Chapter 1

The Golden Power. The Sacred Triangle. These are names of the Triforce, a relic sought after by people of all kinds for generations. Created by the Goddesses, this divine essence promises unfathomable power to whomsoever lays their hands upon it.

Now, while wars have been fought over this ancient artifact, no one was ever able to lay claim to it, and the legend of the Triforce remained merely a legend.

However, in recent times, the legend has been stirring among the people of Hyrule once again. Or, at least, those suffering in Hyrule. While the Hylians have been enjoying a time of peace and prosperity, the Gorons, Zora, and Gerudo have all been living in a time of poverty and despair. All across the country, whispers could be heard of the growing desire to attain the legendary power. If only, they said, if only we could have such power, perhaps then our people could climb out of this terrible time!

They weren't the only ones after the Triforce, though.

No… Even those who lurked among the shadows were after this power. A hated tribe known as the "Interlopers" also longed for the Triforce. Skilled in dark magic, the Interlopers were seen as the most likely group of people to find an entrance to the Sacred Realm, the parallel world home to the Triforce. But the other races weren't going to simply let them take the power. Each race had their own motives and reasons for needing it, after all.

The Kingdom of Hyrule soon saw the tension growing between all of these races. Gorons, Zora, and Gerudo were all bickering with each other, trying to determine who should get the Triforce; the Interlopers would simply stay in the background, watching the events unfold. Daphnes, the King of Hyrule, attempted to resolve this issue peacefully. He called upon the leaders from each race. Ganondorf, from the Gerudo tribe. King Zora, from the Zora tribe. Darunia, from the Goron tribe. And Twi, from the Interloper tribe. The five of them joined together in Hyrule Castle in hopes of coming up with a resolution.

"You must understand, King Daphnes, that my people are suffering from a terrible and seemingly endless drought. It is imperative that we attain the Triforce's power. The other tribes can survive in their conditions, but we cannot!"

This was voice of Ganondorf. Leader of the Gerudo and a tad skilled in sorcery, he definitely wasn't a man to get mixed up with. Although young, he was quite intimidating.

"Your people are suffering? Aren't your people used to those conditions?!"

Darunia of the Gorons replied to Ganondorf in his typical heated tone. He was also unable to see how a drought could really affect a race that's dry anyway. A real problem to him was his people's lack of food because of overpopulation. Darunia needed a miracle. Whatever that may be.

In an attempt to calm them, the King quickly spoke up.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen…. Settle down now. We won't resolve this conflict by arguing with one another. I can assure you of that much."

"I suppose I'd have to agree there…."

The King of the Zora at last offered his piece, although mumbling his words as he was more interested in his own problems. All of the Zora were in danger as their pure waters were being mysteriously polluted. As a result, many of his people were becoming ill.

What of the Interloper, though? Twi simply stayed silent. He didn't quite understand why he was there to begin with. The Interlopers could care less about making resolutions with the other tribes. They simply wanted to gain access to the Sacred Realm in order to gain the power. And to rule over the people who had hated them for so long. So why did his tribe even send him here? He wasn't even the leader…. Though, he was as far as the others knew.

"You're right…." pointed out Ganondorf, "We won't resolve this conflict by arguing. Rather, by action."

"Lord Ganondorf! That is not-"

The King stopped as Darunia suddenly arose from his seat.

"Then action it is!"

"Gentlemen!"

"Your Highness, I apologize that it has come to this, but anyone who won't allow us to have the Triforce is now our enemy! Therefore, if you won't permit this, then you too are our enemy!" Darunia turned over to the other two representatives. "The same goes for your tribes…."

"Ha, the Zora are plenty capable of defeating all of the tribes, and any Hylian Soldiers who try and stop us!"

Twi simply stayed silent.

"How dare you threaten the peace of this Kingdom! Drop this foolishness at once! We are a united people, after all!"

"No… We are not."

This was the voice of Twi. Coming from the hated tribe of the Interlopers, he knew far too well of just how divided Hyrule was.

"The Kingdom of Hyrule is solely about Hylia's Chosen People, otherwise known as you Hylians. The rest of us are second to you people. How can you say we are united when our people suffer and your people celebrate?"

The entire room was silent. Though, it was only shocking that he spoke. His words, however, were the thoughts of everyone in the meeting. Even the King.

"As I thought."

Twi got up from his seat and took one last look at the King and the representatives.

"I'll see you all in Hell…."

With that final comment, he exited the room.

And, with no other words to be said, the other leaders followed out to begin their preparations for an all-out war.

The King, on the other hand, sent off a Royal Messenger, ordering him to bring the Captain of the Royal Knights: Link.

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.

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Walking around Castle Town, Link casually searched around the many shops, looking for anything of interest. Being the Captain of the Royal Knights, he didn't get much time for simple yet enjoyable activities like this. His life consisted of protecting the Kingdom of Hyrule, namely the Royal Family. Not the kind of job that offers much vacation time. In actuality, though, Link was strolling around to listen to gossip. He heard Hylians speak of the other races "acting out of line" and "being greedy for power". Whether or not they were right, it irked Link that they would speak down upon people of their own country.

