Okay so.... remember the new schedule? That still applies, buuuuuuut... Last night I got a whole lot of inspiration and I wrote a whole chapter. And I just couldn't wait two weeks, so I decided to upload it as a treat since this book reached 50k a DAY after I uploaded.

Or is it a treat.... hehehehehe

Link: Silver what did you do—?

NOTHING!!!! Onto the chapter!

(PS the art is by @Krayzee_Tree)
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Link POV
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The deeper KD (Korok Damia) and I went into this enchanted forest, the less I could make out. The torches that lit our way before had disappeared amongst the fog, leaving us with only our handheld one as our source of light. My eyes squinted at the embers as I turned to the direction they blew in, Damia skipping near my ankles while making those jangling sounds of his. It was getting a little bit eerie, but I knew he could not help it. I cleared my throat.

"So..." I began "Are there more like you, or...?"

He looked up "More Koroks? Oh yeah, tons of us! We can be found all over the place, if you look hard enough! Though, I suppose you'd only do that if you were freakishly bored." (Nervously sweats)

"Yeah... my job definitely isn't boring, so I doubt I'd do that." I replied sheepishly.

I stepped forward, but just as I did a raven squawked and flew out from the grass, almost knocking me to the ground. In a panic I held a hand over the torch's flame, shielding it from the draft of the bird's wings. Damia and I exchanged a glance and sighed with relief, continuing onwards while being lead by baby flames. This forest seemed to stretch out to the edges of the earth!

Wait, wait, is that another passage?

My eyes widened as the number of trees decreased, and pretty soon Damia and I found ourselves walking through a pathway. Damia had started to become giddy again, which only proved further this was the right way. If he was trying to test me throughout this, he was a little too obvious the whole time for it to be challenging... A* for effort, though.

"Hehe..."

I turned my head to see two small figures duck behind a rock, my eyebrows furrowed suspiciously. However, Damia didn't seem at all nervous and hopped on ahead. Sighing I gave the rock a final glance, before following after him.

"Do you feel like we're being watched?" I asked uneasily, and the Korok let out a childish laugh.

"Yes~ because we are being watched!"

My face scrunched up in confusion "Why do you say that so casually?!"

"Relax, they're friendly!" He shrugged as he pointed in front of us, were the skeleton of a tree stood as a tunnel granting us entrance. On the other side, a bunch of leaf-like faces peeped out to watch us, but as soon as I waved, they ran to hide immediately. Damia patted my leg assuringly "Don't worry, they've just never seen a Hylian here before."

"O-Oh." I muttered, before gasping loudly in surprise, causing more little Koroks to retreat "The fog's gone!"

Damia stared at me and put a hand to his face, shaking his head in disappointment "Really? That's what you notice?"

"Well yeah, I can see clearly again—"

"Link."

"Huh? What?"

"Look in front of you."

I slowly turned my head "Okay... but what is it that I'm—"

My breath caught in my throat. Up ahead was a magnificent triangular platform, surrounded by herbs and flowers - silent princesses most of all... but that wasn't what had me captivated. From the gaps of the forest's branches golden rays of sun cast down onto the platform, catching something glimmering in its light. A purple hilt, shaped almost like a pair of wings, decorated with light blue and gold that stretched down until it reached the slick, sharp edge of the blade it connected to. There it was, wedged into a stone pedestal, waiting for the hero to come retrieve it at last...

Seeing the sword filled me with so many emotions I couldn't describe. Like, I don't personally have a reason to feel them... but maybe I did. Gulping, I began walking towards the weapon, my pulse racing as I drew near. I stepped onto the platform and just stared for a moment...

Should I... I don't think I'm one hundred percent ready, but...

Sucking in a breath, I reached up and wrapped my hands around the purple hilt.

A sudden jolt traveled up my arms, causing my vision to be taken away temporarily and my mind to race. All I could make out were jumbled memories, some I recognised, and others I didn't.

"Link..."

Zelda?

"You are our final hope..."

