The Aftermath

Left alone in the clearing to their thoughts and the fading fog, Link and Izzy stood in awkward silence, both on edge despite the imminent threat of attack having dissipated. It was hard to adjust to the beast being very suddenly gone. Link’s shoulder felt world’s better since Tenameru had used his magic to remove the poison but it still ached. Izzy was wandering around the area where the beast had fallen, glancing at her scorched hand every so often in confusion and partially hoping the markings would disappear.

Link wondered what that was all about in the first place. Whoever was responsible for what had happened to Izzy’s hand better hope it was reversible because Link had a very strong feeling that she would have their head otherwise. While the mental image of the woman beheading some beast in his mind because he offended her vanity was highly amusing, he was sure she wouldn’t share in his amusement.

“So, I think that… since the fog is gone we should leave this clearing and regroup. If the beast is gone we should leave the forest and start… you know searching… maybe.” Link finally broke the awkward silence between them, readjusting his tunic for a moment then taking to poking the gauze around the wound on his shoulder curiously. For not having properly taken off his shirt to get to the wound, Izzy had done a pretty decent job securing it.

“Wow, you’re a genius.” Izzy didn’t look up from the spot on the ground where she’d picked up the stone. What sort of cruel joke was being played on her? Her hand still stung but she wondered if it was simply because her subconscious wouldn’t stop reminding her of what had happened and the new found obligation she had to a land she’d long ago abandoned.

“Still hostile as ever, I see.” Link clicked his tongue in disapproval then started out of the clearing, but stopped when he realized that Izzy wasn’t following him along. “Come on, we should stop and talk to Zelda about what Tenameru said. She might have some ideas on where to head next. And having some idea is better than no idea in my experience. Besides, I’ve got pretty good luck with this stuff. My gut is telling me to go visit the Queen.” Link did his best to make the offer seem appealing but Izzy merely scowled in response.

“You can go ahead and go without me. I think that I’m going to stick around here for a bit. I’m not sure I’m ready to leave yet.” Izzy shrugged her shoulders, not sounding angry but more disinterested than anything else.

“What? What happened to your gung ho, let’s go run straight into the face of danger simply for the thrill of it, adrenaline junkie attitude?” Brow furrowed in confusion, Link took a step closer cautiously to Izzy.

“There’s still plenty of danger to be had here in the woods. You’ve got your thing to do and well… I’ve got my thing to do.” Izzy shrugged, though she knew it was no longer that simple.

“That Sheikah who helped us… he said we had to do this together.” Link pointed toward the shadow that Tenameru had disappeared into, eyebrows raised.

“I don’t have to do anything. This isn’t my home so… I’m not obligated to do a damn thing for it. This is your home, hero and while you may feel pressured by the Sheikah or whatever they are and your obligation to your pretty little Queen I don’t have to do a damn thing.” Izzy repeated but her face betrayed her words. Link could tell, she wasn’t as cold and heartless as she was coming off but she was definitely holding back for reasons unknown.

“Look, I get that you have this whole lone ranger thing going on.” Link walked back to where Izzy was standing and stood in her line of vision so she had no options other than to look him in his eyes and tell him no after all had been said and done. Besides, Link had fun working with someone else for once. Between this girl and the new Sheikah, Link was thrilled to have other people to interact with. In addition, Link could tell that Izzy actually wanted to help him on his quest. Even if it wasn’t for the land of Hyrule, or for him, or the Queen then it could be for the thrill of adventure as she had told him earlier.

“Oh, you know me so well now don’t you after spending a whole hour with me?” Izzy rolled her eyes.

“No, that’s not what I said.” Link wasn’t going to yell if he didn’t have to, but he wasn’t afraid to either which he found odd since he’d always been the type to hold his temper unless absolutely necessary.

“Fine, then what were you saying, hero?” Izzy rested her hands on her hips and waited for what she guessed was a long drawn out explanation.

“Hyrule can’t take another blow like this. I think you know that as well as I do, even if you don’t live here.” Narrowing his eyes, Link held his hands in front of him pleadingly. “After Ganondorf spent seven years tormenting the people of this land we thought there would be no chance of recovery but now… People are rebuilding, people are moving back after having abandoned their homes and there’s a small chance that things could be okay here.” Putting his hands back down at his side, he continued on. “You can’t tell me that you’re just going to walk away from this knowing that whatever sorcerer or summoner did this has the potential to destroy the little progress we’ve made.”

