Chapter one:
(Author's note: Alright, here I go revamping this massive project, blood sweat and many many tears later... I again request your patience as I upload each chapter anew! Thank you guys for all the support and loyalty! I'm so excited)
Zelda Daphenous Hyrule paused for a moment to observe a small nest of wild flowers that had managed to bloom prettily despite the cool early spring season. Pushing a strand of her long, golden hair behind her pointed elvish ear, she knelt down and gently pinched a fragile red petal. It felt subtly dry, yet still silken underneath her soft touch. She then stood up, her white satin dress whirling about her like a fan and glided to her leather clad caretaker, Impa.
Impa was the last descendant of her ancient tribe, the Sheikah. The Sheikah were sworn protectors of the Royal Hylian family.
"May I have the watering can?" Zelda asked sweetly in her clear, soprano voice. Impa nodded, a woman of few words, and handed the small blue watering can to the young princess.
Zelda took the watering can, her almond shaped, emerald eyes sparkling with delight. She walked over and knelt in front of the quaint patch of flowers and lightly sprinkled water over them. The noon sun made the water droplets shine with multi prismatic colors. She murmured something unintelligible under her breath. Suddenly, the rich earth sprouted with beautiful colorful wildflowers.
Zelda stood up again with a grin. The Hyrule castle garden was once again filled with the magical beauty of nature that would last well past fall before wilting.
"Beautiful work again, your highness." Impa said in her deep handsome voice. Zelda smiled at her.
"Father will be pleased." Zelda spoke softly. Though only eighteen years old, the young woman was filled with wisdom far beyond her years.
"As always." Impa responded, lightly. She began to hum a sweet song under her breath. Together, they walked through the grand stone archway that led into the castle. Their footsteps echoed far and wide through the magnificent hallway.
The tall stone walls were covered in scarlet tapestries that held rather curious emblems. Three golden weaved triangles connected; all three formed into a single large triangle.
The golden Triforce, a sacred symbol of peace for the land of Hyrule. However, legend has it, if the real thing was touched by the wrong hands, could cast a shadowy veil across the lands, an age of darkness.
Together, Zelda and Impa crossed the reflective surface of the marble black and white checkered floor.
Great diamond chandeliers hung above their heads. Handmaids scurried back and forth going about their duties, bowing their heads as they walked by Princess Zelda. She gave a soft "hello" in return and took Impa's arm. They turned a corner to the left, passing large mahogany and gold trimmed doors that held exquisite and intricate designs. They entered another archway and climbed a wide staircase with scarlet and gold carpeting. The handrails were made of rich mahogany.
Two heavily armored, brawny guards pulled open the large and imposing doors . They bowed their heads in reverence and crossed their meaty arms diagonally across their iron breastplates in formal salute.
"Your highness." They murmured in deep, coarse voices. Zelda smiled kindly in thanks and walked through the entrance hall. The domed glass ceiling was made of stained glass that depicted ancient legends of old. Sunlight slanted through the glass casting warm colors across the stone floor.
Two more guards waited at the other end of the room, together opening the heavy doors that led to an open aired bridge. Zelda leaned over the railing and took in the sight of Castle Town below. As usual, the town was bustling with busy people as they went along their noon duties and activities. Children laughed and played as the fountain sprayed cool water on them, while their onlooking parents scolded them. The sun was bright and sweet, the cobalt skies clear, wisps of clouds drifted lazily in the sky: an overall beautiful day. Also in view, she could see the vast distances of the proud provinces that surrounded the land. Distantly towards the south, she could see a vague outline of the bountiful forests of Faron Woods.
She frowned for a moment, some kind of light glinted among the trees. Blinking, she strained to look harder, but the light was gone.
Impa nudged Zelda's shoulder and nodded toward another grand staircase that gradually inclined and wound up into the magnificent Hall of Kings.
How peculiar...Zelda thought to herself, shaking it off she climbed the stairs and entered the chamber.
Tall statues of her ancestors were atop stone pedestals in narrow, domed enclaves, their arms raised in praise toward the heavens. Sunlight beamed through the large semi-circle stained glass windows that painted the entirety of the room.
Above the grand stone thrones at the end of the chamber, was a larger than life statue imitation of the Triforce. On each triangle lounged three beautiful women, depictions of the three golden goddesses and the creators of Hyrule. Din, Nayru, and Farore. Zelda couldn't help but smile at her father. King Raphael, an aging man of pride, honor, and girth, was standing in front of his throne. He spoke in hushed tones that still managed to echo and roll throughout the stone chamber to an armored man who knelt at his feet. With a booming laugh, he gestured the man to stand up and patted him on the back.
