LoZ: Story of the Spirit Tracks

"Well? Do I know how to tell a story or what?" said a jubilant old voice. "I call it.. Spirits and Demons.. at War! I only do this show once a year you know." He paused. "It's a blasted masterpiece! A... a... a blasterpiece!" Footsteps came closer. "What's this? You fell asleep during my magnum opus?!"
The snoring continued, and then came a snort. Link opened his eyes, and blinked. "Hah... What?" He sat up and turned, to stare at the pictures Niko had just displayed. His face turned hot. Uh-oh.. I fell asleep during Niko's presentation.. I'm dead!
Niko frowned. "I can't believe this! You know Link.. A lot of people would love to be in your position. As my roommate, you get to see my work for free."
Link gave a sheepish smile. "I-I know, Niko.. I'm sorry." Sorry that you charge people to see these boring presentations. Heh.
Niko ignored Link and went on. "Plus, I'm not getting any younger here. This story might be the only thing that proves I ever existed." Link heard Niko add to himself quietly, "Can't you pay attention for one minute.. and listen to an old man's creation?" The old sailor narrowed his eyes, and took a step closer to Link, cane pointing outward. "Are you listening, Link?" Link's head lolled around his shoulders tiredly and mumbled, "Sort of.." Niko sighed.
"Okay, okay, I can take a hint. Sorry for boring you. Oh, look. Here comes your mentor. Hello there, Alfonzo!" You just took that hint? Link thought, but his train of thought was interrupted by a creak.

Link looked behind him and watched in blurry, tired eyes as a big, burly man walked into the small house.
He had his arms crossed, and he stared questioningly down at Link. "Why are you still here, Link?"
The boy yawned. "Niko was.. er.. telling me a story.." Alfonzo squinted, as if not believing Link had actually watched it. "Come on now, wipe that sleep out of your eyes!" His hands lowered, and he picked Link up, and began shaking him around. "Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Link's head began to spin, and he got dizzy. His eyes snapped open, and Alfonzo stopped shaking him. "Today in a very important day, you know. It's your audience with the princess!"
Link squirmed. "Uh.. right.. audience with the princess.." Audience with the princess? It was too late for Link to say more; Alfonzo dropped him, and he landed with a light thud. The former swordsman put a hand to his face and shook his head in shame. "Don't tell me you forgot! You'll get nowhere if you don't pay attention.." Link, still dizzy, flinched when Alfonzo leaned down and pointed a finger at him. "Don't you want your engineer certificate?" Link had no time to say anything, as his mentor went on. "Well, the graduation ceremony is at the castle. Princess Zelda herself is going to do the honors."
Link felt redder than ever. How could I forget that? I'm such an idiot! "I'm sorry, Alfonzo... I'll try to listen more."
Alfonzo grunted. "I'm heading to the station now, so meet me there. Remember, the station is up the road, so don't get lost." Link nodded.
"Good. Then get a move on!" Alfonzo turned around, and tromped out of the house, leaving the door open. "See you later, Niko."
Link stood, and scratched his head, still feeling guilty. Niko sighed, as Link charged out of the house after Alfonzo.

Link almost slipped when he arrived at the train station of Aboda Village. He quickly dashed up the stairs and stared at the shed sitting at the edge of the train tracks.
"You're late!"
Suddenly, the doors of the shed opened up, and slowly, a large, wooden train came out, with Alfonzo standing inside the front.
Link gazed at it with a new interest. He'd seen Alfonzo take it out a couple times, but never this close. It's figure was beautiful.
Alfonzo hopped off the train and stood in front of Link. "Do you understand how important today is?" he asked. "In order to become an engineer in this kingdom, you must have an audience with the princess." Link swallowed hard. "Uh-huh."
"If she grants you permission, you can finally drive a train by yourself." Link's mentor put on a hardy smile. "Now, hop aboard! We're going to the castle."
Link's heart skipped a beat when Alfonzo gestured to the engineer's spot in the engine of the train. This is it.. The young boy climbed into the train and did his best engineer's salute. Alfonzo got in the passenger car, and yelled, "Let's go!"

