Author's Note(s): Told ya' I had something cooked up. This fic has actually been in the works for a little while, but I delayed it until I finished Dreams of an Absent Mind. With that out of the way, I present to you... my first full-length Zelda Fanfiction! Prologues a little long, but I think it's pretty good. And yes, both Link and Saria are main characters, though Saria is only a little on-and-off until later.
For those looking forward to a new Sonic Fanfiction, I've already outlined quite a bit of my next plan. Don't worry, that's coming next. Legacy of the Lost is looking to be a pretty interesting deal, this one featuring Blaze in the starring role. Heh, I like to vary the characters I use. This time, of course, it is Blaze that you see. I've done Chaotix, Maria, Omega (Amidst the Flames), obviously Shadow, and now Blaze. Silver is a likely candidate in the near future. You also may even see a SonAmy story.
Anyway, enjoy the fic!
The Legend of Zelda: The Scepter of Darkness
Prologue
The sun faded on the horizon as the night sky began to near. What was left of the light had faded. Shadows lurched in the trees, threatening to take hold. A lone rider strode briskly through the darkness, wishing only to escape this cursed place as quickly as possible.
The description of the rider was difficult to make out. However, upon seeing the person's face, one could quickly tell that it was a female. Her dark green cloak covered her body and a hood kept all eyes from seeing her complexion. She rode upon a young, white mare; beautiful, and strong.
These definitely were not like the forests where she had lived. The ground was cold and damp; like that of a swamp. Evil lurked in the depths of the forest, wishing to consume her. She felt a chill in her heart… She felt that eyes were watching her all around. Oh, how she wished to go back… back to the woods of Hyrule, back to that sacred forest, back to the temple that lay in the depths of the woods… no more.
She had made her decision… She chose to leave the forest, and now, she would pay the price. Death was her reward. Those who leave the forest shall surely die. She could feel it. No longer a little child she was, her body had begun to grow. It had been four years since she left… never again. Never again will she walk in the woods, never again will she dance in the forest, never again will she see her friends… but so long as she found him, nothing else mattered.
Leaves rustled beyond the trees. The girl immediately pulled on the reins and the horse came to a complete halt. She lowered her head and whispered into its ear. "Easy, girl, easy…" she whispered.
She glanced around, trying to spot anything. When she stopped, so did the movement. Taking quick action, she slid off the horse and pulled out a wooden bow, make of deku wood. It was identical to the bow that had been sealed inside the temple, but he had managed to get one just like it. It was upon finding this lying in the woods was when she first decided to leave Hyrule. First, she had left to Lon Lon Ranch to borrow a horse, and then, she had begun her search…
Slipping an arrow through a tiny loop in the wooden arch, she held it straight and pulled back on the string. Her left hand gripped the wood just beneath the circular opening where the arrow slid through, keeping it steady. Meanwhile, her right hand gripped onto the back of the arrow, feeling the feathers tickle her palm. She backed away slightly, looking this way and that, but she saw nothing. Suddenly, she quickly spun in a complete circle, looking here, too, but still, there was nothing.
She stood there for a few moments, holding her position. However, nothing came. The noises had died away. She lowered her weapon. Perhaps it was only the wind…?
The girl turned around, but then almost immediately, a cry echoed out from behind. She spun back and saw a black wolfos charging toward her. Her horse was getting a little anxious. It began to back away, afraid. Wasting no time, she quickly raised the bow and fired, but then grabbed out another arrow and slid it through.
Having had no time to properly aim, she failed to kill it, but the arrow still struck its leg. It reared itself up onto its hind legs, getting ready for the kill. She waited... and waited… and waited… Finally, it got ready to pounce. Removing the arrow from the bowstring, she instead turned and stuck the weapon straight up into the creature's belly. It cried out and collapsed to the ground.
She gave off a sigh of relief. She hadn't really experienced many encounters like this before. Luckily she had practiced a little archery a couple years ago, but she still wasn't very good. At least this was better than her last encounter, but what if she ever encountered a greater fiend…?
…she didn't want to think about that…
"Well, I suppose it's about time I got out of here. There obviously isn't anything here," she told herself. She turned to find her horse. "Silhouette, let's—Silhouette?!"
The horse was missing. Had it run away? She turned left, scouring the woods, but couldn't see anything. The opposite direction had similar results. There wasn't anything behind her, either. The horse was gone… and she was all alone in this evil place.
She gritted her teeth. "I have to get out of here!" she stated.
Dark powers were at work here. She knew that from the very beginning. However, she still had insisting on coming, hoping to find something that might help her. It was obvious now, though, that this would not be the case. She quickly turned to leave, but then, she heard something.
"…Sa-riiii-a…" a faint voice muttered out.
Saria turned her head back, but saw nothing. "Who's there?" she demanded.
"…Sa-riiii-a…" it called out again, but this time to her right.
