The Legend of Zelda: Forgotten Hymns

Chapter One:

'The Tri-Force Wielder'

Two months was what it took to crack from no word from Princess Zelda, two weeks it took to arrive at Hyrule, two days it took to realize he was too late. In six hours of his arrival, he was standing beside the bed where his Zelda was lying unconscious, worn out and defeated. The silence that pervaded the room was nostalgic, gripping link from the neck to the point where it was becoming unbearable to keep from storming and raging at the occurrences. No matter how hard he tried she was always in danger…

"It wasn't your fault Link, it was inevitable and-"

"That's not true." He interrupted with a shaky voice as his hazy blue eyes traced Zelda's gentle and glowing pale face with anxiety, "I was to late, Impa."

Impa starred in silence at the boy, being herself of old age and knowing perfectly well what a heart break looked like in the eyes of the youth. Her poor mistress, she thought as she brought the covers about her Zelda, heaving a sigh as she noticed she had become cold. The whole castle was in disarray at the fall of the Princess that even through this dead silence, the protests and orders being shouted downstairs were heard as vibrations from the stone walls. The two stood there looking at Zelda as if expecting her to sit up and smile that enchanting smile of carefree she always bestowed upon them at a time of peace. She never sat up, her lips were curved into a frown and her eyes were shut- unmoving.

"How did this happen?" Link uttered under his breath as he brought his hand over his mouth trying to control himself for Zelda's sake. Even unconscious she still made him feel embarrassed- he never deserved to be in her presence. Impa, with a sigh turned to him and bowed her head in respect.

"Forgive me. It was my fault. She was in the courtyard waiting for the mail carrier. She kept insisting that she give the man the letter because the more people who touched it, made it plain and dull before it got to you."

Link looked sideways at Impa raising a brow in both amazement and confusions trying to hide the throbbing of his chest. "She was writing to me?"

"But of course." Impa answered bemused, her huge cheeks moving as her lips turned into a frown. "And it was very bad of you to ignore her callings."

"Ignore her callings? I thought she was-"

"Ignoring you? Honestly boy, she would never do such a thing." Impa stammered turning her head away in defiance, her protective attitude of Zelda taking full effect- she was her nurse after all. She was beginning her lecture on how Zelda was true to her duties but Link didn't hear much of it. 'She would never do such a thing', because she liked him? It was impossible… she was a princess and he a mere knight. Why get his hopes up? But maybe…

"Are you listening to me Link? You should have at least answered her, she was becoming desperate. She was about to send me to go look for you."

"But Auntie Impa, I never received a letter." He retorted almost heartbroken as Impa studied his face for any signs of lying, which forced him to look away from her questioning eyes, "I was waiting for them as I traveled. I never left the towns too far for incase she called on me."

Link shrugged turning his eyes on Zelda once more, her hair delicately waving about her on either side of her face like the sage that she was. "I was beginning to think that maybe- gah!"

He stumbled backwards holding onto his head as Impa walked over to him holding onto a walking stick as she shook her index finger scolding him. "You are the Hero of Time! How can she not worry about you…of course, you are also her friend…"

The mood changed between the too, they were no longer frowning at each other and even these reassuring words Impa stated made the throbbing on the back of his head seize for a moment and be replaced by a surge of pride.

"You're her friend and she'd do anything to help you Link, you know that. She would never break your feelings. The friendship you two share is stronger then you two think."

Maybe Impa was right, Link thought as he moved over to the side of the bed and kneeled down beside it taking hold of Zelda's hand, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. Cold as ice… he thought and frowned. He took her hand and saw the marking of the tri-force on her delicate hand and stroked it with a sigh remembering what she told him that last time they met.

"I will be in your heart, Link, and you in mine. We will never be completely separated- not even time will be able to break our bonds- of friendship."

Her smile that day, he swore to never forget it. As he rode off towards the sun, he carried her ocarina in order to remember her, that no matter where he was, she was there in his heart at all times. How could this have happened under his very nose?

"Do you know who did it and how?" He asked plainly, looking up at Impa who was dabbing a handkerchief here and there with her chubby hands.

"They don't know. When she was waiting for the Mail man, I told her she should bring some guards in order to be safe. As stubborn as she was, she sent me off and I like a fool left her unguarded. When I came back, she was on the floor unconscious and badly wounded. None of the guards saw who did it and we checked the whole town for anything suspicious. It's good you came, link, we are out of ideas."

Link stood up and nodded proudly letting go of Zelda's hand and placing it gently down over her chest as he turned to the door, his mind was all ready made up.

"I am going to go to the Temple of Time. I will get to the bottom of this."

Impa hesitated but said nothing as he closed the door letting the bustle from the outside enter into the room for an instant before it faded back into silence. Poor Impa, it wasn't rare for the nurse of the Princess to feel worthless and useless. She could do nothing but stand there and wait for everything to be sorted out. It always bothered her that she was never exactly useful in saving her dear princess.

"It is all right Impa, you mustn't worry about me."

Impa turned her head to look at Zelda and frowned defeated knowing that in the state she was in, no thoughts could escape her. She had spoken but only telepathically- the magic of old works wonders.

