The Legend of Zelda: The Fate of History

[Mikey]

(This will probably be the longest chapter in the book. Sorry if it seems like too much to read in one week. I ask that anyone reading please post the comments HERE since I want this topic to be for the FANFIC ONLY. Thank you. [All characters and elements are property of Nintendo. All writings are owned by Mikey Copyright 2003.] That means you can't steal it. ...I can't believe the word outw@rd is censored here. Get a nightlife.)

Prolog
The Legend of Zelda: The Fate of History.

What is this great force called time? Does it exist as an infinite element to all of existence? Or is it simply a single law created by the Goddess Nayru to give order to the days of man? Can it be controlled… or is the future set in stone by what we call fate? The future could be a present’s history that hasn’t be decided yet. Many things can decide that history, a truth I know all too well. I have been there, and I have written the future before. If I had chose to tamper not with the great force known as time and decide this future’s history myself, then this present would not exist. I would not be lying in this field of grass. I would not be watching the orange hued sun set into the far away clouds that flow over this peaceful land called Hyrule.
Of course, the future seems the easiest of dances with the Goddess of Time. To change the future is to change the present, but what of the past? Is the past set in stone simply by memories of it, or the scrolls written by the historians? And if not, how does one change the past?
These questions are but a few that Link, the hero of Hyrule, was asking himself as he sat in Hyrule field till dark of night, watching the sun set over the horizon and the stars poke through the black canopy of the sky. Life for Link had been a never-ending adventure. From every quest and every journey he learned a great deal about the world and the people within. However there was one thing that left Link feeling empty. His mother had died before he was of age to know her, and his father had died in a battle to protect the fleeing people of their village. It was because of this that Link set out across the Great Sea. Link set out to find any relatives or people that might have known his mother and father. Link’s greatest discovery was the reunion with his long lost uncle, his father’s brother. Link remembered the night when he and his uncle sat around the campfire, roasting the wild game they had hunted earlier that day. His uncle would tell him stories about his father, and what a great swordsman he was. He would even go as far back to the days of the Imprisoning War, when Link’s great ancestor fought along with his fellow knight brethren, and along side the Great Hero that appeared every one hundred or so years to fight against evil.
“I have quite a heritage,” Link said to himself. “I wonder if my father is alive somewhere else, beyond Hyrule, beyond this world, beyond the stars themselves…” Link held the Ocarina of Time in his hand and gazed upon it. It still glowed with a strange light, even now when it had become somewhat worn out and scratched. Link began to play a melody. The notes were carried by the wind and echoed across the field. The tune was called “The Ballad of the Wind Fish”, a song he had learned in a recent adventure.

Chapter 1
The Enchanted Forest

Before long the sky was completely dark, and only the faint light of the stars lit the traveler’s path. Link decided to move on, perhaps to Kakariko Village… When suddenly a quiet but familiar voice filled Link’s ears. “Link… Link… Please… you must come to the forest…” said the voice. “Who are you? Where are you?” shouted Link. And still the quiet voice said, “You must hurry to the village Link.” Link, confused and bewildered, struggled to think of what this might mean. “The village in the forest… could it mean, Kokori Village?” Without another second of thought, Link acted on this impulse and ran toward the forest.

When he found the path leading to the wooden bridge he was confronted by two large Stalchildren. In each hand these skeleton beasts held a Kokori child. The Kokori were screaming in agony, as they could do nothing to free themselves from their captors. “Put them down!” Ordered Link as he drew his blade. The mindless skeletons only laughed at Link with a maniacal tone. Their laughter was silenced when Link charged past one Stalchild’s guard and gave a powerful upward slice. As if hitting clay pottery, the sword broke through the bones of the skeleton’s ribcage and completely crushed it’s face. The skeleton stumbled backward but did not fall. The other Stalchild hissed at Link and focused its full hatred at him. However, this monster made a mistake; the skeleton dropped the Kokori children to charge at Link. With a smirk Link attacked the Stalchild with extreme prejudice, knowing the innocent were no longer in danger of being harmed. The skeleton swung its massive claw at Link’s head, and Link deflected the phalanges with his shield. Link went low and chopped off the leg of the Stalchild. By now the other Stalchild, Kokoris in hand, had stepped forward and was kicking aimlessly at Link. Luckily the Stalchild could no longer see, and was an easy target to kick backward and down to the ground. The last two Kokori were free, and with the second skeleton brought down to its knees it was easy for Link to sever it’s head and slice the torso in two.
Link exhaled his remaining concern and adrenalin, and then checked the children. Though free, the children lie virtually limp, only twitching slightly. Link looked at their near lifeless bodies and saw a strange green vapor light draining from them. This energy was caught by the wind and dispersed. Similar to the way the decaying bones of the monster were dispersed. Link bent down to his knee and sat one of the children up. “Are you alright? What is wrong? What is going on?” Link asked the child in desperation. “…take us… back…” was all that could be said from the child’s weak voice. Link laid him back down and checked another kid. “You must tell me how to help you!” “…we will die if we leave…” said the child. “…watch out…”. “Huh? Watch out? For what?” Unknown to Link, the body of the first Stalchild had not decayed, and with Link distracted, it had reached for the severed head of the second Stalchild. Link looked back but was hit by the skeleton’s carpel bones. Link was sent to the ground, scrapping his face against the dirt. Link shook the pain off quickly and got to his feet. The skeleton had jumped at Link in an attempt to pounce on him, but Link’s agility served him well. Link leapt to the side and returned with a double kick to the Stalchild. Link finished the monster with a sharp overhead swing to the skull. The bones decayed and were swept away by the wind.

Link realized that the Kokori would not last long if they were not returned to the sanctity of the forest. And so the mighty hero threw two children over his shoulders, and carried the other two in his arms.

Link soon found himself at the crossroads of the Lost Woods. The fog around him had rolled in so fast, and it had been so long since he last walked the path to the Kokori Village. Link was stricken with grief because one of the children appeared to be getting worse. The energy resonating from the children was fading; they didn’t have much left in them now. “Please, I need more time. I can’t remember which way to go. Link ran as fast as he could down one of the paths. The weight of the children was nothing Link couldn’t handle, but no matter how light they were they still slowed Link down immensely. A minute later Link found himself back where he started. “Damn! I ran straight, but it’s like I went in a circle.” Link said to himself. Link had a thought, he could take the way he entered the woods, and then choose a different path. Of course Link didn’t know what he would do if he found yet another crossroad, but he had to do something and act fast. If he did not, the Kokori children would die in his arms. Link chose a new path and walked through the foliage. As he walked through the fog he could hear something. It was very faint, but it was unmistakable, it was Saria’s Song. Somehow it had found it’s way to Link, to show him the way, and to guide him home. Link opened his ears and listened intently to the melody that echoed from only one direction at a time. Finally, Link found the wooden bridge that connected the outside woods to the village.
The escaping energy of the children slowly returned to them. The mystical spirit of these enchanted woods healed their souls and revived their minds. One child spoke, “Thank you for saving us, but you must now leave.” “Why must I leave?” asked Link. “Because if you do not you will become that which had attacked our village and captured us.” Said another child. This was all Link needed to hear. “The voice I heard in the field, the melody that lead me here, and seeing such hurt in the eyes of my old yet un-aged friends I had known when I was a boy, it all means one thing. Evil has taken hold of the sacred Forest Temple, and Saria needs my help!” Link ran through the long hollow tree trunk to the village, but what dangers await him at the end of the tunnel?

That was a thought that crossed Link’s mind often. Being wise in knowing that there was danger ahead to be feared, then overcoming that fear with courage. That is what gave Link the power to overcome the danger. Link finally reached the village, and the terror he saw there was unimaginable. The hollowed out tree trunks that the Kokori used for their houses were being burned down by torch wielding Moblins. Some girl Kokori were trying to douse the fires near the pond, while the boys tried to protect them against the many Deku Scrubs and Babas. Link knew he had to act fast. He walked forward but heard a sound coming from above the entrance to the village. So Link held his shield tight and his sword fast. Link’s cautiousness served him well.

Just as he set foot on the grass a giant Deku Baba that was rooted above the entrance lunged down at Link. Despite Link’s strong defense, the force of the baba’s attack knocked Link backward. The monstrous plant tried to strike again while Link was off balance. The baba extended its vine like neck and reached out to ensnare Link. Just as the Baba opened its mouth, Link regained his composure and turned his shield to its side. The baba tried to bite Link, but when it did Link forced the shield into the baba’s jaw. The baba bit down on the shield but could not close down completely. Now with the baba’s main defense neutralized Link was able to roll past the head and cut the baba at the neck with his sword. The head fell to the ground and the vines went limp. Link pulled the shield from the baba’s head after it stopped twitching, and moved forward.

