Link thought he heard a voice. It was a soft, sweet voice, soothing to the ear and comforting to his soul. However, he couldn't fully enjoy the voice because of the note of urgency in it. Someone was calling his name. He tried to push through his veil of dreams, but it was not an easy progression. He waded through, at last emerging as the voice beckoned him nearer. His eyes opened as Sleep ran, knowing her victim was freed. He looked up, seeing the most beautiful face on earth looking down at him. In his own personal world, this face governed his feelings and affections.
Link smiled softly, almost too puzzled to say anything. Zelda, princess of Hyrule, smiled down at him, her pretty face still creased with anxiety but happy to see her friend. Then her face went grim as she bent down, giving her hands to Link. He took them, letting her help him to his feet. He looked around, at once taking in his surroundings. He was no longer in his small tree house in Kokiri forest, but in a large, spacious stone monastery-like building. He knew it well. It was the Temple of Time, the key bridge of his adventure through time, which had taken place at least five years before.
Link, still confused, looked at Zelda and cocked his head quizzically, asking, “Princess, what’s happening? Why am I here?”
Zelda looked up at him with large, fearful eyes, eyes like that of a hunted animal, “Link, our worst fears have come true. Ganondorf has escaped from the Sacred Realm! The Sages sensed a disturbance and saw him break free! They were unable to stop him and he fled to the Gerudo Fortress! Our spies brought word back to us that he’s building an army!”
Link clenched his jaw, fear making his blood go cold. But it was not cowardly fear. It was fear for all of Hyrule. Link also felt that searing flame in the bottom of his stomach, the flame of righteous anger. This would only lead to more misery and death! He asked Zelda urgently, “How long has he been free?”
Zelda looked helpless as she answered, tears forming in her eyes, “Almost a full year! We’ve been watching him. I wanted to send for you at once but the Sages wouldn’t let me! They said it wasn't the right time!”
Link looked stunned. A full year! Who knows what Ganondorf could have done in that time. He turned to the great Door of Time, the gateway to the Chamber of Sages. He saw that it was open, and Zelda explained, “I opened the Door of Time for you. I’m afraid that you must take up the Master Sword once again. Evil must feel its sting once again.” She pressed something into his hand. He looked down, smiling fondly at the small, oval object. It was the Ocarina of Time, the priceless treasure of the Royal Family, the legendary instrument of the Hero of Time. He caressed it, and then snapped out of his reverie. It was time to act. The Master Sword must once more be wielded.
Running to the Pedestal of Time, Link slowly reached out toward the marvelous blade. It was a wonderful weapon. It had a long deadly blade with a blood channel running down the middle. Its beautifully crafted hilt was made out of some unknown, sturdy purple material. There was a small gem in the shape of the Triforce on the crosstrees. Link placed his hands firmly around the hilt, and his hands began to tingle, remembering the feel of the sword. He slowly drew it out, remembering all the battles he had survived with that very sword. But there was no time to waste remembering. He turned back to Zelda, who handed him the sheath. He placed the sword in the scabbard and strapped it to his back diagonally so the hilt stuck out over one shoulder.
“Link, I would suggest going back to the forest and getting all of your other possessions. Who knows if you’ll need them!” Zelda said, following him as he headed toward the exit. When they reached it, she held his hand, turning him around and saying, “Rauru told me that you should look for someone in the forest. He didn’t say much. All he said was that you are to look for blue feathers.”
Link was puzzled by this remark, “Blue feathers?”
Zelda nodded, shrugging and saying, “I don’t know what he means, but I’m sure you’ll find it.” Then Link turned to go.
“Link?”
Link turned, only to find his shoulders grasped and his head pulled down. He then felt Zelda’s lips pressed against his own. He simply opened his mouth wider, inviting the kiss. He put his hands in Zelda’s hair, stroking it and then moving his hands down her neck, hugging her close. His heart was thumping in his chest and a fiery passion flowing through him. He had always loved Zelda. Now he knew she loved him as well.
They drew apart, both of their faces burning. Zelda licked her lips and then said simply, “Be careful.”
Link nodded dumbly, still a bit dazed by the sudden show of affection. Then he turned and headed for the marketplace.
