Chapter 9: The Race to Stop Ganon

Ashwin awoke with a throbbing headache. He sat up and began checking his possessions. The Kokiri sword and Hylian shield lay close by. Nothing else was missing. He stood up slowly, feeling very disoriented. How long was he out for? He was still in the same chamber where he had his clash with Shadow Ashwin. He felt annoyed at the result of the conflict. He wondered why Shadow Ashwin chose to spare his life. He had not even taken the Triforce of Courage. Perhaps he was not able to?

Ashwin began to amble through the halls of the temple, rubbing the bump on his head, trying to shake off the dizziness he felt. He continued like this for some time, zombie-like, until he noticed that one of the passages had a slight glow. He chose to continue this way and followed the hall as the glow brightened. The hall opened up into an area that Ashwin presumed was the Great Fairy Fountain.

There wasn't much left of it. Great columns lay toppled over each other in cracked segments. A large stone basin was crushed into pieces. The elegant tilework, now cracked, was moist. Clearly the basin had been full, but now fully drained. Several torch stands lay on their side. One of them still emitted a blue flame, the source of the glow. It was a tragedy. This place seemed like it would have been a magnificent structure. Ashwin was not sure of the significance of the fountain, or its destruction. He was flooded with feelings of guilt at having failed to prevent this devastation.

Then Ashwin remembered the Great Deku Tree! This was Ganon's next target. His assignment was to discover Ganon's plan. He had to get back to Zelda.

Back at Zora's Domain, the Zoras were devastated to learn of the destruction of the Great Fairy Fountain. The atmosphere was one of rage and fear. This was a magical place with special healing and other magical properties. It was home to magical fairies, as well as the Great Fairy that watched over it.

Zelda was deep in thought upon hearing the news. She was not very expressive and Ashwin often wondered what was going through her mind. Finally, she looked up and spoke. "The time has come for me to confront Ganon. We now have the Triforce of Courage in addition to the Triforce of Wisdom on our side. The Great Deku Tree also possesses magics that can aid us. There, we will make our stand. We cannot allow the destruction of the Great Deku Tree. It will mean the end of life in this world. Prepare my horse! Ashwin and I will travel to Kokiri forest at once."

The ride along Zora's river was a long one. They had finally reached the forest and were leaving the main trail in an attempt to cut straight over to the location of the Great Deku Tree. They rode together on Zelda's horse Epona, a reddish brown bay with a silver mane. Zelda sat in front, taking the reins, with Ashwin sitting behind her. She had changed into more practical attire, sporting brown pants tucked into tall, knee-high riding boots, and a long sleeved, deep blue shirt with white and gold details. She wore none of the elaborate jewellery Ashwin had first seen her in. Instead she carried a bow and quiver. Her long golden hair rustled in the wind as they rode. Ashwin's green Kokiri cap also fluttered behind him.

Along the way, Zelda had explained to Ashwin the significance of the Great Deku Tree in this world. The ability of all plants in Hyrule to grow flowed from the Great Deku Tree. Without it, all vegetation would eventually wither and die. As this included crops, the impact included all peoples. Living with the Kokiri, Ashwin had never taken it literally that the Great Deku Tree was the source of all life.

At a nearby stream, Zelda slowed down Epona, then reigned her in, to a stop. "Epona is exhausted. She cannot go any further without a break." The pair dismounted and Epona drank from the stream. Ashwin took a seat on the ground, laying his weapons beside him and resting his back on a boulder. He rubbed the large, aching bruise on his temple from the blow that Shadow Ashwin had given him. Zelda set down her bow and quiver and rested on a fallen tree. It was nice for Ashwin to be back in the forest among the deku trees. The place had a vivid, magical quality to it.

The silence that followed started to make Ashwin feel awkward. "So what's it like being a princess?" Ashwin felt that this was a silly question, but was desperate to break the silence.

"I feel that being chosen by the Triforce has affected my life much more than royalty." Zelda stared off into the distance. "This power is an immense responsibility."

Ashwin withdrew the Triforce of Courage and contemplated these words as he gazed upon it.

"It's not a pocket watch." Zelda objected. "Let me teach you how to handle it." She held her hands in front of her and materialized the Triforce of Wisdom, the way she first did when they met. "You must already feel the Triforce working through you. Just try it."

Ashwin held the Triforce of Courage in front of him, mimicking Zelda. Channelling the power of the Triforce, Ashwin could see the Triforce begin to shine brightly until it lost its shape and eventually vanished from sight. He was able to bring it back into tangible existence again, then dematerialize it once again.

"Very good, Ashwin." Zelda seemed pleased with his success. "Now let's try something with your sword. Try to channel the power of the Triforce through your whole body, all the way to the tip of your sword as you strike."

Ashwin picked up the Kokiri sword and stood up. He closed his eyes and reflected on Zelda's words. He raised the sword and slashed through the air.

Nothing particularly interesting happened.

"We will have to work on that one," said Zelda.

What other magic was she capable of? Ashwin was in awe of Zelda. He found it difficult to converse with such an intimidating person.

This time Zelda broke the silence. "What was your life like where you are from? Being gifted with courage, were you burdened with the responsibility of defending your land?"

The past events had been so intense that it had been a while since Ashwin even thought about home. That world seemed so much more distant now. Things were so different there. "No, I was just a kid there. I went to school."

Zelda smiled. "I'm quite envious of you. I feel that I never had the opportunity of a real childhood."

Ashwin thought about his life back home. Especially in contrast to his recent troubles, it seemed like a happy life to him now. At the time, he would always be focused on his school yard conflicts. "I didn't have this courage back home. I got it from the Triforce."

Zelda pondered this. "Perhaps the courage was always there, and the Triforce opened your eyes to it." Zelda stood up suddenly and picked up her gear. "We had better be off."