The Kokori alone were fighting a losing battle against Deku Scrub and smaller Stalchild monsters. The moblins however, which stood as tall as giants to these mere children, were too much for them to handle. One of the two moblins was holding his torch to one of the wooden houses, but the other had more of an abusive tendency. When Link saw a blond girl run from one of the houses the moblin was terrorizing, what he saw next enraged him. The moblin cut her off from her friends and began bullying her. The moblin lifted his leg up, preparing to stomp the frightened little girl into the dirt. The sobbing child closed her eyes and braced herself, but to her surprise nothing happened. She looked up to see a man in Kokorish clothing attack the soldier of terror. Link had intervened and tackled the moblin to the ground. In a rage, the moblin knocked Link away and rushed to its feet. Link rolled away and took a stance against the moblin. With blind anger the moblin swung its torch at Link, who repelled it with his shield. With the torch shattered and the fire snuffed out, Link ceaselessly slashed at the beast with a flawless sword combination. Link dealt a finishing sword thrust to the moblin’s chest, just below its breastplate. After a gurgling growl, the moblin fell to the ground with a short moan.
Link then went after the next moblin who was still setting fire to the houses. The moblin turned to face Link as he ran over to fight him. This moblin stayed clam and focused on the fight, and proved to be much harder to hit let alone defeat. Link had to avoid the long torch that the moblin used to keep Link at bay, and he had to match the moblin’s speed. Both fighters were in a stalemate until the moblin tried another plan of attack. The moblin reached to his belt and pulled a water canister from its holster. The moblin took a drink and held the torch up at Link. Link realized what was happening and jumped to the side just in time as the moblin spat liquor into the flame. The flame spread far and wide, but Link was able to cover himself with his shield. Link looked at the moblin with a smile as bright as the flame burning on his shield, as he threw the metal shield at the moblin, knocking the torch from its hand. The moblin was now forced to fight the aggressive hero without its torch. In a desperate attempt to even the odds the moblin challenged Link. “Now are you man enough to discard your sword as well boy?” barked the moblin. Link’s expression became serious, just as he takes all challenges to him.
Link said to the moblin, “Any other time I would. But this fight must end quickly as I must help the others.” Link approached the moblin with his sword. This fight between man and monster was a grueling but fast one. Thought the moblin exceeded Link in strength, Link used his agility and quick thinking to take the moblin down. By delivering decisive sword attacks and then always moving out to evade the attack of the moblin, Link was nearly able to wound the moblin fatally. The moblin’s underhandedness greatly outweighed that of Link’s. However, it could not compare to the battle experience that Link had gained over the years. Link anticipated that the moblin would draw another weapon, and he was correct. But before the moblin could steady the dagger it pulled from it’s boot, Link had already rushed in to knock the dagger away. And so Link ended the fight by taking the blade to the moblin’s head.
Now that the main threat had been eliminated, Link made quick work of the smaller stalchildren and the weak deku scrubs. A Kokori ran up to Link to thank him. “I don’t know who you are or where you come from, but thank you for helping us.” Said the boy. “Most of the smaller kids and the girls are all safe in the Hole of Z, but many of us boys are trying to fight the babas in the Great Deku Tree’s field! Please, help them too!” Link nodded and ran off toward the Deku Tree’s field. As he ran down the path Link noticed a trail of spider webs, and handing from them were many small Skulltulas. A spider that was indigenous to cursed lands and houses. When he got to the field, most of the children were lying face down on the ground. Without hesitation, Link began to cut through the monsters one after another, never stopping, never hesitating until every monster was slain. Though the enemies were eliminated, the threat still remained. It wasn’t until every fire was extinguished and every Kokori safe that Link felt at ease. The leader of the Kokori defense group, Mido, thanked Link for the help but quickly left to check the village. “Thank you mister for saving our village!” said one boy. “And for saving our friends” said another. Link asked one kid what had happened, but he didn’t get much out of him. “The monsters just appeared suddenly by way of the Lost Woods. When they began their assault on their peaceful village, the boys stayed behind to protect the Deku Tree Sprout, while most of the girls crawled through the hole of Z where the monsters could not reach them.” Said the boy.

Link next headed up the northern hill in the village and ran through the hollow tree trunk there, which led to the Lost Woods. Once inside the dark and foggy forest Link found himself in the same plight as before. However, just as before, Saria’s Song echoed throughout the trees, and finally led Link to the Sacred Forest Meadow. By now it had become darkest of night, and the large canopy of tree branches over the meadow only allowed a small amount of light to seep thought. The new moon could not have come at a worse time. The only light that Link had to show him the path through the meadow was from the floating entities of light that flew though the fabrics of the forest and another world of imagination. Slowly Link’s eyes adjusted to the darkness and he walked onward throughout the passageways of the meadow. Sword drawn and ready he crept through cautiously. As he walked further inward he heard a noise get louder and louder. It was a gurgle like clicking noise that Link could not locate. “It sounds like a bug… like a cricket but… larger.” Link said to himself. Ignoring the noise Link hurried through until he came to a small pond. The water was dark, almost black. Not like how he remembered it being before. Link saw a line of large lily pads leading from that path to the next. Link tested the support of the pad, and to his surprise the flimsy looking pad felt more like a firm rock. So instead of taking an unwanted dip in the murky water, Link stepped from pad to pad until…
One of the pads that Link stepped on started to shake and sway. Without warning a snarling beast rose up from the water and knocked Link into the pond. After Link rose back to the surface all that could be heard were hundreds of the same clicking noises. Before Link could wipe the slime from his eyes, he was pulled back under by whatever had knocked him into the pond. Link could feel the jaws of this monster crushing his leg as it tried to drown him. Link could not swing his sword fast or hard enough while he was under water, and he could not sheathe it because of his disorientation. In the commotion, Link dropped his sword, and it sank to the bottom of the black pond. Link grabbed the monster in desperation to be released. Link was able to free himself, but not before being punctured by sharp spikes on the monster’s skinny and spinney body. Link crawled out of the pond and looked at his leg. He was bleeding slightly where the teeth marks were, but the pain Link felt was twice as awful, and burned just as much as any fire.
While Link had been trying to get free, from the trees there crawled out hundreds of monsters called Bio Deku Babas. The noises that Link heard before were coming from them, and they were coming for Link. He knew that the monsters smelled blood, and were going to overcome him with their numbers if he didn’t get away fast. Link ran along the path while the Baba’s followed in close pursuit. Link saw two stone pillars with the forest emblem marking the path up to the Forest Temple. But also on that path was a large deku baba with vines growing from the walls, blocking the way. Link knew that with no sword he also had no hope of getting through. And if he didn’t think of something fast then he would have no hope at all. Link looked to each side and saw the babas closing in on him. Link backed up against the wall and bumped into a wooden ladder. Link turned quickly and climbed upward to escape the babas. When he reached the top of the ledge he saw a gap with a small hole in the middle, but just big enough for him to get through. More babas dropped from the trees and scurried to Link viciously trying to bite him. Link was given more lashes with thorny vines as he tried to get to this hole.

Link made it inside, but just barely. Bruised and bleeding, Link climbed down the rock wall through the hole until he made it to the bottom. Breathing heavily Link fell to the ground and contemplated his next action. It seemed that the babas had injected venom into his body. Link looked up, and through the darkness off in the distance there appeared a light that glowed with a magical likeness. With all his strength Link got up, and using the wall for support, hobbled over to the light. Link’s distress melted away when he saw a beautiful fountain with healing fairies hovering about. Link walked into the water and fell to one knee. Immediately the fairies gathered round the tired weary hero and healed his wounds. Just as the pond sludge was washed away from his clothes by the water, so was Link’s weariness washed away by the healing magic. Link looked down into the water and saw the Triforce mark beneath his rippling reflection. Link took his glove off and placed his left hand on the crest. The Triforce mark on the back of Link’s hand glowed and the crest began to shine. Suddenly, in the middle of the fountain, there sprang up a gushing well. And from the ceiling lowered green vines holding a sharp wooden sword with the mark of the Forest Sage! After Link gazed at the craftsmanship he grabbed the sword and pulled it from the vines. The blade was an odd shape, with another sharp protrusion from the other side, so Link could not put this in his sheath. Link pulled one of the vines down and looped it around the sword. Link used the vine as a sling and could now carry it on his back. With a new sword and his energy restored Link climbed back up the wall and out of the hole.

When he returned to the surface, the babas were still out roaming the meadow. But now that Link had a sword, he could confront their massive numbers, and match their aggression. When Link brought the sword forward to attack he noticed something strange. Every small light entity began to fly around Link. The sprites flowed around him and like moths to a flame; they hovered around the magical sword. Link did not know what to make of this, but it wasn’t long before more babas dropped from the trees to attack Link. Link quickly used the sword on the babas, and with one swing, he mowed over a dozen of them down like mere grass. The sprites would glow brighter whenever Link would swing the enchanted sword. Even though Link was destroying many of the babas, there numbers only increased. Then Link noticed that the roots of the dead babas were anything but dead, and would use the nutrients in the ground to regenerate the buds. Link decided to clear a path up to the Forest Temple, and the first thing to do was destroy the large Deku Baba that blocked the way with its thorny vines. Link made quick work of this baba with the help of the Forest Sword, which was twice the length of his old sword. Besides allowing Link to keep a good distance from the baba, this sword also had a magical property to it, which made it even more useful.
Another large baba blocked the long stairway to the Temple, but this one was more of a challenge. The larger baba would strike Link while the smaller bio babas would nip at Link’s back. Finally Link cut the baba down and ran up the stairway. Link began to see the Temple come into view, and then suddenly Link felt himself pass through something. It was like a white wave of light that was so bright that when he passed through, it was unbearable for Link to keep his eyes open. But the sight that Link finally did see once his eyes adjusted was spectacular. It was the Forest Temple, but many things were different. It was brightest day, and the blue sky had a golden hue. The grass was long and fine, as were the other flowers and plants in the small field. Two large beautiful trees stood at both sides of… a stairway of grass that lead into the Forest Temple. “H… how is this possible?!?” Link choked out. “This can’t be the Forest Tem…” Then Link remembered the babas. He looked behind him to see the stairway where he had come. The path looked dark, and the sky was black, just as he remembered. What Link saw next surprised him even more however, because when the bio babas reached the point where Link had the same white wave of light was shown. The babas disappeared, each in their own flash of light. “What magic is this?” Link asked himself. “Is this what is wrong with the temple?” Link turned and walked toward the steps of the temple. “I remember having to use a hookshot to get up to that platform, how did these stairs get here?” Link said as he began to climb the steps. Link could only climb half way up the stairs before a bright light engulfed his body. Link fell through the air and landing, stumbled backward, falling on the stone platform with the forest and Triforce insignia. Link was back in the dark meadow, without the splendor, and more importantly without the stairs. And he had another problem; he was once again surrounded by the bio deku babas.

