A Hero's Path

by LuxDragon

Link's journey from an exuberant child to a stoic knight. A retelling and reimagining of Breath of the Wild with Age of Calamity elements added. Will be AU eventually. Pre-Calamity.

30. Revelations

Great Hyrule Forest – Korok Forest

Zelda hesitantly stepped into the hollow within the Great Deku Tree. It almost felt sacrilegious to do something like that, but when she expressed her reservations, the ancient spirit simply laughed and told her it was fine. The Koroks also insisted and proceeded to lead her inside the Great Deku Tree.

"Welcome to the Great Deku Tree's Navel!" the little Korok said grandly. "You can sleep over here!"

It waddled over to the left. Within one of the niches was a small bed, with a proper cover and sheets. Midna walked up next to it and laid down.

Zelda's Korok guide stood on top of a mushroom cup and waved its stubby arms at her. "What do you think? We filled it with the finest leaves we could gather!"

"Oh, thank you," Zelda said kindly. "I'm sure it's fine."

"You bet! I even feel sleepy just looking at it," the Korok said, giggling. "If you need any help, just call for me: Pepp!"

"I will be sure to do that, Pepp," Zelda replied.

"We'll set up a place for you to cook food while you rest," Pepp said. "You don't have to worry about a thing!"

Zelda smiled. "Thank you."

"Aww… you have such a pretty smile!" Pepp said. "This is fun! We haven't had to entertain guests in forever!"

Blushing slightly at the sudden compliment, she watched as Pepp waddled off to speak to some of its fellow Koroks.

She looked down at Midna and said, "I suppose this is home for a bit. At least we don't have to pitch any tents, right?"

Midna yawned in reply and laid her head down.

"I hope Link will be all right," Zelda murmured. She took off her boots and sat down on the bed. Pulling out her notebook, she started writing down the events that had occurred and allowed her mind to vividly recall the conversation she'd shared with the Great Deku Tree.

~o~O~o~

"It is a power unique to you, and you alone," the Great Deku Tree said. "It will be required in order to subdue Ganon and weaken it so that Link will be able to strike it down with the Master Sword."

"I've… I've been having trouble trying to unlock my powers," Zelda confessed embarrassingly. "I was wondering if you had some idea how I might achieve this, or if you knew how my ancestor could do it."

The Great Deku Tree suddenly chuckled. "Ah, you have inadvertently revealed the source of your problems to me in one question… though your book provides context as well."

She blinked uncertainly, glanced down at her blank notebook, and looked back up at the ancient forest spirit. "I—what?"

"You are a scholar. Would it be correct of me to infer that?"

"I… well, I'd like to think so," she answered uncertainly.

"A fine ideal to pursue for most," the Great Deku Tree said.

Her heart sank. "But not for me."

"If it is your passion, far be it from anyone to tell you otherwise," the Great Deku Tree replied. "But if you wish to unlock your innate talents, such an approach will only leave you feeling… incomplete."

"Incomplete?"

"To unlock your powers, you must touch upon facets of yourself you may have neglected in the pursuit of knowledge," the Great Deku Tree answered. "You must appreciate the world through a more… worldly lens and not simply as a scholar."

Zelda frowned. "I'm not sure I understand."

"Hmm… the silent princesses behind you. Tell me what you think of them."

Turning around, she studied the flowers that were peacefully growing around the dais. "Well, they appear to be growing healthily, an exceptional example of their species, and for so many to grow here, there must be something about the environment that favors not only its survival, but its ability to flourish—"

"Oh-ho-ho, spoken like a true Child of Nayru," the Great Deku Tree chortled. "But as one marked by destiny, you cannot narrow your gaze, my dear. A Child of Din would have spoken of its beauty. A Child of Farore would have remarked upon how delicate yet hardy the flower was."

Zelda turned back to the Great Deku Tree, eyes widening.

"Now tell me, how did you approach your problem regarding your powers?"

Bowing her head, she was easily able to recollect her efforts over the years. "Well, I kept thinking—"

"Ah, 'thinking'," the Great Deku Tree said. He sounded amused.

"Well… yes?" Zelda's brow furrowed a bit in irritation. "What's wrong with thinking?"

"Nothing at all. But how much do you value that over feeling?"

"I… I don't know, but how will that help me solve why I don't have powers?" she asked impatiently.

"Ah, still attempting to see this as a problem to solve… which carries the added effect of avoiding your feelings on the matter altogether," the Great Deku Tree mused.

"But I do feel!" Zelda snapped back. Her hands flew to her mouth at the blatant show of disrespect. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean—!"

"And what do you feel when you try to awaken your powers?" the Great Deku Tree asked patiently.

"I feel…" Zelda trailed off. She swallowed the lump in her throat and started fiddling with her pen. Uttering the same words she had told her father, she said, "Scared. Hopeless. Trapped…"

"And do you believe such emotions are conducive to unlocking divine powers?"

"No…"

"Well, child, if you seek an answer to your problem, then perhaps we have found one," the Great Deku Tree said. "Now, how will you figure out the solution?"

Zelda took a deep breath and looked down at the blank pages in her lap. "I don't know. I thought… I was really hoping to learn something by coming here."

"You were seeking what you believed was missing."

"Yes."

"And?"

"…"

"Knowledge is dangerous without wisdom. Knowledge cannot be obtained without courage. And knowledge alone is meaningless unless you have the power to utilize it," the Great Deku Tree said. "Now, tell me: as a scholar, what will you do with the knowledge you have learned?"

"I… I suppose I will help people," Zelda answered.

"How?"

"I… I don't know."

"Then perhaps you must reflect upon what you must do with the knowledge you have cultivated thus far," the Great Deku Tree advised. "Perhaps then you may apply what you could learn in other areas, hmm?"

Zelda nodded. She looked down at the notebook on her lap and began recording everything they spoke of.

~o~O~o~

After capping her pen and putting the book aside, Zelda flopped down onto the bed and rubbed her face.

I wish Mother was here. But then… that's the problem, isn't it?

Ever since losing her, Zelda knew she had to stay strong, for the kingdom, for her father… and to keep the hurt and pain bottled up inside. But to handle that, she had learned it was better not to feel at all sometimes.

It's as Link said: I had to make a trade.

It had given her the strength to help her father through his grief. To give him one less thing to worry about. Just because the queen was gone did not mean Hyrule had ended, and the land still needed a leader. But now Zelda knew she was a jumbled mess, and couldn't figure out what to do simply because the solution was something she couldn't simply deconstruct in her usual logical manner. Such methods may have served her well when she assisted her father with matters of state, her personal research, or the restoration of ancient Sheikah technology… but it was clear that whenever she tried to use those methods to awaken her latent abilities, the results were less than stellar.

It was infuriating, to say the least.

It was far too early to sleep, being only mid-afternoon. Zelda and Midna shared some of the rations they had brought for lunch, and Zelda and Link had made sure they'd brought enough to last for the week. Likely, the supplies would last longer now that Link was—

Zelda firmly ended that line of thought and sat up. She looked down at the loyal wolf. "Link will be all right, won't he?"

Midna offered no answers, not that Zelda had expected any. She had been concerned about him, but the revelations the Great Deku Tree had given her about her powers served to distract her sufficiently. But now that she was alone with her thoughts, she could feel the icy grip of terror crushing her chest.

Putting on her boots, Zelda stood up, collected her things, and left the 'Navel'. Midna obediently followed behind.

"Hello!" a Korok said excitedly. Unlike the others, it, he, or whatever, was adorned with some decorative items on its head. "I'm Chio, the chief of the Koroks!"

"Hello, Chio. I'm Zelda."

"A pleasure!" Chio replied. "Some Koroks found an iron thing you Hylians use to cook stuff in. They should have it here by tonight!"

"Oh, thank you," Zelda said. She tilted her head and looked around the grove at the various Koroks milling about. "Um… are there many of you?"

"Oh, there are so many of us, it's hard to count," Chio replied. "Maybe a thousand?"

"A th-th-thousand?" Zelda repeated, shocked.

Chio nodded. "Yep! Hestu likes to put our seeds into his maracas and dance. We all gave him one, but he needed a lot. Like, a whole lot."

"I see," Zelda said. She didn't, but she was already having trouble following the conversation as it was. "No one can see you?"

"Well, you and Mr. Hero can see us!"

"Yes, of course, but besides us?"

"Well, the pretty knight lady managed to see us, too."

"Pretty knight…? Oh, you must mean Liena," Zelda murmured. "Is it rare for anyone to see you, then?"

Chio nodded. "The Great Deku Tree says it's to protect us."

"Perhaps that is the wisest course of action," Zelda said. An idea formed in her mind. "Chio, would it be possible to send a message to my people?"

Chio started hopping from foot to foot eagerly. "Wait, you mean like the mailman?!"

"Y-yes, I suppose so," Zelda replied.

"Oh, that sounds like so much fun!" Chio said. "I'll send Zooki to wherever you need! Zooki, come here!"

Zelda pulled out a piece of parchment and wrote the message. She had to use a safe code hidden within, since she couldn't find any wax to seal the parchment with her signet ring. Once it was folded, she gave it to the Korok that quickly flew up to them.

"Zooki, you get to be the official Korok mailman!" Chio said officiously.

"Oh, that sounds important!" Zooki squeaked out happily.

"Take the princess's message to the people outside the forest, and don't lose it!" Chio ordered.

"Oh, no. I would like that message sent to the Military Training Camp," Zelda hurriedly said. "The knight that was here last time—Dame Sortiliena Serlut, or Liena—is stationed there. She should be able to see you, collect the letter, and get the message to my friends."

"Oh. Zooki, get that letter to the pretty knight!" Chio ordered. "And don't lose it!"

"I won't!" Zooki took the parchment from Zelda and flew off.

Well, that solves our communication issues.

With a way to talk to the outside world, at the very least, if their planned excursion lasted longer than a week, Impa wouldn't rush in… nor would any of the other Royal Guardsmen.

Zelda looked back at the Master Sword's resting place. The Master Sword itself remained where it was, patiently waiting for its wielder to return. Curiosity getting the best of her, she walked up to the divine blade and ran her fingers along the pommel, grip, and crossguard. She marveled over the exquisite design and flawless appearance. Strangely, it was the first time she had studied the legendary weapon, despite having been near it for over a year now. She didn't quite understand what the Great Deku Tree had meant by splendor, considering that there was already a certain brilliance she could sense from it, but she had to trust that there was more to the divine blade than what she could feel now.

"You look as if something weighs heavily on your mind," the Great Deku Tree said.

"Oh, I'm—"

—worried about Link.

"—still reflecting on what we discussed," Zelda replied. She stepped away from the pedestal and faced her host. "I had never realized that our journeys—Link's and mine, I mean—were so similar, even if our approaches were different."

"You are both traveling towards the same destination. Would it not make sense that the paths may converge occasionally if your goals are the same?"

"I hadn't looked at it like that before," she murmured. "In fact, I don't think I've thought about it so deeply at all. Always from an academic perspective, but… never a spiritual one, despite the lessons the priests have given me."

His mouth curved into a smile. "Do not feel as if you are diminishing yourself. Instead, take it as a sign that you are becoming more experienced."

"Were my ancestors spiritual?" Zelda asked, curious.

"Hmm… some were, others were more political, and others were impulsive, but wisdom was one characteristic they all shared," the Great Deku Tree answered. "You needn't compare yourself to the successes or failures of others. It would be much more productive to learn from their experiences and enrich your own."