"HIT THE BRAKES, LINK!"
Screeeeeeeech!
Link's eyes were stretched wide, and he breathed heavily as the other train passed by. Slowly, with shaky hands, Link shifted into the first forward gear, and the soft chugging began once more. Alfonzo's voice sounded from the caboose.
"Link, watch were you're going!" he yelled, sounding slightly cross. Link rolled his eyes, although still nervous. "So-reeee."
After a short while of steady driving, the wooden train pulled up to a large stone station. Link turned the engine off and leaped out of the train. Alfonzo came out of the caboose, and stood in front of his apprentice. "Well, at least the train's okay," he grumbled, then cleared his voice. "Not bad, except for the part you almost hit someone's train." Link shrugged, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh.. Thanks?"
"Anyway," Alfonzo went on. "You'd better head to the castle for you're graduation ceremony." Link nodded, and scurried off into the bustling Castle Town. He nearly bumped into a woman, shouting, "Sorry!" as he kept running. He sped through the castle gate and over the bridge, to come crashing straight into two guards. He hopped to his feet. "Excuse me, but--"
"Hold it," the taller guard said gruffly, stamping the butt of his spear in the ground. "Where do you think you're going?"
Link fought the urge to scream. "I'm gonna be late for my engineer's ceremony, please let me pass!" The guards exchanged a look, then both nodded. "Go ahead." They stepped aside, and Link zipped into the castle. His head whipped from side-to-side, and he noticed another guard. He stepped up to him and started to speak, only to be cut off yet again. "The princess' throne room is this way. Only invited guests are allowed in." Link's heart sank. "But I'm here to see the princess!"
"Sure you are.. What that means for you is.." The green-clad guard paused. "Scram!"
Suddenly, small footsteps echoed through the castle, and a short little man with two hats and bright orange hair stood next to the guard. "What's all this commotion?" he inquired.
The guard turned to him. "Oh, good day, Chancellor Cole. Sorry for the disturbance. This boy claims he has an audience with the princess."
The short man raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You're here for the graduation ceremony?" Link nodded. Chancellor Cole blinked, seeming unimpressed. "What a waste of time. The spirit tracks are vanishing.. Yet the princess insists on preforming these ridiculous ceremonies. Well, come along. Follow me, boy!" He shooed the guard away and stepped neatly up the stairs. Link was still a bit dazed at this man's sudden appearance, but he followed eagerly.
My ceremony!


Trumpets sounded, sending a royal-sounding tune all over.
Link crouched, head bowed, in front of the velvet red-carpeted throne. A wooden door creaked, and delicate steps were heard. They stopped, right in front of Link. Too tempted to keep his eyes closed, Link raised his head and stared up. A cute young girl with flowing blonde hair stood before him, wearing a welcoming little smile on light pink lips. Her eyes were closed happily. Link's face felt red, and he gasped quietly. She's.. amazing.
For a moment, all was silent, and Link shared a look with princess Zelda. It almost seemed as if harps would start playing, and singing voices would begin...
When a scratchy voice interrupted the moment. "Raising your head without permission?" It was Chancellor Cole. "You ill-mannered urchin."
Link felt like exploding with embarrassment. He's right.. But to the boy's surprise, Zelda raised her hand to silence him.
She looked back to Link. "Don't pay any attention to Chancellor Cole- You must be the new engineer. What's your name?"
It almost came out as a squeak. "Link."
Zelda giggled. "Oh, Link is a wonderful name." She cleared he throat. "Well, Link, by the power vested in me, I hereby proclaim you--"
Cole's voice broke out once more. "We're wasting time here, your highness! Please hurry up, and finish this foolish ceremony."
The princess sighed. "Very well, Chancellor." An older man stepped toward Zelda and handed her a plaque. She took the paper off of it, brightening. "Thank you, Teacher." She resumed to look down to Link. "I hereby recognize you as our newest royal engineer.. Link! Work hard, for we all rely on you, Link." He stood up and took the engineer certificate from Zelda. "Thank you."
But as he was ready to turn away, Zelda handed him a letter. "Shh! Take this." Link frowned. "Who is this--"
"No! Don't say a word about it now." He took the letter, and put it in his pocket. "Read this letter, and beware of the Chancellor!" Link nodded, confused, and princess Zelda nodded back, beginning to walk away.
As the guards resumed their position at the doors, Chancellor Cole stopped, and looked back at Link. "The ceremony's over, so I suggest you move along. Why don't you go.. polish your train, or something.. Not that it matters much." His lips curved in a grin. Link flinched. Was there a sharp tooth in that mouth?
"The thing will be useless before long.." He closed his mouth and slipped through the door to the left of the throne. Link's eyes were wide.
What was that all about?

