Before Twilight

Chapter 27: The Past

Zelda's P.O.V

I felt bad at first for excluding Link so much for what was truly happening. Even so, I had to protect him. If he knew the truth it would only increase the danger. 

As I entered the graveyard I heard the iron gates close behind me. It had been quite some time since I had visited this place. Here in this graveyard was where all of the Royal Family had been buried alongside their protectors the Sheikah. Generations and generations worth of both sides laid here to be put to rest...even my mother. 

As I walked along the tombstones I spotted Lady Impa in the distance. She was kneeling down with her head titled in prayer. I waited silently beside her to finish. When she rose her head to look at me I could tell instantly that she was not happy to see me. 

"Zelda?" She inquired.

"Please forgive my intrusion Impa." I begged.

"What on earth are you doing here?! You should be in Ordon where it is safe!" She exclaimed. 

"I know, I know! But there is something that I must tell you." I tried. 

Lady Impa paused for a moment to let me finish. 

I then took that opportunity to explain everything that had happened. I told her about my trip to the spring and the visit from one of the three powerful Goddesses. 

"I knew that this would happen eventually, but I never thought it would happen so soon. You are still so young!" Impa exclaimed. 

"Impa I know you sense the darkness that approaches." I added. 

Lady Impa lifted her head intrigued. 

"Your powers have become stronger over time I see. " She chuckled. 

"I may have underestimated you my dear." She added. 

"Come with me there is something I must show you." Lady Impa stated as she grasped my hand. 

Impa guided me though the graveyard until we reached a specific tombstone. There was not name on it, no lettering, just a symbol. 

"The Triforce?" I inquired. 

Lady Impa nodded her head yes. 

"For centuries the Sheikah Clan were sworn to protect the Royal Family in life and in death. The Triforce represents all pieces of elemental power:Courage, Wisdom, and Power." She explained.

"Yes I know this story I have heard it a million times." I sighed impatiently. 

"Its not a story Zelda, its history." Impa corrected. 

"I apologize but I don't see a point to this exactly." I stated. 

"Be patient and listen to what I am trying to tell you." Impa sighed. 

I then remained silent for her to continue. 

"Long ago before Hyrule, there was peace. The Goddess Hylia looked after the land. She protected it. Everyone and all lived together in harmony until a darkness came to swallow the land. Demons and monsters plagued the surface. Her people were in danger. She did all she could to keep the darkness at bay but it wasn't enough to seal it away. Farore, Din, and Nayru bestowed upon her a weapon to help seal away the darkness, but she could not wield it on her own.  She needed the chosen hero with a heart of courage to wield such a blade. " She explained

"That Master Sword." I interrupted. 

"Correct. The Master Sword was given to the Goddesses chosen hero. Together Hylia and her chosen hero fought back the darkness and sealed it away." Lady Impa explained.

"What happened after?" I asked.

Lady Impa ignored my question and pointed to the Triforce symbol on the tombstone. 

"Place your hand on there and concentrate. Tell me what you see. " She instructed. 

I lifted my hand to the stone and leaned against it. 

"Focus your energy." Lady Impa added. 

I then closed my eyes and concentrated hard. As I breathed in and out I could feel the environment around me change. I was taken to another place....another time. 

When I opened my eyes I found myself in a field. It was a battle ground. Beasts littered the ground and small fires burned around. The sky was dark and the air was full of tension.  In the distance I saw two figures. As I came closer I was able to make them out. 

There was a woman, she looked just like me. Her hair was golden, while her skin was pale. She was dirtied as if she had just done battle. She appeared tired. In her arms she held a man. He wore a green tunic and was quite beat up as well. 

"Stay with me Link." She whispered. 

I perked up at the name.

"Link?" I asked myself. 

"Hylia..."Link choked out. 

"I am so sorry Link but I have one more thing to ask of you. I know that you have already given so much but you must forge the seal, otherwise this will all be for naught."Hylia begged.

"I know Hylia." Link whispered as he held her face. 

She choked back tears as she leaned into his touch. 

"I want you to know that I did it for you. I didn't do it to stop the darkness, but for you. I love you." He explained. 

"I love you too." Hylia choked out as she cried harder. 

"Dont cry my queen. We will meet again I am sure of it." Link chuckled as he tried to sit up. 

Hylia reached for the sword beside her and placed it into Link's hands.

I watched as he leaned on the sword for support. He was heavily wounded on his side and was bleeding severely. Once he gained his balance he raised the sword skyward. A powerful light cascaded down from the heavens towards the sword. I watched in awe as the sword charged up with raw energy. Link then plunged the sword into the ground thus creating the seal. I watched as a pure light washed over the land. The sky opened up and the sun peaked out. The darkness was gone. 

"Link!" Hylia shouted as he fell to the ground. 

He lie there limp in her arms. I watched as she weeped for him. My heart went out to her. Her lover was gone from this life and she was alone. 

"You and I are destined. We will meet again in the next life. I will shed my divinity and take on a new form....a mortal form. For when the darkness returns destiny will bring us together again." Hylia explained. 

She then held his body tightly as she kissed him. 

I was then suddenly sent back to the graveyard with Lady Impa. 

I gasped for air as I took my hand off of the tombstone. 

Lady Impa caught me as I fell back. 

"What did you see?" She asked. 

I took a moment to catch my breath as she held me. 

"Hylia shed her divinity to be mortal and stay here on Earth." I explained. 

Lady Impa stroked my hair lovingly as she cradled me. 

"Do you understand now my dear?" She asked. 

"The Goddess Hylia is me." I answered.