Chapter 4: Time Waits for No One

Light filtered over the mountain tops, diffracting over the lake air as the temperate warmth filled the pavilion. Link slowly roused from his sleep, filling him with an unfamiliar yet pleasant feeling; waking up to the fresh outside breeze was a welcome counterpart to the sometimes-stifling air of the castle. He kept his eyes closed, savoring the moment and took a breath–

And you will fall.

His eyes opened as he remembered the source: the dream. A voice had called out to him in it, almost demonic in tone, yet it reverberated with a soft duality of another. Though what confused Link the most was unlike previous visions and dreams, this one felt more of a ghost than a memory and the feelings from it were just as ephemeral. No shaking feelings of guilt, no blinding anger. Nothing, just…a voice, and the spring.

Shaking his head in distress, he swung his legs off the bed and sat upright. Just like the rest, overthinking it won't get me anywhere. He looked around, trying to take his mind off. The pavilion was just as picturesque as his memory illustrated from years ago: the style of it mirrored the elegance of the city, reflecting the morning light with a cerulean glow. With the remnants of the dream still clinging to him, he walked over to a bowl of clean water and splashed his face with it as if he could wash it off.

"Come on Link, it's just water!" Sidon shouted.

Link looked up from his towel, finding Sidon with a large grin that could split open his face. The child had splashed him with water as he slept, though Link took to it by pouring the pitcher of water on the Zora. Sidon laughed, taking the retort in carefree stride.

With the water dripping down his face, he casted his thoughts back to the present and quickly toweled the water from his face. With it still being early in the morning, he looked down to the equipment piled in the pavilion, and it struck him how much it looked neglected. It was mucked and dirtied from the battles from yesterday, and it wouldn't do to leave it in poor condition. While it was monotonous work, but it put a certain ease in his mind considering recent circumstances: no worrying about a monster on the other side of his blade, making sure his stance is proper, and certainly not about the visions. He took the better part of the hour to deal with it, between cleaning and sharpening the blade to scrubbing the dirt and muck off the rest.

Satisfied with the job, Link took a quick trip down into the city and he bought everything he needed to make breakfast for himself. Of course, he could have gone down to one of the many places that cooked food, but he felt it was better to do it himself for today.

He brought it back and organized the food in the pavilion, placing it in order as he would need them. Rice, water, eggs…

He hummed to himself and poured some water in the pot, getting it hot for the rice –

A splash emitted from the lake nearby, and Link looked up to find a small Zora leaping out of the lake and landing on the nearby pier: Sidon. Moments later, Mipha emerged from the lake as well and landed next to him. Between the two siblings, Sidon's skin was just as crimson as hers, but he stood at barely half of her height due to his age, being just past a small child in the eyes of the Zora. And like any child, to describe him as energetic would be a bit of an understatement, but at least the young Zora was wise enough at times. Of course, the other times led to the young Zora dumping water on him as he slept. Sometimes it seemed he never truly grew up.

Link wordlessly waved out to the two in greeting, and Sidon started rushing down the pier towards the pavilion, leaving a trail of water, and Mipha, behind him.

"Link!" He shouted and ran up, stopping just short of him. It seemed he restrained himself this time from running right into him. He also didn't latch onto his leg, either. "You're here!" Mipha smiled as she approached the pavilion, not bothering chasing after the young Zora but rather opting for a casual stroll.

"I am. Hey Mipha," He responded and greeted. He turned back to the pot of now boiling water, making sure it wasn't past proper temperature. Satisfied, he gently poured the rice in, letting it settle and careful to not splash it.

"Hello Link." She greeted, and Sidon took the time to wander around the food Link bought. "Sidon saw the light from the fire here and swam for it, so at least he didn't wake you." Mipha explained, clearing up how the two of them were here so early in the morning. She walked over next to Link and took a casual look in the cooking pot.

"You're making breakfast for yourself?" She said, inspecting the nearby food with interest.

"Just some rice and eggs." Link casually shrugged. "I can make more if you two haven't eaten yet," He offered, looking over to her and Sidon. She waved him off, to Sidon's disappointment.

"No thank you. And despite what Sidon might say, he has eaten as well." She looked over at Link, a slight expression of mirth crossing her face as Sidon gave a small huff. "Though, I never knew you could cook," She clarified.