Link made his way through the marketplace and to the drawbridge, which was promptly opened by one of the guards. Making his way out into the field, Link stood surveying the landscape. He would follow Rauru’s orders and go to the forest. Plus, he had to gather all his other possessions, such as his shield and bow. He took the Ocarina, beginning to play a most beloved tune. The melody rolled over the field, filling the air with the sweet swells of sound. Link was rewarded with one of his favorite sounds; the drumming of hooves, followed by a strong neigh. He saw a brown speck coming towards him. It grew in size rapidly.
Epona galloped towards her master and friend, eager to bear him on her back. Link put his arms about his mare’s velvety neck and stroked her lovingly. Epona nudged him gently with her nose, eager to be off. Link laughed, swinging lightly onto his dearest friend's back. He gripped Epona’s mane and nudged her slightly. He did not need saddle or bridle for Epona.
Link and Epona made their way towards the Kokiri Forest. Link had to dismount when they reached the small bridge to the forest so he could lead Epona, and then he set her loose when they reached the small grove. He knew she would come when he called her.
Link looked up, noticing that there seemed to be a hubbub over by Saria’s house. The Kokiri were all gathered around, most of them shrieking and yelling. Suddenly, a whole group of them went flying into the air, crashing and landing awkwardly amid the tall grass. A roar could be heard from inside the house accompanied by the crashing of pots and the rumble of furniture being flung about. Link began sprinting for the house, concern on his face.
Link pushed his way through the crowd of Kokiri, but they made a path for him, knowing he could handle it, being the warrior that he was. He stood about two heads taller than all of them since he was not a true Kokiri.
Link made his way to the door and looked in. It was a strange sight indeed. Four Kokiri were hanging on for dear life to a girl about his own age. She was flailing about, snarling and growling savagely as she stamped about the room, kicking and pushing over furniture. She threw the Kokiri from her when her back was turned, and Link could not see her face. Then she turned to the corner where Saria was pinned to the wall by an arrow through her tunic. Enraged that his friend was being treated this way, Link grasped his sword and rushed forward, grabbing the strange girl by her hair and yanking her head backwards. Before they got a good look at each other, the girl twisted her head around and delivered a sharp bite to Links fingers. Link sucked in his breath as he instinctively yanked his hand away. The girl nimbly somersaulted away, landing on one of the upturned pieces of furniture and notching an arrow to her bowstring in one swift, fluent movement.
It was then that Link and the girl got a clear view of one another. Link, being the observant type, took in her qualities at a single glance. She was his age, with blond hair tied back in a ponytail and a fair complexion, even though it was healthily tanned from spending her life outdoors. She wore a light tunic, green and made for the use of free movement and rough weather wear. She wore a pair of travel boots, sturdy but still giving her the ability to move nimbly, and it was obvious to see that she was nimble. Her body was slender, lean and muscular, and she was a sinewy girl, clearly extremely athletic. Even if she had been without the broadsword strapped to her back, the Hylian shield slung over her shoulders, the longbow, the quiver of arrows swinging from her shoulder and the various throwing daggers in her belt, the girl had warrior written all over her. And she was an extremely pretty girl, with soft full lips, beautiful brows and a shapely body.
However, the thing that captured Link the most was the girl’s eyes. They were beautiful, large and almond-shaped. They were the clearest blue Link had ever seen, but they were ringed with a stormy gray color and flecked with gold. The pupils were huge, almost like a cat’s, and the entire eye was crested with the longest, darkest lashes Link had seen. However, those eyes burned with a savage flame, the flame of a strange, barbaric hatred. They were beautiful to behold, but they seared into the very marrow of whoever dared to gaze into them. And they were misted over with a red light. Link had seen this before and had once had his own vision clogged by the red mist. It was the terrible bloodlust one gained in the heat of battle. These were the eyes of an avenger.
Link could tell that the girl’s blood was up. She was breathing in and out sharply through her bared teeth and her eyes were blazing fiercely. She drew her bow back, growling out in a voice almost too low for a girl’s but too melodious for a boy’s, “Who are you?”
Link stepped forward, unafraid. He answered in a calm tone, “My name is Link, and I came to see what was happening.” His eyes narrowed, “Why were you attacking Saria and the Kokiri?”
