Link's POV

Dark leads me to a secluded campsite hidden within a small grove of trees not far from the castle walls. There isn't much to it, just a bedroll and the remnants of a campfire, but at least it gives us somewhere safe to regroup and plan our next move. I feel my shoulders start to sag as the reality of our situation hits me. This really happened. Those monsters attacking, Ganondorf, Princess Zelda, all those people slaughtered by monsters. My stomach churns, and I close my eyes as a wave of nausea hits me. If I think too hard about what happened in the courtyard, I'll be sick. What I need to do now is figure out my next move. I know I can't just return home after witnessing that.

I look towards Dark, who stands on the edge of the camp cleaning his sword, the hood of his cloak hiding most of his face from my view. "We need to find a way to help the people of Castle Town," I say, breaking the silence. "There has to be a guard outpost or a neighboring village that we can go to for help."

Dark pauses, his eyes still on his blade. "That won't do any good. I'm sure you're familiar with the legend of the Hero of Time?"

I nod. "Everyone knows that legend—a great hero, wielding the sword of evil's bane, kills the powerful evil mage and saves Hyrule."

"It's funny, the one thing those legends never seem to mention is the name of the hero." Dark's eyes now shift to me. From beneath his hood, I can start to make out the shape of his mouth and some strands of dark hair. "Whenever Hyrule is in danger, a hero named Link will arise to confront the evil and save Hyrule. This story has been repeating itself for generations. Link, you are destined to become the next hero of Hyrule."

I frown, convinced this guy must have been hit over the head during our fight in the courtyard. "Listen, I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. I think you have the wrong guy." I put my hands up and take a step back. "I'm not a knight or a warrior; I'm just a ranch hand from Ordon."

Dark's eyes harden. "The birthmark on your left hand… it's the Triforce of Courage. It's a gift bestowed upon every hero by the goddess Farore, and if I had to guess based on his display today, Ganondorf already has the Triforce of Power, and it's likely Princess Zelda holds the Triforce of Wisdom."

My blood goes cold. There's no way this stranger could have known about my birthmark; my gloves cover the back of my hands. "Who exactly are you, and how do you know all this?"

Slowly, he lifts his hood back and reveals a face not that different from my own. His skin is lightly tanned, complemented by shoulder-length, sleek black hair. His eyes are an intense red and exude a depth of emotion that can only come from years of experience, which is strange because he looks to be the same age as me.

Dark's features are sharp and finely chiseled, giving him a somewhat ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. His jawline is strong, and his smirk reveals a hint of fanged canines.

"I am the hero's shadow, your shadow. I'm here to help you fulfill your destiny."

The revelation leaves me speechless. Shadow? But he looks like a normal Hylian to me. Since watching the tournament, I had sensed something familiar about him, but this was beyond anything I had imagined.

"So, what? You're here to train me to be a hero?" I say with an edge to my voice, still not quite believing it.

He nods. "I'm sure there's a few things I can teach you," a hint of a smirk plays on his lips, "but I'm mainly here to support you, Link. A hero's journey can be dangerous and lonely. Trust me, it's always better to have a friend, especially one with some experience, by your side."

At this point, the sun is low in the sky, and I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. I pinch the bridge of my nose and say, "Can we talk about this hero stuff in the morning? I just need to sleep and… process all of this."

Dark nods and heads over to his supplies to grab an extra bedroll for me. Shit, I just realized all of my camping supplies and my bow are still with Epona. Shit! Epona is still stuck in Castle Town. I glance towards the south gate and grimace. I'm sorry, girl. I hope you're okay.

—

Dark's POV

Thankfully, I planned ahead and have enough food for the both of us for at least a few days. I hand Link a hunk of bread and settle in since he insists on using breakfast as an opportunity to question me about this "hero stuff."

I start by telling him what I know about Ganondorf and the dark forces he commands, and I explain that Ganondorf's power stems from a dark magic that could only be countered by the light of the Master Sword, a weapon that Link now carries. But it's not that simple; he needs to restore the sword's power before facing Ganondorf.

Link turns to me, his eyes filled with curiosity. "I don't understand. What makes this sword the sacred Master Sword? And what do you mean by recharging it?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts. "The Master Sword is no ordinary weapon, Link. It's a blade of immense power, blessed by the goddesses themselves to combat the forces of darkness. It's been carried throughout the ages by every incarnation of the Hero. If I had to guess, that village swordsmith, or one of his ancestors, found where the last hero had hidden it deep in Faron Woods. To him, it would have felt like a simple sword, but in your hands, it's something special."

Link listens intently, the weight of my words settling over him. "So, this sword has always been meant for me? Every time I've been reborn, it's been to wield this weapon?"

I nod. "Yes. The Master Sword is bound to your soul. It's a part of you, just as you are a part of it. But the sword's power isn't infinite. Each time it battles against the darkness, it expands its energy. To maintain its strength, it needs to be recharged. The last time this sword was used was against Ganondorf by the Hero of Time, so it is almost completely drained."

"But why does it need the energy from killing monsters?" Link asks.