“I can and I am… and what hope are you talking about? The people of Hyrule? They’re already doomed and they know it. Face it, you have no real leadership, no economy, no trading, no army, no nothing… Those are the reasons your country is failing not because of this summoner coming out of nowhere,” Isabel reasoned. “I may not live here these days, but I can see what’s happening. I’m not blind to the things you’re saying. I think your people know exactly what’s going on, too.”

“But you don’t see it or you wouldn’t be saying that!” Link argued. “These people have faith that they can save the land they love and it’ll take time and hard work but we’re all willing to put our best foot forward. Simply because some summoner is looking to take advantage of that you’re going to give up on this place?”

“The people here are miserable. You think they’re happy? Have you ever spent more than an hour in any of those towns? They all cower inside before sunset, terrified that something horrible will come creeping out of the shadows because… there’s no one here to protect them. You’re wasting your time! You’re just one man, eventually you’re not going to be able to save them anymore.” Izzy knew it was the sad truth about Hyrule.

“That’s not true.”

“Oh really now?”

“I’m here to protect them. I’ve given up my life to protect them and just because you’re selfish doesn’t mean the rest of us are! I’m not giving up just because it’s hard and the future looks grim. I don’t think you want to give up either! I think you’re afraid of committing to something so big.” Before Izzy could argue with him, Link continued talking and louder so he would drown out her voice if she tried to interrupt. “Don’t you have anyone you want to protect? Isn’t there anything you want to fight for?” Izzy stayed silent for a moment lost in thought, much to Link’s surprise. He hadn’t actually expected her to consider what he’d said.

Deciding it wasn’t worth responding vocally, Izzy shook her head negatively and walked past Link, her hand on the hilt of her sword. She headed up the path on the hill and toward the entrance to the clearing. Link followed behind her, not willing to let the subject slide that easily.

“How do you not have any family? I mean I have no family but at the same time I do… The Queen, Impa… My friend Saria here in the woods. They’re practically my family and I’d protect them like they were. Everyone has someone.” Rubbing unconsciously at the gauze on his shoulder again, Link ran for a moment to catch up with Izzy so he could walk side by side with her.

“I have a sister.” Izzy responded after a moment, slowing her walk down to a more casual pace, gazing over at Link as she spoke. She wasn’t sure what was holding her back from agreeing to help Link and Hyrule. In all honestly she was absolutely beyond curious to find out what on earth the summoner had been up to and she was more than willing to get the markings off of her hand, but something was telling her not to agree.

She had to remind herself that when people swore themselves to Hyrule they often found themselves trapped there for eternity. Link was the perfect example. While she didn’t know his complete story she knew enough to know just how long he had been playing hero. Hadn’t he felt cheated? Then there were the sages of course, who gave up their whole lives to protect their realm and after hearing Tenameru’s story about his sacrifices it had only convinced Izzy further that Hyrule was cursed.

“Well, if she lived here… or she was in trouble wouldn’t you do everything in your power so you could save her life?” Link argued, trying to push his point. While he wasn’t sure if she found his urging annoying, he had the feeling that he could convince her if he didn’t give up. Link was nothing if persistent.

“But she’s not in Hyrule.” Izzy argued. “And honestly I wouldn’t be jumping at the opportunity to protect her either. If anything, the girl could use a pretty big smack to the face to bring her down to earth.” Izzy scoffed, shaking her head.

“Oh now you’re just being a jerk on purpose.” Link couldn’t help but laugh. “She’s your sister and no matter how much you may dislike her she’s still your flesh and blood and if she was in trouble you would save her life.”

“You clearly don’t know my sister.” Izzy stopped walking for a moment and shot Link a skeptical look.

“Even if you’re a horribly mean, spiteful and rotten person Izzy, which I don’t think you are for the record, Hyrule needs help. The people here are trying to rebuild from the ashes and if everyone was as unwilling as you are to help you’d be right… But you’re wrong because people are willing to rebuild!”

“That’s your best argument, really? Pretty please with a cherry on top?” Izzy laughed, walking through the Lost Woods, spying the fork at the entrance that would take them either to Hyrule Field or to the Kokiri Village.

“I wasn’t finished.”

“My apologies, please continue.” Izzy rolled her eyes, waiting at the fork for him to finish with his explanation.

