EXT.OUTER SPACE - DAY
Empty blackness, the stars shining out from the darkness. Hold on the darkness for a moment, then three sparks of light shoot suddenly past the camera, one blue, one green, one red.
KING HYRULE (V.O.)
In the dawn of time, there was nothing but the void…
The camera follows the three sparks, which resolve into the three goddesses, DIN, NAYRU, and FARORE, each glowing their respective colors.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
Then came the three goddesses, Din, Nayru, and Farore… From the void, they created the realm of Hyrule.
Farore waves her hand, creating a flat grassy plain, floating in space.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
Farore, Goddess of Wind, brought forth the plains, the foundation of the land.
Din waves her hand, and raises a mountain range on the edge of the land.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
Din, Goddess of Earth and Fire, brought forth the mountains.
Nayru does the same, creating lakes and rivers through the land.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
Nayru, Goddess of Water, created the lakes and rivers… but the lands were empty. And so each goddess created a race of people to live in their realm.
EXT. MOUNTAINS – DAY
Din hovers over a race of large people, with fur and rock-like protrusions down their back.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
Din created the Goron people, whose skill in stone and metalwork are unmatched.
EXT. LAKE HYRULE – DAY
Nayru hovers over a race of fish-like humanoids, who swim in the lake with the speed and skill of dolphins.
KING HYRULE (V.O CONT’D)
Nayru created the Zora race, whose artwork and music are unrivaled…
EXT. HYRULE PLAINS – DAY
Farore hovers over a race of somewhat elfin people, humanoid in appearance except for their pointed ears.
KING HYRULE (V.O)
And Farore created the Hylians, the most populous of the races.
INT. TEMPLE OF TIME – DAY
Din, Farore, and Nayru all stand around a pedestal, holding their hands out as they seem to concentrate. Waves of power radiate from their hands.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
The three goddesses prepared to depart the land, having finished their work. However, in order to maintain the integrity of the realm, they created the Triforce.
The TRIFORCE comes into being over the pedestal, hovering in air. It is three golden triangles, seeming to be made of metal. It radiates immense power.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
The Triforce contained the power to remake the realm of Hyrule to the wielder’s will, each goddess having poured their very beings into its creation. Because of its immense power, they sealed the Triforce away, so that no being could ever reach it.
The goddesses vanish in a flash of light. Fade to black.
KING HYRULE (V.O. CONT’D)
The Triforce remains hidden there to this day…
EXT. ORDON VILLAGE – DAY
It is a small village, surrounded by a wooden wall. The houses are made of wood, with straw and bark roofs. The general ambiance is medieval, but happy. Hylians chat happily in the streets, going about their business. UNCLE TIO comes out of one of the huts and calls out.
UNCLE TIO
(Cupping his hands to his mouth as he calls out.)
LINK! LINK!!!
(To a townsperson walking by)
Have you seen Link?
TOWNSPERSON #1
I think he’s off at the practice fields. You know him, probably teaching the guards a lesson in swordsmanship or winning a tournament.
Tio nods and begins walking down the main street towards the Practice Field.
EXT. ORDON VILLAGE, PRACTICE FIELD – DAY
There is a target range set down one side of the field, where people practice archery. Elsewhere, people beat up wooden dummies with their fists or swords. In the middle of the field is a ring surrounded by a wooden fence. A large crowd surrounds the ring as two people fight inside the ring. They wield wooden swords, which make loud cracking noises as they clash.
Inside the ring, LINK faces off against an ORDON GUARD #1. The boy is about sixteen or seventeen years old, of lithe build, almost scrawny. He has blonde, shaggy hair, and blue eyes. He has a smirk on his face as he circles in the ring, the guard matching his movements. Link flourishes the sword, showing off for the crowd.
Cut to two townspeople outside the ring, watching the action.
TOWNSPERSON #2
…Link will win in one minute. I bet 20 rupees on it.
TOWNSPERSON #3
One minute? Are you insane? 30 seconds! I’ll take that bet!
Back in the ring, Link and the guard clash with each other. From the beginning, it is clear that Link is the superior fighter, his wooden blade clashing hard against the guard’s. The guard grunts as he backs away, trying to defend himself. Link twists his blade around the guard’s, sending the guard’s sword flying out of his hand, landing on the ground several feet away. The guard moves towards the blade, but Link holds his wooden blade at his throat.
LINK
(Cockily, pulling the blade away and flourishing it again.)
That was good… Except for the fact you LOST miserably, that was good.
ORDON GUARD #1
Good goddesses, Link. How was I supposed to win when you were tryin’ to take my head off?
At the side of the ring, Townsperson #2 hands a red rupee, small gemstone over to Townsperson #3.
In the ring, Ordon Guard #1 leaves the ring while Link prowls around the ring, preening for the crowd.
LINK
(Shouting to the crowd)
C’mon!!! Is there no one out there who is willing to take me on?
UNCLE TIO (O.C.)
I will.
Tio climbs into the ring, grabbing a wooden sword from a nearby guard. The crowd gasps at the sight of him in the ring.
LINK
(Surprised)
Uncle Tio! THIS is a surprise!
UNCLE TIO
(Smirking as he swings his blade around, clearly a master swordsman.)
Even an old man like me likes to get some exercise every once in a while, Link.
Link grins and begins to circle, his uncle matching his footwork slowly.
LINK
(Charging forward, swinging his blade.)
All right, then! Come on!!!
Tio smirks and sweeps to the side, bringing his wooden sword low, sweeping Link’s feet out from under him with an almost casual slash. Before Link can stand up, Tio knocks Link’s sword out of his hand and places the tip of his sword on Link’s chest, over his heart. Link groans in defeat.
UNCLE TIO
Lesson number one, Link. Experience is better than talent. And lesson two, while I’m at it, footwork is the key to any battle.
LINK
Owwwww…
INT. LINK’S HUT – NIGHT
Link and Tio are at the dinner table, eating. Candles light the hut as the two Hylians sit at a wooden table.
UNCLE TIO
Mmm. This is good!
LINK
Yes, I worked hard on this…
UNCLE TIO
It shows.
LINK
(Hesitantly)
Uncle Tio… I wanted to talk to you again about joining the town guards… I’m the most skilled swordsman in the village…
UNCLE TIO
(Interrupting, amused.)
Other than me.
LINK
(Chuckling weakly.)
…Other than you. Anyway, I heard from Koron that Moblins have been spotted in the forest nearby. On top of that, I’ve heard that Gerudo Raiders attacked Kakarikko Village… So I was thinking that I’d join the guard and help protect Ordon Village.
UNCLE TIO
(Sighing)
I know you want to help, Link… But trust me when I say that the Ordon Guard can handle the village on their own. I trained most of them myself.
LINK
Uncle… You used to be a Royal Knight of Hyrule… Didn’t you guard the King himself? Why did you come here to Ordon?
UNCLE TIO
It was a long time ago. I realized at some point that my life in the castle was not the way I wanted to spend the years I had left. I talked to the King, and I left the Hyrule Castle Town. I wandered the realm for a while. After a year or two I came to Ordon Village. It was struggling to survive, under attacks by monsters and bandits. I helped train the Ordon Guard and built a house here. When your parents died when you were a baby, I took you in as my own. I haven’t regretted leaving the King’s service for a moment, Link.
LINK
Yeah… But that is why I want to do this! You told me all those stories and legends of adventure when I was a child. I want to do my part to protect the people of this village, and maybe someday be able to travel the land the way you did.
UNCLE TIO
Link, believe me… You’re destined for great things… But don’t be in such a hurry to look for adventure. More often than not, adventure will find you.
LINK
Yes, Uncle.
INT. LINK’S HUT – NIGHT, LATER.
Link and Uncle Tio are sitting by the fire. Above the fireplace, mounted in a place of honor is TIO’S SWORD AND SHIELD. Link is looking up at it, while Tio is writing in a book with a quill.
LINK
Uncle, tell me about the Master Sword again?
UNCLE TIO
(Exasperatedly, obviously having told the story hundreds of times.)
Why would you EVER want to hear THAT story again? You know it by heart, Link!
LINK
Just humor me, please?
UNCLE TIO
Oh, all right… It was many ages ago…
INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP IN ANCIENT TIMES – NIGHT
A blacksmith is working in his shop, pounding away at a horseshoe. Out the window, the moon shines in.
UNCLE TIO (V.O)
Legend has it that a blacksmith was working in his shop, when he heard an explosion that shook the very foundations of his home.
As Tio speaks, there is a detonation. The blacksmith grabs his anvil for support, as tools fall from his shelves. The blacksmith looks around bewildered, then runs outside.
EXT. BLACKSMITH’S FIELD – NIGHT
The blacksmith runs out into the field behind his home. There’s a massive crater where a METEOR sits, glowing hot and smoking. The smith slowly walks up to the meteor, looking amazed.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The smith ran outside to find that a stone had literally dropped from the heavens. The smith’s first thought was of how the goddess Din had ruined his field, and he wondered what he had done to anger her.
The blacksmith picks up the meteor, holding it with a cloth. The meteor has a silvery sheen to it, and the smith examines it closely.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
But the smith, being a master metalworker, soon realized that Din had granted him a gift. The stone was made of an ore of the likes the smith had never seen.
INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – NIGHT
The blacksmith begins to melt down the meteor into metal. Throughout Tio’s voiceover, he works in montage, shaping the molten metal into a blade.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The smith took the stone and melted it down. Driven by divine inspiration, the smith worked for weeks, barely stopping to sleep or eat. Day after day, he pounded the metal, melting it back down, and starting again, until he got it perfect. He forged the metal into a blade, folding it a thousand times over.
INT. BLACKSMITH SHOP – LATER
The blacksmith sets the blade into a blue hilt, decorated with the Triforce symbol, and holds the newly finished MASTER SWORD high in the air. The blade seems to shimmer with a life all its own.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The smith finally completed his work, and ah, what a work it was. A finer blade has never been crafted and never will be. As it was his one, true masterpiece, the smith named the blade the Master Sword.
The smith cuts clean through the anvil in one stroke of the blade, looking stunned, but not unhappy at his handiwork.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
It soon became apparent that the blade was no normal sword either. It was supernaturally sharp. No matter what stress he put the blade under, the sword could not break. It seemed to almost have a magical will about it. As such, the smith realized that should the Master Sword fall into the wrong hands, it would be a terrible disaster.
EXT. HYRULE FOREST, MASTER SWORD CLEARING – DAY
The smith and an old man stand in a small clearing deep within a forest. The smith is holding the Master Sword. The old man seems to be chanting aloud.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
So the smith and the village elder took the Master Sword out into the forest, deep into a clearing. The elder was a man of magic, and he wove a spell around the sword.
As the Elder chants, the MASTER SWORD PEDESTAL appears on the ground before him. It is a small rectangular pedestal seemingly carved of marble, with a golden Triforce symbol on the both sides.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The Elder created a pedestal, into which the smith drove the Master Sword.
The smith pierces the pedestal with the blade. As Tio continues the narration, the smith and the elder fade away, and ivy grows around the weapon, clearly showing decades, or centuries passing in time.
UNCLE TIO (V.O)
Only one who was truly worthy of wielding the blade would be able to remove it from the pedestal. And so the blade remained for ages, never rusting, never dulling… Until one day.
A young man, here after referred to as the HERO, dressed in a green tunic and a long green cap enters the clearing. The young man should somewhat resemble Link.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
One day, a young man, not much older than you, Link, wandered into the clearing and found the Master Sword.
The hero grips the blade’s hilt, looking at the weapon in wonderment. He strains and pulls… and the blade slips free of the pedestal.
UNCLE TIO (V.O CONT’D)
Destiny was in work that day, as the Master Sword found the boy worthy.
EXT. GANON’S TOWER IN ANCIENT TIMES – NIGHT.
Cut to the top of a tower. The sky is an unnatural shade of red, roiling clouds swirling around, and lightning striking randomly. The Hero is embroiled in a duel with GANON, a monstrous being that vaguely resembles a boar, eight feet tall, with green skin, fiery red hair and blood-red eyes. Ganon strikes at the Hero with bolts of energy and with a massive, deadly scimitar. The Hero clashes blades with him again and again, deflecting the energy bolts with the Master Sword. A PRINCESS stands out of the battle range. She wears an ornate pink dress, her long blonde hair streaming down her back as she watches the fight, determinedly.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The Princess of Hyrule had been captured by an evil and monstrous wizard. The young man battled the wizard on top of his tower, wielding the Master Sword. The Princess watched, waiting for an opportunity to help the hero defeat the wizard.
Ganon catches the hero with an energy bolt, knocking him to the ground. The Hero’s bow and quiver are knocked off of him, skidding over to the Princess’s feet. Ganon laughs and lifts his scimitar, prepared to kill the hero, but the hero rolls out of the way of the slash. The hero rolls to his feet and charges forward, crossing blades with the wizard.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
Things looked bleak, as the hero was outmatched, even with the power of the Master Sword on his side. He fought his hardest, but the wizard’s dark powers were too great. However, the wizard did not account for the power of miracles…
A blazing bolt of golden light suddenly slams into Ganon, sending him flying backwards. He skids several yards before climbing to his feet. A golden arrow sticks out of his side, glowing bright. The hero looks just as surprised as Ganon, and both turn to see the Princess wielding the hero’s bow, another golden arrow in her hand.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
The Princess’s innate magical powers enhanced the hero’s arrows, transforming them into the Arrows of Light. The mystical bolts could pierce through even the wizard’s darkest magics.
The Princess unleashes another LIGHT ARROW, slamming into Ganon. Ganon roars in pain… Until the hero charges forward and impales him with the Master Sword.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
With the power of the Arrows of Light and the Master Sword combined, the wizard was struck down.
Ganon staggers backward to the edge of the tower. He glares at the Hero and the Princess as he falls off the edge, his eyes rolling up in his head.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
With his final breath, the wizard placed a curse upon the Hero and the Princess. He stated that someday, he would return to kill their children, or their children’s children, or their descendants, and plunge Hyrule into darkness forever.