What came next was a series of furious slashes. It took some work on Link’s part to overcome the onslaught of the babas, but he finally destroyed them. Unknown to him however there was another helping him through this battle, someone Link would soon discover. The rest of the babas began to turn brown and wither. The remaining babas came together at the stairway to either share or conserve their energies. No matter, Link was now free to enter the temple, but as he turned around he saw something within the temple. Two eyes glowed a blood red hue and out from the darkness emerged a giant moblin. This moblin stood approximately thirty feet tall, and had to crawl under the threshold of the temple to come out. The moblin jumped down, though it looked more like a step to the monster, and it sent tremors through the ground when it landed. The moblin had a massive club in its hand, and metal armor on its chest, elbows, and knees. The moblin had few openings. The only openings that Link could possibly hit were the moblin’s legs, and so they were the target of Link’s attack. Link stayed low, under the moblin’s guard.
Whenever Link could get the chance, he would swing at the moblin’s legs in an attempt to bring the moblin down to its knees. Link was many times quicker and more agile, but he couldn’t get to confident. Though the moblin was slow, it was extremely powerful. One false move near the moblin’s club and Link would be crushed like an insect. In frustration that it could not connect a single blow to Link, the moblin held the club high above its head, and brought it back down to the ground. The force of the air alone being forced outw@rd from the swing was enough to knock someone over, but when it struck the ground beside Link, the shockwave moving through the ground was so great that it sent Link flying across the field.
Shortly after the ringing in Link’s ears had stopped, he was back up on his feet. “This isn’t working like I had planned. This sword is not strong enough to cut this beast’s armor.” Link said aloud. Yet still, Link persevered, and he charged back in for another round. This time Link gained the upper hand by taking the sword to the moblin’s head, which caught the moblin off guard. Eventually, Link was able to bring the moblin to a knee, and finally defeated it with one last thrust into its heart. Shortly after the moblin died, its corpse began to dissolve away like a black cloud in the fresh wind. When this happened, the deku babas suddenly started withering and decaying. The thorny babas clinging to the canopy of tree branches and leaves over the meadow disappeared, and the entrance to the meadow was cleared. “Was this moblin the source of some sort of curse?” Link said aloud. “Yes Link. It was a curse on this temple, but is now one you have lifted.” came a small but familiar voice. Link turned around to see a soft green light fade, and there sitting on the tree stump in the distance was Link’s childhood friend, Saria.

“Saria… it is good to see you again.” Link said as he hastily approached her. “It’s good to see you too Link.” Saria said back. “So much time has passed, and so much has happened. Please sit a while Link, I have much to tell you.” Link and Saria sat in the now peaceful meadow and caught up on the past eight years they had spent apart. Saria told Link of the time after the Deku Tree’s death, about when everyone in the village believed Mido when he said that Link let the Deku Tree die. She also said that she was the only one to defend him, until the forest spirits called her to the temple, and chose her to take up the Sage’s Emblem and become the Sage of the Forest. “Link, my life has been changed so much by fate since the day you knew me, yet you do not seem at all surprised…” inquired Saria. Link answered by saying, “Yes, well I have never spoken of this to anyone except for the Princess, but when I left the forest to fulfill my destiny that day eight years ago, I experienced the seventh year of Hyrule’s future for roughly the span of twenty and one days of my life time. I have been to the future and back again, though I must admit, I loved living this life naturally more than the other. It may not seem like it, but the world I saw in the future was much worse that this world’s present.” Link continued to tell his old yet un-aged friend about his knowledge of the Sages and Sacred Realm, and also his past encounters with Gannon. “I see. Thank you Link, I understand now. So that is why the Temple of Light was suddenly destroyed that day. The maiden descendants of the original creators of the Light Temple were used to dispel the barriers.” Said Saria. “Yes, and that’s how Agahnim did it. Luckily, Gannon was still bound by the legend that only the one with all forces in balance can claim the Triforce. If he could have used the Triforce during that battle, then I believe all of Hyrule would have been destroyed that day.” Said Link. “So, after that, I got shipwrecked on an imaginary island for a couple weeks, and floated on a piece of wood inland just enough to be saved by Hylian fishermen, then I came back to Hyrule. And now it looks like another adventure is unfolding to me.” Said Link. “Yes, it does seem that way. I was watching over the forest earlier when suddenly a bright white light cut through the air. Emerging from the light was the moblin you fought. With it, there also came an evil magic, which forced me to remove my hand of protection over the forest while I tried to stop the evil that sprang up from the evil seeds. After I had wiped out those wretched spirits haunting the temple, I felt your presence near the Lost Woods and that is when I telepathically communicated with you.” Explained Saria. “So what do you think is happening?” Asked Link. “I am not certain.” Answered Saria. “But I am sure that the Princess can help you find out.” “Thanks, but one thing, who or what made this sword?” Asked Link. Saria answered him saying, “That is the Spirit Sword of the Forest. The wood is from a magical seed which can amplify the user’s own energy through the wooden blade. Unfortunately, the blade is only at its strongest when it is within the Sacred Forest. Outside of here it is just an ordinary blade of wood.” Saria continued to ease Link’s obvious disappointment in this truth, “If the blade ever dulls, you can bring it back here to the fountain. The blade will be restored to its original strength.”

Link and Saria talked until the sun rose up over the horizon. Link and Saria said good-bye, but not before they played Saria’s Song together once more. Link was now off toward Hyrule Castle to see Princess Zelda.

[Mikey]

(This will probably be the longest chapter in the book. Sorry if it seems like too much to read in one week. I ask that anyone reading please post the comments HERE since I want this topic to be for the FANFIC ONLY. Thank you. [All characters and elements are property of Nintendo. All writings are owned by Mikey Copyright 2003.] That means you can't steal it. ...I can't believe the word outw@rd is censored here. Get a nightlife.)

Prolog
The Legend of Zelda: The Fate of History.

What is this great force called time? Does it exist as an infinite element to all of existence? Or is it simply a single law created by the Goddess Nayru to give order to the days of man? Can it be controlled… or is the future set in stone by what we call fate? The future could be a present’s history that hasn’t be decided yet. Many things can decide that history, a truth I know all too well. I have been there, and I have written the future before. If I had chose to tamper not with the great force known as time and decide this future’s history myself, then this present would not exist. I would not be lying in this field of grass. I would not be watching the orange hued sun set into the far away clouds that flow over this peaceful land called Hyrule.
Of course, the future seems the easiest of dances with the Goddess of Time. To change the future is to change the present, but what of the past? Is the past set in stone simply by memories of it, or the scrolls written by the historians? And if not, how does one change the past?
These questions are but a few that Link, the hero of Hyrule, was asking himself as he sat in Hyrule field till dark of night, watching the sun set over the horizon and the stars poke through the black canopy of the sky. Life for Link had been a never-ending adventure. From every quest and every journey he learned a great deal about the world and the people within. However there was one thing that left Link feeling empty. His mother had died before he was of age to know her, and his father had died in a battle to protect the fleeing people of their village. It was because of this that Link set out across the Great Sea. Link set out to find any relatives or people that might have known his mother and father. Link’s greatest discovery was the reunion with his long lost uncle, his father’s brother. Link remembered the night when he and his uncle sat around the campfire, roasting the wild game they had hunted earlier that day. His uncle would tell him stories about his father, and what a great swordsman he was. He would even go as far back to the days of the Imprisoning War, when Link’s great ancestor fought along with his fellow knight brethren, and along side the Great Hero that appeared every one hundred or so years to fight against evil.
“I have quite a heritage,” Link said to himself. “I wonder if my father is alive somewhere else, beyond Hyrule, beyond this world, beyond the stars themselves…” Link held the Ocarina of Time in his hand and gazed upon it. It still glowed with a strange light, even now when it had become somewhat worn out and scratched. Link began to play a melody. The notes were carried by the wind and echoed across the field. The tune was called “The Ballad of the Wind Fish”, a song he had learned in a recent adventure.

Chapter 1
The Enchanted Forest

Before long the sky was completely dark, and only the faint light of the stars lit the traveler’s path. Link decided to move on, perhaps to Kakariko Village… When suddenly a quiet but familiar voice filled Link’s ears. “Link… Link… Please… you must come to the forest…” said the voice. “Who are you? Where are you?” shouted Link. And still the quiet voice said, “You must hurry to the village Link.” Link, confused and bewildered, struggled to think of what this might mean. “The village in the forest… could it mean, Kokori Village?” Without another second of thought, Link acted on this impulse and ran toward the forest.

When he found the path leading to the wooden bridge he was confronted by two large Stalchildren. In each hand these skeleton beasts held a Kokori child. The Kokori were screaming in agony, as they could do nothing to free themselves from their captors. “Put them down!” Ordered Link as he drew his blade. The mindless skeletons only laughed at Link with a maniacal tone. Their laughter was silenced when Link charged past one Stalchild’s guard and gave a powerful upward slice. As if hitting clay pottery, the sword broke through the bones of the skeleton’s ribcage and completely crushed it’s face. The skeleton stumbled backward but did not fall. The other Stalchild hissed at Link and focused its full hatred at him. However, this monster made a mistake; the skeleton dropped the Kokori children to charge at Link. With a smirk Link attacked the Stalchild with extreme prejudice, knowing the innocent were no longer in danger of being harmed. The skeleton swung its massive claw at Link’s head, and Link deflected the phalanges with his shield. Link went low and chopped off the leg of the Stalchild. By now the other Stalchild, Kokoris in hand, had stepped forward and was kicking aimlessly at Link. Luckily the Stalchild could no longer see, and was an easy target to kick backward and down to the ground. The last two Kokori were free, and with the second skeleton brought down to its knees it was easy for Link to sever it’s head and slice the torso in two.
Link exhaled his remaining concern and adrenalin, and then checked the children. Though free, the children lie virtually limp, only twitching slightly. Link looked at their near lifeless bodies and saw a strange green vapor light draining from them. This energy was caught by the wind and dispersed. Similar to the way the decaying bones of the monster were dispersed. Link bent down to his knee and sat one of the children up. “Are you alright? What is wrong? What is going on?” Link asked the child in desperation. “…take us… back…” was all that could be said from the child’s weak voice. Link laid him back down and checked another kid. “You must tell me how to help you!” “…we will die if we leave…” said the child. “…watch out…”. “Huh? Watch out? For what?” Unknown to Link, the body of the first Stalchild had not decayed, and with Link distracted, it had reached for the severed head of the second Stalchild. Link looked back but was hit by the skeleton’s carpel bones. Link was sent to the ground, scrapping his face against the dirt. Link shook the pain off quickly and got to his feet. The skeleton had jumped at Link in an attempt to pounce on him, but Link’s agility served him well. Link leapt to the side and returned with a double kick to the Stalchild. Link finished the monster with a sharp overhead swing to the skull. The bones decayed and were swept away by the wind.