“I know you don’t owe this land anything, Izzy… but Hyrule needs your help whether you like it or not. I know you know that, I can see that you know it and whatever is holding you back from helping well… consider this… Hyrule will be eternally grateful if you help, even if we don’t succeed in our mission… And think of the adventure we’d have.” Link finished his argument with a sigh, unable to think of anything else to offer the woman other than the honest truth. “Please?”

Izzy watched him in amusement, but didn’t let it show on her face, considering his argument seriously. There was desperation in his pleading that was almost sweet, but also partially pathetic. While she wasn’t willing to tell him that he’d won her over she did relent.

“I don’t think I can say no when you look so damn feeble.” Link laughed and then cleared his throat to quiet his amusement. “Fine, I’ll help you… but only on one condition.”

“Anything… Well, almost anything.” Link smiled brightly, feeling rather successful after convincing the hardened woman to help him out.

“I require… a favor.” Izzy considered her wording carefully then started walking toward the entrance to the Lost Woods.

“Okay, what would that favor be? I’ll see what I can do…” Link pondered.

“I don’t know what the favor is yet… but a favor from the Hero of Time? Well that’s pretty valuable if you ask me. It could come in handy when I least expect it.”

“You have a deal, Izzy.” Link stopped at the entrance to the woods and held out his hand to shake.

“Just like that huh? You do realize what a favor means.”

“Just like that. No strings attached. Someday when you’re ready to call in your favor, I’ll help you regardless of what it is.” Link kept his hand held steady, waiting for the woman to shake it. After a moment lost in thought, Izzy grabbed his hand and gave it a firm shake.

“Deal.”

“By the way, how’s your head?” Link nodded toward the bump she’d received when she’d been fighting the shadow beast, pulling his hand back. Izzy reached to touch the sensitive spot on her head and shrugged.

“It’s not bleeding anymore and I can see just fine. I’m not dizzy so I’m guessing it’s just that… How’s yours? You haven’t complained about it for at least an hour.”

“Oh yeah…” Link laughed and reached to rub the sore spot on the back of his head and winced slightly. “Honestly I forgot until you pointed it out.”

“Well, we’ll just blame it on the arrow wound, shall we?” Izzy argued. The two walked out of the Woods.

“Epona!” Link called, then put his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly, causing Izzy to cover her ears at the offensive sound.

“Holy crap…” Izzy whispered blinking in surprise.

“Sorry, I’m just calling my horse.”

“Horse? That wasn’t part of the deal.” Izzy grimaced.

“What, how else did you expect us to get around? Walking?” Link scoffed and then smiled happily when Epona came prancing into view. The horse ran faster upon actually seeing Link at the entrance to the forest, her tongue hanging out of her mouth like an excited puppy dog. “You’ll have to ride with me to the castle, but I bet that Impa would let you borrow Champion so we don’t have to share. Something tells me you’d hate to be stuck with me for that long on the back of a horse. Close quarters and all.”

“You have guessed correctly.” Izzy made an offended face as the horse came up to them and pranced around them excitedly in a circle, kicking up dirt and mud in her wake.

“Calm down girl!” Link laughed as Epona whinnied. The horse stopped her trotting and then walked straight up to Link and nuzzled his face happily. “I’m happy to see you too. I told you I’d be okay.” Izzy watched the exchange in confusion, her lips parted slightly in disbelief. He was actually talking to the horse like it was a person. “This is Izzy, she’s a little cranky don’t let her get to you but… but we found this monster…” Link was recounting their adventure in the Lost Woods to the horse.

Izzy walked away in confusion and tried not to listen in on the awkward conversation between Link and his horse. Glancing out at the fields surrounding the forest, Izzy tried to think of what direction they should head in. The heavy clouds were still hanging overhead, so she guessed the storm hadn’t been caused by the summoner and the shadow beast that had been plaguing the forest.

The fog that had so heavily obstructed the view of the entrance to the woods had completely dissipated. The woods still hadn’t managed to look any friendlier despite this fact. Something had always bothered Izzy about the woods but she had never been able to place her finger on it. Turning her attention back to Link while he spoke to his horse that was occasionally trotting excitedly in place like she simply could not keep still, she caught the tail end of their conversation.

“So now if you don’t mind we have to carry her with us to the castle. Do you think you can handle that? She looks like she’s pretty light and you’re a strong girl, you can do it!” Link reassured, patting Epona’s mane. Epona whinnied approvingly and shook her head up and down then rushed over to Izzy and brushed her nose against the woman’s arm.