"Ah, and here she arrives, my fair daughter. How is the garden faring?" Called King Raphael in a jovial manner from his throne.
"In full bloom, Father." Zelda responded, her voice ringing like silver bells. Gracefully walking into the room, she eyed the man who still had his back turned against her. He wore sleeveless midnight black armor, gauntlets, and a blood red cape. His sword was laid at the feet of Zelda's father.
Zelda looked back at her father as he motioned for the man to stand and face her.
"Arise, my friend, and you shall behold my daughter, fairest in all the lands, goddess on earth." The man picked up his sword, sheathing it as he stood and turned around. His dark crimson eyes beheld her. He quickly took her all in, gazing from her golden locks that cascaded down her back, her soft milky white skin that had a mysterious glow in the light to the shape of her figure, hugged by her silky white dress.
He smiled a rather intimidating smile. His dark, tanned skin could be considered handsome, his meaty arms bulged with muscles and veins. He was tall, his face angular, and had a long prominent nose, full red lips, and bushy black eyebrows. His hair was black as a crow's feathers, and waved down to his chin and the middle of the back of his neck.
"Ganon, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Zelda, who is to be the future queen of Hyrule." As soon as their eyes connected, her vision suddenly hazed over just as a strong gust of wind blew into into the room.
Dark, ominous clouds loomed broodingly across the skies. An everlasting darkness spread like a damp heavy blanket across all the lands. There were small breaks in the clouds, from which strong sunlight streamed hopelessly on the cold green grass of Hyrule Fields. Gales of wind crashed through the trees, then suddenly before her eyes, everything began to die. The grass turned black, the tree's once beautiful barks darkened and rotted.
Demons, imps, and evil things swarmed the fields, striking down any who crossed their path Women and children screamed, begging for mercy as they were taken for slaves, towns were burned to the ground. Torrential rains bucketed the land, drowning anyone unlucky enough to be caught outside the safety of their homes.
The age of darkness is upon us. Zelda thought to herself. She was struck by horror and grief as she saw all these evil things and she knew this man, Ganon was the cause. Spoken words echoed around her, confusing her and drawing her out of her state.
"Zelda? Are you okay?" Her father called for her. She held out her hand in front of her searching for the source of her father's voice. Then suddenly she could see.
"Zelda?" Her father repeated, concern wrinkled his old and withered face.
"I-I am fine." She responded, shaken. She walked briskly up to her father and took his hand. "How are you?" She looked deep into his pale blue eyes.
"Wonderful, Ganon, leader of the Gerudo tribe in the far off desert, has sworn allegiance." Zelda smiled wryly at Ganon.
"I see..." She said. She proceeded to her throne and sat, crossing her legs at the ankles as proper for young ladies. She rested her chin on the palm of her hand which rested on the arm of her chair.
"Princess, you are more fair and beautiful than a desert rose." Ganon exclaimed, in a rich accent.
"Thank you, Ganon." She said, looking past him toward a couple women who had just entered the chamber, both with the same dark skin tone as Ganon. They looked exotic, robed in Desert Tribe fashion, bare midriffs, arms decorated in golden bands. Their yellow eyes stared through white and gold trimmed burkas. Ganon followed her gaze and smiled in welcome at the two women.
"Ah, my sisters, are the rooms ready?" He asked royally.
"Yes, brother." Said the two women in unison.
"Very well, if our business is complete, then I shall retire to my chambers." He told King Raphael. He bowed deeply and with a billow of his long cloak, followed the two women out. Zelda frowned as she watched his back.
"Father, I do not trust that man." Zelda said quietly, when the two were alone.
"Nonsense, he is a perfect gentleman. " Her father said.
"But I think I've had a vision... He will bring ill tidings to Hyrule." Zelda pressed. Raphael held up a hand to mute her.
"Visions again? My sweet Zelda..." He said sadly. "There is a time and a place for everything. He has made his allegiance to the throne of Hyrule, the future shines brighter as all of Hyrule unites."
Zelda sighed, bowing her head to her father and left the chambers. She paused at the balcony once again, peering out at the forest hoping to catch sight of that gleam. However, nothing appeared except for the shadows that drifted across the land, but even that was just a trick of the now thickening wisps of clouds.
Link wiped the light sheen of sweat off his brow, and drove a hoe into the freshly tilled earth. A handsome man, around nineteen years old, he was rather popular with the other girls in Ordon, a quaint peaceful village. A sparkling, slow moving stream wound throughout the village. A wooden waterwheel turned and churned the waters, heavily creaking and clomping, children played in a small meadow in the eastern edge, and a pregnant woman waddled around hanging her wet laundry up with a blissful smile on her face.
