's afternoon now, though. At least, that's what I think…".
"Afternoon?!", cried out Link in shock.
The bunny guy was obviously ignoring the strange look that Link was sending his way. "Wait, so tell me… What happened to you, buddy?".
Link briefly debated whether it was a good idea or not to tell his story to a random stranger, especially one as "out there" as Ravio. Then again, he did owe him one after he lugged him back home.
"Well, I was looking for someone in the Sanctuary, and suddenly a strange man came out of the blue and turned a girl there into a painting!". Now that he thought about it, what had happened to Dampé and the priest? Ravio said that he was alone when he found him…
"You don't say?", cut the merchant his train of thought. "Some strange man turned a girl into a painting? So you got done in trying to stop him, huh?". Link nodded in confirmation. "That makes you a hero, buddy! A real, live, genuine hero!".
"Eh?! Me, a hero?! You got to be-".
"But why are you standing around talking to me then? You've gotta report this to the castle!".
…joking. "You're right! I must go! Where's my sword?".
"Here.".
Link unwrapped the cloth from the scabbard and used it to put together a makeshift belt for it. Satisfied with the result, he tied it on his back – far more comfortable that holding it – and after making sure that his knife was also in place, he ran to the door.
"Oh! Hey! Wait a minute.".
Link turned to Ravio. "What is it?".
Ravio now looked really embarrassed. For a guy whose face was completely concealed, he was very easy to read. "To tell you the truth, I was looking for a place to stay.". Huh? "It's been hard to find somewhere good. So, uh. This is awkward…". Link could see where this was going. "Mind if I stay here for a while? Just a couple of days, I promise!".
Link didn't really mind anything right now. "Of course.".
"Really?!", Ravio and his pet started a mini dance. "Thanks a million! Finally, no more sleeping in the wild. Tough world out there, you know?". Yeah, I found out a while ago. The purple boy pulled something out of a pocket somewhere on his person. "Here – take this. I can't pay rent yet. But it's something, at least.".
Link came closer to boy to take a look. His eyebrow almost lifted to his hairline. It was an old, leather bracelet. Whoever had made it, apparently had made the effort to mold the leather in such a way that it had a basic pattern on it, and there seemed to be a small hole for a jewel to be put there, though there was none. It must have fallen off or been removed at some point.
"I know it looks like a hunk of junk, but it's older than old. A real treasure, that thing-!". Link brought it closer to his face to examine it. He made a face. "Uh, what?", asked Ravio, seeing his expression.
"Uh… You know… It has an odor…".
"What odor? You don't want it because it SMELLS funny? That's the smell of history, buddy! Musty leather! Moldy aromas! The rich fragrance of a relic!". Link could only gawk at him incredulously. "OK, fine. I'll admit that it smells like a wet dog. But you gotta know, that's a GOOD smell. Besides… it's a gift. So the least you could do is wear it, buddy!".
"Guess you're right.", admitted Link with a bashful smile. He put it on his left arm. It was surprisingly comfortable.
"Now, pronto, buddy.", urged him Ravio. "To the castle! Hurry!".
"I'm going!".
"Bye now! See ya, Mr. Hero!". That nickname's going to stick, isn't it?
He ran out of his house, Ravio gazing behind him. Once the blond-haired boy was a good distance away, he turned to his pet. "He sure is something, isn't he? I hope he'll be up to the task.". His gaze turned almost sorrowful. "He has to.". He shook his head, and presented a cheerful demeanor. "Well, pal! We got some exploring to do! Let's go open some new markets!".
Link once again headed for Hyrule Castle for the second time in a day, glad that his house was so ridiculously close to it. He ran through the front gate – how come it was open now? – and strolled into the courtyard, idly noticing that most soldiers had abandoned any hopes to scrub the paintings of the walls and decided to go through some training drills instead. He could not help but cringe a little when he saw how shaky their stance was. One guy around the corner was doing his best to show off, twirling and shouting over-dramatically.
Instead of stopping to chit chat, Link headed straight for the front doors. "Whoa, hold your horses there! Not just anyone gets into the palace.". Link turned around, seeing for the first time that there was a guard for these gates as well.
"Please, it's an emergency!", protested Link. "Both the captain and Seres were turned into paintings! Princess Zelda needs to know right away!".
The soldier gawked at him. "The captain was turned into a WHAT now? A painting? And Seres was too? And Princess Zelda needs to know right away, huh?".
"Why are you repeating me? I just told you, I must see her!".