Link shrugged. "Everyone else cooked for me. I suppose I could shove them out of the way and do it myself, but that would come across as rude." He responded nonchalantly, decidedly ignoring the look of exasperation on Mipha's face.

They continued chatting, leaving Link to continue cooking his breakfast. Sidon was wise enough not to mishandle any of the food Link had laid out, but rather stood around patiently and listened. Soon enough, Link finished cooking and ate his breakfast, chatting with the two as he ate. Sidon kept asking about all the monsters Link had dealt with over the past month, and Link indulged him with grandiose tales that even Mipha would add to. Of course, the reality was much more mundane and involved travel most the time, but he didn't let Sidon know that.

As the sun started to slowly rise over the hills, Sidon had to eventually leave and took off in the water, leaving Mipha and Link alone once again. While Link was glad he managed to at least see Sidon before he had to leave, the child could get overbearing on occasion. A fact that Mipha noticed as well.

"So," Link started, and Mipha turned towards him. "My knight training will finish soon. From what I can remember it will be on my eighteenth birthday, which is about a week out."

"Congratulations," She offered, glad for Link. She was quiet for a moment, thinking about something. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" She softly added, and Link nodded. Indeed, it has.

"Eight years." It was a date he never would forget. Sometimes I've wondered what will happen after I finally prove myself as a knight. Recently, I haven't given it too much thought, and just worrying about the present. He looked down to his now empty plate, idly pushing around a grain of rice and mulled it over.

It was true: he tried not to think of the future too much these past days, but it was now getting difficult to deny and it was starting to eat at him. There were growing rumors slowly spreading, between more monsters inhabiting the lands and the increased presence of the Yiga Clan, that were beginning to bring the inhabitants of Hyrule Castle and the town on edge. Link could start to see it in their eyes: a nervous flickering towards nothing in the occasional citizen. The knights of the castle were strangely tense at times. Only minor details, but something was happening, and it couldn't be denied: the old legend of Ganon might be coming true.

Which brought Link back to his test: if he proved himself and became a knight, what could he even do? Constantly taking jobs seemed insignificant considering everything. Helping the random citizen would only be temporary. He could keep clearing the monster dens that dotted the lands, but again, that would only be temporary as well. Of course, this was a bit more personal than sharing an almost impossible dream that occurred, and it didn't feel right telling this to Mipha. Regardless, Mipha brought him out of his reverie by placing a hand on his, trying to still the slightly nervous movement of the silverware on the plate.

"Hey," She said, bringing Link's attention to her. "No matter what happens, I think you'll get through it." She opened her mouth and closed it, shaking her head. "No, I know you will get through it." She emphasized, and Link could feel the force in her words and nodded.

"You're right," He said with a small, thankful smile; while it didn't ease his mind entirely, it was enough for the moment. She gave him her usual smile and gripped his hand, pulling him to his feet.

"Before you leave, a quick spar then, perhaps?" She asked. As per their little visiting custom, they always tried to have a spar before he left back for the castle, and Link never passed an opportunity to hone his skills. It was something that Mipha didn't even need to ask and Link nodded his head, appreciative of the change in mood. She left to retrieve her trident, leaving Link a few moments to get his newly cleaned sword. She quickly came back with her own weapon and they prepared their weapons, making sure to use the flat sides of their weapons. The arena they decided on was simply the dock they stood at, as there was more than enough space to practice. Before long, the spar evolved into an occasional clash of weapons and a lot of dodging.

Mipha looked over to Link down the decorated trident she held, and Link looked at her over the blunt side of his blade. He had forgone his shield for the match, deciding he needed practice with the blade alone. Now, the two were locked in a constant stalemate: the first of its kind. She always managed to be unpredictable, he thought to himself as he circled his opponent as he observed her movements.

"You've improved," The quiet complement reached Link, and he cracked a smile in appreciation.

"And so have you," Link responded back, quite impressed at her constant footwork. Link had multiple attempts to get her to lose balance through feints, but she always seemed to keep it as she skillfully dodged his attacks. With Link, she attempted to keep him at a distance with her spear, but Link would lock up the trident with his blade and swerve around to get closer. And so, the two were locked in an ever-present dance between duelists.

