The Chronicles of the Black Unicorn

Tome 1: The Hyrule's Heroes

Chapter Prologue: The Last Words

Now if you asked me if I knew that I would have to return to the day Saria found me, I would have asked if a Goron landed on you. Sigh. No such luck for me it seems.

It was a glorious day when I returned from my quest for Navi. Din, I had never been so bloody glad to see Death Mountain. Navi was as usually chattering up a storm. Espona, by now used to Navi's incessant talking, snorted and neighed every so often. Honestly, the old girl was probably commenting on one of the many subjects Navi rattled on about.

I was content to just allow Espona pick her path home. I hadn't expected the royal guards to be waiting for me at the gate between Death Mountain and the Kakariko village. I placed a hand on my bow out of habit. The guards eyed me with a bit of apprehension. I suppose part of it has to do with the reputation I've gathered... again.

After the head guard explained that Zelda wanted to see me, I reluctantly agreed. I wasn't exactly a fool and I had no desire to have a bounty on my head. I should have seen it coming.

I cautiously walked into the throne room. Zelda greeted me politely, but I didn't quite like the look she gave when she thought I wasn't looking. It was mildly lustful, to say the least. I could feel her eyes run up and down as now I know if one would do inspecting a choice piece of meat. We chatted for a while.

I noticed an engagement ring on her finger and gave a soft sigh of relief. I thought at the time, I didn't have to worry about any of the women I had known coming after me. Most by now are either engaged or married. Also I never really cared about the notion of marrying and such. I think it has something to do with being dead from waist down. I do 'love' one particular person but I digress.

Anyway, I met Zel's fiancé and Din, I have never been so fearful in my life. I thought Ganondorf was evil. He may have been mine and Zelda's age but he was definitely what anyone normal would consider a man. He was well-built and muscled. He was handsome man who knew it. He was definitely a fighter, his step slick and confidant. His eyes glinted with intelligence. Even his clothes screamed refinement. I felt extremely lacking.

But it was the darkness in his eyes that made me want to cower. I could almost smell the blood that he had spill whether in or out of the training arena.

Well, I eventually excused Navi and myself. Not aware of the ambush waiting for me...

Well, we are now up to where I am currently. I have spent months in this dark prison with only my gear minus my weapons and the occasional beating. So under the light of a lantern I've written what I have seen and done. Hopefully this will survive the passage of time and time travel. One realizes a lot when you have been left alone to think over your life.

Sometimes I wished this whole fiasco never happened. That I was still in Kokiri Village, being the fearie-less wonder. Yet Fate has a different idea.

Today I'm to finally face my sentence, least it be death or otherwise. I have no fear. To any who find this journal, may Din, Naryu, and Farore guide you. For the path you have chosen will not be easy.

Rinku Kokiri

Link closed the book reverently with a sigh. He wrapped it reverently. He muttered on of the spells he learned over his travels. The book glowed before the light faded. Link smiled sadly. The book was now keyed to be read by anyone worthy or needing his biography, even though he didn't see if they ever need it.

The guards opened the iron doors, blinding the Hero of Time. He stood, his gaunt body stiff. Impa stood horrified at the sight of Link. Link smiled warmly at the Sage.

She felt severe pity for the poor boy. She couldn't remember where she first met the boy or who he was. His eyes large in the thin frame, almost like a dog-like expression. Indeed, he was a mangy mutt in Zelda's eyes. Impa watched as he shuffled forward uncertainly under her unwavering stare. The poor Hyrulain mutt, beaten and emaciated, looked eagerly toward her. Impa pulled in a ragged breath. The guards roughly grabbed the thin limbs, pulling him forth.

Just before the Great Hall, they dropped Link on the ground. Impa signaled them to close the door behind them.

"Why don't you fight or attempt escape?" Impa demanded.

Link closed his eyes and pushed himself up, his body rocking slightly. "No escape from her."

"What?"

The large pale blue eyes held her captive. "I'm the bearer of the Triforce of Courage. There is NO escape."

The rocking increased as he shuddered. Impa was trying to process what he said as she opened the door. Link ignored her as he hobbled to stand before the throne.

Zelda giggled. "Well, Link. How have you been?"

No answer but his shuddering body rocked a bit faster. Zelda smirked. She pulled out the Orcina of Time. Impa watched as the boy's form stiffened. Zelda and her fiancé entwined their fingers. Link was repeating "No" over and over again. Zelda muttered some spell and her and her fiancé glowed briefly before she spoke again.

"Here is my judgement. In light of all the acts of treason against the throne and against the Goddesses, your punishment is to become a child again and suffer for your treachery. Let it be known across the land, that Link of the Kokiri is forever marked as common thief."

Zelda placed the instrument to her lips as Link bolted towards her. Too late as the world dissolved around him. Forcing him to watch everything he had done be undone as he was flung back through time. In his ears, her melodious voice becoming a painful reminder. As his body de-aged, he shoved back his memories, locking them away against the magic threatening to destroy him. Soon, the smell of blood and darkness and the sounds of pain surrounded him. His dying mother's last lullaby.