"WAA-HA-HA! Look, I get you want to see the princess, but that's a real WHOPPER of a story there!".
"HUH?! It's not a joke, I'm serious!".
"Yeah, sure you are!".
"Oh, for the love of-!".
"My word!", sounded a woman out of nowhere. "What in Hyrule is all the shouting about, guard?".
An old woman had stepped out of the castle. She was rather bent with age, but she must have been very tall in her youth. She was wearing a red dress with the symbol of the Golden Power on it, and a blue veil. She had tanned skin, hooked nose and indigo hair. However a feature of hers that truly stood out were her eyes. They were red, and stern. A Sheikha!, Link realized with shock. He thought they were only a legend!
"I'm sorry, Lady Impa!", apologized the guard with a salute. "But this lad here has a message for Princess Zelda, and it's as far as farfetched gets!". Linked cringed at that – or he would, if the old Lady did not look so intimidating.
"Is that so?", she asked, not looking the slightly bit interested. "What is this message?".
And that was how Link repeated his story for the third time within fifteen minutes.
Once he was done, as expected, Lady Impa was staring at him in disbelief; he gave her credit for trying to hide it, though. "Indeed? But that's-! Well, frankly it's beyond belief.". So much for hiding it. "Then again,", she continued thoughtfully "strange paintings are popping up all over the castle. There may be something to this. Hmm, yes. I wonder…". Link held his breath. "Quickly come with me. You've got to tell Princess Zelda what you saw at the Sanctuary.". YES!
"You're taking this boy at his word, Lady Impa?", asked the soldier astonished. The Sheikha woman ignored him and entered the castle. The soldier sighed in defeat. "Hmm. That's that. Head on in.".
Link thanked the guard for his collaboration and followed after the old woman.
The inside of the castle was majestic. There was no other word for it.
The floor was made of green marble and was mostly covered with a rich, red carpet that looked more expensive than anything he had ever dreamed of – much less stepped on. Link was almost afraid of eternally staining the carpet with his boots. The walls were made of nice, yellow bricks had had decorative pillars on them. The ceiling was higher than that of the Sanctuary, or even the two-floors hidden path that led to it, and the whole space was well-lit with multiple torches, even though it was only barely after lunch time. There were grand marble staircases that led to a higher level, and ahead of him seemed to be a gallery of sorts. There were guards everywhere, he could noticed, much more serious looking than those outside.
Lady Impa stopped once she approached the huge paintings, and turned to Link who was jogging behind her. How could a woman her age be so fast? "Wait here while I announce you to the princess. Feel free to take a close look at our gallery here. Don't touch anything.". Without throwing any further glances at Link, she headed to Princess Zelda. Link decided to follow her advice and kill his imminent boredom with a bit of art-viewing.
There was a square on the carpet under each painting, each on resembling the sides of a dice from numbers one to five. So I'm supposed to see them in order, huh?
Link went to number one and observed the painting carefully. It depicted the castle with the Golden Power floating in the ominous sky, monsters, soldiers and people fighting under it among the flames. The soldiers reminded Link of the paintings he had seen earlier that day, for some reason. There was a text underneath the painting.
"Picture I: The Golden Triforce.
This gift from the gods, Hyrule's greatest treasure, will grant the wish of any mortal who touches it. The Triforce once stocked greed in the hearts of men. A legendary war was fought to keep it out of evil hands.".
Finished with the first painting, Link moved on to the next one. That painting depicted a forest clearing, and seven figures standing around a circle of golden light that flew to the heavens.
"Painting II: The Sealed Triforce.
To end the war for the Triforce, the royal family decided to hide it in the Sacred Realm. They summoned the Seven Sages of Legend, who used their power to seal the Triforce away.".
The third painting showed a strange, pig-like creature looming over the flaming Hyrule Castle, with a blond-haired woman behind it holding her hands together in prayer. The creature in the painting stirred something in Link's chest, those glowing and narrowed eyes seemed to gaze straight into his soul, searching for something deep within to crush it, and that something revealed itself willingly, rising in defiance. Link suddenly did not feel all that well, but that could not be right – he was not ill.
"Painting III: The Demon King.
The Demon King Ganon was once just a thief – until the man broke into the Sacred Realm. There he stole the Triforce and transformed himself. Then he took his evil campaign back to Hyrule.".
Why did it feel like there were too many gaps in the story?
The fourth painting showed the Demon King Ganon and a swordsman dressed in green with a shield that bore the Royal Family crest locked in battle. But that was not the reason why Link was staring at the painting in shock.