“I could just… walk.” Izzy looked at the horse but couldn’t help but be somewhat amused. She had never seen a horse behave in such a peculiar manner before.

“No way, Epona said it was okay you ride her and we’ll get there before you know it.” Link smiled proudly, watching his horse investigate Izzy in amusement.

“I… okay I mean no offense to your horse, because she’s lovely really and… well rather friendly but I’m not really big on horses.” Izzy continued on, shrugging her shoulders. Epona whinnied in objection and if she didn’t know better she would’ve thought the horse looked disappointed to hear that.

“You don’t like horses? You actually walk everywhere?” Link looked confused. “Come on… It’s a lot faster.”

“I just don’t like being on something I can’t control. It has nothing to do with horses themselves, I don’t love wagons either… She’s beautiful, really!” Epona clearly approved of this statement, seeing as she was once again friendly with Izzy after getting over her disappointment.

“Epona’s different than other horses.”

“This I can see.” Izzy was still watching the excited horse in amusement.

“She’s my friend. I trust her. Just trust me on this one…” Link got onto the back of the horse and then offered Izzy a hand up. Epona stood still and proudly for a moment before bobbing her head about happily once again.

“Except that I don’t trust you. I’ve known you for about three hours.” Izzy hesitated then took Link’s hand and used it to help her onto the horse behind him.

“Fine, then hold on and pray to the goddesses that Epona and I don’t kill you in the ride over.” Link laughed, grabbing the reins of his horse that whinnied almost in amusement. Izzy instantly grabbed onto his shoulders as the horse pushed forward, cursing under her breath.

“I am starting to hate you.” Izzy pouted.

“Who’s the big baby now?” Link laughed, leading Epona through the fields and toward Hyrule Market.

“Rub it in, why don’t you?” Izzy continued to pout for most of the ride, even if it hadn’t been as bad as she anticipated it to be. When they got to moat in front of Hyrule Market, Link stopped Epona and let Izzy get off of the horse before he hopped off easily. He let go of Epona’s reins and let her trot around happily. Champion was asleep nearby. Epona purposely nudged the more muscular black horse and he woke up with an annoyed whinny. He practically glared at Epona in annoyance as she trotted happily past him, returning to the fruit tree she’d discovered earlier.

Izzy took a second to regain her bearings, before she sat down on one of the posts near the moat. Link nodded toward the bridge and cocked an eyebrow curiously.

“It’s this way, we don’t really have time to take a breather.” Link shuffled uncomfortably, adjusting himself after having been seated on the horse for so long.

“Why don’t you go ahead and handle all the diplomacy crap. I’ll hang out here with your… horse.” Izzy eyed Epona strangely as the pony circled the tree, as if to ponder her next move.

“Okay… I suppose there’s no harm in that.” Link was nervous for a moment that Izzy would run off if left to her own devices, but decided that she had too much to lose at this point if she did and shrugged his shoulders. “I shouldn’t be very long.”

“Good, because the sun’s setting and you know what these fields are like at night.” Izzy tapped her foot on the ground knowingly.

“Yeah, stalchildren aren’t exactly a party to deal with.” Link smiled slightly and then waved to Champion before heading into the Redead infested marketplace. Much to his surprise, the Redeads seemed to have taken refuge in the shadows, seeing as Link didn’t see a single one nor hear their telltale moaning and groaning.

Opening the gates that had been built in front of the Temple of Time to keep villains away, Link stared up at the massive cathedral. It was untouched by time, untouched by the evil that had spread through Hyrule. The building had always given Link hope. If this fragile building had survived all the years of torment, even if it had by some spell cast upon it years prior, then perhaps the fragile state of the world would also prevail. Link was certain they had a little magic to spare for the cause.

Walking up the marble steps to the cathedral, Link stopped at the large ornately carved doors and remembered the first time he’d walked past them. It had been what really changed his whole life.

When he’d gotten the ocarina of time from the Queen when she’d been fleeing the castle with Impa as a child, he had no idea what it would do to him when he played it inside the cathedral. He’d known when he’d first met Zelda that his life would never be the same but he had never expected to lose seven years of his life to slumber.