EXT. HYRULE FOREST, MASTER SWORD PEDESTAL – DAY
The Hero and the Princess stand before the pedestal. The hero draws the Master Sword and plunges it into the pedestal and steps back.
UNCLE TIO (V.O. CONT’D)
So, in preparation for the day when the wizard would return, the hero returned the Master Sword to the pedestal. Someday, when the wizard returned, the hero’s descendant would pull the sword out and wield it to strike down evil once more and bring peace to Hyrule…
INT. LINK’S HUT – NIGHT
Link looks up at his uncle as Tio finishes the story.
LINK
So you think that the Master Sword is still there?
UNCLE TIO
Link, my boy, it’s just a legend. I seriously doubt that the Master Sword even exists. If it does, I doubt that it has any of the magical powers attributed to it.
LINK
Still, if it was real, I’d love to try to find it.
UNCLE TIO
If anyone could find it, I’m sure it’d be you. Come, now… The moon’s rising, and the candles are burning low. I think it is time to go to bed.
LINK
Good night, Uncle.
UNCLE TIO
Good night, Link.
EXT. ORDON VILLAGE – DAY
Link is helping to build a house, hammering nails into a wooden frame. He chats cheerfully with the other townspeople as they work. However, Link soon looks up as there is a cry from the city gates.
ORDON GUARD #2
MOBLINS!!! They’re coming towards the village!!!
ORDON GUARD #3
Take the women and children to safety!!! All those who are able, grab tools and weapons! Prepare to defend your homes!!!
EXT. OUTSIDE ORDON VILLAGE - DAY
Dozens of MOBLINS (large humanoid creatures with facial features that seem a cross between a bulldog’s jowls and a pig’s snout) charge the village gates, wielding spears and wicked broadswords.
EXT. ORDON VILLAGE – DAY
Tio rushes out of the hut looking around. He sees the Moblins entering the village, and races inside to grab his sword and shield from the mantle. Link races up to him.
LINK
Uncle! What is going on?!
UNCLE TIO
Moblins. I feared this would happen. Grab a weapon, Link,
and come with me.
LINK
Right!
Link grabs a staff and follows his Uncle to the village gate.
EXT. VILLAGE GATE – DAY
Villagers are desperately fighting against the Moblins, but the fight does not seem to be going well. A few villagers are killed, slashed by swords or impaled by spears.
Link and Tio show up and are immediately attacked. Link fends off several of the Moblins, striking them down with his staff. Tio slashes a path through the creatures, his blade-work beautiful and deadly. Link follows his uncle, trying to save as many villagers as he can from the Moblins.
A cry suddenly echoes from the other side of the village.
ORDON GUARD #4
THE WALL!!! THEY’VE BREACHED THE WALL!!!
UNCLE TIO
What?! How?!
EXT. OTHER SIDE OF THE VILLAGE – DAY
Villagers run away, shouting and screaming as they flee Moblins breaking into the village. There is a large, smoking hole in the wall where Moblins come in. The village guards are struck down as they try their best to stop the creatures.
EXT. VILLAGE GATE – DAY
Tio and Link continue to fight Moblins, helping the guards fight. However, as the second group of Moblins enters the village, they find themselves severely outnumbered.
UNCLE TIO
This doesn’t make sense. Moblins don’t strategize… They just attack straight on! A two-pronged attack is too sophisticated for them!
LINK
Who cares if it makes sense?! It’s happening!
Link and Tio fight desperately, trying to escape from the onslaught with the surviving guards. As they fall back from the attack, a Moblin chucks a spear. Tio is not able to get his shield up in time and it pierces his side. He shouts in pain and yanks the weapon free, grunting. Link yelps in worry.
LINK
UNCLE TIO!!!
UNCLE TIO
I’m… alright… Keep moving! Get to our hut…
Link and Tio work their way through the village back to the hut. Tio pants, obviously in pain.
UNCLE TIO
Link, you must listen VERY closely. Go inside and look under my bed. You will find a chest. Open it, and take everything inside. GO!
Link rushes inside.
INT. LINK’S HUT – DAY
Link rushes into the hut, busting into Tio’s room with his shoulder. He drops to his knees, skidding to the bed as he pulls a chest out from under the bed. Link opens the chest slowly.
Within the chest is a GREEN TUNIC AND CAP of the same sort the Hero wore in the flashback. There is also a BOW AND QUIVER and an ENVELOPE. The envelope is sealed with wax with a Triforce symbol and marked to KING HYRULE.
SERIES OF SHOTS
Link tightens a pair of KNEE-HIGH BROWN BOOTS, strapping the buckles.
Link tightens a pair of LEATHER FINGERLESS GAUNTLETS.
Link pulls on a CHAINMAIL shirt.
Link pulls on the GREEN TUNIC
Link pulls the BOW and QUIVER over his shoulder
Link stands, in full costume for the first time, the GREEN CAP on his head. He nods determinedly and runs off screen.
EXT. ORDON VILLAGE – DAY
Link runs out to find Tio walking up, leading a horse by the reins. The horse has brown fur with a distinctive white marking on the nose.
UNCLE TIO
There you are. Here, take EPONA. She’s the smartest and fastest horse in Hyrule. She’ll keep you safe.
LINK
Uncle Tio, what…
UNCLE TIO
(Interrupting.)
There’s no time! Link, that letter is important. Go to HYRULE CASTLE, as fast as you can. Take the letter to the King.
LINK
But what about you?
UNCLE TIO
I will remain here… and do what I can. Here, take my sword and shield. They’ll serve you better than me.
LINK
(Climbing onto Epona)
U-Uncle! What are you…
UNCLE TIO
Just go. Don’t hesitate, just ride! …I loved you like my son, Link… I’m proud of you…
Tio slaps Epona’s rump, making the horse whinny and gallop off. He grabs Link’s staff and charges a group of Moblins, roaring a battlecry.
Link cuts and slashes with Tio’s sword from atop Epona as he races towards the village gate. He looks back...
To see Tio get run through by a Moblin’s blade. Link cries out in anguish and grief, but keeps riding. Epona rides out the village gate and down the road from the village. Link stops the horse on top of a hill overlooking Ordon Village, his sword and shield strapped to his back. The village is on fire, burning to the ground. Tears run down Link’s face, but he turns the horse away and rides off.
EXT. STAND OF TREES – NIGHT
Link sits by a campfire, looking deep into the flames. He looks grief-stricken, but determined. Link pulls a pouch from his belt, looking inside. There are a large amount of RUPEES, multicolored gemstones. He shakes his head, and puts the envelope in the bag.
LINK
We’re on our own, Epona… Ordon Village is gone. What happened? How?! WHY?!
Epona whinnies and nudges him with her nose, almost seeming sympathetic. Link gives a weak chuckle.
LINK
Thanks, Epona… There’s no use in asking questions… All I can do is deliver that letter… Good night.
Link closes his eyes, leaning back against a tree. He sighs deeply and falls deep asleep…
EXT. STAND OF TREES – NIGHT, LATER
The fire is burning low as Link slumbers, clearly having a troubled dream. Epona is asleep too. There is a rustling in bushes nearby. A small, feminine figure moves slowly closer to Link. She emerges from the bushes, moving silently. This is SHARA, a Hylian girl roughly Link’s age. She wears a red leather outfit, obviously designed for ease of movement. She has two long daggers strapped to her back.
Shara reaches down to grab the bag, grinning mischievously.
LINK
(Sleepily, his eyes still closed)
That is NOT a smart idea.
Shara gasps and draws one of her daggers. Link opens his eyes and rolls to the side, grabbing his sword and drawing it all in one movement.
LINK
I am having a REALLY bad day… So if you leave right now, I’ll pretend this never happened.
SHARA
Sorry, friend. A girl’s gotta make a living somehow. I’ve been watching you since you came here, and I saw how full that bag is. With that many Rupees, I could live easy for months.
Shara charges Link, slashing at him. Link parries the blow with his blade and counters. The two fight, Shara pulling her second blade at some point to try and catch Link off-guard. Shara is light on her feet and lightning fast, but Link is easily her match. Link finally disarms her, sending one of her blades skittering into the bushes.
LINK
You picked the wrong man to rob.
SHARA
Clearly. I’d like to play more, but I’ve got places to be. See ya around!
Shara whips her arms, throwing something to the ground. There is a bright flash of light, blinding Link. When he regains his sight, Shara is gone… and so is the bag with his Rupees and the letter!
LINK
Argh! Din’s flames! She got away! …NO!!! She took the bag!!! Uncle’s letter!
Epona opens her eyes sleepily, whinnying at Link.
LINK
…Glad to see you’re paying attention, there, Epona… Get up, we gotta get after her.
EXT. HYRULE FIELD – DAWN
Link rides across the field, looking for Shara. He blinks and comes to a halt, listening as he hears the sounds of a scuffle, blades clashing.
Shara is surrounded by a group of five GERUDO RAIDERS, warrior women with olive-skin in vaguely Middle-Eastern costumes, riding horses. Shara’s blades are stuck in the dirt nearby, and she has a blade at her throat.
SHARA
Oh, come ON! Why don’t you just let me go?
GERUDO #1
Listen to that, sisters, she wants to be let go?
GERUDO #2
Well, if she gives us every rupee she owns, we MAY let her go… But probably not.
OTHER GERUDO
Yeah. That’s right! Give up the money.
SHARA
Ugh… This is bad…
Suddenly, an arrow zings through the air, slamming against one of the Gerudo’s shoulder plates, knocking her from her mount.
GERUDO #1
WHAT?!
Link charges in on Epona, firing another arrow and knocking another Gerudo from her horse. The Gerudo yelp in surprise, as Link draws his blade from his sheath, and easily takes a third off her horse.
LINK
I didn’t aim to kill with those arrows. However, I cannot guarantee you’ll survive a sword fight with me.
GERUDO #2
You’re more trouble than it’s worth. Consider yourselves lucky!
The Gerudo leap on their horses and ride off, cursing and squabbling with one another. Link climbs off Epona and glares at Shara.
LINK
It’s just lucky that the Gerudo happen to be cowards. Otherwise, you’d be dead right now.
SHARA
I could have handled it.
LINK
Sure, whatever you say. Now, I believe you have something of mine.
Link glares at Shara, pointing at his bag, tied to her belt. Shara sighs heavily and unties it, tossing it to Link. He opens the bag, making sure the letter and Rupees are still inside.
LINK
I suggest you consider a different line of work. These days, thievery isn’t the safest career.
SHARA
I hope you’re not expecting an apology.
LINK
I wasn’t.
Link climbs onto Epona and begins to ride off. Shara blinks in surprise.
SHARA
Hey, wait! Where are you going?
She begins to run after Link.
EXT. HYRULE FIELD, LATER
Link continues to ride slowly, Shara following on foot.
LINK
Will you stop following me?
SHARA
Who says I’m following you? Maybe we’re just going in the same direction.
LINK
UGH! Fine… I’m going to Hyrule Castle. I have to deliver a letter (which YOU almost stole, by the way) to King Hyrule.
SHARA
Pardon? You just think you’re gonna waltz into Hyrule Castle and hand a letter to the King?
LINK
I don’t know. My uncle’s last instructions were to deliver this letter and I’m going to do it.
SHARA
(After a moment of silence)
…You know you’re heading in the wrong direction? Hyrule Castle is that way. I can get you into the city gates.
LINK
…Why are you doing this?
SHARA
Who knows. Maybe I found a conscience. Maybe I owe you for saving me… or maybe I’m just biding my time until you lower your guard. Take your pick. My name is Shara.
LINK
…I’m Link. This is Epona. Get on before I come to my senses.
SHARA
(Climbing on the horse)
…Thanks.
EXT. HYRULE CASTLE TOWN – DAY
Hyrule Castle Town is a large, colorful town surrounding Hyrule Castle, a massive, beautifully sculpted marble and gold building. It is surrounded by a large granite wall, with only one opening, a drawbridge and a gigantic steel gate.
Link and Shara ride up on Epona.
SHARA (V.O.)
Hyrule Castle is a thieves’ paradise, but only if you can get in. However, the guards are… highly selective about whom they let in. Luckily, I happen to be friends with the noon guard. A few Rupees and we’ll be in.
During Shara’s V.O., Link drops a handful of rupees into a guard’s hand, and they let Link and Shara through. Link rides through the Castle Town, a bustling market towards the CASTLE GATE.
SHARA
Unfortunately, the Castle itself is impenetrable. I hope YOU have a plan, because I don’t.
LINK
Part of the problem with living outside the law is that you forget how to do things simply. When in doubt, just ASK someone.
Link and Shara dismount and approach the castle guards.
CASTLE GUARD #1
Hold there. What business do you have at the castle?
LINK
I have a letter for the King that I must deliver.
CASTLE GUARD #2
You and every other wanna-be noble and assassin. You’ll have to do better than that.
Link pulls out the letter and shows it to the guards.
CASTLE GUARD #1
Wait. That’s the Royal Seal in the wax!
CASTLE GUARD #2
How did you get a hold of this?
LINK
My Uncle Tio gave it to me.
CASTLE GUARD #2
Tio?! Of the Royal Guard? Why didn’t you say so?! We will take you to his majesty immediately!
SHARA
…I can’t believe it was that easy.
LINK
Told ya.
The guards open the gates and lead Link and Shara up to the castle.
INT. CASTLE THRONE ROOM – DAY
The castle throne room is a long room with obsidian floors, marble columns and beautiful stained-glass windows depicting the Goddesses and the creation of the Master Sword. At the end of the room, King Hyrule sits in his throne. He is an older man, dignified, with slightly graying hair.
Link and Zelda walk down an ornate red carpet towards the King.
KING HYRULE
I hear you come with a letter from my old friend, Tio. How is he?
LINK
He… died. I am his nephew, Link, your majesty. I come from Ordon Village… or I did before it was destroyed.
KING HYRULE
WHAT?! Ordon Village is gone?! How?!!
LINK
Moblins, sir. They attacked the village. Uncle Tio gave me this letter to deliver to you.
