The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Novelization

Link vaguely sensed people standing around him. He struggled to open his eyes, but pain forced them shut again. All he could manage was a faint moan. “Hey, brothers! I think he’s waking up!” “Back off! Give the human some room!” Link finally opened, and they were immediately struck by harsh torchlight. His vision slowly came into focus, and he nearly crawled out of his skin when saw several Gorons peering down at him. He tried to stand up, but sharp pain exploded through his chest, and he fell back with a gasp. “Easy now, little brother. Be calm. You are safe,” Gor Goron said quietly as he approached. Even the slightest movement made his head throb. One of the Gorons helped him sit up. He rested on Gor Coron’s wrestling ring at the front of the mines, far from the sanctum where he had confronted Fyrus. Around him, dozens of Gorons formed a tight circle, their arms crossed and brows furrowed as low rumbles of concern passed between them. “How are you feeling?” Gor Coron asked. “Like death.” Link’s voice was low and hoarse. “What happened?” “When word came to me that you saved the patriarch, I sent Commander Dangoro and his men to find you.” “Is Darbus…?” Gor Coron smiled. “He lives, and thanks to you, he is free of the dark power. Our healers are tending to him, but he will make a full recovery.” “What about the earthquakes?” “The mountain is dormant once again. The crisis has been averted. You have saved many lives today.” Link closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. Good. He almost asked about the Fused Shadow, but he stopped himself. He knew exactly what became of it. He could feel Midna’s satisfaction within his shadow, which only made him more anxious. The Fused Shadows were not a power any mortal should wield, but that was exactly what they were trying to do. Link planted his hands against the ground and pushed himself onto his knees. A Goron stepped forward to help, but Link shook his head and waved him off. “I’ve got this…” Gritting his teeth, Link forced his trembling body upright. The world lurched around him, but he steadied himself before his legs could give out. “What’s next for you?” he asked as he shifted his attention back to Gor Coron. “We will gather our strength and retake our mines from the invaders. They are going to regret stepping foot on Death Mountain.” “Then I’ll leave you to it. I need to return to Kakariko Village and let them know that I’m still alive.” Gor Coron raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you don’t want an escort, little brother?” “No thanks… I’ll be okay.” “If you insist.” Gor Coron bowed his head. “On behalf of the Goron tribe, allow me to thank you for everything you have done. If you ever need our help, just ask. We will be there.” While the Gorons celebrated their victory, Link slipped away unnoticed. Outside, he paused to draw in the crisp mountain air, letting the fading sunlight warm his face. Hyrule unfolded beneath him in every direction. Far to the south, Faron Woods formed a sea of green, while on the northern horizon, the last shroud of Twilight still clung stubbornly to the kingdom. “You know…you weren’t too bad in there,” Midna admitted as she emerged from Link’s shadow, and he looked at her wearily. “Do you have it?” “Yes, it’s safe.” Link looked away for a brief moment. When he turned back, he met her gaze with a deep scowl. “You owe me an explanation, Midna,” he said. “Why do you want the Fused Shadows?” “The same reason you do.” “Be honest with me!” Midna flinched at Link’s sharp tone. “These things are dangerous! Look what happened to Darbus! Give me a reason to trust you! Please…” Midna let her gaze fall. Link watched her carefully, searching for some hint of what lay behind her silence, but her expression remained as unreadable as ever. “Zant,” Midna finally uttered, breaking the silence. “That is the name of the king who has cast this pall of shadows over your world.” There was an edge to her voice. For the first time since they had met, something slipped through the cracks in her composure. It was a side of her Link had never witnessed before. “So…why are you helping me and not him?” he dared to ask. “Because Zant will never be my king! I have nothing but scorn for his supposed strength. Not that your Zelda is much better.” Midna looked out at the pink sky and sighed. Her expression softened with sadness. Once again, she failed to hide the conflict raging within her. “It still appalls me that this world is controlled by that princess. A carefree youth, a life of luxury… How does that teach duty?” She almost sounds envious, Link thought. For a fleeting moment, he wondered what Midna’s life was like before she came to Hyrule. Why did she carry so much anger toward those in power? Her bitterness