The Legend of Zelda:

Zagorshida

by Nezuban

*1

Rain fell lightly across Hyrule field, from the gate of Lake Hylia, to the entrance of Kokiri Forest, to the outer walls of Hyrule Castle. The clouds were a light gray -- almost overcast, except for the rain. A slight breeze made the rain fall slightly at an angle.

Sitting under a tree in the northwest corner of the field, a young man watched as the rain fell into the small stream, rippling across. Dressed in black pants with a gray shirt and green semikilt, with blond hair that hung just above his pointed ears, with a black vest and Wolfos-fur collar, Lion looked very much the young hero he was supposed to be.

Lion reflected on his past, how he had been born in Kakariko village seven years before the young Hero of Time vanished in the Temple of Time. He grew up hiding in various places, among them, Goron City and Zoras Domain, trying to stay away from Ganondorf's evil rule. His mother was killed by a huge Wolfos when she tried to hide Lion near the Sacred Meadow in the Lost Woods, while his father was a soldier in the King's army, always away. When Lion was fourteen, Link returned, wielding the legendary Master Sword, and defeated Ganondorf. He couldn't explain what happened next, except that he suddenly was an seven again, under his mother's care. After that incident, Lion grew up remembering Link's exploits, though his mother and everyone else mysteriously had no clue.

Now, at eighteen, it was Lion's turn to be a hero in the kingdom of Hyrule.

Tired of the rain, Lion stood, pressed the heels of his palms together, thrust them forward as if casting a spell, and the clouds parted, letting the golden sunshine light and warm up the field. Lion looked towards the sky and pressed the golden medallion he wore around his neck to his breastbone, giving thanks to Din, the Goddess of Power, for his spell.

He picked up his sword that rested against the tree, and left the shelter of the tree. The sun shone through the raindrops on the grass, casting beautiful rainbows all across the panorama of Hyrule Field. As he walked towards Lon Lon Ranch the moist ground beneath him squished under his shoes. A few of the birds sang their soft melodies, and the horses in the ranch neighed, but mostly the air was quiet.

When he arrived at the ranch, he saw Malon leaving her house, her wavy red hair flowing behind her.

"Malon," Lion called. Though she was two years older than himself, the two of them shared a unique relationship, although it was rumored that she was Link's sweetheart before he became the Hero of Time. In response to Lion's call, Malon turned he head and smiled warmly.

"Lion!" she said. "How are you?"

"Fine," was Lion's reply. He walked up to her, and they embraced casually. "I came by to get some milk." He handed her a small vial that would hold about six ounces of the Lon Lon Milk that Malon and her father, Talon, produced and sold throughout the kingdom.

She took the vial and disappeared into the house, only to return a moment later with the vial filled and capped.

"Thanks," Lion said, taking the vial from her tough-skinned hand. He looked over her shoulder to see Talon trying to climb on a white-maned horse. Lion chuckled as he said, "Talon stilll trying to tame Epona?"

"Yes," Malon chuckled. "I've taught him Epona's Song, but he refuses to believe that that is what tames her." The two of them walked casually to the corral, hand-in-hand. "Daddy!" Malon called to her father.

With a startled yelp and a grunt as he fell to the dirt, and Epona dashed off.

"Darn it, Malon," Talon shouted back. Suddenly noticing Lion, he stood up and brushed off the dirt from his overalls. "H'lo there, Lion! How's Narika?"

Seething, Lion replied, "Fine." Of that he couldn't be totally sure, as he hadn't seen his mother in a couple of years, since she ran off with his father to a neighboring kingdom. Even though Talon knew that, he refused to accept that she was gone forever. Somehow, Talon sensed this, and changed the subject.

"So what brings you to the Ranch?" He walked to the gate of the corral, followed by one of the larger horses.

He held up the vial. "Just stopped by to get some milk." He paused, then added. "But I can't stay long. I am climbing Death Mountain later . . . there is someone I want to talk to."

"Oh, well, safe climbing."

"Of course." With that, he hugged Malon, and departed.

**2

The last wall that Lion had to climb before reached his goal would be a tough one. But if Link could do it, so could he.

He grabbed one of the iron shackles that had been tacked to the rock face and pulled himself up. He grabbed the next, and the next, and so on. It wasn't long until he reached the first platform to take a short rest. It was just as the sun was reaching its pinnacle that Lion reached the top of Death Mountain. What he saw totally surprised him, and almost sent him tumbling over the edge.

It was gigantic owl, bigger than anything he'd ever seen. Its feathers were long, and its breast was large . . . every aspect of the giant bird was huge. But, swallowing his apprehension, Lion ventured forth.

