The Legend of Zelda: War of the Triforce/Story

This is a full story writeup for The Legend of Zelda: War of the Triforce.
==Prologue: The Hero and the Princess==
10 years ago...
----
Within a dark cave, two Wizzrobes are casting a dark ritual, causing a flaming spirit to appear before them. The Wizzrobes kneeled before him, basking in his power.
"Master, you called for us," uttered one of the Wizzrobes. His robes covered his implike body as he wielded a large staff. "What are your orders?"
"The time has come to prepare for my return," uttered the spirit. "As I speak, many loyal followers such as yourselves are preparing for my resurrection. Yet, we need some sort of distraction."
"The two kingdoms face rising tensions," uttered the other Wizzrobe. "Perhaps we can work something out."
----
Within a small area full of trees, a girl is reading a book. On the book's cover is the symbol of the Triforce, and she seems very intrigued to be reading it. Nearby, a boy is capturing bugs with a net, and placing them into bottles. Both of the children seem to be happy doing their own thing. Yet, as the boy went after a bee, he tripped on a rock and hit the ground, beginning to cry. The girl, hearing the noise, went over to the boy, noticing that his knee was scraped and that all of his bottles were shattered, with the bugs crawling all over
"Are you okay?" asked the girl. The boy was shaking his head, tearing up. The girl grabbed some bandages from a bag, and put them around the boy's knee. He continued to wince in pain, but endured it. Looking at the girl, he smiled.
"Link, right?" asked the girl. "I've heard your name a few times around here, though most kids call you the bug kid."
Link, smiling, nodded in response. Most kids mocked him for his love of catching bugs, but this girl didn't seem to mind.
"Well, my name's Zelda," replied Zelda. "I'm the princess of this kingdom, but I don't really do much. I think we'd make great friends."
Link nodded at Zelda in response, but then looked down at the shattered bottles. He then got up, and walked over to exit the forest. Zelda followed him, eager to see where they'd go next.
----
"So we've got tons of bugs here!" exclaimed Zelda. She and Link were in their little spot in the forest, looking at all the bugs they'd captured. Tons of bottles were on the nearby ground, and both of the kids were smiling. As Link added more information on the bugs to a piece of paper, Zelda walked up to him.
"You know, I'm glad I met you," uttered Zelda. "Let's stay friends for a long time."
Link smiled as he shook Zelda's hand. Finally, he had a true friend.
==Chapter 1: War on the Horizon==
Outside Castle Town, a battle raged on. Hyrule's soldiers found themselves battling against the forces of Termina, who had the emblem of a clock engraved onto their armor. Among the forces fighting for Hyrule was Link, who now served in the Hylian military. He wielded a sword and shield, and wore armor with green cloth on top of it. Link charged at a lone Terminan soldier, knocking him to the ground. He quickly got up and began to exchange blows with Link, before Link utilized a spin attack to knock his shield out of his hand. Then, Link thrust his sword into his opponent and ended his life. The attack on Castle Town was beginning to end, and Link was heading over to help some injured civilians. One of them was a small Goron child whose bottles of bugs were shattered. Thinking back to his childhood, Link gave the child some Rupees to buy some new bottles.
"Thank you so much mister!" exclaimed the Goron as he ran off into town. Link smiled as he walked over to his commanding officer, Lt. Rupus. Despite Link's usual silence, he had managed to advance in Hyrule's military structure, though he also owed it to him being childhood friends with Princess Zelda. As Link approached Lt. Rupus, he smiled at him.
"You did a good job out there Link," uttered the lieutenant. "But we've got new orders for you."
Link was handed a letter with the Wingcrest on it, signifying that it was from Hyrule's royal family. As he opened it up, he began to read the letter's contents:
Dearest Link,
I wish for you to visit me in Hyrule Castle immediately. There's something I need to discuss with you.
-Princess Zelda
Link put the letter into a bag, and walked off into Castle Town, eager to meet with Zelda. Throughout Castle Town, people were selling goods and talking to one-another, and guards were breaking up the riots of some anti-war protesters.