"I shall try," Zelda said. "About what we spoke of earlier…"

"Yes?"

"You were referring to the three characteristics of the Great Goddesses," Zelda said. "Wisdom, courage, and power."

"I was."

"I… I'm not sure how to phrase this…" Zelda said before pausing. She licked her dry lips and tried to give words to her jumbled thoughts. "Is that what I should be seeking within?"

"All that knowledge, but what will you do with it?" the Great Deku Tree asked.

"Help people, but… I don't know how," Zelda whispered. "I can only surmise that this has something to do with wisdom."

"Nayru's wisdom is to reflect upon what you do not understand. It is not about being right or wrong, but observing with clarity of mind and reaching sound conclusions. If you are right, then why? If you are wrong, then why? If no answers were found, then why? It is not knowledge for knowledge's sake, but utilization of knowledge."

"I'm not sure I understand," Zelda admitted, feeling silly.

"Knowledge is the collection of facts or information acquired through study, experimentation, or simple observation. The 'what', 'how', and 'when', if you will," the Great Deku Tree said patiently. "Wisdom goes further, taking the knowledge you have learned and applying it, while asking 'why' and 'should'. As princess, you have often heard about the merits of ruling wisely, yes?"

Zelda nodded. It was among many of the courtly lessons she'd had to study and one of the more profound ones she often thought about. "Yes. 'It is better to rule wisely than rule ignorantly, for knowledge without understanding can breed folly as easily as power can breed tyranny'."

"And what are your thoughts?"

"Well… as rulers, we must make sound judgements, draw insights, and adhere to noble decisions that are not only informed, but morally and ethically sound," Zelda answered.

"Very good," the Great Deku Tree said. "Wisdom integrates experience, values, knowledge, and insight, often foreseeing consequences where knowledge alone might not."

"I believe I'm beginning to understand," Zelda said quietly. "And power?"

"A complicated topic, for mortals view power quite poorly and, in my humble opinion, incorrectly," the Great Deku Tree replied. "It is how one uses power that is important. Do you agree?"

"I agree with you."

"Din's power reflects passion. Many mortals covet power, but for ill-contrived reasons. How they see it, how to use it, and how to gain more of it," the Great Deku Tree said. "That is not Din. She is passion, fire, and a zest for life itself, ever burning within and to forge things anew. To fight, to struggle, to create…"

"To live," Zelda finished.

"Indeed."

"And Farore?"

"The one that binds wisdom and power. Courage is required to act, for without courage, how often have you seen mortals crumble before adversity?"

Zelda nodded. "Without courage, there would only be fear and chaos. I wouldn't be able to think, wouldn't feel, just…"

"Just remain frozen," the Great Deku Tree finished. "To tap into the powers of the divine, you must master yourself."

"Mind, heart, and soul," Zelda whispered. Realization dawned in her mind, what she felt she had been missing. "I see… I see it now!"

"Ah, but that is the first step on a very long journey," the Great Deku Tree said heavily. "And… a very perilous one."

Zelda looked at the Master Sword, still locked in place within its stone pedestal. "Is… is that what is happening to Link?"

"His journey mirrors yours, though I am afraid there is no trial to test you in regard to your innate gifts," the ancient tree replied. "While you are closer to Nayru, he is closer to Farore. But to forge a bond with the Master Sword, he must be more. Wisdom cannot be taught, and power should not be shunned."

Zelda smiled. "Perhaps you can teach him something about courage and recklessness."

The Great Deku Tree laughed. "Wizened though I am, I'm afraid that is beyond my abilities."

Zelda giggled along before her expression fell when her gaze returned to the Master Sword. "He'll be okay, right?"

When the Great Deku Tree didn't reply, she turned back to face it.

"Right?" she asked more insistently.

"It is not for me to say, child," the Great Deku Tree replied softly. "Success or failure, life or death, depends solely on him."

Though she was afraid of the answer, not knowing pushed her to ask, "Have… have any others failed those trials?"

"Very little is certain in life," the Great Deku Tree said enigmatically. "Even if your powers were to manifest right at this very moment, I cannot say if you will emerge victorious against Ganon."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"Because it has nothing to do with Link's ability to complete the trials," the Great Deku Tree replied. "He is facing danger, and it will be up to his ability to cope with it. The successes or failures of his predecessors should not impact his outcome. Even if I were to say that all have succeeded and none have failed, it could very well mean that he may be the first to fall in the trials. Conversely, if I told you that many of his predecessors fell trying, it still means that he may emerge triumphant. Do not diminish his abilities by favoring odds. This trial is all down to him and him alone."

"H-how long until we know?"

"It may take a day or longer to complete the first trial, and he will return to us," the Great Deku Tree answered. "He will be told that there are two more trials, each more difficult than the last to pursue and lasting longer than the previous. Completing all three trials will unlock the full splendor of the Master Sword. When he wishes to complete those trials will be up to him, just as when you unlock your powers will be up to you."

"I-I see."

"Should the worst come to pass… I will know immediately," the Great Deku Tree gently said. "There is little to worry about, from what I can sense, but that does not mean he is not in danger. Quite the opposite, in fact."

Zelda sighed, abruptly stood up, and started pacing. Midna, startled from the sudden activity, clumsily got to her feet and started pacing alongside Zelda, looking up at her in concern.

Eventually, Zelda slowed her pace to a stop. Worrying about things out of her control was an unnecessary barrier, and one that would only slow her ability to claim her powers. Link was doing his best to unlock his abilities, and she should have been doing the same.

But first… information.

"Great Deku Tree, what can you tell me about Calamity Ganon?" she asked.

The Great Deku Tree almost frowned. "A pertinent question, but to me, it is also a deeply personal one."

"I-I hope I didn't offend you," Zelda said.

"You did not, but it did bring back memories I am not fond of," the Great Deku Tree replied. "You see, Ganon killed my… hmm… 'father', as it were. The Great Deku Tree before me. And this was before he claimed the Triforce of Power as his own."

That sufficiently got Zelda's hackles up. To kill something as old and powerful as the Great Deku Tree should have been no easy feat, and to do so without additional powers must have meant that Ganon had been powerful before his ascension.

"I'm afraid you must indulge me. It is a long tale," the Great Deku Tree said.

Zelda sat down and pulled out a new notebook and pen. "Whenever you wish to begin."

~o~O~o~

"Do you think she's all right?"

"Should we wake her?"

"Maybe just a little poke."

"Uh-oh, the wolf looks like it's glaring at us!"

"Maybe we should let her sleep."

"How long do Hylians sleep?"

"I don't know."

The incessant Korok chatter, coupled with the chirping birds and Midna's warning growls, all culminated in Zelda's return to consciousness. She groaned lightly and managed to crack her eyes open.

"I'm awake, I'm awake," she mumbled. "What time is it?"

"We don't know," one of the Koroks answered. "The sun went up a while ago, though. Does that help?"

"I suppose it doesn't matter," Zelda muttered. She slowly sat up and reached over to scratch Midna's head. "Good morning, Midna."

The wolf barked once but kept her eyes on the Koroks gathered nearby, ensuring none of them could bother the princess.

Zelda languished in bed for a bit longer before remembering why she was so tired. She had stayed up all day and spent a large portion of the night talking to the Great Deku Tree about Ganon's origins and desires, hoping to gain some kind of tactical insight she could bring back to her father and Captain Auru.

Though that was only part of the reason, she had admitted to herself. The bigger reason was that Link had not yet returned from whatever trials he was undergoing. She had stayed up as long as she could but had been forced to eat and sleep when the Great Deku Tree had noticed that she could no longer retain his words or that she had kept looking back at the Master Sword. Realizing that she had also been neglecting Midna as well, Zelda had given the wolf some dinner, eaten something herself, bathed in the nearby pond, and gone into a fitful sleep.

"Has Link returned yet?" Zelda asked, growing more alert now.

"Mr. Hero is still gone," Chio answered. "Don't worry, we'll wake you—or we'll have your wolf wake you—the moment he comes back next time you're asleep!"

Zelda gave Chio a small smile. "Thank you."

After tidying up her space and doing her morning routines—and ensuring Midna did hers now that Zelda had to be fully responsible for their animal companion—she found that the Koroks had a cooking pit set up inside the Great Deku Tree.

"Um… wouldn't this be a bad idea?" Zelda tentatively asked. She glanced at the impromptu firepit warily. "I-I mean, the Great Deku Tree is made of wood… He is made of wood, right?"

Pepp giggled. "Fire doesn't hurt the Great Deku Tree at all! It's fine! In fact, this might be the best place to have a fire, because fire won't affect him!"

"Oh," she replied simply. With no further objections, she dug into her pack, pulled out some foodstuffs, and managed to cook a simple breakfast for both herself and Midna.

After they finished eating, Zelda stepped outside and was blinded by a flash of blue light. She briefly averted her eyes before looking back and spotting Link. He was standing before the Master Sword, both hands gripping the hilt just as he had done when he had been transported away.

He took a deep breath, let go of the sword, and stood up. Looking around, he saw Zelda, too, and smiled.

"You're back!" Zelda said happily. She ran up and hugged him tightly. "I was so worried!"

"I confess, I was a little worried, too," Link mumbled. "Unfortunately, I was told that there were two more trials."

"Yes, the Great Deku Tree told me, too," Zelda whispered into his ear. "Are you going to take them?"

Link was still holding her, but she could feel him hesitate for a moment before nodding into her shoulder. "I have to go as far as I can. I have to know if I'm strong enough to protect you."

"Are you leaving now?"

"No, I'd like to rest. Maybe let everyone know that we might be out here for a little while," Link said.

"I took care of that," Zelda replied.

He released her and stepped back, eyes wide. "You got out of the woods? And back in?"

She smiled. "No, no. I asked the Koroks to help me. Zooki is the new Korok mailman."

"Oh."

"He took the message to Liena, who will be able to give it to the others," Zelda said.

"Good idea," Link replied. He sniffed the air. "You had breakfast?"

"Yes, but we didn't leave anything for you," she said apologetically.

"It's fine; neither of us knew when I'd be back," he said. "I'm famished, though."

Zelda led Link into the Great Deku Tree's Navel. He hardly batted an eye at the idea of seeking shelter within the sentient tree. He saw his pack easily enough, arched an eyebrow at the bed Zelda had slept in, and proceeded to cook breakfast from his rations.

"It was a series of closed-off rooms, each one transporting me into a new room, and each room resembling the wilderness in some way," Link said as he started a fire beneath the cooking pot. "I'm talking trees, grass, bushes, rain, you name it."

"W-what?" Zelda asked.

"My trial," Link said. He dropped some things into the pot.

"Oh."

"When I started, I had nothing but the clothes on my back," Link murmured. "I had to draw on all of my training to fend off the monsters in each room, surviving, cooking, foraging, fighting… pretty much as far removed from civilization as one could get."

Zelda sat next to him. "There were monsters there, too?"

"Lots. And I had to fight some of them off with a branch I ripped out of a tree until I could get my hands on a better weapon," Link muttered.

Concerned, she visually inspected him, but he looked exactly as he had looked the day before. "Were you hurt?"

"Yeah, which is why I'm a little surprised when I got here that I'm fine," he answered. "I got hit by a couple of arrows, a club probably fractured my collarbone, and I dislocated my arm at some point."

Now moving beyond concerned, Zelda started patting him down without thinking. "You were hit? The clavicle seems to be fine, I don't see any blood… oh, and you said your arm…?!"