Link hands the letter to the King. Shara examines some of the trinkets on tables around the room, as if seeing whether she could steal something. Link shoots her a dirty look and she sticks her tongue out at him, but stops and comes back to his side. The King reads the letter, his expression growing graver as he reads. Finally, he slumps back into his throne, looking weary.
KING HYRULE
I was afraid of this. Link, my boy, Ordon Village is but the latest in a series of reports I have gotten about villages being attacked.
SHARA
It is?
KING HYRULE
Yes. You see, there is a darkness in the lands of Hyrule. An evil man… no, to call him a man is to imply he has any humanity in the first place… His name is GANONDORF.
A FEMALE VOICE (O.S)
I’m sorry, father, I could not help overhearing. I came in and did not realize you had company.
PRINCESS ZELDA walks in to stand beside her father. A young woman, also Link’s age, she is a pinnacle of beauty, long flowing blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and is wearing a pink and white dress of perfect design. Despite her beauty, it is clear from her expression that she is just as intelligent… if not MORE so… than her father.
KING HYRULE
Ah. This is my daughter, Zelda. It is no problem, my dear. I welcome your council.
ZELDA
Ganondorf is the scourge of Hyrule. He is darkness incarnate. He wishes nothing more than to bring the entire realm under his rule.
KING HYRULE
He has united the Moblins and the Gerudo, as well as many unnatural monsters and creatures, under his banner. He now marches on Hyrule.
SHARA
Oh, come on. This guy can’t be that bad.
ZELDA
We believe he is after the Triforce.
LINK
But the Triforce is just a legend!
KING HYRULE
No, it is quite real. The royal families of the three races have been entrusted with its protection for centuries.
ZELDA
There are three Goddess Gemstones, DIN’S RUBY, NAYRU’S SAPPHIRE, and FARORE’S EMERALD. When all three are gathered and placed in the Temple of Time here in Hyrule Castle, the way to the Triforce will be revealed.
KING HYRULE
The leaders of the Hylians, the Zora, and the Goron races were entrusted with one stone each. Ganondorf has staged attacks on all three races, attacking not just Hylian villages, but the Zora’s Domain at Lake Hylia and the Goron Village at Death Mountain.
SHARA
That doesn’t prove anything other than that he’s an equal opportunity jerk.
KING HYRULE
Your uncle, Link, was one of my most trusted guards before he left. Even now, almost twenty years after he left my service, he was watching out for me. This letter from your uncle contains the final evidence. He had been in contact with agents with the Zora and Goron, and they had reported strangers showing up and asking about the Goddess Gemstones.
LINK
And what does that mean?
ZELDA
The Goddess Gemstones are one of the most precious secrets of the royal families. We don’t know how Ganondorf found out about them, but other than us… and now you… there is no way anyone else could have found out about them.
KING HYRULE
Link… I know you must be grieving your uncle right now, but I must ask you to serve your kingdom.
LINK
It’s… not like I have a home to go to, or a job to do. I’ll help.
KING HYRULE
That is good. I need you to go to the Zora and the Goron and get the Goddess Gemstones from them… and to the Hyrule Forest, where OUR Goddess Gemstone is hidden.
ZELDA
Father! Are you sure that is wise?
KING HYRULE
It is better that we get them first, before Ganondorf. Here. Take this ring. It has the Royal Seal upon it. With it, you will be welcomed by the Zora and the Goron as a guest… Now go. May the Goddesses’ blessings be upon you.
Link and Shara turn to walk away. As they prepare to leave, Zelda runs up to them.
LINK
Y-Your Highness?
ZELDA
Link, I do not agree with my father’s judgment. I believe gathering the Gemstones is a bad idea… I urge you to be careful.
LINK
…I’ll do my best, Princess.
ZELDA
Then go… and good luck…
Link and Shara begin to walk away.
LINK
…It’s really weird… I had a sense of déjà-vu there.
SHARA
How so?
LINK
I could SWEAR… SWEAR by the three Goddesses… that I had met her somewhere before…
EXT. HYRULE FIELD – DAY
Link and Shara ride Epona down the banks of the ZORA RIVER towards LAKE HYLIA.
SHARA (V.O.)
What do you know about the Zora?
LINK (V.O.)
Not much… Okay, nothing at all other than that they’re aquatic.
SHARA (V.O.)
You got that right… Um… I hope you like swimming, because you’re gonna get wet.
EXT. LAKE HYLIA – DAY
Link and Shara dismount and walk up to the banks of the lake. The water is a clear blue, and there is a small, almost miniscule island out in the middle of the lake.
LINK
This is Lake Hylia… Where are the Zora?
SHARA
You see that island? That’s not an island. It’s a mountain… if you’re underwater.
LINK
Don’t tell me… the Zora live inside there?
SHARA
…Yyyyyep.
LINK
Peachy. So how do we get down there without drowning?
MALE VOICE (O.C.)
You Hylians would need a Silver Scale.
Link and Shara spot a ZORA peeking out of the water. This is RIKAO. It is a humanoid figure with white, almost silvery, skin that fades to blue-green at the hands and feet, with a head that tapers back into a fishtail. His hands and feet are webbed and he has razor-sharp, but beautiful opalescent fins extending from his forearms. Use the Twilight Princess Zora as a reference.
LINK
(Showing the ring)
Um… I come as an emissary of King Hyrule… I wish to
talk with your ruler.
RIKAO
Ah! The Hyrule royal seal! Hmm… Alright… Here.
Rikao climbs out of the water and pulls a couple of SILVER SCALES from a pouch. They are small clasping earrings with a silver fishscale attached.
RIKAO
These will allow you to breathe underwater for a little while. Follow me.
LINK
Thank you.
SHARA
I wouldn’t thank him yet. You haven’t eaten Zora cuisine. Hope you like raw fish eggs.
Link and Shara clip the Silver Scales to their ears and dive into the water, following Shikao deep into the lake. On the lake floor are marble ruins of vaguely Greek or Roman design. Rikao leads the two Hylians into a cave at the base of the underwater mountain and up…
INT. ZORA’S DOMAIN - DAY
The entire mountain is hollow on the inside, containing an enormous air pocket. It is lit by clusters of glowing crystals. Zora people, men, women, and children travel around the caves, going about their business.
Rikao leads Link and Shara up a winding path into the WATERFALL ROOM.
INT. WATERFALL ROOM - DAY
All four walls of the room are obscured by waterfalls. A ramp of rock leads up to a circular platform raised several feet above the water level. Across from the platform is a large stone throne, where KING ZORA is seated. KING ZORA is an elder Zora with blue scales and a crown of coral. He smiles as Rikao leads Link and Shara through a waterfall and onto the stone ramp.
KING ZORA
Ah! Rikao! You have brought visitors. It is rare to see Hylians down here, but not unwelcome.
RIKAO
Yes, my liege. They claim to be emissaries of King Hyrule.
Link steps forward and shows the signet ring. King Zora leans forward to peer at it and nods.
KING ZORA
What business does King Hyrule have with me?
LINK
We… were sent to find Nayru’s Sapphire.
Rikao gives a start, almost falling off the stone platform, while King Zora chokes on a drink, spluttering and coughing.
KING ZORA
You Wh-what?!
LINK
We seek Nayru’s Sapphire. Ganondorf has attacked your realm, and King Hyrule wishes to gather the stones.
KING ZORA
Even if I WANTED to give you the Sapphire, I couldn’t. My ancestor hid it deep within the LAKE SHRINE for safekeeping. It’s a deathtrap with monsters and puzzles. You’d never get to it.
LINK
I’m willing to try.
SHARA
It’s not like we have anything better to do.
KING ZORA
I don’t know whether the two of you are brave, stupid, or insane… But who said those are mutually exclusive… Very well. I will grant you access to the Shrine. Rikao, my best warrior, will go with you… To help you succeed… or come back to me with news of your deaths.
SHARA
Gee. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
RIKAO
Follow me… I’ll take you to the shrine.
Rikao leads them out of the room and back into ZORA’S DOMAIN.
INT. ZORA’S DOMAIN – DAY
The trio walks down a path, Link and Shara following RIKAO.
LINK
Tell me. Are you going to mouth off to EVERY member of royalty that we meet? Because when your head is in the guillotine, I’M not going to be the one to save you.
SHARA
So what if they’re royalty?! Have you SEEN the taxes in the Kingdom recently? The recession is KILLING the small businessman!
LINK
So that’s why you became a thief?
SHARA
Who, me? No, no, no. I just like taking stuff.
EXT. UNDER LAKE HYLIA
Rikao swims ahead, as Link and Shara follow. The Zora warrior points downward, and Link and Shara follow his gaze. He is pointing to some ruins on the lakebed. He swims towards them. The Hylians nod and follow.
INT. LAKE SHRINE ENTRANCE
The Lake Shrine Entrance is dark and damp. The room is large, and dimly lit with the same crystals that lit Zora’s Domain. There are high platforms raised from the ground, too high to climb. There is a gigantic STONE DOOR on one wall of the room, and three small DOORS on the other walls.
Link, Shara, and Rikao climb out of a water-filled opening in the center of the room and look around.
RIKAO
Well, this is the place. Sorry about the smell. It’s not like we clean here often.
SHARA
Farore’s Wind! It’s worse than that horse of yours, Link!
LINK
HEY! Lay off Epona! You’d smell too if you had to run 300 miles across Hyrule Field!
RIKAO
If you want to go into the shrine, you’ll have to find a way in… Unfortunately, those doors are impenetrable. I think there’s a switch somewhere, but who knows where…
SHARA
(Sarcastically)
Gee, thanks for being so helpful.
RIKAO
(Leaning against one of the pillars)
I’m not the one who wants to go in there. I’ll help, but only if you can figure it out.
Link wanders the room for a moment, examining the smaller doors. He soon comes to a corner of the room and finds an odd square tile. He steps on it, and one of the three small doors opens, revealing a chest.
LINK
Hey! Look!
Link steps off the tile and the door closes. Rikao and Shara come over to take a look.
RIKAO
It’s a pressure switch. Cleverly hidden too.
SHARA
One of us needs to stand on it, so the others can open the chest.
Link and Rikao stare at her.
SHARA
Huh, who, me?! Why do I have to do it?!
LINK
Because you’re a thief and we can’t trust you not to steal what’s inside.
SHARA
…Good point.
Shara stands on the pressure plate and the door opens. Link and Rikao go and open the chest. Inside is the HOOKSHOT, a device consisting of a handle with a trigger, a spool with a chain, and a large, silver arrowhead-shaped tip.
RIKAO
I know what this is… It’s a hookshot! These are rare! They can fire a projectile that can pierce or wrap around an object, then drag the object to the wielder… or vice versa.
LINK
Like a grappling hook?
RIKAO
Yes, but with a much greater range. My guess is that the Hookshot is here for a reason. There must be a switch or other pressure plates on top of these pillars.
LINK
Only one way to find out.
Rikao takes the hookshot and fires it at one of the pillars. With a yank, the chain reels in, pulling him up to the top with immense speed. He climbs on top of it and finds another pressure plate.
RIKAO
I was right! There’s another plate up here.
Rikao steps on the plate and another door opens. Within the second door is a creature not unlike a four-legged, one-eyed spider that lets out a screech and leaps at Link. Link draws his sword and slashes it in half.
LINK
GAH! That was close!
RIKAO
Sorry, my friend! There are no plates I can see from here. Here! Take the hookshot and try elsewhere!
Rikao tosses Link the hookshot. Link looks up and spots the highest pillar and uses the hookshot on it. He yells in surprise as he reaches the top. There’s another pressure plate there. Link climbs up and stands on it. The third door opens to reveal a large lever.
LINK
Shara! Go pull the lever!
Shara steps off the plate and the door closes.
SHARA
What the?!
RIKAO
It seems we all must remain on the plates for the doors to stay open…
LINK
Shara! Here, use the hookshot on the lever!
Link tosses the hookshot down to Shara. She stands on her plate, and aims carefully, firing it. The hookshot catches the lever and flips it. The massive stone doors open slowly.
RIKAO
Incredible! I never would have thought of that.
LINK
Yeah, it was genius, blah blah… Now how do I get down from here?!
SHARA
I have one idea…
Shara aims the hookshot at Link and fires it. The blade catches Link’s tunic and yanks him down… right on top of Shara. They tumble to the ground, Link landing on top of her.
LINK
ARE YOU INSANE?! You could have killed me!
SHARA
I knew what I was doing…
LINK
I’m sure you did. Next time a little warning might be in order!
SHARA
I’ll be sure to do that…
There’s an awkward silence as they stare into each other’s eyes, Link still laying on top of her. It’s then that they both notice Rikao standing and looking at them with an eyebrow raised. Link hurriedly climbs off Shara, blushing and helps her to her feet.
LINK
How’d you get down?
RIKAO
I simply dived into the water there. Risky? Yes, but safer than getting shot with that…
SHARA
Ahem… Um… Let’s get going.
Link, Shara, and Rikao walk through the door.
INT. MORPHA’S ROOM – DAY.
The trio enters a large room. There is a raised path, leading to a wide, circular platform. Around the path and the platform is a deep pool of clear liquid. In the center of the platform is a pedestal, on top of which is a glowing blue gemstone.
The three adventurers walk across the path towards the pedestal.
SHARA
Hey, there it is! That was easy!
RIKAO
I wish you wouldn’t say that. It’s bad luck…
Link leans down and peers down into the liquid. He pokes a finger into it and recoils in disgust. The fluid is gooey and drips from his finger. He wipes it off on his pants.
LINK
Eeeyuck! Th-That’s NOT water.
RIKAO
I could sense THAT before we even entered the room.
LINK
What is it?
RIKAO
Not a clue, but I doubt it’s good.
Shara runs up to the blue gemstone, NAYRU’S SAPPHIRE. She suddenly notices a shadow moving under the goo…
SHARA
YEEK! I-I saw something! In there!
LINK
What was it?
SHARA
I don’t know!