My expression turns serious as I explain. "The monsters we face aren't just mindless creatures. They're manifestations of dark magic, extensions of Ganondorf's will. When you defeat them, their energy is absorbed by the Master Sword, purifying it and restoring its power."

I pause and finish my last bite of bread. "This is why the temples are so important. There are three temples, and each one is a focal point of dark energy, guarded by powerful creatures. By defeating these guardians, you not only cleanse the temple but also charge the Master Sword with the energy it needs to face Ganondorf."

Link looks away, lost in thought as he absorbs my explanation. I note that he's making a thinking face I had seen the Hero of Time wear many times. The memory makes me smile but also a little melancholy.

Link continues. "So, every monster we defeat brings us one step closer to having the power to defeat Ganondorf, but the biggest monsters with the most energy are the ones guarding these three temples?"

"Exactly," I say. "Let me grab my map." I reach into my satchel and unfold my map of Hyrule.

"There are three ancient temples scattered across Hyrule," I explain as I point to three spots on the map before us. "Each temple contains a guardian that we need to defeat to charge the Master Sword. The Forest Temple is located deep in Faron Woods, the Water Temple in Lake Hylia, and the Fire Temple in the Goron's home, Death Mountain. I think we should start at the Forest Temple since it is the closest, and if we leave soon we should be able to reach it within two days."

—

Link's POV

We set out across Hyrule Field, making our way towards the Forest Temple. Unlike my journey into Castle Town, we encounter no travelers or merchants. It's eerie. Eventually, we pass the inn with the kind woman innkeeper, but now the shutters are closed and the door is barred. It seems that everyone is in hiding, waiting for the danger to pass.

As we travel, Dark and I fall into a comfortable rhythm, our movements synchronized and our senses attuned to each other. As we walk, I start to hum a soft tune, a melody that seems to drift out of some memory I can't recall.

Dark falls into step beside me, his red eyes twinkling with mischief. He grins and nudges me with an elbow.

"Nice tune, hero. Didn't know you were a fan of the classics. That song was popular in Castle Town back when the Hero of Time was alive," he teases, his voice playful.

I furrow my brow and give him a sideways glance. "What are you talking about? How could I possibly know a tune from that time? It's impossible."

Dark chuckles, a warm, rich sound. "Oh, come on, Link. Don't tell me you've never felt like you're carrying pieces of your past lives. You were humming it perfectly. It's almost like you were there."

I shake my head. "You're imagining things, Dark. I don't even know where that tune came from. Maybe it's just something I picked up from the festival."

"Or... maybe it's a sign that you're finally starting to remember all your past lives," Dark counters. "Just admit it, you've got a knack for old songs."

I can't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. Maybe I just have a thing for the classics."

As we approach the entrance to Faron Woods, I turn to Dark. "You mentioned the Hero of Time. How are you so familiar with that legend? Do you also get reincarnated each time there's a hero?"

Without taking his eyes off the path, he answers. "Yes, but it's not the same as you. For me, it feels like waking up from a deep sleep. I'm still me, even if I might look a little different than the last time I was awake."

"So, do you remember all your past lives?" I'm shocked. The weight of that admission settles heavily on my mind. To remember every lifetime, to witness friends and loved ones die over and over, to see once-familiar surroundings crumble into dust only to awaken to a world transformed by time and loss—it must be an unending torment.

He nods, his expression guarded. "Yes. Every single one. It's a blessing and a curse. I remember every battle we've fought, every time we've won and lost, and every time we've... been close."

His words send a shiver down my spine. "Close?"

Dark stops walking and turns to face me, his eyes softening. "Link, I'm sure it will come up in your memories at some point. It's always been like that for you. Sometimes you can remember pieces of your past or sometimes nothing at all." He clears his throat. "So you should know... We've been lovers in many of our past lives. Our bond goes beyond just being hero and shadow; sometimes it's something deeper, something that transcends time."

At the word "lovers," I grab my temples as an ancient memory forces its way to the front of my mind.

—

In a different life, during a rare time of peace, I see an older version of myself wearing a blue tunic with a knight's surcoat, standing in the kitchen of a small cottage. Dark is beside him, dressed similarly but in deeper hues. The aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air.

"Pass me the herbs, will you?" Dark asks.

"Only if you promise not to burn the stew this time," I tease, handing him the small bundle of fresh herbs.

He rolls his eyes but grins. "That was one time, and you know it was because you distracted me."

I laugh, leaning in to kiss him lightly on the lips. "Well, someone has to keep you on your toes."

Dark chuckles, his eyes softening. "And you do a fine job of it, hero."

We continue to work side by side, the late afternoon sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over everything.

"Do you remember when we first tried cooking together?" Dark asks, his tone nostalgic. "You nearly set the kitchen on fire."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Only because you insisted on using magic to speed things up. It's a wonder we didn't burn the whole place down."

"You know, maybe we should let the stew simmer for a bit," I suggest, my voice husky.

Dark grins, a playful yet hungry look in his eyes. "I like the way you think."

Dark leans over and presses his lips against mine. His hands slide up my back, pulling me closer as the kiss intensifies, and I feel the heat between us rise. Our kiss deepens as I feel his hand reach for my belt...