Link arched an eyebrow at her but smirked. "I'm fine. I was told that I wasn't physically injured. Though failure of the trial would mean I would be 'destroyed', though I never got clarification on what that meant, and I didn't want to ask."

Realizing what she was doing, she pulled her hands away as if they'd been burned and forcibly pressed her fists onto her lap. "I'm glad that you're okay."

"For now," Link said. He poked and prodded the cooking pot before adding something and stirring it vigorously.

His breakfast smelled heavenly. Zelda thought her food was only okay, but she was too prideful to admit that she was an amateur in the presence of a gourmand.

Midna pawed at Link, eyes impossibly wide and doleful.

"Don't give me that," he muttered disapprovingly. "I know Zelda fed you. You don't get second breakfast."

Whether his words were understood or not, Midna remained persistent and kept begging the entire time Link cooked, served himself, and ate.

Though Zelda had already eaten, the food Link made caused her mouth to water slightly, though she kept her appetite to herself.

"I wanted to thank you for bringing my—sorry, 'your' book along," Zelda said.

"Of course," Link replied. He had an odd look on his face. "What is that book about, exactly?"

"Well, according to several Sheikah texts, the shrines were constructed long before the Age of Enlightenment, under the direction of very prominent monks," Zelda explained. Her passion reflected her excitement, and she turned in her seat to better face Link. "When I say monks, I don't solely mean religious backgrounds, but primarily warrior backgrounds."

That got Link's attention. "Hmm… is it something worth reading for a layman like me?"

"Sadly, it doesn't really speak of their martial skills," Zelda replied. "No, it's more about how they were prepared to train the Hero, by creating a series of tests for you and your predecessors, and possibly your successors as well. Each monk oversaw a shrine, designed it, and left some kind of record within them. While I am interested in the trials, from a distance, of course—"

"Of course."

"I'm more interested in the records the monks left behind," Zelda said. "Oh, the knowledge they must have!"

"Yeah… I don't think they left records," Link muttered. He took another spoonful and avoided looking at her.

"What?" She leaned forward and peered around to meet his eyes. "What do you mean?"

He sighed. "When I started the trial, there were… voices. Not in my head; at least, I don't think. It was like the room was speaking. The voices were… instructing me on how to accomplish the trial. Don't call me crazy, but I think we might be talking about those monks."

"The… monks…?"

"I don't think they left records," Link said seriously. "I think they entombed themselves within those shrines, if your author was accurate. At the very least, I believe they did so with the Trial of the Sword."

"You spoke to them?!" Zelda exclaimed.

"Not exactly… It's more like they were sending a message to me. They didn't answer any of my questions at all when I spoke aloud," Link answered.

Zelda's mind became a whirlwind of theories, educated guesses, and possibilities. "This is… I mean… but it was ten thousand years ago! They can't possibly be alive!"

Link could only shrug as he continued to finish off his breakfast.

"Oh, but if your theory is correct, then we may have other first-hand witnesses to talk to," Zelda gushed. "Oh, if only we could figure out how to open those shrines!"

"I'll try asking those monks again when I take the next trial," Link said. "Maybe they'll answer this time."

"Please do!"

When Link had almost finished his meal, he handed the bowl over to her. "Here, you can have the rest."

"Really?" Zelda asked, smiling.

"Sure. I need to sleep," he answered. "The Sheikah may have taught me to be a lighter sleeper, but I could barely get any rest in there without a monster trying to kill me."

She frowned, even as she accepted the bowl and spoon. "Link, you don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do," he said. "For you, I have to be at my utmost if I want to be any help at all. You're trying your best, so I must do the same."

At the reminder of the promise they'd made to one another, she privately vowed to redouble her efforts. He was depending on her as much as she was depending on him. She did not want to be the reason harm befell him just because she was struggling.

"I spoke with the Great Deku Tree at length for a while," Zelda said. "We can discuss my findings when you wake."

"Got it," Link replied. He let out a massive yawn, got up, and started untying his bedroll.

"You can take the bed," Zelda said quickly. "I already slept, so I won't need it."

His hands stilled, and he looked back up at her. His face was set in his neutral mask again for some reason. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. You've suffered, even if you don't have physical injuries!" she indignantly said. "You will sleep in the bed. Consider that an order."

He glanced at the bed again before nodding. "Okay."

"Don't worry, Midna has been diligently watching over me," Zelda said. "Not that we anticipate any problems here."

"A fair point." Link took off his cloak, boots, bracers, and gloves before crawling into bed.

"Sleep well," Zelda said.

"Mmm."

It was after Link was asleep and when she reveled in the taste of breakfast that she realized that she was using the same spoon that he had used.

Oh, I shouldn't be so childish! After all, people kiss—oh, Great Goddesses!

When that forbidden thought entered her mind, she blushed furiously and tried to look for something to distract her. She saw that Midna was now plying her charms on her, staring at both the princess and the bowl forlornly.

Zelda shook her head in exasperation, stole a few more spoonsful, and dropped the bowl on the ground. "There, more breakfast."

Midna pounced on the bowl and began licking it clean.

~o~O~o~

Zelda kept watch over Link for once as he dozed. His sleep didn't appear troubled, which boded well. When he finally woke up mid-to-late afternoon, he cooked a late lunch—not just for himself, but Zelda and Midna as well.

During that time, Zelda told him about Ganon, his origins, and why he was so powerful. Next, she told him about the barriers she needed to surmount to unlock her abilities.

"So in the end, you were right," she said. "It really is more about the mind than we thought."

"It's a unique way to look at it," he replied pensively. "I certainly wouldn't have guessed it."

"None of us would have," she said. "Coming here was the right decision."

"What will you do now?"

"Keep working on it. I have to give my utmost as well, after all," she answered. "When will you attempt the next trial?"

Link sighed. "Tonight."

Startled, Zelda asked, "That soon?"

"There's no point in waiting," he said. "I'm as ready as I can be, and it's not as if I can find more trainers to help me improve. I'm fairly certain that I'm at a point where the only thing I can do is improve on my own. I mean, I can find new things to learn from new people, but that will take time to search and practice. And since I'm mandated to be by your side, well, I have to work with what I have. Without knowing how long the trials are, I need to do this now."

Having no further points to counter with, she could only sigh. "You'll be careful?"

"I'm doing my best."

She nodded and started eating. As expected, it was delicious, and she delighted in it after her own attempts at culinary experimentation. She admitted that her food was at least edible, but nowhere near as tasty as Link's. He finished first, dropped his bowl into a bucket to be taken out and cleaned later, and walked over to his pack.

When Zelda was nearly finished, she put her own bowl on the ground. Midna grinned widely and started eating enthusiastically.

"So… fat…" Link said to the wolf good-naturedly.

Zelda giggled. "Oh, I wanted to tell you that we can see Vah Medoh from here, but I haven't shot any flares. I don't know how the Rito might react if they see it or if they'll try to fly into the woods if they do see it. I'll send a message to Impa later, and maybe I can experiment with that."

"It's a good call," Link replied. "They don't really see us, though?"

"Not according to Impa's last message."

He sighed and got up. After stretching briefly, he walked past Zelda and Midna towards the exit.

"Where are you going?" Zelda asked.

"Just stretching my legs," he answered. "Don't worry, I'm not off to do anything sneaky."

She crossed her arms authoritatively and mock-glared. "You'd best not!"

Holding his hands up in surrender, he smiled—causing her insides to flip-flop unnecessarily—before stretching again and walking off.

She almost got up to join him, but then her treacherous mind conjured impossible fantasies, such as them holding hands, finding a secluded area away from the Great Deku Tree, the Koroks, or even Midna, and then—

Abruptly standing up, she marched over to her journals and started scribbling random ideas on how to awaken her powers.

Just because thinking might not be the path forward didn't mean she couldn't draw inspiration.

That was how she stayed, even when Link came back and forth into their shared space. She studiously avoided looking at him and continued brainstorming.

Her concentration was finally broken when he reappeared and started cooking dinner.

They ate, each exchanging theories on how to unlock Zelda's powers, or Link sharing details about the trial he had finished and wondering what the next trial might have in store for him.

After dinner—Zelda saw that Link had made extras and left it in the pot before he put the lid over it—he stood up and slowly walked outside. After giving Midna a verbal command not to poke her nose into the pot, Zelda got up and rushed after him.

He was just past the opening, staring at the Master Sword.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

He nodded and took a deep breath. "Yeah. Just wondering how much harder this second trial is supposed to be."

"It doesn't matter. I know you can do it," she said.

He smiled at her. "Thanks. Just reheat the food in the pot for a few minutes, and it should taste all right. Take the lid off before you cook, though."

"Thank you."

Link gave her one last confident smile. Zelda could only wave back, while Midna let out a mournful howl. He walked up to the Master Sword and clasped the hilt.

Just like before, he vanished into motes of light.

~o~O~o~

In the following days, Zelda managed to establish a routine where her time was spent between talking to the Great Deku Tree, writing meticulous notes about the information he imparted to her, reading the book Link had brought with him—she made a mental note to find a better way to express her gratitude than mere words—and speaking with the Koroks about nonsensical topics. The little tree spirits had a lot of humorous tales to impart, and she always found her mood lightened. In between, she made sure to write missives to be sent to Liena—and by proxy, Impa and the Royal Guard—informing them that she was all right.

One day, Zelda got permission to launch a flare into the sky, but the reply from Impa a day later said that while the Rito were able to see the flare, they did not see where it had come from and that the 'fogless grove' was still hidden from their sharp eyes.

While disappointing, what truly frustrated Zelda was that despite the insights the Great Deku Tree imparted, she was no closer to understanding what she needed to do to unlock her powers.

"I suppose being exasperated isn't conducive to awakening my abilities?" Zelda rhetorically asked the Great Deku Tree.

"It is not," the Great Deku Tree answered regardless.

She let out a long sigh. "You're asking me to change how I think."

"I am not. I am simply saying that you need to also feel, not to change and not limit yourself to thinking," the Great Deku Tree said. "In essence, you must become more than you already are. Is that a bad thing?"

"Well, no," Zelda mumbled. She glanced up at the Great Deku Tree. "Is this your way of saying that I need to grow up?"

That earned a lively laugh from the ancient tree. "I'm afraid I do not see life the same way you do, my dear. How many winters you have lived to see is but a mere blink of the eye for me."

"Oh."

"However, if you would like me to impart a lesson that sounds wise, I could always mention a little anecdote about saplings needing to grow before they are ready to bear fruit, or something equally poignant," the Great Deku Tree teased.

"That… actually works," Zelda replied, smiling. Her cheer was short-lived, however. "Great Deku Tree. Do you know when Calamity Ganon will return?"

The Great Deku Tree sighed. "I do not. If I did, I would have told you without hesitation. All I can say is that the time is nigh."

"I suppose that would have been too easy," Zelda said dejectedly.

She recalled Link's words about the difficulty surrounding her attempts, and she finally accepted it as a test of herself. After all, given how formidable Calamity Ganon had to be, her efforts had to be proportional to the threat they faced. If she could snap her fingers and be granted magical powers, then it may very well impact how seriously she would have taken the whole affair.

I would like to pass a small portion of this test, though, instead of all-or-nothing!

"I suppose given how difficult the trials must be for Link, I shouldn't complain so," Zelda said out loud.

"You continue to worry about him," the Great Deku Tree said.

She nodded. "I have faith in his talents, but…"

"You care about his well-being, which is currently threatened. I understand completely."