did not appear to be born of spite, but rather of old wounds left untended. That cold indifference she wore must have been a shield – something she had learned to hide behind. “I guess I shouldn’t begrudge her the circumstances of her life. She didn’t choose it, after all…and I’d never wish harm on her.” Midna’s expression hardened as her gaze shifted back to Link. “No, as long as I can get my hands on the Fused Shadows, I’ll be just fine.” “You truly believe we can use them to defeat Zant?” “I’m not sure, but I know we have to try. You’re nothing to him in your current state. He’s too powerful.” “Okay…” Link exhaled deeply, convinced by Midna’s sincerity. “Let’s go and find that final Fused Shadow…” Midna retreated back into Link’s shadow, leaving him alone. She was not the callous imp she made herself out to be. Like Link, she wanted to stop Zant, and that was enough of a reason to work with her. For the first time since their meeting in the dungeons of Hyrule Castle, Link felt a genuine connection between them. * It took Link the better part of the evening to make it back to Kakariko Village, and by the time he arrived at the Elde Inn, he was barely holding himself together. The village was dark, and everyone had already turned in for the night. Epona stood tied beside the front porch. She lifted her head at Link’s approach and gave a soft, affectionate whinny. Managing a tired smile, he ran a hand through her mane before pushing open the door and stepping inside. Luda stood alone at the bar, humming a song under her breath as she read from a book. When Link entered, she looked up and bowed her head in greeting. “Welcome back. My father wishes to speak to you. He is in the next room.” Link thanked Luda and limped his way over to backroom behind the bar. Renado sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace, lost in thought as he sipped his tea. Noticing Link in his peripheral vision, he glanced in his direction with raised eyebrows. “I take it your mission was a success?” Link nodded weakly. “The Gorons won’t be a problem anymore. Luda said you wanted to see me?” “Yes, I have news regarding Colin.” Link felt his chest constrict, but Renado put him at ease with a gentle smile. “Worry not. He awoke a few hours ago and said he needed to tell you something important.” Thank the goddesses… “Is he still awake?” “I believe so. I’ll take you to him.” With Renado’s assistance, Link hobbled up the stairs to the second floor. Colin was in bed, gazing out the window at the starry sky. His face was still cut and bruised, but he seemed to be on the road to recovery. When he noticed Link standing in the doorway, he sat up straight and gasped at the sight of him. “What happened to you!?” “Death Mountain negotiations.” Link chuckled softly, then grimaced at the pain in his chest. “Renado said you were looking for me?” “It’s about Ilia. You’ve got to save her!” Link’s eyes widened, and he knelt next to the bed. “Do you know where she is?” “Not exactly. After the monsters dumped us here, they headed north. They must have taken her with them!” The intensity in Colin’s eyes deepened. “Whenever I thought I couldn’t go on, I would think of you and Ilia and hold on, Link. Do you remember what I told you back in Ordon?” “That you wanted to be just like me?” “I meant it. You don’t need to worry about me anymore. Go help Ilia!” Link smiled and kissed Colin on the forehead. The shy, unassuming boy from Ordon was gone. He was now a strong, courageous young man. And he wants to be like me, Link thought, and his smile faded. He glanced down at his ragged tunic. His destiny as the chosen hero was unforgiving. Colin deserved a better life than that. Link stood up and moved over to the door. “I will find her… I promise…” Colin leaned back onto his pillow with a hopeful smile. With that, Link closed the door gently, leaving him alone to sleep. In the hallway, a wave of vertigo struck him, and he braced himself against the wall. Renado rushed over, grabbing his arm before he collapsed. “You’re in terrible shape.” The shaman examined Link’s injuries and noticed his short, uneven breaths. “You have at least one broken rib…and judging by your limp, likely a sprained ankle.” “I’m lucky. It could have been worse.” “I don’t doubt it. You need rest and medical care. The blessed water of Eldin Spring will help, but you still need time to heal.” Link hated the idea of waiting while Ilia was still missing, but he was too weak to argue with Renado. The shaman helped him to his room on the first floor and stripped him down to his undergarments before settling him into bed. The moment his head hit the pillow, his exhaustion overtook him. His eyes grew heavy, and thinking became difficult. Within moments, he was fast asleep. Luda brought a bowl of water from the Light Spirit’s spring and