—

My body is thrown back to the present as my cheeks flush, and I feel my heart skip a beat. Memories continue to flash in my mind like fragments of a dream. Glimpses of battles, victories, moments of quiet intimacy. It is overwhelming. "I... I think I remember some of it. It's just glimpses, like pieces of a puzzle."

Dark, ever perceptive, notes the flush in my cheeks and my diverted gaze and raises an eyebrow.

"Did you remember something interesting, hero?" he asks, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I continue to look away from him, trying to hide my flushed face. "Nothing that interesting, just... a memory of us cooking dinner."

Dark steps closer, his eyes predatory. "Hmm, there must have been something more than cooking going on to have you blush like that," he murmurs, his lips inches from my ear. "Now, was it the time I was trying to distract you while you were baking cookies for Zelda," he is so close I can feel his breath on my ear. "Or maybe it was that time in the blackberry field, you know, on our picnic blanket?" His lips are touching my ear at this point. "Oh, I know, maybe it was the time that we discovered you can use a wooden spatula for more than just cooking."

"Dark!" I step back from him, turning to face him.

His eyes are sultry, his voice a low whisper. "Just one kiss, hero. For old times' sake."

Before I can protest, his lips brush against mine, a brief but tender kiss that sends a shiver down my spine.

He pulls back, and there is something in his expression that makes me avert my gaze. I feel as though he's looking through me at a ghost, at the spirit of a hero that's long gone.

Dark continues to look at me, but I keep my eyes forward towards the path. Eventually, he sighs and also turns back towards the road. We continue on in contemplative silence until we reach the edge of Faron Woods.

The sun is beginning to set as Dark and I find a suitable spot to camp for the night. The surrounding forest is dense, but we manage to find a small clearing surrounded by ancient trees that provide a sense of shelter and security. A cool breeze flows through, carrying the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife. It's such a stark contrast to the chaos we had faced earlier in Castle Town.

We work in a comfortable silence, setting up camp with practiced efficiency. Dark gathers firewood while I clear the area of debris and set up our bedrolls. Despite our teamwork, there is a palpable tension between us—an awkwardness that lingers after the conversation about our past lives and the kiss we shared.

Once the fire is crackling and casting a warm glow over the campsite, I decide it is time for me to catch us something for dinner. "I'm going to see what I can find for us to eat," I say, grabbing my hunting knife.

Dark looks up from where he was arranging the firewood, his red eyes glinting in the firelight. "Okay, but be careful, Link. I'll keep an eye on things here."

I nod and head into the woods, the familiar weight of my knife in my hand providing some comfort. The forest is alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures stirring, and I move quietly, my senses alert for any sign of game. It doesn't take long to spot a rabbit grazing in a small clearing. With a swift and precise throw, I bring it down and make my way back to camp with our dinner.

Dark has already prepared a spit over the fire by the time I return. I clean the rabbit quickly and efficiently, skewering it and setting it over the flames to cook. As the meat sizzles, the rich, savory smell fills the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

We sit on opposite sides of the fire, watching the rabbit cook. The flickering light casts shadows on Dark's face, highlighting the sharp angles of his features and the intensity of his gaze. I can feel his eyes on me, a mix of emotions flickering in their depths—curiosity, longing, and something else I can't quite place.

"You know, Link," Dark says after a while, his voice soft and contemplative, "I'm sorry about earlier. It's strange, being here with you. In so many of our past lives, we've shared moments just like this. I guess it's making me a little nostalgic."

I shift uncomfortably, the weight of his words settling over me. The idea that we had been lovers in past lives is still a lot to process. "It's just... a lot to take in," I admit. "Finding out we have this history together."

He leans back, propping himself up on his elbows and looking up at the stars peeking through the canopy of leaves. "Yeah, it is. But it's also kind of beautiful, don't you think? We've always found each other, no matter the time or place."

The sentimentality in his voice catches me off guard. In the brief time that I've known him, I have seen Dark as many things—brave, flirty, fiercely protective—but this softer side is new to me. "I guess it is," I say slowly, considering his words.

Dark turns his gaze back to me, a small smile on his lips. "You know, I remember so many little things about our past lives. The way you used to laugh, the way you'd get that determined look in your eyes before a big fight. It feels like I've been waiting forever to see those things again."

I don't know how to respond to such an intimate statement, so I turn my attention back to cooking. When the rabbit is finally done, I busy myself with dividing it between us, grateful for the distraction. We eat in relative silence, the awkwardness from earlier gradually starting to fade.

After dinner, Dark stands up and stretches his arms. "I'll take the first watch," he says. "Get some rest, hero. You've got a big day ahead of you."

I nod, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. "Thanks, Dark. Wake me if you need anything."

He gives me a playful salute, his smirk returning. "Don't worry, I'll keep the monsters at bay. Sweet dreams, hero."

As I settle down by the fire, using my cloak as a makeshift blanket, I can't help but watch Dark for a moment longer. There is something comforting about knowing he is there, watching over me.

As I drift off to sleep, I can hear Dark whistling softly to himself. It's the same tune I was humming earlier today. The last thing I see before sleep claims me is his silhouette against the firelight, a guardian in the shadows.