Zelda sat down on the log that had become increasingly hers since she'd arrived and looked back up at the ancient tree. "I know you must have met Link's predecessor, since he would have had to come here to draw and return the Master Sword, but did you ever have the chance to meet my ancestor?"

"I was given the opportunity to meet her a few times, yes," the Great Deku Tree said with fondness in his voice.

"What was she like?"

"Driven, determined, and singularly focused," he answered. "She loved Hyrule and its people. She was much more political, and embraced the wisdom and compassion needed to rule. I also learned of a childish side to her. She once shared an anecdote where she liked to skip happily in the halls of Hyrule Castle after a successful diplomatic or political session."

Zelda couldn't help but smile at the mental image. "What will you say about me to my ancestor should she ever come to you for help?"

"That you wear the weight of the lands on your shoulders, and yet you are somehow able to bear it stronger than any I have ever seen," the Great Deku Tree replied. "And the smile you wear shines as brightly as the sun. It warms me every time you do so."

Now she was blushing, but her smile grew a bit wider. "Thank you."

"It is my pleasure."

Their talk was interrupted by Midna. The wolf brought a stick to Zelda and was wagging her tail expectantly.

"Excuse me," Zelda said to the Great Deku Tree. "Midna is growing bored."

"I daresay that I shall still be here whenever you wish to speak again," the Great Deku Tree joked.

As Zelda went off to play with Midna, she realized that more than a week had already passed. She did ask that her messages be forwarded to her father to ease any worries, but it still shocked her that that much time had already passed.

"I know the Great Deku Tree would tell me if Link was… but still, to be gone this long…?" Zelda murmured to herself.

Midna bumped her head against Zelda's thigh.

"I know, I know. I'm sure he's fine, but still…" Sighing, she tossed the stick again and watched as Midna gleefully ran after it, picked it up, and quickly ran back.

When Zelda threw the stick again, Midna didn't chase it. Instead, she barked in the direction of the Master Sword and bolted away. Knowing that could only mean one thing, Zelda scrambled to follow.

They rounded the Great Deku Tree just as Link stood up and released the Master Sword. He heaved out a breath and checked himself.

"Link!" Zelda cried out.

Midna reached him first and rubbed herself against him. He smiled and knelt to pet her.

Zelda ran up and dropped down to her knees to hug him again. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Me, too," Link replied, sounding hoarse. He brought an arm around her as well, though his other continued to give Midna some affectionate scratches. "That trial was really hard."

Zelda pulled back and inspected him. "Are you all right?"

"It looks like it," he answered tiredly. "Just… really want to sleep now."

"Of course, of course," she quickly said. "Midna, let's let him rest, okay?"

Midna barked once and trotted into the Great Deku Tree's Navel. Link sort of shuffled after her. He frowned and experimentally moved his legs.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Zelda asked.

"Physically, I'm fine," he replied. "I even still feel full from the dinner we ate together, which is weird considering the last time I ate was almost three days ago."

"Th-three days?!"

"Couldn't risk a fire. Too many monsters, and there were a lot of dark rooms," he said. He shook his leg again, then knelt to feel around his left ankle. "Hmm. I guess this is all mental. I'm sure I'll be fine after a full night's sleep."

Zelda took his hand and pulled him to his feet. She didn't let go until he was sitting on the bed. He actually sighed at its softness the moment he settled in. Just as he reached down to take his boots off, she swatted his hands away and knelt down.

"I got them," she said.

She struggled a little but managed to pry his boots off and placed them aside. During that time, he removed his bracers and gloves and carelessly threw them away. She blinked at that. She had never seen him so sloppy with his equipment before.

Link plopped down onto the bed, closed his eyes, and was fast asleep almost instantly.

Sighing, Zelda tugged at the covers until they came free from his weight and tucked him in.

A part of her wanted to know what had happened, but then she could already guess. She also knew that he would downplay the worst of it and shrug off the rest to try to stem her worry. A very large part of her wanted to stop this madness and convince him that they should go back to the castle, where it was safe.

The moment 'safe' reverberated in her mind, Zelda almost scoffed, but didn't want to risk waking Link. When Calamity Ganon returned, nowhere would be safe. And he knew that, which was why he was willing to undergo the trials: to be ready to meet the danger head-on when the moment arose.

Instead, she walked to his pack, found his canteen, and left it next to the bed. After that, she settled into a wooden chair the Koroks had thoughtfully whittled for her a few days earlier and began writing in her journal.

~o~O~o~

Link slept for much longer than one night. Unwilling to wake him, Zelda broke out her bedroll and unfurled it nearby. Seeing this, the Koroks were quick to make a new pillow for her, at least, and promised to make another bed for her. She thanked them for their generosity and kindness as she accepted the gift and fell asleep. It wasn't until lunchtime the next day when Link finally woke up. He slowly sat up in bed, stretched his arms out widely, and checked himself again.

Sitting in her chair next to him, Zelda picked up his canteen and handed it over. "Checking for injuries?"

"Checking to see if they're still there," he replied. He gratefully took the canteen and drank deeply. "I'm fine, it looks like."

"How bad were your injuries?"

"Had to use a lot of the field training Liena taught me," Link muttered. "Might have to study up on that when we get back to the castle. Apparently, I'm lacking a little bit."

"I'm sure Tarja can help with that," Zelda said. "But you didn't answer my question."

"I got hurt pretty bad, but I was still able to fight on," Link replied. "It's not something I'm keen on repeating, though."

"But you're going to."

"Because I have to."

Zelda bit her lip. "How bad were they?"

"Broken ribs; I think they nearly punctured a lung. I also rolled my ankle, fractured my skull, and got a few deep lacerations from blades and some puncture wounds from arrows," Link admitted. "There were… a lot of monsters."

"D-d-did it hurt?"

Link's eyes darkened a bit. "Like you wouldn't believe."

Before Zelda could ask any more questions, he took another drink, slid out of bed, and started putting on his boots.

"I'll get some food ready," he said.

"Link…"

He sighed, looked up, and met her eyes unwaveringly. "I'm fine, and I can handle it. Look, there's only one more trial. I can't give up here."

"Well, I've known you long enough that I won't be changing your mind on this endeavor," she replied.

"It makes enough sense to me," he said. "If I can't handle these trials, then it's likely I can't handle Ganon. Even if you were to have your powers, I'd be a liability. If I can get through this, then I'll know I can handle Ganon."

He got up and walked over to the cooking pot to begin lunch preparations. Zelda trailed behind him.

"At least your test shows progress," she said lightly. "Mine appears to be all-or-nothing."

"Hmm… seems cruel. At least a sign would be welcoming, I would think," he said.

"I thought the same thing," she replied wistfully. "The Great Deku Tree said that I have wisdom and courage already. Mind and soul. But not power… He says I'm out of touch with my heart."

As the fire started burning, Link took out some of the ingredients the Koroks had gathered for them and started chopping them up. "Did you get these?"

"No, Chio and the other Koroks bring food to me," Zelda replied. "I still have some rations, since… well…"

"Since I'm not here," he finished. "Regarding what you're saying about power and/or heart, what are your plans?"

"I don't know yet," she murmured. "I think it might be worth asking Impaz if she has insights. The Great Deku Tree told me to look at power the way gods look at it, not mortals."

"Sounds like Rauru might have something to say about that, too, then," Link suggested.

"Possibly."

As the meat and vegetables started simmering—which caused Midna's nose to twitch endlessly—Link sat back and asked, "So how do the divine see power?"

"As a tool or… a way to experience the world," Zelda replied. A small flash of inspiration coupled with intense curiosity gripped her, and she asked, "When you look at a silent princess, what do you think?"

Confused by the odd question, he hesitantly answered with, "It's… pretty?"

"Your honest opinion, Link," she scolded.

"Okay… fine. It's a stubborn little flower if it won't let itself grow domestically as well as in the wilds," he replied. "To limit options like that, it's little wonder it's endangered. Still, if it keeps fighting to grow, I have to say that it's stronger than it looks."

Zelda grinned. "Just as a Child of Farore would say."

He cocked his head to the side. "What?"

"The Great Deku Tree said that to me," she said. "I looked at it as a specimen, you judged it by its toughness, and a Child of Din would see it for its beauty."

"I'll have to ask Aryll next time I see her, then," he mused thoughtfully. "Power looks at it like that?"

"The Great Deku Tree described the Goddess Din as passion, fire, and a zest for life," Zelda replied. "If I'm interpreting it right, it's more about the power of life, of will, and of heart. Not just power over people, or the environment, or destruction, but… all forms of it."

"Huh. Might explain why Aryll loves music so much," Link murmured. He checked on their food. "She loves to dance and play the ocarina."

"Does she still do that now?" Zelda asked.

He shook his head. "Gave it up to become a knight."

"Oh. Quite a sacrifice."

Shrugging, he simply said, "It was her choice."

Once lunch was ready, Zelda took her plate and asked, "When will you take the last trial?"

"Tonight," Link answered grimly.

"Are you sure you don't want to recover more? Mentally, at least?" she asked.

"No, I don't want to leave you here waiting for me longer than you already have," he answered. "Yes, it hurt, and I was in agony, but every mistake I made was a new one. I learned from the old ones. I just have to make it through this one, and we'll be done here."

"I don't want to rush you into this," she said hotly. "I can wait a year if you want to, but don't go charging recklessly into danger because of my welfare. I care about your life, too!"

The expression on his face was complicated. It was a mix of that neutral mask he wore, coupled with the look he'd had when he had saved her in the Gerudo Desert. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking by inspection alone. Before Zelda could question him, he looked back down at his plate.

"There's also everyone outside waiting for us," Link quietly said. "They'll be worried."

"That's… that's not the point!" Zelda shot back heatedly. "We're talking about you."

He took a deep breath and looked at her again. "And it's my choice to continue. No waiting."

Nearly upsetting the plate on her lap, she buried her face into her hands. "Must you be so stubborn?!"

A smirk slowly creased his lips. "Some would say I'm determined."

She raised her head to glare at him. "I am not one of those delusional or deceitful people."

"My father would be sad to hear you say that about him."

"He did not say that," Zelda said haughtily. "You already confessed to me that we both tried to teach you the difference between courage and recklessness. A lesson you seem determined to ignore."

"Good memory," Link said, smiling.

Groaning in frustration, she took a big bite out of her dinner and chewed angrily, not caring how she appeared.

After taking a bite of his own, he asked, "Okay, when do you think I should go?"

"Tomorrow evening, at the earliest," she answered. "Or days, if you want. We can absolutely wait. I do not question your courage, but to keep running into the trials without any measure of mental recovery or reflection sounds incredibly careless to me."

He sighed. "Are you sure?"

"Link, you told me that there were impediments to instinct, most notably if you're mentally imbalanced," she replied. "I don't think it's an unreasonable position to ask you to ensure that you're in top mental condition before taking a trial that can 'destroy' you."

His eyes didn't waver from hers. He silently stared at her for so long that she almost squirmed under his intense gaze. However, she held on to her courage and did not look away.

"All right, I'll recover for a bit longer," Link finally said.

Zelda smiled. "Good."

"So, what's the news from the outside world?" he asked.

"Anxious, if I'm reading between the lines correctly," she answered heavily. "Even Father sent me a letter. Knowing that I'm alive, well, and sane is easing his worries, but I'm sure he wants me home soon."

"How does this system work?"

Zelda gave a wan smile. "Mostly through Liena. Since she's the only one that can see Zooki, she takes the letter from him and gives it to Impa, who will verify it's me, since I'm unable to create a wax seal."

