The Legend of Zelda: The Magician

19: Temple of Time

Once Ghirahim and I had left the spirit temple, we had decided upon using the Ocarina of Time to travel back to the Shadow Temple platform after taking potions to ensure it would be safe. When we arrived, we jumped over the railing surrounding the cliffside entrance and walked through the graveyard, then out of Kakariko Village. Epona was still eating by the tree next to the staircase into the village, her motions calm and lazy, as if the world isn't on the verge of corruption by a cursed, reincarnated false demon King.

But we had decided against riding her. There was no point in putting her into harm's way, and Castle Town wasn't too far away from Kakariko Village. Thus, we walked in silence. That bad feeling still clutching my stomach, and my mind races with what if's. I still don't understand where this bad feeling is coming from. I have fought Ganondorf once before. I know his attacks and remember our battle easily. I'm hoping the castle isn't a confusing maze like it was last time Ganondorf had control over it. But last time I fought him, I wasn't nervous, nor did I have a nagging feeling clawing at my stomach. Thus, I still can't figure out what this bad feeling is for.

Now standing in front of the moat, where the barrier begins, I'm about to ask Ghirahim what we can do. But my left hand begins to tingle and glow, and I look down to see my Triforce symbol alight, a rainbow radiating around the symbol for courage. Without a second thought, I raise my hand and touch it to the barrier. Suddenly, something grabs my hand and I'm being pulled in. My eyes widen and my mouth opens, about to yelp in fear, but I don't. Instead, my right hand frantically searches for Ghirahim, and he quickly takes hold of it and we're both pulled into the barrier.

A dark cloud surrounds us, and I can't see where we are, but we're still being pulled. I feel Ghirahim clutching to my arm tightly, but I don't know if it's because we're being pulled in and he's as nervous about what is pulling us in as I am, or if it's because of Ganondorf. But all I hope is that his magic is still replenished enough that he can stave off Ganondorf's attempts to corrupt him.

Then, the dark cloud-like mist no longer surrounds us, and I see we're falling into the Temple of Time. Quickly, I grab hold of Ghirahim and hold him to my chest, spinning around so my back faces the checkered marble floor. Air whooshes by us, whipping at our clothes and hair. I feel Ghirahim frantically clutching my arms as we fall. Then, my shield slams against the marble floor with a loud clang, breaking our fall. Its round face causes us to roll to the side a bit and I let go of Ghirahim, his earthy eyes wide with worry and confusion.

"Are you okay?" I ask, lifting myself up off the ground and offering a hand to Ghirahim.

He accepts my hand, and I help him to his feet. He looks around and then he looks to my back and realization hits his face.

"Your shield protected us," He breathes, his voice sounding a bit ragged; yet, I hadn't heard him scream.

I nod, "Yes. But you never answered my question."

Ghirahim suddenly focuses his eyes on me, and I see a strange blackness take over for a second, before it disappears as fast as it came. If I had blinked, I would have missed it.

"Yes, I am well, Skychild," Ghirahim rasps. "As you can guess, Ganondorf's hold on me is stronger here. I will have to work harder to keep him at bay."

Squeezing his hand, I nod in understanding and hold his hand with my left, my Triforce symbols still aglow. I walk over to the pedestal that is supposed to hold the three sacred gems: the Kokiri Emerald, the Goron Ruby, and the Zora Sapphire. However, I don't have those this time around. How will I open the door to get the Master Sword?

Without thinking, I let go of Ghirahim's hand momentarily and hover my left hand over the pedestal for the sacred gems. The same rainbow boarder is glowing around the Triforce of Courage on my symbol, which still alit with its usual golden light. The rainbow boarder shines brightly for a moment, then the door ahead opens. Smiling at the help of the Sages and medallions, I reach back and take hold of Ghirahim's hand once more, then I lead us into the circular chamber that houses the Master Sword.