The Legend of Zelda: Dark Seed
Written by Desquode

Author's Note:
Dark Seed is a Legend of Zelda fan fiction with a minor Metroid Prime crossover. Those who have played any one of the three (console) Prime games should be able to catch it easily enough. The crossover itself is small, but it effects the plot in a similar way to one of the Prime games.

The Legend of Zelda and Metroid are their respective owners.

~ ----- ~ ----- ~ ----- ~

Several hundred years ago, a legend was made: A boy rose to defeat an evil that nearly destroyed the entire land of Hyrule. This boy used the power of an ancient, long-since lost sword, remembered by two names: the Master Sword, and The Blade of Evil's Bane. The evil was defeated, leaving the land forever-more, and allowing its inhabitant's to rebuild.

At that time, the land as a whole was known simply as Hyrule, but was split into different provinces, each occupied by a different species.
Hylians: humanoid and honorable. We built the grand Hyrule Castle, and the well protected Castle City around it, which was split into a few sections. Some of us branched out and created a second settlement, Kakariko Town; it was a simpler, more casual place to reside. Many who couldn't afford to live in Castle City's second level, and couldn't find appropriate work in the first level, often move to Kakariko.
Gorons: rock-like creates of immense strength and resistance to heat. They live in the volcano, and it's rocky surroundings, of Death Mountain. They were some of out strongest allies, with high value on honor.
Zorans: an amphibious and noble species that lived in the lakes and rivers of Zora's Domain. They lived in two distinct groups, but co-existed with each other perfectly. The majority lived in their city at the head of Zora's River. They were all not unlike nobility, and had a fine army. The other group typically lived in Lake Hylia, and it's surrounding waters. They were much more casual, and did the majority of trading for all Zorans.
These two species were once our allies, but the Gorons shut themselves away long ago, leaving the Zorans as our only friends, and they've slowly been moving out of their lands. They still actively trade with Kakariko, and occasionally direct with Castle City, but even that's beginning to wane.
There is a forest, but none dare enter. Stories have been told about little people, "children of the forest," living in that place. Some believe they are demons, meant to lure us in so they may feast. Others believe that they are indeed a race of children that live in this forbidden and protective forest.

Off in the barren sands of the Gerudo Desert, a race of female warriors used to live. They never permitted a man into their midst, unless for the furthering of their own race. Some time long ago, but no less than a century, they deserted their fortresses and moved on. Soon after, another race moved in. They were powerful, more-so than the Gerudo, and they took these deserted fortresses. They fortified and redesigned them into major strongholds, castles, and places where machines of war could be produced. Contact was never made, but spies were sent out to gather information, and gather they did. These Selkish, as they seemed to call themselves, were comprised of soldiers, mercenaries, criminals, Gerudo warriors, and even some of our own, who had defected.

Several years later, they came across their lands, and into ours, with a small army. They perceived us as rulers of the entire lands, and came to us to ask recognition as the land of Selack, neighbor to the land of Hyrule. The king at the time was in no way ruler of the entire land, thus could not grant the Selkish their request. Not believing this truth, the Selkish unleashed their army on the walls of Castle City. They were warded off by the Royal Army of Hyrule with little trouble. One of them was left alive, and was sent back to tell the others they were refused recognition. They returned a very short time later with a much larger army, and several siege weapons. They declared the deserts as the land of Selack, regardless of their neighbors wishes or abilities. Their intention was to take our grand city, but they were beaten back yet again. In retaliation, the king sent his personal army into their land. However, he'd severely underestimated the Selkish defences, and his army was defeated in only one battle.

Ever since this time, we Hylians and the Selkish have been waging war with each other... Now for nearly a century. Just recently, Kakariko Town was captured, looted, and then burned to the ground. The new king, King Nodel Johnsen Relgard, has ordered for a man, who is known to have been the most loyal of fighters to the old king, to be brought before him.

~ ----- ~ ----- ~ ----- ~

"You have been called before King Nodel Johnsen Relgard of Hyrule, at his personal request, to dine with him in his halls, and discuss certain matters of importance to this land." Royal Guards had come to Arash's house, located on the lower levels of Castle City.

"I have no need to dine with a king. What I have is all that I need."

"A request from the king himself is no less than an order. Arash, you are to come with us. Resistance is futile." One of three guards firmly griped Arash's shoulder, and pulled him forward. The other two followed as the first led Arash through Castle City, up it's three levels, and into Hyrule Castle. Castle City was divided into three section, each higher up than the last. The lowest was the best fortified, and contained the low-class peasants, blacksmiths, and makers of small items, such as baskets and blankets. The next section contained the middle-class people, merchants, craftsmen, artists and the like. The final section was the largest, which housed the high-class citizens. This was an area where the wealthiest of Castle City reside, living with almost no troubles to speak of. Above this, in it's own heavily fortified section, separate from the city, is Hyrule Castle, home to the Royal Family, and the Royal Guards, defenders of the king and his family. Nobles also live in the land around the castle, providing the king with insight, guidance, and company. Arash took up residence in the lowest section to avoid drawing attention to himself after his master, the old king, died in battle. He wished, even at his fairly young age, to cease fighting, and live a small life. He was rejected this, as his new king called for him.