Link could see that he was on much better terms with his skill than previous spars, but stalemates were not too much better than straight out losing. The longer this goes, the more of a disadvantage I'm at. It was something Arkil told him in passing a while ago, the differences between the races.

Now see, unlike Hylians, the Zoras have much more endurance since they obviously need to swim and all that, right? Which means if you ever get into a fight with one, you better end it early or you'll just end up on the dirt.

Link took a deep breath and focused himself, taking a different two-handed grip on the sword and charged forward, attempting to catch her off guard. He kept the sword low to the ground as he moved, feigning an opening. She raised the trident in defense and backed up, and Link quickly batted it away as he moved past and continued his charge. Her response was unexpected as she let the trident carry down into the ground and jumped, letting it assist her in a pole vault over Link. It was her strong point: being able to quickly maneuver around the fight and keep distance from her target.

He skidded and ran back towards her, preparing his weapon as she landed a few paces away.

At that position, she can easily slide the weapon up for the kill.

Just as he anticipated, she let the tip of the trident slide towards him along the ground and Link had to quickly balance himself lest the weapon trip him, and he quickly dodged to the side after as the weapon raised into the air, cleanly pointed as his chest a moment ago. He batted the weapon away once more with his sword and almost raised the flat side to Mipha's head, but she swerved out of the way and crouched, sweeping low with her leg and trying to once again throw him off his feet. It was one of the disadvantages: being this close with the sword did yield him within range of simple melee attacks.

He jumped back at the motion, and once again Mipha had control of her trident. There were a multitude of attacks he could have done then, but most of them consisted of her being one limb less. If only I could move faster…

Mipha flashed a smile as she lowered her weapon, "I'm glad you've improved, Link." Link mirrored her response, an indication the quick spar was over. She must have been paying more attention to the time than he was, as a quick look in the sky showed it was about another two hours until noon. With the trek back to the castle taking almost three-fourths of the day, Link realized he would have to leave soon if he wanted to make it back before sunset.

Link flashed a small smile as he turned back towards the pavilion and Mipha trailed behind him, and she stopped just outside the entrance.

"I surprised you ended that spar early," Link sheathed his sword on his back and grabbed the pitcher of water, pouring some water into a cup.

"Well, I wanted to see if you got any better. Besides, someone needs to keep track of time," She verbally poked and Link tried to retort, but forgot he was drinking something and spluttered. Link countered her innocent look by narrowing his eyes in mock irritation between coughs.

"Right," He responded, coughing a last time as he refilled the cup. She simply smiled and took a few steps towards the pier, though Link caught the hint of sadness in her eyes that her smile betrayed.

"I take it you need to leave now?" Mipha softly asked and Link gave a solemn nod. She couldn't see it, but the silent response was enough. A warped peace overtook the two as they watched the shimmering lake: Link didn't particularly want to go back to the castle. Of course, he knew he had to: Arkil would track him down if he didn't, he had to finish his training to be a knight, and a multitude of other things to accomplish. He internally prepared himself and turned back to the pavilion, seeing if he left anything behind as he set his cup down. A brief glance around and he gathered his equipment, strapping his shield and the pouches to himself. Satisfied that he gathered everything, he turned towards stairs down the side of the dam and Mipha quietly trailed him.

The walk back to the main city bridge was quiet between the two, for anything else that needed to be spoken already was. It was the quiet understanding between the two of them that Link appreciated, a break from the rowdiness that happened to radiate off Arkil most of the time. After a quick farewell to the king, they passed through the city, acknowledging the occasional hello towards Link or Mipha as they passed by with a nod or a soft hello.

Before long, Link found himself at the bridge out of the city and stopped with Mipha following suit.

"Don't worry: I'll write again. Hopefully I won't get as busy as this month." Link said, but Mipha shook her head in trust.

"You already said you would, you don't need to reassure me Link." She responded, leaving Link quiet.

"Right," He said, unsure of how to continue from there. "Well, you take care Mipha."