----
Link walked towards Hyrule Castle, though he was stopped by two guards just as he reached the gates. They wore ornately-designed armor and wielded massive spears.
"Shouldn't you be on the frontlines?" asked one of the guards. Link pulled the letter out of his bag, showing the Wingcrest.
"My apologies," replied the second guard. "Head right in."
Link entered the castle's courtyard, and proceeded up the stairs. As he entered the main hall of the castle, Zelda was waiting for him with a smile on her face. She was wearing an intricately-designed dress and smiled at Link.
"I see you got the letter," uttered Zelda. "Follow me."
Zelda led Link into a nearby room, where the two of them sat down.
"So I called you here to talk to you about something...personal," uttered Zelda. Link began to listen intently, nodding at Zelda.
"I've been seeing...visions," replied Zelda. "Visions of a demon of some sort, and that he could be involved in the war."
Link expressed a face of shock, and Zelda chuckled slightly. She knew that Link had never been the speaking type, and he preferred to stay silent.
"So what I was thinking is that we find out what's going on with these visions," replied Zelda. "And that means I'd like you to help me out by going on a...journey of sorts."
Link nodded in response. Truth be told, he was getting tired of fighting Terminan soldiers and wanted an adventure.
"The visions are implying that something's going on in Zora's Domain," replied Zelda. "So I suggest you head there first."
As Link got up and prepared to leave, Zelda handed him a tablet-like device, which had a winged crest on it.
"Take this device with you," uttered Zelda. "It's called the Loftian Tablet. It'll be incredibly useful on your journey."
Link nodded, smiling at Zelda before leaving the room. Impa was standing nearby, and walked towards Link. She had stealth-esque armor on and a hood.
"The Princess seems to trust you a lot," uttered Impa. "Good luck on your journey."
Impa went into the room Zelda was in as Link walked out of the castle. Strangely, a shadowy figure in a nearby alley began to watch Link as he walked through Castle Town, following him.
==Chapter 2: Off on a Journey==
Hyrule Field. The wilderness outside Castle Town. And the current location of our hero. Link trudged through the grassy plains with his weapons in hand, ready to fight anything in his way. As Link neared a small cliff, he noticed a Bokoblin camp below the cliff, with the Bokoblins inside sharpening weapons and looking around. Link smirked as he noticed a giant boulder next to him. With all of his strength, he pushed the boulder off the cliff, and it landed right on top of a pile of explosive barrels. The barrels detonated with incredible force, sending debris across the area and killing all of the Bokoblins, save for one of them. Although wounded, this Bokoblin looked up at Link and began to climb up the cliff, before tackling him. Link attempted to knock him away with his shield, but the Bokoblin was cunning enough to evade the shield slam. He picked up a rock off the ground and threw it at Link's helmet, knocking it off of his head. Link, however, evaded the Bokoblin's next strike before stabbing him in the back with his sword. Link kicked the body off the cliff before he continued to proceed on his journey.
Several hours later, Link found himself outside a rudimentary gate that was being watched by two Moblins. They wielded massive spears and had blue skin. Link pulled out his bow, which he had looted from a Bokoblin camp some time ago. Placing an arrow onto it, he aimed at one of the Moblins, before sending an arrow right towards his head. The speed of the arrow caused the Moblin's head to be pinned to the gate while the other Moblin spotted Link. Link pulled out his sword and shield, and charged at the Moblin. The two of them exchanged blows for some time, but Link managed to land a strike to the Moblin's left leg, crippling him. As he howled in pain, Link thrusted his sword into the Moblin's chest, finishing him off. Link then made his way towards the gate, and arrived in a more mountainous region of Hyrule. Zora's Domain could be seen in the distance. As Link began to walk, he heard something rustle in the nearby bushes.
"Listen to my tale..." uttered a voice. Link pulled out his weapon as a hunched figure emerged. He had orange clothes on and a hood. Two purple eyes could be seen from within the hood. Link, seeing no threat, put away his sword.
"I simply seek to aid your cause," uttered the figure. "I left the Lost Woods months ago to find a place in the world for myself. And this is what I seek: to become a hero."
Link shrugged as he walked off, but the figure stopped him.
