Dark Uprising

Disclaimer: I do not own any of The Legend of Zelda game titles, or anything else that pertains to the name because it all belongs to Nintendo. And I sure as hell wasn't brilliant enough to come up with any of The Legend of Zelda mangas, or the characters in them because they belong to Akira Himekawa. I do own the content of my story! YAY!

It was said that after Hyrule's hero, Link, left the familiar soil of his homeland to embark on journeys unknown to even him, the princess became lovesick and her land suffered along with her. It was during this time that she made the greatest mistake in her entire reign, which was welcoming an evil in her presence that should have been sealed away along with the other sinful creatures Link had vanquished. His shadow, a mirror image, dark and unnatural was welcomed by her side in an attempt to subdue the ache in her heart that was left from an unrequited love.

Despite the obvious differences of the boys, Zelda and Locke (the name that was given to Link's darker counterpart) fell into a deep and forbidden love. It was an affection that may have cost Hyrule an end to its prosperity in a golden age if it hadn't been for one of the most unlikely of characters… This is the story of how far a princess was ready to go for a damned love and a regular farm girl who got stuck in-between.

Chapter 1

"He's really coming back," the princess mumbled to herself. A chilly sensation began snaking its way down her spine at the mere thought of him. Link had successfully helped seal Ganon, the evil king, into the Dark Realm before he had left Hyrule, but Zelda could feel that seal weakening the longer Hyrule's Champion stayed away. She could blame this on the fact that there was some inconsistency in both Hyrule and the Dark Realm with Link's twin residing in the world he had no business in. She never wanted to think about their relationship like that and quickly dismissed the idea. Besides, if her recent chain of prophetic dreams had been any indication then she knew the real problem was the fact that this year's Mystical Deku Nut Festival was doomed for disaster before it had even begun. Fighting the unbending will of destiny seemed impossible without Link there to save everyone again, but Zelda would have to try.

"Your highness, forgive my tardiness," a serious voice said sternly. The princess only smiled happily at the tall, masculine person before her and waved off his concern.

"No matter, you're here now," she began, "Raven, I have an important but equally dangerous mission that I'd like for you to accomplish on my behalf, will you do it?"

"Anything you ask shall be granted."

While the princess devised a plan to save her kingdom from utter damnation, her people went on with their simple lives, oblivious of the imminent danger that they were in.

"Malon!... Malon!!... MALON!" Marin ceased her work in the garden, wiping sweat from her brow and looked at her shouting uncle quizzically.

"Uncle Talon, what's the matter?" she asked when he was in ear shot. Her uncle sighed, a visible display of his exasperation, and scratched his balding head as he thought. The red head tried to suppress her laughter at seeing how the sun's rays bounced off Talon's bald spot, which proved to be very comical indeed, but she giggled nonetheless.

"It's Malon. That girl don went missing again!" He said, oblivious to Marin's laughter. His tone was solemn and Marin shook her head disapprovingly.

"I swear she's such an air head that one! I bet she's off in the fields somewhere day dreamin' again, leaving us to do all the work!" Talon's niece huffed angrily and pulled her soiled gloves from her hands, throwing them harshly into her mushrooms before getting up and stomping away. Talon followed, managing to keep his distance. If there was one thing he knew, it was not to get in Marin's way when she was fuming.

The breeze was heaven-sent and caused Malon's deep amber locks to blow freely in it. She sighed with her content, ignoring the way her long tresses gently swung in her face, as she lay in the soft grass staring up at the never ending blue sky. She'd decided to take a quick break in her tedious farm work, a hereditary trait she had inherited from her father, to enjoy the fair weather. Such a day couldn't be wasted with such trivial matters such as work. She closed her blue eyes and listened to nature's voice in the sounds of the birds, the whistling of the breeze through the tall blades of green grass, and the pounding of the earth's heart. She lay on her side, pressing her ear against the ground and listened to the steady thump, thump, thump of the earth's pulse. A small smile creased in her thin lips when she noticed how it beat in a steady rhythm with her own heart.

"I love this… Don't ever change…," she mumbled.