Link nodded.

"Oh! I also tested the flares," Zelda suddenly said. "The Rito were able to see it but not the grove. It's strange, because we can see Vah Medoh and the Rito flying above us clearly, but they report nothing but fog from above."

"Meaning that there's no way to find this place," Link replied. "Have you been taking notes? I'm sure you've been taking notes."

"Ha-ha. I'll have you know I've been quite focused on trying to awaken my powers," she retorted. "I'm not about to indulge myself while you're off to Goddesses-know-where risking life and limb, barely eating or sleeping."

"Nothing else?" he skeptically asked.

"Well… I did talk to the Great Deku Tree about my ancestor," she answered. "But merely to see if we were so different that it could explain my difficulty."

Link sat up more attentively. "And?"

"And he doesn't know," Zelda muttered. "By the time my ancestor got here, she had already awoken her power, so he doesn't know if she had any problems or not like I do."

"… because there was no reason to discuss it," Link added.

"Our thoughts exactly."

"How are you feeling?" he asked. "I hope Midna has been good company."

Zelda shrugged. "Despite no progress, I feel we've made a step in the right direction. The Great Deku Tree said that it's up to me to awaken my power. It's the 'how' part that remains a mystery. And don't worry about me; Midna has been excellent company. The Koroks, too. I'm not lonely, but I do worry about you."

Link sighed. "I'm not sure if I should apologize for that or not."

"You don't," Zelda said. "It means I care about your well-being, that's all. If I were engaged in something dangerous, you'd worry about me, wouldn't you?"

"I would."

"Should I apologize for that?"

He shook his head.

"Just… try your best, okay?" she asked.

Nodding, he suddenly chuckled. "I remember making a promise to my mother not long after Father's passing. I told her that I would try really, really hard to come home."

"She's a smart woman."

"That she is."

The rest of the evening went by with idle chatter. Whether it was a conscious or unconscious agreement, they veered the topics away from current events and spoke of lighter matters, jokes, and silly banter.

~o~O~o~

The smell of breakfast roused Zelda from her slumber. She let out a light moan as her hunger made itself known, and she woke up from her own bed—inside a different cubby away from Link's—and saw him sizzling away at something. Midna's eyes were fixed on whatever was being made, but she did glance at the princess briefly before going back to her vigil of the food.

"Morning," Link said.

"Good morning," Zelda replied. She let out a yawn and slid out from the covers. "Smells wonderful."

"Zooki the mail-Korok brought us a care package from our outside friends," Link said.

"Hmm… I mentioned that my rations were running low, but I was fine for food, since the Koroks are very hospitable," Zelda murmured. She put her boots on and moved to sit next to Link. "I guess they wanted to make sure I'm still fed, though."

Link merely nodded, but remained quiet as he focused on the sizzling meat and eggs. She thought he was concentrating on food preparations, so she was a bit surprised when he said, "You were right."

"What?"

"About needing to step back," Link clarified. "Sleeping an extra night here did wonders. I'm more focused again, less worn down. I should have taken a longer break between the first and second trials, and that's probably why I got hurt so badly. Lesson learned."

"You're very welcome," she said, smiling widely. It soon turned sly when she added, "You have no idea how badly I want to say, 'I told you so'."

"But then I might burn your breakfast in anguish and emotional distress."

"I'll keep it to myself."

Once the food was ready—and perfectly cooked—their easy conversation resumed. Link was less tense and becoming more relaxed today. He was even tossing pieces of his breakfast into the air for Midna to leap up and catch before munching away happily.

He also took the opportunity to teach Zelda how to cook and helped her write down recipes he had learned during his travels. She was shocked to see that he sampled all four corners—she still remembered Liena's anecdote about the Goron rock roast—and was jotting down Zora, Rito, and Gerudo recipes.

"I'll have you cook lunch and dinner, just to see how it goes," Link said. "I'll help with preparations and supervise, but you'll be on your own."

Zelda absently nodded as she studied the notes he had written for her. A thought suddenly entered her mind, and she looked up at him sharply. She wanted to ask when he planned to take the third trial, but the words got stuck in her throat. They hadn't spoken about their respective roles, powers, or responsibilities for almost half a day now, and it was a trend she didn't want to shatter quite yet.

Deciding to put her faith in him, she said, "Very well, but if I burn something, we are not feeding it to Midna."

"We won't, we won't," Link said. "I would never… unless she wants it."

That broke the tension in Zelda's chest as she bickered with Link on the merits of what and what not to feed the wolf.

Link ended up staying with Zelda for two more days, which was mostly spent teaching her how to cook. Her first attempt at lunch was only so-so, but having seen the mistakes she made, he either amended the notes or jotted down more details. Dinner was an improvement, and breakfast the day after was one of the best Zelda had made for herself. Eventually, responsibility settled back upon their shoulders, and their conversations turned back to either Zelda's efforts or Link's upcoming trial. They worked together on lunch and dinner the following day before Link announced that he would take the third trial once they were done eating.

"If you're sure," Zelda said.

"I'm not, but there's little more reason to delay," Link replied. "I'm feeling rested now and as ready as I'll ever be."

"I shall pray for your success," Zelda said. She tried to keep upbeat. "I daresay I have quite a bit of experience in that regard."

"I appreciate that. And you," he quietly replied.

She could almost feel the heat in her cheeks and hoped that the dim firelight from the cooking pit would hide that fact.

Once they were finished, she followed Link's purposeful strides towards the dais.

As they approached, the Great Deku Tree spoke. "Take caution, Link. This is the final trial, and naturally, the longest and most difficult leg. The other two were mere precursors, designed to prepare you for this moment. Once you begin, there will be no turning back, no escape, and no other way out but forward. You must commit wholeheartedly to this."

Link nodded. "Is there any advice you can offer?"

"Power is not to be shunned or feared, but wielded when the need arises," the Great Deku Tree answered. "You do not practice your arts so that you can claim lives; you hone your skills for the day when you must protect lives. Power is to be embraced, but it must be tempered accordingly."

Again, Link nodded. "Restrain myself but unleash my fury when the time calls for it."

"A lesson I feel you are now only beginning to master," the Great Deku Tree said. "Again, once the trial begins, you are committed. Success or death await you."

"I'm ready."

"Then I hope to see you again, Link."

Taking a long, deep breath, Link slowly approached the Master Sword. Midna mournfully howled but did not approach.

Right after he stepped onto the dais to begin the third and final trial, something impulsive gripped Zelda. Before she could have any time to think about it, she leapt onto the dais as well and quickly ran up to Link just as his hands were closing around the Master Sword's hilt.

Her lips found his cheek and gave him a lingering kiss. In his ear, she managed to whisper, "For luck."

The last image she saw was Link's surprised expression before he vanished.

Cheeks burning, Zelda quickly retreated back to the Navel—she could tell the Great Deku Tree was amused, even if his 'facial expressions' did not show it. She flopped onto her bed and smothered her face into the pillow.

Why did I do that?!

She wholly blamed Link and his rugged attractiveness, and his distracting smile, and his warm presence, and the scent he left on the bed, and his muscular arms—

She proceeded to scream into the pillow.

~o~O~o~

It had been almost three weeks since Link had started the third trial. Nearly a month spent in the grove. Zelda continued to try to find ways to unlock her powers, but the sheer act of metaphysical effort was driving her efforts against a metaphorical wall. At least with her research, there was often something tangible to grasp. In her desperation, she even returned to praying in the evenings before bed, though instead of praying for her powers to awaken, she asked for a little help… and for Link's safe return.

"Great Deku Tree, I was wondering… we spoke of wisdom, power, and courage… mind, heart, and soul," Zelda said one morning. "I needed to find balance between these aspects to unlock my powers."

"That is correct," the Great Deku Tree replied.

"Am I… lacking? In one or two or all of these things?" Zelda asked.

"Wisdom, you have. Courage, you have. But power, you do not," the Great Deku Tree answered. "I would like to remind you that mortals view power differently than the gods. To mortals, power is a means by which to elevate themselves. To gods, power is but a tool to exert their influence and a manifestation of their will."

"And to embrace power, I need to do it the same way as the Great Goddesses do?"

"Correct. As Hylia's descendant, you do not see power the same way as other mortals do, even if you are mortal yourself," the Great Deku Tree said. "You must rise above that in order to claim your birthright."

"In other words, my heart is weak," Zelda murmured dejectedly.

"Not weak, merely unused," the Great Deku Tree corrected softly. "I believe your heart to be stronger than you can imagine, if you choose to feel."

Zelda nodded. Though she still had no idea on how to proceed, at least there was something to focus on. "I will try to… embrace your words."

The Great Deku Tree smiled. "You are indeed learning."

"So… is that what Link and I are lacking? Power?" Zelda asked.

"That is what I surmise, but I can only tell you this based on what you've told me," the Great Deku Tree answered. "Like you, he has suffered loss and closed his heart to avoid that pain. In doing so, he deafened himself to the Master Sword."

"And those trials are supposed to help him?"

"Indeed."

"You said there was no trial for me," Zelda said. "Why is that?"

"Link must bond with the Master Sword, but you must look within. I am afraid there is no designed trial for that," the Great Deku Tree replied. "The experiences you have had in your life are also experiences you should feel. Life itself is your trial."

"So… there's no way to know if I'm moving forward or failing?" she asked dejectedly.

"That is for you to judge," he replied softly. "In essence, you are your own worst enemy. Formidable, critical, and able to cast hopelessness and doubt over your heart."

She frowned. It was hard to articulate her feelings on the matter, which she took as an indication of her continued failures.

Just as she was about to speak further, a flash of light coalesced atop the dais.

~o~O~o~

When Link returned to the grove, he let out a breath and looked down at the Master Sword that was still in his hands.

"Link!" Zelda cried out happily.

He looked up and gave her a reassuring nod before turning his attention back to the Master Sword. The blade, once a pristine otherworldly metal, was now glowing with a kind of subtle silver light and emitting an energy that he could feel. He hadn't yet let go since he'd returned, and he could feel a certain kind of power thrumming through the blade, into his fingers, and up his arms. Before, it may have intimidated him, but now he tightened his grip comfortingly.

Like two years prior, he slowly began to pull. The Master Sword slid freely from its pedestal. Reverently, he turned it around and let the Master Sword rest comfortably in his hand. Raising it skyward, the blade flashed brightly once, as if telling him that it approved. The feel, the weight, the balance… physically, nothing about the sword had changed, but there was a dichotomy of lightness and heaviness to it now. As if it was ready for him; ready to help, ready to fight. It was a bond in the truest sense, something he hadn't felt with the sword before. And it was for that reason he wasn't wholly surprised to hear a voice, quiet and distant as it was, when he closed his eyes and lowered the sword. It wasn't Hylian—at least, he didn't think so—and it was certainly no language he knew of. But he felt he understood what was said all the same.

Master.

He slowly opened his eyes and offered a solitary, solemn nod to the Master Sword. Midna walked up to him, his sheath in her jaws. He quietly thanked her and reclaimed his sheath before he slid the Master Sword within. Looking back up at Zelda, he observed the shocked look on her face.

"Zelda?" Link called out. "I'm okay. Are—are you okay?"

"I heard it," Zelda whispered, her eyes round and remaining locked onto the Master Sword. "I heard the voice."

"You have succeeded," the Great Deku Tree said. "Well done. Your mind, body, and soul are now ready to wield the Master Sword at its full potential. You do not fail to impress!"

