The Legend of Zelda: Transient (third book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 24

"They've really made it their base, haven't they?" Link muttered, lowering the Hawkeye as he looked over at his old friend Rusl, "I had never seen anything like the things in there until I went away. They're tricky to defeat. I won't blame you if you want no part of it." He said, turning to him and crossing his arms. Rusl looked over at the castle in the distance.

It was hard to recognize as the same place they called home mere weeks prior. The entirety of the palace was cast in shadow, with the streaks of shadows circling overhead. The regular monsters polluted its grounds, but the demons followers were primarily the shadows of passed souls. Though it sounded harmless enough, the damage they could do was nothing to take lightly,

"I once stood behind you as you fought the biggest evil in Hyrule, when you were just a boy. I was confident in you then, and that confidence has only grown. There is no question that I will stand with you now," He said, looking over at him with a smile, putting a hand on his shoulder,

"What about the others?"

"The Resistance stands with you as well. I'm sure of it." Link nodded with a small smile,

"I look forward to meeting the new member, by the way." He said, crossing his arms. After Auru passed several years ago, the Resistance recruited a new member. Link hadn't met him yet, but he wished the introduction could happen under better circumstances. Rusl nodded,

"I will speak to Telma and we'll travel to the Hidden Village in the coming days. " He looked back towards the castle, "Who else should we expect?"

"I have a force of 500 soldiers, and I have contacted a sorceress Zelda knows. I am also traveling to Kakariko to speak to Barnes about providing bombs and to Ordon to ask Malo about arrows and potions." Link said. Rusl nodded, before looking at him with a smile,

"You sure have come a long way from the boy who agreed to go to Hyrule castle as a favor to me." Link chuckled,

"That seems like a lifetime ago." It was hard to remember what it was like back then. He had no idea what was about to happen to him. His worries went no farther than making sure his duties at the ranch were upheld. He didn't have to think about fighting monsters or protecting a kingdom. It almost felt like thinking about a different person. Rusl continued after a moment, his words bringing Link out of his thoughts.

"I see that same spark in your son's eyes."

"Goddesses I hope not. I don't want him to have this life." He responded, furrowing his brow,

"It seems a bit late for that sentiment." Rusl said with a chuckle, "He is a part of you, Link. He was born from greatness, and by the look of things, I'd say that he's keeping up well."

"Something is in him. Something dark. I'm afraid of what it's going to do to him," Link said quietly. Rusl's warm expression didn't falter,

"There's something dark inside all of us. Erick's is just more pronounced. He has your strength, so I have no doubt that he will overcome it, with your help." He took one more long look at the castle before sighing and turning back, "We shouldn't linger here. Let's go." They walked together to the two horses grazing, "You know," He said as they mounted, "You always have a home in Ordon. I know you must be cramped in that deserted village."

"Ordon is my home, but bringing anyone there right now would put it in danger. Don't worry, once all of this is over I'll be back. It's been awhile since I've seen that ranch hand. It's time to get back in touch." Link replied with a smile before flicking the reigns, "I'll see you soon." He had so many other things to do, and he was unsure of just how much time he had.

The final battle was approaching. Hopefully they would be ready. 

Sorry for the short chapters! I've been having a bit of writers block ':D