Link realized that the Kokori would not last long if they were not returned to the sanctity of the forest. And so the mighty hero threw two children over his shoulders, and carried the other two in his arms.

Link soon found himself at the crossroads of the Lost Woods. The fog around him had rolled in so fast, and it had been so long since he last walked the path to the Kokori Village. Link was stricken with grief because one of the children appeared to be getting worse. The energy resonating from the children was fading; they didn’t have much left in them now. “Please, I need more time. I can’t remember which way to go. Link ran as fast as he could down one of the paths. The weight of the children was nothing Link couldn’t handle, but no matter how light they were they still slowed Link down immensely. A minute later Link found himself back where he started. “Damn! I ran straight, but it’s like I went in a circle.” Link said to himself. Link had a thought, he could take the way he entered the woods, and then choose a different path. Of course Link didn’t know what he would do if he found yet another crossroad, but he had to do something and act fast. If he did not, the Kokori children would die in his arms. Link chose a new path and walked through the foliage. As he walked through the fog he could hear something. It was very faint, but it was unmistakable, it was Saria’s Song. Somehow it had found it’s way to Link, to show him the way, and to guide him home. Link opened his ears and listened intently to the melody that echoed from only one direction at a time. Finally, Link found the wooden bridge that connected the outside woods to the village.
The escaping energy of the children slowly returned to them. The mystical spirit of these enchanted woods healed their souls and revived their minds. One child spoke, “Thank you for saving us, but you must now leave.” “Why must I leave?” asked Link. “Because if you do not you will become that which had attacked our village and captured us.” Said another child. This was all Link needed to hear. “The voice I heard in the field, the melody that lead me here, and seeing such hurt in the eyes of my old yet un-aged friends I had known when I was a boy, it all means one thing. Evil has taken hold of the sacred Forest Temple, and Saria needs my help!” Link ran through the long hollow tree trunk to the village, but what dangers await him at the end of the tunnel?

That was a thought that crossed Link’s mind often. Being wise in knowing that there was danger ahead to be feared, then overcoming that fear with courage. That is what gave Link the power to overcome the danger. Link finally reached the village, and the terror he saw there was unimaginable. The hollowed out tree trunks that the Kokori used for their houses were being burned down by torch wielding Moblins. Some girl Kokori were trying to douse the fires near the pond, while the boys tried to protect them against the many Deku Scrubs and Babas. Link knew he had to act fast. He walked forward but heard a sound coming from above the entrance to the village. So Link held his shield tight and his sword fast. Link’s cautiousness served him well.

Just as he set foot on the grass a giant Deku Baba that was rooted above the entrance lunged down at Link. Despite Link’s strong defense, the force of the baba’s attack knocked Link backward. The monstrous plant tried to strike again while Link was off balance. The baba extended its vine like neck and reached out to ensnare Link. Just as the Baba opened its mouth, Link regained his composure and turned his shield to its side. The baba tried to bite Link, but when it did Link forced the shield into the baba’s jaw. The baba bit down on the shield but could not close down completely. Now with the baba’s main defense neutralized Link was able to roll past the head and cut the baba at the neck with his sword. The head fell to the ground and the vines went limp. Link pulled the shield from the baba’s head after it stopped twitching, and moved forward.

The Kokori alone were fighting a losing battle against Deku Scrub and smaller Stalchild monsters. The moblins however, which stood as tall as giants to these mere children, were too much for them to handle. One of the two moblins was holding his torch to one of the wooden houses, but the other had more of an abusive tendency. When Link saw a blond girl run from one of the houses the moblin was terrorizing, what he saw next enraged him. The moblin cut her off from her friends and began bullying her. The moblin lifted his leg up, preparing to stomp the frightened little girl into the dirt. The sobbing child closed her eyes and braced herself, but to her surprise nothing happened. She looked up to see a man in Kokorish clothing attack the soldier of terror. Link had intervened and tackled the moblin to the ground. In a rage, the moblin knocked Link away and rushed to its feet. Link rolled away and took a stance against the moblin. With blind anger the moblin swung its torch at Link, who repelled it with his shield. With the torch shattered and the fire snuffed out, Link ceaselessly slashed at the beast with a flawless sword combination. Link dealt a finishing sword thrust to the moblin’s chest, just below its breastplate. After a gurgling growl, the moblin fell to the ground with a short moan.
Link then went after the next moblin who was still setting fire to the houses. The moblin turned to face Link as he ran over to fight him. This moblin stayed clam and focused on the fight, and proved to be much harder to hit let alone defeat. Link had to avoid the long torch that the moblin used to keep Link at bay, and he had to match the moblin’s speed. Both fighters were in a stalemate until the moblin tried another plan of attack. The moblin reached to his belt and pulled a water canister from its holster. The moblin took a drink and held the torch up at Link. Link realized what was happening and jumped to the side just in time as the moblin spat liquor into the flame. The flame spread far and wide, but Link was able to cover himself with his shield. Link looked at the moblin with a smile as bright as the flame burning on his shield, as he threw the metal shield at the moblin, knocking the torch from its hand. The moblin was now forced to fight the aggressive hero without its torch. In a desperate attempt to even the odds the moblin challenged Link. “Now are you man enough to discard your sword as well boy?” barked the moblin. Link’s expression became serious, just as he takes all challenges to him.
Link said to the moblin, “Any other time I would. But this fight must end quickly as I must help the others.” Link approached the moblin with his sword. This fight between man and monster was a grueling but fast one. Thought the moblin exceeded Link in strength, Link used his agility and quick thinking to take the moblin down. By delivering decisive sword attacks and then always moving out to evade the attack of the moblin, Link was nearly able to wound the moblin fatally. The moblin’s underhandedness greatly outweighed that of Link’s. However, it could not compare to the battle experience that Link had gained over the years. Link anticipated that the moblin would draw another weapon, and he was correct. But before the moblin could steady the dagger it pulled from it’s boot, Link had already rushed in to knock the dagger away. And so Link ended the fight by taking the blade to the moblin’s head.
Now that the main threat had been eliminated, Link made quick work of the smaller stalchildren and the weak deku scrubs. A Kokori ran up to Link to thank him. “I don’t know who you are or where you come from, but thank you for helping us.” Said the boy. “Most of the smaller kids and the girls are all safe in the Hole of Z, but many of us boys are trying to fight the babas in the Great Deku Tree’s field! Please, help them too!” Link nodded and ran off toward the Deku Tree’s field. As he ran down the path Link noticed a trail of spider webs, and handing from them were many small Skulltulas. A spider that was indigenous to cursed lands and houses. When he got to the field, most of the children were lying face down on the ground. Without hesitation, Link began to cut through the monsters one after another, never stopping, never hesitating until every monster was slain. Though the enemies were eliminated, the threat still remained. It wasn’t until every fire was extinguished and every Kokori safe that Link felt at ease. The leader of the Kokori defense group, Mido, thanked Link for the help but quickly left to check the village. “Thank you mister for saving our village!” said one boy. “And for saving our friends” said another. Link asked one kid what had happened, but he didn’t get much out of him. “The monsters just appeared suddenly by way of the Lost Woods. When they began their assault on their peaceful village, the boys stayed behind to protect the Deku Tree Sprout, while most of the girls crawled through the hole of Z where the monsters could not reach them.” Said the boy.

Link next headed up the northern hill in the village and ran through the hollow tree trunk there, which led to the Lost Woods. Once inside the dark and foggy forest Link found himself in the same plight as before. However, just as before, Saria’s Song echoed throughout the trees, and finally led Link to the Sacred Forest Meadow. By now it had become darkest of night, and the large canopy of tree branches over the meadow only allowed a small amount of light to seep thought. The new moon could not have come at a worse time. The only light that Link had to show him the path through the meadow was from the floating entities of light that flew though the fabrics of the forest and another world of imagination. Slowly Link’s eyes adjusted to the darkness and he walked onward throughout the passageways of the meadow. Sword drawn and ready he crept through cautiously. As he walked further inward he heard a noise get louder and louder. It was a gurgle like clicking noise that Link could not locate. “It sounds like a bug… like a cricket but… larger.” Link said to himself. Ignoring the noise Link hurried through until he came to a small pond. The water was dark, almost black. Not like how he remembered it being before. Link saw a line of large lily pads leading from that path to the next. Link tested the support of the pad, and to his surprise the flimsy looking pad felt more like a firm rock. So instead of taking an unwanted dip in the murky water, Link stepped from pad to pad until…
One of the pads that Link stepped on started to shake and sway. Without warning a snarling beast rose up from the water and knocked Link into the pond. After Link rose back to the surface all that could be heard were hundreds of the same clicking noises. Before Link could wipe the slime from his eyes, he was pulled back under by whatever had knocked him into the pond. Link could feel the jaws of this monster crushing his leg as it tried to drown him. Link could not swing his sword fast or hard enough while he was under water, and he could not sheathe it because of his disorientation. In the commotion, Link dropped his sword, and it sank to the bottom of the black pond. Link grabbed the monster in desperation to be released. Link was able to free himself, but not before being punctured by sharp spikes on the monster’s skinny and spinney body. Link crawled out of the pond and looked at his leg. He was bleeding slightly where the teeth marks were, but the pain Link felt was twice as awful, and burned just as much as any fire.
While Link had been trying to get free, from the trees there crawled out hundreds of monsters called Bio Deku Babas. The noises that Link heard before were coming from them, and they were coming for Link. He knew that the monsters smelled blood, and were going to overcome him with their numbers if he didn’t get away fast. Link ran along the path while the Baba’s followed in close pursuit. Link saw two stone pillars with the forest emblem marking the path up to the Forest Temple. But also on that path was a large deku baba with vines growing from the walls, blocking the way. Link knew that with no sword he also had no hope of getting through. And if he didn’t think of something fast then he would have no hope at all. Link looked to each side and saw the babas closing in on him. Link backed up against the wall and bumped into a wooden ladder. Link turned quickly and climbed upward to escape the babas. When he reached the top of the ledge he saw a gap with a small hole in the middle, but just big enough for him to get through. More babas dropped from the trees and scurried to Link viciously trying to bite him. Link was given more lashes with thorny vines as he tried to get to this hole.