She responded with her usual smile and tilt of the head, "And you too, Link. Try not to get injured on your way back this time," She said, and Link merely flashed a smile in response and walked down the bridge, leaving the cerulean glow of the Zora city behind. As he traversed the bridge and the winding hills beyond, he did start to wonder about the rest of the world: how was Myvera doing? And if Hiral was already at the excavation site, did he discover anything yet? After all, he couldn't deny that the world moved on.

…

Just Link previously thought, he barely made it back to the castle as the sun started to set. He made his way through Castle Town and despite the time of day, it was still busy as crowds gathered around. He weaved through them and up the path towards the main gate of the castle, finding Arkil standing nearby. At the sight of Link, he strode towards Link determinately.

"I see that you went off and took two days for a break even though I gave you one," He greeted. Despite the way Arkil worded his sentence, the playful tone in his voice betrayed his words. "Thinking you can get a two-for-one deal or something, eh?"

Link shrugged. "Kyal wanted – "

"Wanted you to deliver a letter, I know." Arkil cut him off as they made their way through the castle courtyards. "I imagine something like that would pop up, though it seemed to be a simple job." Arkil glanced over to Link, eyeing him up for something. "And I see you're no worse for wear. You're still alive, and not missing any limbs. Though," Arkil pointed to the darkened spot on Link's tunic. "It seems someone didn't miss you. Might want to get that checked." Link looked to the spot, and minor frustration welled in him; he couldn't get that spot clean by the time he left. He made a mental note to have it taken care of later.

"A monster got a cut on me before, but Mipha healed it." He clarified, making sure that Arkil knew it was taken care of.

"Mipha, huh?" He repeated, but said nothing further as the two entered the only place Arkil would go to now: the dining hall.

It was certainly a stark contrast to his breakfast this morning in Zora's Domain: the dining hall was filled with voracious chattering of its inhabitants as Link and Arkil once again sat at their usual table. At least in Zora's Domain, there was the tranquil view of the lake in the peace of morning. Here, it was alcohol-stained oak tables and the clattering of dishes and cups as guards and knights journeyed through. Though, Link pondered, it does have a homely charm to it now. Balance of each, I suppose.

Link decided to take his mind off the wooden scenery and turned it towards Arkil. "How did your job go yesterday?" Link prompted curiously, and Arkil gently put down the drumstick he ate. If there was ever a confused look on Arkil's face, this would have been it.

"I don't know. They wanted me to check out the excavation site in the south-west, but when I got there, they were fine. They said they never reported anything." He said and took a drink from his mug. Strange, Link wondered.

"What do you mean, they never reported anything?" Link questioned. "How else would you have been requested to go there?"

"That's the thing: I don't know. Maybe a mix-up in a message." It was another strange thing to Link, to hear the man say I don't know. Usually everything matched up in some way, but now? Regardless, he left it alone well enough as Arkil changed the subject.

"Anyway Link, never mind that. There's something important I need to talk to you about. Finish up your plate and then let's go." Link realized it must have been serious if Arkil wanted to talk to him in private; the public setting of the dining hall never put off the man from speaking his mind before about other important matters. He didn't argue about it though, and Link quickly finished his meal and the two returned the plates. Link followed Arkil outside towards the castle grounds and the duo made their way towards a secluded castle wall, unoccupied by guards. This is probably the most dramatic scene Arkil set up thus far, Link idly thought as the two stood alone. After a quiet moment, Link could feel the piercing look from Arkil as he turned towards Link.

"I've been told to bring you up to speed Link: it's time to talk about the role you will be soon be in, since your training is almost at an end." He was oddly direct in the situation, and a determined look fell on Arkil's face. "As you know, your tests are coming soon to prove whether you can be a knight. It is a task you will uphold with the upmost respect and duty, through your own life if must be."

Link quietly focused back to the man, trying not to portray his inner thoughts on the subject.

"The tests will begin on your eighteenth birthday, one week from now." He loudly cleared his throat, no doubt trying to be professional with his speech, though Link had already known the tests would be on his birthday. I suspect that is not all of it.