RIKAO
I seem to recall a legend of a creature that could control the very waters themselves… It was called Morpha.
The liquid suddenly moves, sprouting tentacles. They reach out for the three. Link draws his sword and cuts the tentacle after him, while Rikao uses his fins to do the same. Shara scrambles out of the way, using her dagger to fend off one. As soon as the tentacles are cut, more spring from the liquid, and the fluid rises up over the path out of the room.
LINK
Great. No retreat.
SHARA
Oh, GROSS!
An eye rises up in one of the tentacles, blinking at them, and then sinks back down into the water. More attack the heroes, and they fight them off.
RIKAO
We’re wasting time! Morpha can’t be harmed!
SHARA
EW EW EW EW EW EW EW!!!
LINK
YAHH! There’s gotta be some way to kill this thing!
A tendril wraps around Rikao’s ankle and drags him under the water! Link shouts his name, while Shara yelps in surprise! The eye rises up in another tentacle, glaring at the two Hylians.
LINK
I’ve got an idea. Give me the hookshot!
Shara hands Link the hookshot. Link continues slashing at the tentacles… Until the eye surfaces again. Link takes aim and fires the hookshot at the eye. The hookshot nabs the eye and drags it out of the tentacle onto the platform. Link stabs it hard with his sword. There is a screeching sound, and the tentacles disintegrate. The eye melts into a puddle of liquid. Rikao climbs out of the liquid back onto the platform, panting and shaking.
LINK
Rikao! You okay?!
RIKAO
That was… interesting. Unpleasant… but interesting…
SHARA
Can we PLEASE grab the stone and get out of here?!
Link walks up to the pedestal and grabs Nayru’s Sapphire. He holds it in the palm of his hand as it glows a deep blue, before placing it in his bag.
LINK
One down, three to go.
EXT. LAKE HYLIA – EVENING
The sun is setting over the lake as Link and Shara climb out of the waters, removing the Silver Scales from their ears. They look back, and to their surprise, Rikao is there, leading two horses.
LINK
Rikao? What are you doing?
RIKAO
What does it look like? I’m coming with you. King Zora’s orders. I’m to remain with Nayru’s Sapphire to guarantee its safety.
SHARA
YAY! A horse of my own!
Shara races up and grabs one of the reins from Rikao’s hand, grinning. Rikao blinks.
RIKAO
Where is your horse, Link?
LINK
Probably grazing somewhere. I’ll call her.
Link pulls out an ocarina from his pack and plays a song on it (EPONA’S SONG from Ocarina of Time). Epona whinnies and gallops up to him. Shara and Rikao stare at Link.
LINK
What? …I SAID she was a smart horse…
EXT. HYRULE FIELD – NIGHT, TRANSITION INTO DAY
Link, Rikao, and Shara ride across Hyrule field towards volcanic mountains in the distance.
LINK (V.O.)
So what do you know about the Goron people?
SHARA (V.O.)
They’re a tribal society that lives in DEATH MOUNTAIN… An active volcano. They’re actually the best metalworkers in Hyrule.
RIKAO (V.O.)
They are an odd society to say the least… They are warriors who abhor bloodshed. Miners who do not care for precious metals or gems.
SHARA (V.O.)
W-Wait… did you say precious metals and gems? As in gold… and RUPEES?!
LINK (V.O)
Oh, you just HAD to get her started…
EXT. DEATH MOUNTAIN, GORON VILLAGE ENTRANCE – DAY
The mountain is dark and dusky, dark stormclouds above. A deep tunnel leads inside the mountain. Link, Shara, and Rikao contemplate heading inside.
RIKAO
This is the entrance to the Goron Village. I suggest we head straight to the Chief… It’s easy to get lost.
LINK
Let’s hope the guards let us in without any problems.
The trio walks into the tunnel. They soon come to a large wooden door, guarded by two Goron. They are taller than the two Hylians and the Zora, over seven feet tall. They have brownish fur, marked with stone-like protrusions down their back, and large blue eyes. They have white-gray hair styled in different manners.
GORON #1
Hold it right there. What brings Hylians and a Zora to Goron Village?
LINK
Our business is with your chief. We’re emissaries of King Hyrule… and King Zora.
GORON #2
Yeah, sure. I believe that.
SHARA
What’s the deal? I thought the Goron were supposed to be even friendlier than the Zora!
RIKAO
I thought that too.
GORON #1
We were. Until some guy in black started snooping around and asking questions of the chief.
GORON #2
Ever since, we’ve been under orders to lock down the village… for our protection. Especially since Volvagia has been acting up.
SHARA
Who?
GORON #1
Volvagia is a creature living in Death Mountain. It’s normally quite peaceful… until recently…
LINK
Listen, this ring has the Hyrule Royal Seal. We NEED to see the Chief.
GORON #2
Fine. It’s your head on the chopping block. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The Goron open the doors, letting the trio inside.
INT. GORON VILLAGE – DAY
The Goron Village is inside a cave like the Zora’s Domain, but the two couldn’t be more different. It is lit with many torches, burning bright. Goron villagers wander around. Many work on blacksmithing projects, creating sculptures from metal or creating weapons. Others are mining the walls of the village with picks and hammers.
Link, Shara, and Rikao are greeted rather cordially by passerby as they come down to the bottom level of the village and open the door to the GORON CHIEF’S ROOM.
INT. GORON CHIEF’S ROOM – DAY
The Chief’s Room is decorated lavishly, with golden statues, a fire pit, and red carpet. CHIEF CORVON sits in a stone chair. He is an older Goron, but not elderly, with a long mane of gray hair, and a jeweled helm on his head. Beside him stands DARNIAN, a younger Goron with tribal tattoos, with a long and spiky style of hair. Corvon looks mildly unhappy to see the Hylians and the Zora. Darnian looks downright grumpy at the sight of them.
CHIEF CORVON
Who are you? I thought I told the guards to shut the village!
LINK
Sir, we come as emissaries of King Hyrule and King Zora. The King needs us to get DIN’S RUBY.
DARNIAN
WHAT?!! HOW DARE YOU ASK THAT?!
CHIEF CORVON
Darnian, calm down. You have courage to ask something like that so boldly. I respect courage. …But I’m not going to just GIVE you the Ruby just because you asked for it.
LINK
Here, sir… We have Nayru’s Sapphire too.
Link pulls out the Sapphire and holds it up to let the chief see. Darnian growls in anger, while Corvon simply regards it with interest.
LINK
The King of Hyrule wishes to gather the gemstones for their safety.
CHIEF CORVON
Hrmph. You might be telling the truth or not. If your cause is truly just, then the Goddesses will grant you their favor in a trial by combat.
LINK
…Pardon, sir?
RIKAO
I told you, Link, they are a people of warriors. I think he wants you to win their respect in combat.
LINK
Um… But… I don’t wanna fight!
DARNIAN
Then I’ll crush you like brittle stone. I request to be your champion, Chief Corvon.
CHIEF CORVON
Very well. The trial will begin immediately.
LINK
Wait, what?!
SHARA
Great! Link’s gonna beat that guy until he doesn’t know his head from his feet, and then you’re gonna give us the Ruby!
LINK
Whoa, whoa! Two things! First, what did I tell you about mouthing off to the rulers of nations?! Second, what are you doing?! Do you WANT to anger the big rock-guy?!
CHIEF CORVON
HA HA HA!!! I LIKE this woman. She has a heart of stone and fire!
INT. GORON FIGHTING RING – DAY
Link stands on one side of a dirt fighting ring, talking to Rikao and Shara. On the other side, Darnian is preening to the crowd of Goron that surround them.
LINK
What have I gotten myself into?!
RIKAO
Relax, Link. You’re going to win… and easily too.
LINK
With no weapons?!!
RIKAO
Yes. Goron are weak at the knees, feet, and their stomachs. That’s all you need to know. I know you’ll beat Darnian easily.
LINK
If it’s so easy, why don’t YOU do it?!
SHARA
Because it’s more amusing to watch you scramble around in a panic.
RIKAO
…Actually, yeah, that’s exactly the reason.
LINK
Great. Some friends you are.
CHIEF CORVON
Is the Hylian ready?!
LINK
No, but let’s do it anyway.
CHIEF CORVON
Then let the match begin!
DARNIAN
I’m going to enjoy pounding you into the stone.
LINK
Only if you can get your hands on me first!
Link and Darnian begin to circle each other. Darnian is a being of brute strength, forcing Link to use his natural speed to dodge his punches and attacks. After a few scuffles, in which Link manages to get away with nothing more than a few glancing blows, Link finally starts to get a feel for the fight. He kicks out, his heavy boot impacting Darnian’s shin. Darnian grunts as his foot slips out from under him, dropping him to his knees. Seeing his success, Link kicks out Darnian’s other leg. Darnian rolls onto his back to try to defend himself, but Link drops on top of him, punching his stomach repeatedly. Darnian grunts in pain.
CHIEF CORVON
That’s enough. The Hylian has proven himself.
LINK
(PANTING)
Oh, thank the Goddesses.
Shara and Rikao cheer Link along with the Goron. Link walks up to Darnian and extends his hand. Darnian takes it and Link helps him to his feet.
DARNIAN
Hrmph. You don’t look like much, but you fight like the greatest Goron heroes.
LINK
Th-Thanks.
CHIEF CORVON
The Goddesses seem to have given you their blessing. But I cannot give you Din’s Ruby.
SHARA
WHAT?! But you said…!
CHIEF CORVON
I cannot give it, because I do not have it. It is in the DEATH MOUNTAIN CRATER, protected by VOLVAGIA… You Hylians would call him… a dragon.
SHARA
Great. So let me guess. We have to go in and slay the dragon in order to get the Ruby.
CHIEF CORVON
That sums it up nicely. But what I CAN give you are two gifts. First, a GORON TUNIC, which will protect you from the heat to some extent. Second, one of the greatest weapons ever wielded by a Goron hero… The MEGATON HAMMER…
The chief hands Link a red tunic, similar to the one he is wearing, complete with a long, pointed cap. Link puts it in his pack. The chief then hands Link a large and ornate silver mallet, decorated with beautiful designs. Link yelps and struggles to carry it because of its weight.
DARNIAN
I’ll go with you into the Crater. I wish to see more of your skill.
LINK
Thanks.
CHIEF CORVON
You may go with the Goron people’s well-wishes.
LINK
Thank you, sir.
EXT. DEATH MOUNTAIN CRATER – DUSK
Night is falling, but the area is well-lit because of the glow of lava. It is a large crater with a deep pool of lava in the center. There is a stone bridge leading across the pool to the center, where DIN’S RUBY sits.
Link is dressed in the GORON TUNIC, and Darnian is carrying the MEGATON HAMMER. Shara is in a Goron Tunic of her own. Rikao, however, does not look all that well.
LINK
This is the place. I don’t see a dragon, though.
DARNIAN
Volvagia is probably under the lava, resting.
RIKAO
Link, my friend… I do not think I can go with you. We Zora are highly sensitive to heat… and I think I have reached my limit. If I were to go with you, I do not think I would come back.
LINK
It’s okay, Rikao. We’ll handle it.
SHARA
Stay here. We’ll be back soon… I hope.
Link, Shara, and Darnian travel down the crater-side onto the bridge, walking VERY carefully to avoid falling into the lava.
SHARA
Why did they feel the need to put the darn Gemstones in the most remote places, protected by hideous monsters?!
LINK
You just answered yourself. No better place to keep a treasure than somewhere no one can get to it.
They stand on the platform with Din’s Ruby… and a low rumbling begins to shake the crater.
SHARA
Just our luck! The volcano’s erupting with us in it.
DARNIAN
No, this is no eruption. This is… Volvagia…
As he says the name, a massive, long dragon neck emerges from the lava pool. The dragon’s very skin is on fire as it turns to look at them. VOLVAGIA roars, and sends a stream of flame at the three heroes. They scatter as the dragon begins to circle the platform. It leans in to bite at Link. Link dodges aside and pulls out his sword, attempting to cut off its head…
But the blade melts on contact with Volvagia’s skin.
LINK
NO! Uncle’s sword!
DARNIAN
You can’t harm Volvagia like that!
SHARA
And Link’s arrows would burst into flame before they struck! How do we kill this thing?!
LINK
Give me the Megaton Hammer. I’m gonna pound this dragon into putty for destroying Uncle’s sword!
Darnian hands Link the hammer. Once again, Link seems a little unsteady under its weight, but his determination gives him the strength to wield it.
Volvagia breathes fire at Link, but the hero uses his shield to deflect the flames. Volvagia roars in anger and leans down to bite at him again. Link dive-rolls out of the way and brings the hammer high above his head. He slams it down on Volvagia’s skull. The impact is incredible, creating a shockwave that staggers Darnian and knocks Shara off her feet. Volvagia roars in pain, rearing back, as Link, Shara, and Darnian all stare at the Hammer in disbelief.
LINK
…Okay, now THAT is what I’m talking about!!!
DARNIAN
Din’s fury! The Hammer is even more powerful than I imagined!!!
Link slams Volvagia again as the dragon attacks. The impact makes the dragon’s head fly backwards and slam the wall of the crater. Link grins evilly… Until the dragon rears back and destroys the bridge back to the crater-side.
LINK
GAH! The bridge!!!
DARNIAN
Worry about that later. Volvagia’s attacking again!
LINK
…I’m not strong enough to strike a blow that can kill it. You’ll have to do it.
DARNIAN
All right… Give me the hammer.
Link hands over the Megaton Hammer and looks at Volvagia.
LINK
I’ll act as bait. When it attacks me… finish it.
DARNIAN
Got it.
Link begins running around, calling out to Volvagia to get its attention. Unfortunately, Volvagia seems to have a different target on its mind. It attacks Shara! Link shouts her name, realizing what’s happening. He leaps and tackles her out of the way as Darnian charges forward and slams the Hammer on Volvagia’s skull. The impact shakes the entire crater.
Volvagia lets out a screech and rears back… before exploding into flames, dissolving into a skeleton and sinking back into the lava. The heroes pant for breath.
