Chapter 2: A New Awakening
Link's consciousness drifted in a sea of light, the world around him blurring into nothingness. The warmth of the glow enveloped him like a comforting blanket, and for a brief moment, he felt at peace. But then, the light began to fade, and with it, the sensation of floating. Slowly, he became aware of a soft surface beneath him, the smell of fresh linens, and the faint chirping of birds outside a window.
His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling above him. The room was warm, bathed in the golden light of morning, but it was not a room he recognized. The bed was smaller than he was used to, and when he shifted, he felt strangely different—lighter, shorter, even. Something was wrong.
Link sat up abruptly, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked down at his body. His clothes were different, too. Instead of his usual tunic and boots, he wore simple clothes, much like those of a young apprentice. And his hands… they were smaller, less calloused than they should have been. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, barely reaching the floor, and stood up, feeling the odd sensation of being in a body that wasn't his own.
Before he could make sense of it, a familiar voice called out from downstairs.
"Link, time to get up!"
It was a man's voice, warm and fatherly, yet unfamiliar. Link hesitated, his mind racing. How had he ended up here? What was happening? He glanced around the room, trying to find something—anything—that might give him a clue, but there was nothing out of the ordinary. Just a small, quaint room with a simple bed, a wooden dresser, and a few scattered belongings.
Before he could dwell on it further, the door creaked open, and he heard footsteps coming closer. He quickly composed himself, deciding to play along until he could figure out what was going on. For now, he would pretend everything was normal.
Link walked out of the room and down the stairs, where he found an older man waiting for him. The man's face was kind, with a bushy mustache and eyes full of wisdom. Standing beside him was someone Link knew all too well—Princess Zelda. But something was different about her too. She looked younger, more carefree than the Princess Zelda he remembered.
"Good morning, Master Smith," Zelda said cheerfully, giving a small bow to the older man.
Smith chuckled, shaking his head. "Goodness me! Princess Zelda! Did you sneak out of the castle and come all this way alone? The minister is sure to be worried about you! You know how he gets!"
Link watched the exchange in silence, trying to remain calm despite the whirlwind of confusion swirling in his mind. Zelda was acting as if everything was perfectly normal, and the man—Master Smith—seemed to think Link was someone else entirely. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was in some kind of dream, but everything felt too real for that.
"Oh, don't worry about him!" Zelda waved a hand dismissively. "He'll be fine. Where's Link? The whole town is bustling for the annual Picori Festival! I thought he and I might go together. Would you mind terribly?"
Link felt his stomach twist as Zelda's words registered. She was asking for him—but she seemed to think he was someone else entirely. He forced a smile, doing his best to appear warm and friendly, even though his mind was racing with questions.
Master Smith chuckled again. "Oh, is that what you're here for? Well, Link was up late helping me last night, and he's still asleep… But I do have an errand at the castle… Yes, that should be fine." He turned to Link and called up the stairs, even though Link was standing right in front of him. "Link, time to get up!"
Link suppressed a nervous laugh and stepped forward. "I'm already up, Master Smith."
Smith turned to him, a bit surprised but pleased. "Ah, there you are! Princess Zelda is here. She'd like to know if you'd join her at the festival."
Zelda's eyes lit up, and she clasped her hands together excitedly. "Yeah, Link! Come on! Let's go check out the festival together! Master Smith already gave me permission to take you!"
Link smiled, though inwardly he was struggling to keep up with the strange situation. He nodded and said, "Of course, Princess. I'd be happy to join you."
Smith nodded approvingly. "Yes. After all, the festival only comes once a year. Go on, have fun! And while you're there, you can do me a favor." He gestured to a nearby table, where a finely crafted sword rested in its sheath. "I just finished making this sword for the minister at Hyrule Castle. I'd like you to deliver it to him."
Link stepped forward and picked up the sword, the weight of it familiar in his hands. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and he could tell that Master Smith had poured his heart into creating it.
You accepted the Smith's Sword! Make sure you don't lose this extremely important delivery!*
"This is the blade that will be presented to the winner of the competition," Smith explained. "Don't lose it. And while the two of you may be childhood friends, remember… Zelda is the princess of Hyrule. You watch over her. Don't let anything bad happen to her."
Zelda rolled her eyes playfully and waved off his concerns. "Master Smith, quit worrying! We'll be perfectly safe. Come on, Link! Let's go check out the festival!"
Link nodded again, forcing another smile. "We'll be careful. I promise." He couldn't shake the feeling that something important was happening, but he would have to play along until he could figure it out.
Zelda dashed out of the house with the energy of a child, leaving Link to follow. He took a deep breath and stepped outside, blinking at the bright sunlight. The town was lively, with people bustling about, preparing for the festival. The smell of freshly baked bread and sweet treats filled the air, and children ran by, laughing and playing.
Zelda stood a few steps ahead, calling out to him. "Link! Over here!"
He quickened his pace, trying to keep up with her. She led him through the streets, her enthusiasm contagious despite the confusion that still lingered in his mind.
"Hurry! Let's go!" Zelda called, darting ahead again.
