Children of the Triforce: Retold

Chapter 15 – The Path to Power

It was amazing. For the first time in her life, Princess Kyla experienced what it was like to be normal. Every morning, she woke up with a clear nose and a clear throat. She got out of bed and dressed in light clothing that wasn't suffocating at all. She moved around the castle halls at her leisure, never growing tired or needing a rest. She never had trouble breathing, for her asthma attacks seemed to have faded away completely. And, perhaps best of all, the only time Kyla ever had to rest in her bed was when she retired for the night.

The girl laughed as she delighted in this thought alone. Never again would she be confined to that wretched piece of furniture. Not as long as she had the Triforce of Power with her. If she kept this powerful artifact safely in her grasp, her life would always be perfect. And that was exactly how she preferred it.

Her parents (who were none the wiser about what had truly transpired) also shared in her happiness and continued to express their gratitude for this wonderful turn of events. Zelda in particular continued her daily routine of going to the temple to pray, for the sole purpose of showing the Goddesses that she would never forget their kindness. It just felt so nice to see their youngest child finally have the chance to walk around and live a normal, healthy life.

Cecil and Kristin were happy to learn of this news as well, but Kristin couldn't deny that she felt odd about how things had turned out. Something about this chain of events had left the young girl with a great curiosity. She eventually decided to voice these thoughts to her brother in private.

"It's a bit strange, don't you think? The one week we're mourning the terrible news of Kyla's illness. The next week, we're celebrating her miraculous recovery. How could things have changed so quickly?"

"Beats me," Cecil said with a shrug. "I suppose it is a little odd, but the physician did say that there was always a chance she could recover."

Kristin furrowed her brow. Being the most book smart of the three siblings, she had also become the most skeptical. "Yes, but so swiftly?"

Again, Cecil wasn't sure what to say. "Mom said that she thinks the Goddesses heard her prayers and decided to heal her. Maybe that's what happened."

"Maybe," Kristin agreed hesitantly. Nobody knew exactly how the Goddesses behaved or when they decided to bless mortals with miracles, but she supposed that she couldn't rule out the possibility. "It was just so sudden though. And I don't know why, but it gives me this ominous feeling…"

"Oh, lighten up, Sis," Cecil said with a roll of his eyes. "Kyla is healthy and happy. Isn't that all that matters?"

Kristin slowly nodded. "I suppose so."

Cecil smiled. "Then stop worrying and just be thankful. The Goddesses only know that she's earned this after everything she's had to suffer through."

Kristin nodded again. Of course, she was happy for her sister and her miraculous recovery. How could she not be? But even so, she couldn't shake this terrible feeling which clung to her heart…

Meanwhile, Kyla had her own ominous thoughts to deal with. Specifically, they were the thoughts that seemed be echoing from the voice of the Triforce itself.

You ought to go out and seek the remaining pieces of the Triforce, the voice said in the back of her mind. The other two shards disappeared when you touched it. It would be wise to track them down and collect them.

Kyla rolled her eyes. Initially, the voice had mostly been silent throughout her first few weeks of holding the Triforce, but during these last few days, it had started saying the same thing over and over again. It just wouldn't stop urging her to seek out the other two pieces of the Triforce. It quickly grew frustrating for a girl who wanted to enjoy her newfound freedom without a care in the world.

How am I supposed to find them? Kyla eventually snapped. I have no idea where to look. They could be anywhere in the Kingdom for all I know.

Perhaps, but they won't have been assigned to just anybody, the voice replied calmly. They likely have gone to persons of interest. People who are capable of both protecting and using their power, just as you have with mine. You must seek them out. Discover their identities and take their pieces of the Triforce for yourself.

Kyla crossed her arms as she started to pout. But that sounds like a lot of work.

Ah, but it is only once you hold the completed Triforce that you will be able to lead a truly fulfilling life. As things stand, you might be able to experience a normal life, but that isn't what you desire, is it?

Kyla froze, feeling a slight shiver run down her spine. She was honestly surprised at how this voice spoke to her sometimes. It was almost as if it understood her better than she understood herself.

As if to prove it, the voice continued. No, you hold a great ambition in your heart. You have dreams of living in luxury, standing atop this Kingdom while you are surrounded by those who worship you. You wish to be Queen…

Kyla frowned, feeling a bit uncomfortable as the words struck true. Maybe… she admitted quietly.

In that case, collect the other pieces of the Triforce. You will never surpass your brother and sister without it. If you wish to rule this Kingdom; if you wish to be Queen, then you must complete the Triforce. It is the only way you will ever be able to live a truly fulfilling life…

Kyla sighed as she mulled over the words in her head. She couldn't deny that she was interested. That she was tempted to do whatever it took to live a long and happy life, sitting on a throne that overlooked the rest of the world. She felt that such a future would only be fair, considering how miserable the first thirteen years of her life had been.

Before she knew it, Kyla was visiting the castle's library day after day in an attempt to research the Triforce. Between the voice's encouragement and her own curiosity, she just couldn't resist discovering more. And so, she pored through book after book, searching for any details on the Triforce and why it had split apart. Fortunately, her parents had no idea that she was doing this. Ever since she had started recovering, they were more willing to let her be alone for long periods of time. After all, she was no longer in danger of dying at any given moment.

