Disclaimer: No, i don't own Zelda...but hey, let a man dream

Anyway, this is my first Zelda fanfic and only my second total, please review and tell me what you think and whether i should continue it

The Beginning

It was raining heavily. It had been all week. Water gathered at the edges of the streets and created small rivers that carried small pieces of debris with it as it flowed towards the drains carved deep into the earth. The once crowded streets of the Market were now deserted. Sellers' stalls, which on a pleasant day were filled to the brim with eager buyers vying for the best position to see or touch the items that were on sale, were alone and desolate. The bright colors of the many awnings and clothing hanging in shop windows appeared to be dimmed by the storm. Everything seemed to have transformed into a dull shade of gray. Even the beggars had abandoned their normal haunts and retreated to safety from the rain elsewhere.

Most likely, they had gone to where everyone else had. The courthouse; a large building with towering arches and gruesome statues of grotesque gargoyles. The domed roof stood out over the tops of every building in Castle Town, making it easy to locate and find a route to through the small town's back streets and confusing alleys. It was at this building that one could find all those who were normally populating the market at this time in the day.

For it was not only the rain that drew people away from their routine life among the streets. It was the thrill of the proceedings of the court today that pulled the people like moths to a flame. It was a highly discussed case. Having been the topic of gossip among the market goers for over a week now, almost everyone was well voiced in the exact details of the charges and what the sentence could be. Inside was crammed full. Some people had taken to sitting on the floor rather than squeezing into the already overflowing benches. Everyone else was pushing and shoving at the doors, trying to force their way to the front so that they could get the best view. Children scurried underfoot, screeching merrily while having no comprehension over what was truly happening. The adults were conversing with each other in low voices, creating a sound not unlike that of bees hovering around their nest. A few snippets of conversation could be heard over the general buzz.

"Murdered-"

"-a young man-"

"-fourteen I believe he was-"

"The whole family-"

"-no witnesses-"

"-noble-"

"-servants too-"

"-acquaintance of the princess-"

All the conversation ceased, however, when two doors opened and more people came in. These people, however, were different from the average population sitting in the viewing gantries. The first door, the one located on an elevated platform, let in the important members of the government.

A voice spoke out, "All rise for the King Daphnes Harkinian the Second, ruler of Hyrule, and his daughter, Princess Zelda."

The king came first, festooned in robes of scarlet lined with a thick, silver ribbon. Underneath he wore clothes of the highest expense, and his neck, wrists, and fingers were adorned with jewelry of gold, silver, and expensive gems. Upon his head sat a large golden crown with diamonds and rubies glinting magnificently even in the low light. His tanned skin was slightly wrinkled and his white beard was trim and neat. His green eyes flashed fiercely.

Following him amidst a circle of guards, like her father, strode the Princess Zelda. Her midback-length, brownish blonde hair was held up in a bun. She wore a pale pink dress and thin, white gloves that extended past her elbows. Around her waist was a cloth belt. Attached to the front of the belt was a large rectangular piece of fabric that ended in a point not far above her feet. Stitched upon it were intricate drawings and many important symbols of Hylian legend, not the least of which was the Triforce, which was emblazoned in a brilliant gold in the middle of this accessory. The fact that her face was contorted in a mix of anger, sorrow, and an overbearing urgency did not detract from her beauty. The tears leaking from her dark violet eyes actually accented her elegant and beautiful features. She sat gracefully on the throne beside her father's. They were both staring down at a lone figure standing in the middle of the room. One with a great sadness, another with great and fiery loathing.

The figure that they were watching with contradicting emotions was a boy, no older then fourteen, who had come through the other door that had opened. His blonde hair was dirtied and matted, his faded green tunic was tattered and filthy. His was staring down at the floor, for he did not dare to look at the King's face while it was in such a rage. His legs were chained together with thick shackles. His wrists were bound so tight behind his back that the ropes were beginning to cut into the skin.

