Chapter 1: Beginning Anew

The notes of the Song of Time lingered in his ears, and he imagined that he could still hear that slow, melancholy tune, a tune that had the power to control the mystical elements of space and time. Link could still see her beautiful but sad face, the visage of Princess Zelda, as she played upon the Ocarina of Time to send him and his fairy companion, Navi, on a journey back in time seven years.

"Why?" he asked the princess.

"To set things right," she replied. "It was because of my youth that I acted so foolishly those seven years ago. Now you have a chance to change things for the better, to be present during those seven years for which you were asleep. I made the mistake; now I am fixing it."

Link couldn't help but notice the hurt evident in her voice and in her eyes. He took a step towards her. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Let me stay. This land and this time may yet need me."

He could tell that she was torn between decisions. "I..." she began.

"Please," he pleaded. "This isn't right. It can't be right. These years were awful, but we made them right again...how is erasing what I did going to help anything?"

She explained to him that the Sages would keep the peace from then on, and that fate had something very different in store for the Hero of Time—the Goddesses needed him in a different time and in a different place.

"You will know what you must accomplish when you arrive at your destination," she told him. "Now, Link...give me the Ocarina of Time."

It was a sad occasion, for there was so much that he had accomplished. Now it would all vanish in an instant; one song later, and he would be back in a Hyrule seven years ago. He knew that Zelda would be there, waiting for him, but things would never be the same between them as they were now.

During the war against Ganondorf, Link had allied himself with a young man named Sheik who had claimed to be a Sheikah survivor. What Link didn't find out until later was that Sheik was actually Zelda. This revelation, though shocking in its own right, gave him great comfort to know that Zelda had been by his side for nearly the entire war, even if it had been in disguise.

And now, all the trials that he and Zelda had faced together—it would be as if nothing had ever happened.

The notes of the Song of Time faded, and a bright bluish light surrounded him and Navi. The light eventually dissipated, leaving him in a familiar location. He recognized the aft chamber of the Temple of Time, and before him, lodged blade-down in the carved stone, was the Master Sword. Link stood facing the blade; it looked to him as if it had never been moved from its resting place, for dust had settled in a thin, ambient layer atop weapon's hilt. From within the chamber he could tell that it was midday, the sun high in the sky and shining its bright rays through a window far above.

Navi hovered in front of Link. "Looks like it worked," the fairy chimed. "This is definitely the Temple of Time seven years earlier."

Link let out a long sigh. He looked down at himself and could estimate that he was only four feet tall again, the height of a ten-year old Hylian boy. He was garbed in the traditional clothing of the Kokiri children, the same thing he was wearing before he skipped ahead seven years to the future, an event that now seemed so long ago. On his backside was slung the Kokiri sword that he had received while in the care of the Great Deku Tree, as well as his wooden Deku shield.

"Navi, what should I do now?" he asked her. He looked to his fairy partner for guidance, as he had countless times since she had first come to him.

She bobbed around his head for a second before replying. "Oh...what?"

Link eyed her quizzically. "I was just wondering what I should be doing now."

"Right, right," she chirped. "Well, Ganondorf needs to be stopped from entering the Sacred Realm...again. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go see the princess and discuss a new plan of action with her, one that rules out opening the Sacred Realm."

"And what if things do happen the same again?"

Navi floated closer to Link's face. "They won't. I know you'll think of something."

He smirked at her. "You mean we'll think of something."

"I..."

"And then we'll just beat Ganondorf all over again!" Link pounded a small fist into his other hand. "You're right, we'll make this work somehow."

"I...Link..."

Link drew his small Kokiri sword and raised it in the air. "I may be small now, but, as for Ganondorf...well, the bigger they are, the harder they fall, right?"

"Listen! I have to tell you something!" Navi rose shuddering up into the air.

Link lowered his sword. "What do you need to tell me, Navi?"

She went silent for a moment, but then she dropped down to eye level and spoke to Link softly. "I'm sorry, Link. I can't...I...I should have told you sooner."

"You can't...you can't what? What is it that you should have told me?" Link couldn't be sure, but it seemed as if the fairy was beginning to cry. "What's wrong, Navi?"

"Oh, Link, nothing's wrong. Everything is just as it's supposed to be. But...I'm really going to miss you."

"What?" he cried. "You're going to miss me? Navi, what are you talking about? We're partners...you're my fairy partner!"

"Link, you're a Hylian, not a Kokiri. Only the Kokiri have fairy partners, and though you were raised by them you were never meant to have one. Damn Mido, but he was right all along. My role was very different from the one that a fairy would traditionally serve; I was to aid you on your journey, and then I would return to the forest."

Link stared at her wide-eyed. "But when were you going to tell me this? I didn't know you were ever going to leave me. Where are you going? I can visit, right? Tell me, Navi!" His breathing became haggard.

