Chapter II: The Advent

In spite of their impending danger, Link couldn't help but notice the heat of her breath brushing aginst the skin on the back of his neck and ear. It gave him and invigourating sensation. He would let no harm beset her.
Zelda's hand was enveloped by Link's. His grasp was firm, yet gentle. She could feel his pulse pounding. It raced just as fast as hers. She soon noticed that both their pulses fell into the same rythym. She felt through him that She'd be safe. He felt his fears evaporate through her.
He weighed all of his options. Link knew that something had to be done and fast. One set of footfalls became louder. They clung to the shadows on the wall, holding their breathes, moving nothing. When he was out of view, they turned the corner.
One was directly in front them, with his back turned. Link slammed the pommel of his sword into the back of his neck, knocking him cold. When the other turned around, he was greeted by the flat of Link's sword crashiing into his temple.
They continued their plight. 'How much further?" Link asked.
'Not much, up the stairs and around the bend.'
They hastened, eager to exit but remaining careful as not to reveal their escape. they ascended the stairs and turned the bend, only to find an entire garrison of gaurds lie between them, and the Throne room. The sweat on his brow grew thicker. 'Where's the throne room?' Link asked.
'At the end of the hall, behind all those gaurds'
'Is there any other way to get to the throne room?'
'No.'
He paused to think. 'Do these guys leave?'
'No'
He counted 8 soldiers. The hall was as wide as a gymnasium. There were 2 torches at the head of the room. Link saw them and got an idea.
'Do you see those torches?' he asked.
'Yes.'
'Alright, let's knock them out.'
'I was just about to say that.'
He cracked a smile. 'I'll go for that far torch, you get the one nearby. We'll put them out and head for that door.'
'Sounds good, Let's do it.'
The each took a deep breath, let go of the other's hand, and split off. when they reached the torches, they looked at each other. As soon as Link fell his torch, Zelda did as well. Darkness fell over the chamber like a blanket, and they both headed for the door. Zelda ran along side the wall, as swift and silent as a wolf in the shadows. When she hit the corner, he turned in. There Link met her, who ran up the middle, through the company. They went into the door cautiously so as to not make any noise. She saw the sweat upon his brow, and wiped it off. 'Thank you. Now what?'
'Beneath the throne, there is a door. We can make it through the sewers and into the Sanctuary.'
'Alright, we've done pretty well so far. We can do this!'
They walked up to the Throne. Link stopped to regaurd it breifly.
'Wish I could have been here under different circumstances.'
'So do I'
They went into the trap door. Link found a small lamp by which he could light his lantern. It was chilly, and the stagnant air made his skin twitch. The place smelt of rain water, and human waste. They heard the telltale skittering of rats and lizards and bats and all those creatures who live in the damp darkness. The water rose up to their shins and rose higher every minute. The sound of the storm was outside was being amplified in the sewer, as water poured in from the drains.
'Now where?'
'Just keep going foreward. we're not quite out of the woods yet.'
'I'll get you to saftey'
'I know you will.'
AS they walked, they they found themselves talking.
'What's the deal with those soldiers? I mean, I'm sure they'd try to stop anyone who's kidnaping the princess, but why were you locked up?'
'Agahanim has them under his spell. He ordered my imprsonment.'
'Agahanim? I thought he was a good'
'Well all those calamities that he stopped, he had set up in the first place. He just used it to get a foothold into the kingdom.' He felt her grip tighten on his hand.
'Are you alright?'
' Thanks to you I am. I fear the worse for my father though.' The waters rose higher as they went on.
'How did you manage to contact me?'
'Telepathy. It's a trait we posess, as passed down from generations past, and I learned it from Shasrahla.'
Link simply nodded. My uncle and I both heard you.
'Oh I'm sorry about your uncle. It seems that we've both lost someone to that monster.'
Before they knew it they were at the end of the sewer. 'Just up this ladder and across the hall is the sanctuary.

They arose and saw before them a ladder.
'We're almost there. Just up.' Said Zelda.
AS they climbed, he felt a knot burning in his thigh. He ignored it and wnet on. She was no more comfortable either. Zelda had gone from the her chamber in the palace, to a dungeon cell to the sewers, at least she was still alive. She felt a clamping in the small of her back. She saw Link, and ket climbing. He pulled her up the to ledge and they had before them one final door.
'This is it' He opened the door for her and entered into the sanctuary. There the Old sage was waiting.
'Princess Zelda, You're safe! Is this your doing young man?'
'Yes Sage Tellah, It was Link who saved me from the Wizard's clutches'
'Thank you, LInk. All of Hyrule is in your debt' accoladed the old sage.
'It was nothing'
'Come, I have dry clothes and hot food. I know you both are weary, change you garments and then we will eat.' He led them each to seperate rooms. He took thier clothes and left them by the fire to dry. After each were given warm robes, he then led them to a table where soup and bread were laid out.