The king spoke, and everyone in the audience held their breath so that they would hear every word. The deep voice resonated throughout the chamber with his words, "Link, son of no one, you are hereby accused of the brutal murder of a noble, his family, and their servants. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

The young teenager finally looked up to the king's face. Fierce green eyes bored into blue ones that should have shone brilliantly. But the time that Link had spent in prison while awaiting his trial had taken quite a toll on him. His eyes now seemed almost gray. All life was drained from him. Shoulders that had once been broad and upright now slouched in defeat. He was fourteen years old. No boy should have to face this kind of thing. Of course, Link was no ordinary boy. Four years previous he had gone on a long, difficult quest to save the land of Hyrule from the evil forces of Ganondorf. At that time he had been known as the Hero of Time and wielded the legendary Master Sword. No one but the princess, the six sages, and he knew about it. Time had been reset to its proper course after Ganondorf had been defeated and sealed in the Sacred Realm. The Master Sword had been returned to its pedestal and Link had gone back to his home to catch up on all the time he had lost. But now…

Now he was being accused of murder, a crime which he had in no way committed. He knew however, that the instant he had been pegged as a suspect he was done for. His status in society prejudiced the officials against him. And of course, they completely disregarded anybody else in the noble class of having possibly done this horrible crime. So the blame centered on Link, and he was apprehended and thrown in prison. As he looked into the king's eyes, he saw that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that he was going to convince anyone that he was innocent. They hadn't listened to him before, and they weren't about to begin now. He sighed internally. He might as well go down without a fight, at least than all these people would feel good thinking that they convicted the right man.

He bowed his head again and spoke in a quiet voice, "No, your Highness. I have nothing to say."

The king sat back, his face screwed up in concentration. He slammed his hand down on the arm of his chair, drawing all attention to himself. "It is decided then. Link, you are found guilty of all charges, which includes twenty counts of murder. You are sentenced to death. I suggest you start praying to whichever goddess you follow, for you will be joining her shortly. The date of the execution is set for two days. It will be a public spectacle to make sure no one follows his lead."

The tears flowed more quickly down the princess's face now. She glanced down at her hands, which were curled into tight fists in her lap. She looked back up at the boy she had once seen as a strong, infallible warrior. The boy who was too young to bear these burdens and had been broken due to them. The boy who was now going to be executed for a crime he never committed.

She twisted her hands, knotting the fabric of her dress, coming close to tearing it. I…I have to do something for him. After all he has down for Hyrule, for me, this end is not one he deserves.

The prison was dark and dingy. The musty smell of decay hung in the air and cloyed at one's nose. The guards who were on duty stood about lazily, their once highly-polished armor now rusted and dull. These men had long since stopped caring about appearance. They worked at a prison, so what did it matter?

The young princess stumbled through the bare, stone-walled corridors. Her eyes watered at the rank stench and the filth that was literally coating the prison walls. Despite this however, she tried to maintain her composure, though what she was about to do was completely illegal, even for the princess. Zelda froze outside a heavy wooden door and stepped forward to push it open. She was stopped, however, by the guards standing idly on either side.

"Sorry, princess, but on King Harkinian's orders, no one is to see the prisoner."

"I am the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda Harkinian, you will let me pass!" she injected as much authority and threat into her voice as she could muster. However, being only thirteen years old, it did not prove to be enough.

The guard chuckled heartily before looking at her with an amused look on his face. "King's orders little lady. His orders preside over yours. No one is to see him. That's final." He crossed his arms, daring her to argue.

She sighed and then turned back to him. "I was really hoping I was not going to have to use this," she commented quietly as she brought her right hand up in front of her face. She splayed her fingers and concentrated. A faint light began to shimmer around her hand, drawing the guards' full attention. "Sleep well," she stated.

Link's head shot up abruptly as a bright light flashed through the small opening in the door to his cell. He then heard two consecutive thumps followed by somebody playing with the catch on the door. He crouched back in his corner, wondering if the King had decided to curtail the time before his execution. The damp and moldy straw strewn across the ground to provide 'warmth' and 'comfort' rustled as he shifted his weight back on his haunches. He hated this place; he truly did. For somebody like him, a soul used to open space, clean air, and freedom, this cell constricted him. Everyday it felt like more and more of his life was siphoned off. He felt as though he was going to eventually end up an empty shell of what he used to be. But I'll never live to see that day.

The lock finally yielded to whoever was struggling with it on the other side. The catch sprang open and the heavy wooden door creaked slowly open on its rusted hinges.

Link gasped when he saw who had come. "You!"

Zelda swept elegantly over to where Link sat chained to the floor. "Come, Link, it is time to get you out of this horrid place."

Link looked up with surprised eyes and he spoke in a timid voice, "Y-You…believe me?"