"Link," she began, sobbing louder now, her hiccups sounding much like tiny popping bubbles. "It...it was too hard, knowing that one day I would have to leave you. I...I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

"Navi...please, you don't have to go. Look, the adventure isn't over yet...there's more. There is, and you know it! You just...you can't leave! I...I already lost so much coming back here like this...don't you leave too."

"Oh, Link..."

First Zelda, now Navi...

"Link," she said, firmly this time. "I was your guide throughout your adventures, and now I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for you. You've learned so much from me, but it's time for you to go your own way...as I will go mine." She nestled herself up to Link's neck and kissed him tenderly there. "Goodbye, my hero. I will always remember you and love you, wherever you are."

She fluttered up and away while Link watched with teary eyes. She made for the high window where the sunlight was spilling into the chamber, and, as she approached it, her bluish, glowing body and small, almost-transparent wings disappeared in the wash of the sun's rays.

Another piece of his story was gone—the story of the Hero of Time. No longer was he that hero. The Sages had never been awakened, and Ganondorf had never entered the Sacred Realm where the Triforce slept.

The Triforce...

Link gasped in surprise as he looked to his hand. Clearly displayed on the back of it was the mark of the Triforce of Courage. "Navi!" he cried out, his childlike voice echoing throughout the temple's chamber. No reply. He tried again, but the result was the same. He looked back to his hand, and, sure enough, the golden triangular mark was still evident.

This can't be right, he thought to himself. I can't still have the Triforce of Courage...can I? It didn't seem plausible to him. He was sent back to a time before Ganondorf had entered the Sacred Realm to claim the Triforce as his own. When Ganondorf had touched the sacred relic, it split into three pieces with only the Triforce of Power staying with him. The other two pieces, Wisdom and Courage, had left the Sacred Realm to find those chosen by destiny to be their keepers. Ganondorf's heart was unbalanced, having neither Wisdom nor Courage, so they could not dwell with him in that moment.

However, at this point in time's flow, that event had not yet occurred. Link was certain of that.

Navi's right. I have to see Zelda, he thought. She will know why the Triforce remains within me. And if the Triforce of Courage no longer dwells in the Sacred Realm, then that would mean that the other two pieces might be gone as well.

Events had not yet transpired to make him the Hero of Time in this era, nor did he believe they ever would. And yet...somehow the Triforce of Courage still resided within him. He could vaguely sense its effects, augmenting his mind and strength. True, he didn't even know he had the Triforce until Sheik—no, Zelda—had revealed it to him, but, as he reflected back on recent events—could future events be considered recent?—he knew that it was the Triforce of Courage that had aided him throughout his quest.

Link turned away from the Master Sword and walked off the Pedestal of Time, mind racing. Of all the times for Navi to leave, why did it have to be now when I need her the most? If anything, she could've explained this Triforce anomaly to me. But...Zelda. I do need to see her. I'm sure she can set this mystery straight. And then he realized something. He hadn't really thought of it before then, but the realization was like a ton of bricks falling onto him, and the truth of it hurt.

Zelda would not know him. It would be as if he was meeting with her for the first time, and she would have no idea of the events that had transpired with Link, the Sages, Ganondorf, and herself.

Link found the door leading into the Master Sword's chamber mysteriously open, but, as he walked through it, the great stone doors slid closed behind him. Makes sense, Link thought to himself. The temple wouldn't leave a person stuck behind those doors with no way out. Though, to get back through, I would have to use the Spiritual Stones and the Ocarina of Time again. Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. The thought of taking up the Master Sword and being sealed away for another seven years caused a shiver to course its way down his small spine. With this second chance that Zelda had given him, he had no intention of repeating the mistakes of the past. No, it wouldn't come to that this time. Link needed a new plan, but he needed to act fast to get it under way.

Impa, Princess Zelda's Sheikah guardian, walked with her charge through Hyrule Castle's gardens. It was a place of calmness and relaxation, an environment conducive to Zelda's studies to become the future ruler of Hyrule. Zelda was a quick learner and was taking in everything much quicker than her mother had when she had been subject to similar lessons. Zelda's mother, unfortunately, had died during childbirth, so the only mother figure that the princess had ever known was Impa.

Impa had long served Hyrule's Royal Family as only the Shadow Folk could. Her family belonged to an ancient Hylian order known as the Sheikah. Though she was proud of her service, the Fierce War ten years earlier had left a permanent stain on her house, shattering her tribe, and leaving many of Hyrule's citizens wary of her position at the castle.

But the care and tutelage of the young princess did wonders to set her mind at ease. She liked to think that it helped to atone for the actions of her people. But life was short, and memories were long.