"As a Skull Kid of the Lost Woods, I pledge my allegiance to Hyrule and to your journey," uttered the Skull Kid. "And like it or not, I'll be following you."
Link, with a face of indifference, walked through the mountain road as the Skull Kid followed him.
==Chapter 3: The Temple's Secret==
Link walked into Zora's Domain, with Skull Kid following him. It was raining heavily, and the Zora people were wandering around the settlement. Zora's Domain was often considered to be the "city" of the Zoras, and it certainly felt like one. Link made his way through the town, with the Zoras giving him odd looks. As Link walked towards the Zora king's throne room, the two guards held up their spears and prevented him from entering. Link simply showed them his Loftian Tablet, and they stood down.
"You may enter, ambassador of Hyrule," uttered one of the Zora guards. Link walked up the stairs, and found himself standing before the king of the Zoras. He wore ornate armor, and had an intricately-designed trident in his hands. Skull Kid, however, had been forced outside by the king.
"The princess told me you'd be coming," uttered the king. "I've heard much about you Link."
Link smiled at the king as he got up off his throne. He pointed towards a building in the distance that was surrounded by dark energies, and massive tentacles.
"That is the Zora Temple," uttered the king. "For years, we've protected it due to the magical energies inside. However, a beast emerged a few weeks ago, and has forced our guards out. The magical energies there have also been twisted by the beast. Link, we'd like you to delve into the place and see what's going on."
Link gasped in shock. Never before had he done something like this. However, the Zora king put his arm around Link.
"Don't worry about it," uttered the king. "The princess also told me about another vision. A vision of you succeeding."
Link pondered the situation for a moment, and then nodded at the king. Clearly, he was willing to delve into the temple.
==Chapter 4: Terror of the Tides==
Link entered the Zora Temple, with Skull Kid running in alongside him. Inside, a massive door could be seen, with the nearby walls being penetrated by tentacles. Water was leaking into the temple as well, and large crystals protruded from the ground.
"The ground aches in pain..." uttered Skull Kid. "Something sinister is here."
Suddenly, a shadowy portal emerged. Two Darknuts walked out of it, wielding massive swords and shields. Link pulled out his own weaponry, while Skull Kid manifested some magic from his hands, with the two of them ready to take on these foes. The Darknuts charged at Link, and Link responded with a shield slam, knocking them back. As Link parried sword strikes, Skull Kid let out blasts of magic at the Darknuts, burning away at their armor. Eventually, the two Darknuts fell.
"Tough guys," uttered Skull Kid. Link looked up to see a massive key on a ledge, and a nearby waterfall. Pulling out his Loftian Tablet, he thought back to something he saw before.
----
"I've empowered your tablet with the Cryonis rune," uttered an ancient robot covered in moss. "You can freeze water with it."
Link stood in an underground ruin, examining his Loftian Tablet. He looked towards a nearby body of water, and unleashed the tablet's energies at it. The water froze into a cuboid shape.
----
Link had a face of realization as he fired the tablet's energies at the waterfall. A block of ice formed, and Link jumped on it. After some time of ascending the waterfall with blocks of ice, he grabbed the key and came back down. Placing it into the door, it opened up, revealing more doors leading to multiple rooms.
"More work?!?" exclaimed Skull Kid. "Who designed this temple anyways?"
----
After several hours of solving puzzles, defeating monsters, and discovering treasure, Link and Skull Kid found themselves standing in front of a large gate. Tentacles were bursting out of the walls. Link lifted open the gate with the Magnesis rune he also obtained on his journey, and entered a circular room. A large body of water was in the center, and it seemed to be where the tentacles were coming from.
Then, it happened.
A giant kraken emerged from the pool of water, letting out a massive roar. It retracted its tentacles into the room, and began to thrash them around. Link and Skull Kid dashed towards a nearby corner, with the tentacles failing to hit them.
"I noticed a weak spot around its head," uttered Skull Kid. "If we hit it in the head somehow, it'll be vulnerable."
Link nodded before pulling out his bow. Looking around the corner, he placed an electricity arrow into the bow before firing it at the kraken's head. The water conducted the electricity, and it dealt immense damage to the kraken whilst stunning it.
