Prologue

It was done. The Calamity Ganon had been sealed away by the Princess and her Appointed Knight. The scars it left in its wake cut deep into the very land itself, scars that only time could heal. With the Calamity gone, the Princess and Appointed Knight set out to undo the atrocities that the Calamity had afflicted on the land of Hyrule. This proved to be no easy task, but with no small amount of courage and determination, the two rebuilt. Brick by brick, field by field, and home by home, the once proud kingdom of Hyrule was beginning to be returned to its former glory. The Princess and Knight were not alone of course, they had fought so hard for the full unwavering support and loyalty from the other inhabitants of Hyrule. The Gorons came, bringing their pickaxes and brute strength to clear roads, and remove debris. The Zora flexed their architectural ingenuity, and set out to redesign Castle town, and oversee the reconstruction of the castle itself. The Rito, would become a great asset in speeding up the process of sending messages to and fro, thanks to their abilities in flight. The Gerudo brought their various trades, primarily in jewelry, clothing, and the most vibrant array of colors for dyes. Such comradery and cooperation between these races had not been seen for nearly a millennium. The Hylians, who had been slow to recover from the verge of extinction due to the events of the Calamity attack, were returning in full force, filled with optimism; their future looked brighter than ever. Naturally, this pleased the Princess and her Knight beyond words, it was the best they could have ever hoped for. Rumors of their inevitable marriage was the buzz of the newly formed town, it was plain to see their love for each other. It wasn't long until the young kingdom would have a proper king and queen.

The towering Divine Beasts that had once assisted in the assault on Ganon for a time continued their watch of the land, but in time, without a purpose to serve they declined into disarray. Much of the ancient Sheikah technology, including the Shrine of Resurrection, began to power down. The Shiekah that continued to research the technologies of their ancestors soon realized that it was unlikely that the Divine Beasts, Guardians, and Shrines alike would likely never be of use to them again. Despite their best efforts, it appeared that the ancient technology they researched would never again operate. This was much to the Dismay of the Queen. As a younger woman, she always enjoyed researching and experimenting on the Sheikah technology. Alas, this hobby would have to pass with time.

It had been nearly forty years since the events of the Calamity, and Hyrule Kingdom was now a beacon of prosperity and freedom…

Chapter One

The young boy was sure of it, today would be the same as any other. He was crouched in his usual hiding spot waiting for the mean old dog, and sure enough, after a few minutes, he spotted the all to familiar grotesque, foaming-at-the-mouth pit bull. It came trotting over to the fence in the back alley of one of the many streets he often played on. However, now was not the time for playing, there was serious business at hand. He watched intently as the dog walked ominously back and forth, sticking his short snout down to the pavement, where there was a small crack between the ground and the fence. He could here in sniffing, puffing, and growling. He knew what it wanted, the same thing It wanted every day; those helpless Cuccos safely tucked away in their pen. The boy readied himself, his trusty stick at his side, waiting for his perfect opportunity. The dog continued his hunt for a way in. There is no way it could jump the fence this time, he made sure of that when he tied those long wooden posts to the fence, proceeding to weave wooden planks in-between each one, effectively raising the height of the fence by three feet. The dog began to dig at a small patch of dirt at the end of fence, where the pavement ended. This was his chance to strike. He began to sneak his way closer to the dog, who was hard pressed to dig its way into the pen. As he inched forward he held his stick out, in the same manner and fashion that he saw some of the guards of the town do as they were practicing their swordsmanship. His plan was simple, as always: sneak up to the dog while it was unaware, strike it with the stick a few times, until it tucked its tail and ran. It had worked before, he was confident it would work again. By the time he had come within striking distance of the dog, it had its head and shoulders under the fence, with its hind legs thrashing about, trying to get a grip. As he took one more step closer, the dog froze, and he heard its snarl a deep and long growl.