A figure with bright, red hair and dark armor approached the two. Impa sensed Zelda stiffening up at his sight, while the Sheikah kept her own unease concealed behind her years of training. The man's recent presence at Hyrule's court was another reason memories of the Fierce War were resurfacing for all those who had lived through that time.

The Fierce War had ended when the current king of Hyrule enacted a peace accord between the Gorons, the Zora, and the multiple factions that had broken out among the Hylians. But peace could not be determined by written agreement alone. Led by Ganondorf, the Gerudo tribe was a group of villains and thieves, caring not for the well-being of the people they stole from. They lived out their days in the desert, far enough away from the kingdom that they weren't considered a true threat, but the fear of a future Gerudo assault on Hyrule still hung heavy in the air after the war.

Incredulously, this very Gerudo king was now standing before Impa and the young princess in the castle's courtyard.

"It's good to finally have a moment to meet you both," said Ganondorf, inclining his head and placing his right fist over his breastplate to salute the two. "Impa of Kakariko, I presume?"

Impa returned the greeting, and Zelda, hesitating, eventually remembered to curtsy. "I hope your travels were pleasant and your stay here is accommodating," the Sheikah replied.

Ganondorf placed his hands non-threateningly behind his back and nodded. "Your king has been most gracious."

Impa personally felt the King was being a little too gracious, war crimes not-withstanding. "And the negotiations?"

He grinned. "They are proceeding well enough. The Calatians have postponed their moderation until later this afternoon, which has finally given me leave to tour your castle."

"Where's your armed escort?" blurted the princess, distrust evident in her sky blue eyes. Impa had tried to keep the young princess neutral on the whole "Ganondorf affair", as many people around the castle had come to call it, but she was intuitive, just like her mother had been. There was no hiding the true nature of a person from one of the bloodline of the Royal Family. If only the current king was so inclined, he might see through whatever underhanded farce the Gerudo had concocted. "My father told me that you are to be kept under close watch by the castle guards at all times." At least the king enough wits left for such a directive. Indeed, where was his escort?

Ganondorf gestured to his surroundings. "If it pleases her young majesty, the gardens of the castle are enclosed by thick walls, and the guards make their rounds like a well-oiled machine. In fact, I believe I am being watched, even now." His word was fact; guards could be seen patrolling the grounds, consistently casting glances in the direction of the Gerudo King.

The Sheikah was not one to be placated so easily. "It is a show of trust that we even allowed you to come here in the first place," Impa reminded him.

"Of course. Your king wishes there to be peace with all the surrounding lands, and my people and I have come to terms with that. We, the Gerudo, also desire peace. The show of trust by your father," he said specifically to Zelda, "is to demonstrate his future desires. These steps are necessary if the country is to avoid all-out war."

"A war you would otherwise bring upon us," Zelda shot back.

Ganondorf laughed in a low and even rhythm. "I see your studies are not wasted; it makes one wonder why her majesty does not attend the negotiations." He looked back to Impa. "But I have it on good authority that you will be there, lady Impa. I have heard of your wisdom and skills in leading Kakariko. The villagers there are content and industrious. Perhaps you will impart a portion of this wisdom with us in today's proceedings?"

Impa shook her head. "You should check your sources. They do you a disservice." Her words were not for the empty peace talks that would take place later that day. She had insisted she not attend the negotiations between the Gerudo and the Royal Family, but it seemed there were those who continued to vie for her attendance. Though the Calatian moderators were renowned for their impartiality, their presence was more of a formality at this point, for the king's heart was set on the matter of peace with the Gerudo at any cost. "I must keep a close eye on my charge today. You understand, of course."

Ganondorf's dark eyes gleamed with comprehension. "With the clarity of a cloudless desert sky. I will let you return to your duties while I continue with my tour. This land is exotic compared to my kingdom of rocks and sand." He repeated his salute then walked off in the opposite direction.

Zelda released clenched fists. "Impa…"

"Yes, princess?"

"Remember that dream I told you about? The one with the dark clouds?" Impa nodded as she continued to stare after the departing Gerudo king. "I now know what those clouds represent."

Impa knelt down in front of Zelda and put her strong hands on her shoulders. The princess's mother was also prone to such dreams, and Impa knew they were of the utmost importance to the kingdom's well-being. "Your highness, you must know that these dreams you have are not to be taken lightly."

"I know, Impa."

"You have the gift of prophecy, as did your mother. When your father wed her, she had a vision that same night, one that foreshadowed the coming war between the races and factions of our land. Your dream is undoubtedly a vision."

Zelda gazed distantly away. "The dreams...they're coming more and more often. I believe the boy will come soon."

"The boy in green—the one in your dream that cuts through the dark clouds." Impa stood. "Then, if it is as you say, I shall keep an eye out for him when he comes. There will be no stopping destiny, and I will do everything in my capacity as guardian of the royal family to facilitate the events to come."