After a small series of stairs and corridors, Link came to the opening of a room, and entered.
Upon entering, a beautiful music danced around in the air, making Link quiver. Somewhere inside of him, peace spilled throughout his body and flooded him. He almost began to hum, when the magical tune ceased. Princess Zelda turned around and grinned.
"Glad you made it, Link!" she exclaimed. "Did any guards spot you on your way?"
Link shook his head. "Nope."
The princess blinked, seeming relieved. "Really? That's splendid!" She tossed a stray lock of hair behind her back. "I was hoping you could help me." Her pink dress swayed as she placed her pan flute back on it's stand. She proceeded to talk, standing in front of her desk. "I have to ask a favor of you, Link."
The young engineer blinked. "Go on."
"As you know, the Tower of Spirits has protected out kingdom for ages. The tower connects all the spirit tracks that crisscross this land. However," she went on, "for some reason, they seem to be vanishing from everywhere.. Something at the tower must have happened to cause this." Link raised an eyebrow. "You think so?" Zelda nodded.
"I must go there to investigate.. So Link, would you please take me to the Tower of Spirits?"
The boy froze. "Take you to the Tower of Spirits? But how will we get past the guards?"
"WI'll explain later"
Link swallowed hard, and Zelda carried forward. "I've heard tales of a wise sage who guards out land and lives in the tower. Perhaps she may be able to shed some light on what's happening." Zelda studied the ground for a moment. "Chancellor Cole forbids me from leaving the castle due to "safety concerns".. I think he just doesn't want me going to the tower, though." This was a curious situation Zelda was in. "But why..? It's clear he's hiding something." She raised her head. "I have the feeling something terrible is about to happen!" She fixed her gaze on Link once again. "That's why I absolutely must get to the tower." She paused for a brief second. "What do you think? Will you take me on your train?"
This took thought. Her story seems convincing, and I guess I can sneak past the guards.. "OK, I guess I could."
Zelda clasped her hands together in delight. "Thank you so much, Link." She walked behind her desk, and gathered up what appeared to be a neat fold of green clothes, with a pair of brown boots resting on top. "The guards are starting their patrols, so getting past them won't be easy. But if you wear this, they'll think you're one of them!"
"That's a great idea!" Link burst out, excitement bubbling up inside of him. I'm doing a mission for princess Zelda! The princess handed Link the recruit uniform. "Please get changed so we can go." Link squinted. "You want me to change here...? Now..?"
Zelda's cheeks flushed red. "...Oh, I-I'm sorry, I'll look the other way. But please hurry." She turned around, and Link quickly swapped from his engineer outfit to his new recruit uniform. "I'm done," he murmured, and Zelda flipped around once again. "It suits you! Now, let's get going before the guards see us."
Link stared down at his clothes as Zelda strode out of the room. Didn't Niko say something about the Hero of Winds having a uniform like this? He shrugged, and followed Zelda.


"That one looks pretty serious. I don't think he'll buy small talk," whispered Zelda, peering carefully out from behind a hedge. Link nodded. "Yeah..."
His eyes wandered for a moment, and then an idea sprung up in his head. Behind the soldier was a large rock. That should do. Link slipped out from the cover of the hedge, and strolled past the guard. The man ignored him completely. Link scurried up to the rock, and heaved it upward. With effort, he managed to thrust it forward and bash the soldier's right foot. Immediately, the guard yelped, and hobbled to Link. "What's the matter with you, recruit?! Have you no sense?" Link gave him a cheesy smile, and spotted Zelda scamper off safely, past the guard. Link suddenly squirmed past the guard, and followed the princess to the moat. "That was some pretty hard lifting!" Link puffed, breathless. "Will I have to do all the work?" Zelda put on a huffy face. "Well, I never! I'm the princess, not you!" Link rolled his eyes, and they hurried off into Castle Town.
Back at the train station, Alfonzo was waiting. Link and stepped up the stairs, and Link faced his former mentor.
"Well, what took you so long?" he grumbled. "Did you keep me waiting just so you could change your clothes?" There was a tep, tep, sound, and Zelda came up beside Link. Alfonzo's expression changed in an instant. "Oh! Your Highness! What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Alfonzo. Have you been doing well? I'm sorry we haven't spoken since you left the castle guard. I must admit," said Zelda sweetly, "I miss hearing your bellow orders in the courtyard." Alfonzo rubbed the back of his head. "You're too kind to me. I'm sure hearing me yell all day was far from pleasant." He cleared his throat, attaining a straighter posture. "But you shouldn't distract me with talk from the old days.. I'll just come out and ask. What are you doing out here without a proper escort?" He adopted his annoyed tone. "Are you responsible for this somehow, Link?" Link frowned. Yeah, it's aaaalways my fault. Zelda cut in. "I asked for his assistance. And I help I can count of your help too, Alfonzo. I'd feel much safer with you by my side. Please come with us to the Tower of Spirits!" A pleading shimmer was seen within princess Zelda's gaze. Alfonzo raised an eyebrow. Link listened curiously. "The Tower of Spirits? Whatever for?"
"We don't have time to discuss right now!" Zelda snapped softly. In a lighter tone she continued to speak. "I'll tell you about it when we're aboard."
"But what if something happens?" the buff engineer countered.
""If something happens" is why we need you! You were once the greatest swordsman in the whole kingdom."
He was? Link thought, thoroughly surprised. Alfonzo never told me that; only the swordsman part! "Yes, but that was a long time ago. Now I'm just a simple train engineer, living in the countryside. I can't be more than that.." he trailed off, caught in a decision. ..but I'll come along with you."
Zelda seemed relieved. "Thank you, Alfonzo." Alfonzo turned to Link. "Alright, Link. To the Tower of Spirits!" Link nodded confidently. "Yep!" He and Zelda shared a look. "Aaaaaal aboooooooard!" Zelda shouted happily. Alfonzo looked disappointed. "That's my line!"