Author's Note: Thank you to all the readers who read my previous works. Without the tremendous responses I got, I wouldn't be writing today.


(Note: This takes place six months after the "A New Evil" trilogy. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to do so before starting on this story.)


Chapter 1/Introduction

The sun shone down brightly on Hyrule Castle. The only thing that was shining brighter that day was the spirit of Princess Zelda. As she looked out the window in her quarters, she thought about the situation she had just been placed in. Her father, the King of Hyrule, left the castle to conduct business in another land and Zelda was left in charge while he was away. With the king's departure, it gave Zelda the opportunity she had been waiting years for. She would finally get a chance to rule over Hyrule unconditionally.

**BOOM!!!**

The loud sound came from outside Zelda's room. Suddenly, her three royal guards ran into her room and quickly shut the door. They were a unique threesome. Kreature, Krash, and Og were a fighting trio collectively known as COMBAT. But they weren't just guards, they were also three Lizalfos soldiers. They had spent their lives shunned by Hylian society for what they were and went on to train in Ganondorf's army. They were then called on by Ganondorf to guard a cubed shell that contained the evil shape-shifter known as Meyson. Meyson had gone on to betray his three followers and COMBAT went on to help defeat Meyson once and for all. With nowhere to go, Zelda figured the least she could do was offer the three orphaned lizards a job.

"Guys, what was that sound?" Zelda asked.

"Sound?" the slender Kreature asked. "What sound?"

"Yeah, we didn't hear any sound," said Krash, the short one.

"That wasn't us who blew up the stove," the chunky Og added.

Kreature and Krash both groaned at once. Zelda's eyes grew wide. "You blew up my stove?! How did it happen?!"

Just as she said that, the royal chef walked in. His clothes were singed. "Princess, I'm ecstatic that you've been put in charge. But can I PLEASE ask that your first act be to rid us of these three reptilian goofs?!"

"Goofs?" Kreature asked. "We resent that."

"Yeah," Krash said. "We are not goofs."

"We may be chowderheads," Og added. "But we're not goofs. No sir."

"How did you blow up the stove?" Zelda asked again.

"We...may have left the fish in too long," Kreature answered.

"I can't work under these conditions, Princess," the chef said. "These 'chowderheads' have to go."

"Sorry, cooker man," Krash said. "We ain't used to having food served to us."

"Yeah, we're fighting lizards," Og said. "We get our own food."

"But not at the expense of the stove, you...'chowderheads'!!" the chef shouted.

As they continued arguing, a feeling of dread began to hit Zelda. If she couldn't even control an argument between three Lizalfos and a cook, then how would she control a land as big as Hyrule. Just as she thought about that, someone else walked in. It was a royal messenger.

"Great," Zelda heard Kreature whisper. "Here's another one for the 'Down With Lizards' campaign."

"Princess, there is a matter for you to attend to in the throne room," the messenger said. "It involves your authority in the absence of the king."

Zelda couldn't understand what this could be. But at that moment, she was just happy that something could call attention away from the argument between COMBAT and the chef. She walked out of the room, followed by her three guards, and headed to the throne room.


Chapter 2

When Zelda got to the throne room, she could see that it was packed. There were royal guards, messengers, and advisors everywhere. But the one person that got her attention was the one standing in front of the throne. He was her father's main advisor. He was wrapped in a blue cloak and a veil covered all but his eyes. He was a sorcerer known only as Drekkin, who's past had always been a mystery to Zelda.

"All right, I'm here," Zelda announced. "What is this about? Why have I been called down here?"

Drekkin began pacing back and forth in front of the throne. "Princess, we all are aware that you have been placed in charge while your father is away."

"Yes, yes, what's your point?" Zelda demanded. She didn't really trust Drekkin. Something about him troubled Zelda. She didn't trust many of her father's closest advisors. In fact, the last advisor who was as close to her father as Drekkin was the evil Ganondorf. Zelda tried shaking that off. It may have been just a trauma.

"Well, perhaps you haven't heard," Drekkin continued. "But your father has left a royal decree. He has stated that I be your second in charge."

"My father said that?" Zelda asked. "I can't believe that!"