tended to Link alongside her father. Once his wounds were cleaned and dressed, Renado withdrew to the sanctuary, where he prayed to the goddesses. He prayed for Link’s safety and for everyone he held dear. * Link heard children’s voices as he started to wake. Sunlight warmed his face, and a soft breeze carried the smell of cooking stew. It felt as though he was in a strange dream. He teetered on this edge for a little while, until the whispers grew clearer. He opened his eyes slowly and glanced to his right to see Colin and Malo standing together by his bedside. Malo was enamoured by his bow, scrutinizing every inch of its smooth wooden surface. When Colin realized Link was awake, he rushed out of the room to fetch Renado. Malo put the bow down on the table. “It’s a nice bow.” Link exhaled and shifted his gaze to the window. The sun was nearing its peak, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. The tranquility was most welcome. Sitting up slowly, Link examined his bare, bandaged body. He was still covered in cuts, bruises, and burns, but they were far less noticeable than before. Renado must’ve worked his magic. I feel good. Link’s posture straightened when the shaman entered the room. He shifted his weight forward, wincing slightly at the tightness in his chest. Well…mostly good. “I’m relieved to see you on the mend,” Renado said. “How long was I out?” Link asked groggily. “Three days.” Link’s startled expression made the shaman chuckle. “It’s okay. I’d say it was for the best. You look much better now.” Link eyed his restored green tunic sitting on the bedside table. The work had been done with tender care. Small scorch marks and stitches remained, but other than that, his tunic looked as good as new. “Beth and Luda repaired your garments,” Renado explained to Link. “They made some improvements to the fabric that should better protect you from fire.” “Thanks. Let’s just hope I don’t have to test that.” From his shadow, Midna’s impatience prickled up his spine, urging him to get up. At first, standing felt wrong, but his legs quickly readjusted. He flexed his tender ankle and put some weight on it. It hurt, but it was not enough to keep him bedridden. I’ve already wasted too much time. “We’ll give you some privacy,” Renado said as he turned on his heels and ushered Malo out of the room. The moment the door closed, Link reached for his garb. Once he was dressed, he placed his green cap over his messy hair, tightened his belt, then equipped his brown leather vambraces. “I thought you were never going to wake up,” Midna remarked. “Sorry, I guess I was beat,” Link replied sheepishly as he armed himself. “Do you know where we’re heading next?” Link pulled Coro’s map out of one of the pouches on his belt. It was crinkled and scorched, but it had miraculously survived his time on Death Mountain. I need to find a way to the next province, he thought as he located Kakariko Village on the map. Colin said the Bulblins took Ilia to the north, so perhaps it would be prudent to follow their path. To reach the vast northern province of Lanayru by road, Link would have to cross Eldin Bridge, then follow the road into the highlands north of Death Mountain. If he was lucky, he would find Ilia along the way, but something told him that she was somewhere within the Twilight. With the route committed to memory, Link rolled the map up and placed it on the bedside table. He pulled on his boots and left the room. Malo and his older brother were sitting at the bar, chatting as they shared some bread and cheese. When he noticed Link, Talo beamed with childish energy. “Hey…! Malo says you have a new bow! Can I see it?” Link silently reached into his quiver and retrieved the bow. Talo bounced up and down, his enthusiasm coming as a welcome surprise. The darkness had not dampened his excitable nature, and for that, Link was grateful. “Wow, that’s so cool!” Talo exclaimed. “It’s really nice,” Malo added. Link laughed softly as he opened the front door and stepped outside. Taking a moment to enjoy the sun’s warmth on his face, he looked around at the village. A handful of Gorons had come down from Death Mountain, many of whom were aiding in the cleanup of debris leftover from the Twilight’s invasion. It was good to see the village beginning to regain a sense of normalcy, though its scars would never truly fade. Further down the road to the north, Link saw a Goron lugging a huge metal crate into Barnes’s bomb shop. Intrigued, he made his way over. The mountain dweller greeted him with a kind nod. “Hey there, brother! It’s good to see you again!” It took Link a moment to recognize the Goron as one of the guards he had surrendered to at the foot of Death Mountain. His lighter demeanour had rendered him almost unrecognizable. “How are things on Death Mountain?” “So far so good,” the