Link's POV

The Hero of Time became my mentor. He was patient, but firm, guiding me through rigorous training sessions.

"Strength alone will not defeat Ganondorf," He often reminded me. "You must balance your physical power with the magic of the land. Only then will you be able to stand against his dark forces."

I took his words to heart, dedicating myself to mastering both my physical abilities and my magical potential. The training was grueling, but each day I felt myself growing stronger, more in tune with the power within me and the land around me.

"The first spell you must learn is Nayru's Love," the Hero of Time explained. "It will surround you with a protective blue shield, but it is very draining and can only last for a short time."

I felt the energy coursing through me as I cast the spell, the shield forming around me like a cocoon. The magic was exhausting, with the shield dissipating almost as quickly as it had appeared.

"You must use this wisely," he cautioned. "It can save your life, but it also uses a lot of energy to maintain it."

As I trained, I received messages from Rusl, delivered by ravens that flew tirelessly between the Sacred Grove and the outside world. These messages kept me informed of the dire situation in Hyrule, a constant reminder of the urgency of my mission.

His first missive arrives during a break in training and I eagerly untie the letter from the bird and break the seal.

—

Dear Link,

I write to you with a heavy heart and grave news. Renado, the steadfast leader and healer of Kakariko Village, has been killed. He was captured by Ganondorf's forces and brought before the dark king, accused of treason.

In a brutal display, Ganondorf ordered Renado's execution. It was Dark who carried out the sentence. Zelda reports that Renado faced his end with unwavering bravery. His death is a reminder of the high stakes we face and the cruelty of our enemies.

His villagers are in mourning, and his death has left a void that is felt deeply by all who knew him. His sacrifice, however, has not been in vain. It has strengthened our resolve to fight on, to honor his memory by continuing the struggle for freedom. We must press on.

Yours in solidarity and grief,

Rusl

—

I take a deep breath, and turn to the Hero of Time. "Renado... Renado has been executed. Ganondorf captured him, accused him of treason. And it was Dark who carried out the sentence."

He sighs, "Dark... I feared it might come to this. Ganondorf's influence runs deep."

I nod, my voice barely a whisper. "I can't stop thinking about him. What has happened to him since my fight with Ganondorf… what has he become?"

"He was always strong-willed, but Ganondorf's influence can corrupt even the best of us. I remember a time when he would have given his life to protect the innocent."

"It feels like a punch to the gut. I keep asking myself how he could do something so terrible. When I first met him he was kind, brave, and fiercely protective. It's like a part of him has been swallowed by this darkness, twisted into something unrecognizable."

The Hero of Time reaches out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We both loved him, and it's that love that makes this so painful. But you can't forget that there's still a chance to save him. If anyone can bring him back from this, it's you."

I look up, meeting his gaze. "You think so? Even after everything he's done?"

"Yes, we've always had a way of reaching people, of seeing the good in them. Dark needs that now more than ever. He needs to be reminded of who he was, of who he can be again."

My expression softens, "What about you? You were close to him too. Your bond was just as strong."

He smiles faintly. "I know Dark from hundreds of years ago. Just like us, Link, he changes with time. But the core of who he is—brave, loyal, and strong—remains. You just need to help him find that part of himself again."

I take a deep breath and return to the center of the clearing to let my magic practice occupy my mind instead.

—

While I struggled with learning the magic spells, the swordplay came easily.

"The Ending Blow is an attack that will eliminate most enemies if properly executed," the Hero of Time demonstrated, showing me how to drive my sword into a downed enemy to finish them off.

The Back Slice required agility and timing. "Roll around the enemy and then attack while jumping up," the Hero of Time advised. I executed the move, feeling a thrill of satisfaction as I imagine the hit landing on an enemy.

Later that night, while we are seated by the fire, another raven arrives bearing a letter from Rusl.

I break the seal on the letter and begin to read.

—

Dear Link,

I must inform you of a recent and tragic development. Two weeks ago our resistance group attempted a critical mission to disrupt Ganondorf's supply lines. Unfortunately, our efforts were met with devastating opposition.

Ganondorf anticipated our move and sent Dark to lead a brutal ambush against us. As our fighters initiated their assault, Dark and his forces struck with ruthless efficiency. He moved like a shadow among us, his blade and dark magic cutting through our ranks with terrifying grace.