Drekkin pulled out a note and handed it to Zelda. She read it thoroughly and shook her head. It was true. Drekkin had been placed as Zelda's second. She couldn't figure out why. Did her father not trust her?

"But I know what you must be thinking, Zelda," Drekkin said. "This was an opportunity you have been waiting for. You have looked forward to being in charge for a long time. So it is for that reason, that I will not infringe. You just do things your way, Princess. I'll just stand by in case you need me."

"Thank you, Drekkin." Zelda smiled. That was surprisingly decent of the wizard. He must have realized how much Zelda wanted this chance to shine on her own. She walked back to her room a happy woman.

It was a thrill to see all the people come to stage that had been set up. Many issues of the Hylian Informer had been purchased by the people that day and it couldn't make Knigma happier. It was almost a year since he began the Hylian Informer, Hyrule's first and only tabloid. And since then, Knigma has become one of the most popular and trusted personalities in Hyrule. The Hylians had come all the way from Kakariko to see him speak of the latest edition. And he has profited heavily off his tabloid.

Knigma began delivering his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen. Come on, come all, and see what's in the latest edition of the Hylian Informer. This week, what's in YOUR water? Is it pure or is it possessed by miniscule creatures? Ewww! And the flock of guays flying in from the east and stopping here. Is it a coincidence...or a giant conspiracy? You've GOT TO KNOW!!!"

It went on like that for a good hour. As Knigma continued rambling on, more people bought their issues of the Hylian Informer and he saw the profits rolling in. When it was all said and done, Knigma was ready to call it a day and leave with his stash.

But Knigma has an ulterior motive. The fact that he is becoming one of the most trusted personalities in Hyrule will only serve to make this flow much easier. And Knigma knows that when all is said and done, Hyrule will never be the same.


Chapter 3

It's been a week since her father left, and everything has flowed smoothly so far for Zelda. Nothing at all has gone wrong in Hyrule. In fact, the only things that Zelda remembers about the last week are the constant quibbles between COMBAT and...pretty much everyone else in the castle. And what made Zelda feel much better was that Drekkin hadn't intervened in anything Zelda had done. It reassured her that this would be her chance to shine on her own.

**BOOM**

That sound came from the kitchen. Zelda rushed over there. The sight there was unbelievable. It frustrated and angered her. But the sight she saw also made her want to burst out into laughter. She saw Kreature, Krash, and the cook down in the corner, knocked over there by the explosion of the new stove. And she also saw Og, whose head was stuck in a giant pot.

"What happened?" Zelda asked.

The cook spoke first. "These three scaly chowderheads threw a jar of nutmeg into the stove. There's not supposed to be that much nutmeg. It CAN explode!"

"Jeez, how were we supposed to know that?" Kreature asked.

"It's like we're expected to know these things," Krash added.

Og tried talking threw the pot on his head. "Hey, get this thing off me!! It's hot!!"

Kreature and Krash struggled to pull it off and eventually popped it off. Og immediately ran to a bucket of water and stuck his head in. The cook looked angered.

"That's the second stove in a week!" the cook shouted. "Princess, if you're not going to get rid of these three, then at least keep them OUT of the kitchen!"

Zelda shook her head and looked at the three dopey lizards. "Guys, when are you going to learn that you don't belong in the kitchen?"

"When everything blows up?" Kreature grinned. The three lizards laughed.

"You mean to tell us that a lizard has no place in the kitchen?" Og asked.

"That's EXACTLY what I'm trying to tell you," Zelda said. "No lizards in the kitchen! If you want something ask the chef!"

The lizards stood silent. Just then another messenger came in.

"Something has arrived for you, Princess," the messenger said.

Zelda smiled. "Is it my Hylian Informer?"

The messenger nodded. He handed Zelda the tabloid and walked away. She loved reading the Hylian Informer. Not only did it let her keep touch with what was happening in Hyrule, but it was also an interesting read. She could always find something juicy inside. She doesn't really know why a juicy dirt sheet fascinates her so much. Maybe it was the woman in her.

But Zelda's smile faded. She saw something that distressed her. Something bad had happened.