The bird looked asleep, but as he neared it, it hooted, its neck feathers billowing.

"Lion," the owl said, its voice thunderous and wise. "I have been waiting for you, Lion."

"Who--" Lion started, "who are you?"

"I am called Kaepora Gaebora, the guardian of Hyrule's Sacred Realm."

"What do you want?"

"Not I," replied Kaepora Gaebora. "It is what *you* want. You wish to become the next hero of Hyrule."

"Y--yes. I do wish that."

"Well, listen then." Kaepora Gaebora fluffed his feathers. "The Kingdom of Hyrule is a peaceful kingdom. Its lands extend from Gerudo Valley and the Haunted Wasteland, to the Kokiri Forest and the Lost Woods. In these lands, the people live quietly and serenely. They know little of what actually happens. In the Sacred Realm, about four years ago as you and I would remember it, Ganondorf was a tyrannical ruler, the Great King of Evil. He caused great turmoil, and even had a good number of the Goron race slaughtered by the evil fire dragon Volvagia. Link, the Hero of Time, conquered Ganondorf, and later, Ganon, and sent Hyrule back into its unaware state of peace. With the help of Princess Zelda, everyone was transported back in time seven years. While most were oblivious to the events transpired. But Zelda, Link, and yourself, you all seem able to remember." Kaepora Gaebora extended a great wing that pointed to the west. "Look, Lion. There are great storm clouds forming again over the Gerudo Valley. A great evil is again rising, and it must be quelled, lest Hyrule shall again be plunged into chaos."

"Who is causing it," Lion asked, concerned.

"I cannot say."

"Cannot, or will not?"

"Thou art wise, Lion. However, there is someone else you must seek. He lives deep in a cave in Kakariko Village. Speak to him, and you will learn of your destiny. Go now, Lion. The people of Hyrule await."

***3

Lion stood on the rooftops of his hometown of Kakariko. He hadn't set foot in the town for over a year, and watching with growing nostalgia the goings-on.

The windmill was still spinning steadily, and the water in the well remained still. Various townspeople scurried about, including the lazy carpenters. The windows of the House of Skulltula still remained dark, and the house of Impa, the Sheikah who had been Princess Zelda's attendant, was still silent.

By the base of Death mountain were a pair of houses, one of which being a potion shop, the other his old house.

But where was this cave that Kaepora Gaebora spoke of? Lion had lived there for almost his whole life, and he never knew of any cave.

Oh well, Lion thought as he jumped from the rooftop of the potion shop and landed on the small patio on its back side. He had been there only a handful of times, when the old witch wasn't around to scream at him. He jumped over the fence and landed on a small pile of dirt. He stood up and brushed the dirt off of his pants, and felt the ground beneath him tremble.

Without warning, the ground collapsed, sending Lion down into a small cavern. Lion lay there stunned from his fall, vaguely aware that his rump hurt. When he sat up, he checked his person to make sure nothing was seriously injured. When confident enough to walk, he headed towards the edge of the cavern. This cavern was rather small, with a small puddle, a few bushes, a small chest, and a marble obelisk boasting the emblem of the Sheikah. There was a strange light emanating from somewhere that illuminated the cavern. The smell inside the cavern was that of wet dirt, and it was cool and damp inside. Having never known about the cavern, he figured that it must have been the one that Kaepora Gaebora mentioned. But as for who he would have to talk to was another mystery.

It was as Lion studied the walls of the cavern that he noticed two small hives in the corners. He threw a small deku seed at each of them, and the broke. One of them dropped twenty rupees, while the other dropped a small package of bombs. He grabbed the rupees and stuffed them into his pocket, and then grabbed the bombs. He leaned against the wall, and he heard a slight crack. He spun around and pressed his palm against it. Indeed, the wall had cracks in it, filled in with mud. Lion took one of the bombs in the packet, and bit off the stem. It lit, and he dropped it by the cracked wall. He dashed away just in time as the bomb went off, crumbling the rocks. Before him was another large cavern, only this one was carved out of the rock into a hexagonal room.

There were torches surrounding the room, and a small platform in the middle. A large pedestal at the edge of the room, with the seal of the Royal Family emblazoned on it. On the platform sat a man, not much older than Lion himself. He wore a forest green tunic, with white clothes underneath. A Hylian shield lay beside him, as well as a sword. A long green hat fell from the top of his head. Lion swallowed, knowing precisely who the man was.

It was Link, the Hero of Time.