"Malon! Malon!" Her sanctuary had been shattered. Sitting up quickly and turning in the direction of the voice, she saw that it was her father and cousin calling to her. They stood on the hill that the ranch sat on and overlooked the field. The two were waving to her and neither one wore a happy expression.

"What?" Malon replied snappishly.

"What? What?? What are you doing down there huh? Why aren't you helping us prepare for Ingo and Ropley's return?" Marin retorted.

"Oh why bother? They practically live at the ranch with us anyway! What good would it do to get everything all fancy just to get their expectations all high?"

"Malon! Well, if you don't wanna help with that, the least you could have done was complete that order for the Milkbar! Hurry and get it done now before you're gone all day an' ya miss their homecomin'!" The girl grumbled compliantly, deciding that she rather be out delivering milk then wasting the day away with boring housework.

"Oh, alright," she said. She got up from her sitting position, dusting her purple dress before running over to join her cousin and father.

"No more runnin' like that Malon! It isn't ladylike!"

"Don't patronize me Marin!" With that command, Malon hastily gathered her things, readying for the long trip to Termina.

"Now, don't take no short cuts through the forest ya hear? They've been crawling with criminal activity as of late. I don't want nothing to happen to you Malon…," her father warned with concern written on his face. Malon hopped up on the wagon and took the reigns, evidently disregarding her father's worry.

"I know, I know… I've done this a million times…," she said airily, "I'll be back before sun down."

"In one piece… right Malon?" Marin inquired. Malon nodded her head rigorously in agreement, anxious to be out on her way. Slapping the horse's bottom, she began on her journey. Her family watched her disappear down the hill and then out to the fields.

"She's gonna get in a load of trouble…"

"Don't jinx her Marin!"

Easy riding. Everything was so nice and peaceful that it wouldn't take Malon long to get there and get back. She could beat her best record and make it home before early evening. That was if she avoided the heavy traffic that would be clogging the main roads… The horse stopped abruptly at a fork and the farm girl weighed the pros and cons of her options. To her left was the trail that led to Castle Town and beyond the small city was the toll road leading to Kakariko, where she'd have time to visit some of her friends before trailing the twenty mile distance to Termina's Clock Town. The toll had been raised to twenty rupees. She checked her small money pouch, ignoring how the light weight of it proved ominous of the contents inside, or rather lack of contents inside, and saw that she only had a solitary ruby red rupee. Sighing, her gaze shifted to the right path that led to the Kokiri Forest and eventual Lost Woods, which offered a more direct path to Clock Town without costs. It also cut the distance traveling from Kakariko to Clock Town in half. It was easy to see which path proved to be the better, but the girl hesitated. True, she cut through the forest before and came out unharmed, but that was luck. What was to ensure her safe return this time? Grinning, Malon beckoned her horse to the right, completely forgetting her father's warning. She always was one to thirst for the unknown.

The greenery was almost exactly the same as when she last saw it. Except this time, the trees were in full maturity versus the budding blooms she'd seen in the spring time. She had to agree that it was breath taking whatever the season. Soaking in the scenery, Malon smiled with content. It seemed as if she'd chosen the right path after all. … … … … Spoke to soon!

"Hey! What the…??" Malon screeched when something whizzed by her face, barely missing her cheek. Her horse whinnied and buckled with fright, threatening to dislodge itself from the wagon.

"Hoskit! Stop! Cut it out right now!" She ordered, but her commands fell on deaf ears as the large mammal jolted forward after another one of whatever it was being thrown hit it in the eye. Malon screamed as she was dragged through the forest at a great velocity. The wagon wheels creaked dangerously, threatening to give out from the rough ride and Malon dreaded the idea of having to explain to her father how she'd managed to lose a whole hundred and fifty gallon order. Taking the reigns in her hands again, she pulled them, desperately willing the horse to stop. After it ran into a clearing surrounded by large trees, the wild four legged animal ceased its frenzy. Malon sighed a great sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from her brow before she shakily dismounted the driver's seat of the wagon and landed in the enriched earth. She took her quiver and arrows from the seat next to her and aiming she said, "Alright! Show yourself!" A taunting giggle echoed through the forest's still air and sent chills through the defensive female.