LINK
Ow ow ow… That wasn’t fun.
SHARA
You know, this is the second time you’re laying on top of me.
LINK
Wh-Whoops!!! S-Sorry…
SHARA
Don’t apologize. You saved my life… Thank you, Link.
They get up and walk over to Din’s Ruby. Link picks up the red gemstone which glows with an inner light. He places it in his pouch with Nayru’s Sapphire.
LINK
All that’s left is Farore’s Emerald.
SHARA
That’s all well and good, but how do we get out of here?
DARNIAN
I can wade through shallow lava, being a Goron… but the two of you…
LINK
I’ve got a plan. Go on ahead. We’ll meet you on the other side.
Darnian shrugs and drops down into the lava and walks across quickly. Link pulls out the Hookshot.
SHARA
The Hookshot? There’s nothing to grapple to!
LINK
Not yet. Gimme a sec.
Link pulls out the ocarina and plays Epona’s Song. A moment later, Epona gallops down and stands on the shore of the lava pool. Link grins.
LINK
Epona! Stay there, don’t move! Hang onto me, Shara.
Shara grabs onto Link. Link fires the Hookshot and nabs onto the saddle. The Hookshot reels in, yanking them clear across the lava, and to Epona. Epona whinnies disapprovingly at Link.
LINK
Sorry, Epona. It was the only way to get across the lava.
Epona whinnies again, turning away. Link shrugs and turns to Shara.
LINK
…Um… I think she’s mad at me.
Darnian suddenly trudges up the shore of the volcano, lava dripping from his fur. He shakes himself like a dog, sending splatters of molten rock about.
DARNIAN
Ugh. That was a nice bath, but I wouldn’t want to do that every day.
LINK
You okay?
DARNIAN
Fine. We got the Ruby, so let’s get out of here.
Link, Shara, and Darnian walk up the crater to meet Rikao.
RIKAO
I was watching. That was close there… But nicely done.
LINK
Thanks. Next stop, Hyrule Forest.
DARNIAN
I’m coming with you guys. You are a great warrior, Link. I have a feeling I can learn much from you.
LINK
Um… I dunno what I have to teach you, but you’re welcome to tag along…
Darnian laughs and slaps Link along the back, the impact knocking him to the ground.
DARNIAN
And modest too! I KNEW I liked you!
EXT. HYRULE FIELD – NIGHT
Link, Shara, and Rikao ride horseback towards a vast forest in the distance. Link and Shara have changed back into their GREEN TUNIC and their leathers respectively. Darnian, being too heavy to fit on a horse, has curled into a ball like a hedgehog and is rolling alongside them.
LINK (V.O.)
Okay. Hyrule Forest? What do we know about it?
SHARA (V.O.)
Perfect place to hide from the law. Miles upon miles of trees so deep that some places haven’t seen the sun in centuries.
RIKAO (V.O.)
There are many secrets in this forest… Treasures and ruins… and monsters.
DARNIAN (V.O.)
We will need to mark our path. Many who enter the forest never return… simply because they get lost and never find their way out.
EXT. HYRULE FOREST – LATE MORNING
The forest is massive. The pines are wet with dew as sunlight filters in through the leaves and needles of the trees. Link, Shara, Rikao, and Darnian travel on foot, the first three leading their horses by the reins.
LINK
How long have we been walking?
SHARA
Two days… at least.
LINK
Hold it… Monsters.
Link pulls his bow from his shoulder, drawing an arrow. Several DEKU BABA, plant monsters comprised of a large bulb with a fanged mouth and a vine with razor-sharp leaves, slither out of the forest at the party. Link fires an arrow, piercing one of the Deku Baba, killing it. Shara slashes at another with her daggers, while Rikao takes down another with a vicious kick, followed up by a fin-slash. Darnian simply stomps on one, killing it. Before Link can string another arrow, a Deku Baba attacks him. He recoils away from it, before one of Shara’s daggers flashes out of nowhere, impaling it.
LINK
Guh… Thanks. I woulda been dead. Deku Baba are poisonous.
SHARA
Now you owe ME.
LINK
If I had a sword, that wouldn’t have happened. I’ll need to buy one in Hyrule Castle Town…
EXT. HYRULE FOREST – NIGHT
The party is camped out around a campfire. Darnian is curled up in a ball, snoring, while Rikao reclines against a tree. Shara is in a little bed of fallen leaves, fast asleep. Link sits and stares at the hilt of his Uncle’s sword, sighing. He glances at Shara and smiles softly. The boy stands up and begins to walk into the forest, sighing heavily. He blinks as he sees a glow in the distance.
EXT. HYRULE FOREST, MASTER SWORD CLEARING – NIGHT
Link walks into a clearing. In the center of the clearing is the STONE PEDESTAL with the MASTER SWORD stuck in it. Link blinks in surprise and walks up to it slowly, examining it.
LINK
…No way… It can’t be…
Link runs a fingertip over the hilt, tracing the Triforce on the blade.
SHARA (O.S.)
Is that… The Master Sword?
Link turns and looks to see that Shara has followed him. He nods a little, turning back to the blade.
LINK
I think it is… I can’t believe it’s real. The night before he died… My uncle told me the story of the Master Sword.
SHARA
Try pulling it out.
LINK
Wh-Who, me?! N-No… I’m not worthy of it…
SHARA
Yes… You are. Do you know what the three triangles of the Triforce stand for?
Shara points at each of the triangles on the sword in turn, the top, then the lower-right, then lower-left as she talks.
SHARA (CONT’D)
The Triforce of Power… The Triforce of Wisdom… The Triforce of Courage… You’re the strongest fighter I’ve ever seen. You were wise enough to solve all of those puzzles… And you are the bravest person I know… Link… I KNOW you are worthy of the Master Sword.
She turns to Link and stares into his eyes. There is silence for a moment. Then she leans in and kisses him gently. Link blinks in surprise, but gently holds her close as he returns the kiss. As they part, Link turns and places his hands on the hilt of the Master Sword. He tugs hard, and a bright light shines from the pedestal and the sword as the blade slowly slides free. Link holds the blade high as moonlight filters in through the canopy, illuminating him.
LINK
It’s… weird… It feels like… I’ve held this before. It feels right…
SHARA
I told you.
LINK
Yes, you did. C’mon. Let’s get back to camp.
SHARA
Do we have to?
LINK
Well… Maybe we can stay for a few minutes…
EXT. HYRULE FOREST – MORNING
The campfire has burned out as Link and Shara walk back to the camp. Darnian and Rikao are awake and waiting for them. Rikao looks amused, while Darnian is grumpy.
RIKAO
And where have the two of you been?
DARNIAN
You shouldn’t have wandered off… It’s not safe at night here.
LINK
(Obviously trying to change the subject)
Ummm… Uh… Hey, look what I found in the clearing!
Link draws the Master Sword from the sheath across his back. Rikao and Darnian gasp in surprise.
RIKAO
It can’t be… The Sword of Evil’s Bane!
DARNIAN
Where did you find that?!
SHARA
In a clearing a little ways off. Link pulled it from the stone; there was a bright light and sparkles. It was amazing!
RIKAO
And what were you DOING in that clearing?
LINK
(Desperately trying to change the subject again)
Uh, yeah, so I have a sword again. Where’s the FOREST TEMPLE again? Right, that way! Let’s get going!
DARNIAN
The Master Sword. I KNEW I was in the presence of a great warrior…
RIKAO
We’re in the presence of a great SOMETHING all right…
EXT. FOREST TEMPLE ENTRANCE – DAY
The FOREST TEMPLE is a large stone structure in ruins. Vines grow all over the stone building, and rubble is strewn across the ground. There are large crystals placed on platforms high above the ground. The temple doors are shut tight.
Link, Shara, Darnian, and Rikao walk into the entrance area, looking around curiously.
LINK
Great. Those doors are shut tight. I doubt even you could open them, Darnian.
DARNIAN
We’ll see about THAT.
RIKAO
Link, it’s never smart to challenge a Goron. Even casually.
Darnian walks up to the doors and tries to push them open. They don’t budge. He pushes harder and harder, finally throwing a punch… and yelps in pain, shaking his hand. Link and the others watch in amusement.
LINK
Um… Darnian?
DARNIAN
I’ll get it! Just give me a minute!
RIKAO
I told you.
SHARA
Let’s see about finding another way in…
While Darnian continues to push and pummel the doors (even using the Megaton Hammer to no effect in the background), Link and the others search the clearing. Link peers up at the crystals.
LINK
What are those big crystals?
SHARA
Oh, hey! Those are impact crystals… They’re kind of like switches. You hit them hard enough, they light up. They’re pretty rare. This is only the third time I’ve ever seen them.
LINK
Hrm… I think I have an idea.
Link pulls out the Hookshot and aims at an outcropping on the temple. It impacts the rock and begins to pull Link up… But the outcropping crumbles suddenly and Link plummets to the ground with a painful thud.
LINK
Owwwwww!!! Th-That was OW there!!!
SHARA
Link, are you okay?!
LINK
I’m fine… Nothing a chiropractor can’t fix. Hang on a second. Darnian, give me the Megaton Hammer.
Darnian hands Link the Hammer and goes back to trying to force open the doors. Link lifts the hammer and slams the wall of the temple. Debris and rubble falls off the sides of the temple, which Link deftly evades. He hands the Hammer back to Darnian, and pulls out the Hookshot again, firing it at the outcropping again. This time, he’s lifted right up to it.
RIKAO
Oh ho! He used the Hammer to clear the loose and crumbling debris, then used the Hookshot. Smart!
Link climbs up onto the outcropping and pulls his bow off his shoulders. He takes careful aim and fires an arrow at one of the crystals. It lights up with a golden glow. A bit of rubble suddenly shifts, moving aside to reveal a chest. Link blinks, and aims at the other crystal, firing another arrow. The second crystal glows, and the temple doors open. Darnian falls flat on his face in surprise. Link leaps to a tree branch and shimmies down the tree.
DARNIAN
Hey! I did it! Told you I would!
RIKAO
Yes, that was an impressive feat of strength.
Link walks over to the chest and opens it. Inside is the GALE BOOMERANG, an ornate throwing blade of gold and silver.
SHARA
A boomerang?
LINK
Never seen one like this before. I used to play with them when I was a kid. I was pretty good.
Link tosses the boomerang with a flick of the wrist. It flies across the clearing and suddenly erupts into a vortex of wind! It travels in a perfect arc, returning to Link’s hand, leaving all four heroes staring at it in disbelief.
SHARA
No way! It’s… The Gale Boomerang!
RIKAO
The what? I’ve never heard of that.
SHARA
Legend tells about how a young boy wished to save his village from a plague of insects that were devastating their crops. He prayed to Farore, and she empowered his toy boomerang with the power of the winds. He destroyed the hives and saved the village.
LINK
Just how many legendary weapons am I gonna end up lugging around?! Well, let’s just head inside. No time to waste.
INT. FOREST TEMPLE, TORCH ROOM – DAY
The heroes walk into a circular room. Steel bars block the exit to the room. There are ten torches set up in a semi-circle around the room. As soon as the four heroes walk into the room, bars slam down on the entrance to the room, locking them inside.
LINK
…Okay, that’s not good.
SHARA
Great. How do we get out?
RIKAO
Let’s take a look around…
Link and the party look around the room curiously. Shara peers at the torches.
SHARA
Huh. Thought so. There are switches in the torches.
LINK
How did you figure THAT out?
SHARA
…I’m a thief. A GREAT thief.
LINK
Ah… Right. So what do we do?
SHARA
I’d say we have to find a way to put all of the torches out at once. If we don’t, they’ll just relight.
DARNIAN
And how are we supposed to do THAT?!
SHARA
…Not a clue.
LINK
Maybe not such a great thief after all. Stand aside. There’s a REASON they left the Gale Boomerang there…
Link backs up, takes careful aim and tosses the Gale Boomerang. Again, it erupts into a small tornado, as it flies in a perfect arc. It passes over each of the torches, and the wind blows out the flames. All ten go out and the Gale Boomerang returns to Link’s hand. The steel bars on the entrance and exit lift up.
LINK
See, that was easy.
Link and the party move on to the next room.
INT. FOREST TEMPLE, INNER CHAMBER – DAY
Link and company enter the next room, looking around. The floor of the room is covered in bones, rusty steel swords and shields. FARORE’S EMERALD, a large, fist-sized glowing green gemstone sits on a pedestal in the middle.
SHARA
…Okay, THIS bodes well for us.
LINK
What could have killed all these people?
RIKAO
(Examining a few bones)
…I don’t think they are… were… people. I don’t recognize the species these bones came from.
SHARA
Can we just grab Farore’s Emerald and get OUT of here? I’m really creeped out…
Link walks up and picks up the Emerald. A large CLANG sounds as steel bars block the exit.
DARNIAN
OH COME ON!!! Not again!!!
Suddenly, the bones begin to move, trembling. They rise into the air, assembling themselves into feral-looking humanoid skeletons, wielding the swords, shields, and spears.
RIKAO
Oh, no! I should have known! Stalfos!
The STALFOS begin to attack the heroes. Rikao slashes with his fins, dodging spears and swords. Shara blocks attacks with her daggers, using her near-superhuman agility to dodge attacks from all angles. Link blocks with his shield, grunting at the impact of a sword.
DARNIAN
Hrmph! No wimpy boneheads are going to stop me!
Darnian punches a Stalfos, sending it flying across the room. It impacts the wall and collapses into a pile of bones… then reanimates and reassembles itself.
RIKAO
You can’t harm them that way! Even if you pulverized them to dust, they’d be able to reassemble!
SHARA
…Then we’re completely, utterly boned!
The others groan at the terrible pun. A Stalfos approaches Rikao from behind, and the Zora does not notice. Link calls Rikao’s name as he dashes forward, drawing the Master Sword. He swings at the Stalfos. As soon as the blade cuts clean through the skeleton, there is a burst of light and it explodes into dust!
RIKAO
Good goddesses! That IS the Blade of Evil’s Bane! The Master Sword!