"NOW!" exclaimed Skull Kid. Link dashed on top of one of the tentacles, arriving at the head. He plunged his sword into the kraken's eye, and the results were bloody to say the least. The kraken howled in pain as it thrashed its tentacles around. Link struggled to stay on top of the kraken, grabbing onto his sword for stability. Meanwhile, Skull Kid readied a blast of magic, but was interrupted by a tentacle thrashing him into a nearby wall. Link gasped in shock, and was suddenly send to the ground by a tentacle, sword in hand. The pain was immense, but Link was ready to go. He readied another electricity arrow, aiming for the kraken's other eye. The kraken, having taken immense damage, fell into the water, having breathed its last breath. Link rushed towards Skull Kid immediately. He was coughing intensely.
"I'm fine..." uttered Skull Kid. "Let's just head back to Zora's Domain."
==Chapter 5: Rising Tensions==
"So the Zoras are safe?" asked Zelda. She was communicating with Link via the Loftian Tablet's built-in communication function. Link nodded in response as Skull Kid was poking the pair's nearby campfire with a stick.
"Say, who's that?" asked Zelda. Skull Kid jumped towards Link's location, wrapping his arm around Link's shoulder.
"I'm just a Skull Kid who left the Lost Woods," uttered Skull Kid. "Don't really have a name, but I'm helping out Link here because I'd like to make a name for myself."
"Well then, any friend of Link is a friend of mine," replied Zelda. "I'm Princess Zelda of Hyrule."
"It's an honor your majesty," replied Skull Kid as he bowed. "So, how do you two know each other?"
"Childhood friends," replied Zelda. "I met Link when he scraped his knee in the forest as a kid."
"Interesting," replied Skull Kid. "Well, where do you want us next?"
"The Gorons are reporting attacks from Terminan forces," uttered Zelda. "I suggest you help them out."
As Zelda's image disappeared, Skull Kid smugly looked at Link.
"She's a keeper," uttered Skull Kid. "Anyways, we better rest up for the night."
As Skull Kid and Link got to sleep, Link looked around. They were currently camped out in a small enclosure in the forest. Link was thinking to himself about what was next for his journey, and whether or not it would lead to more brutal conflicts.
----
"So Termina has control of Lake Hylia and has forced the Rito out of their homes as well," uttered Zelda. She was standing at a table with a map of Hyrule on it, that had small figurines representing Hylian and Terminan armies. Nearby was Link, Skull Kid, a Goron, a Zora, a Gerudo, and several Hylian generals.
"Perhaps we should move our forces into the Lost Woods," replied the Gerudo general. She was wearing ornately-designed battle armor and had a massive sword strapped to her back.
"The Lost Woods are full of creepy stuff though," replied a Hylian general. He had a helmet on and a tabard with the Triforce on it. "We can't let our forces fall to whatever lives there."
"Well, where else can we go?" replied the Zora. He had sword-like weaponry on his fins, and a blue chestplate. "The oceans are dominated by Terminan ships, and most land routes are blocked off!"
"Link and I can scout out the Lost Woods," uttered Skull Kid. "Remember, we managed to save your people from Termina's forces before."
"That's a good suggestion," replied the Goron. He was wearing spiked shoulderpads and had a stone sword on his back. "Plus we can definitely trust you."
"Then it's settled," replied Zelda. "Link and Skull Kid will try and see if the Lost Woods are safe enough while we figure out other plans."
Link and Skull Kid walked out of the room, but Zelda quickly caught up to them.
"Good luck," uttered Zelda. She smiled at Link before walking off.
"I think she likes you," uttered Skull Kid. Link blushed slightly before continuing to walk off.
==Chapter 6: The Mystics of the Plains==
Link and Skull Kid walked through Hyrule Field, heading north to the Lost Woods. The area they were in was full of ruined towers and military fortifications, as if a battle had taken place here.
"The war's taking its toll on the land," uttered Skull Kid. "Countless lives have been lost..."
Link nodded as he kept walking. It was his duty to serve Zelda, and this mission was just one of many. Yet, he felt as if he was being overwhelmed with tasks.