They sat around the table eating, saying nothing for both were very weary. After her plate was half way barren Zelda finally spoke up
'I promised that I'd explain everything, so here I go' She finished her soup and began. 'Link are you familiar with the Legends?'
'There are so many but I do know of a few.'
'Well do you know of the Sacred Realm and the Triforce?'
'Yes I know of that. But what I do know is a bit cloudy.'
'Alright Link, You that the Triforce is the ultimate power?'
'Yes.'
'The Triforce is a reflection of the Celestial Order who created the Hyrule. To whoever holds it, is granted power. 2000 years ago, Ganon obtained the Triforce. He turned the once Golden Land into a twisted Dark Realm. He then raised an army and conquored Hyrule.'
'Yes The Imprisoming War, I believe it was called.'
'Right. Then one lone Hero arose to overthrow him.'
'Yes I know that part. He was my anscestor.'
'Right, which was part of the reason I called you. But during the Imprisoning War, He freed the seven sages he also wielded the Master Sword, and the Ocarina of Time. During the desive battle, He defeated Gannondorf. Afterwhich, the band of wise men sealed him away in the Sacred Realm. That seal is all that seperate's Hyrule from Ganon, who has since regained his former power. Agahnim wishes to undo that seal. So he took the descendants of the sages and sent them into the Dark World. I am one of them. Agahnim, has already taken three of the Sages' descendants up into the tower, and sent them away to the Dark Realm. He said to me, "You are the final one. After Ganon has you, he will sweep over this land like a tide, and you will be powerless to stop him." That was when I contacted you, Link.'
'So does he want from you?'
'I am a desendant of one of the seven who sealed Ganon away during the Imprisoning War. By taking us, he can rupture the seal, and enter into Hyrule unimpeded'
'Alright, so how do I tie into this?' Link asked.
'I know your lineage. The Blood of Heroes is in you. With the knights beneath Agahnim's spell, you are my only hope. All of the knights are under his dominion. If Agahnim breaks the seal, Ganon can conquor Hyrule without so much as loosing a single arrow'
Link felt the weight of the kingdom fall upon his shoulders. It fell so fast and sudden, his head began to whirl. 'Me? I know that I rescued you and all, but still, me? What you're asking of me is insane!'
Zelda sighed, her eyes became filled with a moist despiration. 'I know you'll have your doubts and that's just natural, But I know you can do it.'
'How do you know?'
'Listen, I had this dream. I was standing in the courtyard, when a foul shadow arose from the base of Death Mountain. It covered all of Hyrule, the castle, the village, the forest, everything. I could do nothing to stop it. The shadow gathered about me, and began to consume me and fill me. I tried to fight it, but was powerless. Then from out of the sky, a single pillar of light fell. I was no bigger around than an arrow, but it began from up beyond the clouds and it was as bright as the sun, glorious and radiant almost celestial. The darkness tried to consume it, but had no chance against it, and the shadow was scattered beyond the borders of Hyrule. The light flowed into a form, and it was you.'
His eyes became as wide as boulders, and he moved up to the front of his seat. 'I've had the same dream!'
'You understand what you must do Then'
Link nodded.
Zelda smiled at him and left. 'Excuse me'