LINK
Oh, THIS is going to be fun. Everyone watch my back, I’ll take care of this.
Link begins to slash and cut his way through the Stalfos in a masterful and beautiful display of swordsmanship, blocking attacks with his shield and reducing the skeletons to dust with the blade. He whirls and slashes, cutting a path through the Stalfos. He slashes downward and releases a crescent-shaped wave of light that kills every monster in its path. Soon after, he whips the blade around in a SPIN-SLASH, unleashing a shockwave of light that vaporizes dozens of the Stalfos.
The remaining Stalfos begin to gather together, combining into a GRAND STALFOS. The giant skeleton towers over Link and his friends.
LINK
Um… I don’t think the Master Sword is going to be enough.
SHARA
How in Hyrule do we kill THAT thing?!
The Grand Stalfos ROARS and swings a massive arm at Link. The Hylian is unable to dodge aside, and gets slammed, flung across the room, where he hits the ground hard. Shara cries his name, but Link lays unconscious. She runs over and tries to wake him up.
SHARA
Link, wake up! Come ON!
Shara tries to pick up the Master Sword, but a jolt of electricity sparks around the hilt, forcing her to drop it, yelping in pain! Link groans weakly, beginning to stir.
RIKAO
Don’t worry about him! He’ll be fine. Grab the Gale Boomerang and toss me the Hookshot!
Shara does as he says, pulling the Gale Boomerang and Hookshot from Link’s belt, tossing the grappling device to the Zora.
RIKAO
Darnian, knock him off balance with the Megaton Hammer! When he does, Shara, hit it with the Boomerang!
Darnian lifts the hammer and slams it down, creating a shockwave that staggers the giant skeleton.
RIKAO
Shara, NOW!
Shara tosses the Gale Boomerang, unleashing a tornado that slams into the creature’s chest. Rikao gets behind the Grand Stalfos and uses the Hookshot, catching its spinal cord. Between the tornado and the Hookshot, they knock the giant creature to the ground.
SHARA
Great, it’s down, but NOW WHAT?! We can’t kill it!
LINK (O.C.)
You can’t. I can!
Link runs past Shara, leaping high into the air. He brings the Master Sword down, impaling the Grand Stalfos’ skull. There is a bright flash of light, and the skeleton explodes into dust… leaving the heroes hacking and coughing.
SHARA
Ack! G-Goddesses, Link! You think you could have killed that thing WITHOUT ruining our lungs?!
LINK
H-How was I supposed to know it was going to explode like that?!
SHARA
A little warning next time, maybe?!
RIKAO
…Um, if the two of you can put off the bickering for a bit? We DO have places to be…
Jolted back to reality, Link walks over to the pedestal and picks up FARORE’S EMERALD, and holds it high. As soon as he picks up the gemstone, the steel bars on the entrance lift up.
LINK
That’s it. We got them all! Next stop, Hyrule Castle!
EXT. HYRULE FIELD – DAY
Link, Shara, and Rikao ride horseback across Hyrule Field while Darnian rolls beside them.
LINK (V.O.)
So what do you think King Hyrule is going to do with the Goddess Gemstones?
SHARA (V.O.)
I don’t know. I’m sure he has SOME sort of plan. The question is if that plan will work.
RIKAO (V.O)
What I want to know is how a run-of-the-mill criminal like Ganondorf managed to find out about the Goddess Gemstones and the Triforce… No offence, Shara.
SHARA (V.O.)
None taken, you big jerk.
DARNIAN (V.O.)
The bigger mystery is how he managed to unite the Gerudo, the Moblin, and monsters… That’s unnatural.
LINK (V.O.)
I’m sure we’ll find out eventually.
EXT. OUTSIDE HYRULE CASTLE TOWN – DAY
The four heroes ride up to a hill overlooking Hyrule Castle Town. It’s immediately apparent something is wrong. Smoke rises in thick black plumes from burning buildings. Explosions and distant screams echo from the city walls, many of which are crumbling and broken. The drawbridge has been smashed open.
LINK
Wh-What happened here?!
RIKAO
Ganondorf. It has to be. But to breach those gates, his force has to be immense…
DARNIAN
…or his magic is unstoppable.
SHARA
What do we do? Should we take the Gemstones to safety?
RIKAO
What safety? If Hyrule Castle falls, then there’s nowhere in the entire realm of Hyrule that’s safe.
LINK
Rikao is right. Besides, we have a mission. Let’s get the Gemstones to King Hyrule, and help out where we can!
The party rides down the hill and over the broken drawbridge into Hyrule Castle Town.
EXT. HYRULE CASTLE TOWN – DAY
The air is dark with soot and ashes, and screams of terror and pain echo through the streets. GERUDO BANDITS run wild, sacking and pillaging. MOBLINS stomp down the streets, killing anyone who crosses their paths. MONSTERS of varying sorts (all from classic Zelda games) roam the streets, massacring innocent people.
A family tries to run away from a Moblin who is bearing down on them. The youngest child trips. The mother drops down and shields the child with her body as the Moblin raises its spear.
An arrow flies out of nowhere, piercing its chest, knocking it back. It looks up to see Link holding his bow. Darnian kneels down and picks up the mother and child, taking them to the rest of the family, Shara helping. Rikao charges the Moblin, slashing at it with his fins and pummeling it with martial-arts punches and kicks. He whips around and beheads the Moblin with his fin.
LINK
This is… horrible… How could anyone let this happen…?
RIKAO
There is no WHY when it comes to evil, Link. All we can do is try to stop it.
Shara runs up, Darnian in tow.
SHARA
We made sure the family was safe. A couple of guards are escorting them out. I gave them some rupees to help.
LINK
YOU gave THEM money?! You? Little miss greedy?!
SHARA
…What? I can be selfless… When I want to… or HAVE to…
Link and the party run down the city streets, killing Gerudo, Moblins, and monsters as they try to make their way to the castle gates. They come to a crossroads, and a voice calls out to them.
ZELDA (O.C)
Link! Over here!
Zelda beckons the heroes from a back alley. Link and the rest run over to her. Zelda is dressed very differently than the last time they saw her. Her clothing is more utilitarian, although still elegant, a dress made for battle. She wields a long, but light sword and her long blond hair is tied back. It is clear that she is no average Princess.
LINK
Y-Your majesty… Is that you?!
ZELDA
I think considering the circumstances, we can drop the formalities. “Princess” or “Zelda” will do.
LINK
What are you doing here?
ZELDA
Doing my part to protect my people. My father is commanding the soldiers from inside the castle, but I could not sit idly by. I prayed to the Goddesses I would run into you. Do you have the Gemstones?
LINK
Yes, I do.
ZELDA
I wish there was time for introductions to your new companions, but we must move quickly. Link, I will take you to the Temple of Time. With the Triforce, we can save Hyrule.
LINK
Right. Guys, I hate to say this, but I think it’d be better if all of you stayed behind. We can move faster with just the two of us. Help out any one you can find.
RIKAO
Of course. May the waters always flow towards your path!
Rikao runs off. Darnian grumbles.
DARNIAN
Hrmph. Don’t get killed, Link. You owe me a rematch.
Shara looks reluctant to leave Link. She walks up to him.
SHARA
Link… I…
LINK
Shara… We have to go… I’m sorry. We’ll see each other again…
SHARA
…Alright. I don’t care if you’re a Princess or whatever. If you get Link killed, I’ll make you regret it.
Zelda looks taken aback as Shara runs off. Link looks horrified.
LINK
What did I tell you about being rude to ROYALTY?!!
Shara looks back and blows raspberries at him before turning a corner.
ZELDA
…She seems like a bit of a character.
LINK
…That’s ONE way of putting it. Let’s get going.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE OF TIME – DAY
The Temple of Time is a large white building of gothic design, almost resembling a church. Stained glass windows depicting the Triforce and the three Goddesses grace the walls. It seems strangely untouched by the chaos in the rest of the Castle Town. Link and Zelda run up the steps towards the entrance.
LINK
How is this place okay? It looks untouched!
ZELDA
The Temple of Time is a mystical and mysterious place. I can’t claim to understand it myself, but no mere monster or Gerudo could breach its magical aura. …Is that REALLY the Master Sword?
LINK
Um, I’m pretty sure it is. I found it in Hyrule Forest, stuck in a pedestal.
ZELDA
I knew you were special the moment I saw you.
LINK
…My uncle told me that the night before he died.
ZELDA
He was right.
INT. THE TEMPLE OF TIME – DAY
The inside of the Temple of Time is large and spacious. The floor is engraved with gold and silver, the stone made of pure white stone. It is a beautiful place. There is a large circular pedestal in the center of the room, with three holes, obviously for the Goddess Gemstones. Link and Zelda run into the room.
ZELDA
We must place the Goddess Gemstones into the pedestal. That will open the path to the Triforce.
LINK
Right. I’ll get them out.
Link pulls out DIN’S RUBY and sets it in the pedestal with a CLICK. NAYRU’S SAPPHIRE follows suit. Before Link can place FARORE’S EMERALD, a loud BANG echoes through the room as the DOORS to the Temple of Time fly open.
GANONDORF walks in. He is a Gerudo man with olive-green skin and red eyes, a mane of crimson hair, and a distinctive long, curved nose. He is tall, almost seven feet, wearing a black cape that is embroidered with arcane designs, as well as leather armor. When he speaks, his voice is a low rumble.
GANONDORF
Well, well, well. I should have known the two of you would be here. It has been a long time since we last met.
ZELDA
Y-You! You’re… GANONDORF.
LINK
Ganondorf?! THAT’S him? And what are you talking about?! We’ve never met!
GANONDORF
Hrmph. Of course you wouldn’t remember. Oh well. That makes this less dramatic, but more fun. Yes, I am Ganondorf. No need to introduce yourselves, Princess Zelda, Link.
ZELDA
What do you want?
GANONDORF
Nothing and everything all at once, my dear Princess. I want the Triforce and I want the two of you dead. I have been waiting lifetimes for both.
LINK
What are you talking about?! What did I ever do to you?!
GANONDORF
It wasn’t YOU… not exactly. I must be sounding awfully cryptic, but I don’t feel like revealing anything… not just yet. Now, why don’t you place that last Gemstone, so I can claim my destiny…
LINK
How about I beat you bloody and lifeless and end this right here, right now!
Link draws the Master Sword and his shield and charges Ganondorf. Ganondorf laughs and manifests a large, black blade from thin air, easily blocking Link’s slash and pushing the young man back. Link yells a battlecry as he attacks, slashing, cutting, and thrusting. It’s immediately apparent that Ganondorf is just as skilled, if not much more so than Link. Zelda stands aside, not helplessly, but simply waiting for an opportunity to help Link.
Link lashes out with a kick, aiming for Ganondorf’s face. The evil man catches his boot with his hand, and with inhuman strength, lifts Link up and tosses him across the room. The Master Sword clatters aside as Link hits the floor hard. Zelda charges Ganondorf, proving to be a skilled swordswoman on her own (although not quite in Link’s caliber), but Ganondorf is simply superior, overpowering her after a moment, disarming her, and punching her to the floor.
GANONDORF
Don’t be stupid, Princess. If you’ve never beaten me before, you won’t do it now. Link is the only one to have ever beaten me.
LINK
Wh-What are you TALKING about? Are you insane? We’ve NEVER MET!!!
GANONDORF
I’ve never met YOU in particular, but we have met, Link… I’m still not going to tell you a thing. You will have to EARN the truth.
Link growls and leaps up from the ground, charging Ganondorf, snatching the Master Sword off the ground. He leaps into the air and brings the blade down at Ganondorf’s face… but is stopped in mid-air, caught in a magical grip!
GANONDORF
The Master Sword. I remember it well. You and that sword have been quite annoying. Now… Let’s finish this.
Ganondorf holds out his hand and FARORE’S EMERALD floats out of Link’s bag into his hand. Ganondorf places the Emerald in the pedestal with the other stones. There is a CLICK… then a RUMBLE…
The back wall of the Temple of Time, suddenly dissolves into a vortex, leading into a long tunnel of light. Ganondorf laughs triumphantly.
GANONDORF
HA HA HA!!! There it is! The path to the Triforce! It’s all mine!!!
He suddenly notices that Zelda has gone missing. He looks up to see Zelda running as fast as she can towards the vortex.
GANONDORF
WHAT?! Get BACK here!!!
LINK
Y-You didn’t honestly expect her to WAIT for you to finish gloating… did you?
Ganondorf tosses Link aside and runs after Zelda. Link manages to climb to his feet and runs after them both. They race into the vortex.
Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf race down the tunnel as fast as they can possibly run, and they are neck and neck. Up ahead of them, a golden light glows. The TRIFORCE hovers ahead, three glowing triangles of light. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf all reach for it…
And all three lay hands on it at the same time. There is a massive flash of light and a detonation, sending all three flying.
The three find themselves back in the Temple of Time. Link looks down at the back of his left hand. A glowing Triforce symbol glows there, the lower-left triangle filled in, the others in outline. Zelda looks down at her right hand, and the lower-right triangle is filled in.
GANONDORF
Damn you… It’s happened again! The Triforce has split into three because we all reached it at the same time!
LINK
It… did?
ZELDA
Yes. If more than one person tries to obtain the Triforce, it splits its power between them. I have the Triforce of Wisdom. You have the Triforce of Courage.
GANONDORF
And I have the Triforce of POWER.
Ganondorf points a hand at Zelda, and she lets out a gasp as she is suddenly encased in crystal. Link calls out her name!
GANONDORF
If you want to save the Princess and the Kingdom, you’d better hurry… I can’t guarantee how long she’ll live inside there…
LINK
GANONDORF!!!
The evil man waves his hand. There is a massive flash of light, blinding Link. When his vision returns, Ganondorf and Zelda have vanished.
LINK
Guh… Zelda…
EXT. HYRULE CASTLE TOWN
Link races down the steps from the Temple of Time, until the ground suddenly begins to shake. He looks up at Hyrule Castle…
Only to see the Castle explode as a massive tower made of obsidian erupts from the ground beneath. The Castle crumbles to pieces as the tower rises high into the air, casting a shadow over Hyrule Castle Town. People scream in terror as Link stares determinedly at the tower.