"Captain!"

Link quickly turned to see a Royal Messenger approaching.

"Ah, good day there!" He called out with a smile. "And from whom do I have a message?"

"Sir, the King requests your presence. Immediately."

Suddenly, Link's expression became very serious. He had a hunch as to why he was being called for. And it wasn't a good feeling….

"Thank you, messenger."

After the messenger bowed and left, Link began making his way toward the Castle. Link wondered if the King was going to send soldiers to each tribe and settle them down. But, Link's role in the Kingdom's protection was focused on the Royal Family, and there were plenty others capable of leading an army of soldiers. So why him? Were the Knights going to be involved in something as small as this?

Link soon passed the gate and nodded at the soldiers who saluted him as he entered the castle. Making his way up to the throne room, Link passed by the quarters of the Princess Zelda. Memories of his childhood suddenly flooded back to him, where he and the Princess used to enjoy each other's company and escape the "proper life" that they both had to endure. Born in a prominent family, Link had always been close to the Royal Family, and, more specifically, Zelda. They would always talk about how boring their lives were since they weren't allowed to interact with many people. Yet, here Link is today, leading the same boring life he wanted to get away from as a child. But, in a way, it was all worth it. He had grown up with Zelda, after all. The history they were able to share made everything else worthwhile. Suddenly, though, Link found that he had stopped walking while reminiscing. He shook his head and told himself he'd stop by later. For now, Link made his way to the throne room and entered inside.

"Link!"

"Your Highness…." Link dropped to one knee and looked down as he placed a fist over his chest.

"At ease, Captain."

Link rose up and stood before Daphnes. "My King…. What is going on? Why have you called me here?"

"I'm afraid we are at war, Link."

"War, Your Highness?"

"I held a meeting earlier today with the leaders of the other tribes of Hyrule. Each race seemed to have their own reasons for wanting the Triforce, and they rebelled against the Kingdom, claiming this land is all about Hylia's Chosen People."

"That's…." Link was about to strike down such a claim, but after hearing the gossip around town, it was hard to argue such a thing. "I see…. But, if we are at war, Your Highness, why have you called me? This is a duty for soldiers, not your Royal Knights."

"Be that as it may, I foresee this will not be a simple task. Our soldiers need a true leader, and a powerful one at that. Link…. You are just that man. I want you to lead this war!"

"Your Highness…. If I may."

"Of course."

"I understand you deem it best that I lead the soldiers, but…. They are mere soldiers. I cannot lead men with such little experience."

"Then mold them into knights."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Link…. You're right in that the soldiers do not have as much experience, but we cannot send out our Royal Knights into war on their own. It is better that you take an army of soldiers and turn them into an army of knights. You will be their Royal General!"

"If… That is what you desire, Your Highness, I will lead this army. But, what of my Royal Knights?"

"They will stay here and protect the Castle with the other soldiers that guard this place. You will take the rest of the men."

"Do they even have a form of leadership, Your Highness?"

"They have a Captain of their own, yes."

Link sighed. Working with others wasn't his speciality, so he had a feeling this was going to be difficult.

"If that is all, Your Highness, I ask that you please excuse me."

"Very well. Good day, Link. And thank you."

"It is my pleasure, Your Highness…."

Exiting the throne room, Link wandered around the Castle, lost in deep thought. Leading an army, he thought, was different than what he was used to. Ever since Link joined the Royal Knights, he'd only have himself surrounded by a small group of people. This was new to him, but the King entrusted him with this task. And, as a result, the fate of the Kingdom would be in his hands. So, it was necessary that he-

"GAH."

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry!"

Link was so focused on his thoughts he didn't see a door about to open, so he was smacked right in the face. After the door fully opened, Link saw that it was Princess Zelda standing before him.

"My my…. How rude of you, Princess!"

"Oh, Link, it's only you."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

Link smirked. He missed these light-hearted conversations.

"Nothing, nothing…." Zelda smirked right back at Link. She then playfully poked his nose and changed the subject. "Mr. Royal General."

It was funny to Link how, when hearing it from Zelda, the job suddenly didn't sound so bad.

"How did you know...?"

"My father told me, of course!"

"Ah, I see. Well, you know, I would do anything for the sake of the Kingdom and you-your Royal Family."

"I know, and we love that about you…."

Zelda's voice trailed off, and it suddenly got very quiet. Link cleared his throat, hoping to break the silence, but it didn't. Out of nowhere, though, a soldier on patrol happened to pass by, so Link quickly spoke up in a formal tone.

"Right, well, stay safe, Princess. The times ahead will be difficult, I'm sure. But we will hopefully reunite the people of Hyrule before it is too late!"

He nodded at Zelda before quickly walking away from where they had been standing and conversing. The soldier stopped and saluted Link and continued on his patrol normally. It seemed as if he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. What a lucky break, Link thought.

Moving on from that situation, Link started immediately with preparations. Knowing there was a training session for the soldiers in Hyrule Field today, Link decided to head to it and see just what he was about to work with….