"What in the world… He looks… just like me.". Everything about their appearance was identical – same haircut with the long bangs in front of their face swept to the right, long sideburns and shorter at the back, same sparkling blue eyes, same skin tone, similar height – heck, even the same green tunic and matching pointed hat with the orange undershirt, white leggings and brown boots underneath! He even held his sword in the same hand! The only difference that Link could pick out between himself and the teenager at the painting was the hair colour – Link's hair were strawberry blond, while the boy's in the painting was orange with a slight tone of pink? – poor guy – and his face still held a bit of baby fat while Link's was unusually thin for a boy his age with overly high cheekbones.
Link could almost literally see himself there, lightning thundering in the golden sky, as the blue beast – for it was no longer a man – cradled his trident of ruin tightly, a sneer on his face showing how contemptuous he was to the lone, tired boy in front of him, the sword burning in his hand in righteous fury, he had come so far and done so much, this was the END–
"Painting IV: The Hero Awakens.
A hero of legend arose from humble beginnings, awaken to his purpose by a princess of Hyrule. With the Master Sword, the blade of evil's bane, he sought the descendants of the Seven Sages. Together they defeated the Demon King Ganon – and sealed him away in darkness.".
Link shook his head to clear his mind. This was not the time for getting himself drowned in images of the long since forgotten past. He moved on to the final painting.
This one once again depicted the boy – the hero – and the blonde woman that by now Link was certain was the princess of his time. Along with them stood seven more figures, most probably the descendants of the Seven Sages. The hero had his blade lifted skyward, pointing to the Triforce. Everything about that image was bright and happy and glorious; a time for celebration and triumph.
"Painting V: The Triforce, Split Apart.
The Triforce was split into three pieces, separated forever. One piece remains with the royal family. Another piece has fallen into the hands of Ganon, sealed away with him. The third piece of the Triforce has vanished, though legend says it is hidden in the spirit of a true hero.".
Finally done with the paintings, Link just stood there, deep in thought. What he had found out from those paintings was a lot more than what he knew of the legend. The fact that the Golden Power was in fact named Triforce, and that it was split in three parts. And one of them is still with the Royal Family? If anyone found out about that, it would be like the ancient war all over again! And they put it on display? What were they thinking?
And most of all, why did the ancient hero look just like him? In all honesty, it was freaky. Very freaky. It was as if Link was seeing himself being involved in those legends, creating them. It made that strange feeling in his chest stir, the tiny and increasingly stronger voice in his head that was telling him to arm himself, that was warning him and pointing out stuff that were not there and completely altered his general behaviour.
"Princess Zelda is ready to see you now. Right this way, please.". Link turned to Impa, who had appeared on top of the staircase, and nodded, quickly running up the stairs. He followed Impa to an unknown room that somehow held an air of significance, and his step slowed.
Turned with her back to him and facing the throne, stood a girl with long gold hair and a long pale pink cape. She turned around to face him, a melodious chuckle escaping her lips.
Her eyes surrounded by long dark eyelashes were like pale blue jewels that sparkled with joy and mirth. Her hair was a golden waterfall that reflected and even obscured the sunlight. Her thin rosy lips were curled in a beautiful smile that made her porcelain face glow. A golden tiara with a bright red ruby adorned her forehead among those golden locks, and golden, Triforce-shaped earrings hang from her long Hylian ears. Her hand adorned with a golden bracelet was put in her hand shyly, and her long silk dress was in shades of pink and white, with a pit of blue at the edges, and the golden Royal Family crest stitched on it. She had golden shoulder pads, as if a part of armor, but everything in her presence radiated beauty, peace, innocence, love and happiness.
Link was awed.
"I bid you fondest welcome to Hyrule Castle, stranger.", she greeted him, her soft melodious voice genuine even in the eloquence of her speech.
"My Princess.", replied a blushing Link, completely lost in her beauty – so lost in fact, that he did not even notice the glare that Impa sent his way.
Princess Zelda did not seem to mind in the slightest. "I hear you have something to - ? Wait… It's you…!".
"Eh?". Did she recognize him from somewhere? He had never seen her in his life!
Princess Zelda seemed to realize that as well. "Forgive me, but may I ask your name?".
"It's Link, your Highness.".
"Ah, while your name is unfamiliar to me, Link…". She took a deep breath, as if dreading what was going to follow. "I've seen your face in my dreams of late. For I've dreamt of a hero locked in battle with a terrible evil.".
"In a void blazing with fire, the Golden Power scattered…", whispered Link, remembering his dream that morning, and the terrible feeling of losing his sense of self.