"You've been here before! Why'd you come back? Don't you know most people aren't as lucky as you? Usually anyone who comes here is turned into a forest spirit…," a childlike voice accused. Malon aimed her bow to where she thought the voice was deriving from. She still couldn't see anyone through the thicket.

"Who… who are you? Show yourself!" Malon demanded. Another laugh.

"You don't want to be doin' that farm girl! After all, you're the one trespassing. I could turn you into a brilliant Hylean Oak in defense!"

"Oh please! Don't! I was only traveling to Termina! It's quicker this way… besides, I was under the impression that the woods were long abandoned… I didn't know I was intruding on anyone," she proclaimed, lowering her weapon.

"Termina you say? Interesting. I presume you'd be going to Clock Town, correct?" Malon nodded, then thinking that her company couldn't see the action said, "Yea. I'm delivering Lon Lon milk to the Milkbar there…" There was a contemplative silence, as the voice tried to devise a plan with the newfound information.

"What's your name farm girl," the voice inquired. Malon gulped nervously and replied, "Malon."

"Well, Malon dear, if it's no trouble, could you deliver this kinstone piece to someone who's waiting for me there? I haven't had time to go there myself and no one's come through for days, but the princess is very stern about this person getting it…" As the voice finished its plea, a small vine dipped from the canopy above and entangled in it was a golden kinstone piece. Malon hesitantly took it and studied it closely.

"Did you say the princess asked you to give it to… who again?"

"Yes, Princess Zelda asked that it be given to the Royal Guard that's waiting inside the Milkbar in Clock Town."

"But why?"

"I'm sorry dear, it's classified information, but if you do this for me, I promise you can use this route any time you want without having to worry about me attacking you again!"

"Um. Okay… sure. Thanks a lot." Malon stuffed the piece in her pocket and climbed aboard her wagon once more. Looking at all the trees surrounding her, she sighed and asked, "Excuse me… Voice? Uh… how do I get out of here?"

"Oh, right. Sorry about that dear!" No sooner had the words been spoken, did the trees blocking the exit move out of the way. Malon smiled.

"Thanks!"

"Don't mention it! But, the name's not Voice hon. It's Deku. I'm the Great Deku Tree Sprout, Protector of the Kokiri Forest!" Malon saw the small stump to the side as it smiled smugly with arrogance. She shook her head, disbelieving that a mere sprout had caused her so much trouble.

"Well. Thanks Deku. Goodbye now."

"Goodbye Malon. Safe travels… oh but one more thing. Don't give the kinstone piece to anyone but the Royal Guard… or else you have damned us all!" Malon gulped nervously, and nodding beckoned Hoskit forward, and out of the forest.

It was midday by the time Malon finally saw Clock Town in the distance. She sighed with relief and relaxed in her seat. She'd been put on edge ever since the meeting that transpired between her and Deku. She'd been on lookout for any suspicious looking person and even animal, fearing that they could see the golden kinstone piece hidden away in her dress pocket. She stuffed her hand in there now, checking to make sure it was still there, which it was, unscathed. Slapping Hoskit a little, she quickened her pace, wanting desperately to be rid of the thing. She was only trying to deliver milk, not carry out some highly important royal order.

"Where are you coming from?" The gate guard questioned dully.

"Hyrule. I'm here to deliver milk…," Malon replied. The guard yawned and checked her wagon.

"Okay. You can go on inside miss," he said, while opening the gate. Malon indicated for Hoskit to go on through while offering the guard a courteous smile.

She never remembered having to go through a security check before. Sure, tons of people from all over came to Clock Town because it was wedged right in the middle of the four corners, the perfect location for merchants and traders to do business. So Clock Town did get its handfuls of the occasional thieves and the like, but even then the gates were liberal and let anyone through. Deciding not to worry about it anymore, she traveled on to the Milkbar, offering a kind smile to all who greeted her.

Once she made it there, she was surprised to see Ranch Romani's wagon there. She growled in her throat. They were rivals to say the least and Malon despised the uppity sister's and their too-rich-and-creamy-for-her-tastes milk, Château Romani. Unluckily for her, not every one shared her lactose intolerance and the Romani sister's were riding right along with the Lon Lons business wise. Malon parked her wagon to the side, letting Hoskit get his fill from the trough that was laid out in front of him, and knocked on the Milkbar door easily. She frowned when she was met with the curious gaze of Romani.