As she said that, a guardian appeared in my memory. It was releasing a laser beam, but it wasn't aimed at me... and then I saw her, bloody and pale with a tight grimace, a hand pressed to the large fatal hole in her chest... and I had her wrapped tightly in my arms...and I was...

before I could see anymore, it switched again, to me in a similar, beaten and exhausted state...

"The fate of Hyrule rests with you!"

Before the vision ended, I saw Zelda - the back of her anyway. She was turning to face me, but before I could see her face everything went white again.

Stumbling back I let go of the sword, my hands shooting up to hold my head as I tried to calm my breathing. That was intense... and those visions, did they all happen?

"H-Hero guy!" A shriek came from next to me, and I looked over to see Damia staring at me in concern "Are you okay?!"

I was relieved to see that he hadn't ditched me, even though he didn't know I hated being alone at these times...

"Yeah... yeah, I'm okay," I whispered, sounding rather out of breath "I-I just..."

I was cut off, but by something unexpected. A loud, almost booming yawn filled the forest, causing me to turn around and Damia to look up. Other Koroks, that had been in hiding also poked their heads out to look at what, or who made such a sound.

"Mhh, who is that...?" A deep, wise sounding voice muttered sleepily "Did I doze off again?"

After looking around, seeing no one other than a few Koroks, I decided to follow their gaze... which landed on the huge tree, that the legendary sword rested at the foot of. Wait a second...

Does that tree have a face?!

"Hrm?" The tree hummed, and for some reason I felt its, or his eyes on me. He chuckled, "Well, well... it's you. You finally decided to return. Better late than never, I suppose."

My jaw dropped. That is a talking tree! I am standing in front of a talking tree!!!! No one prepared me for this!!!!!!!

"After 100 years, I'd nearly given up hope on seeing that face again. Even my patience has limits, you know..."

I frowned; he was talking as if we had met before, but I couldn't recall such events... though I suppose that was to be expected. Still, you'd think I'd be able to at least remember a talking tree. He seemed to be studying me, until he sighed in slight disappointment.

"That look on your face tells me you do not recall me... Though I suppose given the circumstances, I should not be surprised." He muttered, before clearing his throat "In that case, I think an introduction is due. I have watched over Hyrule from this forest since time immemorial as the forest guardian. I have been referred to over the ages as the Deku Tree."

"I-It's nice to meet you... again," I reply, still a little shook, bowing my head respectfully for the Deku Tree. Damia giggled, but stopped when I gave him a look.

"It's always a pleasure to see you as well," the Deku Tree chuckled "Now if you would, please cast your gaze to what is in front of you. You stand before the weapon created by the ancient Goddess; the sword that seals the darkness - that only the chosen knight can wield against Calamity Ganon."

Even though I had heard this, or stories like it a bunch of times. It still made my blood rush with excitement and curiosity. The Deku tree cleared his throat yet again.

"Believe it or not... it was actually you who wielded that sword 100 years ago. Though, I suppose you've been told that already, or why else would you have come this far?"

I smiled sheepishly and nodded; he was 100% correct on that...

"Link... do you wish to take that sword from its pedestal once again, and reclaim your destiny once and for all?"

Now that made me stop and think. I originally only came here for information, and to see if the rumours were true. And yet... the sword was right there in front of me, waiting for its hero... waiting for me.

If I had that sword, reclaiming the remaining Divine Beasts And freeing their Champions may come easier. The fights against the blights could end in less injuries... and I could finally prove myself worthy.

"I do."

The Deku Tree chuckled "I don't know whether you're being brave, or just naive, but I commend you... However, I must warn you to take extreme caution."

I raised an eyebrow.

"That sword stands as a test to whom would dare try to possess it... As you are now, I cannot say whether you are worthy or not."

What...?

I felt someone nudge my leg and turned around, where a Korok pointed to two more playing with a stick in the ground. They were acting out the Deku Tree's words as he spoke.

"Heed this, boy. If you sought to free the sword in any sort of weakened state, you will lose your life to it where you stand..."

The Korok who was previously pulling the stick let out a loud wail, clutching their chest and falling to the floor. I let out a shaky breath and placed a hand over my heart, just to check if it was still beating. I never thought that even the weapon I needed to defeat Ganon could kill me...