Chapter 4

It was a bright day out in Lon Lon Ranch. Link felt especially good that day. It had been six months since he defeated the evil Meyson and basically declared his love for the beautiful Malon. Link never knew how much he loved Malon before that day. They had always been friends. They had been friends since before the Imprisonment War. Link got to know Malon a lot better during a special night in which he basically spilled his guts about his entire life. When Link finally defeated Ganondorf, he was sent back to his own time and everyone forgot about the treacherous time when the evil Gerudo ruled, but Malon somehow retained her memory. It wasn't until Link last talked to Princess Zelda that he found out the truth of what happened. The person Link cared for the most retained their memory, and that person was Malon. Link never appreciated having her in his life more than that moment. But this day, he decided to do something special.

He saw Malon walk out towards the corral. Link had a great opportunity, since Talon and Ingo were out delivering milk to Kakariko Village. He had a table ready in the stables. He had a candlelit dinner prepared for the two of them. It's the kind of romantic thing that would brighten up Malon. She'd love it.

He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Hey. What're you doing right now?"

Malon smiled warmly. "Just feeding the horses. But after that, I've got nothing to do."

"That's good," Link smiled back. "But...I've got a surprise for you in the stable when you're done."

Link kissed Malon and walked back to the stable. He waited patiently there and kept picturing Malon's reaction. After about a half-hour of waiting, Malon finally walked in. The look she had on her face was priceless. It was something Link would never forget.

"Oh...Link," Malon blushed. "This is so...romantic."

"Table for two, for my special lady," Link said slyly.

Malon was about to sit down, when there was a knock on the stable door. Malon walked over to answer it as Link sat stunned. Who would come to the ranch? And why did they have to come now? Malon answered and there stood a young man wearing a Keaton mask.

"Malon of Lon Lon Ranch? Here's your Hylian Informer."

Malon took the tabloid and paid the boy. She beamed as she looked at it. Link couldn't understand what fascinated her so much about that dirt sheet.

"Ooh, I can't believe it's here," Malon said. She walked out of the stable and left towards her room. Link was speechless. All he could do was blow out the candles in a frustrated breath.

Twenty minutes later, Link began to make his way to his room. Just as he was about to open the door, Malon ran up to him. She looked panicked.

"Something wrong?" Link asked nonchalantly. "I don't want to take any of your time away from your precious tabloid."

Malon handed the paper to Link. "I think there's something you should see."

Link looked at the paper and stood stunned. It wasn't something that affected him directly, but it was a headline that grabbed his attention nonetheless.

"Band of Gorons Cause Avalanche with Intent of Harming Hylians"


Chapter 5

Zelda couldn't believe the headline. It was a disaster. And it was something that she hoped she wouldn't see. The story said that there was an explosion on Death Mountain, most likely caused by Bomb Flowers. And all signs seem to point to Gorons and the story said that the avalanche was intentional and was meant to harm the Hylians dwelling in Kakariko.

A messenger approached Zelda. "The editor of the Hylian Informer is out making his weekly speech, Princess. The people seem agitated by the story of the Goron attack."

Zelda knew this was something she had to investigate. She had to see the tabloid's side of this and how the people would react. She looked over to COMBAT. "Guys, it looks like we're going out. But try to be inconspicuous."

Zelda grabbed three cloaks for each of the Lizalfos and grabbed one for herself. Then she began walking out of the castle and towards Hyrule Castle Town.

Zelda could see that the editor, Knigma, was ready to make his speech. He was an outspoken man who was very respected and loved. But Zelda wanted to see what he would say about his story of the Goron attack. He walked to the stage set up outside the Happy Mask shop and prepared to make his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I hope you've all read your Hylian Informer today." He grinned. "If not, you can get one right there for the ROCK BOTTOM price of 20 rupees!" His grin faded. "But people, we have a serious matter to attend to. For those that have their issue, then you know the bad news. The Gorons that caused the avalanche with the intent to hurt Hylians need to be dealt with. People, let's call this what it is. It's a hate crime! A hate crime against Hylians! And it's something that can't be tolerated! People, we've got to make a stand. We've got to take action. And we've got to begin by going to the one person who can help us. We've got to go to Princess Zelda. She's the one in charge, let her do something about it. These Gorons are only out there to see the fall of Hylians. We, as a race, have to make a stand against these rock-eaters. But don't take my word for it. Let's ask some people in the audience."