A roaming hawk soared in the skies, just above the village. Little, colorful houses stood quaintly around the town.
Link sighed and sat heavily on a large boulder. Reaching into his bag he withdrew a water skein and began drinking thirstily from it. Looking around the village he spotted Laura, who was around 15 years old, sprinting toward him.
"Link! Hey, Link! I have wonderful news!" She stopped in front of him, with her hands on her knees trying to take a breath. Link smiled up at her.
"Well, go on, what is this news, Laura?" He encouraged her.
"My father has a package that needs to be delivered to the king of Hyrule and he wants you to deliver it in two days! Remember the Mid-Summer's Festival that is supposed to be coming up next week? Well, the whole village was invited, isn't that amazing? He said that he wants you to deliver it directly to the king of Hyrule!" She finally said after catching her breath, she spoke rapidly and excitedly. Link laughed.
"So he just assumed, I would say yes, is that correct?" He said, his mouth twitching into a crooked smile. Her smile faltered, and she fidgeted with her hands, looking shyly at him.
"Well, I just thought… You know… It's a great honor, I-, well…" Laura stammered. "You get to meet the royal family of Hyrule…"
"Hey, relax, I'm just teasing. Of course I'll deliver it… Epona will be delighted for a chance to get out of town and explore the world."
She beamed at him and ran off to tell her father the good news. Link laughed and stood up again deciding that he could afford to take a break for the rest of the day and relax. He was rather hungry. He picked up the hoe and walked toward his house which lay on the outskirts past the entrance of the village.
"Link?" A young woman's soft voice called out to him from a nearby doorway. It was Raina. They have known each other since they were children. She was younger than him just by a few months, and quite pretty. She had long dark hair, a slim figure, and bright gray eyes.
"Hello, Raina." Link greeted her with a smile.
"So, it is true then? You are going to Hyrule Castle in just two days?" She asked sweetly, an undertone of excitement in her voice. Link laughed.
"Nothing escapes you, does it?" He said, running his fingers through the bangs of his blonde hair. "I suppose so. A bit sudden, but I'm happy about it all the same."
"Wow… Castle Town… I've heard that it is beautiful." She sighed wistfully, striding alongside him as they walked toward his house. They passed the narrow wall of grassy cliffs underneath a wooden gate. Low tree branches hung low; brushing leaves tickled the tops of their heads as they trekked on, so they pushed them out of the way.
"You will bring something back for me, is that not correct?" She hinted.
"You know I will." He responded. "But you are going to be going to the festival too?"
"My parents are still unsure of sending me such a far way, they don't trust the world outside Ordon." She frowned at the ground.
"I will help convince them if you want me to." Link offered.
"You know them, Link, they are very assertive about their beliefs. Either way, they will always treat me like I am still a little girl.
"Well, I have to leave now. My mother is making dinner, you're welcome to come if you feel like it? We're having brisket and potatoes." She offered.
"How can I refuse an extravagant meal like that?" Link said. "What time would you have me over?"
"Five o' clock would be great." She smiled happily and departed for home.
Link entered his house and put water in the kettle. He then walked to the fireside and hooked it onto the iron hook and sat down in his favorite chair. He sighed and closed his eyes. In his head he visualized the expanse of Hyrule Fields, mountains, valleys, and lakes. He remembered when he was younger. His dad brought musty maps and laid them down on the kitchen table. Blowing the dust and shaking them out, Link would study them. Drifting away in the memory, found himself startled when the kettle sent out a shrill shriek: the tea was ready.
"I suppose I will have to get plenty of rest before the day comes." He said to himself, pouring some tea into a wooden cup. He sat back down and looked out the window, shadows flitted across the village as clouds drifted in the path of the setting sun.
"Your Highness? Are you alright?" Nina, one of Zelda's attendants, touched Zelda's shoulder gently.
"Yes, I suppose." Zelda responded. She looked outside the window of her bedroom chamber and watched the sun sink below the horizon. Sighing, she walked over to her bed and sat. Lily brushed her hair, and hummed a song under her breath.
Ganon had troubled Zelda greatly, and her father thought that she was just imagining things. That wasn't the only vision she had ever seen as she had also foretold the death of her mother, Queen Elisabeta, when she was only nine. Maybe, it was just denial, she should have known better than to think he would take her seriously.
"Is it about your vision?" Nina asked emphatically as she sat next to her mistress.
"Yes. I do not know why my father does not understand… That man, that… Ganon, he will be the ruin of this land. I am sure of it. Nina." Zelda looked up at the kindly old servant. Her dark brown eyes looked back sadly. "So you believe me then?"