LINK
…Ganondorf…
SHARA (O.C.)
LINK!
Shara, Rikao, and Darnian rush up to Link, panting and gasping.
DARNIAN
What happened? What’s going on?!
LINK
Ganondorf showed up. He got a piece of the Triforce… and kidnapped Zelda. He’s in that tower.
RIKAO
He has the Triforce?!!
LINK
No… Only a piece of it. The Triforce of Power. Zelda got another piece, the Triforce of Wisdom… and I have the Triforce of Courage.
SHARA
You have a Triforce?! Then why can’t you… I dunno, fly up there and destroy the tower?!
LINK
I don’t think it works that way, Shara. I don’t feel any different. All I know is that we have to move… FAST.
RIKAO
Let’s go. The Princess is waiting… and so is Ganondorf.
EXT. ENTRANCE TO GANON’S TOWER
Link and the party run up to the base of the tower. The gigantic black doors suddenly creak open on their own.
SHARA
…Is it EVER a good thing when the bad guys LET you inside?
LINK
He’s confident he can handle us. He has no reason to not let us in.
DARNIAN
Hrmph. Overconfidence is the downfall of even the greatest warriors. We will have to show him the folly of his ways.
RIKAO
Let’s just get going. The more we talk, the more time we waste.
The party runs inside.
INT. GANON’S TOWER, LOWER FLOORS – DAY
The heroes fight their way up a long and winding staircase, fighting MOBLINS and monsters. They soon come to a doorway and walk into a large hall. A creature that resembles a seven-foot-tall lizard wearing armor stands in their path, hissing maliciously.
LINK
What is THAT?
RIKAO
…A Lizalfos. I thought they were extinct. Legend has it they were some of the most lethal monsters Hyrule has ever known.
SHARA
I’m sure we can take it!
Shara charges forward, her daggers in hand. The Lizalfos gives a snort of contempt and whips a foot out, kicking her clean in the face and sending her flying backward.
LINK
Shara! You all right?!
SHARA
Fine… That thing is FAST.
RIKAO
We don’t have time for this. I’ll take it on. You go on ahead.
LINK
What?! But—
RIKAO
No arguments. Just GO. I’ll catch up later.
DARNIAN
You’d better. I still haven’t had a chance to test my skills against you either.
Link, Shara, and Darnian run past the Lizalfos. It makes to block their path, but Rikao stands in its way, easily matching its superhuman skill and speed.
RIKAO
Sorry, I can’t let you stop us. Let’s make this a good fight.
Rikao and the Lizalfos begin to fight in what looks nothing less than a beautiful and deadly dance. Rikao manages to disarm the Lizalfos of its sword early on, but it comes at him with its claws. Rikao fights with fists, feet, and razor-sharp fins, whirling and slashing.
INT. GANON’S TOWER – UPPER FLOORS – DAY
Link, Shara, and Darnian reach another large hall. A massive statue stands in the middle of the room. They begin to run past it, but the statue suddenly begins to move, standing up and drawing a massive broadsword, swinging it at Link. The young man dives aside at the last second!
LINK
Gah! Does EVERYTHING in this stupid tower try to kill you?!
DARNIAN
It’s an ARMOS statue. They’re ancient magical devices. Your weapons won’t help you against this…
The ARMOS swings its blade at Darnian, and the Goron catches the blade in his hands, twisting hard to knock the statue to the ground.
DARNIAN
…Only raw strength can take it down. I hate to say it, but you need to GO. I’ll stop this thing.
LINK
Darnian…
DARNIAN
Don’t worry. No overgrown suit of armor is going to stop me.
He punctuates that statement by slamming his fists into the Armos’s chest, knocking it backwards. Link and Shara nod, and make a break for it. Darnian grins, obviously having fun as he pummels the Armos with his fists, denting the steel with his fists. He gets slammed by a backhanded blow from the creature, sent flying across the room.
DARNIAN
Ooof! Okay… NOW we’re having fun!
INT. GANON’S TOWER – TWINROVA’S CHAMBER
Link and Shara enter a large chamber decorated with various arcane symbols. A Gerudo woman stands in the middle of the room, smirking maliciously at the two Hylians. She is tall, busty, with long hair styled into dramatic and huge pigtails. One half of her hair is as red as fire, the other half as blue as ice. She wields a spear, the head a crystal of ice, the other end a flaming torch. This is TWINROVA.
TWINROVA
Hm hm hm! I’m impressed you made it this far… but then again, you only did it by sacrificing the beasts.
SHARA
…Okay, who’s the ugly harem reject?
TWINROVA
I’m Twinrova, the priestess of the Gerudo people. But you, my little chickadees, are dead.
SHARA
…Okay, this HARLOT is just ASKING to be handled.
TWINROVA
HARLOT?! You’re one to talk, you little harpie!
LINK
…Um… Uh… I’m… I’m just gonna go on ahead… yeah…
SHARA
That’s probably a good idea. I’m going to teach this dye-job a lesson. I’ll catch up.
TWINROVA
DYE-JOB?!! THAT’S IT!!!
Link runs off, looking back nervously. Shara draws her daggers and twirls them around with a flourish. Twinrova swings her spear. The two women charge each other, clashing. Shara attacks viciously, slashing and whirling, while Twinrova is actually pushed on the defensive. They clash and crash, fighting acrobatically. Twinrova is a masterful fighter, but Shara’s anger pushes the evil woman back.
TWINROVA
Hrmph! You’ve got a LITTLE skill. But how can you defend against THIS?!
Twinrova holds her hand up and manifests a sphere of flame. She tosses the fireball at Shara, who leaps aside desperately as it detonates where she was standing.
SHARA
Okay, so you’re a magic user. Big deal. I’ve seen worse.
TWINROVA
You’ve never seen a magic user like me…
Twinrova tosses several more fireballs, which Shara dodges… Until a barrage of icicles suddenly flies at her! Shara yelps as several of them cut her. The evil Gerudo cackles evilly.
SHARA
Uhn… Okay, this is gonna be a little harder than I thought.
INT. GANON’S TOWER, LOWER FLOORS – DAY
Rikao and the Lizalfos continue to whirl and slash, battling about the hall. Both of them have taken wounds in the tussle. Rikao manages to slash the Lizalfos’ arm, drawing green blood. The lizard leaps almost ten feet backward, staying out of reach and hissing menacingly.
RIKAO
Oh, COME ON! Every time I start winning, you back away! Don’t you know it’s rude to hit and run?!
The Lizalfos hisses angrily, ducking and dodging every attack that Rikao attempts. It gives a series of hissing sounds that is obviously laughter. Rikao growls in annoyance, charging it. The Lizalfos slips to the side and slams Rikao with its spiked tail, piercing his skin and drawing crimson blood. It leaps away as Rikao makes a retaliatory slash with his fin.
RIKAO
Okay, I’ve HAD it with this. I didn’t want to have to use this, but Link gave it to me, just in case…
Rikao pulls out the Hookshot from under his clothing. He charges the Lizalfos again, slashing with his fins. The lizard leaps away, but this time, Rikao is ready. He fires the Hookshot and catches the Lizalfos’ armor, yanking the creature off its feet and towards him. Grinning, Rikao whirls about and slashes with his fins… And the Lizalfos’ head rolls across the ground. Rikao sighs and slumps against the wall.
RIKAO
…Phew! That was rough…
INT. GANON’S TOWER, UPPER FLOORS – DAY
Darnian gets punched by the Armos, knocking him to the floor. He shakes his head dazedly and spits a little blood. As the Armos slashes down at him with its sword, he rolls out of the way. He gets back to his feet and charges the armor, punching it with blows that dent the steel. He roars a battlecry, dodging slashes and punches. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be doing any damage.
DARNIAN
Okay… So you’re a tough little tin can. Luckily, I have something that can crack you open…
Darnian pulls out the Megaton Hammer, grinning evilly. He roars as he charges into the fray again. The Armos attacks mindlessly, creaking and rattling with every movement. Darnian slams the Hammer against the Armos’ chest. A shockwave radiates from the blow, and the Armos staggers. The Goron blocks blows with his rocky hide, and counters with the Hammer. It takes a minute, but the blows from the weapon begin to take effect, and the Armos begins to make ominous creaking noises.
The Goron Warrior roars as he brings the Hammer down for one final blow, slamming it against the Armos’ helmet. The impact crushes the helmet like a soda can! The Armos teeters back and forth for a moment… before collapsing forward… right on top of Darnian.
DARNIAN
GAH!!! Get OFF!!! Oh, come on!!! …Help? …Link? …Shara? …Rikao? Anyone? …Crap.
INT. TWINROVA’S ROOM – DAY
Shara and Twinrova battle fiercely, although it is a one-sided fight. Twinrova has created a lethal wall of fire and ice in front of her, preventing Shara from getting close enough to attack. The evil witch tosses fireballs and ice shards at Shara, who is forced into frantic and acrobatic evasion. Shara has cuts and injuries, apparently having taken a few hits.
TWINROVA
Yes, yes! Run around, my little chickadee! Once you tire out, you are dead!
SHARA
Will you SHUT UP already? Your screechy voice is making it hard to concentrate.
TWINROVA
WHAT?! Oh, that’s it. Now I need to decide whether to charbroil you or freeze you into a statue!
Twinrova creates a massive icicle and fires it at Shara. The thief pulls something from her belt quickly and tosses it with a flick of her wrist. A tornado erupts and shatters the icicle to pieces. The GALE BOOMERANG snaps back into Shara’s palm.
SHARA
All RIGHT! I was HOPING that would work.
TWINROVA
What was THAT?!
SHARA
What, you think I’m gonna explain it to you? Figure it out for yourself!
Twinrova fires a barrage of fireballs at Shara. The thief counters with the Boomerang, creating a cyclone that reflects the fireballs back at the witch. Twinrova BARELY manages to raise a shield of ice in time, creating a wave of steam. Twinrova throws ice shards, and Shara dive-rolls under them, grabbing the Gale Boomerang as it returns.
Shara tosses the Boomerang at Twinrova, the cyclone deflecting ice and fire. Twinrova yelps as the tornado slams into her, sending her flying across the room, hitting a wall hard. Shara charges in after the Gale Boomerang, slashing with her daggers. Twinrova manages to barely roll aside, getting slashed across the back as she skates away on a field of ice.
SHARA
Not so cocky now, are you, witch?
TWINROVA
I will enjoy having your head on my mantle…
Twinrova manifests dozens of icicles and fireballs that hover around her for a moment. She shouts a battlecry as she fires all of them at once at Shara.
SHARA
I hope this works…
Shara throws the Boomerang as hard as she can. A massive tornado erupts in front of her, deflecting the icicles and fireballs. Twinrova continues to fire fireballs and ice shards rapid fire, and the tornado begins to break down… and the Gale Boomerang falls to the ground. Something silvery flashes through the air and Twinrova cries in pain.
One of Shara’s DAGGERS sticks out of her chest. Twinrova clutches it, looking shocked.
TWINROVA
The boomerang… was a… distraction… Clever… little chickadee…
Twinrova falls to the floor, dead.
Shara chuckles weakly… until the camera pans down to reveal an icicle piercing her stomach. She drops to her knees.
SHARA
N-Not clever… enough… L-Link… I’m s-sorry…
Shara slumps to the floor and closes her eyes, a tear running down her face.
EXT. TOP OF GANON’S TOWER – LATE DAY
An unnatural storm blows around the top of the tower. Red lightning strikes, and black clouds swirl about. The top of the tower is nearly empty, save for Ganondorf standing, staring out at the land, his cape flapping in the wind. The CRYSTAL containing Zelda hovers off to the side. Link emerges onto the top of the tower and draws the Master Sword and his shield.
LINK
GANONDORF! I’m here!
GANONDORF
It’s about time. I was starting to lose hope that you would ever show up.
LINK
Free Zelda now!
GANONDORF
…Make me.
LINK
I will!
Link charges Ganondorf, who manifests a blade of his own out of thin air, once again. Their swords clash with a resounding crash. Link and the evil man duel in an amazing display of lightning-fast swordsmanship. The two warriors are evenly matched as they fight back and forth across the battlefield. Their blades cross and they press hard against each other, trying to force the other to their knees.
GANONDORF
Oh, this brings back memories! Our blades crashing, our fists and feet flying, and a helpless Princess watching on.
LINK
We’ve… NEVER… MET!!!
GANONDORF
Good Goddesses, I have to spell it out for you? Seems you’re much dumber than before. Millenia ago, a hero fought an evil wizard with the Master Sword to save the Princess of Hyrule and protect the Triforce. Sound familiar?
LINK
Nnnf! What are you talking about? That’s just a legend!
GANONDORF
No, Link. It was quite real. You see… I was there. And so were you! I KNOW you’ve sensed something strange… As if somehow things are… familiar!
Ganondorf shoves forward, knocking Link backward. The hero turns the fall into a backwards somersault, landing lightly on his feet, circling Ganondorf warily.
LINK
What do you mean?
GANONDORF
I am the wizard that the hero fought in ancient times! Although, back then, I looked quite different and had a different name… GANON. The hero foiled my plan and struck me down with the Master Sword. With my dying breath, I cursed him, the Princess, and their descendants… that I would return and take the Triforce… and have my revenge. Are you getting the picture now?
LINK
You mean…
GANONDORF
And THERE’S the recognition I was looking for… Yes, I was Ganon, the scourge of Hyrule… and the ancient hero who struck me down was named… LINK.
LINK
It was me? How?
GANONDORF
It appears that my curse had an unintended effect… It caused not only YOU, but Zelda and myself to reincarnate throughout the ages. By my count, this is… the fifth… no SIXTH time you and I have faced each other.
LINK
…If that’s true… Then I’ve kicked your ass four or five times. You must be a REAL glutton for punishment.
GANONDORF
Hrmph. Until I get my revenge I will return as many times as it takes… And now… It’s time for our little dance to continue!