However, despite all of her free time, Kyla still had difficulty trying to find the information she needed. Barely any of the library's ancient tomes referenced the Triforce, and those that did were hardly useful. Most of them only provided vague descriptions of the golden relic, with little detail on how it functioned. It didn't take long for the young Princess to grow frustrated with the task.

Keep searching, the voice encouraged her as she tossed a book off to the side. Surely one of these tomes will provide you with a clue.

Kyla just rolled her eyes. She was doing this for her own sake, but she hated how bossy this voice sounded sometimes. Why do you care so much anyway? she demanded. If I complete the Triforce, how does that benefit you?

Your victory shall be my own victory, young Princess, the voice replied craftily. As the bearer of my piece of the Triforce, I simply wish for you to live the life that you deserve to live. And it is only by reuniting me with my brethren that such a dream can be fulfilled.

Gee, well aren't you flattering? Kyla replied sarcastically.

You jest, but I speak with complete sincerity. Additionally, I feel that it would be better for all of Hyrule if the Triforce rested in the hands of one individual. It could be dangerous if one of the shards fell into the wrong hands, don't you agree? Besides, wasn't your family charged with protecting the Triforce? If anything, it should be your duty as the Royal Princess to complete the Triforce and keep it safe at your side.

Hmm…you have a point, Kyla admitted. Maybe mom and dad would be okay with letting me use it if they knew I was just trying to keep it safe.

That is unlikely, the voice responded in a surprisingly sour tone. I fear that your parents would not trust you in such a situation. After all, they've never truly trusted you before, have they? No, they've always tried to control you and make sure you live your life according to their rules. They'd never let you possess the completed Triforce.

Kyla simply scowled as she began turning page after page in the next tome. She hated to admit it, but the voice was probably right. Her parents had never trusted her before, and it was incredibly unlikely that they would choose to start now. Especially if it had anything to do with the Triforce: the most sacred relic in all of Hyrule. They were too worried and protective for their own good. And controlling too.

Hey, Kyla thought, calling for the voice's attention. What will happen once I complete the Triforce? Will I become even stronger?

To her surprise, the voice cackled, almost as if she had shared some sort of amusing joke. Why, yes, my dear. With the Triforce's full power, you shall become unstoppable. No one in the Kingdom will be able to stand up to you. Not your parents or siblings or even the most powerful mages and monsters. It's at that point that you'll be able to live a true life of freedom. A life where you issue commands but never follow them. A life where everyone's will bows to yours and you reign supreme. Tell me child, does this future sound enticing to you?

Kyla couldn't help but grin. Of course it sounded enticing. No, it sounded even better than that. It sounded perfect! A beautiful conclusion for a story that started off so sad and miserable. Kyla craved that future. No, she felt that she deserved that future. And she was starting to believe that she would do whatever it took to make it a reality…

"Oh, hello Kyla," a voice suddenly called out from across the table.

Kyla blinked, snapping out of her trance as she glanced upwards. There, she spotted Kristin. The older girl clutched a book to her chest as she smiled down at the younger Princess. "What brings you to the library?"

Kyla frowned. She should've figured that her bookworm of a sister might show up here at some point. She enjoyed studying so much that there were times where it honestly felt like she lived in the library.

"I was just looking through some old books," Kyla replied casually. She even threw in a shrug, hoping to dissuade her sister from figuring out her true motive.

Unfortunately, Kristin was too curious to simply drop the matter. Instead, she walked around the table to join Kyla and get a better look at the tome in front of her. "Oh? And what are you reading? Anything interesting?"

"They're just old legends," Kyla replied, still trying to sound innocent.

Naturally, Kristin recognized the book in an instant. "Ah, 'The Legends and Myths of Hyrule'. I read that when I was younger. It was very fascinating."

"Oh yeah?" Kyla asked as she rolled her eyes. She wasn't exactly in the mood for light conversation, especially when she still had research to do.

"Yes," Kristin replied sincerely. "In fact, did you know that many of Hyrule's towns were named after famous Sages in the past? There's a rather thrilling tale about how they fought a man turned demon, and this book goes into great detail about it."

Kyla shook her head, having a much harder time hiding her frustration at this point. "Really, Kristin? Do you have to spoil everything?"

Kristin, who had only been excited to discuss literature, suddenly appeared guilty. "Oh, sorry Kyla. I was just trying to explain what makes that book so interesting."

"I'm already reading it, am I not?" Kyla snapped. "You don't have to convince me to pick it up, you know."

This time, Kristin rolled her eyes. She could tell that her sister's temper was starting to flare up again, and that was usually a sign that she was better off left alone, for everyone's sake. "Right…Well, I was just stopping by, so I'll be on my way then."

"Fine," Kyla said with a shrug.

The older sister started walking away, only to pause and glance back at the younger girl for a moment. Her eyes narrowed a bit as she studied her.

"Um, Kyla?" she asked slowly.

Kyla nearly groaned, frustrated at having to be interrupted so much. "What?"