Zelda looked at him with deep, dark violet eyes full of pity. This boy should have never come here. "Yes, Link, I do. You are not capable of such a crime. And even if you were, I would still believe you," she spoke gently as she placed her hand caringly on his arm. He looked down at it, surprise evident in his face. When he saw her right hand glowing faintly, his once-blue orbs grew even wider.

He looked back up at her with an emotion close to fear blaring through his expression. "Zelda, you didn't!"

"Yes I did, Link," she explained as she moved her hands to the metal shackles binding him to the floor. "Using my Triforce piece was the only way to knock the guards unconscious. I am getting you out of here."

But Link was shaking his head. "This isn't right, Zelda. If your father and everyone in the kingdom has seen fit to throw me in here and accuse me of a crime, then we cannot fight them. It is not right." He moved his hands onto hers, effectively preventing her from further freeing him.

She stared at him, mouth hanging wide open and tears beginning to prick the corners of her eyes. "How…how can you be like this even when you're life's on the line for something you obviously didn't do? Link, you're a hero of this land. After all you've done for everyone, the only thing they can repay you with is false accusations and a public death. Does it not make you angry? You can't possibly expect to just sit back and watch this happen?" Tears now began to run down her cheeks for the second time that day.

Link gently wiped them away as he smiled at her. "Zelda, that is exactly what I plan to do. I will not go against the people's will. If what you said was true, and I am indeed a hero, then would it be right to completely disregard the wishes of the citizens who I fought to protect? Besides, if I am no longer needed, than I need to be replaced by a hero more fit for the role. I have served my time, and if, in the future, I am needed again, then something will stop with my execution. Otherwise, I will go and dwell with the Goddesses." Zelda hid her face in her hands and continued to cry. She couldn't bear it. How? How could this boy, a fourteen year old boy, understand and except things on this level? How could he throw away his life for something he had never done? He was going to suffer for someone else's crimes, and he was perfectly okay with it. He was only thinking about others, not even once considering himself. She looked up at him with teary eyes as he gently told her, "Zelda, it is time for you to go. Be sure to wake those guards and erase this experience from their minds. You must trust me here. The Goddesses will intervene if I will be needed further. For now, you must leave. It would not do for you to be caught conversing with a criminal." Zelda stood slowly, as the small droplets of water dripped off the end of her nose. She backed away, her eyes never once leaving his. He smiled the whole time.

Her back bumped the door. She spun around and ran out into the corridor, slamming the heavy door behind her. She leaned over the guards and pressed her hand to each of their heads. Their eyes began to flutter, letting Zelda know she had to leave quickly, for they would wake soon. She walked briskly down and out of the prison building, her head bowed and tears leaving a wet trail to follow behind her all the way to the castle.

King Daphnes Harkinian the Second was worried. It had been two days since he had sentenced the young boy to execution. Today the boy's head would be taken off in public. Of course, the sentence and the daunting prospect of the execution itself was not what had the King worried. Well, maybe it had something to do with it. The dreams he had been having for the past two nights are what really got to him, however. Dreams that kept him tossing and turning all night, leaving him exhausted and tired in the morning.

The dream was the same, and there was never even the slightest bit of deviation. The general thing about it was that he was being scolded harshly by three deep, powerful, feminine voices. They had made it quite clear what they were so angry about. The boy, the murderer. They were angry that Harkinian had sentenced him to death on such a little basis of evidence. But the king had tried to shun these dreams off. No matter no how hard he tried though, they still haunted him and stabbed a knife of worry deep into his mind. Maybe I was a bit too brash. No, no. That boy is a murderer. He must be dealt with as such. There will be no mercy. The king lookedout over Castle Town in the early morning light. His own arguments rang hollow in his ears. A deep rumble resounded through the sky, drawing Harkinian's attention to the black storm clouds gathering on the horizon. There will be no mercy…

Everyone was there. Every citizen who lived within a ten-mile radius of Hyrule Castle had gathered at the execution grounds. Even a few of the outer species, Gorons and Zoras mostly, could be spotted throughout the massive crowd. They were all watching a small, elevated platform with intense gazes. Upon this stage was a wooden contraption that would force a prisoner to his knees, put his head through a hole and secure it, and put him in the perfect position for the executioner to bring the axe down cleanly.

