When the Nightmares Started

by princess-shmelda

"I remember you." She paused, wanting to tell him everything but scared to tell him anything. "I don't remember anything else but you." They've been strangers, friends, lovers. Just like her name and face, their relationship is always different. Two things remain constant, however: Link; and the promise that this will start all over again. [A Link/Zelda Modern AU]

1. Prologue

When the Nightmares Started

A Legend of Zelda AU

~ Prologue ~

"It's dangerous to go alone"

– The Legend of Zelda(1986)

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There was a loud creak as the door gave way. It echoed down the hallway, and for a moment the sound seemed to travel to every corner of the abandoned castle. Zelda didn't give it much thought as she moved on. There were pictures to be taken, after all.

Pictures. There were a lot of pictures hanging in this particular hallway. A quick glance revealed they were actually empty frames; the paintings had likely long been stolen. Zelda smirked, this seemed like a fitting place.

Another door, another creak, another long unlit hallway. Frustration was starting to build and her steps were growing more impatient. The earlier care she had taken to creep quietly had quickly left, and Zelda all but stomped towards the door on her right. It looked as if it had once been grand, with large double doors and peeling paint. She almost stopped to admire it- almost. Pushing yet another door open, Zelda stumbled into what appeared to be a large hall. Windows lined the walls, allowing a bit more of the moon to fill the darkness.

Suddenly, a bright light flooded her vision, blinding her. When her eyes refocused she was staring down the barrel of a gun.

There was an eruption of sound, and Zelda's last thought was that someone had opened a door nearby.

The bullet went straight through her heart.