Ganondorf charges Link, slamming into him, knocking him to the floor. Link manages to roll to his feet as Ganondorf attacks, slashing at him. Ganondorf launches a black fireball at Link, who uses his shield to block the blow. Link retaliates by slashing and releasing a wave of light at Ganondorf. The villain leaps aside acrobatically. Link closes the distance, and their swords clash again and again, sending shockwaves with the force of their blows. The Triforce on the back of Link’s hand begins to glow as he whirls and slashes, parries and thrusts, fighting to the best of his ability.
Again, Ganondorf and Link cross blades, as Ganondorf tries to force Link to the ground. Link surprises Ganondorf by punching him in the face as hard as he can. The villain staggers backward, clutching his face as Link presses his advantage, charging in. His blade slashes across Ganondorf’s chest, leaving a glowing, smoking cut. Ganondorf backhands Link with immense force, his fist glowing black. The hero flies backward and rolls several times.
GANONDORF
Y-YOU!!! How DARE YOU?!! I am going to savor your death… Now, with the power of the Triforce… I will ascend… I will be restored to my full power!!!
LINK
Ugh… Will you stop talking… for five minutes? You’re giving… me a headache…
GANONDORF
Just watch, Link…
Ganondorf holds up his hand, and his TRIFORCE begins to glow bright… He is enveloped in a cyclone of bright light. Shockwaves radiate out, and the entire tower shakes. The realm trembles, as lighting strikes all around. Ganondorf is obscured from view, but his voice roars… growing deeper and somehow more feral.
The cyclone vanishes and a large cloud of dust clears, blown away by the wind. Ganondorf is gone… replaced by GANON. He flexes his massive green muscled body, cracking his joints loudly.
GANON
And now… Hyrule shall tremble at the power of GANON!!!
Link grunts and struggles back to his feet, glaring at Ganon without a hint of fear, the Triforce on the back of his hand glowing.
LINK
Yeah, well with your breath, it’s no WONDER they’re trembling. You think you could have found some time between reincarnations to brush your teeth!
GANON
Quip while you can, fool… You haven’t seen what I can do…
Ganon holds his hand out and manifests a gigantic scimitar out of thin air. His eyes glow black as he roars, charging Link. The hero leaps out of the way as Ganon slashes down, leaving a massive divot in the ground right where Link would have been. Link moves in to attack from the side, but Ganon blasts him with a beam of black light. Link cries out in pain, falling onto his back, a charred mark on his tunic. He rolls out of the way as Ganon slashes at him again.
Link gets to his feet and begins to fight with Ganon. Their blades clash again and again, Link firing beams and waves of light with the Master Sword, Ganon slashing with his scimitar and blasting at Link with black magic. Link manages to score a glancing blow on Ganon’s arm, again leaving a glowing and smoking wound, and Ganon retaliates by blasting Link point blank.
Link flies across the battlefield and lands hard, rolling several times before coming to a rest beside the CRYSTAL where Zelda is trapped. He groans in pain, trying to get to his feet, but isn’t able to.
GANON
Is that ALL? THIS is the legendary hero Link? Your predecessors were ten times as skilled as you. You’re just pitiful.
LINK
Nnnh… Y-Yeah, but I b-bet I’m much better looking…
GANON
You’ve certainly got a bigger mouth. I’m going to enjoy shutting it for you…
Link manages to climb to his feet, using Zelda’s crystal to pull himself up. He peers into the crystal, where the Princess remains, frozen as if in ice.
LINK
I don’t know… if you can hear me… but I could use some help here, Zelda… Now WAKE UP!!!
As he shouts, he slams his fist against the crystal. The Triforce suddenly shines bright and the crystal is surrounded by a rainbow-colored glow. The crystal begins to crack loudly, then shatters and vanishes. Zelda drops into Link’s arms. She shakes her head dazedly, opening her eyes slowly.
ZELDA
Uhnnnn… L-Link?
LINK
About time!!!
Ganon roars with rage and launches a blast of darkness at the two Hylians. Link yanks Zelda out of the way, dodging aside by the skin of his teeth.
ZELDA
Link, wh-what’s going on?!
LINK
The long version will take too long. We’re reincarnated heroes and Ganon’s gonna kill us.
GANON
I was going to keep her in my throne room as a trophy along with your corpse! Now I’ll have to find some other decorations!
Link and Zelda dodge aside as Ganon charges and slashes at them with his scimitar. Zelda draws her sword and blocks the blow, getting knocked back a little with the impact. The hero and Princess attack Ganon together, forcing him to manifest a second scimitar, blocking, slashing, and whirling as the two Hylians fight. Ganon defends himself, backing up, growling in a bestial manner.
Ganon roars and creates a massive explosion of black energy, sending Link and Zelda flying. They hit the ground, and both roll off the edge of the tower! Link desperately grabs for the edge of the tower, and nabs Zelda with his other hand, grunting as he hangs from the ledge.
LINK
Ahnnn! Y-You okay, Zelda?!
ZELDA
Honestly? I’ve been better.
LINK
Nnn… I’m… gonna try to swing you up to the ledge. We only get one shot at this…
ZELDA
Just do it.
Link begins to swing Zelda back and forth, his fingers slipping on the edge of the tower. With one final effort, he tosses her up, and she grabs the ledge herself. Struggling, Link and Zelda manage to climb up onto the tower once more, picking up their weapons.
ZELDA
You have a bow and arrows?
LINK
Yeah, they were my Uncle’s. Why?
ZELDA
Give them to me. Ganon used his Triforce to do all of this… You used yours to free me. I think it’s time I used mine.
Link hands Zelda the BOW AND QUIVER from his shoulder.
ZELDA
Keep him distracted. This may take a minute.
LINK
I hope it’s a VERY short minute.
Zelda takes the arrows out of the quiver and kneels down, closing her eyes. She places the hand with her Triforce on top of the arrows and begins to chant, almost singing.
Link charges in and begins to cross blades with Ganon. His Triforce glows, enhancing his speed and strength as he whirls and leaps. The Master Sword and Ganon’s blades clash, sending sprays of sparks and little shockwaves every time they meet.
Zelda’s Triforce begins to shine bright, and the arrows are surrounded by a golden light. They begin to hover in the air before her, as she continues to chant.
Link gasps in pain as one of Ganon’s blades slashes across his chest, cutting through the chainmail shirt as if it wasn’t there. Ganon kicks the hero, knocking him to the ground.
GANON
No more talk. Now you DIE, Link!!!
Ganon draws up one of his swords, prepared to impale Link…
Until a golden beam of light spears into his chest, making him roar in pain and step back away from Link. Zelda steps forward, with the quiver on her shoulder. She has the bow drawn back and pointed straight at Ganon, but the arrow in it is not a normal arrow. It has turned into gold metal, with ornate designs.
GANON
It can’t be!!!
LINK
Th-The Arrows of Light…
ZELDA
It’s over, Ganon. You know what these can do…
Ganon growls and fires a beam of darkness at Zelda, who neatly sidesteps the attack. She unleashes the LIGHT ARROW at Ganon, blasting him backward. Link grabs the Master Sword and leaps to his feet, charging Ganon once more.
The battle resumes, Link and Ganon engaged in superhuman swordplay… but this time, the advantage is clearly Link’s, as Zelda keeps launching Light Arrows at Ganon whenever there is an opening. Together, they push Ganon back towards the edge of the tower.
GANON
M-Maybe I can’t… beat you outright… But I can take you to the abyss WITH ME!!!
Ganon begins to glow black and Zelda’s eyes go wide.
ZELDA
Link! He’s going to use the Triforce to self-destruct!
Link yelps in surprise and attacks Ganon with everything he has. With the last arrow in her quiver, Zelda blasts Ganon, knocking him back to the edge of the tower. Ganon brings his blades up and slashes down at Link. Link charges forward, thrusting the Master Sword. There is a sound of metal piercing flesh…
…And Link impales Ganon, just before Ganon would have beheaded Link. Ganon looks down in shock, dropping his scimitars with a loud clatter. He glares at Link and Zelda.
GANON
This… doesn’t change anything… I’ll simply try again… when I return…
LINK
Yeah, I’m sure you will. And we’ll be waiting for you.
ZELDA
Our descendants will be ready.
GANON
I’ll be… looking forward to killing… them…
LINK
…Okay, will you just DIE already?!
Link shoves the Master Sword forward, knocking Ganon off-balance, and then yanks the blade free. Ganon yells as he falls off the edge of the tower. Several seconds later, there is a resounding crash. Link and Zelda peer over the edge to see the broken body of GANONDORF on the ground, clearly dead.
ZELDA
It’s… over. It’s finally over.
LINK
So… What happens now?
ZELDA
We find my father… and we begin the hard work of rebuilding the Kingdom and working at defeating the remnants of Ganon’s army. You’re welcome to help… if you want.
LINK
No offense, Princess… But I’d need to think about that. I think I’ve had my fill of adventure for a while…
RIKAO (O.C.)
LINK!!!
Link looks up to see Rikao and Darnian running towards them. Darnian carries Shara in his arms. She is limp and unmoving.
LINK
Rikao! Darnian! About time you…
Link trails off as he sees Shara in Darnian’s arms. Link and Zelda run over to her, as Darnian gently places her on the ground.
LINK
SHARA!!! Shara! What happened?! Is she…?
DARNIAN
Link… We found her on the floor near the corpse of a Gerudo…
RIKAO
I’m… so sorry, Link… She’s gone…
LINK
NO! Shara… Zelda, is there… anything you can do?
ZELDA
Link… It’s beyond my power… I’m sorry…
Link closes his eyes as a tear falls from his eyes onto the back of his hand with the Triforce. It suddenly begins to shine bright. Zelda gasps as her Triforce glows as well. On Ganondorf’s corpse, the Triforce shines bright… then vanishes. Link and Zelda gasp as their own Triforces vanish… and all three appear in the air before them, as the original TRIFORCE, all three triangles of power united.
ZELDA
…With Ganon’s death… The Triforce has become one once more…
LINK
Wait… the Triforce… With it… I could wield the power of the Goddesses…
ZELDA
…Link, the Triforce fulfills the wielder’s wishes. If the wielder has an evil heart, it turns him into a monster… Like with Ganon. But if the user is truly worthy, it will grant them power beyond power. I won’t stop you from taking the Triforce… but only you can say if you are worthy.
LINK
…I don’t know… But it’s the only chance I have…
Link stands up and reaches out, taking the TRIFORCE into his hands.
LINK
It’s so… Warm…
He closes his eyes, holding the Triforce over Shara’s body.
LINK
Please… Bring her back…
The Triforce begins to glow bright, surrounding Shara with a bright glow. The others gasp as Shara’s body begins to levitate off the ground. She suddenly lets out a loud gasp and her eyes fly open as the Triforce restores her to life. Rikao and Darnian gently catch her and help her to her feet, supporting her. The glow fades and Link smiles wide.
SHARA
L-Link? What…
Link interrupts her by pulling her into a deep kiss, embracing her. She gives a little yelp, surprised, but returns the kiss. They part and smile at each other.
LINK
Now it’s over for real…
INT. - HYRULE CASTLE, THRONE ROOM – DAY
Link, Shara, Rikao, and Darnian all stand before King Hyrule and Zelda. All of them are in the finest clothing, and a large crowd stands behind them.
KING HYRULE
The four people standing before me have shown true heroism in the face of ultimate evil. For this, I grant Link, Shara, Rikao of the Zora, and Darnian of the Goron Hyrule Kingdom’s highest honor, the Star of Hyrule.
Zelda walks down and lifts a large medal over Link’s neck, kissing him on the cheek. She gives Shara a medal… and the thief gives the Princess a grudging handshake. She puts the medals on Rikao and Darnian, who both smile.
KING HYRULE
And I extend personal thanks to Link for using the Triforce to rebuild our Kingdom, sparing us years of hardship.
The audience applauses loudly, cheering.
EXT. TEMPLE OF TIME – DAY
Link, Shara, Zelda, Rikao, and Darnian walk up the steps towards the Temple of Time.
ZELDA
So what happens now, Link? You have the power to reshape the world as you wish as long as you wield the Triforce.
LINK
That’s exactly why I can’t keep it. This power is too much for any one person to wield. I’m going to return the Triforce to where it belongs.
SHARA
What?! Oh, COME ON, Link! You’re a living god! You can do ANYTHING! Like… make me tons of Rupees out of thin air!
LINK
…And that is PRECISELY why I’m returning the Triforce.
SHARA
Awwwwwwww!!!
INT. TEMPLE OF TIME – DAY
The others watch as Link inserts the GODDESS GEMSTONES into the pedestal, opening the vortex. Link walks into the vortex alone, and holds out the Triforce. It floats out of his hands and hovers before him. Nodding in satisfaction, Link leaves the vortex and it closes behind him. Zelda, Rikao, and Darnian smile, while Shara sulks a little.
LINK
Only two things left to do.
RIKAO
What are they?
LINK
I have to return the Goddess Gemstones to their rightful rulers…
SHARA
And…?
LINK
You’ll see…
EXT. HYRULE FOREST, MASTER SWORD CLEARING – DAY
Link and his friends and Zelda stand in front of the Master Sword Pedestal. Link has the blade in his hands as he steps forward.
RIKAO
Link, are you sure about this?
ZELDA
He has to, Rikao. This way, when Ganon returns someday, the next hero will have what he needs.
DARNIAN
Seems a shame to give up a weapon of such immense power.
SHARA
No kidding.
LINK
…Excuse me, but Darnian, you’ve still got the Megaton Hammer strapped to your back, and don’t THINK I’ve forgotten that I saw you take the Gale Boomerang, Shara.
The heroes laugh a little as Link steps forward. He lifts the blade high, then brings it down and pierces the pedestal with a resounding ringing noise. He steps back and brushes his hands off.
LINK
…Let’s go. We’ve got work to do.
The heroes walk off into the forest.
PAN TO – The Master Sword, shining in the sunlight filtering in through the leaves.