"Thank you," Link replied quietly. "For everything."

"Now you are truly one with that sword of yours," the Great Deku Tree said. "I must say, its sacred glow suits you well."

"I… I don't know about that, but I'll give it my all," Link said. "You've been of tremendous help."

"Forgive me if I overstep my bounds, but I daresay that your father would be immensely proud of you," the Great Deku Tree said. "Please take the time to rest and recover. My Koroks will guide you whenever you wish to leave."

Link nodded and glanced at Zelda. "Tomorrow morning, then."

"I'll have Zooki send word," Zelda said. She took Link's hand and tugged him towards the Navel. "Come along. I shall have something prepared when you wake."

Bemused, Link allowed himself to be pulled along, though he could feel the beginnings of a blush creep along his cheeks when he recalled the favor Zelda had gifted him before he'd embarked on his trial.

"Are you okay? I mean, I know you are physically, but are you okay?" she asked.

"I… I actually performed well on this one," Link mumbled, a bit surprised now that he finally had a chance to reflect. "I got some scrapes, some cuts, some bruises, but… I didn't get injured this time. I didn't know how long the trial would take, so… fewer reckless actions, more thoughtful ones."

After seating him on his bed and helping remove his boots while he took off his bracers, she arched an eyebrow and smirked at him. "My, my. He can be taught."

"Oh, ha-ha." He stuck his tongue out at her before laying back on the bed. "You won't believe it, but when I reached the last room… they were there. Sheikah monks."

"What?!" Zelda stood up and loomed over him. "Really?!"

"They were… ancient. Their bodies… they were old, shriveled, and vaguely resembled Hylians," Link said, recalling the details. "They were encased within some kind of glass. They didn't move, the mouths didn't speak, but they all had the Sheikah Eye on their straw hats. You know, the kind that Impa has?"

Zelda nodded. "Go on!"

"There were seven of them, all there at the end, sitting in meditative poses," Link said. "When I heard them speaking, it wasn't from their remains, it was… it was like the room itself was speaking."

"What did they say?"

"That the depth of my heroism was beyond question, that they created that trial because of a revelation they'd had from the Goddess Hylia, and that I was worthy," Link whispered. He could recall the solemnness of his approach to the dais. "The Master Sword was there, looking like nothing I could have imagined. When I grasped it, it sent me back here."

"What was that voice we heard? Do you know?" Zelda quietly asked. Her eyes were on the divine blade now, propped against Link's bed and ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.

"No… never heard it… or her, before," Link replied. "You would know more than I. You were the one that mentioned that legend about a voice within the Master Sword."

"Maybe I'll look into it… or maybe it's better if this is one mystery to remain one," Zelda said. "I'm sorry, I should let you sleep."

It was only the afternoon, but Link smiled and closed his eyes. "Mmm… g'night."

~o~O~o~

Link awoke the next morning—very early, given how little sunlight reached the grove—completely refreshed. Nearby, in her own alcove, Zelda was sleeping soundly. Midna stirred and blearily looked at him as he quietly put his boots on.

He quickly put a finger to his lips. The wolf yawned widely before curling back into herself to sleep.

Leaving the rest of his equipment behind, Link left the hollow, quietly waved at the Great Deku Tree, and spent the next couple of hours stretching and relaxing.

When Link felt it was nearly time for Zelda to wake up, he lit a small fire and began cooking breakfast.

Eventually, the smells and sounds woke her. She sat up in bed and pouted at him. "I was going to cook for you."

"I did want to wake for dinner, but I was really tired, it seems," he replied. "You can finish cooking if you want. I'll take Midna out for her morning business."

Zelda mock-glared at him but slid out of bed, put on her boots, and quickly made her way to the cooking pot. Link ushered Midna out of the Navel for a quick run around. By the time they returned, Zelda was adding some herbs to the scrambled eggs she had made in addition to the sausages Link had been preparing.

"Almost done," she said without looking up. Her gaze remained intent on her culinary creation.

Link smiled at how cute the entire affair looked as he settled in across from her. "Smells great."

"I should hope so. I've been practicing for weeks," she murmured. She glanced over at him briefly. "Thank you for taking the time to teach me."

"My pleasure."

"It certainly will be after you try this," she said teasingly. She doled out Link's portion and handed him his plate. "All done!"

After taking a few bites, he nodded. "Seal of approval."

She smiled back. "Mission accomplished!"

"We should pack up after we're finished eating," he said. "This outing took much longer than either of us expected."

"But it was worthwhile overall," she replied. "We've learned a great deal."

"We did."

"I already sent a message last night, and everyone is expecting us," Zelda said. She suddenly smirked. "Link, you know it's just us here. There's no need to hold back. Just enjoy your meal."

Link blinked at her before glancing down at his plate. In what seemed like forever—not since he had been a child, at any rate—he started wolfing down his meal until his cheeks were filled with scrambled eggs. He swallowed and sighed happily.

Giggling, Zelda asked, "I take it you approve?"

"I do, and because I'm hungry," he replied. He stuffed his face, finally abandoning the rigid manners that had been drilled into him for years. He actually finished around the same time Midna did. "Ah, that was good."

"You two are quite the pair," Zelda teased. Her smile became impish. "Well, since you're finished, you can wash, clean up, and begin packing."

Again, Link blinked, and he looked down at his empty—and soiled—plate, as well as the empty/dirty pot and skillet, before hanging his head. "I have been outwitted."

Smirking triumphantly, she patted him on the top of his head. "Yes, you have. I shall enjoy myself here."

Sighing in defeat, he began collecting everything. The work was something he was already used to. In short order, the cooking and eating implements were cleaned and put away—except for the pots and pans, but the Koroks said they would handle it—and packed in his bag, the princess's bag, and tidied up after their long stay beneath the Great Deku Tree.

After Zelda finished her breakfast, she puttered about, ensuring that all her books, notes, pens, and other stationery were packed as well.

Once they were ready, they stepped back out into the grove and stood upon the dais before their benefactor.

"It has been my pleasure to host you both here in my humble grove," the Great Deku Tree said. "As ever, I shall watch over your journey from here."

"We hope to bring you good tidings against Ganon," Zelda replied. "We shall personally deliver the news."

The Great Deku Tree smiled. "Oh-ho-ho, I look forward to seeing you both once again on that momentous day."

Zelda gifted the ancient guardian with one last brilliant smile, while Link waved before turning away.

After bidding farewell to the Great Deku Tree, one of the biggest Koroks Link had seen thus far approached them. He was bigger than Zelda's father and just shy of King Dorephan. If Link had to judge, the Korok probably matched Ilia's father, Bo, in size.

"I'm Hestu!" the Korok said excitedly. He shook a pair of maracas. "I'll lead you out of the woods safely, don't you worry!"

Link and Zelda shared a look, shrugged, and nodded to their guide.

As they walked back into the foggy woods, Link and Zelda watched in amusement as Hestu shook his maracas, danced, and twirled ahead of them. The other Koroks started mimicking Hestu's flamboyant moves, turning the performance into an impromptu parade. Zelda quietly remarked to Link that when they'd first entered the woods, it had felt foreboding, but there was something about Hestu's irreverent nature that made the whole affair feel more comedic than frightening.

The moment they cleared the fog and rounded a massive tree, they spotted Impa, Liena, and the other Royal Guardsmen that had set up camp.

"Princess! Link! You're back!" Impa cried out. She ran up and hugged them both in utter relief. "Oh, it's so good to see you both safe and sound!"

"A sentiment we can all agree with," Liena said. She hugged Link from behind, since Impa had yet to let them go. "It's good to see you're okay. You are okay, right?"

"I'm fine," Link mumbled. "Maybe better than I thought."

One of the smaller Koroks flew above their heads. "Hello again!"

"Hello," Liena whispered. She turned to Link. "None of the others see them at all, so I have to be careful, or they'll think I've gone mad."

Link chuckled. "Totally understandable."

Next, Liena's eyes were locked on Hestu. "I-is that a Korok, too?"

"He is. That's Hestu," Link replied.

"And I love to dance!" Hestu cried out. He started shaking his maracas and spinning in place. The smaller Koroks quickly ran up next to him and started matching him step for step.

The spontaneous show looked so ridiculous and endearing that Liena burst out laughing, quickly followed by Zelda and Link. Some of the Royal Guardsmen hesitantly laughed, while others looked utterly bewildered as they looked around to see what was so amusing.

Zelda walked up to their escorts and bowed. She knew that only Link and Liena could see them, and the image of how it must have looked to the others caused her to smile.

"Thank you for everything, all of you," Zelda said.

"Don't worry, Princess, we won't be strangers!" one of the Koroks said. "We're all over Hyrule, spreading seeds and planting trees!"

"Well, I will take the time to say hello to your fellows whenever I see them," she replied. "Goodbye, one and all."

All the Koroks waved their stubby little arms and cried out their partings. Hestu shook his maracas even more energetically than before.

Link and Liena also waved, and again, the Royal Guardsmen stood there awkwardly as they glanced around to see whatever it was that they could see and speak to.

"What's going on, eh?" Cid muttered. "What are you all going on about?"

After the Koroks left, Zelda turned to him. "Forest spirits. They were very hospitable. We were just saying goodbye."

"Forest spirits," Shepard repeated skeptically.

"Dame Serlut said that she was getting the princess's missives from those spirits," Harper said. "It looked like they appeared out of thin air."

"Does that mean you can see them, too? The forest spirits, I mean," Miranda asked.

Liena nodded. "When Link saved me in there, he was the only one that could see them at first. Then I was able to see them after."

"Amazing," Sofia said. "What are they like? Are they ghosts or something?"

" 'ere now! Don't be joking about something like that!" Cid shouted.

"Cid, are you afraid of ghosts?" Harper asked, grinning.

"Not afraid, just not a preference," Cid muttered. "Mind you, you can't hit a ghost with a sword."

"Oh. Fair point."

"I will tell you about it as we head back to the castle," Zelda said. "I believe I have the information I need to unlock my powers, but it still won't be easy. I need to report to Father in any event. I'm certain he's been worried sick."

"That's an understatement," Impa said.

Understanding her unspoken orders, everyone began dismantling the camp, putting out the fires, and readying their mounts.

"One of Her Highness's letters mentioned something about a trial you had to undergo?" Liena asked Link as they started saddling their respective horses.

Link nodded. "To 'unlock the splendor of the Master Sword', as the Great Deku Tree put it."

"What does that mean?"

He didn't answer immediately. He finished putting on Epona's gear and gave her some loving rubs and scratches before turning back to Liena and drawing the Master Sword.

Her eyes widened at the otherworldly light that shined from the divine blade. "Oh, in Farore's name… that's…"

"Yeah," Link said. "I learned it can do other things, too, but I'd rather not show it off."

"Responsible of you," Shepard said. His eyes, as well as those of everyone present save Zelda, were all locked onto the Master Sword. "Well, if there were any doubts about your role in all this, I think that should dispel them."

"Aye, all except the greatest of fools," Cid added. "I have to say, lad, I was a believer before, but now? You're making me think that I should probably go to the cathedral a bit more often. Maybe offer a prayer or two."

"Couldn't hurt," Harper said.

In short order, the camp was disassembled, horses were prepped, and messages were sent to the Rito and the soldiers at the training camp. Soon everyone was on the way back to the castle.

"Has anything happened since your last message?" Zelda asked Impa.

"Oh, I wanted to tell you something Purah messaged me about a few days ago," Impa said excitedly. "Masako found the hidden shrine at the Great Plateau!"