Link made it inside, but just barely. Bruised and bleeding, Link climbed down the rock wall through the hole until he made it to the bottom. Breathing heavily Link fell to the ground and contemplated his next action. It seemed that the babas had injected venom into his body. Link looked up, and through the darkness off in the distance there appeared a light that glowed with a magical likeness. With all his strength Link got up, and using the wall for support, hobbled over to the light. Link’s distress melted away when he saw a beautiful fountain with healing fairies hovering about. Link walked into the water and fell to one knee. Immediately the fairies gathered round the tired weary hero and healed his wounds. Just as the pond sludge was washed away from his clothes by the water, so was Link’s weariness washed away by the healing magic. Link looked down into the water and saw the Triforce mark beneath his rippling reflection. Link took his glove off and placed his left hand on the crest. The Triforce mark on the back of Link’s hand glowed and the crest began to shine. Suddenly, in the middle of the fountain, there sprang up a gushing well. And from the ceiling lowered green vines holding a sharp wooden sword with the mark of the Forest Sage! After Link gazed at the craftsmanship he grabbed the sword and pulled it from the vines. The blade was an odd shape, with another sharp protrusion from the other side, so Link could not put this in his sheath. Link pulled one of the vines down and looped it around the sword. Link used the vine as a sling and could now carry it on his back. With a new sword and his energy restored Link climbed back up the wall and out of the hole.

When he returned to the surface, the babas were still out roaming the meadow. But now that Link had a sword, he could confront their massive numbers, and match their aggression. When Link brought the sword forward to attack he noticed something strange. Every small light entity began to fly around Link. The sprites flowed around him and like moths to a flame; they hovered around the magical sword. Link did not know what to make of this, but it wasn’t long before more babas dropped from the trees to attack Link. Link quickly used the sword on the babas, and with one swing, he mowed over a dozen of them down like mere grass. The sprites would glow brighter whenever Link would swing the enchanted sword. Even though Link was destroying many of the babas, there numbers only increased. Then Link noticed that the roots of the dead babas were anything but dead, and would use the nutrients in the ground to regenerate the buds. Link decided to clear a path up to the Forest Temple, and the first thing to do was destroy the large Deku Baba that blocked the way with its thorny vines. Link made quick work of this baba with the help of the Forest Sword, which was twice the length of his old sword. Besides allowing Link to keep a good distance from the baba, this sword also had a magical property to it, which made it even more useful.
Another large baba blocked the long stairway to the Temple, but this one was more of a challenge. The larger baba would strike Link while the smaller bio babas would nip at Link’s back. Finally Link cut the baba down and ran up the stairway. Link began to see the Temple come into view, and then suddenly Link felt himself pass through something. It was like a white wave of light that was so bright that when he passed through, it was unbearable for Link to keep his eyes open. But the sight that Link finally did see once his eyes adjusted was spectacular. It was the Forest Temple, but many things were different. It was brightest day, and the blue sky had a golden hue. The grass was long and fine, as were the other flowers and plants in the small field. Two large beautiful trees stood at both sides of… a stairway of grass that lead into the Forest Temple. “H… how is this possible?!?” Link choked out. “This can’t be the Forest Tem…” Then Link remembered the babas. He looked behind him to see the stairway where he had come. The path looked dark, and the sky was black, just as he remembered. What Link saw next surprised him even more however, because when the bio babas reached the point where Link had the same white wave of light was shown. The babas disappeared, each in their own flash of light. “What magic is this?” Link asked himself. “Is this what is wrong with the temple?” Link turned and walked toward the steps of the temple. “I remember having to use a hookshot to get up to that platform, how did these stairs get here?” Link said as he began to climb the steps. Link could only climb half way up the stairs before a bright light engulfed his body. Link fell through the air and landing, stumbled backward, falling on the stone platform with the forest and Triforce insignia. Link was back in the dark meadow, without the splendor, and more importantly without the stairs. And he had another problem; he was once again surrounded by the bio deku babas.

What came next was a series of furious slashes. It took some work on Link’s part to overcome the onslaught of the babas, but he finally destroyed them. Unknown to him however there was another helping him through this battle, someone Link would soon discover. The rest of the babas began to turn brown and wither. The remaining babas came together at the stairway to either share or conserve their energies. No matter, Link was now free to enter the temple, but as he turned around he saw something within the temple. Two eyes glowed a blood red hue and out from the darkness emerged a giant moblin. This moblin stood approximately thirty feet tall, and had to crawl under the threshold of the temple to come out. The moblin jumped down, though it looked more like a step to the monster, and it sent tremors through the ground when it landed. The moblin had a massive club in its hand, and metal armor on its chest, elbows, and knees. The moblin had few openings. The only openings that Link could possibly hit were the moblin’s legs, and so they were the target of Link’s attack. Link stayed low, under the moblin’s guard.
Whenever Link could get the chance, he would swing at the moblin’s legs in an attempt to bring the moblin down to its knees. Link was many times quicker and more agile, but he couldn’t get to confident. Though the moblin was slow, it was extremely powerful. One false move near the moblin’s club and Link would be crushed like an insect. In frustration that it could not connect a single blow to Link, the moblin held the club high above its head, and brought it back down to the ground. The force of the air alone being forced outw@rd from the swing was enough to knock someone over, but when it struck the ground beside Link, the shockwave moving through the ground was so great that it sent Link flying across the field.
Shortly after the ringing in Link’s ears had stopped, he was back up on his feet. “This isn’t working like I had planned. This sword is not strong enough to cut this beast’s armor.” Link said aloud. Yet still, Link persevered, and he charged back in for another round. This time Link gained the upper hand by taking the sword to the moblin’s head, which caught the moblin off guard. Eventually, Link was able to bring the moblin to a knee, and finally defeated it with one last thrust into its heart. Shortly after the moblin died, its corpse began to dissolve away like a black cloud in the fresh wind. When this happened, the deku babas suddenly started withering and decaying. The thorny babas clinging to the canopy of tree branches and leaves over the meadow disappeared, and the entrance to the meadow was cleared. “Was this moblin the source of some sort of curse?” Link said aloud. “Yes Link. It was a curse on this temple, but is now one you have lifted.” came a small but familiar voice. Link turned around to see a soft green light fade, and there sitting on the tree stump in the distance was Link’s childhood friend, Saria.

“Saria… it is good to see you again.” Link said as he hastily approached her. “It’s good to see you too Link.” Saria said back. “So much time has passed, and so much has happened. Please sit a while Link, I have much to tell you.” Link and Saria sat in the now peaceful meadow and caught up on the past eight years they had spent apart. Saria told Link of the time after the Deku Tree’s death, about when everyone in the village believed Mido when he said that Link let the Deku Tree die. She also said that she was the only one to defend him, until the forest spirits called her to the temple, and chose her to take up the Sage’s Emblem and become the Sage of the Forest. “Link, my life has been changed so much by fate since the day you knew me, yet you do not seem at all surprised…” inquired Saria. Link answered by saying, “Yes, well I have never spoken of this to anyone except for the Princess, but when I left the forest to fulfill my destiny that day eight years ago, I experienced the seventh year of Hyrule’s future for roughly the span of twenty and one days of my life time. I have been to the future and back again, though I must admit, I loved living this life naturally more than the other. It may not seem like it, but the world I saw in the future was much worse that this world’s present.” Link continued to tell his old yet un-aged friend about his knowledge of the Sages and Sacred Realm, and also his past encounters with Gannon. “I see. Thank you Link, I understand now. So that is why the Temple of Light was suddenly destroyed that day. The maiden descendants of the original creators of the Light Temple were used to dispel the barriers.” Said Saria. “Yes, and that’s how Agahnim did it. Luckily, Gannon was still bound by the legend that only the one with all forces in balance can claim the Triforce. If he could have used the Triforce during that battle, then I believe all of Hyrule would have been destroyed that day.” Said Link. “So, after that, I got shipwrecked on an imaginary island for a couple weeks, and floated on a piece of wood inland just enough to be saved by Hylian fishermen, then I came back to Hyrule. And now it looks like another adventure is unfolding to me.” Said Link. “Yes, it does seem that way. I was watching over the forest earlier when suddenly a bright white light cut through the air. Emerging from the light was the moblin you fought. With it, there also came an evil magic, which forced me to remove my hand of protection over the forest while I tried to stop the evil that sprang up from the evil seeds. After I had wiped out those wretched spirits haunting the temple, I felt your presence near the Lost Woods and that is when I telepathically communicated with you.” Explained Saria. “So what do you think is happening?” Asked Link. “I am not certain.” Answered Saria. “But I am sure that the Princess can help you find out.” “Thanks, but one thing, who or what made this sword?” Asked Link. Saria answered him saying, “That is the Spirit Sword of the Forest. The wood is from a magical seed which can amplify the user’s own energy through the wooden blade. Unfortunately, the blade is only at its strongest when it is within the Sacred Forest. Outside of here it is just an ordinary blade of wood.” Saria continued to ease Link’s obvious disappointment in this truth, “If the blade ever dulls, you can bring it back here to the fountain. The blade will be restored to its original strength.”