Link stood not five feet away from this monument to public executions, eyeing it wearily. On the platform with him was the king, the princess, five Hylian guards, and a man dressed in a black cloak with a full-face hood. He was grasping a large, curving axe tightly. Link surveyed the crowd dismally. The people he had fought so hard to protect, the ones he had come close to giving his life for, seemed so eager to have his head taken off in front of their eyes. Among the gathered people though, he saw a few with doubting or sorrowful looks upon their faces. A small smirk ghosted his lips. At least some people are intelligent enough to see that not everything that is done is right. I leave Hyrule in competent hands. For all I know, the next "hero" is out there in that crowd right now. If he is, good luck to him. And in the Goddesses' names, please do not let him befall the same fate as myself.

The king stepped up and spoke in his commanding voice, "We are all gathered here today to show all the land of Hyrule what happens when one commits horrible acts against his fellow countrymen. Here is a young boy, a murderer. Let his death be an example for all. If they wish to follow his path in life, then they will follow his path in death!" This small speech was met by a tumultuous roar from the crowd. King Harkinian stepped back and motioned to the executioner to proceed.

The thickly built man strode up to Link and gave him a rough shove in the back. The young teen stumbled up to the wooden structure. Upon bashing his shins on it, he fell to his knees. Heh, this is it. Somehow, I don't think I can say that this is quite the way I pictured dying. Link looked over at Zelda one last time. His graying eyes met her tear-soaked violet ones. And unspoken message passed between them. Thank you…and good-bye he thought as a guard locked his head into position. Now all that needed down was a swift swipe of the large blade in the hooded man's hands. He rested the blade against Link's neck gently, lining it up so that it was quick and efficient.

Link closed his eyes. His thoughts straying to his home amid the forest and the friends he had left there. Then memories of six people who had greatly affected his life surfaced. He had not seen in four years, and now he realized that he never would. The axe began to swing downward, its course unwaveringly straight.

Farore…my Goddess…to you I return.

The solid thump of an axe imbedding itself deep into wood resounding around the open square.

It was soon followed by a collective gasp.

The gasp was not drawn forth from the crowd by the image of a youth's head rolling away from a lifeless corpse. No, the gasp was because of pure surprise.

For there, where the axe should have cleanly hewn his head from his shoulders, was the boy. Around his head swirled a vibrant green shield. It was made of pure energy and moved constantly. It had deflected the blade and caused the blow to bury deep into the wood away from the boy's head.

Link slowly opened his eyes. He was not dead. That was the first thought that struck him. The second was that there was a moving green mass of energy above his head. He stared at it for a second. That must be what saved me. Link was snapped from his thoughts when a voice filled with power spoke. It sounded inside his head and brought with it visions of beautiful fields of flowers and forest rich in plant and wild life.

Do not fear, Hero. You will not be harmed, not so long as I am with you. You still have much to accomplish in this life. Of course, since this was in Link's head, no one else heard it.

The lock on the wooden contraption sprung open. Link stood and viewed his surroundings. The green shield about his head had gone. The king stood with a look of amazement on his face, and Zelda could not have looked happier. Link, however, realized he was still in trouble. King Harkinian turned on him. Although fear burned bright in his green eyes, a trace of defiance could be seen.

"Y-You…" the king stuttered out. He didn't seem of capable of putting a full sentence together at that time. "I-I…I have decided to re-r-rescind you s-sentence," he stated at length. Zelda squealed with joy, but Link's eyes narrowed; there was some sort of catch. "I will deal you with a different punishment." He looked Link square in the eyes before he took a deep breath and continued, "You are hereby banished from the Land of Hyrule for as long as you live." Zelda's joy caught in her throat and threatened to strangle her.

"B-Banished?!" she finally managed to choke out.

Her father nodded, "For life."

"B-But-" Zelda began before Link cut her off.

"Forget about it Zelda. At least this way I won't be dead." He gave her a stupid smile, which did absolutely nothing to dull the sharp pain that was stabbing from deep within her. But he did have a point. She was going to lose him either way, so it was better knowing he was alive than dead.

Harkinian spoke again, "You will be taking a ship to Levenia. You have one day to gather supplies, equipment, and any companions you will be taking with you." Link nodded. He was lucky to be given a day. Though he knew that absolutely no one was going to give sell supplies to a condemned man. And no one would even consider coming along. He was probably going to end up leaving before the twenty-four hours was up. "Now, leave my sight," the king spat harshly. Link bowed and walked from the platform.

He had only two places to visit before he left. He intended to finish the errands he had to make before his banishment quickly.

