Celestial ( A ZeLink Story)

Shadows of the lost woods

The trees grew denser as Zelda and Link ventured deeper into the Lost Woods, their surroundings becoming a labyrinthine maze of twisting paths and shadowy clearings. The Korok flitted ahead, its small frame darting through the undergrowth with ease, guiding the pair on their journey.
"The atmosphere is different here," Zelda said, her voice just above a whisper as if she didn't want to disturb the eerie quiet. "It feels heavier."Link nodded, his senses on high alert. He could sense the darkness the Great Deku Tree had spoken of. It seeped into the very air they breathed, making the woods feel otherworldly.As they walked, Zelda kept her hand on her bow, an arrow already knocked, ready for anything. Link held his sword at his side, prepared to draw it at a moment's notice. They needed to stay vigilant—the Lost Woods had a reputation for disorienting even the most seasoned travelers.The Korok led them to a narrow path that twisted and turned before emerging into a small, moonlit clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a figure shrouded in darkness. It appeared human, but its features were obscured by the shadows it emanated.The dark figure turned its head slowly toward them, and they could see the glint of red eyes peering through the blackness. A chilling laughter echoed through the clearing, and the figure spoke in a haunting voice. "Well, well. The princess and the hero. How unexpected to find you here."Zelda stepped forward, her bow drawn and ready. "Who are you?" she demanded. "What is your purpose here?"The figure seemed to smile, though its face was still hidden by the darkness. "You may call me Umbra," it said. "My purpose is simple—to spread chaos and darkness throughout these woods and beyond."Link's grip on his sword tightened. "We'll stop you.""Will you now?" Umbra taunted. "The Lost Woods are full of tricks and illusions. Are you sure you'll be able to find your way back out?"Before Zelda and Link could respond, Umbra raised its hands, and the shadows around them began to shift and writhe. The clearing transformed into a tangled maze of dark, twisted trees. The ground beneath them seemed to move, forcing them apart."Link!" Zelda called out, trying to keep sight of him through the swirling shadows."I'm here!" Link shouted back, his voice echoing through the maze. He fought his way toward her, his sword slashing through the darkness.The Korok hovered overhead, chirping anxiously as it tried to help them navigate the maze. Zelda and Link pressed forward, their trust in each other their guide.Zelda loosed an arrow into the shadows, and it struck its mark. The shadows recoiled, giving her a clear path to Link. They met in the center of the maze, back to back, ready to face Umbra's dark powers."Together," Link said, reaffirming their partnership.Zelda nodded. "Together."They fought as one, Zelda's arrows striking true and Link's sword slashing through the darkness. Umbra's laughter turned to frustration as the pair pushed through the maze, inching closer to the dark figure.With a final, coordinated attack, they drove Umbra back, forcing it to retreat deeper into the Lost Woods. The darkness around them dissipated, and the clearing returned to its original state.Umbra's voice echoed through the clearing. "This is not over. The shadows will consume Hyrule!"Zelda and Link stood resolute, determined to protect their home from the darkness. "We will stop you," Zelda said, her gaze fierce.With Umbra temporarily defeated, Zelda and Link took a moment to catch their breath. They knew their journey was far from over, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would protect Hyrule and restore peace to the lands of Hyrule.