Maybe if he’d never pulled the master sword from its hidden alcove in the back of the cathedral he could’ve saved the world sooner than he had. But, there was no time for him to concentrate on what might have been. At one time, the sword had given him the ability to travel back into the past to prepare the future for what needed to be done. But ever since the fall of Ganondorf, the sword had rejected its pedestal. Perhaps since it had served its purpose, there was no need for him to go back in time any longer. It seemed that now that evil had been disposed of, the master sword was merely a regular sword.

Closing his eyes for a moment and reflecting on the moment that had changed his whole life, Link took a deep breath and was reminded of all the good things that had come out of his loss. Opening his eyes after the quiet contemplation he pushed the doors to the cathedral open to find Impa cooking something in a cauldron in one end of the cathedral and the Queen at the other end, leaning over a large table covered in maps and plans. Zelda looked exhausted and Link felt bad for her once again.

How burdensome it must have been to be the Queen of a country that had so little hope. Izzy had reminded him rather brutally of just how bad things in Hyrule had been.

“Link!” Impa exclaimed happily. “You have excellent timing, dinner is nearly ready.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have time for that.” Link started then walked over to the table where the Queen was placing pins in the maps. What they stood for, Link had no idea. “I have news.”

“Did you find the man who attacked me?” Zelda smiled despite the weariness written all over her face.

“I didn’t, but I found something else.” Link sat down in the chair next to the table and continued onward. “The forest was covered in fog when I got there. I ran into the woman who we accused of attacking you and apparently she had noticed the disturbance in the forest as well and had gone in to investigate on her own.”

“Brave woman, isn’t she? I’m surprised she was willing to speak to you after all we accused her of.” Impa smiled pleasantly, letting her stew boil in the cauldron while she came to join Link and the Queen.

“Sort of, she wasn’t exactly the nicest person I’ve ever met.” Link laughed a little but continued hurriedly. “Regardless we traveled through the forest until we came upon a beast unlike any other I’d seen before. It was… encompassed in shadow and when we attacked it, it simply mirrored our movements and returned our attacks in kind.” Link acknowledged his shoulder where the arrow had hit him.

“Oh goodness, I’m sorry Link I didn’t even notice! Are you alright? Do you need medicine?” Zelda immediately fretted over the wound, feeling guilty for not having noticed it earlier.

“It’s on its way to healing so don’t worry about it.”

“You said you saw a shadowy beast?” Impa grimaced. The description had obviously rang a bell in the back of her mind.

“Yes, we did.” Link nodded his head. “You know what I’m speaking of, don’t you?”

“I do.” Impa grimaced after the confirmation had been made. “How did you escape with your lives? Surely you must have left the beast there and fled once you saw what it was capable of!”

“What are you two talking about?” Zelda furrowed her brow, leaning against the table.

“There are beasts of myth, at least I thought they were myth… But my people were told bedtime stories about them to keep us in our beds after curfew. Shadowy beasts that would mimic your movements and wouldn’t give up until they had destroyed those who had offended them!”

“And you ran into this monstrosity?” Zelda widened her eyes in alarm. “Link, we must keep the people away from it!”

“It’s dead, don’t worry.” Link smiled proudly.

“Dead? They don’t just die, Link.” Impa furrowed her brow in confusion.

“Well, it’s not dead. It’s trapped.” Link tried to remember what Tenameru had said, then recalled something else. “Wait, he hasn’t made it here yet?” Link looked around in the shadows, as if expecting the man to pop out of the darkness at the mere mention of him.

“Who hasn’t made it here, Link?” Zelda looked confused and mildly concerned.

“Tenameru… He’s a Sheikah who came out of the darkness of the woods to assist us with the beast. He absorbed the creature with magic and explained that he’d seen Impa’s message in one of the outer lying towns and had come back to Hyrule to serve the kingdom.” Link grimaced. “He could travel through shadows and said he’d come here to speak with you quickly… I offered to let him travel with me and Izzy but…” Link drifted off, feeling confused. “Either way, you should expect him to arrive soon enough. He promised he would come speak with you about the state of Hyrule.”

“Another Sheikah?” Impa looked absolutely thrilled at the news and Link should expect so. It meant that something she had done hadn’t been in vain and gave them all hope of more Sheikah following in Tenameru’s footsteps.

“Are you sure that it was another Sheikah?” Zelda asked suspiciously. “Are you sure that he wasn’t in fact the summoner you sought out?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Link held up a hand defensively and shook his head. “I was suspicious at first but he was very genuinely there to help us. He used a moon shaped necklace to absorb the beast and explained to us that the beast could only be trapped, not defeated entirely.”