The sun was only just beginning to set as Link trudged down the sandy beach towards a ship moored at a lonely dock. It a mighty vessel, painted red and gold. Link could faintly make out the men moving around on board, preparing for departure. He glanced over at the princess treading silently beside him. Her head was bowed and pain was evident in every step she took. She hated Link leaving. She knew that she was never going to see him again; after all, the banishment had been for life.

They approached the dock slowly, and when they feet touched wood, they stopped. Link turned to meet her stare.

"Zelda-" he began before he was cut off by her arms being thrown around his neck. He relished in the feeling of her pressing so close to him. He responded to her embrace with his own, wrapping his arms around her back and holding her tightly. "I'll miss you," he whispered quietly in her ear. She sobbed silently into his shoulder.

"I'll miss you too," she replied after a few moments. "I wish I had the chance to see you again."

"Maybe someday, Zelda. Maybe I will return to Hyrule. Obviously, my fate in this world in not at an end. Whether it lies in Hyrule or other lands is not up to me." He gazed at her one last time, memorizing every detail of her face and body. He never wanted to forget her. "Now go, forget about me and live a happy life. Just remember that I will never abandon you."

Zelda smiled as she leaned over and kissed his cheek. After that, she turned and sprinted off towards the castle. Link's hand came up and brushed the place where her lips had fallen. He let it drop and turned back to the ship.

I hope those in the forest won't miss me too terribly. Link had explained the situation to the other Kokiri as best he could. A lot of them seemed really broken up at his leaving, but he was sure they would get over it with time. Of course, his home had been one of the two stops he had taken before heading for the vessel. The other was something he probably should not have done. It was bound to get King Harkinian even angrier with him, and quite possibly might cause the king to have him executed after all.

Link sighed as he began to walk towards the boat. He could only hope that they did not figure out what he had done until after the ship was away.

"Link, do not leave yet a voice," a mysterious voice spoke behind him. "You still need travelling companions, do you not?" it questioned.

Link turned around to face the speaker, and was surprised to find not one but six figures staring at him. Their bodies were very different from each other, and Link could see that all three main races of Hyrule were represented. It took less than ten seconds for the recognition of who the figures were to register in his brain. When it did, however, his face broke into a broad smile. "Why yes, I believe I do. Are you all here to join me?"

The smallest of them piped up, "Of course. We will go with you, and aid you in any future quests and trials you may have."

"But won't your leaving Hyrule hurt it?" Link questioned.

Now the largest of them threw in his two cents, "No, Hyrule can survive without us. If this situation ever changes, however, we will return."

Link contemplated for a second, then nodded. "Welcome to my travelling group, all of you. I am glad you are here." His comment was greeted with six smiles. With that, he turned and began to board the ship.

"Hey!" called out another voice. Link's eyes widened and he spun around, only to be struck in the chest by a small, fast-flying object. "Don't think you're leaving without me!" it exclaimed.

"Y-You came back?" Link questioned as he stared in shock at the small fairy snuggling against his chest.

"Well, of course. I couldn't let you go on an adventure without me, now could I?"

Link chuckled, "I suppose not." He reached up and tipped his hat slightly. The fairy, squealing with delight, took up her old favorite traveling position. His adventuring group was now complete.

With that, the eight stepped (one rode on a head) onto the ship, and set sail into unknown lands and a future clouded in doubt and uncertainty.

"King Harkinian!" a guard screamed as he burst into the throne room. His armor was askew and he was panting as though he had just run a long distance. In fact, that is what he had done.

The king, sensing the urgency with which the man moved, slipped from his throne and ran up to him. He placed his hands on the man's shoulders and stared him right in the eyes as he asked in a calm voice, "What is the matter, Frederick? What has happened?"

The man took a few more gasping breaths, though the presence of the king so close seemed to calm his nerves slightly. He eventually managed to explain, "Sir, when I went on patrol, I was assigned to the Temple of Time. When I got there, the Door of Time was open!"

Harkinian's face drained of all color. Someone had desecrated holy grounds! It was a crime that called for instant death, even for a king.

However, that was not all. The flustered man spoke the next sentence very quietly, "Sir..um…that's not all. T-the Ma-mas-"

"Spit it out man!" the king had lost his cool demeanor.

The guard took a deep breath the words gushed from his mouth, "Sir, the Master Sword has been stolen!"