"While these are all things I've been teaching, I feel the need to reiterate them. First and foremost, you will be expected to continuously work for the kingdom. Second, keep discrete. Even though people will be able to pick you out of the crowd, that doesn't mean they know what you're capable of. Element of surprise, right? For the rest, it's more of common sense, though I'm sure it'll be outlined for you." The dimming sunlight outlined a small smile on Arkil's face. "As far as the test itself, I've been told, 'We will explain everything to him about it on the day.'" He winked at Link, "I couldn't leave you completely in the dark, though. You know, like the sunset here." Link would have audibly groaned at the awful use of visual aid, but knew well enough to leave it alone. "Though if I may say, I don't think you'll have an issue with the test, whatever it may be. I've said it once, but I'll say it again: you're a great swordsman, and I imagine you can only be one of the best with even more training." He patted Link on the shoulder, "Of course, I wouldn't go charging a Lynel because of that, despite how reckless you might be sometimes." Arkil humorously assured him.

Link was glad for the encouragement, though an unwelcome nervousness did slowly creep in. "I understand."

"Good."

Nothing more was said. They stood along the wall under the sunset, and Link suspected it due to Arkil giving him time to consider everything, a moment he gladly took. How would he serve? What kind of things would happen? Furthermore, would the others hold him to as high a standard as his father was? There was a multitude of things to think about. Yet the more he thought about it, the more Arkil came to his mind.

All his training life since he was ten, Arkil was there since Link's father had passed. He pushed him, not in a way unlike his father, but different at the same time. While his father sometimes threw him to the wolves so to speak, but he did so knowing that Link could handle it. With Arkil, he would do the same thing, but he would be a bit more proactive rather than reactive like his father. He taught him how to hold a sword, how to keep proper posture, how to fight. How to clean your weapons, how to properly deal with others. He scolded him, taunted him, and occasionally took care of him. In fights, he was reckless and proud, something that Link himself probably learned from in his numerous skirmishes with the roaming beasts. The best way Link could have described him was a Goron in Hylian form. Yet in the time Link had known him, Link never outright expressed gratitude towards him.

"I may not be the best at expressing my emotions," Link quietly offered, and Arkil looked over as he spoke. "But I am thankful for everything you taught me, Arkil. So, no matter what happens in the test or afterwards," He looked towards Arkil determined. "I am glad you taught me. And until that time of my final test, even if we work together only once more, I won't regret it."

…

The next morning Link awoke from a dreamless sleep, but the way he awoke was much different than other times. The loud clang of metal echoed through the knight's quarters, and Link opened his eyes to find the room clearly lit.

I didn't sleep in, did I?

Confusion started to fill him, and he looked to the upper floor to find a multitude of knights gathering equipment and walking out the day gate. It was extremely unusual, as on closer inspection, they seemed to be taking multiple weapons at once: not just their own. Fully awake, Link got up and slipped on his boots, throwing on his tunic and walked up the stairs.

Link looked out the day gate, but the sky was barely lit which clearly meant he didn't sleep in. Then what is happening?

"What in blazes is happening? It was one night," A voice said, and Link looked to his left to find Arkil making his way through the main entrance. Link simply shrugged as he was confused himself, though if Arkil was already up, it was strange he didn't know.

"The king sent out an order today, we're going to mobilize. Something about some ruins they dug up." One of the nearby knights explained, reaching and taking a polearm in his hands. "I suggest you get ready yourself, squire Link and Sir Arkil."

Link looked over to Arkil, hoping they were on the same page: only one person would know about a 'dug up' rock.

Regardless, breakfast came first and Link and Arkil headed once more to the dining hall. Just as it was in the knight's quarters, a new atmosphere emitted throughout the castle: excitement. The strange tenseness of recent days was gone, replaced as people bustled through the castle and along the outside dirt roads, and on more than one occasion Link had to dodge a courier as they carelessly walked past and almost into him. Outside, they passed a dozen guards organize themselves along the road, talking amongst themselves. They stood in full uniform, down to the plate mail and weapons. Link had to look away though, as the reflecting sunlight shined right into his eyes. He turned, seeing a group of residents carry boxes down to the castle gates. Link never saw a busier day than this.

The dining hall was even worse when they entered: people moved into the kitchen and moments later brought out packages, doing an awkward dance to avoid walking into others. Whatever was happening seemed to require food, so either it was a long voyage to their destination, or they were delivering it somewhere. Link continued to scout around; while the line for breakfast was as long as it ever was, the dining hall itself was packed as practically all the tables were filled as characters of all types loitered. Whatever they dug up must have been important, Link though.