The girl actually bared her teeth at him and snarled like an animal, answering back with a growl, “They won’t tell me what I want to know! And they all deserve to die anyway! They’re allies of Ganondorf!”
The Kokiri began to give out a cry of protest, but the girl turned her savage eyes on them and barked out, “Quiet, pygmies!” Silence fell instantly.
Link began moving forward steadily, confident in his stride as he tried to reason with the wild girl, “I can assure you they aren’t allies of Ganondorf. They are loyal to Hyrule. I would know. I live among them and I am loyal to the king of Hyrule.” He proved this by showing the girl the proof of his Hylian birth; his ears.
The girl lowered her bow, her gaze faltering as a confused look came into her eyes, “But…they wouldn’t tell me where…where he was!”
Link couldn’t help but smile scornfully as he answered, “That’s because they don’t know!”
The girl let go of the shaft. It thudded into the Deku wood table she was standing on and simply stayed there, quivering. She was utterly humbled.
Link’s attention was drawn to the arrow. He noticed the brightly colored fletching on the shaft. It was a deep blue. He casually thought about what a beautiful shade it was. Then he remembered. Blue feathers! Of course! This girl was the one he had been looking for!
The girl’s voice snapped his attention back as she said in a softer, smaller voice, “I-I’m sorry…I get…so carried away…I was so…so angry…”
She leaped down, going over to Saria and pulling the arrow from the wall. She pulled the small girl up, brushing her off and saying apologetically, “I’m sorry, mate. I just don’t think. I’m a little too…shall we say…enthusiastic. I’m a Hylian too.” She pushed back her hair to reveal her ears. As she did this, Link noticed an ugly brown scar cutting jaggedly across her cheek. He instinctively wondered what had caused it.
The girl turned around to face Link again, saying with still a bit of hostility in her voice, “What exactly are you? A half-breed or a Hylian who can’t make up his mind?”
Link snapped. His lowest point was the fact that he had never been raised as a proper Hylian. He brandished the Master Sword, hoping to show the girl that he was not one to be trifled with, “Do you know what this is?” The girl gave out a piercing cry, either of joy, terror, or rage. With startling speed and agility, she bounded over to Link and snatched the sword from him. He did not go after her, or even seem concerned. He turned around with a wicked grin on his face.
The girl cried out again, but this time it from an agonizing pain. The sword seemed to burn her very inside. She dropped it with a yelp, backing away from it. Link laughed again, and he picked up the Master Sword, twirling it expertly. The girl’s eyes burned with resentment.
“I am the Hero of Time,” said Link, “And I don’t like being addressed as a half-breed. I expect better manners from a girl. Although, you seem to be undecided about what gender you are.” Of course Link knew it could not be doubted that this girl was female. She was too beautiful to be anything else. But he wanted to return her jab, and this was the only way he knew how. He knew he shouldn’t be exchanging insults, but he had been riled.
The girl sat down hard on the ground, tears popping out of her gorgeous eyes as she nursed her hands. Link wasn’t sure if the tears were from pain or anger or pure disappointment. The girl bared her teeth at him again and said in a strained voice, “I should be the one carrying that sword! You couldn’t even defeat Ganondorf for good! I would’ve slain him!”
Link stared hatred at the girl, then turned on his heel and headed for his house. The Kokiri, sensing the rage broiling inside of their hero, kept a good distance from him. As Link reached his house and gathered his things, he fumed inwardly. This girl couldn’t be the one sent to him! She was too impudent! But then again, she obviously had a great hatred for Ganondorf. And she was a true warrior, tough and strong. Maybe he could try to talk to her like a civilized Hylian.
Link climbed down from his house, turning back to Saria’s house. However, he saw the girl sitting dejectedly under the awning of the small shop. Link made his way over to her. As he approached, the girl stood and began backing away, growling out bitterly, “You’ve shamed me enough! What do you want now?”
Link tried to keep his voice under control, “Your arrows have blue feathers.”
The girl snorted scornfully, “Aye, they do. Took you a while to notice, didn’t it?”
Link clenched his fists, saying in a level tone, “I was told to seek out blue feathers. I’ve come back to defeat Ganondorf once and for all. I think you are fated to help me. Are you willing to join me? We can kill him together.” He held out his hand.