Despite their valiant efforts, all of our fighters assigned to that mission fell. This setback is a harsh blow to our morale and our strategic goals.

We need your strength and guidance more than ever, Link. Your training in the Sacred Grove is crucial, and I eagerly await your return to lead us against the darkness.

Stay safe and strong,

Rusl

—

As I take in the words, anger starts to simmer within me, boiling over by the time I finish the letter. The Hero of Time watches me toss it into the flames, my fists clenching in fury.

"Link," he says softly, "what did Rusl say?"

I can barely contain my rage as I turn to him. "Dark... He led an ambush against our resistance group while they tried to disrupt Ganondorf's supply lines. He slaughtered our fighters, cut them down like they were nothing."

The Hero of Time's expression darkens, his eyes reflecting the fire's glow. "Ganondorf's grip on him is strong. It's heartbreaking to see how far he's fallen."

I stand up, unable to sit still, pacing around the campfire. "I can't believe he would do this. He was supposed to be my friend, our ally. And now he's killing our people."

He watches me with a steady gaze. "Link, your anger is justified, but you can't let it cloud your judgment."

I stop, turning to face him. "How can you stay so calm? How can you talk about judgment when he's out there killing my friends?"

He stands, walking over to sit next to me. "Because I've seen what anger and hatred can do. They consume you, make you reckless. We can't afford that. We need to stay focused on the positive impact we can make, otherwise we are no better than the enemy."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my emotions. "I know you're right. But it's so hard to picture him out there, fighting for Ganondorf. It's just… I feel like I'm losing him all over again. Every time I hear about what he's done, it's like another piece of him slips away."

He puts his arm around me as we watch the fire die down. It is nice to know there is someone else who gets it.

—

I mastered Din's Fire much quicker than the first spell. With it, I could surround myself with a fiery aura or hurl a fireball. The spell requires fierce concentration to keep the flame from burning me.

The final spell I learned was Farore's Touch, which imbues an object with light magic and is particularly effective against dark magic. I practiced imbuing my sword and arrows, causing them to glow with a light. When they strike a target, the light magic sears through it, leaving it purified.

"This will be your greatest asset against Ganondorf's magic," the Hero of Time said. "Use it to cleanse the evil that plagues Hyrule."

As the days turned into weeks, my training continued to progress, but so did my anxiety. I can feel the weight of the world's suffering bearing down on me, and for the first time, I feel truly scared. The Hero of Time must of noticed something was off because the one day he stops in the middle of training and says,

"Fear is natural, Link. Even the greatest heroes feel it. What matters is how you face it."

"I just... I don't want to fail. So many are depending on me."

"You won't fail, you have the strength of those who came before you. Remember their courage, and let it be your guide."

Rusl's next letter comes several weeks after the last one, but at least it's optimistic.

—

Dear Link,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I have some encouraging news to share that may bring you some solace amidst the turmoil.

The resistance group is growing stronger by the day. More people are joining our ranks, driven by a shared determination to stand against Ganondorf's tyranny. Even one of Ganondorf's own knights, Amara, has turned traitor and pledged to help us. Her defection is a remarkable stroke of luck and a testament to the growing dissent within Ganondorf's ranks. Amara has shared vital intelligence and is committed to aiding us in planning a bold attack on Hyrule Castle to rescue Princess Zelda.

Amara has revealed that Queen Rutela is scheduled to travel to the castle to kneel before Ganondorf. This act is meant to symbolize the Zoras' submission, but we will use it as a distraction. While Ganondorf's attention is focused on Queen Rutela, we will launch our assault.

I am also pleased to report that the villagers of Ordon are well. The squash harvest will begin soon and the crop yield this year is very promising.

We look forward to your return, Link. You are greatly missed.

Yours in hope and solidarity,

Rusl

—

The encouraging news brings a sense of relief.

I take a deep breath, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. Each new member of the resistance is a step closer to freeing Hyrule from Ganondorf's grip. Knowing that Amara, once a knight of Ganondorf, has defected and pledged to help us is particularly heartening. It's a sign that even within Ganondorf's ranks, there is dissent, and that gives me hope for Dark as well.