"Of course, my duty is to serve you, and I know the golden light thrives inside your soul. Your mother foretold many things. She was a very wise woman." Nina said, taking Zelda's hand in her own. "The death of your mother has shaken your father, and he is still pained after all these years."
"No matter what, I will protect him… I will not allow that man to harm him." Zelda said fiercely. Nina smiled and stood when there was a knock at the door. She opened the door and let in Impa. Impa had a blank expression on her face, but Zelda knew better to know that she was gravely worried about her wellbeing.
"You are still awake?" Impa said in her deep voice.
"Yes, I am just about to go to bed." Zelda said. She turned to the two maids. "You may leave now." They curtsied and left the room. Zelda lifted her coverlet and settled down on her side. Impa covered her with the blanket and tucked her in.
"Eighteen years old and still scared to fall asleep alone." Impa said, brushing Zelda's hair out of her face. "My sweet, sweet Zelda, future queen of Hyrule."
"I can still afford to be a child sometimes, can I not?" Zelda said teasingly.
"Of course, Love." Impa said, kissing her forehead. "I have something to give you, my sweet princess." She reached into her pocket, and brought out a golden triangle on a silver chain, it was made into a necklace. It seemed to emit a mystical aura in the palm of her hand.
"Impa…" Zelda said hesitantly, "Is that what I think it is?"
"Yes, it is a piece of the Sacred Triforce. Your mother gave it to me a couple hours before she died. She told me to hold on to it until you had a vision that would foretell the end of the world. You had such a vision this afternoon, however much I wished you hadn't, yet she had me promise that I would give it to you." She pressed the triangle into Zelda's hand. "It is now upon you to search for the other two who hold the goddess given right for the remaining Triangles: Courage and Power." Impa whispered. Zelda put the necklace around her neck and tucked it into her dress.
"Honestly... How do I even go about on such a quest." Zelda muttered, holding the triforce above her head, watching the light glint as she twirled it by the chain.
"You have the power." Impa said. "The power of Wisdom thrives within you. All you have to do is look deep into your heart, I'm sure you already know the answers. The pieces of the Triforce are endlessly drawn to each other."
Zelda put on the necklace, the weight of it was surprising, cool against her chest.
"Keep it a secret." Impa whispered.
She began to hum a sweet lullaby, lulling the exhausted princess to sleep. Impa stood up and looked down at her charge, pulling the blanket up to her chin and kissing her on the forehead. Troubling times indeed. I hope Hyrule is strong enough to endure it. Impa thought grimly.
"It was a very nice dinner, thank you." Link called into the house as he backed his way out the door, closing it after Raina. "Do you feel like going on a walk to Ordon Springs?" He asked.
"Of course." Raina said, interlocking arms with him.
They made their way down a packed dirt path through the woods. The full moon made Raina's skin glow which in turn took Link's breath away. She was just so beautiful. He didn't know when he began to love her, maybe after he found out that she and Chase began a relationship. The three of them were once very close, but when Chase expressed his desire to Raina and she accepted, he couldn't stop that deep, brooding jealousy from coming about. He resented Chase for it, however not too long ago Raina's parents, who disapproved of their union, forced them to break it off.
Looking at her now, walking so close to him, he wondered if maybe there was a small chance that she could return his feelings. They entered the small enclave entrance to the spring. The gate was overflowing with blossoms of flowers. The stars twinkled mysteriously in the sky. The spring had a miniature beach in which the waters gently lapped waves against. They sat down in the white sand and stared up at the sky. The clear water glinted in the moonlight. Fireflies flickered in and out of existence, their soft lights glimmering in the reflection.
She stopped and lifted her chin towards the night sky, closing her eyes. A breeze washed through the trees and surrounded them. Sighing, she opened her eyes.
"Isn't it strange? She asked, somewhat somber.
"What?"
"There is a whole other world out there we haven't seen. Sometimes, I just get tired of it all, you know? Sometimes, I just wish that I could get out and see the world like you're about to. See the world in it's natural beauty. In its splendor and glory. Now that you're leaving to see that world..." She looked down, glum. "I can't help but feel envious."
"Honestly, Raina, there's no reason to feel envious." He lifted up her chin, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes reflected a sadness in them that he nearly pitied. "We're still young, there will be plenty of time for you to see it."
She gritted her teeth and took both of his hands in hers.
"Then, let's just go." She said, determined. "I don't care what my parents say, I am a grown woman after all. There's nothing left for me here. Let's go together to Hyrule Castle."
Link pondered a minute gazing at her pleading face, but shook his head.