“A moon shaped necklace, oh goodness I think I know this child…” Impa smiled in memory. “Worry not, my Queen, if this man is the son of who I think he is then he is no threat but in fact an asset. I am guessing Link, that this man couldn’t walk in the light of day? He was afflicted with a terrible curse thanks to his gifts…”

“Yes… Yes that is exactly who we met.” Link smiled but then pouted slightly at the memory of what he’d learned. “I had no idea that magic came with such a heavy price, why didn’t either of you tell me?” Impa and Zelda exchanged glances. Zelda looked away, feeling guilty that she hadn’t mentioned such a thing.

“Because it would’ve stopped you from using magic entirely, don’t you think?” Impa took the blow for the Queen. Link leaned back in his chair at the revelation. Zelda and Impa had purposely not told him about the dire consequences of magic so that he would use magic without knowing and not know of the burden it would be until the damage had already been done.

“…I see.” Link had a lot of angry words, none of which he was willing to say at the moment. The mood had changed from cheery to tense in a heartbeat.

“I’m sorry Link.” Impa couldn’t think of any other words than that. Zelda didn’t speak. Link stood up from the chair.

“Well, you should do well to warn others in the world of such a thing because people should know what they’re getting into.” Link straightened his back and hardened his expression. What else had they lied to him about? Did they know what would happen to him in the Temple of Time? Did they know he would lose seven years of his life? Were they aware of what consequences would befall him? How could they not have given him any warning? How often had he been manipulated?

“You’re right, we should.” Zelda sighed heavily but still offered Link no apology. What was she thinking? Did she think simply because she had to sacrifice her life to her country that she had to manipulate others into doing the same? He suddenly understood Izzy’s hesitation to help him do what was needed.

“Regardless,” Link turned his back to them and looked at the altar of the cathedral where the three pendants he’d retrieved as a child still floated, eternally locked in place, “The beast dropped a stone.”

“Can I see it?” Impa asked curiously, seeing the guilt on her Queen’s face but knowing Zelda did what she had to at the time and had to live with the consequences. Impa would always stand by her Queen’s decisions. Link reached into his bag and pulled out the small piece of what looked like charcoal and handed it to Impa. “This is it? Are you sure it’s not a piece of kindling?”

“Yes, I’m sure. It used to look like a ruby but then Izzy, the girl who had helped me, picked it up.”

“What happened to the stone? She was a thief, a scoundrel wasn’t she? Are you sure she didn’t swap them?” Zelda looked at the stone in confusion. There didn’t seem to be anything mystical about it.

“You think the worst of her already, do you? I’m not surprised.” Link took the stone and held it up to examine in the torch light as he had done in the woods. It didn’t look magical, Zelda was right.

“My apologies,” Zelda whispered under her breath. “She was willing to steal from me though, so you cannot blame me.”

“Can’t I?” Link wasn’t referring to the stone at all at this point, but he didn’t push the matter further. “She touched the stone and the beast transferred into her hand.” Impa covered her mouth in surprise.

“How on earth…?”

“I don’t know. Tenameru was just as confused.”

“Is she a Sheikah as well?” Zelda asked, not seeming as confused as her companions seemed to be.

“No, she said there’s no magic in her lineage but there’s something that caused it… No idea what the source is though. Tenameru wanted to discuss it with you at length. The stone’s powers carved symbols into her hand. There are three more beasts for us to extinguish and after some convincing… I managed to get Izzy to come help me get rid of them.”

“Convincing? How could she need convincing?” Zelda looked surprised that there had been any hesitation.

“Not everyone is willing to sacrifice their lives to a country that has given them nothing in return.” Link spoke coldly. Neither Zelda nor Impa responded to his remark. “Regardless, she’s agreed to help me and Tenameru was coming to you to find out if there was some rhyme or reason behind what the stone did to her hand. We’re hoping that it was simply the stone transferring its power into her palm, but Tenameru seems to think there could me magic in her blood if this happened. I honestly don’t know because I don’t use magic unless it’s imbued within an object. Which I also didn’t realize was dangerous.”