"If you hope to pull the sword from its resting place, you must use your true strength. Let us see if you currently possess said power..." The Deku tree showed me what looked like a smile, hoping to give me some kind of comfort "Best of luck, young one..."

The Koroks around me giggled and took to the sky, hiding amongst the leaves and branches of the forest's tallest trees. I was left alone...

"So now what?"

I jumped sideways, arms up in defence, only to see the Korok I arrived with still standing by me. "What are you still doing here?" I asked.

"I dunno," Damia shrugged "You just found out you could die from this, so I just figured you wouldn't want to be alone for it."

I grimaced, and the Korok realised his poor choice of words.

"N-Not saying you will die! I'm sure you won't, you're the hero, after all!"

"R-Right," I nodded with a tight, nervous smile "Thanks."

Oh you sweet forest child, there was way more to it than that...

I began to think through the Deku Tree's warning. A weakened state? What did that mean? I didn't think I was weak; physically I had the necessary body strength, stamina, and health to withstand the journey I'm continuously taking. But he said any sort of weak state. And mentally... I...

I'm sure that's not important, since the Deku Tree said I needed my strength to lift the sword! But... why would this rely on strength alone? And will it be enough? 

Well... it had to be. What I possessed had to be enough... my life, Y/N's freedom, Hyrule's salvation... they all depended on it.

I looked down at the hilt of the legendary blade and reached out, only to recoil out of pure unease. I was sweating far more than I usually would in a tough situation... which shows you how nerve wracking this was for me... Shaking any thoughts from my head I reached forward once again and wrapped my hands around the handle, adjusting my grip once or twice and taking my stance. Damia stood to my left, watching with determination as he patiently waited. I sucked in a breath and slowly let out out... my gaze hardened as I stared down at this sword, the sword powerful enough to cast away Ganon...

I began to pull.

A grunt of discomfort hissed through my teeth as a wave of weakness washed over me, my heels pressing further into the stone beneath them as my hands maintained a firm tug on the weapon. Blue energy began flowing down my arms and into the sword, with me feeling sicker and less alive the more that went in... the sword was snatching my life force. But... it was getting looser!

I.... can't.... give up...!

My jaw cracked when I clenched it further, as did my wrists as I tightened my hold on the hilt. My legs began pushing up for an extra boost. Light began to leak out from the pedestal. At least I think... I was beginning to lose focus in my sight. Everything was burning, my ears were ringing, and my heartbeat was beginning to slow to a dangerous level. Just... a little further...

"Enough."

I gasped as a command snapped me from my concentration, causing my grip to slip from the sword, so I stumbled back and away from it. I gasped for air, my eyes wide and my skin cold from the lack of blood pumping through my body. My gaze, which had been on the legendary blade originally, slowly moved up to meet the Deku Tree's look of disappointment.

"Had I not warned you to take caution?" He scolded "You would have lost your life if you hadn't released your grip for another second."

A wave of horror washed over me, which caused my already shaking limbs to quake more aggressively. I had been that close to death...? My eyes fell to the floor "B-But I..."

"The princess had told me you would have forgotten who you were 100 years ago... but I didn't think you would be so reckless," He mumbled, rather sorrowfully.

My fists clenched at my side "L-Let me try again, I can do it this time!"

"So you have the same thing happen again? No, I cannot allow that." Even with my weakened breath, a gasp escaped my lips "I am sorry, but you aren't ready."

Tears of frustration stung in my eyes as I held back words of useless argument. He was right, and I knew it from the start. I had been stupid to even try it in my current state. I was nowhere near the man I used to be - the man that could, and did lift the sword from this spot.

Knowing that I didn't make the cut now hurt a little...

The Deku Tree seemed to sense my disappointment in myself, and sighed to get my attention "You aren't ready at this moment, but that doesn't mean you won't be. You shouldn't give up over an inconvenience... I recommend you continue your quest from here, and use that time to figure yourself out. The hero's spirit is still inside you, you just need to find it and make its strength your own. When you do that, I shall be waiting for your return... Be warned though, next time I will not intervene."

Dejected, I could only nod my head. This was for the best, I guess... However, a questioning thought lingered in my mind.