"What, you've had the same dream, Link?".
The blond-haired boy looked up in surprise. He had not realized that he was thinking out loud. "Yes.".
"Surely fate has sent you here!", the Princess exclaimed, a strange mix of anticipation and fear in her eyes. "Please then, tell me what you saw at the Sanctuary.".
Link once again quoted his story, this time all feelings of irritation gone as he went straight to his point. By the time he was done, grief had overtaken the beautiful eyes of the princess of Hyrule.
"I sense a terrible darkness behind these events…". Link hated seeing her so sad. "Oh, Impa.", she turned to the old woman, who has up to this point watching their exchange astonished. "I fear that evil is awakening once more in our fair land…".
"Fret not, Princess.", replied the old woman calmly. "I'd advise that we consult Sahasrahla for help. The elder's knowledge of the past… Well, it's more than vast.". So that was how Princess Zelda was running the affairs in her country so smoothly even though she was only thirteen. Apart from her wisdom and benevolence, she had also good consultants.
"Yes, of course.", she agreed readily. "That's just where to start. So, Link…". His ears perked up once addressed. "Would you please find Sahasrahla? The elder should be at home in Kakariko Village. I am certain he will be able to help.". Somehow, Link doubted the princess' certainty on the elder's whereabouts, but he did not voice his concern. "Now", she continued, turning to Impa. "there's just one more thing. I would like to send you off with my most treasured possession. It's a rather special charm.".
Her most treasured possession?!
"Are you sure about this, Princess?", interfered Impa. "The royal family has kept that safe for untold generations!". Now Link had grown even more nervous.
"Quite sure, Lady Impa.". That seemed to quench any arguments. She turned to Link. "This has been in my safekeeping since the day I was born. Now I will entrust it to you. Please take good care of this charm. You will have need for it soon, Link.".
Princess Zelda reached for a chord under her dress and came close to Link, causing him to blush furiously. She handed him over the item she had pulled; it was a necklace. "This is the second piece of jewelry I get today.".
It was a large emerald decorated with gold which was molded in a swirling pattern around the precious stone, resembling leaves that protected a blossom. It was the most beautiful and precious item he had seen in his life – a priceless heirloom of the Hyrulean Royal Family, entrusted to him by the sole and benevolent ruler of his country, Princess Zelda herself. Link was honored.
"I will protect it at any cost, your Highness.", he stated seriously, knowing for a fact that his promise was true.
The princess acknowledged his statement with a nod. "Please, tell Sahasrahla everything that you saw.". He nodded.
That was his queue to leave.
Link had always been troubled by how tight-knit the population of Hyrule was. A country was supposed to have cities and multiple villages, not a small right-next-to-the-castle village with a few residents, and some other random establishments scattered in the forest or by the river. It was rumored that some folks opted to live in case or tree trunks. No, a kingdom was definitely not supposed to be like this.
Yet that was how things were in Hyrule. And as if that were not enough, in addition to the small population and the isolation from surrounding countries due to natural objects, there were also the very serious problems of monster infestation and high crime rate – the latter dwindling, thankfully. The financial problem was also prominent; there had honestly not been a single new building built in over four centuries. Every single establishment in the country was merely repeatedly renovated and repaired with patience and care, making everything look relatively new while the truth could not be further from that. Link's place was not an exception.
It was an extremely worrisome situation, especially considering that the land was full of indications that spoke of a much, much larger population in ancient times.
Nonetheless, Link was not going to complain for small distances and tight-knit denizens when he had errands to do.
Kakariko Village was said to be older than even the legend of the ancient hero and the Seven Sages. It was a pretty nice place to live, with friendly folks of all ages. Link was a little sad not to live in the village as well, but his house was his house. It was special. Besides, he already knew everybody there.
Elder Sahastahla's house was at the northeast edge of town, undoubtedly the largest house of them all. Link debated on whether he should knock the door or not; most people did not bother doing so and entered each other's houses as they pleased. If someone did not want any visitors, they just locked the door. However, Link and the elder were not in that friendly terms due to the obvious age and social gap, which prompted Link to be very respectful with the old man. Still, the later insisted Link not to be so formal with him.
Link decided to follow the elder's encouragement – as well as the social norm – and enter uninvited. He was nearly swept off his feet as he did so, the boy gazing around himself in astonishment.