Zelda shook her head. Knigma was rallying the people against the Gorons and ultimately the people would cry to her for a war. He walked over to a man standing in the front row. "You sir. What do you think should be done? Don't you think we have to make a stand? Don't you think I make sense?"

The man stood thoughtfully. "Yes. You make a lot of sense, Knigma."

"There you go," the charismatic Knigma said. "Let's ask someone else. You sir." Knigma pointed at another Hylian. He walked over to the buffed up Hylian. "Don't you think I'm right? Don't you think I know what I'm saying? Have I ever led the good people of Hyrule wrong?"

"Of course not!" the bulky Hylian shouted. "We trust you, Knigma."

"You see, people? I'm right," Knigma said. "We have to make a stand. And we will start by sending a message to Princess Zelda. That we won't take this! You people make your voices heard and tell Princess Zelda to take action!"

The Hylian crowd cheered as Zelda and COMBAT looked on from a far distance. As Knigma walked off the stage, Zelda could only wonder what would happen when she got back to the castle.


Chapter 6

A day had passed since Knigma made his big speech to Hyrule Castle Town. Since then, thousands of letters had flooded the castle, each one demanding either war be declared or that Gorons be punished for their 'crimes'. Many Hylians began protesting loudly outside Hyrule Castle and it began annoying Zelda. It also started irritating her friends, COMBAT.

"Don't they ever shut up?!" Krash asked.

"I feel like going out there and slicing and dicing!" Kreature added.

"I'm going deaf over here!" Og shouted. "Can't you calm them down, Zelda?"

"I can't!" Zelda answered. "They're all stubborn. They want revenge on the Gorons. But I can't just give it to them. It'd strain relations for years."

Just then, Drekkin walked in. The sorcerer's eyes looked grim. "Princess, you've got to do something. The crowds are getting out of control."

"What am I supposed to do, Drekkin?" Zelda asked. "I can't start arresting Gorons. Arrests based on race are ignorant. That's why I hate the laws against the Kokiri right now. It's just…wrong."

"Then what will you do, Princess?" Drekkin asked. "You can't let them go on like this."

"I…I…don't know," Zelda answered. She really didn't know. Zelda had wanted for so long to be given the leadership position. She wanted so much to lead Hyrule by herself, but one tabloid article threatened the peace and Zelda was caught right in the middle. She realized something then. "I don't think I can do this by myself. Drekkin…?"

"Yes, Princess," the sorcerer said confidently. "I'd be honored to…"

"Get one of the royal messengers," Zelda interrupted him. "I want to send out a letter to some of my friends."

"Friends?" Drekkin asked, surprised. He shook off the shock. "Y-Yes, Princess. Of course."

Drekkin walked out of the throne room and retrieved one of the royal messengers. Zelda knew she couldn't get this done by herself, but maybe a few suggestions from her friends would be helpful. If anything, they could at least offer her some words of encouragement.

"Yes, Princess Zelda?" the messenger asked. "What can I do for you?"

"Take a letter," Zelda said. "I want you to go to Lon Lon Ranch."

Drekkin walked out of Hyrule Castle and began making his way to a remote area of Hyrule Castle Town. He was outraged. He was the second in command. With this entire Goron fiasco, the princess should have handed him the throne on a silver platter. It should be Drekkin controlling Hyrule right now. Instead the princess decided to call some of her 'friends'. But he wasn't shaken. He would be controlling Hyrule soon enough and the princess had no idea what was happening. Drekkin reached his rendezvous point. Sure enough, out from an alley came the editor of the Hylian Informer, Knigma.

"My good friend, Drekkin," Knigma greeted. "How does this fine evening serve you?"

"Apparently, your story wasn't enough to shake the princess," the sorcerer answered. "She's still holding on to the throne, only now she's calling in her friends. And I suppose you're doing well?"

