The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 25- Rise of a New Hero

Link fell back on the steps of the pedestal, hard. He gave out a small cry of pain as he slowly stood up and rubbed the point on his back that he fell on. His eyesight grew watery as he started to shake and tremble, looking back at the master sword that still stood in its mount peacefully. He wasn't crying due to the pain in his back, where a bruise would no doubt form, but because of his shock and confusion.

"Wh-what was that? Fi, Fi did you see what happened? That's the most painful th-thing I've ever f-felt!" Link stammered, taking a cautious step away from the blade.

It made no sense to him. Link expected it to be easier, simply pull the sword and continue onwards. Was he really not chosen, like the way he doubted in the first place? But that wouldn't make sense either, because then why would Fi bring him here? Why did it hurt that much?

Before Fi could answer however, Link heard the sound of creaking wood from in front of him. He quickly wiped his eyes and focused on the strange and unexpected movement in front of him. He had totally forgotten about the large and ancient tree in front of the master sword. He was so taken aback by the legendary blade, he completely forgot about the great Deku Tree. He scrutinized it for the first time, appreciating the calming presence the being had to offer. The branches seemed to sway extra gently, and pink flower blossoms from the higher branches drifted from above to the ground, adding to the already breathtaking scenery.

The wooden face started to slowly come to life, seeming to be waking up from a long slumber. Link watched in amazement as the tree's mouth started to open, much resembling a yawn. His voice seemed to resonate throughout the whole forest as he spoke in a deep, yet at the same time benevolent, tone.

"What is that noise down there? Did I fall asleep once again?" the tree sleepily questioned, and despite the fact Link could not see his eyes, he felt that they now rested upon him.

"Well, well...it's you, Link."

In this statement Link could sense in his words excitement, sympathy, and worry.

"I have watched over Hyrule since time immemorial. Many have referred to me over the ages as the Deku Tree."

Link nodded respectfully, hesitant to talk. He had a great respect for the Deku Tree, as he knew of the role the ancient entity had played and served in Hyrule's long past.

The Deku Tree anticipated Link's reserved nature and silence, so he continued to speak, "The master sword is no doubt the reason you have traveled to these woods. It is hard to believe that it is time once again for you to take up that blade. You are so young my child, but that is just the way events have seemed to be chosen," he sighed, going quiet himself for a second, but resumed talking rather quickly.

"The sword stands here, where it has been safe under my watch. That is the weapon created by the ancient Goddess. The sword that seals the darkness- that only the chosen knight can wield against Calamity Ganon."

Link felt very conflicted at his words, fighting the strong urge to argue that he wasn't the chosen knight. The searing and shocking pain he felt moments prior added to his already great uncertainty. Or was that pain part of it? Did the agony stand as a test to any who dared to try and unearth the master sword? Link was uncertain, so he let the Deku Tree continue to speak uninterrupted.

"Believe it or not, you have wielded this sword before, in past lives. But I must warn you to take extreme caution. The sword stands as a test to anyone who would dare attempt to possess it."

Link closed his eyes, trying to see if he could somehow recollect any memories of apparent past lives, but to no avail. He was, however, put at ease at the last part of the Deku Tree's words of the sword standing as a test. Link felt a strange combination of assured and scared knowing that the searing pain he felt prior was to be expected. At least he felt a bit more prepared for what was to come.