****4

Link noticed Lion's entrance immediately. With a flash, Link had jumped up with his sword and shield, and stood poised to attack the intruder.

Lion, startled, had his sword drawn instantly.

"Who goes there!" demanded Link. Link's left ear twitched.

"My name is Lion, Sir Link," replied Lion, adding a title that Link did not possess. "I have come to speak with you."

"You will not!" With that, Link lunged forward, his sword reared back to slash. Lion brought his sword up to defend, and blocked a hard slash directed to his neck.

Link continued to slash and press his attack, never managing to strike Lion, but also never allowing Lion to counterattack. That is, until, Link slashed, and Lion dodged, causing Link to lose his balance. Lion came back up and kicked Link in the gut, forcing him to drop his shield and send his sword skittering across the floor. Link landed on his belly, and rolled over in time to have Lion step on his chest and point the tip of his sword at Link's neck.

"Kill me now," Link grunted.

"No! I want to talk to you about . . ." But before he could say another word, Link slapped the blade of Lion's sword away, and grabbed Lion's shoe. He threw him off, and grabbed his own sword. Now, with Lion facing death, Link calmed.

"I wish to speak with no one." Somehow, Lion could sense a change in the air around Link. His voice seemed less hostile. But the look of sudden conflict in his red eyes didn't last long, as they were again glazed over quickly. It was then that Lion realized that the Hero of Time had had his soul taken over by some unknown evil, and that Link was desperately fighting it. "Now leave."

As if picked up by some unknown wind, Lion was suddenly thrown back to the place where he landed when he fell into the cavern. He opened his eyes, only to be blinded by a bright light. When he again opened his eyes, he found himself lying on the ground in the small yard behind the potion shop and by the old witches house.

"Lion," called a familiar, thunderous voice. It was Kaepora Gaebora, perched atop the windmill tower. "Lion, come up here."

"Yes, Kaepora Gaebora," Lion replied, rubbing his sore neck. He realized that his sword had been sheathed, and was resting on his back.

"Lion, there is trouble ahead. It brews in the Desert Colossus. I can now tell you the one who is causing the air of evil about Hyrule. It is the Dark Sorcerer, Zagorshida."

"Zagorshida? Who is he?"

"Zagorshida is a sorcerer completely consumed by evil, whose power rivals Ganondorf's. Yet, he does not possess any piece of the Triforce. His spirit is pure evil, and his motives are meant only for himself. There is no escape from his evil, and only the Chosen One can venture to defeat him."

"Link?"

"No, not Link. As you have just witnessed, Link is under the control of some evil presence, namely Zagorshida. Whether his seclusion in the cavern is from Zagorshida's urging or his own is unknown. However, Link must remain secluded until Zagorshida is vanquished. That is your quest, young Lion. Go now to Gerudo Fortress. Manage to speak with Nabooru, the head of the Gerudo, and she will assist you in getting to the Desert Colossus. There you will find out more about your quest. We shall speak again." With that, Kaepora Gaebora flew away.

Gerudo Fortress, Lion thought. He'd never dreamed he'd have to go there. But if it would save the world and Link, then he must go.

Lion pressed his golden medallion to his breastbone, and looked into the sky.

"Golden Goddesses of the Triforce," he whispered. "Give me the strength to save Hyrule."

*****5

As Lion stood on the bridge connecting the two portions of Gerudo Valley above the river, he tried not to look down. He knew that a person, if diving properly, could survive the fall. But he didn't want to take the chance.

There was a metal gate blocking the way to the opposite side of the chasm, but there was no Gerudo guarding it. After being sure that there was no inherent danger, he thrust his sword into the lock, and shattered the locking mechanisms. He threw open the gate, and stepped forth. To his right was a rather large tent. He headed towards it, and saw that there was no one in it. He smashed the pots in the corner, and filled his pouch with deku seeds, and his wallet with another five rupees.

As he headed again towards the fortress he'd heard travelers speak of, the sun was setting. Suddenly tired, Lion huddled under a ledge of the red rock, and slept.

The call of a cucco awoke him, and the sun was already hot in the desert region of Hyrule. Lion stood, and brushed the sand from his clothes. When he arrived at the Gerudo Fortress, he was impressed by what little of the actual structure he saw. The only thing bigger that he'd ever seen was Hyrule Castle itself.

He climbed the stairs and saw three Gerudo guards -- all women -- walking their patrols. He reached the top of the stairs, when a Gerudo guard startled him.