The girl looked uncertain for a moment, then took his hand, shaking it. Her face softened and she said, “Alright, mate. I’ll help you. As long as I get a crack at that Gerudo coward!”
Link smiled, liking the girl’s spunk, “Fair enough. My name’s Link. What’s yours?”
The girl smiled back, saying proudly, “The name’s Xyana the Arrow. I’m the best archer in all Hyrule.” She saw the blood on Link’s fingers. She smiled apologetically, “Sorry for biting you, mate, but you did yank my hair hard!”
Link and Xyana both laughed, immediately forgiving one another and finding a strong kinship. Link began making his plans, “I think the best thing would be to go to Gerudo Valley and try to find out all we can about Ganondorf’s plans. He’s building an army there.”
Xyana nodded eagerly, “Aye! And maybe we can kill him!”
Link was uncertain, “I don’t know about that. I think we’d have to wait.”
Xyana looked downcast, but she brightened up when Link said, “Don’t worry, mate. You’ll get a chance to fight him!”
Link called for Epona and Xyana called for her own horse, a pure black mare with a single white star on her forehead. They both mounted and set off out of Kokiri forest and into Hyrule field. As they neared Gerudo Valley, they saw from afar that the bridge was once again broken and torn, showing that the Gerudos were showing open hostility.
Xyana looked at Link, her face showing disappointment, “What do we do now?”
Link was calm and obviously unconcerned, “Epona can jump the distance easily. We’ve done it before.”
Link leaned forward and whispered something to Epona, and her ears perked up as she gave a little whinny of delight. Then, she began running like a gale at sea. Nearer and nearer to the broken bridge, not slacking in pace, confident she would pass the gap below. The moment her back legs touched the edge, she gave a great thrust and went flying over the gap. No horse on earth could have made a jump like that, and she knew it!
And Xyana knew it, too. She nervously looked at the huge gap, and saw the roaring river under it. Well, she thought, at least, if I fall, I’ll fall in water. This made her a bit less nervous, but she was still shaking badly. She nudged her horse, and like Epona, her horse took off at full speed. When they reached the edge, the horse seemed to falter, and slid to an abrupt stop. Because of the force of the unexpected halt, Xyana was thrust over her horse’s shoulder and out over the gap.
Screaming in terror, Xyana plunged down towards the water that was who knows how far below them. She heard Link’s startled voice yelling her name out in bewilderment. She stared in horror at the water below her rapidly rushing up to meet her. Then with a sickening smack, she hit the water full force on her stomach. The force drove the breath from her. She blacked out and went under.
Link wasted no time. As soon as he saw Xyana hit the water, he slipped off of Epona and ran to the edge. Without hesitation, he jumped high and curved his body into a graceful dive, a dive no Zora could equal. The moment he went under, he shot forward. He wrapped his left arm around Xyana’s waist and brought her to the surface. Keeping her head above the surface, he used his free arm to propel them through the water. He knew that the river fed into Lake Hylia, and that he could get Xyana to dry land there. He swam faster, glad that the current was swift.
They were brought around a bend in the river, and Link saw with relief that he had only to swim a few yards till he reached the shore of Lake Hylia. As soon as he was on land, Link put Xyana on the ground and started pumping water out of Xyana’s mouth. Luckily, she hadn’t swallowed much. When he was sure she was breathing normally, Link carried her across the bridge to the island with the warp tile and the big tree.
For the next few hours while Xyana was still unconscious, Link was busy. Because he had no fishing equipment, he decided to try bow fishing. He climbed to the top of the tree (a difficult climb, for he had forgotten his longshot) and took out his bow. He could see the fish clearly from the tree, and being so high up, he wouldn’t scare them away. He had much success. The only annoying thing was that every time he shot a fish, he would dive off into the water to retrieve it. Then he would have to climb back up the tree.
When Xyana woke, she heard the twang of a bow. She instinctively dropped down and looked in the direction of the sound. She saw a fish float to the surface on its side. She then looked up and saw Link waving at her. He smiled cheerfully, and then dove gracefully into the water to retrieve the fish. Showoff, Xyana thought as she chuckled to herself. She stretched luxuriously, but winced as she did so. Her stomach was a bit tender.