Goron said with a shrug. The monsters are resisting, but we are slowly driving them out of the mines. The elders sent a small contingent of us down to aid Kakariko Village in its recovery.” That’s good to hear. Having seen firsthand how bleak things had been on Death Mountain, it was the best news Link could have hoped for. He was going to need the Gorons’ strength in the days ahead. Link glanced at the crate in the Goron’s hand and gestured to it with his head. “What’s that?” “Explosive powder straight from the mines. Barnes needs it for his bombs,” the Goron replied. “You should go inside and take a look, brother. I’m sure there’s something you could use.” Link nodded, wished the Goron good luck, and entered Barnes’s shop. The bombmaker stood behind the front desk with his back turned, reading over a manifest provided by the Gorons. “Finally getting your supplies?” Link asked casually, announcing his presence. Barnes spun around. “It’s about damn time, son. When I saw what happened to my storehouse, I thought I’d have to close my doors for good.” The memory of watching the storehouse burn down made Link’s jaw tighten. He buried his guilt behind a faint smile. “So, you’re back in business?” “Sorta, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.” “What do you mean?” “Well, the Hyrulean military is my main client, and they’re not doin’ so hot.” Barnes shrugged and adjusted his spectacles. “But hey, happy thoughts… At least I can keep my doors open.” The bombmaker set a leather bag on the desk and loosened the drawstring. He reached in and produced a round, hand-sized bomb. Link could see his reflection on its smooth black surface. “Take these with you as a token of my appreciation,” Barnes offered. Link accepted the bag and tied it to his belt. “Thanks. I appreciate it.” “Ah, don’t mention it. There are five bombs and a pack of matches in there. Run out, and I’ll cut you a deal on refills.” Link started to leave, but Barnes stopped him. “Oh, one more thing. I see you’ve found yourself a pretty nice bow. Try attaching a bomb to an arrow. You won’t regret it. Good luck out there, son!” With that, Barnes went back to work unpacking his hardware, and Link exited the shop quietly. A Goron offered him a courteous nod as he passed by, and he returned the gesture. He continued down the street in silence, spotting Colin standing in Eldin Spring. Epona noticed him first. Her whinny drew his attention, and he smiled. “Hey, Link! I washed up Epona for you. I also packed some food for your journey.” Link reached into the satchel on her saddle and pulled out a red apple. He offered it to Epona, and she rubbed her snout tenderly against his cheek. She remained steadfast in her loyalty to Link, and he knew he was taking advantage of that. He pushed her to her limits in the battle against the Bulblin leader, treating the mare as little more than a tool to be used. It was about to happen again. She would carry him north, only for him to leave her behind at the edge of the Twilight. Feeding Epona another apple, Link sighed and climbed onto her back. I’ll make it up to you one day, girl. I promise. He grabbed hold of the reins and looked up when Renado emerged from the sanctuary. “Link,” he started, “don’t worry about the children. I’ll watch over them.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. Do not let their fates trouble you. Go to those who need you.” The offer put Link’s mind at ease. If the children were content in Kakariko Village, he could finally move forward without the burden of their safety. “I owe you, Renado. Thank you… For everything.” “We should be thanking you. In Hyrule, countless tales are told of the ancient hero. Your deeds bring them all to mind. May the graces of the goddesses who shaped this land bear you on your way.” Link felt red in the face and averted his gaze. He had never been good at accepting praise, especially when he felt it was undeserved. The job was not done yet. The Twilight still controlled Hyrule. There was one more Fused Shadow to find. Link leaned down and rested a hand on Colin’s shoulder. “I’ll be back soon. Take care of the others while I’m gone, okay?” “I will. Be careful, Link.” Link gave Epona’s reins a light tug, urging her forward at a slow trot. Beth, Talo, and Malo hurried after him, jogging to match Epona’s stride. “Hey, Link! Hit the pole on the bomb shop!” Talo shouted after him. “Talo, he’s leaving. This isn’t the time,” Beth snapped. “Come on,” Talo begged. “Please?” Ah, what’s the harm? Link released the reins and grabbed his bow with a smirk. Nocking an arrow, he steadied his breath and focused on the pole protruding from the top of the bomb shop. He fired, and even at that distance, they all heard the arrow strike wood. As Link rode on, he laughed at the jubilant cheers of the brothers behind him…