Hylian Folklore: A Retelling of the Twilight Princess

The Blade of Evil's Bane

"Over here!" Skull Kid exclaimed excitedly, jumping up and down and pointing ahead.

They had reached the end of the grove, where the thick, dark forest opened up a bit, allowing sunlight to pour though the leafy canopy, basking the overgrown temple ruins in its warm light. It almost looked serene.

"Well, what are you going to do, stand here and look at it all day?" Midna asked, letting her impatient side show again.

Link huffed and started making his way down to the Temple of Time. The air was stale and damp, and the weathered stonework was patchy with moss. He studied the once great room as they entered the ruin. The roof had long since eroded away, leaving the temple exposed to the elements. Most of the walls remained, though some parts had caved in over time, while other sections were covered in a blanket of ivy. At the other side of the room, there were two massive statues, guarding a old door. As they approached, the statues' eyes began to glow, and they blocked the door by crossing their battle axes.

"Only those who know the song of the royal family, may enter here."

Great, Link started thinking long and hard. He didn't know the song of the royal family. The only member of the royal family I know, is Zelda, and she didn't... his thoughts trailed off as he remembered her playing that song at Ordon Springs. She had said it was the song of her people, a song that Impa taught her as a young child. They both assumed it was the song of the Hylians. Zelda may not of known she was royalty, but Impa did. Just maybe... Link threw back his head, doing his best to howl the song she had played that night.

He must have gotten it right, because his Triforce started glowing. The statues returned the axes to their sides, and the doors opened wide.

"Welcome, Hero of Time," they said before the light in their eyes faded.

He stepped through the door. There in the center of the room, was the Master Sword, it's blade resting inside a stone pedestal. Imagine the power it holds! Link shook his head, trying rid himself of the evil thoughts.

As he neared the sword, a strong wind, much like the one in his dream with Zelda, blasted in his face. The force was so great, it ripped Midna off his back. The surprised imp let out a shrill wail as she was thrown into the wall. Link firmly planted his paws on the ground and pushed with all his might against powerful gust. He managed to take a step forward, and he could feel the crystal slowly being pushed out of his mind. Forget the power of the sword, you will have more power with me! Link's eyes went wide. Was he starting to talk to himself? He forced himself to take another step. Come on, you know you need me! We can rule Hyrule together! Link growled at the voice in his head, No, I will not give into this evil! He lurched forward and touched the sword with his nose. There was a brief moment of pain as the dark crystal was shoved out of the back of his head. As quick as it started, the wind was gone, and Link collapsed at the foot of the sword. Through his blurred vision, he could barely make out the outstretched arm in front of him. It worked, he was Hylian again. Dazed, he forces himself to slowly stand up, and removes the sword from the pedestal.

Midna floats up to him, the dark crystal levitating above her hand, as if she, herself, was afraid to touch it. "This crystal is made of the same dark magic that Zant possessed," Link tried to reach for it, but she pulled it away quickly, "careful, your Triforce seems to transform you into a wolf when ever you are touched by dark magic..." Midna paused as she thought about this for a moment, "Perhaps we can use this to our advantage. Yes, we shall not let this gift go to waist!" she grinned before hiding the crystal away.