Chapter 1

This is my first Zelda fanfic. It's set in the time after the events of Twilight Princess (In my opinion, the best Zelda game)

LinkXIlia included in this story. Dont get me wrong, I like Zelda and Link as a couple, but in TP, it doesnt really work.

Blood and mature themes included in future chapters.

A sharp breath left Ilia's mouth when she caught sight of his familiar form entering through the gates of Ordon. Could it be? She wondered. Had he really returned? She ran over as fast as she could. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, feeling her fingers run through his dirty blonde locks. A smile spread across her face when she felt his hands make contact with her waist as he held her close. She would feel the stares of everyone else in the village, watching the two of them reunite. The mayor stood behind them, the sight intriguing him. He stepped forward, intercepting them with an abrupt cough.

"Link" he spoke up once he had gotten their attention. The young boy in green looked to him.

"Come, I wish to speak with you." He turned around, walking slowly out of the village. The rest of the Ordonians stared at him in expectation. Giving Ilia a short but reassuring look, he followed her father.

When he reached the forest that lay outside the village, he found Bo waiting for him. He bashfully made his way over to his side.

"Link" the mayor began. "You know I've always been protective of my daughter, and that's why I wanted to talk to you" Link swallowed nervously, awaiting a lecture or something from him about keeping away from Ilia. He was surprised by what he received.

"You've really proven yourself lad" he said proudly. "You set out to find the children when they were taken, and against all the odds, brought them home safely." Link stared at him in bewilderment.

"But not just that," he continued. "After everything else that happened on your journey, you chose to return to Ordon. I'm proud of you Link" He leant in closer. "And I'm not the only one." Link knew he was referring to Ilia, and it made his cheeks tinge red.

"I want what's best for my daughter" Bo went on, staring ahead of him as if he were becoming lost in his thoughts. "It's clear to me now, that that is you Link." The two of them stared at each other. Link was lost for words.

"You take care of her, that clear?" he asked. Link nodded, making the major smile.

"That's my boy. Now go on, I'm sure everyone wants to hear all about your adventure." With an exchanged glance, the two of them headed off back to the main area Ordon.

After he had returned, he had told his story to the rest of the village, leaving substantial parts out, such as him turning into a wolf. He figured it would be the best; his modified story was hard enough to believe; and he didn't want anyone to freak out at the fact that he was partially a wild beast. He also didn't tell them about the Twilight Realm, or Midna for that matter. They wouldn't believe him, and even if they did, they'd have too many questions that he couldn't answer. But they all seemed fascinated by his story nonetheless. Hard to believe that a few weeks ago, he hadn't even been outside of Ordon, and now he was Hyrule's hero.

He had indicated for Ilia to follow her. He wanted to tell her the good news about what her father had decided. Taking Epona with them, he guided her to the spring. Ilia leapt at Link, the joy overwhelming her as he repeated what her father had said to him. Link tried to stable himself, but was thrown off balance and fell backwards into the water, Ilia landing on top of him. She kissed his cheek, making them both go red.

"You know what this means don't you?" she questioned. Link tipped his head.

"If we're going to be married, and I'm the mayor's daughter, that means you're going now arranged to become the next mayor." Link looked surprised. He hadn't thought about that. He had been too engrossed in everything else that had been happening, that the thought hadn't even crossed his mind.

Something black in the water caught his eye. It was the shadow crystal. It must have slipped out of one of his bags attached to his belt when he fell. It floated in the water beside them. Link gasped as he saw it, hoping Ilia wouldn't have. No such luck.

"What's that?" she asked. He didn't answer. He didn't know how to. Everything that he had left out of his story was connected to that crystal. Instead of answering her question, he stood up and carefully, made a wave in the water that pushed the shard back into his bag. He sighed in relief once it was back in. Without a word, he quickly ran over to Epona, jumped on her back and rode off. Ilia stared at him in confusion. She called out for him to come back, but he either didn't hear, or chose to ignore her.

Link rode fast, needing to get away. That could have been really bad if it had touched me He thought. Ilia would have freaked. He had to get rid of it somehow, but where? He remembered back to when Midna left for her world. He wondered why she hadn't taken it with her. Too late now though. He was stuck with it, and until he found a way to rid himself of it, he would be putting everyone he loved in danger, including Ilia.

First chapter done. Hopefully it turned out ok. I haven't decided whether to give Link proper dialogue or not.