Upon arrival at the castle, the first of the three guards ordered the other two off, and took Arash to the King alone. They entered, and Arash was introduced to the king. "King Nodel, sire, this is Arash, the man you requested."

"Thank you, Feren, you may go now." Feren backed out of the room and bowed.

"Yes, my King." Both Arash and King Nodel were silent until the massive, steel reinforced doors of the throne room were closed fully.

"Arash, I know you served under the late King Demitris for several years, and very well, I might add." He was only answered with a cold stare from Arash. "I'm sorry, have I interrupted your life for a moment? Surely you can spare a day for your King."

"Under your command, my 'king,' more men have fallen in the past year then in the three years before! You are a poor strategist, and you spend far more then need be on this war. I admit, I do support the war, but I do not support your actions." King Nodel smirked at Arash, before turning away.

"Hyrule is a land for us, and our allies. Though I must say, those Zorans haven't been very useful during the war. If they are truly allies, they shall aid us if they can. I know they can, so why don't they? Oh yes, and the Gorons? Those cowards hid themselves away from the world, for who knows what strange reason. Did you know... I sent a messenger to them. He reached their gates, but his only reply was a bucket full of stones dumped on his head. Poor man now rests in the graveyard hidden behind the remains of Kakariko Town."

"So what, have you called me here to break down their doors, and demand something from them? Even I'd no doubt end up a corpse, buried right alongside the fool you sent out before! I will not do your bidding. I've done my duty, and I'll do no more." Arash turned and walked off towards the doors.

"Hold it just one moment, Arash... I am king. You will do as I say, or be thrown into prison, to rot away like a petty thief, and be eaten by rats." As Arash froze in his steps, a smirk formed on King Nodel's face. "I am not done speaking with you, Arash... No indeed. Now then! Sit at my table! Eat! You have a long life ahead of you, so be sure you are full and ready!"

"I will eat your food, but only until my hunger leaves. Too much, and I may become bloated, and be unable to fight, thus being the instrument of my own destruction."

"Wise words, my friend... I suppose." The king ripped a leg from a fresh cooked cuckoo bird, and bit hard into it's juicy meat. With the food still in his mouth, the king spoke again. "I hear you never took a title, even though you've earned many. Tell me, which would you like? Knight? Lord maybe?" Arash spared not a second to respond.

"Peasant will do fine." King Nodel sat up in his chair, feigning an insulted face.

"Oh, come now... 'Peasant Arash, Commander of the Royal Army of Hyrule'?" Arash's eyes widened as the king's words reached his ears. He slowly faced the king.

"C-commander.. of the army!?" Arash was frozen for a moment, but regained his composure and looked away again, picking up an apple to eat. King Nodel laughed heartily for a minute before speaking again.

"Looks like I've got you now, Arash. Yes, no matter what title you may decide to choose, you shall also be Commander of the entire Royal Army of Hyrule. Maybe now you'll be a little more cooperative?" King Nodel eyed him for a moment, waiting calmly for a reply.

"I... I said I would take no part in this war! Are you deaf? I will take my leave now, sire." With that said, Arash stood quickly, and walked to the doors. King Nodel nodded for the guards inside the room to let him out, and so they opened the doors for Arash.

"You'll be back, Arash... You will." King Nodel again laughed, and Arash could hear him until the doors were shut behind him. He was walking quickly, and his steps could be heard through the massive hallways, devoid of life, other than guards here and there. He walked, on and on, not stopping for others, but rather going around them without slowing down, and even nudging himself past a few. As he reached the mid-way point of the second section of Castle City, he observed smoke from the first section. His pace quickened to jog, and soon after he began to run. He ran through the crowds in the first section, once he arrived there, until he reached is house. Not that he had one anymore. He fell down to his knees, staring into the roaring flames that engulfed his previous dwelling. Thoughts raced through his mind. He couldn't focus on any one of them. He tried and tried to think straight, finally coming to one conclusion.

"'You'll be back,' he said! That 'king' ordered my house to be burned!? Well, sire, your little ploy to get me back has worked! I'm coming back right now!" Arash stood and turned at the same time, then proceeded to run back through the first section. He jogged through the second section, and paced quickly through the third, coming up on the castle again. He barged through door after door, until finally he was back at the throne room, with it's doors wide open... 'welcoming' him in. "You sneaky rat! You were the one who had my house burned down, weren't you!?"

"Ah-hahahaha! Silly boy, I would never do such a thing, haha!" Arash could plainly see through the lie, but the king knew this and didn't care in the least. "Now, my boy! Peace is what all true warriors strive for, is it not?"

