The quiet of Kakariko Village faded behind Link as he journeyed across the fields of Hyrule, his pace steady and unyielding. He kept his eyes forward, the weight of his responsibility growing lighter with every step. Link could feel Zelda's presence in his heart, a reminder of why he carried on, why he faced each hardship. The memories of their moments together kept his steps steady, guiding him like a beacon.
As night descended, the fields around him turned shadowy, flickering under the light of distant starlight. Link made his way toward a small clearing, setting a temporary camp with just a small fire for warmth. He looked into the flames, images of battles fought and lost rising up before him, and then, faces he hadn't seen in a long time: the fallen champions. Revali's cocky smirk, Urbosa's steady resolve, Daruk's booming laugh, Mipha's gentle smile. They were gone, but their memories fueled his resolve to keep going. stupid bird link said.
"Rest easy," he murmured quietly, his voice rough from disuse. "I'll make sure your sacrifice wasn't in vain."
He woke before dawn, ready to cover the distance to Hyrule Castle. He rode swiftly on Epona, her powerful strides covering ground with ease. The castle loomed larger in the distance, a dark figure against the morning sky, and as he neared, the shadow of Ganon felt closer, looming once again over Hyrule's heart.
Link approached the last hill, where the view of the castle was clear. He slowed Epona and dismounted, standing for a long moment to take it in. The skies seemed to darken as clouds formed over the castle, twisting as if in warning. But Link was resolute. This time, he was ready.
He reached into his pouch and touched the runes on his Sheikah Slate, ensuring they were all operational. Bombs, stasis, magnesis—they'd all be needed. He glanced down at his green tunic, the one that symbolized the strength of heroes before him. Wearing it felt right, like an armor of his own past coming to his aid.
But as he entered the outer grounds of the castle, his mind turned not to the battles or the chaos. He thought only of Zelda, her light fighting against the dark, waiting for him. The image fueled him, and with a steeled heart, he pressed on, entering the shadows of the castle once more.
The quiet of Hyrule Castle was broken only by the distant echoes of malice pulsing through its walls. Link moved with purpose, every step bringing him closer to the throne room where Ganon's darkness held firm. His grip on the Master Sword was unwavering, his shield strapped firmly to his back, and his green tunic clung to him as if it were a second skin. Shadows twisted around him, hissing with malice, but he held his gaze forward, unflinching.
He entered a grand hallway, and a pair of Guardians whirred to life at the far end, their blue eyes locking onto him. The familiar click of their legs moving into position didn't faze him. He lifted his shield, parried a laser, and swung with precision, dismantling one Guardian before it could even fully charge its next shot. The second moved in, but Link anticipated its attack and destroyed it with swift strikes to its core, the machine falling with a crackling finality.
As he neared the staircase leading up to Ganon, whispers of old battles flooded his mind. His last fight with the darkness had left him weakened, nearly beyond repair. But this time felt different—like the whispers of his fallen friends were with him, pushing him forward. The burdens he carried felt heavy, yet somehow less alone. With each step, he was certain the champions remained alongside him.
Climbing the final staircase, Link's heart beat like a war drum, his senses heightened as he approached the throne room. He pushed open the heavy doors, the creak echoing through the grand hall, and there, in the heart of the chamber, a figure draped in shadows awaited. The air felt thick, filled with the malice Ganon projected around the room. Zelda's voice echoed softly in his mind, a reminder of the light he was here to reclaim.