Oh, it's too late for you, he thought to himself with a smug smile as he held the stick high above his head, ready to strike. The dog abruptly pulled itself from the underneath the fence, and tried to dodge the incoming stick. To no avail, the boy's stick met its mark, right on the head. The dog cried out a in a loud whimper, which promptly turned into a long, vicious growl.

I bet he's not happy with that one, the young boy thought. He resumed his fighting stance, ready for the dog to pounce. It didn't, instead it slowly circled the boy, keeping a low and watchful eye on him.

He's never done this before… He must be learning. The dog continued to circle him, and he began to counter rotate. By the time the boy's back was to the fence, the dog stopped, and turned to face him head on. The dog proceeded to bend lower, signaling an impending attack. In a bolt of energy, the dog leaped towards the boy, he held the stick side ways with both hands in attempt to block the incoming attack. However, the dog did not go for him, but his stick trusty stick. The beast clamped down on the stick with its powerful jaws, and yanked his head to the side, snapping the stick in half.

I'm in trouble now, the young boy worried. The dog retuned to its low and slow circling routine, releasing a deep and intimidating growl.

If I can make it inside the fence, I should be safe… but what if he bolts past me into the pen? I have to try, or cuccos won't be his only snack today. Without a second thought he ran towards the pen gate, and swung it open, attempting to close it behind him, but he was too late, by the time made it to the other side, the dog had burst through the entrance, and began his frantic chase of the poor cuccos.

I have to do something! Most of the cuccos were safely locked away in their coop, but the rest outside the coop squawked and ran in terror. The dog, after giving chase, had cornered the single fattest cuccos of the group. The cucco desperately flapped its little wings, trying to clamber up on some small crates stacked in the corner of the pen. The boy made a split-second decision, and sprinted to the cornered cucco, snatched it up under his arm and bolted out the pen gate as fast as his legs could carry him.

The dog perused them, exactly what he had hoped it would do, instead of staying with the other cuccos.

If I can outrun him, and loop back round, I might have time to get Mrs. Tamlin's cuccos back to safety, and think of another way to chase the dog off. It was a risky plan, but it was the best plan he had. He sprinted at full speed down the narrow alley, taking the first left turn he could, jumping over crates and barrels that littered his path.

Maybe I can lose him in the crowd of Market Square. It certainly seemed possible. He continued his escape straight ahead, often looking over his shoulder. Sure enough, there it was, the vicious cucco-eating monster, in full pursuit, saliva stringing out from its mouth as it ran.

He's gaining on me. But I'm almost to Market Square. With new resolve, he tucked the fat cucco further under his arm, the bird replying with a distressed squawk, and he increased his pace. It wasn't long until he reached the marketplace, there was a sea of people, as it always was early in the morning. He pushed his ways past the crowed, making his way deeper into the tightly packed square, in hopes of deterring the scent the dog followed. He could still hear its loud barks and growls. He had made it near the center of the square, where there was a large fountain, his original plan being to climb unto the ledge of the fountain to gain a better viewpoint above the traffic of marketeers. Unfortunately, before he could reach the fountain he tripped on the pavement, hitting the ground hard, not having enough time to use his arm to soften his fall. He let go of the cucco that was tucked under his right arm, and it proceeded to cluck and squawk, walking closer to the fountain. The boy was dazed by his fall, and grimaced in pain, gritting his teeth. By the time he recovered he realized he had let go of the cucco, he looked up, searching for where it went. To his surprise, he saw a young girl run over and pick up the cucco, holding it close to her, as if trying to comfort the distressed animal. This girl was unlike any girl he had seen before. She had long golden hair, accompanied with vibrant green eyes. She wore a dress fitting of a princess, made of many shades of blue and gold. It was never a serious concern of his of what people looked like or what they wore before, especially girls, but she was different. The girl searched the crowd, looking for the bird's owner. Her gaze met his. He couldn't help but remark to himself how pretty she was. Dread instantly dashed this thought; he could clearly hear the barking of the beast that perused him. He looked over his right shoulder. There is was, the dog. It stopped momentarily, first looking at him, then at the girl.

