Unforeseen Birthright - A Legend of Zelda Fanfiction

Chapter 6

   The flashback ended, Link and Zelda had walked down the castle's secret basement. Link couldn't believe the truth of his forgotten past. He was the prince of Hyrule. He had no memories of ever being in this place, not even the king and queen.

   Link was in shock, placing his hand on his head. "I can't believe I'm the prince... How can I be a prince?! I don't know the first thing of running a kingdom!"

Zelda lowered her eyes. "I know it's hard to take in, but it's the truth."

"But how..? How come I can't remember that part of my life?"

"Because..." Zelda stared down at her hand. "I erased your memory."

Link gasped. "You... Know how to do that?"

Zelda didn't respond right away. "It's a power I was born with. I was taken advantage of at a young age, because of this power. I swore I would never use it again, but... I did it to save you."

"I'm sorry about that." Link didn't know what to say or think. He could tell she had a dark past and didn't want to pry into it. "I guess I should thank you for saving my life."

"I did it as my last order from the queen."

"But... What happened to you afterwards?"

Zelda's expression darkened. "I... I don't wish to talk about it..."

The air around him felt like it was thickening. Link was thinking she went through something horrible and traumatizing, feeling sorrow in his heart. "I can respect that."

Reaching the very bottom of the basement, Zelda opened a secret compartment inside the stone floors. A large, golden case was underneath.

   Zelda sighed in relief. "Thank Hylia it's still here."

Link raised an eyebrow. "How did you know the sword was here?"

"You won't remember, but you showed me where it is."

Link scratched his head, trying his hardest to remember. "You're right. It doesn't ring a bell."

Carefully opening the case, it revealed a shiny, silver sword with the Hyrule family crest on it. Gently taking it out, Zelda checked to see if there were any scratches or cracks. "It still looks good as new."

"So..." Link spoke up. "This is the sword you wanted to get? The Master Sword, was it?"

Zelda nodded. "Yes." She held it out towards him. "It's for you to wield."

Link widen his eyes. "Uh... I don't know the first thing how to use a sword."

"That's what you have me for. Although... We don't have too much time to train, so you will train during our journey."

Gulping, Link grabbed a hold of the sword. As soon as Zelda released her grip on the sword, the sword fell to the ground, pulling Link along with it. "Whoa! It's heavier than it looks!"

Zelda giggled. "Or maybe you need to work out more."

Struggling to hold the sword, Link managed to lift it up. He took a good look at it, seeing his reflection in it. "I have to admit, it's pretty cool looking."

"This sword will only work for you since you carry the Hyrule family's bloodline. Meaning... You're the only one who can use its power."

"Alright..." Link pointed the sword skyward. "Do it, sword!" But nothing happened. Even waiting for a good minute, nothing had happened. Feeling his arm getting tired, the sword's weight made Link drop it once more. "Well this sucks..."

Zelda was thinking to herself. "Maybe it's one of those things where the sword has to see your worth. Even if you do hold the Hyrule bloodline, perhaps the sword doesn't deem you worthy yet."

Link rolled his eyes. "Like a sword can do that."

"Tell you what. If I'm right, you'll have to treat me to ice cream."

Link shrugged. "Fair enough. But if you're wrong, then... You'll have to... Treat me to ice cream."

Zelda's eyes dropped unamused. "You couldn't think of anything, could you?"

"Nope."

Zelda let out a sigh. "Getting on a more important subject, that sword you wield will help benefit rescuing Aryll. It also has the power to clear this dark sky consuming the land. But in order to do that, you'll have to-"

"Kill King Ganondorf. It's obvious." Link let out a sigh, seeming like he just lost hope. "Well... I'm going to die."

"You're not going to die. This journey will toughen you up. You may not feel ready to face King Ganondorf head on right now, but in the near future... You'll feel like a new man."

"I have zero experience in fighting, and I don't have a clue how to be a prince! What if I can't do this? I don't think I can..."

Zelda crossed her arms, closing her eyes. "Think about it, Link. Your reason to fight. Who is it for? Who do you want to protect?"

Looking down, Link saw his reflection in the sword once more. It glimmered near his eyes, making him think of his purpose. "Who I want to protect..?" Gulping, he tightened the grip on the sword. "I want to protect my sister. In order to save her, I need to remain strong. I'm doing this for her!"

Zelda looked proud about Link's increased courage. "You took your first step. On this journey, I will be by your side to aid you. You don't have to worry about doing everything alone."

Link smiled at his companion. "Thanks Zelda. And you know... As I grow stronger on this journey, I will be able to protect you too. I can't always have you protecting me."

Zelda raised her eyebrows in surprise. The next second, she closed her eyes with a smile. "I'll believe you on that."

Link took a deep breath in and out. "I can't be weak anymore. I have to save her no matter what."

"A heads up. This journey is about three days worth. The beginning will be easy, but once we reach the Summer and Autumn borderline, things will start to get tough."

"I guess I'll be a little stronger by the time we reach that area."

"You will." Zelda started walking ahead, stopping where she stood. "It's time to head out. Aryll is waiting for you."

Link nodded with a serious expression. "She won't have to wait too much longer."

Heading up the stairs, Link felt his heart pounding, his anxiety getting the best of him. Shaking while walking, he had to remind himself that he was doing this to save Aryll. His little sister.

No matter what obstacles and hardships he had coming his way, Link will somehow overcome them. Even if he wasn't feeling too confident about it, he had to do this. He had to build up his courage.