Link and Saria talked until the sun rose up over the horizon. Link and Saria said good-bye, but not before they played Saria’s Song together once more. Link was now off toward Hyrule Castle to see Princess Zelda.

[Mikey]

(As always, take comments HERE. A good size chapter, not as long as the last one though.)

Chapter 2
The Magnificent Castle of Hyrule

When Link approached the gate of the town of Hyrule, he could hear the sound of crowing roosters echoing from the Lon Lon Ranch. While Link was waiting for the gate to lower outside of the town, he took notice of a wooden directional sign on the side of the path. It read…
“Welcome to the Hyrule Town Market
To the South is Ingo Ranch”
This puzzled Link for a minute, until he remembered back eight years ago. Ingo, the ranch hand at the former Lon Lon Ranch was very upset with the owner Talon. After Link’s seven year sleep he awoke to find that Ingo had sent Talon away and claimed the ranch as his own. “I had believed Ingo’s selfish act to be an evil corruption spawned from the very evil that had once plagued Hyrule before. But now I see that ill intent still lies within Ingo even in this time of peace. Perhaps I should pay him a visit, lest I be burdened with the thought of a heart broken girl…”, Link said to himself as he looked at the ranch which stood afar off in the distance. Link’s thought of the ranch situation was interrupted by the sound of clanking chains lowering the town’s mighty drawbridge to the ground. Link was a hero that would do anything he could to help those oppressed by the selfishness and greed of man, as well as those oppressed by the great evil. However, the thought that burdened him already was greater, and so he reluctantly crossed the drawbridge and entered the market.

Once across the bridge a friendly guard welcomed Link to the capitol of Hyrule. After walking through an ally way, Link found himself in the town square. Link was astonished by how much the town had progressed during his travels. Where once only a long dirt path stretched toward the castle, now a paved road gave way to hundreds of busy townsfolk. The small structures he remembered long ago were now large buildings. Link walked down the road and passed merchant after merchant, store after store.
Where the road began to incline to the castle is where Link passed through most of the crowd. He looked back at the town from the hillside, and only then could he truly see how large it had grown. It had not only expanded upward, but outw@rd as well. It even reached as far as the Death Mountain Trail, which lead to Kakariko. There were side streets and alleys in the town, which lead to homes and schools. There were places of trade, and places of spirits. There were people shopping, and people singing. Most of the people were happy and joyful, and some were even dancing to the music that came from the traveling musicians. “Tranquility is in this town”, commented Link. Though Link would have liked to see more of the town, he had to remember why he was there. Lingering no longer, Link hurried toward the castle.

Link walked along the road to the castle and approached the gate. Link walked up to the guard and requested passage. “Sorry, but only those with official business are allowed through the gate.”, stated the guard. “I must be allowed through” Replied Link. “I must have council with the Princess.” “Who are you?” asked the guard. And when Link told him, the guard immediately questioned his title. With much skepticism the guard asked, “Does thou mean to tell me that you are a knight?” Link looked away with an annoyed expression. He knew there was no other way to prove that the King had knighted him, and so with a brief sigh he turned back to the guard and removed his left-hand glove. Link held the back of his left hand up to the guard, and looked him in the eyes. The guard gasped in awe. Not because the young man before him was who he said he was, but because “The Hero” had truly returned. The guard smiled at Link, nodded, and immediately opened the gate.
“Sir Link, you must see The Princess at once. I know not the content of the meeting, but of the cause I do. The King and his elders have been in the same meeting since last night! You must see them quickly.” Explained the guard. Link thanked him, and then ran to the castle with haste. The call, “Lower the bridge, for The Hero has returned”, carried over the field from guard to guard until it reached the castle, and soon after it faded, the large drawbridge to the castle lowered for Link.

After walking through a small courtyard with a statue of a knight and a few shrubs and flowers planted around it, Link walked up to a reception table. An attendant quickly approached Link, and humbly said, “On behalf of the King and Royal Family I welcome you to Hyrule Castle. You honor us with your presence. What matter of business do ye have at the castle Sir Link?” Link looked at the boy and said, “I must see Princess Zelda as soon as possible.” The attendant told Link that The Princess was in a meeting, and it would be impossible to interrupt in order to call her out. Link shook his head nay, and said, “You will have to make it possible. I must speak to her, the fate of the country may very well depend upon it.” The attendant seemed to turn a bit pale when Link said this, but the nervous attendant finally motioned for Link to come with him. They stopped quickly, and the attended asked Link to check his weapon at the counter. Though he was a knight, no one could have weapons in the presence of the king, besides those who served as his personal guards.

The attendant lead Link through the castle’s many halls. It was then that Link realized he had never actually seen the inner walls of Hyrule Castle, only the garden eight years prior. Link was astonished by the regal surroundings. Woven into many of the tapestries of the bluish green color of Hyrule, were linings of gold and silver. Almost every item of décor in the castle displayed the royal emblem. The Triforce above a bird soaring high, and in its talons, another piece of what seemed to be another Triforce piece. Link followed the attendant up a case of stairs that spiraled around a large column. From there he walked across a balcony and could see the length of the floor below. While observing these magnificent halls, Link was lead to the heart of the castle, where the attendant stopped at a guarded room. Link noticed the attendant shaking with tension. Link tapped the boy on the shoulder and said, “Do not fret, if I must, I will go in myself.” The attendant turned his head to Link and said, “No, that’s quite alright, I will announce you. Please wait here and come when announced.” Requested the attendant. Link gave a nod and waited patiently.

The attendant opened the door and walked into the room, and the sound of arguing could be heard coming from within. “My Lord, I apologize for interrupting, but someone has come. Sir Link, The Hero of Hyrule!” announced the attendant. Link walked into the room and saw a long table. Elders and diplomats were gathered around it, one of which was Sahasrahla. More importantly, at the head of the table sat the King, and to the right of him was Princess Zelda.

The Princess stood and was astonished to see Link standing before her. She had felt Link’s presence drawing near for hours, so his being in Hyrule was not the reason of her astonishment. Zelda knew why Link was here, and she knew that it was again because of destiny’s intervention. Zelda walked over to Link, and only because of her prim and proper upbringing was she able to restrain the joy of her heart’s depth over his return. “Welcome back Link. It is good to see you.” Said Zelda. By now the King arose, “Sir Link…” said the King. Link approached his majesty and bowed to him. “…Sir Link. We art truly blessed that ye have come. Thou art known amongst us as a hero of our land. Thou hast rescued my daughter from evil, and thou hast even snatched me from Death’s icy grip. For this we all art thankful. Will thou sit among us now, and help uphold the peace that thou hast restored to Hyrule?” asked the King. Link did not expect that the King would invite him to sit amongst the others in the meeting. Link did not truly want to be apart of it, but instead risk offending the King, Link replied, “Yes my lord.”

The meeting with the elders continued and Link learned a little of the King’s troubles. Due to his own introspection, and his recent battle in the meadow, Link was absentminded throughout most of the discussion. The lack of interest in hearing a bunch of elderly men bickering also contributed to Link’s boredom. The Governor from the town of Ruto, north of Hyrule’s main land, reported that activity could be seen in Parapa desert. Monsters that were not indigenous to that area were spotted marching through the swirling winds of sand and fire. There were also sightings of faint glowing lights at night in the desert where Link had once traveled to earn the Pendant of Wisdom.

As the conversation before Link’s arrival went on… and on, and on, Link’s eyes grew heavy and his neck limp. Link fought sleep and tried to listen. Apparently, the town of Hyrule was not as glorious and peaceful as Link first thought. While the city did become larger and more prosperous, so did the crime rate and mischief. The soldiers that guarded the town had little control over what happened at night, because most of the crimes took place indoors. Any thieves that crept out into the darkened streets were rarely apprehended. This was mostly because of the small market growing into a large city, too quickly. When the market was small, it was impossible to loiter without the fear of being questioned. Now minor crimes were being carried out almost every night. Granted, the number of incidences was small, but only because most crimes went unreported.

The elders continued to discuss methods and ways to solve these problems and more, until Link could sit with his burden no longer. “Excuse me for interrupting but I must speak with Zelda alone.” The elders glanced at Link with slight dismay for his lack of respect. Zelda leaned over and whispered in her father’s ear. The King nodded, and Zelda stood to propose that they all be dismissed to reflect on the day’s discussion. The King agreed that they were all tired and should rest. After setting the next meeting time he dismissed the council. They all rose for the king, and once the King had left the room, so did they begin to leave the room. Link stood and waited for Zelda whom was already approached by an elder. Sahasrahla spoke as he passed by Link, “We must speak later-on some time Link.” “Yes, we shall have to do that”, replied Link.

Finally, once the elders had left, Link told Zelda of everything that had happened. Link tried his best to make Zelda understand, though he didn’t understand the situation much himself. “And just as I started to walk up the steps of the temple, the same white light covered me, and I was back in the meadow I knew”, Link explained. “Intriguing,” said Zelda, her face curiously concerned, “but why not mention this to the council as well?” Link grinned and said, “I did not speak of this, lest they take me as a mad man. And beside that, I did not wish to lengthen the discussion.” With brightened eyes Zelda laughed at this and said, “Yes, the meetings are not my favorite of responsibilities. But now you know how I feel when I try to tell my father about my dreams.” Zelda rested her hand on Link’s arm in a playful manner. “At least now he takes them into consideration.”