Link followed her through the winding streets of Hyrule, watching as the town came alive around them. Vendors lined the streets, selling trinkets and souvenirs. Musicians played cheerful tunes, and performers entertained crowds with feats of acrobatics and magic. The festival was indeed grand, and for a moment, Link felt a sense of peace wash over him. This place—this time—felt different, yet familiar. Could this truly be real?
Finally, they arrived at the heart of the festival, where the crowd was thickest. Zelda turned to him with a bright smile. "Here we are! The town of Hyrule!"
Link nodded, his thoughts still racing. He had to figure out what was happening, but for now, he would have to keep up the act. As they walked through the festival together, Zelda's excitement was infectious. She pointed out various attractions, running from one place to another with childlike wonder.
At one point, they stopped near a storyteller who was recounting the tale of the Picori, and Link's mind flashed back to the book he had been reading in the library. Could this all be connected? Before he could dwell on it, Zelda had already moved on, running toward another part of the festival.
"So the Picori ARE real!" Zelda exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "My father always told me they were. Oh! Look at that!"
Link followed her, trying to focus on the present moment while keeping his unease at bay. He had to stay vigilant—something was bound to happen.
Link smiled at Zelda as she eagerly rushed from one place to another, pointing out the festivities and chattering excitedly. His mind, however, was elsewhere—still trying to piece together how he'd ended up in this strange situation. The town bustled with joy and laughter, but none of it seemed real to him. The feeling of being out of place gnawed at him, yet he pushed it aside, knowing that, for now, he needed to play his part.
As Zelda ran to yet another attraction, Link followed, staying close. He wore a relaxed expression, the kind Zelda was familiar with. He was always calm, always dependable—at least, that's what he let her see. Internally, though, every step felt like he was walking through a dream, trying to grasp the reality of the situation. *Why do I feel like a child again? And why does this town feel... different?*
They reached the area where a man was hosting a prize draw. Link watched as the man revealed the grand prizes. He noticed Zelda's eyes light up with excitement as the options were laid out—a heart piece, a red rupee, and a tiny shield. The man made a spectacle of each prize, hoping to draw attention to the flashier items, but Link could tell Zelda had already made her choice.
As Zelda approached the shield, Link's eyebrow twitched with a mix of surprise and amusement. Of course, she would pick the one item that seemed insignificant to most but held meaning to her. The man's reaction was exactly what Link expected—confusion and disbelief. Yet, Zelda stood her ground with a stubborn grin, insisting on the shield.
The man relented, handing over the small item with a baffled shake of his head. Zelda, full of joy, turned to Link with the shield in hand. "Here! I want to give you a present! Doesn't this shield suit you perfectly, Link?"
Link accepted the gift with a chuckle, raising the shield to humor her. It was comically small, light as a feather compared to the sturdy shields he was used to. He gave it a couple of playful swings, pretending to test its weight. Zelda clapped her hands, delighted.
"Yep! Just as I thought! You look great! Now, if anything happens, you can protect me with that shield!" she said with a teasing tone, yet there was something in her voice that told Link she still counted on him, despite the playful demeanor.
Link gave her a warm nod, silently promising to do just that. Though he felt out of place, some things never changed—his duty to protect Zelda being one of them.
"Oh! I almost forgot! We have to take Master Smith's sword to the castle. Let's go, Link!" Zelda suddenly remembered, her face lighting up with realization. She grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the castle gates.
As they left the bustling festival behind and made their way toward the quieter outskirts of town, Link's senses heightened. His instincts told him that something was about to happen—an old feeling he couldn't ignore. He let Zelda lead the way, keeping his eyes on the path ahead.
Just as they approached the castle entrance, a sudden whizzing noise broke the peaceful silence. Zelda cried out as something struck her arm, causing her to stumble. Link immediately raised the small shield, snapping to attention. He turned toward the direction of the attack, spotting a Deku Scrub spitting nuts from behind some bushes.
Zelda winced, rubbing her arm. "Owwwwch! That must be the Business Scrub I heard the soldiers talking about. They were saying a Deku Scrub had been hassling all the passersby. Link, do something about it. Otherwise, we cannot get to the castle. If only we had some way to defend ourselves against those nuts of his."
Link remained calm, stepping forward with his new shield raised. Though it was smaller than what he was used to, he adjusted quickly, relying on his experience to make up for the difference. He deflected the next nut the Business Scrub shot at him, sending it ricocheting back toward the creature.
The Deku Scrub yelped in surprise, realizing that his attack had been neutralized. "Please! Forgive me, sir! I heard there was a festival, and I came to town hoping to hawk my wares. Unfortunately, we scrubs have a tendency to spit nuts when we speak! Everyone got scared and ran away, and no one would buy anything! This is a terrible place to do business! I'm going back to my cave!"
With a puff of smoke, the Business Scrub vanished, leaving behind only a few scattered leaves. Link lowered his shield, turning to check on Zelda.
Zelda sighed, rubbing her arm one last time before smiling at Link. "I actually feel a little sorry for that Business Scrub. But that nut hurt! Oh, well. He won't be hassling anyone now! We'd better hurry to the castle!"