Sahasrahla's house was a MESS. Old books and manuscripts were scattered all over the floor – as if the plants placed at random spots next to the wall did not create enough of a mess. On top of that, there were some storage boxes stacked in a corner that served no purpose whatsoever and the room was dimly lit with candles that filled the small place with heat and smoke, and gave the impression of the time being late evening. The interior of the room was completed by the large oak bookcase that was twice Link's height, the paintings hanging from the wall, and the form of Sahasrahla standing in the middle of the room, cane on his hand and sleeping. Yes, sleeping. While standing.
How in Farore's name is that even possible?!
In mid-snore the Elder mumbled something about the Master Sword and Princess Zelda. Yup, I'm definitely in the right place., thought the boy slightly appalled. He closed the door behind him with a "bang!".
"Agh!". As hoped, the elder was waken up by the noise. "Oh dear. Dozed off again…". He started walking up and down in the small room to shake off the last of his sleepiness, and Link used this opportunity to approach him. It was after a while – a few moments, really – that the elder finally noticed him.
"It's you, Link!", exclaimed Sahasrahla in surprise. "But the look on your face! So grim, child. What's the matter?". And hence Link repeated his story for the fifth time within an hour.
Once he was done, the elder's face was morphed into a mask off terror. "Seres was turned into a what? A painting? And then she was stolen away… And Princess Zelda sent you here to tell me…". …Why is repeating what I said? "Ah, I see. This can only mean one thing.".
"What does it mean?", asked Link eagerly.
The elder gazed upon the young boy sternly. Link felt a little intimidated. "I'm sure you heard about the legend of old. About the Seven Sages? And the hero who saved Hyrule?".
"Of course.", replied Link. He had been reading about just half an hour ago.
"Seres is a descendant of the original Seven Sages who sealed Ganon in darkness all those years ago – the Sage of Time, in particular.", explained Sahasrahla, much to Link's shock. "This Yuga you speak of, he must be after the Seven Sages of our day. Surely he intends to free Ganon.".
Silence pervaded as the new information slowly sank in. The revival of Ganon, the Evil King. If that were to happen then it'll be like Agnahim all over again, the gates to the Dark World will reopen, everybody will lose their forms and THEMSELVES NO ONE can die again we only have the right for ONE WISH
"OH NO!". The Elder's distressed cry snapped Link out of his bizarre trance. "When I heard rumors of a strange man lurking near the eastern palace, I sent my pupil Osfala to investigate. I've put him in danger, for he's also a descendant of the Seven Sages. I'm sure Yuga will be waiting for him! I'll never make it in time to warn him! But you, Link…".
"When did he leave?". It was not a question – it was a demand. If he were too late again…
"What time is it now?".
"Around four.".
"Good. Could you hurry to Osfala and tell him everything? Please!".
"I will. The palace is at the ruins east of my house, right?".
"Yes. It's the largest building, at the northeast. But be careful, Link. Those ruins have been abandoned for many years; who knows what monsters and rumble are there to block the path.".
"Don't worry. I'll figure it out.".
The elder nodded. "There's no time to lose. Go now, quickly!".
Minutes later Link was jogging along the shortest route to the palace known to him – south the forest meadow, through his master's house and crossing the south river bridge; that route led straight to the only entrance to the Eastern Palace. Currently he was half way there, passing in front of the Blacksmith's house.
"Oh, Link!".
"Mrs. Lily!". Sure enough, the blacksmith's wife was standing in her front yard, a look full of worry on her face. Link wondered what bothered her.
"Have you seen my little Gulley?".
Gulley? "Not since this morning.".
"Oh. Well, I'm sure he's just playing somewhere nearby. But people have been talking about… monsters.". Link nodded, remembering the numerous chuchus he had ran into on his way to Kakariko. For a literal blob of green jelly, they were awfully resilient. "If you happen to find him, tell him to come home quickly, all right?". He nodded. "Oh, and by the way, have you delivered the sword to the Captain yet?".
The question sounded so ironic to his ears that he chuckled, completely confusing Mrs. Lily. "No.".
"Huh? Why not? You couldn't find him? Wait – that IS the Captain's sword! Why are you wearing it?!".
"Long story, can't tell you now. I'm heading to the Eastern Palace!".
"Eastern Palace?! What are you doing there? Wait, Link! What's going on!".
But Link was already gone, leaving one very confused and scared Mrs. Lily behind.
"Goddesses… Gulley and Link… Please keep my little boys safe…".
Author notes: OK, not much to say about this chapter. I do hope it's up to your expectation, and that there will be more people interested in the story in the future.
I also hope that you will leave a review behind. So please, review!