"Huh? What are you doing here?" She snapped. Malon placed her hands on her hips and answered, "Minding my own business!" They two glared at each other, both refusing to be the one to look away.

"Oh, why hello Malon. What a nice surprise! I see you've come to deliver some of your products as well. Romani and I are through now. Sorry if we're in the way…," Cremia said as she exited the Milkbar. She pushed Romani to the side and her younger sister huffed angrily, crossing her arms. Malon sweetened her face, deciding that she'd be polite to Cremia since she was the only decent one of the two that deserved it. Never mind the fact that Cremia wasn't the one she was holding a lifelong grudge against.

When they were children Romani and Malon had their eyes on this one guy who has long since disappeared from both their lives. They both wanted to be his wife but knew only one could get the honor. So, simply put, they both fought vigorously for his affection that Malon is proud say she won in the end.

"It's nice seeing you too Cremia," the girl offered, "Can't say it wasn't a little tough getting in here though… Security's pretty tight around here…"

"Yes. A criminal's on the loose. Just broke out of jail earlier this morning," Cremia explained, "It's rather serious."

"Oh! I didn't know anything about it…"

"Well, it's a good thing you didn't come across him then… he's said to be armed and dangerous. I wouldn't recommend leaving here without an escort Miss Malon. I'd be rather saddened to hear any bad news about a friend." Malon blushed. Cremia was so nice and polite.

"I guess… Who's yours?"

"We got the Gorman brothers watching our backs. They should be meeting us back here soon. But anyway, after you're all done, I'd like to catch up on all the latest. I'll be at the Stock Pot Inn visiting with Anju meanwhile. So you know where to find me," Cremia said merrily. With a delicate wave of the hand, she and Romani left, traveling next door. Malon watched them enter the inn, Romani sticking out her tongue, before she entered the Milkbar.

It was as homely as ever. Malon felt herself smile at the familiar sights of the Milkbar, loving how the manager, Tom, never changed a thing.

"Is that my cousin's girl I see? Or is that a beautiful woman?" Malon looked down the stairwell to see that her father's cousin was standing there, smiling brightly at her in his tight fitting tux.

"I'm sure I'm both. Hey Cousin Tom!" Malon exclaimed happily, running down the stairs with her arms wide open. Tom met her embrace, squeezing her tightly.

"Dang! You've gotten so big now…"

"You said that last time I came cuz'!"

"And it's just as true now as it was then! Tell Talon that he'll have to stop lettin' you travel by yourself. It's dangerous out here lately and you're a pretty girl Malon. Why, I bet you're fighting those boys off with sticks. Lemme look at 'cha." Malon pulled away and turned 360, arms spread, dress fluttering, and hair twirling in unison with her. She stopped, smiling sheepishly when she saw the look her cousin gave her.

"What is it?"

"You look like your mother is all… Much too delicate for farm work I think. How 'bout you try working here in the city? You're sure to meet a lot of decent guys here. You can get married easier and…"

"Tom. I'm not interested in no husband! I'm only sixteen! I haven't even done everything I want to do yet!" Malon cried in exasperation, falling to her bottom. She sat on a stool at the bar, hunched over herself, balancing her chin in her hands that balanced on her knees. She looked sadder then angry however, feeling like everyone was attacking her about her looks lately. Marin, being four years older than her, was starting to stress the importance of being more feminine and proper etiquette, suggesting that Malon learn both if she never wanted to end up as an old maid. Marin felt she had the bragging rights because she was expecting to be proposed to any day now by her three year boyfriend, Mesa. He was a farmer too of course, and so Malon didn't envy her cousin. But it wasn't just Marin, Talon had started hinting at finding her a husband too, by letting young men work at the ranch at the odd occasions any one came there looking for work. They weren't unattractive young men, but they didn't have much going for themselves and so Malon wasn't interested. Ingo, Talon's friend and lifelong ranch partner, even remarked on how lovely Malon had grown to be. He concurred with Tom now as they both suggested that someone of her caliber shouldn't be ranching all her life. Not that Malon hated her life at the ranch, nor the tedious work it entailed, but she didn't find it fulfilling and half heartedly agreed with them. But it was all she knew and she didn't want to marry some no body and be stranded without her family and friends…