"Hey, you!" she shouted. "You, kid! Halt! Stay where you are!" She rushed at him, with her halberd weapon pointed at his heart. He raised his arms in surrender, but the Gerudo guards made no effort to treat him humanely. They dragged him inside the Thieves' Hideout, and threw him in a cage built directly into the wall.

"Stupid kid!" the lead guard said mockingly. "Get in there and keep quiet!" She left with another of her companions, both laughing. Lion was confused by this, and even more confused by the fact that they had not bothered to take away his sword. Why had they imprisoned him was a mystery to him.

As he watched the passing Gerudo thieves, he noticed that they were *all* women. He had not seen a single Gerudo male since he had arrived. Were they all off hunting or something? It was then that he remembered the story that he'd heard a traveler tell about the Gerudos. The Gerudo race was entirely women, and only a single male was born ever hundred years, and that otherwise they generally hated men.

The sun was getting higher outside, and the passing of the Gerudo thieves had become less frequent. He saw this as an opportunity to escape and find this Nabooru person.

He drew his sword, and thrust it through the locking mechanism from behind the actual keyhole. The metal plate covering the lock split, and Lion peeled it away. He unlocked the door, and swung it open. When he ventured out of the cell, he noticed that there was a small alcove located just above the cieling, totally out of view from anyone in the cell. And by the time Lion noticed the alcove, he had just enough time to guard against the slash from a Gerudo swordswoman, completely veiled in red.

The Gerudo guard was very muscular, and wielded two scimitar-style weapons like they were made of wood. She was very good, and slashed constantly. It was during her onslaught that Lion wished he'd brought a shield. But he could handle this swordswoman.

When she dropped back in a crouch, Lion knew she was about to perform a powerful attack. He used this break in the action to lunge forth and slash. He landed a direct cut to her left shoulder, but she remained strong. She did a backflip and dropped into her stance again. Lion prepared for a big attack . . . and got one. When she sprung up, and swung twice in the air, and slashed his swords precisely. Had he not prepared himself to backflip away, he would have been cut down. When she landed, she landed gracefully, not stumbling like any other warrior would have. She immediately regained her composure, and began another onslaught against Lion. When she had slashed again, Lion lunged forth, and scored another hit to his left hip. She stumbled, but only slightly. She again dropped into her stance, and, knowing he was running out of energy, decided that he should take the opportunity to strike. Lion jumped and lunged, scoring a slash across her upper torso. She tumbled backwards and landed on her rear, looking angrily at Lion.

"Next time, boy," she muttered through clenched teeth. In a move unexpected by Lion, she leapt into the air and back into the alcove from which she'd emerged. Lion pulled the vial of Lon Lon Milk from his belt, and swallowed a small mouthful, instantly revitalizing him. He still had half of a vial left, enough in case he had to fight another of these vicious guards.

He turned around, and scraped his shoe against the ground. He looked at the ground when he heard a metal object skitter across the floor. He bent down to pick up a small key. He tucked the key into a pocket of his vest when he heard voices from outside of the doorway. He dashed back into the cell and closed the door, knowing that the broken lock would not be visible from outside.

When the two Gerudo women stopped outside of his cell, he noticed that one was dressed like the guards outside, and the other was dressed in a small top and pink trousers that ballooned out at the ankles. A small necklace with an amber and ruby pendant connected to her top, and a matching jeweled circlet on her head signifyed that she was someone of importance.

"So," she said, her voice cruel, yet, somehow, different from the others'. "This is the fearless intruder that defeated Julerine." She looked him up and down, sizing him. "Interesting."

She approached the bars of the cell and looked in at Lion. "Hmm," she murmured. She threw open the gate, as if she had known that the lock was broken the whole time. "That will be all, Tressin," she said, and the other Gerudo bowed and left. "Well, boy," she continued. "Fine work on beating my toughest swordswoman."

Lion raised an eyebrow, not in surprise, but only to get her to say more. She beckond him out of the cell. "Julerine was arrogant, but very skilled . . . Indeed my finest pupil." The Gerudo chief looked at Lion, expecting him to say something.

"Who are you," Lion demanded.

"I am Nabooru, the chief of the Gerudo Thieves." Nabooru! This was the woman that Kaepora Gaebora had sent him to. It was then that she noticed the golden medallion. "What?! That medallion! That's --" she stuttered. Lion's brow furrowed as she tried to regain her composure. "I'm so sorry, my Seigneur," she said, dropped to her left knee.

"What?" Nabooru looked up into Lion's eyes.

"You are the Seigneur from the Castle, aren't you?" Her voice was full of hope, as if Lion were a long-awaited savior.