Soon enough, they reached the end of the line and sat down at their table, finding just enough for the two at the usually empty place. Among him and Arkil, Link spotted various knights suited up in armor, albeit their helmets sat on the table beside them. They quickly finished their breakfast and made their way to the library, making their way straight to Kyal's office. Even there, in the usually quiet library, the place was just as busy as it seemed elsewhere as scholars piled books and scrolls into traveling sacks. Link stepped around the piles of parchment near the head scholar's room, though Arkil seemed to have trouble with a stack of books as he narrowly avoided knocking them over, and Link kept his mirth to himself. Link knocked on the familiar door, and a quiet enter sounded through the door and Link walked in along with Arkil.

The only usual way to describe the state of Kyal's office was a state of a perpetual tornado, but today it seemed even worse. Books and papers were haphazardly laid on the ground now, and only a small path seemed to be visible in the carpet below.

"Link and Arkil, great timing! I was just about to send for your two." Kyal greeted eagerly and stepped around the table, sliding to a halt just before a pile of papers. "Watch your step as there is a method to the madness in this room, despite what it seems." His expression quickly morphed to seriousness as he ushered the two in, closing the door behind them. "There is something important you should know. Especially you Link, considering how you wished to know." The two stood in front of the desk and Kyal took a position behind it, not bothering to stand, and turned towards Link, a blank expression evident on his face. "Link, have you heard the growing murmurs going around about the return of Ganon?"

Link nodded his head. On occasion, when he passed along the castle town below, he could catch small snips of the topic from crowds.

Have you heard? It seems there's more monsters around.

It does seem more dangerous out.

From what I've heard, something is happening.

"In passing, yes. The town and the castle here have been slowly getting tense." Kyal nodded, satisfied.

"I think I should start from the beginning. About a month ago, we captured a member of the Yiga Clan and took them to the dungeons below. They were caught sneaking into the throne room, and subsequently brought down there. I believe you two were out on that day, yes?"

Link nodded. At the time, they were on an expedition to clear out one of the larger monster complexes to the north-west, and was the main reason he was unable to write to Mipha.

"In short, I was told the dungeon guards politely asked him questions, and there was only one response: 'Bow before Ganon.'" Kyal sighed, disappointed. "While the king had his suspicions at the time, it only reinforced them: Ganon is coming back soon. And so, the king ordered the two excavation sites you know now."

That makes sense. I suppose only two makes sense as well, considering it was more than enough to prove the locations of the Divine Beasts.

"Tell me," Kyal promptly said, "Do you know the ancient legend of Ganon?" The abruptness of the question caught Link, but he responded a moment later.

"Briefly. A long time ago, the princess and the chosen knight worked together to seal away Ganon. With them, they had the power of technological beasts, the Divine Beasts, and champions to pilot them."

"I see," Kyal nodded, satisfied. "Simplified, but yes." He pushed some papers away on his desk and pulled out a small book and flipped to a specific page. "To put it precisely: 'Every ten thousand years, the destruction of the world would be seen to by Ganon. The Divine Beasts shall pave the way, and the Knight and Sealer shall cast away the darkness.' It tells of the reoccurring prophecy, of how the world will be challenged with combating Ganon. It was brought to the attention of the king today, which is why you see the frenzy happening outside." Link pondered it, thinking over the story.

Ganon, the being of hatred incarnate. It was a name only spoken of in legends, but it was now that the story fully hit Link: he was truly returning.

"I appreciate the story, but why was it brought to the king's attention now? I imagine he already knew the prophecy." Arkil answered, something that Link appreciated, and Kyal simply hummed in response and scrambled papers around his desk, pulling a series of parchments off the desk.

"I think you two should see this." He signaled Link over the table and pointed to the parchments. Charcoal scratches crossed along it the papers, forming into a series of symbols along the indents in it. The multitude of papers along seemingly continued the visual, almost taking up the width of the desk. While he couldn't read the symbols directly, they did resemble something familiar, and Link quickly realized they were the same symbols he saw back in the Kakariko Village excavation site on the walls.