"One last thing before I go..."

"Hm? What is that?"

"My friend; the other hero. She said a voice wasn't allowing her access into the woods" I looked up at him "Why is that?"

The Deku Tree seemed taken aback by my sudden bluntness, however he didn't seem angered by it. In fact, he chuckled instead "You didn't need her here, this was something for you to face alone. And I'm certain it was for the best."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Can you say for certain you would have tried to pull the sword if she was against it? Would you have learned about where you stand and where you need to go?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but my answer disappeared. Because it was wrong. All it took was one negative look in Y/N's eyes, and I would've turned away from the blade. I hung my head, shoulders slumping in defeat "No..."

I needed to face this without her influence... I get it now. Without her here, the choice I made was entirely my own. I still didn't like it, but I did get where he was coming from.

I needed this.

With a huff I nodded in understanding, more or less feeling back up to my own strength as I reluctantly turned from the large tree "Thank you, for showing me the sword and allowing me to try..."

"But of course. You are always welcomed in Korok Forest," he claimed "Damia will see you out."

The Korok, who had been standing there in silence this whole time, straightened and gave a salute, before beckoning me to follow him through the woods. I gave a final wave to the other children of the forest and followed behind him quietly. I had nothing more to say...

They way out seemed way less foggy, and the bell like sound Damia made allowed me to make note of his location anyway, so getting lost wasn't really an issue. Soon enough, I was met with the clear night sky; it seems like the fog Y/N and I travelled through had let up after all. Letting out a breath, I stared up at the stars with conflict on my mind.

"H-Hey..."

I tilted my head down to look at Damia, trying to soften my expression as much as I could.

"When you return," he began, fiddling his stubby hands around each other "My friends and I made some trials for the hero when he returned. So maybe if you're still unsure, you can check 'em out... I-if you want to, that is."

Despite my bummed out state, I appreciated his offer and knelt down, smiling and placing a hand on top of his head "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for today, Damia... you've been more help than you may realise."

A pink hue seemed to glow through his leaf, as a cute small squeak left his mouth. Lowering his head, he began to mumble.

"I-I know I acted all tough earlier, b-b-but, to tell you the truth, I've been wanting to meet you for awhile. B-Be-Because...."

His head shot up, suddenly confident.

"I've always been your biggest fan!!!"

And with that he sped back into the forest, squealing like he just accomplished something amazing. It took me a second to recover from his sudden admiration, but when I did I stared into the magical fog and let out a half hearted chuckle. Alone again, I turned to the path that led downhill and let out a whistle. But I got no reply.

"Right..." I tapped my temple "Epona's injured... guess I'm walking."

The trip down the road wasn't as unpleasant as the trip up it, but it was definitely lonelier. The night sounds were enough to calm me, but not enough to soothe the feeling of failure in my chest. I knew I shouldn't think that way, but it was hard not to. I wonder if I had a problem like this before the Calamity...

The sound of chatter and light from the stable brought me out of my thoughts and despite my exhaustion I jogged towards it. I was ready to sit down with Y/N and rant about it all. I entered the stable, but she wasn't standing around... no one was in any of the beds either...

Maybe she went for a ride?

I walked back out to check the pins, but to my displeasure Pan was still there with a mouthful of hay. I stroked his nose lightly before turning to the path. She couldn't have gone for a walk at this time, right? Sighing, I walked to the man at the desk.

"Hello, how—"

"Have you seen a girl?"

"U--Um, what?"

Okay I was being slightly blunt, and perhaps rude, but I was in absolutely no mood to chase around. I huffed and reluctantly repeated my question

"Have you seen a girl? About yay high, has a cloak of the same material as my tunic, strange clothing, H/C hair, prett— I mean E/C eyes? Anyone like that?"

The man blinked, seemingly overwhelmed by my bombard of questions. I would have apologised, but I was concerned. After a moment his eyes widened with recognition.

"Actually yes, I have seen her!" He exclaimed, and my ears perked up "I think she went behind the stable with this ginger guy, they were talking about research or something."