As I finish the letter, I look around the Sacred Grove, feeling a strong connection to the people waiting for me. They believe in me and I can't let them down again.

I fold the letter carefully, tucking it away as I turn to the Hero of Time, who watches me with a curious expression.

"What is it this time?" he asks, eyebrow raised.

I smile, a genuine, hopeful smile. "Good news, for once. The resistance is growing stronger. Amara, one of Ganondorf's knights, has defected and is helping us plan an attack on Hyrule Castle to rescue Zelda. And the villagers of Ordon are well. The harvest looks promising."

"That's the best news we've had in a while. It sounds like things are starting to turn in your favor."

"It's a reminder of what we're fighting for. I need to stay strong, keep pushing forward. For Zelda, for the resistance, and for all of Hyrule."

—

It has been almost a year since I came to the grove and I am feeling stronger and more confident than ever. I am just finishing running through my morning warmup when the Hero of Time walks over to me, a proud smile on his face, and says "You have learned well, Link. You are ready."

"Ready to… leave?"

He laughs, "Actually, I have one more challenge for you. Defeat me in combat." He raises his sword and shield, a fierce glint in his eye.

I draw my sword. "Alright," I say, meeting his gaze with determination. "Let's do this."

We circle each other. The Hero of Time moves first but I parry his strike, the clash of our blades ringing through the air.

Our swords dance in a flurry of strikes and parries. His movements are effortless, and I have to rely on everything I have learned this past year just to keep up. Each swing, each block, feels like a lesson—a reminder of the skills I've honed under his guidance.

"You've improved." he says between strikes. "Your technique is sharp, but stay focused."

I nod, adjusting my stance. His next attack is a feint, and I almost fall for it. Catching myself just in time, I counter with a spin, aiming for his side. He blocks it easily, his eyes shining with approval.

"Good. Very good," he says, his voice filled with pride. "But can you handle this?"

He leaps back, raising his sword high. A surge of energy emanates from him, a technique I've seen him use before. I'm ready as he brings the sword down, and I call upon Nayru's Love to shield myself.

Without missing a beat, I charge him. He's ready, but this time I don't hold back. Our blades clash again, and I push harder, channeling all my strength.

Finally, I see an opening. With a swift movement, I disarm him, sending his sword flying. I point my blade at his chest, both of us breathing heavily.

The Hero of Time breaks out in a huge grin. "You did it, Link. You've truly become a warrior."

As we are panting, recovering for our intense bout. A raven arrives carrying an urgent message from Rusl.

—

Dear Link,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today. Our recent attempt to free Princess Zelda ended in tragedy. Despite our best efforts and careful planning, Ganondorf's forces were stronger and more prepared than we anticipated. Many brave souls were captured or killed in the attempt, and Zelda remains imprisoned.

We have decided that we need to weaken Ganondorf's power by targeting his knights. We have decided to start with Dark, as he is the strongest and most formidable of them. Our plan is to lure him into a trap where we can capture him.

We need you, Link. I believe you are ready to join the fight. I am sorry to ask this of you but we need you to be the one to face Dark. You can use a hooded cloak to mask your identity, then engage him in battle leading him to a predetermined clearing where our forces will be waiting.

This mission is critical to our cause. Capturing Dark will not only strike a blow to Ganondorf's strength but also rally our people with the hope of seeing one of his most feared enforcers brought down. Your courage and skill are vital to the success of this operation.

Please let us know if you are ready to take on this task. We believe in you, Link, and we know you have the strength and determination to see this through.

Stay safe and strong, my friend, and travel swiftly.

Rusl

—

The news fills me with a sense of urgency. I look to the Hero of Time, who nods in understanding. "It is time, Link. Go, and may the goddesses protect you."

I am sad to leave him behind, he has taught me so much. I wrap my arms around his waist in a farewell hug. "Thank you, Link. I will make you proud."

Ready to face the darkness, I set out from the Sacred Grove. My heart is heavy with the burden of my mission, but it is also filled with hope and determination.

As I travel, I feel the presence of the Hero of Time and the other past heroes, their spirits guiding me. I am not alone. I carry their legacy with me, a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve.

I approach the rendezvous point where the resistance awaits me, and I take a deep breath. I am ready to confront Dark, to save Hyrule, and to reclaim my destiny as the hero of legend.