"It's ancient Sheikah language, isn't it?" Link questioned, and Kyal answered with a nod.

"Remember the door I mentioned they found the other day?" The two nodded. "The following letters were lined along it," If there was ever a serious look on his face, this was it. "'The Divine Beast Vah Ruta stands before you. Call the name with the voice of your champion and they will be judged.'"

A Divine Beast.

A technological being of immense power.

Kyal continued, oblivious to Link's thoughts. "Naturally, the king ordered the full excavation of the site and ordered that they send him whatever request they need to accomplish it. And so, that brings me to my request for you two, something the king personally asked of. I realize that you, Link, have your knight's test coming up in a week so hopefully it will not push it back." Kyal tapped on a nearby book, enforcing the request with the motion. "The prophecy speaks of a few pieces, but what the king requests is to find only one of these: The Sealing Blade. From what we know, the blade is guarded by trials, and the location of the blade itself is lost as well. Multiple people were sent around the world, trying finding people who fit descriptions of the ancient hero, only for the results to be fruitless as they returned back." He sighed, and rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Same with finding the sword itself. For now, I want you two to search and find someone similar…"

Something clicked inside of Link's mind, and a dull pain started inside. He flinched, but the motion was unnoticed by the other two in the room.

Link.

Something called out to him, something so soft on the wind that he could have mistaken it for a breath. He briefly looked around, but neither of the other two inhabitants in the room seemed to notice anything.

"The king himself? Why wouldn't the Royal family know how to retrieve it?" Arkil said, but the tone in his voice started to twist, and Link found his attention on the conversation waning.

"Personally, I think because even they lost knowledge of the blade. Of course, the prophecy states that the hero will arise of his own accord, but…" The pain started to flare up in his mind, and Link had to resist drawing attention to himself. "…the king wishes to find someone before then…"

Again.

It was happening again.

The words of Kyal slowly murmured out, and this time an unbearable pain shot through Link's head and he clutched at his head and gritted his teeth, and ignoring the reactions of the other two. The feeling was like a bone being broken to allow it to heal properly, though this was far worse and none of the other visions he had were like this. Nothing soothed the pain, but only one thing swirled through: the echoing words of the Sealing Blade.

…

And he was there.

…

All around him, was the forest of the Lost Woods. Tall, winding trees reached up to the sky as small spirits of the forest bounced around the open air. Small leaved creatures danced in the air, seemingly suspended. The world could have stopped, but Link would never have known given how separated the atmosphere seemed to be. Instead, he looked down and in front of himself, finding a strange pedestal and behind it stood a large tree, possibly older than the castle of Hyrule. The aged bark swirled along its surface, morphing into various shades of brown that no doubt showed its age.

"So, it seems one has finally made it way here." It spoke, almost uninterested in the boy who stood before him. "I had suspected this for a while now, considering the unveiling of the Divine Beasts. Yet, it seems you are not like the others. I sense…" The spirit paused, contemplating something. "Never mind."

"Who are you?" Link asked, looking up to the face formed in the tree.

"I am the guardian of this forest, but it does not matter, does it? You are here for what lies before you. The Sealing Blade. The Master Sword." It said. There was no uncertainty in the comment, only a statement. Finality. "Take it, if you dare. Others have tried, but the sword denied them all. In exchange, it took their life for their selfish desire. I wonder, is that the same wish you have in your soul? Or is it something else?" The accusation was meant to pierce, but Link was filled with resolute determination. He wouldn't back down, not now.

Link walked forward, finding the sword ahead. The purple hilt stood proudly in the air, and even from the distance he was at, Link could almost feel the aura around it. The sleek metal of the blade was embedded in the pedestal below, and the insignia of a triangle was inlaid along the blade.

"And if so, do you have the strength in your heart to prove it?"

He reached forward, and…

"Link!" A shout brought him from his dream, and he opened his eyes. Strangely, he looked upon the ceiling of Kyal's office, and a moment later he realized he was lying on the floor. His head continued lightly ache, but the pain was mostly gone at least. Yet what occurred to Link was…

This dream was a memory.

The feeling finally dawned on him: there was nothing fleeting about it, nor mysterious like the previous visions. This was clear: this had already happened, and he was somehow remembering it. Or was he?