"Look out!" exclaimed Skull Kid. Two Terminan soldiers were nearby, as if they were looking around the place. They wore massive suits of armor and wielded giant axes.
"Hylian scum," uttered one of the soldiers. He charged at Link, who parried the strike with his sword. The two of them exchanged blows for several seconds, before Link knocked the soldier down to the ground with a shield slam. As he struggled to get up, Link charged at the other soldier, knocking him into a wall. As he slashed at the soldier's armor, Skull Kid did his best to utilize his magic against the other soldier. However, the other soldier resisted the magic and got back up, ambushing Link from behind. He fell to the ground and quickly lost consciousness.
----
"He's awake," uttered a voice. Link woke up to find himself in a forested enclosure, surrounded by pale bluish-grey individuals. They were of a short stature, and wielded strange staves. As Link got up, Skull Kid approached him.
"These guys saved our lives," uttered Skull Kid. "And their leader wants to speak with you."
Link nodded before walking into a small tent. Another one of the individuals was here, but he looked different. On his head was a stone object of sorts that resembled a crown.
"Welcome Link," uttered the individual. "My name is Majora."
Link smiled as he shook Majora's hand. Majora then sat down with the Hylian.
"Your friend here tells me you're conducting work for the princess," uttered Majora. "A bold task indeed."
Link nodded in response.
"My people, the Twili, have been waging an underground war against Termina as well," replied Majora. "They've tried to oust us from the world, saying that we use 'dark magics' and whatnot. But darkness can be used for good intentions."
Link expressed a face of shock, but continued to listen intently.
"However, Termina is the...least of our concerns," replied Majora. "The main threat we've been preparing for is a more...insidious one. Are you familiar with the legend of the demon king?"
Link nodded. He had heard stories of it before growing up, of the battle between the hero and the great demon.
"Well, we have reasons to believe that he may be trying to return to Hyrule," replied Majora. "We've been sensing ripples in magical energy across Hyrule, as if he has followers working to resurrect him."
Link and Skull Kid's eyes opened up drastically, but Majora simply nodded at them.
"I'd like to make a deal with you," uttered Majora. "If we lead you to the Lost Woods safely and join Hyrule in the war, can you grant me an audience with Princess Zelda? There's something I'd like to do with the help of Hyrule's military."
Link pondered the situation for a moment, before nodding. He then pulled out his Loftian Tablet and contacted Zelda. Her face appeared on the screen almost instantly.
"Something wrong Link?" asked Zelda.
"We were ambushed by Terminan soldiers, and would've been killed if it wasn't for these individuals known as the Twili," uttered Skull Kid. "Their leader in particular wishes to speak with you."
"Alright, let me speak with him," uttered Zelda. Link handed the Loftian Tablet to Majora, who was now facing Princess Zelda.
"Greetings princess," uttered Majora. "You can call me Majora."
"Good to meet you Majora," replied Zelda. "So what do you want exactly?"
"I'd like to make a deal," uttered Majora. "If I lead these individuals to the Lost Woods safely and pledge my people to Hyrule's side of the war, will your kingdom assist us with a 'project' we have planned?"
"Seems like a good deal," replied Zelda. "Just don't let these guys die."
Majora laughed slightly.
"Don't worry, I trust them as much as you do," replied Majora. "They're good people."
As the conversation ended, Majora handed back the Loftian Tablet to Link.
"When should we leave?" asked Majora. "My people are ready when you are."
==Chapter 7: Birth of the Mask==
Link, Skull Kid, Majora, and a handful of Twili arrived in the Lost Woods. They arrived in a clearing that was overshadowed by massive trees. Fog dominated the area nearby.
"We're finally here," uttered Majora. "Now then, you guys should uphold your end of the deal."
"Very well," replied Skull Kid. "What do you need from us?"
"We just need a few objects from the Lost Woods," replied Majora. "A Hinox's heart. Two Keese eyes. And last but not least, a Wizzrobe Rod. Get me those, and I'll be able to do some important work.
As Link and Skull Kid walked off, Majora and the nearby Twili began to grab some herbs from a bag and crush them with some tools.