“Yes, magic is often passed to an object when one cannot bear the consequences, but there are rules to that Link. The magic in the items you possess cannot be transferred back to anyone and well… even if they could, the consequences of having them wouldn’t be incredibly dire. The magic we carry as a burden is too strong for mortal objects.” Impa tried to soften the blow but it didn’t help. Link thought about the magic he possessed and grimaced. The three stones he’d been given by fairies over his travels weren’t mortal, they were heavenly. What consequences would there be if he broke the crystals that possessed such magic?

“At any rate, she’s joining me on my quest. If you have any suggestions on where else to look I’m all ears.” Link shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know Link.” Zelda sighed heavily, still looking exhausted. “Where is this Izzy girl? I feel like I owe her an apology for all that has transpired her.”

“She didn’t want to come in and I can’t blame her.” Link was ready to go. He needed to blow off some steam and soon.

“Well, then perhaps another time. Will you stay for dinner? It’s getting late. You could possibly continue in the morning.” Zelda asked, forcing a smile over her lips. Was she supposed to apologize for what she’d hidden from him for the sake of their world? Could she really have entrusted the decision on the shoulders of an eleven year old all those years ago? Of course, she had been just a child then too, but she had time to think over the consequences that lay in front of her. Link didn’t have time to change his mind a thousand times before the world had come to its fate.

“No, I’m not hungry. Thanks though. I’m going to get a head start. You know, important missions and all.” Link sighed heavily. “Be safe and keep an eye out for Tenameru. He’s encompassed in darkness but he’s a very nice guy. Overly nice if you ask me.” Link turned his back again and left the stone on the table Zelda had been hunched over when he’d entered. “Oh, one more thing… Izzy doesn’t have a horse. Do you mind if we borrow Champion?”

“Of course not. Just be kind to him.” Impa bowed her head respectfully. Link nodded and without a word of gratitude he left the Temple of Time, closing the large doors behind him.

“She owes her an apology?” Link narrowed his eyes and glared back at the door in frustration. He stomped down the stairs and kicked the obelisk stone next to the stairway. It chimed and rang out the current time immediately after. Zelda hadn’t even been able to look him in the eye! So much for seeing her like a sister.

Link needed to keep calm for the time being. There would be time to address the situation like an adult later, right now he had other things to do. He was sure if he told Izzy what had happened in the Temple of Time she’d be tempted to back out of their deal. Instead, he’d brood and try to distract himself with the danger of what they were going to face.

When he moved through the marketplace, he was partially disappointed there were no Redeads in sight. Perhaps by the time he got to the fields the stalchildren would have appeared from the earth to chase them and he could take his frustrations out on them. Crossing the bridge, Link saw how lucky he’d become as the sun set in the distance. Pausing for a moment, he watched the small skeleton like creatures stumbling across the grass lazily.

Pulling out the master sword, he swung it around skillfully and rushed over the bridge toward the creature. The poor stalchild had no idea what was coming for it and merely limped toward Link. In a furious flash of a steel swinging through the air Link sliced his sword through the stalchild and more than once. As two more popped from the ground to replace it, Link swung at them as well and again and again until no more popped from the earth to threaten him.

Out of breath from fighting the creatures he stood still, holding his sword while he recovered. The ashes of the creatures surrounded him, his sword marred with dust and black blood. He felt eyes on him and after a moment of hesitation turned around to look toward where he felt the gaze coming from.

Izzy was laying on her stomach on one of the branches of the fruit tree that Epona had been chomping at. Epona and Champion were at the base of the tree, happily munching on a bounty of fruit that Izzy had apparently shaken from the boughs. Izzy and the horses stared at Link in surprise, clearly having not expected him to appear with such rage.

Link suddenly felt silly and embarrassed for what he’d done and put his sword away. Deciding he didn’t regret his actions, he dusted off his green tunic and started toward the tree.

“Hello sunshine.” Izzy spoke when he came within earshot, sitting up on the branch of the tree.

“Come on, let’s get going.” Link nodded toward no direction in particular. Feeling calmed at the sight of his horse, he reached to pet Epona who munched happily on a piece of fruit still within her mouth. Sensing Link’s upset, Epona leaned down and nudged one of the pieces of fruit toward him with her nose as a gift. “You did this?” Link pointed at Izzy, then back down at the fruit.

“Your horse was jumping to try and get them. Do you have any idea how ridiculous that looked?” Izzy wanted to know what had pissed the hero off so severely that he’d gone ballistic on the creatures that prowled the fields in the night, but was unsure that it was the best time to test his anger.