Uh oh. I have to do something, he'll attack that poor girl! This panicked thought plagued his mind. He knew he had to do something drastic, he wouldn't have time to reach the girl, and no one else seemed to notice what was going on, but maybe he could stop the dog before it reached the girl.

But how? he thought, but never had to chance to think of an answer. The dog had his sights set, it kicked off with its powerful hind legs, sprinting at full force directly towards the girl. Without thought for himself, he stood up and threw himself in the way of the dog. The beast leaped unto his chest, knocking him on his back, and felt the full weight of its paws on his chest. It was on top of him now, ready to clamp its teeth down on his neck. Luckily, he managed to grab the dog under the jaw with both hands, preventing it from reaching his neck. The dog viciously barked and snarled, saliva and foam spewing from its mouth. He barely had the strength to keep it inches from his face. He couldn't help but cry out a scream of fear, he could smell its sickly breath. Just when he thought the dog would overpower him, the dog whimpered and contorted its body to the side, rolling off him. He sat up on his arms and bottom, kicking back away from the dog.

It's dead? A spear was pierced through its side, and its owner quickly drew the spear out. It was a knight. Not just any knight however, the insignia on his helmet, and dark blue cape that flew behind him signified that he was member of the Royal Guard. What is a knight of the royal guard doing in Market Square? He wondered. His thoughts quickly turned towards the young girl he saw earlier. He looked to his left, and there she was, still clinging unto the cucco; she looked worried, even scared.

"Kid! You okay?" The knight asked.

"Yeah… I think so," he replied. The crowed at this point was completely quiet, all gawking at the scene that had unfolded, forming a large circle. Somewhere within the crowed he heard a deep, commanding voice say,

"What is the meaning of this, what has happened?" Out of the crowd appeared a tall man. He was clearly out of his prime, his once bright golden hair now streaked with hairs of white and grey, but he still had a strong jaw and frame. He had a well-trimmed beard, also gold and white. He wore a brightly colored tunic and cape, and upon his head sat a simple but beautiful golden circlet. There was no mistaking it, he was the king of Hyrule.

"This young boy here was attacked by this rabid dog" the Knight answered, first pointing at him, then to the dead body of the dog. The King turned his head, his intense gaze meeting his own.

I'm in REALLY big trouble now. He thought to King took a few steps towards him, his heart was pounding, his throat was dry. A thousand thoughts were passing through his mind.

What is he going to say? Is he furious with me?

"Are you all right?" the King asked in gentle voice. The King had knelt to his level, his intimidating gaze had softened now, his eyebrows were furrowed with concern.

"Yes… Yes sir," he replied after swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Good. Now, can you tell me what happened here?" The boy opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by a small voice that called out,

"He saved me, father." He turned his head and saw that it was the young girl that had answered. She approached her father, the cucco still in her arms. "He was running away from that dog, holding this little cucco. When he tripped and dropped the poor thing I picked it up to return to him, then I saw that dog running to attack me… But he jumped in front of me and stopped the dog!"

"Does this helpless cucco belong to you?" the King asked. The words were slow to come to him, but he eventually worked up the courage to say,

"No, it belongs to my neighbor, Mrs. Tamlin."

"And what were you doing with your neighbor's animal?" asked the King.

Before he could answer, a familiar voice interrupted, in a wavered and frail tone.

"He was protecting it from that vile beast, as he has always done for me." From the crowd emerged an elderly woman, who shuffled closer, slightly hunched over, from her long years of life and labor. Her hair was white as snow, and pulled back into a neat bun at the back of her head. She wore the traditional Sheikah attire, a robe of primarily white, with a hint of red and blue accents. "You must forgive me," she curtsied. "Your grace, I'm afraid it is because of my precious little cuccos that these events have come." She continued to walk closer to the young boy. "You see, I am very old, and it is hard to move around as I did in my youth. I recruited the help of this kind boy to act as a caretaker for my animals. He has always been such a kind and courageous lad, chasing off that dog every morning. I assure you he was only trying to help a poor old woman."