----
"Link, please tell me you got to the Lost Woods safely," uttered Zelda via the Loftian Tablet. On the other end were Link and Skull Kid.
"We're safe," replied Skull Kid. "Just gotta uphold our end of the deal with Majora's folks."
"Just make sure to keep watch for Terminan soldiers," replied Zelda. "I've heard reports that they're sending scouts into the Lost Woods."
Link nodded before the screen on the tablet faded away. Zelda put down the book, and then began to meditate. It was important to see if any new visions would arise. As she meditated, Zelda witnessed a flash of light, before falling to the ground.
----
Zelda woke up in Castle Town, with a blood-red sky overhead. A massive army of Bokoblins, Moblins, Wizzrobes, Stafos, Darknuts, Lynels, and Hinoxes were laying siege to Hyrule Castle, among other monsters. And at the forefront of the army was a shadowed figure, with a flame surrounding his head. He grinned before letting loose a blast of dark magic at Zelda as she screamed in terror.
----
"PRINCESS!" exclaimed Impa. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine Impa," replied Zelda. "Just another vision."
"Remember last time?" asked Impa. "You were in bed for days."
"It's worth the risk," replied Zelda. "I can't always be this fragile little princess you've raised for years."
"I'm just concerned for your-"
"Impa, please!" exclaimed Zelda in anger. "Link and the whole of the kingdom depends on my guidance!"
"Oh, this talk again," uttered Impa. "You and Link."
"Well, I, um..." uttered Zelda, while blushing intensely. "You know I admire him for his courage. I always have."
"He's not your type," replied Impa. "And plus he's a soldier. What'll you do if he dies in the field of battle?"
"That's a risk I'm willing to accept," replied Zelda. "And knowing Link, he'll only die when the battle's almost over."
----
"Now for the final object," uttered Skull Kid. "The Hinox heart."
Link and Skull Kid were hiding behind a bush, looking at a sleeping Hinox. It was outside a cave, leaning on a wall of rock. Link readied his bow, and landed a shot straight to the Hinox's eye. It roared in pain as Link and Skull Kid rushed towards it. Whereas Link landed a blow to the leg, Skull Kid began to fire off blasts of magic at the Hinox. The Hinox grabbed a nearby tree, and attempted to smash Link with it. Fortunately, Link jumped out of the way and landed another arrow to the Hinox's eye. As it was stunned, Link began to cut at the Hinox's arms as it lay down on the ground, causing black blood to pour out. The Hinox would eventually get up and swat Link aside, causing him to hit a nearby tree.
"Enjoy this," uttered Skull Kid. He unleashed a massive bolt of lightning that instantly electrocuted the Hinox and left him dead. Link got up, and cut open the Hinox's chest, ripping out its massive heart.
"Eww..." uttered Skull Kid. "Let's deliver this to Majora."
----
"So you got the objects I requested," uttered Majora. "Is the Hinox heart still beating?"
"It stopped beating a few minutes ago," replied Skull Kid. Link nodded as well. Majora, irritated, rolled his eyes.
"Did I forget to tell you that it needs to be beating?!?" exclaimed Majora in anger.
"Actually, you didn't," uttered a Twili. Link and Skull Kid nodded in reponse as Majora slammed his hand onto his face.
"Time for Plan B: I'll just do a magical ritual to make it beat again, but it'll make the final product...more unstable," replied Majora. He began to fill the heart with magical energy, before it began to beat again.
"Now then," uttered Majora. "Bring me the herbs."
Two Twili handed several crushed herbs to Majora, who scattered their remains across the heart. He then took the two Keese eyes and placed them on the heart, before unleashing a blast of magic from the Wizzrobe Rod. The result was the objects floating in the air.
"Let the Twilight consume this creation," uttered Majora. "And let it be glorious!"
Majora fired off a burst of purplish magic at the objects. They began to spin together for several seconds. Then, a burst of light emerged, with Link, Skull Kid, and the Twili struggling to see. Eventually, it cleared to reveal a mask-like object. It was primarily red, but had traces of other colors in it as well as spikes protruding out of it. The mask itself was shaped like a heart.