“I do, she was doing it earlier. Did… did you let Champion free? He was tied up before I left.” Link furrowed his brow in realization.

“I was cleaning up my forehead and I couldn’t resist. He looked sad watching Epona.” Izzy shrugged her shoulders and hopped out of the tree, then started picking up the fruit she’d knocked down from the branches.

“He looked sad?” Link scoffed but couldn’t help but smile after a moment. “You’re not as nasty as you think you are.” He leaned over to help her pick up apples, packing them away in their bags to bring with them for the horses later on. “Impa said you can use her horse so you don’t have to ride with me.”

“That’s a relief.” Izzy rolled her eyes, not thrilled about either scenario but figured if she had to choose, she’d rather ride solo. “So where to, hero?”

“I’m thinking the mountains.” Link shrugged his shoulders and looked behind the woman at Death Mountain, encircled in dark smoke that had merged with the dark clouds covering Hyrule.

“Why is that? Don’t they always look like that? I thought that was the reason for its namesake.” Izzy glanced at the mountains. They looked as they always had and she had a gut feeling that wasn’t where they should be going. Though honestly, she wasn’t sure what had caused her to be so intuitive very suddenly. Perhaps it had been whatever magic the stone had poured into her hand.

“Yeah but there’s always something awful up there so I figured why not… Can’t hurt to check.” Link leaned against the tree and pet Epona when she came to nuzzle him.

“Are you okay?” Izzy looked like it was painful for her to show any sort of concern for the hero.

“I’m fine, why would you ask?” Link responded haughtily.

“Because you’re being the bitchy one now.” She accused then nodded toward the ashes that were currently scattering about on the wind where he’d only moments ago killed the stalchildren. “And you went all postal on those things. They’re harmless you know. They don’t really have much interest in anything at all. If you get hurt by a stalchild then you probably deserved it.” Izzy argued. Whatever hesitation she’d had to ask him about what had happened had faded.

“I’m fine, just confused.” Link didn’t have the patience to explain what had happened and as Izzy had reminded him before he’d gone into the Temple of Time, he’d only known her for a handful of hours. How could she be trusted with something so sensitive? Besides she’d likely just tell him that he was being a baby so he should man up. So that’s what Link had done. He’d manned up.

“Confused about what? That didn’t look like confusion, it looked like rage.” Izzy pointed out, holding out a fruit for Champion to munch on. The horse looked far happier than he had when they’d first approached him from the forest.

“It doesn’t matter. If you don’t think we should head to the mountains, where do you suggest we go?” Link grabbed Epona’s saddle and stuck his foot in the stirrups, mounting the horse.

“Gerudo Valley.” Izzy said after a moment of thought. She decided not to push Link into talking, but mostly because she didn’t actually care what was happening in his mind.

“Oh come on!” Link gripped the reins tightly in frustration. “We are not using this mission as an excuse to run your stupid errands! I don’t care what you had planned with the Gerudos this is more important okay?”

“Wow, I thought I was the defensive one.” Izzy scoffed and struggled with the saddle on Champion’s back for a moment before managing to get her bearings and climb onto the horse’s back. He objected momentarily with a whinny but then calmed and regained himself as she pet his mane.

“This isn’t some game you get to play with me, this is legitimate danger and whatever you were doing can wait.”

“I know that.” Izzy led Champion next to Link. “But, I communicate with the Gerudos on a regular basis and I happen to know a lot of what’s going on in the desert.”

“Oh, do you now?” Link scoffed skeptically.

“Yes, they send me falcons about what’s going on and what they need for trade and when I have enough that warrants a trip to Hyrule, I make my way here. They warned me about this particular visit and advised me against it.”

“And why is that?”

“Because there are storms plaguing the Haunted Wasteland. Storms so severe that the Gerudos have sealed up their homes from the hail.” Izzy spoke condescendingly. “Now are you going to continue accusing me of trying to get out of this with every word that I say or are you going to give me a real shot to help you out, hero?”

“Fine… Fine. I’m sorry okay? I’m a little on edge.” Link apologized and slumped his shoulders, kicking Epona’s side gently to lead her south toward the desert. Izzy gained control of Champion after a moment and urged the horse to do the same.

“A little? That’s an understatement.” Izzy smiled after a moment of guiding the horses. “Though I’m not going to lie, completing my errand was definitely in my mind.”

“I knew it.” Link laughed after a moment. If nothing else, it was good not to be alone.