"My dear Princess Zelda, do you think he will notice?" Impa mumbled nervously as she took a seat beside the bed looking at Zelda's unchanging face.

"Whether he notices or not, he has to realize I cannot help him."

"But princess, what about the culprit, the one who attacked you-"

"Impa, if the guards and town find out that the attacker was a Link look alike, can you imagine the revolts and calamity it would bring? I do not wish for another civil war." Her voice was desperate now as if she had foreseen it in dreams past. Impa sighed and nodded grievingly- Princess Zelda, the sage of wisdom.

"My lady, what exactly happened, why can't you come back to consciousness?" Now it was Impa's turn to sound worried and Zelda perceived it, her voice changing into a businesslike fashion.

"I am not sure. I can feel everything, the warmth when Link held my hand- I feel everything this body does yet I cannot control it. Something that replica did made me loose control of it. But that is not what worries me."

"My lady?" Impa asked nervously, sitting up straight in her chair as she looked down at Zelda's body.

"Who ever made that replica didn't do it on purpose. I know link, I can tell who he is, and his eyes show everything. This replica as made out of shadow and darkness. It came for the tri-force, that's for sure, Disguised as the Hero of Time in order to get though the city and the guards. But it has a fault…"

There was a long moment of silence as Impa starred at Zelda not breathing waiting for her to finish. It had a weakness, what was it!

"Princess?"

"It's fault… Oh no!" She called out as she perceived Link approaching the door to the temple and not alone.

"Impa quick! To the Temple of Time!"

It seemed like ages that Link hadn't stepped foot into the temple, the very site of its doors made him feel nervous, all the past memories of his former adventures were the result of stepping into this edifice. Why did he hold a strong yearning to enter it, could it really hold the answers to what he sought? He moved forward remembering that the old elder whom inhabited the temple had become on of the seven spirits, he wondered who had taken his place with a laden heart, and raised his hand to the door.

The Tri-Force glowed on his hand as it passed through the rays of the sun, making him stop to look and admire it. The Hero of Time, the one that bore the ancient Hylian mark- the bringer of peace. It was true, he had never failed yet mistakes, he had done plenty. Was he over-seeing something that might bring him to his downfall?

How could two months pass without any letter ever arriving, no dreams warning him- was he being stalked that bad? The enemy knew him to well… and now Zelda.

The enemy knew Zelda was his weakness.

Could it have been that? Or maybe he attacked her because she was the princess…. Yet still she was alive. Had it been a common murderer he would have finished the job. She probably fought him, so he was obviously after the Tri Force….

Link stood there petrified, his hands inches from the door, was it smart to open it? Remember what had happened last time he did?

Link, stop!

That voice, Zelda? He turned around rapidly and was frozen at what he saw…he was looking at himself… wait no, it wasn't! What he wore how tall he was- everything was identical except for their eyes. Links were blue while this false imitation of him had crimson eyes and a cynical grin. It was impossible, was he an enemy?! Certainly he was, why else would he be stalking him around. Why hadn't he heard him before!

Link, you mustn't. Be careful!

Zelda's voice flooded his thoughts as the creature moved towards him, lifting up his hand where he too bore the Tri-Force, what the hell was going on?!

"Back off you demon!" Link growled extracting his Master Sword from the sheath that was strapped across his back and pointed it directly at his chest. "The Temple of Time will not open for the likes of you!"

The false Link grinned and stood there looking at him as if what he said was a pretty decent joke- it irritated Link.

"Who's your master?" Link shouted placing his shield before him ready for combat, but the fake didn't move, he kept grinning as if expecting this from the start.

"Why you, are you the one responsible for what happened to Princess Zelda?!" He asked yet even before he saw the smirk and the nodding of the head, he knew that this guy was the one who had attacked her. It pained him to think that maybe Zelda thought he had attacked her…

Be careful Link, he was created by dark magic… you mustn't let him enter the temple!

Her voice was swimming around his conscious forcing him to think faster. If he defeated him, then everything will be finished… but what happens if this wasn't his true form? He had to get him out of the castle before he destroyed it. Before Link could do anything, a skin crawling laugh came from the far corner of the hall… it couldn't be, Link thought.

The heavy steps of Ganondorf's boots echoed through the hall, every step he took made link's heart sink deeper into his stomach making him weak. The face, the evil grin, he had never forgotten him. This was impossible, how could he be alive? Hadn't he been locked up for eternity?

How link wished Zelda were there, she would always have an explanation ready for him.

"Ah, my dear young Link, so you've grown." Ganondorf chortled as he took an eye-full of Link standing at the ready before him and then turning to the replica grinning. "Did I not do a good job?"

"How did you get out…?" Link muttered gripping his Master Sword tightly not wanting to accept that he was back. Ganondorf on the other hand began to pace keeping close to his creation out of protection.

"Well, you didn't think those ridiculous spirits would have me locked up for eternity, did you?" He stood up proudly, his chin raised in defiance as if he had taken them all out single handedly. Link noticed things were different; he looked older, meaner, and more animal like. Had all those years of confinement turn him into a raging bore? Link had changed as well; he no longer held the physique of a child, but of a man. The knight he was destined to become was now looking at Ganondorf directly in the eyes without fear or remorse, only desire to do what was right and courage to keep him fighting.