"So this is what you were trying to create?" asked Skull Kid. "A mask?"
"Not just any ordinary mask," replied Majora. "Those ingredients, when combined with my magic, came together to create this artifact of immense power. It's the key to preventing the demon king's resurrection."
"So what do we call it?" asked Skull Kid. "The Mask? Skull Kid's Mask? The Twilight Mask?"
"Don't be silly," replied Majora. "I've got a perfect name in mind."
"You do sir?" asked one of the Twili. Majora smiled at him.
"It's a simple name," replied Majora. "Majora's Mask."
==Chapter 8: The Woods' Secret==
"So the Twili just made a weapon they seek to use against the forces of an ancient demon king," uttered Skull Kid as he spoke to Zelda via the Loftian Tablet. "They seem to think that the one mentioned in that legend."
"I have been getting visions related to that legend as well," replied Zelda. "Which has led me to find another course of action for you two."
"So you don't want us to fight Termina?" replied Skull Kid. Zelda shook her head in response.
"Our military can handle that," replied Zelda. "I want you two to focus on assisting Majora's forces here. Tell him to expect a squad of our forces to arrive at the camp shortly."
"Will do," replied Skull Kid. Link, who stood next to Skull Kid, smiled at Zelda intently. Zelda smiled back, blushing slightly.
"Alright, take care you two," replied Zelda. "Hyrule's future depends on you."
Zelda turned off the Loftian Tablet as Impa walked up to her.
"Still thinking about him?" asked Impa. "How'd he take the reassignment?"
"He took it well," replied Zelda. "Link's always been one to never refuse a request, and I respect that."
"Princess, if you like him, just tell him," replied Impa. "I'm sure he'll find a way to reciprocate his feelings."
"But does he have any?" replied Zelda. "I'm not entirely sure..."
----
Link and Skull Kid found themselves scouting out the Lost Woods, searching for a source of magical disturbance that Majora told them to look for.
"I miss the old days," uttered Skull Kid. "When we'd delve into temples and fight things."
Link nodded as he kept walking. He wanted some action as well. Suddenly, Link and Skull Kid stumbled upon a ruined stone temple, with two pedestals in the center. In one pedestal was a sword with a purplish hilt, and on the second pedestal was a blue shield, with a red bird and the symbol of the Triforce on it.
"Who just leaves good weapons lying around?" asked Skull Kid sarcastically. Yet, as Link walked up to the pedestals, he could hear a grumbling noise.
"So I see you two adventurers have stumbled upon two of the greatest weapons to ever exist in Hyrule," uttered a voice. "The Master Sword and the Hylian Shield."
Link and Skull Kid looked behind themselves to see a massive tree with a face.
"They call me the Great Deku Tree," uttered the Deku Tree. "I've safeguarded these woods for centuries, and made sure these weapons don't fall into the wrong hands."
"Can you say if Link here is capable of handling them?" asked Skull Kid. Link nodded in response.
"I can't decide that," replied the Deku Tree. "Only by delving into the nearby Hero's Labyrinth and conquering its challenges can you prove yourself worthy of taking the sword. Those who are unworthy die before they can pull those weapons from their pedestals."
Link, pondering the situation, nodded at the Great Deku Tree. Clearly, he wanted a chance to utilize these famous weapons.
"Well, you'll find the labyrinth just east of here," replied the Great Deku Tree. As Link and Skull Kid prepared to leave for it, Majora and two Twili walked up to them.
"So the magical disturbance was here?" asked Majora. Link and Skull Kid nodded.
"We're going to be heading into a nearby temple to see if Link is worthy of taking the weapons here," replied Skull Kid. "It's some rite of passage thing."
"Very well," replied Majora. "We'll continue to scout out the woods and make sure we can utilize it against the forces of the demon king and Termina."
==Chapter 9: The Hero's Soul==
Link and Skull Kid made their way to the Hero's Labyrinth. It was a ruined temple with a giant bird's head carved into the top of it.
"I think you should go in alone," uttered Skull Kid. "You are the one going after the sword and shield after all, not me. I might screw up the rite of passage one way or another."