Zelda and Link rose and began to leave the room. As they walked, Zelda continued with a more serious tone, “But on to the matter at hand. Though it may seem impossible for night in the meadow to become day in an instant, I believe in your judgment Link. Saria, the Sage of the Forest should be contacting us soon in the Chamber of Sages about this problem.” Link turned his head slightly, a gesture implying that something was unclear to him. “Us?” Link asked. Zelda knew what Link was asking. She smiled and said, “Ah, yes. In Hyrule’s alternate timeline that you erased from existence, Ganondorf ruled the world, and the Sages could not hear the awakening call to the temples. Since you defeated Ganondorf and sealed him in the void, then killed him five years later when he escaped and imprisoned me, his power has not scared this time. Because of your heroism, peace reins in Hyrule. The five remaining chosen ones and myself were able to hear the call to the temples much sooner, and have already established our places in the Chamber of Sages.”

Link put his arms up and locked his hands together behind his head. Both taking in all the information, and stretching an ache out of his back. After a moment of though he said, “Yes, I see. That would make sense. Thank you, please go on.” With a smile Zelda continued, “We sages will use our power to look into this, and when we find an answer, you will be the first to hear of our conclusion. In the mean time… rest, and regain your strength.” Zelda stopped at a door and opened it. “You may stay in the castle’s guest room for as long as you like.” Link thanked Zelda for her help and was relieved to know that the Sages would be researching the problem for him.

“If you need anything, just ask one of the servants, they will help you.” Said Zelda. Link looked at the room. There was a clothes cabinet, a table, some chairs, a bathroom, and most importantly, a bed. Link turned back to Zelda and thanked her for her hospitality. Zelda laughed and replied, “Don’t be silly Link. We owe you so much. You have saved this nation from the Great Cataclysm. You have brought us this peace, and you have protected me.” Zelda gazed into Link’s eyes and said, “I owe my life to you Link.” Zelda’s tone made Link a little nervous. Link didn’t really know how to respond to this, so he simply nodded and blinked. Zelda spoke quickly as she could feel herself beginning to blush. “Well, I better be off”, Zelda said turning away from Link. “I don’t know how long it will take us to find an answer, but you will be the first to know.” As Zelda walked away she looked back and continued, “In the mean time check out the town, or look around the castle if you like.”

Zelda departed for the Temple of Time to enter into the Temple of Light, a dimension parallel to Hyrule. This dimension was the Sacred Realm, or to some the Golden Land, and the resting place of the Triforce. Link unequipped his shield, took off his boots, and lied down on the comfortable bed for some well-earned, and much needed, rest.

[ May 27, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Mikey ]

[Mikey]

(As always, take comments HERE. A good size chapter, not as long as the last one though.)

Chapter 2
The Magnificent Castle of Hyrule

When Link approached the gate of the town of Hyrule, he could hear the sound of crowing roosters echoing from the Lon Lon Ranch. While Link was waiting for the gate to lower outside of the town, he took notice of a wooden directional sign on the side of the path. It read…
“Welcome to the Hyrule Town Market
To the South is Ingo Ranch”
This puzzled Link for a minute, until he remembered back eight years ago. Ingo, the ranch hand at the former Lon Lon Ranch was very upset with the owner Talon. After Link’s seven year sleep he awoke to find that Ingo had sent Talon away and claimed the ranch as his own. “I had believed Ingo’s selfish act to be an evil corruption spawned from the very evil that had once plagued Hyrule before. But now I see that ill intent still lies within Ingo even in this time of peace. Perhaps I should pay him a visit, lest I be burdened with the thought of a heart broken girl…”, Link said to himself as he looked at the ranch which stood afar off in the distance. Link’s thought of the ranch situation was interrupted by the sound of clanking chains lowering the town’s mighty drawbridge to the ground. Link was a hero that would do anything he could to help those oppressed by the selfishness and greed of man, as well as those oppressed by the great evil. However, the thought that burdened him already was greater, and so he reluctantly crossed the drawbridge and entered the market.

Once across the bridge a friendly guard welcomed Link to the capitol of Hyrule. After walking through an ally way, Link found himself in the town square. Link was astonished by how much the town had progressed during his travels. Where once only a long dirt path stretched toward the castle, now a paved road gave way to hundreds of busy townsfolk. The small structures he remembered long ago were now large buildings. Link walked down the road and passed merchant after merchant, store after store.
Where the road began to incline to the castle is where Link passed through most of the crowd. He looked back at the town from the hillside, and only then could he truly see how large it had grown. It had not only expanded upward, but outw@rd as well. It even reached as far as the Death Mountain Trail, which lead to Kakariko. There were side streets and alleys in the town, which lead to homes and schools. There were places of trade, and places of spirits. There were people shopping, and people singing. Most of the people were happy and joyful, and some were even dancing to the music that came from the traveling musicians. “Tranquility is in this town”, commented Link. Though Link would have liked to see more of the town, he had to remember why he was there. Lingering no longer, Link hurried toward the castle.

Link walked along the road to the castle and approached the gate. Link walked up to the guard and requested passage. “Sorry, but only those with official business are allowed through the gate.”, stated the guard. “I must be allowed through” Replied Link. “I must have council with the Princess.” “Who are you?” asked the guard. And when Link told him, the guard immediately questioned his title. With much skepticism the guard asked, “Does thou mean to tell me that you are a knight?” Link looked away with an annoyed expression. He knew there was no other way to prove that the King had knighted him, and so with a brief sigh he turned back to the guard and removed his left-hand glove. Link held the back of his left hand up to the guard, and looked him in the eyes. The guard gasped in awe. Not because the young man before him was who he said he was, but because “The Hero” had truly returned. The guard smiled at Link, nodded, and immediately opened the gate.
“Sir Link, you must see The Princess at once. I know not the content of the meeting, but of the cause I do. The King and his elders have been in the same meeting since last night! You must see them quickly.” Explained the guard. Link thanked him, and then ran to the castle with haste. The call, “Lower the bridge, for The Hero has returned”, carried over the field from guard to guard until it reached the castle, and soon after it faded, the large drawbridge to the castle lowered for Link.

After walking through a small courtyard with a statue of a knight and a few shrubs and flowers planted around it, Link walked up to a reception table. An attendant quickly approached Link, and humbly said, “On behalf of the King and Royal Family I welcome you to Hyrule Castle. You honor us with your presence. What matter of business do ye have at the castle Sir Link?” Link looked at the boy and said, “I must see Princess Zelda as soon as possible.” The attendant told Link that The Princess was in a meeting, and it would be impossible to interrupt in order to call her out. Link shook his head nay, and said, “You will have to make it possible. I must speak to her, the fate of the country may very well depend upon it.” The attendant seemed to turn a bit pale when Link said this, but the nervous attendant finally motioned for Link to come with him. They stopped quickly, and the attended asked Link to check his weapon at the counter. Though he was a knight, no one could have weapons in the presence of the king, besides those who served as his personal guards.

The attendant lead Link through the castle’s many halls. It was then that Link realized he had never actually seen the inner walls of Hyrule Castle, only the garden eight years prior. Link was astonished by the regal surroundings. Woven into many of the tapestries of the bluish green color of Hyrule, were linings of gold and silver. Almost every item of décor in the castle displayed the royal emblem. The Triforce above a bird soaring high, and in its talons, another piece of what seemed to be another Triforce piece. Link followed the attendant up a case of stairs that spiraled around a large column. From there he walked across a balcony and could see the length of the floor below. While observing these magnificent halls, Link was lead to the heart of the castle, where the attendant stopped at a guarded room. Link noticed the attendant shaking with tension. Link tapped the boy on the shoulder and said, “Do not fret, if I must, I will go in myself.” The attendant turned his head to Link and said, “No, that’s quite alright, I will announce you. Please wait here and come when announced.” Requested the attendant. Link gave a nod and waited patiently.

The attendant opened the door and walked into the room, and the sound of arguing could be heard coming from within. “My Lord, I apologize for interrupting, but someone has come. Sir Link, The Hero of Hyrule!” announced the attendant. Link walked into the room and saw a long table. Elders and diplomats were gathered around it, one of which was Sahasrahla. More importantly, at the head of the table sat the King, and to the right of him was Princess Zelda.

The Princess stood and was astonished to see Link standing before her. She had felt Link’s presence drawing near for hours, so his being in Hyrule was not the reason of her astonishment. Zelda knew why Link was here, and she knew that it was again because of destiny’s intervention. Zelda walked over to Link, and only because of her prim and proper upbringing was she able to restrain the joy of her heart’s depth over his return. “Welcome back Link. It is good to see you.” Said Zelda. By now the King arose, “Sir Link…” said the King. Link approached his majesty and bowed to him. “…Sir Link. We art truly blessed that ye have come. Thou art known amongst us as a hero of our land. Thou hast rescued my daughter from evil, and thou hast even snatched me from Death’s icy grip. For this we all art thankful. Will thou sit among us now, and help uphold the peace that thou hast restored to Hyrule?” asked the King. Link did not expect that the King would invite him to sit amongst the others in the meeting. Link did not truly want to be apart of it, but instead risk offending the King, Link replied, “Yes my lord.”

The meeting with the elders continued and Link learned a little of the King’s troubles. Due to his own introspection, and his recent battle in the meadow, Link was absentminded throughout most of the discussion. The lack of interest in hearing a bunch of elderly men bickering also contributed to Link’s boredom. The Governor from the town of Ruto, north of Hyrule’s main land, reported that activity could be seen in Parapa desert. Monsters that were not indigenous to that area were spotted marching through the swirling winds of sand and fire. There were also sightings of faint glowing lights at night in the desert where Link had once traveled to earn the Pendant of Wisdom.

As the conversation before Link’s arrival went on… and on, and on, Link’s eyes grew heavy and his neck limp. Link fought sleep and tried to listen. Apparently, the town of Hyrule was not as glorious and peaceful as Link first thought. While the city did become larger and more prosperous, so did the crime rate and mischief. The soldiers that guarded the town had little control over what happened at night, because most of the crimes took place indoors. Any thieves that crept out into the darkened streets were rarely apprehended. This was mostly because of the small market growing into a large city, too quickly. When the market was small, it was impossible to loiter without the fear of being questioned. Now minor crimes were being carried out almost every night. Granted, the number of incidences was small, but only because most crimes went unreported.