Marin called her uptight, her father called her picky, and Ingo thought she was being silly whenever she argued with them about their plans for her future. They said, "You're always finding the bad in everything Malon. I bet you'd feel differently if ya gave it a chance." There was nothing appealing about becoming a wife, having to cook and clean, possibly even get fat from having kids that she'd be raising all her life. She wanted to be free… She wanted to be swept off her feet by some mysterious tall, dark and handsome somebody who took her everywhere and anywhere she wanted to go…

Tom took a seat beside her and Malon awoke from her reveries. She looked at him and he offered a soft smile.

"I'm sorry Mal. It's just, I want the best for ya as do everyone else. We don't mean no harm…"

"I know…"

"Well… I'm thinkin'. Maybe if you share what you wanna do with us, we could help ya better."

"No… You'll just say that I'm dreamin' or that it's no place for a lady…" Malon said sitting up straight. Tom put a comforting arm around her and grinned mischievously.

"You don't know that. Try me." Blush occupied Malon's cheeks once more as she tried to form the right words to express her fantasies to her cousin. That's all they were anyway. Fantasies. She almost felt foolish for actually considering those dreams to be excuses for not wanting to grow up and take her place in society. Traveling. Adventure. Romance. That was for people like Link. Not people like her.

"Naw… Just… forget it…," she told in almost a whisper. The grin on Tom's face disappeared and a look of concern filled his face.

"Well, if you ever wanna talk, I'm here," he said. Poking her in the nose playfully, he stood and helped her stand as well.

"Let's go get that milk put up before it spoils!" Together they left the Milkbar, and went to the wagon where they proceeded to carry the large crates inside to the freezer. More work. Malon groaned inwardly.

After all the milk had been put away, and Tom paid her, Malon left the bar and wandered about outside, deciding whether or not to take Cremia up on her offer and go visiting. She settled for playing games and winning prizes once she figured they'd tell her the same thing everyone else was telling her. It's time to grow up Malon.

When she was done trying her luck at the Bombchu game, she saw a traveling Goron and proceeded to buy some rock candy off of him. When she reached into her pocket, her thumb brushed against the smooth surface of the kinstone piece and she pulled it out, eyeing it warily.

"I totally forgot about this…," she mumbled. The Goron's dark beady eyes bulged ten times their original size and his mouth went agape at seeing the half coin.

"Girl if you gimme dat kinstone you can have all the rock candy I have to offer! Please give it to me!" Malon looked at the Goron in puzzlement.

"Uh… I'm sorry. I… can't…"

"What if I gave you a hundred rupees for it??"

"I'm sorry but I really can't give it to you!" The Goron looked angry.

"Give it here! Now!" He proceeded to reach for it and Malon hastily stuffed the kinstone in her pocket once more, closing her eyes as the Goron's massive hand threaten to take her by the throat.

"Link? What are you doing?" She heard someone say. The Goron whimpered and stuttered incoherently as he stepped away from Malon, who opened her eyes. She followed the Goron's fearful gaze to see a man standing threateningly before them. His arms were crossed over his chest and he studied the Goron meaningfully with a scrutinizing gaze. Malon's breath hitched in her throat. He was the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes upon… His unruly golden hair, exquisite emerald eyes, and masculine build, was everything she ever wished for in a guy. He calmly stalked up to them, taking his place beside Malon while he stared down the Goron curiously.

"It… It was nothing. Sorry…," the Goron, known as Link, stated.

"I sure hope not," the man said, "Good day Link." Link mumbled some obscenities before stomping away in a huff. Malon stared at her savior, finding him to be even more striking up close.

"Are you alright miss?" His voice, husky and monotonous, woke her up from her daze and she blushed when she realized she'd been staring at him with her mouth wide open.