Almost instantly, the feeling I felt with Y/N and Damia bubbled in my chest. But this time it was stronger. She was alone with some guy? A stranger at that? Oh no, not on my watch!

Without even thanking the man I pivoted, heading for the back of the building. I was ready to smack a b*tch. The dude, not Y/N. I jumped from around the corner and prepared to scare them, but no one was there. Nothing was there... did the stable man lie to me? Y/N did promise she'd stay inside. So... where was she?

Suddenly something red caught my eye, fluttering across the grass in the wind. Quick to act, I slammed my boot on top of it and picked it up. It was a piece of paper, slightly singed at the end but otherwise intact. I felt like I had seen this before...

I turned the paper over... and for a moment everything stopped. I even felt my irises shrink in complete terror and distraught.

An upside down Sheikah sign... the Yiga Clan symbol.

"No..."

I had connected the dots the moment I saw it, and that enraged me more than you could believe. They had taken her when I wasn't there... they had tricked her, brought her here, and taken her away... every attack before this was annoying and slightly scary, but I was able to move on from it... but this...

I hate them.

No, I despise the Yiga Clan.

Snarling I crumpled the paper in my fist, my teeth bared and my eyes filled with bloodlust. Lust for their blood.

"Don't think you'll get away with this, you cyclops masked b*stards. I'll find you, and when I do you better f*cking pray."

Even though I had already bothered him enough, I slammed my hands onto the front desk and came face to face with the terrified employee.

"Can any of your dogs follow scents?"

—-

"Here will do..."

Kory snapped his fingers again, and instantly his two minions appeared from red smoke to roughly pull me down from his horse.

Thud.

"Ngh..." I winced when my front came in contact with the floor, my chin colliding with it a little harder taking me a little longer to move. I just wanted to disappear into the ground... a pair of travelers boots blocked my vision, and I slowly turned my gaze upwards to see Kory removing his disguise once again to reveal his blood red suit underneath. He stretched his arms over his head, sighing in relief when his shoulders emitted a not so attractive crack.

"I don't even know why I needed a disguise!" he whined, hands on his hips "Those moronic Goddess kiss ups wouldn't know a kidnapping if it was happening right in front of their faces!"

"You could have teleported away with us, ya know." One of his helpers spoke up matter of factly, causing the redhead to shrug.

"I was escorting a lady, and wanted to give her the most comfortable journey I could offer."

Then why am I tied up so tightly that my breathing is shallow?

"Speaking of which..."

I flinched when Kory pivoted around and crouched down in front of me, showing me the smile that I had grown to fear in not even an hour of seeing it. The boy chuckled at my fearful glare and resting his arms on his knees "Oh I'm shaking... Is this how you usually treat your hosts?"

"Usually my hosts don't deceive me, tie me up, and bring me to the middle of nowhere!" I spat as I pushed myself onto my legs so I was kneeling in front of him. It had proven to be more difficult with my hands bound behind me. Kory rolled his eyes almost playfully.

"It's a precaution, we can't have you running away..." his expression was almost innocent as he reached out to gently trail his thumb along my cheek "You're important to us."

I scoffed and turned away from his touch "I doubt that. When you're done with me, you'll most likely kill me, am I wrong?"

"Well... you aren't exactly right..."

Still glaring, I raised an eyebrow. What was he getting at? Kory shifted and leaned back, so he sat cross legged on the floor. I refused to do the same; why would I humour this backstabbed in any way?

"Originally yes; the Yiga Clan was planning on killing both you and Link, but... well... How do I say this...?" He waved his hand around clockwise as he thought about his words "A few individuals managed to convince the majority of us otherwise. You seem really popular amongst our Clan, Y/N. Of course we still have to kill that blonde buddy of yours, but hey, who needs him?"

My eyes widened slightly. Were they serious about this? This is their most extreme assault yet, were they actually aiming to kill Link - and planning to keep me alive?!

I couldn't accept those conditions. He was wrong. People needed Link. Hyrule needed Link. And I needed... my friend.

"You'll never kill him," I growled, "You are no way near on his level."

"Physically, that may be true..." Kory began in a bored tone, his gaze to the side, before looking at me with a smirk "But there's a difference between you two and us, a difference that'll push all physical strength out of the question."