Zelda's head snapped up. "Really?! What is it?!"

"According to the records they were able to decipher, it's called the Shrine of Resurrection," Impa said, which drew eyes and ears upon her. "And… they don't know more than that. But they feel it's very, very important!"

"Oh, I must look through my records!" Zelda cried out. She straightened up and glanced at Link shyly. "Link… could you help me?"

He wanted to say no. He wanted to ask for details before agreeing to anything. He wanted to put his foot down and remind her of the work ahead. For some reason, though, against that look which was orders of magnitude worse than Aryll had ever been able to muster, he crumbled instantly.

Sighing the sigh of the damned, Link could only wearily nod.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

After they returned to the castle, Link fondly stroked Epona as he led her into the stables. "That was the last ride, girl."

Affronted, Epona roughly pushed him.

"No, I'm standing my ground on this one," Link said sternly. "You need to know your limits, and I'm not riding you to death. You have children to look after, and it's not fair to Leo, either. You've taken care of me, but now I know I can look after myself. You have others to care for, and you know it. No more running away from responsibility."

Again, she nudged him, but her eyes looked miserable. Nearby, Midna softly nudged his leg in consolation.

"Hey, Ammy had to go do what she needed to do, and you were born," Link whispered to the wolf. He turned back to Epona. "And now you do, too. I know you love me, and you know I love you, too, but it's time. Go home and be a mother."

If Link had any doubts if Epona understood him, they were dispelled when a solitary tear fell from one of the mare's eyes. He wiped it away and hugged her. "You really have been the best. No other horse will ever replace you… except maybe one of your foals when they grow old enough. It'll be a family legacy."

Epona nickered and licked his ear. Her head raised slightly, prompting Link to turn around. He saw Zelda standing awkwardly at the stall entrance.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Zelda said. "I-I didn't mean to intrude."

"It's fine," Link said.

"If you wish to go, I can have Impa watch over me for a day or two," Zelda added.

"That… that would be best, but not that long," Link replied. "Neither of us are fond of long goodbyes, and we'll still be seeing each other. I don't want to make it feel like it's goodbye forever. Does that make sense?"

"It does." Zelda bit her lip and looked around. "Would you like to borrow Aether for the ride back?"

Link shook his head. "No. You still need to build a rapport with him."

"One of the castle horses, then?"

"Hmm… that would be for the best. I don't want to bond with any other horse for a bit now," Link said sadly.

Epona nudged him slightly and rested her massive head on his shoulder. He gave her some more loving scratches. "We should go now before I change my mind. I should only be gone for an hour or so."

"Of course," Zelda replied. She walked up to Epona and gave the mare some soft strokes on her head. "You've done your job admirably. You know this. Be proud."

Calming slightly under the princess's ministrations, Epona still looked despondent but grew less standoffish.

"Would you like some company?" Zelda asked Link.

He shook his head. "Not for this. I value your presence, but this should just be Epona and me. Besides, you wanted to look into the Shrine of Resurrection, didn't you?"

"W-well, yes…"

"And it seems dreadfully important."

"Then you'll talk to Father on my behalf?"

Link nodded. "I'll do that after we report in."

"I must confess, I'm a little surprised that you would agree," Zelda said. "You said that you sided with my father on my powers, on how my research was a distraction."

"I also know you love it and that it's your passion, something that's been snuffed out and thus a barrier to your powers," Link replied. "The Divine Beasts and the Guardians are distractions because you were relying on them rather than us. A shrine doesn't carry that kind of stigma, so I don't see anything wrong with looking into that, especially since we're still putting effort into all this ancient technology."

"Well, shall we? Father is waiting; impatiently, if I had to judge," she said.

"Let's."

~o~O~o~

King Rhoam was ecstatic to see Zelda upon her return. Whatever the moment was, Link knew he wasn't about to intrude and stepped back into the hall and closed the door. He waited next to Grimm and another Royal Guardsman that personally guarded the king. They, too, remained stoic and unobtrusive to the muffled words that were able to penetrate the thick wooden door.

Link occupied himself with giving Midna scratches and affection instead.

Finally, Zelda opened the door and invited him to enter. They gave their report, supplemented with Zelda's meticulous notes on Ganon's history, her powers, and Link's trials. King Rhoam listened attentively, asking clarifying questions and probing for details. When the meeting was winding down, Link finally requested on Zelda's behalf to unlock her research tower.

King Rhoam frowned. "Is that wise?"

"She won't be studying the Divine Beasts or Guardians anymore," Link said. "That's been done, or there are others doing it. If what the Great Deku Tree said is accurate, she needs to live and embrace her passions and find her fire. We're not going to get there if we smother her."

"I understand that, but still…"

"Prayers aren't the answer, and I've wasted years trying," Zelda argued. "You once asked how much effort I've been putting in. Now you're seeing it. I'm not being selfish, I'm trying ideas now, just as you always wanted me to do."

"And the fact that it happens to align with your desires has nothing to do with it?" King Rhoam asked skeptically.

"I need to live, Father," Zelda answered staunchly. "No more fear."

Sitting back against the cushions of his chair, King Rhoam sighed. "Hmph. Well, reports on this new shrine have been reaching my ears constantly thus far. Purah believes it might be enough to put work on the Guardians on hold so that she might personally investigate."

Zelda sat up straighter. "Then…?"

King Rhoam glanced at Link before turning back to his daughter. "Time to try something different. Very well, I shall rescind my order. You may investigate this shrine. Perhaps there might be records that can help you."

"We can hope," she said happily. She jumped up and hugged him tightly. "Oh, thank you, Father!"

King Rhoam smiled and patted Zelda fondly. "I'm glad that gains have been made. Hopefully, we shall see results soon."

"We can hope," Zelda repeated into her father's shoulder. "We can hope."

~o~O~o~

The next few days were filled with action, though not all were positive. Link brought Epona to Lon Lon Ranch, where he nearly broke down in tears until he saw how happy the foals were to see their mother again. Epona basked each one with love and affection. Malon promised Link that she would take great care of Epona, something he was forever grateful for. Back at the castle, Zelda's tower was unlocked, and she quickly borrowed the necessary books from Sahasrahla before fervently reading and cross-referencing… whatever it was she was looking for.

Zelda rifled through her notes and various tomes for the umpteenth time. "Oh, I was sure it was here somewhere!"

Behind her back, Link and Impa shared amused looks, which they carefully wiped away when Zelda turned around and rushed to another section of her study.

Zelda stomped her foot in frustration. "Oh, I leave for just a few months, and this happens?!"

Now Link and Impa were quick to hide their amusement in the face of Zelda's ire.

"Link, could you hand me the Sheikah Slate?" Zelda asked distractedly. "It's just behind you."

Link saw the Sheikah Slate carefully propped on a table and picked it up. However, before he could even turn around, it started glowing blue in his hands.

"Master Sword detected. Additional Sheikah Slate functions unlocked."

Link almost dropped the device. He fumbled with it for a few moments, with Impa and Zelda rushing in to try to catch it before Link clutched it against his chest and let out a relieved sigh.

"It talks?!" Impa gasped out.

"W-what did it say?" Zelda asked, eyes wide.

Link shook his head. He looked down at the screen and blinked. "Um… there's something on it."

"What is it?!" Zelda asked. She ran up to his side and looked down at the screen.

"Uh, a blinking arrow?" Link replied uncertainly, his words coming out as half question, half answer. He slowly moved the Sheikah Slate around, but the arrow moved so that it remained pointed in a specific direction, like a compass. "It seems to be pointing directly south of us."

Zelda took the Sheikah Slate away from him, but the moment she did so, the arrow vanished. Seeing this, she thrust it back into Link's hands, and the arrow reappeared.

"My goodness, the Sheikah Slate really does respond to you!" Zelda said.

"Hmm…" Impa muttered.

Link and Zelda turned to Impa, who was deep in thought.

"Do you know something, Impa?" Zelda asked.

"I… I don't want to make baseless conjectures," Impa said. "A lot of what I know is already mired in myth and legend, and trying to figure out what is accurate and what isn't is already pretty tough."

"By all means," Zelda said dryly. "We're already relying on guesswork as it is. Let's just call it another running theory, shall we?"

Impa wore a sheepish look and knocked the top of her head. "Good point. Um, it's said that the Goddess Hylia and the Sheikah were close, which is why the Sheikah are loyal to the royal family. It's also suggested that the Goddess Hylia was the one that created the Master Sword. So, it stands to reason that my ancestors would also create tools to help the Chosen Hero and would use the Master Sword as the identifying marker… I would think."

Zelda gripped Link's arms tightly. "Have you ever held the Sheikah Slate since we've met?!"

Gulping, he shook his head. "No, never."

Putting her face in her hands, Zelda groaned. "I can't believe this. Right under our noses this entire time!"

Link looked down at the Sheikah Slate, shrugged, and held it out for Zelda to take.

Shaking her head, Zelda looked out the south window, to where the Great Plateau was at. "We discovered many ancient Sheikah ruins dotted across the land, but even with the Sheikah Slate, we have not been able to access them… though… it did just say that 'additional functions' were now unlocked, so I wonder…"

"Wonder… what?" Link asked with mild trepidation.

Zelda beamed at him… which did absolutely nothing to alleviate his worries.

Nothing at all.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – The Great Plateau, the Shrine of Resurrection

"Your Highness, Link, Impa. It's good to see you all again," Masako greeted. "As you can see, we've finally cracked the secret of this mountain."

"Yes, and while I would love to physically inspect the site, we're here for a very specific purpose," Zelda said. She was practically giddy now. "Do you remember that Guidance Stone we spoke of last year? I think we might be able to access it now!"

Masako's eyebrows shot up. "Truly?"

"Thanks to Link, we might finally solve it! Two mysteries in one day!"

"Hmm… there's a similar Guidance Stone in the Shrine of Resurrection as well, but I think it would be safer to try the hidden tower if we're going to experiment," Masako said. She nodded. "Let us go. It's not far, especially since we're going on horseback."

As everyone got onto their mounts, Link softly stroked Briar, the stallion he was borrowing from the castle stables. He was a hardy horse and energetic, but he wasn't Epona. Still, Link did not let his despondent attitude show as he soothed the horse. Link knew the problem wasn't with Briar, it was with himself.

Midna looked up at Link mournfully, having long since missed Epona's presence.

"I know, I know," he muttered.

"Were there records that you've been able to recover within the shrine?" Zelda asked as they rode down the hill.

Masako nodded. "There were. Not far from another one of those special Guidance Stones, the one that may or may not require your Sheikah Slate."

"What is special about it?" Impa asked. "The only difference between this shrine and the others is that there were no monks overseeing this one."

"That is partially accurate," Masako answered. She looked at Zelda. "The Shrine of Resurrection was commissioned by your ancestor, Your Highness, and thus it's recorded as one of the newest shrines. The idea was that if the Hero were to ever fall in battle, he would be placed here to recover. This place was designed to work for one chosen by the Master Sword and no other."

Link blinked when all eyes turned to him. "Really? Does that mean…?"

"It should work for you, but we can't say until we get specialists here to examine it," Masako said.

"You mentioned that Impa's assessment was only partially accurate," Zelda said.

"There's a hidden shrine here, though inaccessible to us, but… perhaps not to Link," Masako replied. "We found the name of a legendary monk who could not be verified as real or not."

"Maz Koshia?!" Impa shouted. "You found him?!"