Knigma grinned. "I couldn't be doing better. The Hylian Informer is selling at record numbers. I tell you, Drekkin, these people will believe ANYTHING! And the best is yet to come!"

Drekkin chuckled. "The people will never doubt you, Knigma. Soon, they will all turn against Princess Zelda and she will be begging for me to take the throne."

"It's a win-win situation," the charismatic Knigma said. "You become new King of Hyrule while my profits soar through the roof. The Hylian Informer will be the highest grossing business in all the land. And I, the mighty Knigma, will be the richest, most powerful personality in ALL of Hyrule!! It's brilliant!" He pulled out a scroll. "I've got to write this down!"

Drekkin looked strangely at the editor. "I've never understood that, Knigma. Everything you do, you just HAVE to write it down."

"Of course I do!" Knigma snapped. "People worship me! They think I'm the greatest Hylian alive. And that's why I keep scrolls with my personal records. When I depart from this world, the only remaining will be my scrolls and everyone will know about my brilliance. Call it my autobiography, if you will." Knigma chuckled. "Of course, when they DO read it someday, they'll have a big surprise."

"You didn't document our little agreement, did you?" Drekkin asked.

"Yes, I did," Knigma answered. "People need to know EVERYTHING about my life. And won't it be a kick in the head for future generations when they see that I played their ancestors for saps! And that day will come, but first we have the task of getting YOU on the throne."

Drekkin grinned evilly. The only thing bigger than his aspiration to rule Hyrule, was probably Knigma's huge ego. "Of course, for that to happen, you're going to need more than a Goron avalanche story."

"Indeed you're right," Knigma said vigorously. "And I do have much more in store." A huge grin appeared on Knigma's face. "But for that…we're going to need you to do your thing."

Drekkin laughed. He knew exactly what to do next. And it would surely spell the end of Princess Zelda's reign.


Chapter 7

Link was ready this time. He had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare a candlelit dinner for he and Malon, but it was spoiled by the arrival of a dirt sheet. Now, Link had another candlelit dinner prepared and nothing would interrupt it this time. He had left a note on the door of the stable that would be sure to get Malon's attention.


To my sweet Malon,

You are my light, my hope, my shining star. I can't imagine my life without you. Come inside and see how bright my love burns for you.

Link


Link sat at the table with the candles lit. Suddenly, the door opened and Malon walked in with a smile that melted Link's heart. She sat down across from him and reached over to give him a kiss. But that's when someone knocked on the door. Malon stood up to go answer the door. Link sat there frustrated. He couldn't believe this happened twice. Malon opened the door and standing there was a royal messenger.

"I have an urgent letter from Princess Zelda."

That got Link's attention. He stood up and walked over to the door. "Well, what is it?"

The messenger pulled out the note and started reading. "To Link and Malon. Stop. This is Princess Zelda. Stop. It's been a little more than a week since my father left me in charge of ruling over Hyrule. Stop. But there's been a problem. Stop. If you've read the Hylian Informer you know that the Hylians have gone crazy over the Goron attack. Stop. I can't deal with this by myself. Stop. Please come to Hyrule Castle as soon as possible. Stop. I need help, the help that only friends can offer. Stop. End of message."

Link and Malon exchanged looks. Link read about the avalanche caused by some Gorons. And Link knew how intolerant the Hylians could be. They must have been hounding Zelda day in and day out. It must have been pressuring.

"Well, what do you think?" Link asked Malon.

"I think Zelda needs us right now," Malon answered. "If anything, maybe we can be there for moral support."

"Ok, then." Link turned to the messenger. "Go and tell the princess that we're on our way."

The messenger left as Link frustratingly blew out the candles. But it didn't turn out too bad. It looked like Link and Malon would be spending a few days at the castle, or even weeks depending on how stressed out Zelda was. It would make for a change of pace, at the least.

Malon walked out with her supplies. "I left a note for dad and Ingo in case they come back. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready," Link said as he mounted Epona. "Let's go."

As they left, Link looked back at Lon Lon Ranch. Maybe he would get another opportunity to do something special for Malon, but he wasn't holding his breath.


Comments? Feel free to review below or mail me at HyruleKokiri13@hotmail.com