Part 3: Darren Matt
Not knowing a single haven to seek shelter in Link continued through the darkness. The storm beat down on him with the sharp stabbing of a shower of knives but he pressed on, driven only by his hatred for his deceitful twin. “There has to be some way to prove my innocence.” he thought, “Zelda should have known the master sword couldn’t be tainted by something as simple as a shadow. There must be more to that fake’s influence than just his appearance.”
Consumed by his thoughts Link failed to notice the warm inviting light of Lon Lon ranch as he wandered through the cold. His body had begun going into shock the moment he was taken outside and because he’d weakened himself slowing his heart earlier there was no way to realize the danger he was in. he felt his lungs seize up with each breath, his legs becoming heavier with each step, and his eyes becoming weary with each blast of wind. He managed to lift his head high enough to catch a glimpse of his path, and at the sight of this endless plain of sparce trees and patches of grass illuminated by flashes of lightning his knees buckled and the night offered its embrace, coaxing him to sleep.
The night rolled on along with the storm until morning when a cool breeze and blazing sun pushed that lonely night into yesterday. Links eyes peeled open and were suddenly as wide as ever when he realized he was being watched by an old friend. Perched on the sheltering branch of a nearby tree his curious stare seemed to pass right through link. His wings were resting against his sides as if gravity and balance were no concern to him and his talons dug so deep that the tree bled.
“I see you’ve come to face your most challenging rival.” Stated the owl as Link clambered to his feet. “ I really could have used your help in the castle yesterday.” Link said, shaking the stiffness out of his body. “This burden is but yours to bear.” The owl replied. “For you created it yourself.” “What!?” Link exclaimed. “Ah young hero, in this world a person of your honesty may go a lifetime uncredited for your trials. At this time though, allowing this other to feed off of your personality may become harmful to Hyrule as he is now closer and more influential to the princess than anyone else.”
“So help me!” Link pleaded. “I know all this already. What I need is someone to justify that I am who I say.” “Child,” the owl cut in, “this task is for you alone to resolve. I am but a messenger to guide you through the hardest of times. I can tell you though that to find a beginning to this puzzle you must return to the beginning of your adventure.” “The Deku Tree.” Said Link. “That’s right hero, visit the child of the wise one and your path will be clear.”
And with that the owl flew off, leaving only a shower of feathers settling to the ground. So once again Link set off, further away from the town that knew him as a hero, and towards the forest that for over seven years has recognized him as a coward.