"We found references to his name, and only around the area," Masako said. "There was also an image that I believe might be of a Divine Beast, but I cannot be sure."

"The missing fifth…" Zelda whispered. Her eyes were wide with delight. "Oh, this place is becoming more and more exciting by the moment."

They chattered the entire way until they reached the other archeological site. It was empty, since the hidden chamber leading into the shrine had been found. Masako had dedicated all her resources to the primary site, so they were alone for the time being. Finally, all four of them were standing at a console that was still mostly buried by rocks.

"Are you sure we should do this?" Link asked.

"Yes," Zelda answered impatiently. "Now stop asking and just do it."

Link remained dubious as to what effect this could have had, but orders were orders. He studied the pedestal and noted the slot in the center that would fit the Sheikah Slate, though the hinge remained closed.

"Here?" he asked.

"Yes," Zelda said. "Don't you remember? We tried this before, but it didn't work for me. I suspect it will be different for you."

"Okay, but do you know what will happen?" Link asked.

"No, which is why we're doing it," Zelda answered impatiently. "Now hurry up and put the Slate in already! I want to see what it does!"

Feeling far less enthused about the idea than her, Link did as he was told.

Unlike Zelda's attempt, nearly two years prior, the pedestal suddenly popped open, and the tiny hinge pointed outward.

Zelda cried out in giddiness. "It should fit now! It should fit!"

Link studied the tiny protrusion and saw that it was rounded. He turned the Sheikah Slate in his hands until the handle was facing upward. He put the Sheikah Slate into the groove.

The pedestal seized the Slate and pulled it deeper into itself. It was a perfect and snug fit, such that it was highly unlikely they would be able to retrieve the device if the pedestal didn't release it. Suddenly, the pedestal lit up, with more lines of light leading away from the strange device and into the floor around them.

The Sheikah Slate's display lit up with the familiar symbol of the Sheikah tribe. A female voice spoke again.

"Sheikah Tower activated. Please watch for falling rocks."

"Sheikah Tower?" Link repeated dumbly. "Falling rocks? What is it talking about?"

Without warning or fanfare, the ground beneath them shook violently. Link and Impa shouted in surprise, while Zelda and Masako let out shrieks of shock. Everyone collapsed to the ground, unable to maintain their footing.

"W-what's going o-on?!" Link yelled over the rumbling roar.

"I-I have no idea!" Impa shouted.

When all eyes turned to the princess, Zelda shook her head. "None of my research has ever referenced thiiiiiiii—"

Her words were cut off when they felt themselves rising at an alarming speed. The rocks that had surrounded them were blown apart by force.

Without thinking, Link threw himself on top of Zelda, shielding her with his body. He could hear the multitude of rocky debris strike the shield on his back.

He had no idea how long they were rising or how long the ground beneath them shook, but when it ended, he could scarcely believe what had happened. Picking his head up, he saw nothing but blue skies and white clouds.

"I am never touching one of these things again," Link mumbled. "Things just keep happening whenever I do it."

Slowly, all four of them stood up on unsteady legs and took in what had just happened.

"The tower," Masako breathed out. "It rose from the ground!"

Impa stared at the distant vista, taking in the sights. Then she let out a groan of anguish. "Oh… Purah is going to kill me when she finds out about this. She would've wanted to be here to observe…"

Zelda, still supported by Link, gave a wry smile. "Yes, perhaps it would have been prudent to ask her and Robbie to join us."

"Look! There are more towers," Link said, pointing. "One there, in the middle of Hyrule Field."

"Oh, I see one near Kakariko!" Impa said.

"I see another at the Hebra Mountain range!" Zelda added.

"They're everywhere," Link said. He slowly spun in place, taking in the landscape at their new elevated height. Some towers were still rising. "Quite the view."

"Communicating with other Sheikah Towers. Gathering topographic information."

Everyone snapped out of their reveries and looked at the Guidance Stone once more.

"T-topo what?" Link asked.

"Topographic," Zelda said. "It essentially means cartography—I mean—"

"Mapping?" Link finished.

Pleased that he knew that, at least, Zelda nodded. She studied the pedestal closely. "The tower must be aware of the region somehow… It might be generating a map of some kind…"

Link grabbed Zelda and pulled her away. She looked at him curiously before noting where his gaze was at.

Above the pedestal, a black crystal-like structure began showing ancient Hylian script, scrolling downwards in vertical patterns. They gathered towards a rounded tip at the bottom, where the Sheikah Eye was prominently displayed. As the characters disappeared into the Eye, a familiar eyedrop coalesced beneath the Sheikah symbol, making it complete for just a moment as it loomed above the Sheikah Slate. It was not quite like water or any other liquid they were familiar with.

Everyone watched in mute fascination as the single blue teardrop was released, falling with a sound akin to a bell before it vanished into the Sheikah Slate.

"Regional map extracted."

After the message, the pedestal released the Sheikah Slate and held it vertically.

"Go on, reclaim it," Zelda urged.

Link stared at her incredulously before steeling himself and carefully picking up the device again. He held it out to her.

This time, Zelda wasted no time in seizing the Sheikah Slate for herself and started tapping the machine quickly. "My goodness, this really is a map of the region… at least, of the immediate surroundings. It's so accurate!"

"Oh, let me see!" Impa said. She dashed up and looked over the princess's shoulder. "Wow, it's so clear! Better than any map I've ever seen!"

"It really is!"

"Oh, and this must be what the tapestry was referring to," Impa mused. "All these towers, they have to serve some kind of function for you, Link!"

Zelda's eyes widened with glee. "Oh, you're right!"

Their discussion was put on hold when Midna let out a loud, worried howl. Link quickly walked up to the edge of the tower.

"We're fine!" he yelled. "Stay back, Midna!"

He started walking around the edge of the tower, inspecting the exterior, and determining how to get down.

"What do you see?" Impa asked.

"It's a good thing we have paragliders," Link said after he finished his circuit, "because it looks like the stairs are out of the question. If there ever were any, they're long gone."

"Well, how do I get down?" Zelda asked. "I do not have a paraglider, nor do I know how to make effective use of one."

"We can tandem ride," Link said. He took a leather cord, tied it to his belt, and tied the other end to his shield's handle so that his back was free. Next, he stepped up, back facing toward Zelda. "Just wrap your arms around me, one arm over a shoulder, the other arm under a shoulder, so that you cross my chest."

"L-like this?" Zelda did as she was told. The blush on her cheeks was readily seen.

Link only hoped that his embarrassment wasn't as visual.

"Yes," Link said, glad that his voice didn't break.

"Why like this?" Zelda asked.

"So you don't accidentally choke me out of fright," Link answered wryly.

"Oh."

Impa looked supremely worried. "Maybe I should—"

"—only if you're strong enough to hold on to your paraglider and the princess for the entire way down," Link pointedly said.

Impa blinked, judged their height from the bottom of the tower, and sighed. "Will you be able to handle the entire descent?"

Link nodded.

"Well, it seems this is the best possible plan available to us," Impa said. She took a deep breath. "I'll be gliding beside you. Just in case."

"Though what you plan to do escapes me entirely," Link said dryly. "Pretty sure once we're airborne, we're in the hands of the Goddesses."

Impa opened and closed her mouth several times before glancing at Masako. The archeologist could only shrug back helplessly.

"We'll be fine, Impa," Zelda said. She hadn't let go of Link, even though they weren't jumping yet. "I trust Link will not let me fall."

Taking a deep breath, Impa nodded. "Very well. Let's go before we think about this any more than we already have."

Link remained focused on getting them down safely. He was not thinking about how good Zelda smelled, or how her breasts were pressed against his—

Focus, Link! Focus!

"Hang on tight," Link said. Those directions did nothing to help slow the rush of blood within him.

Zelda's legs were now wrapped around his waist. "R-r-ready!"

Link pulled out his paraglider and opened it. "Here we go!"

The moment they were airborne, she let out another shriek and firmly pressed her face into his shoulder. Thankfully, the added weight did not alarmingly increase the speed of their descent. It was still a smooth ride down, though Link did have to begin circling the tower to ride the winds a bit more.

When Zelda realized that they weren't plummeting to their deaths, she managed to look up and gasp in delight. "Oh, this is not so bad."

"It really isn't," Link said, raising his voice in order to be heard. "When Liena and I were training at Death Mountain, Daruk had us go climb this really tall and vertical rock formation. For strength training. The moment we got to the top, we enjoyed the view, then jumped off, just because we could."

"I can see why," Zelda breathed out. "This is rather fun, actually."

"If you're thinking of trying it, you need the upper body strength to do this," Link said over the rushing winds. "More exercise than you're used to, I'm sure."

Zelda tightened her grip around him. "Oh, really?!"

"Now I'm sure you need more exercise," Link shot back, grinning.

Once they landed, safe and sound, Zelda had to calm Midna down before turning to the others. "That was amazing."

"Indeed," Masako said breathlessly. "Purah and Robbie will need to be notified of this immediately!"

"We can go!" Zelda replied at once. "Right now!"

Link and Impa shared exasperated looks but were resigned to following the princess, especially since she had regained that excited gleam in her eyes.

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Royal Ancient Lab

"Ahem! After some careful secondary analysis…" Purah said with a meaningful look at those assembled.

Link didn't react, but Zelda and Impa shared similar abashed looks.

"It looks like the purpose of the Sheikah Towers is to provide early warning of Calamity Ganon's attack."

"So that's why they're on the tapestry, along with the Guardians and Divine Beasts!" Impa said. "Oh, that's so clever!"

"Aha, but that isn't all!" Robbie said exuberantly. "With the appearance of the towers, smaller structures across the land have also been activated!"

"The shrines?!" Zelda asked ecstatically.

"Indeed! They appear to be functional! Perhaps you may be able to open them now," Robbie answered.

"When you say 'you'…" Impa said before her gaze locked onto Link.

Link caught her eyes and pointed at himself. "Wait, me?"

"We can finally unearth the secrets within the shrines!" Zelda cried out. "Oh, I've been dying to see what's inside!"

"Hold on, before we get too excited," Link said. He had a worried look on his face. "Those towers just burst out of the ground, right? Just like that? Falling rocks and everything? Was anyone hurt? Any reports? Was there an entire village planted on top of one of those things before we did this?"

Everyone in the lab fell silent before sharing varying looks of dismay, uncertainty, worry, and horror.

"Oh, Great Goddesses of Light! Why didn't I think of that?! We must head back to the castle!" Zelda said at once. "We need to dispatch runners and teams to assess the damage, if any!"

Purah nodded. "Robbie and I will assist, too. I'll go to the site of the Hateno tower."

"I shall go to the Akkala tower," Robbie said.

"I'll go to Necluda," Impa said.

"We should inform the Champions to check their homelands," Link suggested.

"Link and I will report to my father and inform him of the situation," Zelda said. "No doubt panic would have erupted across Hyrule, and he will need to know what is going on. We will dispatch the appropriate forces to travel with you all."

"Oh, we should have done this first instead of riding all the way here," Impa said. "I hope Kakariko is okay!"

Whatever elation was felt in light of their discovery was now overshadowed by the possible collateral damage they had inadvertently caused. Link especially felt a powerful feeling of dread grip his spine and threaten to snap him in half.

This is all my fault.

~o~O~o~

Author's Notes:

Whew! Longest chapter yet.

As you can see, I went a vastly different route. This is me taking elements from Age of Calamity now. To temper expectations, I am not doing the time travel thing, so all future characters will not be present.

Now updates will slow down as I figure out how to approach this.