"Thank you for believing me, Impa, even though my father will not. He's too caught up in the prospect of peaceful negotiations with that...thief! How can he trust Ganondorf not to do something terrible while in our kingdom? He's been here for only a short period of time, and already the guards are becoming lax in their duties, neglecting to keep him under closer watch. Does no one see the evil in his eyes?"

"His evil nature is not what's in question," assured Impa. "Hmm…the negotiations must be going even better than expected. I hear that today will bring a close to the peace talks, and that Ganondorf and the rest of the Gerudo will finally swear allegiance to your father's throne. Dignitaries from surrounding nations have been invited to witness this historic moment."

"An oath means nothing to a thief and murderer like Ganondorf," persisted the princess. "This boy...he cannot get here soon enough, Impa."

"But it will be soon, all the same. Come. We must continue with today's lesson." Zelda and Impa walked on, side by side, through the gardens. Somehow, the usually cheerful green of the courtyard seemed darker on this day, and Impa fell deeper into her brooding than was normal. She sensed that her charge felt no less apprehensive.

Dark clouds...

Link walked down the steps away from the Temple of Time into the midst of the bustling Castle Town market. Nobles and commoners alike were making their rounds in the street, the majority of which were Hylians, but he could also see the occasional Goron and Zora coming from their respective domains to peddle their wares.

The familiar sight overwhelmed Link, but this was not due to the suffocating population density. A knot formed in his throat as he thought of the destruction that Ganondorf could cause this peaceful town.

Link pushed and sidestepped his way through the crowded town square towards the north road, which would lead him straight to Hyrule Castle. On his way, he passed the large fountain that stood as the establishment's centerpiece. People milled about it, gossiping with one another about current events; lovers embraced near it, framed by the waters that jumped and flowed over the marble carvings upon it; and performers took up residence at various intervals, showing off their arts and talents for a passerby's rupee or two. Amidst the various sounds and noises, one voice stood out amongst the rest. There was no mistaking that singing, nor was there any doubt about that long, red hair. One of the street performers was a young girl he knew well.

"Malon?" he said tentatively once she had finished her song. In front of her was a milk bucket filled to the brim with blue and red rupees. The girl smiled at him then promptly pointed to her bucket, signaling Link to pay up. He shrugged, fished out a few green rupees from his wallet, and watched them clink into her stash.

"A cheapskate, huh?" she accused him. "And why are you wearing such funny clothes?"

The first remark stung a little. In regards to the second, he adjusted his hat, also little self-conscious of her evaluation of his attire. "Well, I had an adult's wallet, but…" He trailed off, realizing how ridiculous it would sound if he tried to explain how he had just traveled back in time, losing everything he had as a grownup.

"Are you trying to pull a fast one on me, grasshopper?"

"Grasshopper? No, no, my name is Link. Don't you remember?"

"Why would I remember your silly name? I say it's grasshopper! You wear green clothes and patter around when you walk."

Link suddenly felt a little embarrassed. He now realized that he was sent back in time even further than he had previously thought. He was meeting Malon for the first time all over again.

"Grasshopper it is, then," he finally agreed, offering her his right hand. She grabbed it and shook it firmly, squeezing tightly. "Ow," cried Link, cringing as he pulled his hand quickly back. "What was that for?"

Malon giggled. "My dad tells me to give one good squeeze when shaking someone's hand because it lets them know that you mean business." The little redhead put her hands on her tiny hips. "Well, mister, now that we can get down to business, how do you know my name?"

That was a good question. "Ah...because your father…he is at the castle…isn't he?"

She was not impressed. "And how do you know that?"

Link was not very good at this. "He…well, he sent me…to, ah, come and get you."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I've never seen you before in my life, grasshopper. How do you know my father? What did he say? What's the password?"

Link began to sweat. "Um…password? He didn't give me any password…" He began to slowly back away, coming to terms with the fact that he had probably ruined his friendship with Malon this time around. Just as he was about to turn tail and run as fast as he could in the opposite direction…

"Well that's just like him, isn't it? He always forgets little things like that. And the password was so easy today…it's 'buttermilk'!" Link realized he had been holding his breath and finally let it out.

"I can…take you to him…if you'd like," offered Link in gasps, trying without much luck to regulate his breathing.

Malon pouted at him. "But my father told me to stay here until he was finished delivering the milk that the castle ordered." Her pout disappeared, replaced by a thoughtful look. "But, if I go with you, that means I get to go see the castle!" She began hopping up and down with joy. It looked like his friendship would be safe after all.

Link put a calming hand on her shoulder, keeping her from bouncing further. "Yeah, we're going to the castle, but you have to follow my lead, okay?"

"Okay, I'll follow you, grasshopper."

"Just call me Link."

"No way, grasshopper."

He rolled his eyes and led Malon north towards the castle, her bucket of rupees in tow.