The Hero's Vow

by Mayen Escusa


 

Chapter 1 - The Tragic Aftermath

 

  A second battle was set in motion. The sun had set behind the mountains and it was night. Link and Ganondorf were standing face to face on a cliff overlooking the land of Hyrule. Ganondorf saw the determination in Link's eyes and Link saw the wickedness that Ganondorf sought to fulfil. One thing was for sure, Link could not, would not let this black-hearted man get away with his evil intents. He was weary and injured from previous battles with Ganondorf's minions. They had grown somewhat tougher since the last time he had fought them. Link couldn't force himself to fend off his enemy any longer. He could not understand how Ganondorf had suddenly grown stronger for every bolt of energy he threw at Link, it grew perceptibly larger and harder to block. Soon, one of evil wizard's attacks penetrated Link's defenses. It sent the hero flying with his back against the sharp bark of a tree. His sword and shield had been thrown several feet away. The black magic, Ganondorf had used, sent a chilling energy through the young lad's body and every one of his limbs ached and trembled. Link struggled to reach for his sword. When he found it to be inaccessible he tried to stand up. However, he could not. His strength was failing him. Ganondorf looked at the hero who was now desperately trying to regain his defensive stature. The evil man laughed at this. To kill the kid with his powerful magic would be too easy. He decided it would be more fun to kill him the old fashion way. Yes, tormenting the lad would indeed give the merciless villain great pleasure. To hear him scream and bleed in excruciating pain, would satisfy Ganondorf, much more than his silence in death with sorcery. He would certainly make this hero pay for his past battle with the old wizard. He walked towards Link exposing a large jeweled dagger.

  Link saw this and attempted to get up but his knees trembled and would not lift him up. It was as if he was being pulled down by some immense weight. He couldn't just let Ganondorf have the satisfaction of killing him. If he died there would be no one to protect Hyrule&ldots;or his sweet princess. Plus, the fact that he had something very important to tell her.

  She would never know if he died. For the past few weeks he had been meaning to tell her how he felt about her. But he was too nervous in saying that he loved her. He truly loved her for who she was and who she had become. But it would break his heart to find that she didn't feel the same for him. Yes, this is what prevented him from telling her how much he cared for her. They had been friends for years ever since they were ten years old. He went to the Hyrule castle one day after his showdown with Ganondorf seven years into the future. He had set the Master Sword to sleep and the Door of Time was closed never to be open again. The legend was done and forgotten leaving the world as peaceful as it was before Ganondorf had changed it. He had no more of his weapons except his Kokiri sword. The only thing changed was that the triforce no longer remained in the Temple of Light but in the hearts of those chosen by destiny(you know who the triforces are). Link had no fairy to leave through the Lost Woods otherwise he'd turn into a stalfo of some sort. But it was often said that only those pure in heart could pass through the woods without a fairy. Being restless as he was, he took the risk and to his amazement he didn't turn into a monster. One thing was on his mind when he left the forest: Destinationà Hyrule Castle. He had gone to the princess in hopes that she would at least remember what happened or for that fact remember who he was. It was fortunate for him that she remembered everything. It must have had something to do with the triforces of wisdom and courage lying within their spirits. It was funny, though. One would think the sages would remember all that Hyrule has been through in returning it to its normal peaceful state. But they did not even know of their importance in Link's great quest for justice.

 

  On that day, he visited Zelda they became the best of friends and everyday they went on make-believe adventures and sometimes real ones, too. They grew up together forging on these new adventures in Hyrule field or Kokiri Village. The King seemed to like Link very much but, Link could never dream of actually marrying his beloved daughter. He didn't think the King could accept this&ldots;it was unknown to him that Link was the Hero of Time. He appeared as an unworthy peasant but he really wasn't. If the King knew of his troubles in saving the whole kingdom Link would certainly be worthy of his approval. But Zelda's father did not know that. He only knew that Link had been worthy of becoming one of the palace guards&ldots;not really a job to be enjoyed. He did not know that one time, before, Link almost died fighting against Hyrule's eternal enemy, Ganondorf. And, soon, if he could not get his feet moving his life would be taken from him. Link was amazed by Ganondorf's tremendous power. What puzzled him was how Ganondorf was able to break the sage's seal at the Temple of Light in seven years time. It was impossible but it happened. Ganondorf came closer and held the dagger to Link's heart. He was thinking that perhaps it would be better to torture him emotionally. To have his spirit dead was much better than having his body only dead. Beads of sweat began to form at Link's brows.

  "Well, well&ldots;how's the handsome hero doing, now? I see that you've grown faster and skilled with the sword than the last time we fought. Unfortunately for you, that sword you used can't hurt me. I must compliment you on your fighting ability. You're much more swift. Without it, you would not have defeated my stronger and revised army. It's a shame they had weakened you. You underestimated my power, little boy. Oh&ldots;I'm sorry, I should say 'young man.' How old are you, again? Seventeen? Ah&ldots; that must be right. A feeling of de jah vu has swept through me. Only this time, I won't be defeated," Ganondorf said with a laugh and held out the back of his hand. A triangle glowed and he proceeded to stab Link but he had made a sudden turn and was stabbed in the left arm. The young man let out a cry of pain and with fire in his eyes looked at Ganondorf.

  "Ganon, you coward!! You set me up against your stupid loyalties to weaken me. How pathetic!! You couldn't fight me if I were at my best! You're just a weak and cowardly freak who can't even fight fair," Link shouted at the old wizard. His left arm gushing with crimson blood, it was no use getting the sword now&ldots;his good arm incapacitated by the bone-piercing injury.

  "All is fair in love and war, boy." Then something out of the ordinary happened. Ganon's face and body began to morph into another person's. The person he had become was leaner and was with a medium build. The face hadn't taken shape yet, but within minutes of the transition Link could clearly identify who Ganondorf had become. He had changed into Link!!

  "What the&ldots;.??!" Link looked at his body. Everything was the same. Wait, what about his face? He looked into a nearby puddle in bewilderment. There was no refection of himself, only the tree behind him. He, then, felt his face. It felt the same and he looked at Ganondorf who was now a mirror image of himself. " T-that's impossible!"

  "No it's not. Surprised? Well, I must say I look good," Ganondorf said as he looked at his new form. Even his voice was the same as Link but it was somewhat sinister. "Now, as for that comment on love and war, it's time I get a little personal with your precious princess. I understand she's very fond of you, boy." He winked at the true Link and turned his back.

  "NOOOO----!" Link screamed in horror. He, again, attempted to stand on his feet. However, it was hopeless. He was being pulled by an unknown force. "Don't you dare touch her----!!"

  "Or you'll do what? You aren't in any position to defend anyone&ldots;no even yourself. *Smirk* Ah, yes, I forgot" he said picking up the hero's sword, "Time to die!" With those words, he plunged the sword in to Link's chest. The hero's voice broke out in agony. Blood dripping at the corners of his mouth, his golden hair was soaked in sweat, and his deep blue eyes became dim. Link, whose mind was focused on the very thought of what Ganondorf intended to do to the princess faded into darkness. In a few moments the sky was overcast with black clouds and the rain poured coinciding with this very dreadful situation. Our great hero was dead.

 

TO BE CONTINUED&ldots;..

 

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