The elders continued to discuss methods and ways to solve these problems and more, until Link could sit with his burden no longer. “Excuse me for interrupting but I must speak with Zelda alone.” The elders glanced at Link with slight dismay for his lack of respect. Zelda leaned over and whispered in her father’s ear. The King nodded, and Zelda stood to propose that they all be dismissed to reflect on the day’s discussion. The King agreed that they were all tired and should rest. After setting the next meeting time he dismissed the council. They all rose for the king, and once the King had left the room, so did they begin to leave the room. Link stood and waited for Zelda whom was already approached by an elder. Sahasrahla spoke as he passed by Link, “We must speak later-on some time Link.” “Yes, we shall have to do that”, replied Link.

Finally, once the elders had left, Link told Zelda of everything that had happened. Link tried his best to make Zelda understand, though he didn’t understand the situation much himself. “And just as I started to walk up the steps of the temple, the same white light covered me, and I was back in the meadow I knew”, Link explained. “Intriguing,” said Zelda, her face curiously concerned, “but why not mention this to the council as well?” Link grinned and said, “I did not speak of this, lest they take me as a mad man. And beside that, I did not wish to lengthen the discussion.” With brightened eyes Zelda laughed at this and said, “Yes, the meetings are not my favorite of responsibilities. But now you know how I feel when I try to tell my father about my dreams.” Zelda rested her hand on Link’s arm in a playful manner. “At least now he takes them into consideration.”

Zelda and Link rose and began to leave the room. As they walked, Zelda continued with a more serious tone, “But on to the matter at hand. Though it may seem impossible for night in the meadow to become day in an instant, I believe in your judgment Link. Saria, the Sage of the Forest should be contacting us soon in the Chamber of Sages about this problem.” Link turned his head slightly, a gesture implying that something was unclear to him. “Us?” Link asked. Zelda knew what Link was asking. She smiled and said, “Ah, yes. In Hyrule’s alternate timeline that you erased from existence, Ganondorf ruled the world, and the Sages could not hear the awakening call to the temples. Since you defeated Ganondorf and sealed him in the void, then killed him five years later when he escaped and imprisoned me, his power has not scared this time. Because of your heroism, peace reins in Hyrule. The five remaining chosen ones and myself were able to hear the call to the temples much sooner, and have already established our places in the Chamber of Sages.”

Link put his arms up and locked his hands together behind his head. Both taking in all the information, and stretching an ache out of his back. After a moment of though he said, “Yes, I see. That would make sense. Thank you, please go on.” With a smile Zelda continued, “We sages will use our power to look into this, and when we find an answer, you will be the first to hear of our conclusion. In the mean time… rest, and regain your strength.” Zelda stopped at a door and opened it. “You may stay in the castle’s guest room for as long as you like.” Link thanked Zelda for her help and was relieved to know that the Sages would be researching the problem for him.

“If you need anything, just ask one of the servants, they will help you.” Said Zelda. Link looked at the room. There was a clothes cabinet, a table, some chairs, a bathroom, and most importantly, a bed. Link turned back to Zelda and thanked her for her hospitality. Zelda laughed and replied, “Don’t be silly Link. We owe you so much. You have saved this nation from the Great Cataclysm. You have brought us this peace, and you have protected me.” Zelda gazed into Link’s eyes and said, “I owe my life to you Link.” Zelda’s tone made Link a little nervous. Link didn’t really know how to respond to this, so he simply nodded and blinked. Zelda spoke quickly as she could feel herself beginning to blush. “Well, I better be off”, Zelda said turning away from Link. “I don’t know how long it will take us to find an answer, but you will be the first to know.” As Zelda walked away she looked back and continued, “In the mean time check out the town, or look around the castle if you like.”

Zelda departed for the Temple of Time to enter into the Temple of Light, a dimension parallel to Hyrule. This dimension was the Sacred Realm, or to some the Golden Land, and the resting place of the Triforce. Link unequipped his shield, took off his boots, and lied down on the comfortable bed for some well-earned, and much needed, rest.

[ May 27, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Mikey ]

[Mikey]

(A few days late, but a few dollars extra. Enjoy. Please go HERE to talk about the fanfic.)

Chapter 3
The City of Hyrule, a vigorous town.

During Link’s sleep he dreamt of his life. Not in its entirety, but in segments of days gone by. He dreamt of his life as it was, and of his life before he had ever picked up a sword. In the dream he first found himself on a sandy beach. Wind blew in from the ocean and made the palm trees sway in the tropical sun. Looking to his side there sat a girl who resembled Zelda, but not completely. Link looked up to see a flock of seagull fly overhead. The seagulls were many, and they swiftly grouped together and faded into clouds.
Link looked down from the clouds and saw that he was now in the woods. In his hands he held a bow and arrow, and before him, there was a dear. “Take the shot” he heard a quiet voice whisper. The voice was Link’s uncle, who was hunting along side him in the woods. Link shot the arrow and hit his mark. The with his uncle’s help, Link dragged the animal back to their camp. They sat around the campfire eating their game when Link’s uncle got up and threw another piece of wood into the fire. The smoke rose out from the fire and clouded Link’s vision.
The smoke parted as if divided by a sword, and to his surprise it had been. The Kokiri Sword lie stuck in the ground at Link’s feet. And so he pulled it from the ground, and in doing so he realized that his arms had become shorter, his height and size smaller. He looked up at a large tower before him. Around it were gathered many people dressed in masks. Link made his way through the crowd and climbed up to the top of the clock tower. While fireworks burst in the air and sent out sparks of many colors, Link started to play a tune on his ocarina.
The world began to swirl around him as he looked up into the sky. After a minute, he focused back from the sky to see that he was playing the ocarina in his old house, the one he grew up in as a Kokiri. Link walked outside and saw children playing in the forest. Then he remembered what he would always think about whenever he watched the Kokiri kids…
Link then saw a beautiful face appear, the face was that of a woman’s. Her hair was long and had a golden chestnut color. And when he reached out to touch it and grasp it with his hand, Link found that his arm had become a great deal shorter than before. His tiny and pudgy hands grasped the woman’s hair, and the woman smiled at Link. After feeling a warm comfort wash over him, the dream ended and Link awoke.

Link's eyes shot open as he felt a jolt surge through his body. It seemed that the only dreams Link ever had were either strange, or all together frightening. The first would just leave him confused, and with a knot in his stomach. The nightmares however would pull him from his sleep and leave him in a cold sweat. This dream was one of the better ones, but it soon started to become a blur to Link. Struggling to remember, Link could only recall his uncle's face, and the faint image of the woman.

Six hours had passed while Link slept, and it was now the afternoon. Link got up and stretched a little before drawing a bath. After Link had bathed, he opened the armoire in his room and found a majestic outfit. It was an outdoor robe that was tailored for rich men, which meant that it was for guests as well. The robe was made of a soft, silk like cloth and was masterfully embroidered. It had colors of red and blue fading into each other at points to mix into a faint purple. The robe had a faint reflective golden lining that ran throughout the robe to create a beautiful design. The robe was lightweight and the length fell to Link’s ankles.

And so, after Link had changed into the cleaner, less tattered clothes, he left his room. Link walked down the hallways of the castle and spotted a group of young maids. Link approached these girls and told them that should the Princess return, that they please tell Zelda that he was going into town, and she need not worry of his whereabouts. The girls giggled uncontrollably until one drew the courage to speak. The one told Link that they would relay his message, and also told him that the King had instructed her to invite Link to his weekly feast. She told Link that supper would be at the 20th hour sharp, and not to be late.

Link thanked them and continued walking toward the entrance of the castle. As he walked away he heard more of the same whispers and giggling come from the maids. “What do they find so funny?” Link thought to himself. Link shrugged the thought off, “I guess I just don’t understand how girls think sometimes.” Link was barely beyond his teenage years himself, but because of his experiences in the harsh and dangerous world, he was quite mature for his age. In essence, Link had already matured as an adult at the age of ten, after he returned the Master Sword to the Temple of Time that day eight years ago. Link had seen and done so much, and even now, his life was only just beginning. Now, Link’s hope was that he could live in peace, and enjoy the simpler things in life.

When Link reached the town he found that even more people had come to trade and do business. Link decided that it would be better to stay indoors, so he visited a few shops that he remembered from childhood, and a few new shops he had never seen. The Bombchu Bowling Ally had expanded and now supported eight separate lanes. The Shooting Range now had an upper and lower floor. The Mask Shop however was now a grocery, but this did not surprise Link since he knew that the Mask Salesman had taken his business elsewhere. Link wandered around the city streets for a while, talking with people, seeing the sights, and even dancing a little to the music.

The hours passed and the crowds began to thin in numbers. It was time for the merchants to close shop, for within the hour it would be time for a shadier business to open. Link spent that time in a new part of town. Since the town had become a regular city, it was now impossible for the castle guards to watch over every part of town at night. Link found himself in an area of mischief, and it wasn’t long before he encountered a pickpocket. Fortunately for the thief, Link did not retaliate against him except to grab his pouch back. Link did not encourage the act of stealing, but he did not completely condemn it either. He knew that some people had to steal in order to provide their own, and so he decided to let the thief be on his way.

Link walked along the back alleys, admiring the housing structures and building designs, until he found a tavern. Link decided to enter into the tavern, and was immediately required to check his weapons at the door. Link had left his sword at the castle so he went up to the bar, and asked the bartender for a glass of water. Unknown to Link, he had already be profiled by a group of travelers who were sitting at a table in a solftly lit corner of the tavern. But when Link ordered water of the bar, the bartender and others around began to laugh at him. “We don’t sell water here boy. We pour ale in this place! Though if ye wou