Link internally groaned, trying to think. I never visited the Lost Woods, but at the same time it's familiar. And the Master Sword? What is this? Link massaged his temples, trying to focus on the vision. Yet despite this, there was something he couldn't let go of: something was there in the Lost Woods. Why is this happening? What…

Link felt someone gently pull him upright, and opened his eyes to find Arkil assisting him.

"What happened?" Arkil probed and Link looked around, finding Kyal as well kneeling next to him.

"Indeed, that was most…peculiar." Kyal added, inspecting Link as if the damage was physical.

"I - " Link said, and reached up to massage his head again. "I - nothing. I don't know what came over me. I had a headache and then… I passed out." Link full well knew what happened, but for now he didn't feel comfortable revealing it near Kyal. The man seemed decent enough, especially after the years of working with him, but he wasn't on the same level of trust of Arkil or Mipha. He gave a pointed look towards Arkil as he said it though, and the man nodded. Hopefully he understood.

"I see, Link." Kyal said, slowly standing up. "It is good you are better, though I suggest you head to the infirmary. You were out for about a minute, but a headache and then passing out? I don't suspect that is something to take lightly." Kyal added and walked over to his chair, cautiously taking a seat.

"Yeah, I agree." Arkil helped Link stand up, letting him lean on himself. "Let's take you there now." While Link felt a bit dizzy, there wasn't much of a repercussion from the vision. Regardless, he was curious about something yet.

"Wait," Link signaled Arkil to stop assisting him towards the door, turning back towards Kyal, "You didn't explain all of it."

"Pardon?" Kyal questioned and looked up towards Link, unsure of what he meant.

"You talked about finding the Sealing Sword, but said that was the only piece you needed from us. Who is taking care of the rest?" Link caught himself from almost saying Master Sword, finding the word somehow naturally in his vocabulary. Kyal placed down the paper in his hand, leaning back in his chair in thought.

"Well as far as I know, the king said the part of the Sealer is already taken care of. I suspect something due to their Royal bloodline, but he gave nothing concrete. As far as the other Divine Beasts, I imagine finding them will not be far off since we already found one, following the legend that there will be one around each of the major civilizations of the continent. Of course, it is a sample of only one, but I have high hopes. For the Champions, they were of exceptional skill and from each of the different races. I imagine that it be only fitting that each Champion in this age to be decided by each of the rulers in the area, though I have a feeling the Divine Beasts will choose themselves."

Link mulled over the thought briefly, then nodded in satisfaction.

"My thanks." Link and Arkil carefully walked out of the room, with Arkil escorting him out and closed the door.

"Are you good?" Arkil asked him, and Link nodded as he shook himself off Arkil's support. The headache was gone now, and he felt well enough to stand without help.

"Yes," Link responded, then turned to Arkil. "I think I know where it is." Confusion etched through Arkil's expression, and Link continued before he said anything. "I need to do this alone, however."

"Sorry?" Arkil questioned with narrowed eyes, but there wasn't any malice in the response but rather confusion.

"The Sealing Blade. I know where it is." Link clarified. "I don't know why, but it just seems like it's something I need to do by myself." Arkil turned his head.

"Link, are you sure what you saw was… real?" Arkil cautiously said, wary of what Link must have seen. "Besides, that isn't our job. The king wished us to find someone who matched – "

"Do you trust me, Arkil?" Arkil said nothing as the two stood in the library, leaving the din of the library to drown out their conversation from the rest of the world. It was the first time Link was being truly assertive, but something strongly resonated throughout him as the vision swirled in his mind: he was near the tip of the precipice, and felt there was something down below in the canyon below. If only…

"You're right, Link." Arkil admitted, "Sorry." Arkil said nothing else, and Link's expression softened at the response. "If you think this is something you need to do yourself, then I trust you on this. I wasn't lying when I said you were a great swordsman, and you have your knight's test in a week." He signaled with his head, "If you think you need to do this, then go and prove you're ready."

"I won't let you down, Arkil. It's just…" Link paused, thinking of how to word it. "Whatever I saw, is pulling me there. And I intend to find out."

A/N: I appreciate the responses so far, and I'm definitely taking them into consideration.