Link nodded, giving her a reassuring look as they continued their journey. Even in this strange new world, even with all the confusion and uncertainty, some things remained constant. And as long as Zelda needed him, he would be there. The rest of his questions could wait—at least for now.
Link and Zelda entered the castle garden, their footsteps echoing on the stone path that led to a secluded area where the ceremony would soon take place. The garden was filled with lush greenery, tall trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and the soft fragrance of flowers filled the air. It was peaceful, the perfect contrast to the growing tension Link felt inside.
They approached an elderly man standing near the entrance to the castle—a figure that exuded authority and wisdom. His name was Potho, the minister of the kingdom of Hyrule. His expression softened as he saw Link approach, the young hero carrying the blade.
Potho: "Oh, Link! You brought the sword, did you? Then, as minister to the kingdom of Hyrule, I, Potho, accept this blade. You came just in time. The award ceremony will begin soon."
Zelda turned to Link with a warm smile, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, as if she knew this moment marked the end of their carefree time at the festival.
Zelda: "I'm sorry, Link, but I'd better go. I have to prepare for the ceremony. I had a good time at the festival. Thanks for coming with me!"
With that, Zelda hurried inside the castle, leaving Link and Potho standing in the garden. Link watched her go, feeling a slight pang of loss but quickly focused on his surroundings. The garden was bustling with activity as soldiers prepared for the ceremony, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
Potho: "Since you're here, Link, why don't you join us for the award ceremony?"
Link nodded silently, following Potho into the courtyard where the ceremony would soon take place. The scene faded momentarily, and when it returned, the area was more crowded with onlookers, nobles, and soldiers. Four guards emerged from the castle, carrying a beautifully crafted sword on a velvet cushion.
Potho gestured to the sword with reverence.
Potho: "Do you know about that sword, Link? It is called the Picori Blade, and it locks much evil away in that chest. The Picori Blade is sacred among the people of Hyrule. Legend has it that, long ago, the Picori gave us this blade. Whoever wins the competition earns the honor of touching the sacred blade."
As Potho finished speaking, the King of Hyrule and Princess Zelda emerged from the castle, their presence commanding attention. The king's expression was serious, though a faint smile lingered as he glanced at his daughter. Zelda, on the other hand, was glowing with an inner light, her power subtle yet undeniable.
Potho: "Let the award ceremony commence! Vaati, champion of the competition, you may approach the blade!"
Link watched as a figure cloaked in dark robes made his way toward the sword. There was something unsettling about him—something that made Link instinctively tense. Vaati's eyes gleamed with malice as he walked up to the sacred blade, his lips curling into a sinister smile.
Vaati: "Heh heh heh... To think things would go so well! The Picori Blade and the Bound Chest spoken of in Hylian lore... This chest must hold that which I seek! I'll relieve you of its contents now."
Before anyone could react, Vaati faced the sword, his eyes glowing with dark power. The guards quickly rushed forward to stop him, but they were no match for the sorcerer. With a flick of his wrist, Vaati unleashed a wave of magic that sent the guards flying. Two more soldiers charged at him, but Vaati easily overpowered them with a sinister laugh.
Vaati: "Mmmm ah hah hah hah! Do not interfere with me... As victor, I've earned the right to approach the Picori Blade... I've been waiting for this moment!"
With the last of the guards defeated, Vaati turned his attention to the chest. He opened it with eager hands, and from within, dark creatures burst forth, filling the air with malevolent energy. A chill ran down Link's spine as he watched the monsters escape into the world.
But then, something strange happened. A soft, golden light surrounded Zelda, and she began to step forward, as if drawn by an invisible force. Link's heart pounded in his chest as he watched her approach the dark sorcerer.
Zelda: "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
Vaati turned to her with a wicked grin.
Vaati: "The princess who holds the power of light... That mysterious power is said to flow in the veins of every royal lady in your family ever since that day when it was gifted to your people. If I leave you now, you'll only cause me trouble later. That will never do."
Link saw it before Zelda did—a dark orb of energy forming in Vaati's hand, aimed directly at her. Without thinking, Link jumped in front of Zelda, raising his tiny shield. For a moment, he felt the raw power of Vaati's magic pressing against him, his shield barely holding up. But it was too much. The energy overwhelmed him, knocking the shield from his grasp and sending him crashing to the ground.
The last thing Link saw before he hit the cold stone was Zelda, her body glowing brightly for a moment before turning to stone.
Vaati: "Heh heh heh heh... All who stand in my way shall share this fate! Now, to find out what power awaits me in this chest!"
Vaati stepped toward the chest, peering inside with anticipation, only to be met with disappointment.
Vaati: "...?! Empty? There was nothing in there but those monsters? What is the meaning of this? Well, I know the force I'm after is somewhere out there. I'm in no hurry. I can take my time searching for it. Heh heh heh..."
Link's vision blurred as Vaati's words echoed in his mind. He tried to reach out, to call for help, but his body refused to move. His strength was fading, and the world around him grew dark. The last thing he heard before everything went black was Vaati's mocking laughter, echoing in his ears like a twisted lullaby.
And then, nothing.