"Honestly, I won't even be gone that long. Don't ruin any relationships you don't have to. You will live to regret it." Her grip tightened and finally her hands fell away. She looked away dejectedly, fighting the sudden tears that begin sprouting in the corner of her eyes.
"I feel as if I'm suffocating. There's no meaning to my existence here." She whispered.
"Don't talk like that, we all have a purpose, you just need time to sort out what it is." He said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She wiped the tears from his eyes and gave him a small, hopeless smile.
"Raina?" Link finally said after a while.
"Yes?"
"I think… that would be a great plan… Maybe soon we can find a way to convince them... If I show my worth after this trip... Maybe they can see that I am able to protect you." He finally said, he wanted to tell her so badly how he felt, but he didn't know how to get the words out.
She looked into his icy blue eyes, hopeful again.
"Just two more days, then you'll be off." She said, looking back at the water, "It's unbelievable." they didn't speak for the rest of the night as he escorted her home. When he finally made it back to his house, he collapsed onto his bed. After a while, he fell asleep, but the dreams that stirred under the surface were very troubling indeed.
Raina was calling out to him from somewhere, but he couldn't seem to find her. She needed help, she was in danger. He was searching aimlessly in the darkness. He kept tripping and stumbling over unseen things, and he felt as if he was being watched by something sinister. Invisible hands reached toward him, clawing at him but never quite touching him. Then suddenly, a faint light lit the path in front of him. Clouds brooded in the horizon threatening death and destruction. A different light appeared in the opposite direction. It was a subtle glow, but inside it he could barely make out a figure.
"Who are you?" He yelled. The figure disappeared.
Zelda woke up startled. Her dreams had been troubling indeed, and it was time she told her father, no, persuade him to just listen to her. She would force him to listen if she could, as soon as she could get him alone. She leaped out of bed, dressed in a hurry, half-heartedly combed her hair and ran down the stairs of her tower. She sprinted across the halls and finally arrived outside the Hall of Kings. She halted in her tracks when she heard a menacing voice inside.
"It's time you gave up your rule, Raphael, you are old and withering…" Came a deep voice with that familiar rich accent. It was Ganon.
"You traitor." Her father's voice rang out strongly, but she could detect a subtle hint of fear.
"You traitor." Ganon mocked. He laughed darkly. Zelda looked into the chamber. To her horror, she saw her father trapped by sword point.
"Please, do not harm my daughter…" Raphael begged. He looked past Ganon at Zelda. His eyes pleading for her to run. This exchange didn't escape Ganon's notice, and he turned around to look at her. Their eyes locked.
"Harm him, and you will suffer greatly, Ganon." Zelda said threateningly. Ganon smirked and turned back around, plunging his sword deep into her father's heart. "NO!"
He pushed it all the way through, then with a sick, wet sound, ripped it out. Blood dripped down, bubbling from Raphael's mouth, his skin turned a sallow pale green. Spitting out blood, he gazed at Zelda one last time, his lips trying to form words. He collapsed onto the ground.
"My name is Ganondorf. I am now the new king of Hyrule, emperor of all the lands. You shall bow before me." Ganon announced, he cleaned the gore off his sword with a nearby banister.
Zelda looked around, spotting the dead guards on the ground. They appeared to have been thrown against the wall, black swords penetrating out of their corpses. Blood dripping from them into pools beneath them. Tears springing in her eyes, she prepared to charge Ganon, but immediately cried out in agony. The sensation was peculiar, like that of being stabbed repeatedly by white hot needles. She buckled to her knees from the pain. Ganon's hand was outstretched toward her, a strange crimson aura emanating from it.
"You will be at my side as my queen, and you shall serve me." He glowered down at her. "Do you accept?" Zelda glared at him, a violent hatred swallowing her whole. He flicked his hand and a shocking wave of electricity rattled her insides. She shrieked in agony.
"Do you accept?" He repeated, his eyes narrowing to slits.
"How dare you ask me such a thing?" Zelda shrieked. Despite the agony wracking her body, she stood up on shaking knees. He sent another wave of pain into her. She flinched but stood her ground. She closed her eyes and cupped her hands together.
A warm sensation spread through her arms and tingled at her finger tips and she concentrated that energy into the shape of a lethal ball of light in the palm of her hands. The golden light was prismatic and it shimmered powerfully. She lifted it above her head and threw it at Ganon. He deflected it right back at her, hitting her square in the chest. She was thrown against the stone wall of the chamber, a new even more agonizing pain electrocuting her, frying her insides.
She fell to the floor and blacked out as Ganon strode toward her with a menacing smile.
In the black she saw repeated images of her father mouthing those words.
"I'm sorry."