Hylian Folklore: A Retelling of the Twilight Princess

The Usurper King

A feeling of warmth washed over Link's battered body instantly relieving the overwhelming pain. He could feel the life flowing back into him and breathed a sigh of relief. His strength now fully restored, Link allowed himself to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was Midna's impish face. She was hovering over him with that all too familiar, sly grin.

"It is about time you woke up Beast Boy."

Link slowly took in his surroundings. They were still in the castle, that much was for sure, but in another room. The walls had the same glowing green line art as everything else in this weird world. Above him was some kind of fountain where even the water seemed to glow. Wait? Why was he all wet? He looked down to see he was actually soaking in the pool below. His boots, weapons and tunic had been removed.

"This fountain has healing properties," she answered before he could ask, "You need to be more careful unless you want to become a dead dog."

Feeling a bit dizzy as he stood up, Link pulled his green tunic over his still dripping wet head. Why did she insist on still calling him by those annoying nicknames? He wasn't a wolf anymore.

"I hope you are feeling better, because your next opponent will be much more challenging to say the least. Zant is a powerful warrior. I will hold his dark magic at bay, but he will still be difficult to defeat," Midna warned.

"I will be ready," Link simply answered while pulling his boots on.

"For the sake of all, I hope you are right," Midna crossed her arms. Link noted a hint of worry in her voice, "What ever you do, don't underestimate him."

Link adjusted his sword and shield until they rested comfortably upon his back. He closed his eyes, allowing the memories of all his lessons in sword fighting with Bo come flooding back to him. Hours of grueling training. All the sweat, bruises, and even some blood. He recalled lying with his face in the dirt as Bo's booming voice taunting him to get back up. What's the matter, boy? Do you give up that easily? he would say. It always worked, and Link pick himself up out of the dirt with a new determination. Link stood up straight, that same determination fired up in his eyes now.

"No, Bo, I do not," he said out loud in a rather uncharacteristic voice, his strange companion looking a bit surprised by the sudden outburst.

Without another word, the stunned imp started leading the way once more. Though he trailed behind her in silence, his mind was reeling with thoughts of all the ones he loved. Mayor Bo, who was more then a mentor to him, he was like the father he never had. Ilia, who he thought of as his little sister, though, she scolded him as if she were his own mother most of the time. Colin, who was trying so hard to be brave. The boys, Malo and Talo, who were like the troublesome little brothers you can't help but love. Even Beth, who annoyed him at times, swooning over him as he tried to get his work done down at the ranch. They all felt like family to him. They were the ones he would die for.

Then his thoughts shifted to Hylia. Zelda. He would do anything in his power to save her from Ganondorf's clutches. He though back to that first day he had met her. Not the day back in Ordon, but the day he met her as a baby. He still remembered it like it was yesterday. He remembered feeling drawn to her, the same way he did when they met again in Ordon. It is strange, he thought, how I feel like I have known her my whole life, yet I can still count the days I have really known her on one hand. He glanced down at the golden symbol on his left hand, remembering what Impa had said about him being the hero of legend. He didn't want to believe it then, but now, here he was, on his way to face Zant, dressed in the green garbs of the hero. This really must be the Triforce of Courage, because a wise man would have turned around after the last, near-death experience, he mused. But that would be his last thoughts of humor, as the hall suddenly opened up into a huge chamber. Zant sat in a throne on the far side of the room, the design of which, looked of the same era as the strange mask Midna wore.