"I see." replied the King, a small smile escaping his lips.

"I'm very sorry, your grace. That mean old dog managed to break my trusty stick, I didn't have anything to chase him off with. When I tried to run inside the pen, he burst in and started to chase the cuccos. I was able to keep most of them safe, but he charged after poor little Gus here." he motioned towards the cucco. "All I could do was pick Gus up, and run. He chased me for a long time, I tried my best to lose him, but I ended up here. It is my fault that this happened, I am ready to face any punishment for my failure."

The King gave out a jovial laugh, "You have quite the flair for the dramatic. Come now my son, don't fear, you are not in any trouble. Although you may have been the reason that dog was here, you took responsibility for your actions and put yourself in danger to save my sweet daughter. It was a very courageous thing for you to do, you have my deepest gratitude." These words brought a wave of relief upon the young boy. "How old are you son?" the King asked.

"Ten, your grace." he replied.

"Ah! You are the same age as my daughter, Zelda."

What a nice name, he thought to himself. His eyes met hers, she smiled.

"And what is your name?" the King continued.

"Link, your grace."

Zelda let out a small gasp, "He shares your first name, father!"

"So he does." He replied, smiling at his endearing daughter.

"My father said that before my mother died, she wanted me to be named after the legendary hero of old. He used to tell me stories of the ancient spirit that would return to the world in the body of a Hylian boy, who, time and time again would fight back the Evil."

"I'm sorry for your loss," the King remarked. "My mother also wished that I be named after the same legendary hero when I was born." He smiled. "A funny coincidence, don't you think?" The King seemed deep in thought. After a moments pause he asked: "And what does your father do?"

"He's a blacksmith, your grace."

"A worthy profession. Does he work near here?"

"Yes! Just down the street." the boy responded politely.

"Come, take me to him, I wish to speak to him."

This proposition was an exciting one, and he quickly hopped up, dusting off his knees and hands.

I can't wait for father to meet the King! He was ecstatic. Zelda returned the now disgruntled Gus back to old Mrs. Tamlin, and she turned to return home, waving goodbye as Link led the King to his father's workshop.

"Goodbye Mrs. Tamlin, I'll see you tomorrow morning." he yelled.

"Bless you, sweetheart." she returned in her fragile voice.

"It's kind of you help her, not many children your age would set aside their play time to help an old lady." remarked the King.

"Mrs. Tamlin has always been very nice to me, I was more than happy that I could help take care of her cuccos. They are all she has left."

"But now she has you," Zelda added, with a bright smile.

It was a nice sentiment. The three continued their walk down the street from Market Square, two royal guardsmen following silently, but ever watchful.

"What do you want to be when you grow up, Link? Do you wish to be a blacksmith like your father?" the King asked.

"That's what my father wants." Link replied thoughtfully.

"But what do you want to do?"

Link didn't hesitate to answer, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. "I want to be a knight of the Royal Guard!" it was always his dream to be a warrior.

The King chuckled, "I thought as much, and what does your father feel about your decision?"

"Well… I don't think he's very happy about it. I think he is scared that I'll be in danger, but that won't stop me."

"Every parent has a right to worry about their child." said the King.

"I suppose… But I've never wanted anything more than to be a knight." Link looked down, lost in thought.

The King smiled, "Well perhaps I can speak to your father about it. I'm sure I could help your cause."

"Really?!" Link could hardly believe it. He couldn't help but pick up his pace, to the verge of almost running down the street in excitement. It wasn't long until they reached their destination.

"Father! Father! I've brought guests!" Link shouted as he ran into the warm workshop. He reemerged, with his father in tow. His father was a tall, dark-haired man, arms like tree trunks from countless years of hammering hot metal. It was funny to see the stark contrast between the brown-eyed, dark-haired man, and his blue eyed, golden-haired son. Link's father chuckled as his son led him outside.

"What is it son, I have work to do ̶ " his jaw dropped when he saw the guests his son had brought. He instantly bent down to one knee. "Forgive my King, I did not realize I would have a royal audience today."