Link waded ashore, carrying his catch. He threw it on a pile of three other big fish just like it. As he tried to get the water out of his ears, Xyana went to the other side of the bridge, collecting dry brush, twigs and leaves. She soon came back and got a good fire going. Link cleaned the fish and put them on spits, and he and Xyana sat on the ground, opposite one another, roasting their fish.
The meal was silent. Both warriors hadn’t eaten all day, and were ravenously hungry. They wolfed down their meal in less than ten minutes, and after that amused themselves by seeing who could spit the bones the farthest. After that, they sat by the fire talking.
“Xyana,” asked Link, “Why are you seeking vengeance on Ganondorf?” Xyana looked up sharply, then sighed and began reluctantly. “I was born during the Great War, and I was only a babe when I was abandoned in the forest. I was found by a kind Sheikah and she raised me, teaching me the secrets of the Shadow people. When I was only nine, I wandered too far south and was captured by a gang of Gerudos. They took me to Ganondorf who at once took a fancy to me. He forced me to be his slave, and unfortunately for me I was his favorite.”
Here, Xyana began to breath heavily and clenched her fists in anger, “One day, as I served him, Ganondorf grabbed my wrist and drew me to him, saying he was bored with his current wife. He tried to seduce me, but I bit him deeply in the hand. He struck me across the face, which sent me into an even greater rage. I attacked him, seizing the dagger he had stowed in his belt and stabbing him in the shoulder. He began screaming like a babe, calling out to his guards. They came in and beat me senseless. I woke in the cells. Ganondorf…he had me tortured…horrible tortures! I was tied down as the placed burning hot coals on my back…I was flogged and then rubbed down with salt…I was tied to great blocks of ice for days on end…I was barely fed…I had to wear a spiked collar and…I was once tied above the fortress doors in the midst of a terrible storm to brave the elements. They thought I was dead in the morning, and Ganondorf came out to survey my corpse, but I roared out a vow to slay him! And I will fulfill that vow one day! I managed to escape and have been trying to carry out my oath, and now I have the chance to do that!”
Xyana’s eyes were blazing as she said these last few words. Link felt his heart go out to the tough warrior girl. She had suffered so much! He put his arm around her, comforting her as tears slid down her cheeks. She recovered and composed herself.
Link thought it best to add his own story, “I too have a reason to seek revenge. My mother was taking me to save me from the war, and she reached the forest, but…” His eyes misted over, “She was killed, and my father had also been slain in the war.” A small tear slid down his cheek, and he wiped his nose with a gauntleted hand.
Xyana embraced Link comfortingly, saying softly, “Link, I’m so sorry…You have more right to slay Ganondorf than I!”
The two companions now looked into each other’s eyes. They saw the same suffering and grief, and now saw that they were looking at someone who could understand better than others and relate to their feelings. Their faces drew closer, and closer. Link put out his hand and stroked Xyana’s tearstained face. There was something about her that he thought seemed familiar, and yet something that made her different from everyone else. Link put his mouth close to Xyana’s ear and whispered, “I feel like I know you well.” Then he kissed her on the cheek. Link felt love for Xyana inflame his heart, but not the sort of love he had for Zelda. It was a love he might have for a mother, or better yet, a sister.
When they drew apart, Xyana’s eyes were shining. She seemed stronger then she had been. Link felt the same way. He slowly drew the Master Sword and held it out to Xyana. She cautiously touched the hilt. She felt nothing. She lifted it from Link’s hands and held it in front of her, marveling at its beauty. She silently placed it back in Link’s hands.
“It’s a marvelous weapon, Link,” she said. “I’ve heard stories of it since I was young.” She was a bit shy now, still blushing after the kiss. “I’ve heard it was a key to the road between time. Is that true?” she asked. “Yes,” said Link, and he began to tell Xyana the story of his great adventure with the Master Sword and the Ocarina of Time. Xyana’s eyes shone the whole time. She could not tear her gaze from Link’s face as he related the tale. She voiced her questions frequently, and Link seemed eager to answer them.
When he finished the tale, Xyana was spellbound. She stared at the great sword that lay across Link’s knees. After a moment of silence, Link said, “Well, tomorrow, I think you should leave your horse and ride on Epona behind me, and we can both enter Gerudo Valley.” Xyana smiled. “Better get some sleep, warrior,” she said. “’Cause I’m not going to wait around for you in the morning!”