Link sat in his chair, simply thinking. On one hand there was no way whatsoever he could be Hyrule's savior. He was but a boy. What did he know of heroics? How could he stand against an entire army, and an ancient evil? The very thought nearly paralyzed him! Sure he got lucky this night, but, still he simply could not bare the burden of delivering Hyrule. No way. He'd tell her 'Sorry, go find another Hero, I can't do it.'
Still he thought the despiration in Zelda's voice as she called out to him, and the relief she felt when their hands first met. He couldn't let her down. But still Princess or not, she had no right to impose such a suicidal undertaking upon him. If only his uncle were there to advise him.
'Uncle' he sighed.
Link recalled his shattered frame lying in the wash of the cold rain water. Here was a man who he looked up to, he believed it, who was unshakeable, lying prone like a fallen tree.
Link realized now what he had to do.
The Sage approached Link. 'Well young Hero, you've had quite a night, and it seems your adventures are just begining.'
'I guess they are.'
'Tell me now, are you afraid?'
'Oh yes. More than I have ever been!'
'Is that so? Well let me tell you that, in this hour it is the darkness who quivers. For the darkness knows no hope against the light that the Hero shall bring'
'Is that so?'
'Of course! Us sages do not lie. We cannot lie!'
'You really think I have a chance?'
'I know you do! Beyond any doubt!'
'Thanks. But I must Honestly say Tellah, I want vengance upon the one who killed my uncle. If that means killing the wizzard I shall. If in doing that I also free Hyrule, good.'
'Link I do see why you seek that, but I also see that you are selfish, and immature. The squabbles of one young man mean nothing in the face of the danger which is threating to ravage this land. Also If you fight soley seeking revenge, you will fail. The Man who looks only after himself will only destroy himself and a man bent exclusively on getting even, will easily succumb to his emotions. You must control your emotions, before you can become a true hero.
'I see what you are saying.'
'You cannot take on the wizard yet boy.' said Tellah. 'His magic is fierce and deadly. You will need the Master Sword of legends past.'
'I thought that sword could only be used by the Hero in times of crisis' replyed Link
'Such as is now. Upon the morrow, go to the village and seek the elder.'
'Do you mean Sahasrahla?' inquired he.'
'Yes, He will show you the way. But first you must rest.'
'Yes I am fealing very weary.' Link yawned. In actuality, the adrenelin still had yet to wear down. But he was in no mood to disagree.
'As well you should. All that I can accomadate for you is a pew. Please forgive me, as that is no way to lodge a Hero'
'Im not a hero yet, I haven't doone anything'
'Link, there comes a time in a man's life when destiny taps him upon the shoulder, and becons him to a situation uniquely suited for him. You are in such a position now.'
Tellah led Link over to a pew. He settled down, streached out his limbs and cracked a few joints. He lied down and went to sleep.
Zelda came by and covered him with a blanket. She sat beside him, but was careful not to wake him. She looked at him domant, serene, still. She brought the tips of her fingers across his face, down to his shoulders and arms and back and again. His skin felt rough and dry, but she liked the way he felt. When she touched him, she noticed that he'd calm.
Tellah came over to check on them before he himself went to bed as well
'I do think that he is an answer to prayers.' Stated Zelda
'Have faith. I knew that we would not be abandoned, Just as He promised to us. Still my heart faints knowing the trials that Link must endure. I would not wish it upon anyone'
'Nor would I Tellah.' replyed Zelda. 'He shouldn't have to bare this. It's not fair. It should be me!'
'Untill the veil of darkness has been lifted, you can do nothing Princess.'
'I know and I hate it.'
'The new dawn will break soon enought, and the light will shine again upon us. Of that I have no doubt.'
With that Tellah retired.

Zelda looked upon Link, her eyes moist. She whispered 'Oh Link. It seems our destinies may be tied together. I only hope we can live to see it through.'
she took in a weary lungful of air. 'I already owe you my life, and how do I repay you? By sending you to deliver my kingdom. I am sorry for all that you must endure for the sake of my kingdom and myself.'
'I'll save Hyrule Zelda. Don't worry.' She tenderly kissed his brow. He covered her hand with his, which was resting upon his shoulder. There was something in his touch that was reassuring. Something in the gentle, strong way his hand covered hers that made her believe him.

End Chapter

They came to a door And found it sealed. 'Where's the Key?' Asked Link.
'It's somewhere in this sewer.'
The retraced their steps and came across a small alcove where the waters did not reach.
'Let's rest for a second' she reccommended. Zelda Leaned against the wall, and found it had no substance, as they slipped right through it, as though it was not there. She pulled them both thru the wall.
'How do you like that?' She remarked.
The picked themselves off of the ground. an Ominous sound reached their ears. It was a high pitched hissed angrily. He gripped fast upon her hand.
Link lunged foreward, sword first eager to strike anything, but found nothing. He swung again; still nothing. Link closed his eyes and focused on the sound. He leapted foreward with a swift stroke. The hissing went wild for a second and then stopped, as his sword dug into soft flesh.
A hollow 'Clank' was heard a few steps away.
They looked over and saw a faint glitter in the shadows. 'The key! I wonder how that happened.' remarked Zelda
. They went back to the door and unlocked it. beyond the door and Just down at the end of the chamber sat four large stone blocks, standing shoulder to shoulder, hindering their progress. They were too tall and slick to climb.
'What now?' She inquired.
'Well...' he paused and pondered.
He stationed him self before the 2nd block and pushed. It went foreward for about a foot and stopped. He pushed it again, as far as he could. Zelda realized what his plan was. She stood in front of the fourth block and pushed. Link threw his bodyweight behind it. It also moved about a foot. When it was moved, they then pushed the third block clearing the way.
'We do make a good team.' remarked Zelda with a weary smile.
'Yeah we do don't we.' replied Link
They briefly shared a smile and came next into a small room. There was a door directly before them which They found sealed. A switch flanked both sides. She already knew what he had in mind. Both stood before a switch looking at the other. On three they both pulled. One switch opened the door, the other caused the sealing to fall in. They grabbed each other and bolted through the door. They hit the ground and covered themselves as best they could. LInk lay atop of Zelda using himself as a shelter. He clamped his hands over her ears to deafen the clamourous roar of the cave in. When it ended, they both were coughing up dust. They found the pasage they just took was now sealed.
'Are you alright?' she asked.
His ears rang a bit. "yeah just fine'