"Do not worry, friend," the King stepped forward, placing a hand the fathers shoulder. "There is no cause for concern." The man stood up.

Link's father stumbled on his words a little, but regained composure. "And what may I assist you with, your grace, has my son gotten in trouble? I assure you he is a good and kind boy, it's just that his curiosity can get the best of him sometimes."

"On the contrary," began the King. "I have come to thank you for raising such a bright and courageous boy. If it weren't for his actions, I'm afraid a rabid dog would have attacked my daughter. He put his life at risk to stop the beast."

"Hylia alive!" exclaimed Link's father. He looked at Link, with a perplexed expression.

"May I speak with you for a moment?" asked the King

"Of course, your grace." he replied.

The King and Link's father took a few steps further towards the workshop, beginning a long-winded conversation.

"I never got to thank you for saving me, Link, I am forever in your debt!" Zelda had turned to face Link.

Link cleared his throat, he wanted to say something witty, but could only manage to say, "You're welcome, my lady"

"Please, just call me Zelda." She smiled. "If I may, what happened to your mother?"

Link paused, "My father said that she died not long after giving birth to me… I never got to really meet her."

"I'm very sorry to hear that." she said with a saddened expression.

"It's okay." He replied in a cheerful tone. It was an earnest attempt, but in truth, it was a reality that was not very pleasant to him.

Zelda could read it in his eyes, and promptly changed the subject. "So why do you want to be a knight?"

"well," he replied. "It is all I've ever wanted to do. I remember always seeing the knights practicing in the training yard, and all I could think was how exciting it looked. I would watch them for hours, study their steps, and techniques. I would try to practice with my trusty stick," until it broke. "Jonathan, my best friend, was the only person I could ever practice with. But he left to begin training last year, he's older than me by three years." Link paused, I sure miss Jonathan, he thought to himself.

"Well, I hope you get to meet him again. Maybe you will be brothers-in-arms someday!" Zelda remarked in a cheerful tone, grinning. Link simply smiled in return.

Link and Zelda continued to speak for quite some time, it appeared their fathers were locked in a meaningful conversation. Zelda spoke of her mother, and life at the castle, then asked to hear more about Link's life.

"Link," called the King, the conversation between he and his father had ended. "I have spoken with your father, and he has agreed to allow you train as a knight of the Royal Guard."

Link gawked, "But I thought they only allowed boys that were at least twelve years old in."

"True, but I am willing to make an exception on your behalf, I believe that you will tag along just fine with boys slightly older than you. You are of course free to decline."

"Of course I'll join!" Link blurted out. I can't believe it! This has been one of the strangest, and most exciting days of my life, he thought.

"Fantastic! There will be a new class beginning in a week, I will let Captain Kerrigan know that you will be joining them. Come to the training yard next Saturday morning. Do you know where that is?"

"I do, I go there regularly to watch the trainees." replied Link.

The King simply smiled at this. "Very well. I must thank you again Gerald," the King extended his hand to Link's father to shake it, "I promise to keep a close eye on him for you. I know he will excel in his class." The King and princess Zelda said their final goodbyes, and turned back down the street they had come from. Link waved at them as the turned the corner.

"You never cease to amaze me child!" Link's father said in a jesting tone.

"Are you mad that I won't be a blacksmith like you, father?" Link's father knelt to his level.

"Of course not. Although, I must admit, it hurts to think that. But if this is what you truly want, then I support you, through and through," he poked Link's heart with his finger, "I want you to be happy, Link." His eyes watered a little. Although he knew his son would be safe, the thought of seeing him leave his home behind tore at his heart.

Link jumped forward, wrapping his arms around his father, burying his face into his neck. "Thank you father, I promise I will always come and visit you as often as I can. I'll make you proud, I swear it."

They held their embrace, "I know you will, little lamb. If only your mother could see you now. She couldn't have been prouder." Links father fought hard to hold his tears back.