"How have you been doing lately? Are you still feeling okay? You haven't gotten sick or anything, right?"

"Hmph, no," Kyla stated bluntly. "You heard what the physician said. I'm doing much better now."

"Hmm," Kristin hummed, appearing lost in thought for a moment. Eventually, she just shook her head and smiled at her sister. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."

"Good. Now is there anything else you need, or can I get back to reading in peace?"

"No, that's all," Kristin said as she turned away. "Excuse me."

And with that, the older Princess took her leave. Kyla just scowled as she watched her go. "What in the world was all of that about?" she huffed as she returned to her book.

Your sister is jealous of you, the voice was quick to respond.

Kyla frowned as her eyes narrowed further. What do you mean?

I mean exactly what I say. She's jealous of you. She was probably hoping to become the Kingdom's sole remaining Princess once you had died. But now that you live, you're nothing but a thorn in her side. It's clear that she has it out for you.

Kyla clenched her teeth. For some reason, the voice's words struck a chord with her. So the reason she was asking about my health…

Is probably because she's hoping you'll fall ill again. And then she'll be the only Princess worthy of everyone's praise and attention.

What a selfish wench! Kyla thought as she curled her fingers into fists. It was no secret that the two sisters had never gotten along well with each other, but this information really lit a fire under Kyla. She could hardly believe that her sister would be so cruel as to wish her sick and dead. And to think that they were family!

Hmph, I'll show her, Kyla thought with a glare. Once I have the completed Triforce, I'll take my rightful place as Queen. And then she'll have to grovel before me like everyone else.

Of course, my dear, the voice responded, sounding strangely pleased. That would probably be the best outcome for everyone. And there's no doubt that this is what your sister deserves…

Kyla couldn't help but grin. You know, you're really starting to make sense for once.

Naturally, young Princess. As I said before, I am only looking out for your best interests. And your victory will soon be-

"Shut up for a second!" Kyla suddenly snapped. She then leaned closer to the book in front of her as her eyes grew wide with curiosity. "I think I might have found something here."

The voice immediately fell silent, giving Kyla the tranquility that she needed to focus. She soon read a passage that seemed to be detailing exactly what she had been looking for.

"When the Triforce splits, only the piece that the user believed in the most will remain with them. And the other two pieces will take refuge in the bodies of those who best represent their attributes."

Kyla paused, taking a second to think this through. "So…in this case, the Triforce of Wisdom would have gone to someone with a lot of wisdom, and the Triforce of Courage would have gone to someone with a lot of courage."

It would appear so, the voice agreed.

Kyla frowned. Well, what a fat lot of good this is. This barely tells us anything at all! What am I supposed to do now? Scour the Kingdom until I find people matching these descriptions? There could be hundreds of them!

Please relax, my dear, the voice said in a soothing tone. This clue is more helpful than you realize. Remember, the Triforce wouldn't have taken refuge in just anyone. It will likely be people of significant renown. Individuals who have been recognized for their feats of wisdom and courage. Now, think long and hard. Do you know of anyone who might fit such a description?

Kyla took a deep breath which ended in sigh. The voice was right. She needed to stay motivated and try to think this through. In this instance, being a Princess in Hyrule's castle was to her advantage, for it meant that she knew quite a few figures of great renown already. Because of this, it didn't take long before two in particular came to mind.

My parents, Kyla realized slowly. I suppose they could be wielders of the Triforce. My mother is very smart, and my father is very brave.

Hmm… the voice hummed. You might be onto something there…

But if that is true, then this is the worst-case scenario, Kyla realized glumly. How would I ever be able to collect the Triforce pieces from them? They'd immediately realize what I was up to and probably put a stop to me!

Yes, you have a point, the voice agreed. Your parents can be rather protective, especially when it comes to Hyrule's oldest relic. There's no doubt that they would severely punish you if they realized what you had done, and were trying to do…

Kyla raised her eyebrows. But what if I just tell them I'm trying to collect it so I can keep it safe?

Ah, we both know that they'd never believe you, the voice said coldly. Remember, they've never trusted you before, have they? No, if anything, they'd prefer to keep you locked up in your room where they can control you.

You're probably right, Kyla admitted with a sigh. But in that case, what can be done? Is there a way for me to steal their pieces without them noticing?

You are getting ahead of yourself, child, the voice chastised her. I advise that you exercise some patience for now. We don't even know if your parents hold the pieces of the Triforce. It would be a terrible mistake to attempt to steal something that they don't even possess.

That's true…

Let's keep quiet for the time being, shall we? If your parents truly hold the remaining pieces of the Triforce, then all shall be made clear before long. And once those pieces have revealed themselves, then we can formulate a proper strategy for collecting them without trouble. That would be the best course of action.

Kyla sighed, but soon nodded. All right. We'll simply wait and stay watchful for now…

The young Princess just hoped that she wouldn't have to wait for long. Now that the path to power was within her grasp, she wasn't sure if she could resist pursuing it. Her temptation was great, and she swore that she would do whatever it took to become Queen.

"Trust in me, man cub…Trust in meee…"

By the way, I might be able to speed up releases here in the near future. I'm thinking maybe one chapter a week. We'll see what happens ;)