Link nodded before delving into the temple. Going down some stairs, he noticed Triforce-shaped runes on the wall. When Link arrived on the bottom floor, he found a slot for his Loftian Tablet, and placed it inside.
"Welcome hero," uttered a voice. "Are you ready to brave the trials and prove yourself worthy of taking up the sword?"
Link nodded courageously as a gate opened up to reveal a large room full of Keese. They flew at Link, biting at his armor. However, they were no match for Link's sword and shield. As he walked through the room, he noticed a strange reddish goop covering the next gate.
"This is Malice," uttered the voice. "The leftover energies of the demon king. Cut through it."
Link brought out his sword and slashed through the Malice. It took considerable effort, but the Malice was eventually cleared. The next room had a massive wall leading up to the next gate.
"The hero must be courageous enough to overcome any obstacle," uttered the voice. "Such as this wall."
Link jumped onto the wall, utilizing some climbing equipment he bought back when he was at Death Mountain. The wall was quite rugged, but this made it easier for Link and allowed him to find ledges to grab onto. Eventually, he made it to the top and entered the next room. Three boxes were inside: two of them had bombs inside, and one had a key.
"Now let's test your memory," uttered the voice. "Which box has the key to the next room?"
The boxes magically shuffled about, and Link watched them intently. Eventually, they stopped as Link picked the box on the right. The key was inside.
"Clever thinking," uttered the voice.
----
Eventually, Link arrived at the final trial in the labyrinth, which was in a large arena. Suddenly, a skeletal, ghostly figure emerged, who wielded a rusted sword and shield.
"Time for the final trial," uttered the fighter. "Best me in battle, and the sword and shield are yours."
Link recognized the voice as the one previously guiding him, but shrugged it off as he brought out his weaponry. The skeleton charged at Link, and they locked blades for a few seconds.
"I was once a hero like you," uttered the skeleton. "It's my duty to make sure the Master Sword doesn't fall into the wrong hands."
Link eventually landed a kick to the skeleton's chest. As bones fell out of his body, he tossed one of them at Link, knocking him into a wall. As the skeleton was about to land a blow to Link's chest, a wave of energy emerged from his sword, knocking him back.
"Astounding," uttered the skeleton. "The goddess chose you."
Link felt a sudden rush of energy in his body, as if he had been infused with divine energy. He assailed the skeleton with countless blows, before knocking him to the ground.
"Stop..." uttered the skeleton. "It looks lke the goddeses blessed you with their power. Just like they did with me back in the day."
Link expressed a face of confusion as the skeleton got up.
"I was the one who sealed away the demon king," uttered the skeleton. "The one who helped the goddess Hylia found Hyrule as a kingdom."
Link was astounded by this revelation, and smiled intently at the skeleton in respect.
"But I grew old and weak," replied the skeleton. "I was only kept alive until the next incarnation arrived. You."
The glow in the skeleton's eyes faded away as Link pondered the situation. Apparently he was some sort of legendary hero now, and he had to live up to that.
----
Link walked out of the Hero's Labyrinth to see an astounded Skull Kid.
"You survived..." uttered Skull Kid. "Are you worthy now?"
Link nodded as he walked over to the Master Sword's grounds. The sword was now glowing with energy, as if its chosen wielder was nearby.
"Looks like you're worthy to take these weapons," uttered the Great Deku Tree. "Use them wisely."
Link walked over to the Hylian Shield's pedestal. He took the shield from its pedestal and placed it onto his arm, admiring its design and durability. As Link handed his old shield to Skull Kid, he placed the Hylian Shield onto his back. Then, he handed Skull Kid his sword and walked over to the Master Sword's pedestal. The sword continued to glow, and Link could feel energy emanating from it. As he placed his hands onto the sword's hilt, he felt an incredible amount of courage inside of him, and began to pull out the sword. It took some time, with the blade firmly planted in the pedestal. After some time, Link pulled the Master Sword out of its pedestal. He admired the blade's quality for several seconds, and did a few practice slashes before putting it its sheath on his back. He was ready to use the weapon in the name of Hyrule.
Category:Stories
Category:The Legend of Zelda (series)