"By the way, before I kill you, how is our dearest Princess Zelda?" He smirked bellowing one of his evil laughs as Link, in his anger, began to inhale and exhale rapidly.

"What did you do to her?" Link muttered nervously as the fake Link began to move back in the same pose he was in. Ganondorf, on the other hand, was backing away, removing his glove showing the mark of the Tri- Force he bore.

"Let's just say I borrowed some 'wisdom' from her…" Another skin crawling laugh.

"What…" Before Link could say anything, he was taken over by his imitation and the two went off fighting. It was impossible to win; he knew all of his moves. He knew what he was going to do before he did it! His mind was racing trying to block the attacks he was giving him and the other trying to figure out what Ganondorf had meant. Borrowed wisdom?

"You see, with her powers now mine, my creation can now open the door to Time…" Link thrust away buying some time to hear Ganondorf out but found it useless as he was attacked by behind from the recovered Link. "Once I open the door to Temple of Time and recover the Tri- Force, I will be able to defeat you!"

"NO!" Link was overwhelmed and pushed back as the imposter began to run for it in order to reach the temple door first. Amazingly, there was someone all ready there to keep this from happening. Link, in despair, growled and threw his Master Sword at the imposter as it came piercing into the fake Link's back falling inches from where Zelda now stood, heaving and gasping for breath as she glared at Ganondorf. Ganondorf, slightly pleased at seeing her there, grinned and bowed low ignoring the ganging sounds of his creation as it fumbled to get to its feet.

"Ah, well if it isn't Princess Zelda. Might I say you look beautiful this afternoon! A bit….pale, but charming all the same." His booming laugh that would have shaken any fool out of its wits didn't even make Zelda wince; she stood her ground in front of the temple door and glared up at the approaching Ganondorf.

"You have failed once more, leave now or suffer the consequences!" She bellowed raising her hand, the Tri-Force in her hand glowing, Ganondorf grinned even more as the glow started fading away leaving Zelda bewildered. She no longer possessed the power she once did- he had drained it, but how!

"I'm sorry dear Princess but the one who has come to an end," He removed his sword from its sheath and moved to slice her entire head of, "is you."

An arrow came flying through the air planting itself on Ganondorf's side sending him shrieking in pain as he turned. Link had recovered and was readying another arrow as Ganondorf turned to him.

"You'll pay with your life for trying to disturb the peace of Hyrule…"

"NOW!" Ganondorf ordered as the fake link rose, the Master Sword which link had thrust into him still piercing his front and back. From his tunic he removed the ocarina, the precious ocarina of time which he had taken from Link while they were fighting. Before Link actually had time to react, he began to play the tune- the song of time. Zelda's horrified face, Ganondorf's mischievous grin, and the imposters tune seemed to go on forever until a rush of light symbolizing the door had been opened over took links gaze and the next, he was sprawled on the floor with Zelda helping him to his feet shaking. The arrow he had thrown lay broken on the floor with no signs of it ever reaching its target.

"Link, are you all right?" Zelda's weak voice brought him back to life as she collapsed beside him. He lifted her head gently stroking her cheek involuntarily trying to wake her. She had used up all her strengths to come and warn him…

"Zelda? Princess Zelda, please! It isn't over yet!" He cried as he turned to look at the door, it was closed now, and growled angrily cursing his failure yet a comforting tug at his tunic made him look back down at Zelda whom was smiling, her eyes hazy as if lost in the middle of two worlds.

"You must go Link. The chosen one is ready, only the chosen one can help you." Her voice was fading and to Link's surprise, so was the mark on her hand.

"ZELDA?!" He called out in despair shaking her a bit trying not to let her 'sleep' again.

"Go link… go before Ganondorf does…"

"But where, Princess? I have no idea where those two left! I can't possibly-"

Zelda raised her gloved hand to silence him placing it delicately over his lips as she frowned up at him. "You are the hero of time, only you can bring Ganondorf's downfall…"

She noticed the mark on her hand fading and it fall back down, feeling weak as if something was being taken away from her, as if her very life was being taken from her. Link held her and looked down at her seriously and worried.

"Where did they go Zelda? How can I find them?"

"Find the Ocarina in the future and you find the chosen one. Find him before it is too late… "She said almost in a whisper as she began to fall into unconsciousness once more, her power being drained. Link held her close vowing to destroy Ganondorf once in for all as Zelda smiled holding his hand.

"I missed you…"

Her grip gave way and she finally fell unconscious in his arms, the bustling of the floors beneath them sounding like a muffled growl as Link sat there. He knew he mustn't leave her there and was about to move when Impa appeared and kneeled beside Princess Zelda nodding to Link that she would take care of her.

With nothing said, Link moved on, without his sword and only his shield, he moved onto the door of time placing his hand a few inches from it as Impa hesitated.

"Please be careful Master Link. The future can be a cruel world for the likes of us." She stammered as the door opened leaving nothing once the light and glow disappeared. Link was gone.