"Yeah… Yes!" She stuttered, trying to remember her etiquette but in vain. The man seemed humored by her and Malon mentally kicked herself for being such a child.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, casting her gaze downward.

"It's alright. If I may know, are you traveling alone uh…?"

"Malon. Malon Lon Lon." If Malon had not been staring bashfully at her muddy boots, she would have noticed the vague look of recognition flash across the young man's face. He studied her a little longer, smiling happily to himself.

"Malon…," he repeated. She nodded, still refusing to meet his gaze or else risking total humiliation at letting him see her blush with pleasure at hearing him say her name.

"Yes… Malon…"

"Well. Malon. Are you traveling alone? It's really dangerous you know…" Malon snorted angrily and crossed her arms.

"I can take care of myself thank you very much. Why, if you hadn't come along that Goron would have been worse off!" She proclaimed arrogantly.

"I've no doubt," the young gentleman agreed with a slight chuckle to his tone. Malon could feel her anger rise in her chest, suppressing all warm and fuzzy feelings she'd once held for the man. He was just another one of those types of people.

"Whatever, excuse me sir, I must be getting on my way…," she hissed. She spun on her heel and proceeded to walk back to her cousin's bar. She expected for the man to leave her alone, but he followed her, easily keeping up with her quick pace.

"What is it?" she snapped. He merely shrugged in response.

"I'm sorry if I offended you in anyway. But it would go against my honor as the Royal Guard to let you walk these dangerous streets unaccompanied." Malon stopped abruptly and the man looked at her questioningly.

"Is… there a problem?"

"Here! Take this! It's for you! The Great Deku tree…" The man's eyes widened when he saw the coin glistening ominously in Malon's hand, and he covered her mouth, looking around nervously for anyone who heard her speak. Luckily no one had, and if they did they were putting on a good show about not knowing. Taking her by the hand, he led Malon out of the public eye and into a small alley where cats were hanging out in large groups. He pushed her up against a wall and snatched the coin from her hand, checking it. Satisfied, he stuffed it in his pocket and looked at her dead in the eyes. Malon looked back at him feeling a peculiar sense of nostalgia overcome her as she lost herself in his milky emerald pools… She'd seen those eyes before.

"Now… how did you get your hands on this Malon?" She took special notice in the way he used her name so friendly, like he'd said it a hundred times before. Granted, he probably knew other Malons as she wasn't the only one in the world, but still…

"Uh… I was uh… I traveled through the Lost Woods in the Kokiri Forest to get here to Clock Town and The Great Deku Tree Sprout gave it to me," she explained.

"That makes sense… I waited for you in the Milkbar for hours," he stated, "I guess I'll have to notify the princess about this… Thank you." As he turned to leave, Malon impulsively grabbed hold of his arm, causing him to look back at her interestedly.

"Do we… have we met… before?" She asked. A mischievous glint twinkled in his green eyes and Malon decided that that look was indeed familiar as well.

"I dunno, you tell me Malon," he replied, completely forgetting his properness. She pulled him closer, instinctively, eyes boring holes into him, as she said, "We have haven't we… Have you ever worked on my father's ranch?" He nodded slowly, a coy smirk evident on his face. He seemed to get a kick out of this little guessing game. Malon was getting irritated.

"How long ago was this? It couldn't have been recent. I think I would've remembered you…" The boy pondered this for a minute before responding, "No. It wasn't recent. I believe it's been at least… five years." Malon's heart beat sped up and she felt her mouth drop again. It couldn't be…

"You mean… Wh.. What's your name?" She asked. The boy seemed to enjoy her cluelessness and waited a whole minute before responding indirectly, "You know what it is… Right? You couldn't have forgotten it that easily eh? Carrot Top." That old pet name. The one that died the night her best friend left the ranch, promising to return, but never seen again. It had been a whole five years since she heard anyone use it…

"Raven…," she muttered, disbelief evident on her face. Raven smiled fully and nodded.

"It's been a while Malon…" He expected her to be a little surprised… probably a little happy… he'd even expected her to be somewhat hysterical… he didn't consider her to be pissed as hell. Malon angrily drew her arm back, fist in a ball, before she socked him square in the eye.