The look in his eyes was dangerous, but I decided to push it anyway "And what is that?"

A low, villainous chuckle emitted from his grin as he pushed his hands into the ground, rolling forward so he was also on his knees. His fingers took hold of my chin, grip tight to deny my ability of pulling away this time. His face neared mine, his cordovan eyes reflecting the moon making them all the more ominous.

"We play dirty..." he whispered.

My mouth went dry. What did he mean by that...?

"That's where you come in, my dear." He continued, still uncomfortably close "You're a big part in this. Playing around with the hero sounds fun, doesn't it?"

Disgusted, I tore my chin from his almost painful grasp and brought my head forward, butting him in the head so he fell backwards.

"You think this is some kind of sick game?!" I snapped, writhing in the ropes that held me. The two other Yiga soldiers, who had been watching this whole time, rushed over and held me back by the shoulders went I went to lunge at the redhead. Kory slowly sat up and rubbed his forehead, but he didn't look like he was in pain. In fact, he was grinning ear to ear. He looked like the Joker!

"No, no, I don't... this is a competition," he muttered as he neared me again, but this time the two masked minions held me in place. I was terrified to see what he was going to do... With one hand he pushed my hair up and out of my face, revealing the red mark that appeared after I headbutted him. Clicking his tongue he leaned forward, pressing his lips to it as if it was a natural thing, "And we're winning..."

In an instant Kory was on his feet again, facing away from me as he brushed the dirt from his Yiga uniform. He looked around for a moment, and his pointy ears perked up. He looked over his shoulder to look at his comrades, "It's time..."

The assassins pulled me to my feet and held me there, their grip firm and aggressive. Not only was it to hold me in place, but it was also a reminder that they would not hesitate to hurt me, or even hurt Link more than they originally intended if I tried anything else. I felt powerless, and I hated it.

"Oh come on, chin up," Kory spoke up in a baby voice "Spending the rest of your days with us really isn't that bad... you'll have your own cage, and a lifetime supply of food. A rather peaceful life, if you ask me."

I refused to look at him, "I am not your pet."

"I didn't say you were," He responded with a shrug "You're more like... a reminder of our victory; A trophy, of sorts."

I began to shake from anger and fear. Never in my life had I felt so dehumanised... I didn't want to live like that, especially if it came out of Link's death.

"Shall we begin, then?" Kory questioned rhetorically, taking his sickle from his belt and lifting it over his head, the other two following suit after letting me go. I looked up at the weapon, my heart beating rapidly from the adrenaline of having it raised against me.

"I-I thought you weren't going to kill me..." I whispered, voice small.

Kory smirked at my petrified state. "This isn't for you..." he whispered back.

"W-What?"

"Let me clarify; sneak attacks are almost always a go-to when on a rescue mission, so we're making sure that option comes with a consequence." He began to raise his voice slightly "So if someone attacks one of us from behind, the others will kill you anyway. If someone shoots us with arrows, our reflexes will be fast enough for one of us to kill you anyway. If someone decides to come at us head on, at least one of us would be able to stay with you and kill you anyway. No matter how this situation is strategized, we're one step ahead. Checkmate."

This man was insane. He was evilly insane. Worst of all, it felt like it wasn't even me he was talking to.

Wait.

He said they played dirty... and what he said went against everything he previously told me. And he began to talk louder when he said them.

This was a trick, which only meant...

I opened my mouth to call out, but a cloth was shoved into it to gag me before any words came out. I tried to push it out with my tongue, but that became impossible when one of the Yiga soldiers behind me tied the ends behind my head. Kory tutted me before glancing to the side, smiling evilly.

"In a situation like this, there is only one way to save you, Y/N. There is only one way he can save you from death."

Before I could blink, he brought his sickle down to slash me.

But it didn't hit me. No blood was spilling out of me. Because a figure moved in front of me at incredible speed, holding their arms out as if they were a wall protecting me. This all went down in slow motion, until a hideous slash echoed through the area. My eyes widened in horror, tears spilling from them as my protector fell to one knee.

"And that's if he takes the blow in your stead..."