"...What are you getting at?"

"Peace always comes after a war. Warriors fight battles to defend their way, and create a peace between those who think differently. I have put you, as a warrior, in charge of this task of peace-making."

"If you want peace made, find a diplomat! I'm not one who makes peace. As a warrior, it is my duty to fight! As any child knows, war is not peace."

"Yes, your point is valid. However war will lead to peace, despite who wins." A moment of silence filled the room. Arash stood up slowly and faced away from the king. He sighed then looked up at King Nodel, an expression of defeat on his face.

"Where should I go now?"

"Head for the castle's stable to acquire a horse. You may choose any of them. Once you have one, head outside Castle City to the encampment. There you will meet up with Hadley, who is now a Captain under your command. He will tell you what you need to know from there." Arash faced King Nodel, stood straight, then bowed, but spit silently under the table in the king's direction. He stood again, turned, and left for the stables. On his way out of the castle he was fuming to himself about giving in so easily. He calmed down, however, after convincing himself there was nothing that could have been done anyway.

~ ----- ~ ----- ~ ----- ~

Several minutes after he exited Hyrule Castle, Arash had found the stables, filled with the best horses in the land. He walked in, hardly even noticing the stench that any stable, even this royal one, would have, and glanced at each horse. While most were simply standing around, a somewhat restless one caught Arash's eye. He came over to it's stall, and looked the horse over. It was clearly a strong horse; maybe not the strongest, but close to it. He turned to the man running the stable, asking if he could take the horse, with only expressions. The man shook his head slightly, stood, and walked over to Arash.

"That isn't the horse you want. I got word that you're the new Commander of the Royal Army and all that, right?"

"Those words are true. But what do you mean by telling me this isn't the horse I want?"

"It's unsteady. Too restless all the time. There are stronger, better behaved horses here." The man gestured to a few horses, separated from the rest.

"This horse needs only freedom to move. Gender?"

"Female."

"She's got the smallest of rooms in this place. She needs to get out more than the others, but, I would assume, hasn't. She wants to get out more, and thus has become restless. I'll take her. What is her name?"

"A'right... If you're sure. Oh, right. Her name is Lanza." Arash watched the man open the door, releasing the horse. He swiftly took hold of her reigns before she could run, and led her calmly outside. After she was saddled up, Arash mounted her, and trotted out of the castle section, and through the third section. He quickened her through the second section, and then galloped into, and out of, the first section. The two arrived at the camp just moments upon exiting Castle City, and rode to a man who looked like he was in charge. The man was larger than most, with broad shoulders, and thick muscles. His orange hair was longer than an average man's, and his beard was very full, and braided at the ends, giving him a very unique, but still strong look. He was clothed in chain-mail armour, and his torso was covered in a green cloth, which bore Hyrule's coat-of-arms.

"Excuse me, sir... Are you Hadley?"

"Aye, that I am lad! And who be you? Are ya' that lad that's been put in cha'ge of us here?" It was difficult for Arash to understand the man's speech for a moment, but he got the gist of what he said.

"Yes, I am."

"Welcome then my sir! Aye, you're a wee bit improperly dressed there, lad. Le's take ye to my tent where I can find you some fitting armour and clothing!" Arash didn't know what to make of the man, but figured he'd just follow him. He wouldn't want to cross a man of his size. Once inside Hadley's tent, the giant turned and looked Arash over fully. "Ya' got the clothin' of a peasant, ya' do there, lad! Let Captain Hadley fix that one for you!" Hadley gave Arash a wink, and a solid shake on his shoulder, nearly knocking Arash to the ground. "Now lemme see... Too big... Too big. Outdated... Wrong color. Ah...! Haha! This is what we want fer ya', lad!" Hadley spun around with a big smile on his face as he showed Arash a chain-mail shirt made of something brighter than steel, and looked stronger too. It was rimmed with gold around every edge, and was the perfect size for Arash. After it was fitted on, Arash took notice of how light it was.

"Hadley...?"

"Aye?"

"Are you sure this... is really worth wearing? It's so light."

"Ah-haha! Don't you put yer mind to it, lad! That's some of the best stuff you'll ever find in these here lands!"

"Al-alright. I'll take your hearty word for it then, Hadley." Upon hearing this comment, Hadley let out a booming laugh of appreciation. After this laughter died down, Hadley turned his attention back to getting the rest of Arash's armour, and the proper royal battledress to go over it. After placing on the rest of his outfit, Hadley and Arash walked out into the camp to see every man from the Royal Army of Hyrule standing there, in front of the tent. Arash walked forward, and they all bowed to him, as their commander. Needless to say, Arash was certainly embarrassed, and felt rather awkward, but he commanded them to rise, and they did. "This is... going to be quite an adventure..." Arash said to himself softly, before looking up to Hadley, who whispered back.

"Aye, lad. You'll never find an adventure like this anywhere."