Was it circling her? Or were the spirits of the woods calling out her name? Or was it both? Saria didn't know, but she didn't want to find out, either. "Who are you? Where are you? What are you? How do you know my name?!"
The voices continued, more forcefully, piercing her mind. She turned in every direction, trying to determine where they were coming from, but it sounded like it was coming from everywhere at once. She closed her eyes and covered her ears, trying to block it out, but that didn't stop it; it didn't even quiet down just a little. Instead, it grew ever more, torturing her. She couldn't think straight.
She ran. She ran fast and far. She couldn't tell how long she ran; how far she had went. She kept her eyes sealed tight. She kept her hands clasped tightly around her ears, hoping for some deliverance. However, there was none. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked to the sky. "Just get out of my head!" she cried out.
Bats fluttered through the trees. The voices had disappeared. She collapsed to her knees, her head parallel to the ground. Staring blankly, she stopped and wondered. Was that all it took? Or were there other forces at work here? Saria did not know, could not know, but she wanted to find out. She needed to know what was going on, what was so important… "Why me…?" she muttered.
"Because it is your destiny!" a woman's voice proclaimed.
Saria spun around, witnessing a strange phenomenon. Dark mists of energy swirled around, surrounding the small shrine. All of the light vanished; the darkest of blackness was all that remained… except for a faint glow. Winds rushed, blowing in her face. She blocked her eyes with her hands, gasping out in horror at the sight. A single rod; carefully carved of fine oak and wrapped in ivy. A small golden stand held the object in place on top of a stone pedestal.
So, it had drawn her in. It only wanted her here, at this place. In the darkness, she had failed to notice that she had been brought far away from where she was, but now she knew... The source of the dark powers, the evil magic… lay before her eyes. She had heard of this, but did not anticipate finding it here. If she had, Saria would've stay far away from the place.
"The Scepter of Darkness…" she muttered as the entire area, along with her own body, was consumed in the blackness.
xx Two Years Later xx
The night sky loomed over the ranch. Dark creatures scattered across the fields, threatening to consume everything in their path. The young farm hand, fifteen years of age, cried out for deliverance. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning struck at the entrance into the ranch. A horse stood up on its hind legs; its rider yelling out across the field, his voice echoing through the trees surrounding the ranch as he raised his sword to the sky.
Clapping his heels together, he signaled for the horse to charge forward. Rushing down the slope, she let off a great neigh, as if she were crying out to the spirits. The hero swung at the first fiend, slicing through its soft body. Dust and feathers flew everywhere. The horse race on ahead and he swung again, and again. Two more fell to the sword, their remains floating gracefully to the ground. Seven more remain. There wasn't much time left, he knew, but he had to try.
Taking a left, he dashed ahead, swinging the sword on the right, then to the left, then on the right again. The forest's edge was up ahead. He turned right where more of the fiends lay. The horse's movement was steady and strong. She galloped gracefully, giving her rider the proper leverage he needed. The fiends fell one by one. Now, there was only one left. Time was running out. It came down only to this.
He narrowed his eyes, staring at the final creature sitting in the grass across the field. It would be difficult to make it all the way over their in such little time, but with his girl, he knew he'd make it. Clasping his heels together, he called out and the horse raced ahead at full-speed. Closer, closer, closer… Little time was left. The clock was running out. He couldn't make it in time… but he knew what he had to do.
He raised his sword once again. Pulling back, he quickly threw it forward. The blade pierced through the air as the clock ticked down. Three, two, one…
"Time!" a female voice called out. It was the same girl that had yelled earlier.
The blade stuck out of the final beast, its feathery stuffing falling gracefully to the ground. The rider jumped off of his horse and wiped the sweat off his face. The girl ran over and hugged him. "Hurray, Link! You beat the record!"
Link nodded. "Yeah, but I had hoped to get a quicker score, not to tie it. Using the bow is a lot easier as it can cross large gaps in a short amount of time. I can't really use the bow in the blades-only challenge, so I have to get closer in order for it to work out."
"Romani, stop playing and help me make dinner!" a voice called out from the house.
Romani turned back, begrudgingly. "Yes, big sis," she called back, a little irritated, "I'll be there in a little bit."
Link shrugged his shoulders. "Cremia giving you a hard time?" he asked.
Romani shrugged back. "I don't know what to think. She's nice and all, but she still acts like I'm a child, sometimes! I know she's only trying to take good care of everything after Mom and Dad died, but... Well, I'm fifteen years old! She's just doesn't have to treat me this way…"
Link sighed. "Well, I don't know what to tell you, but just remember that she cares about you and loves you. She doesn't want you to get hurt."
The girl nodded back in reply. "Yes, I know that, but… I don't know…"
"Well, I don't know what to say, either. You probably should go and give her a hand. I'll wait until you guys are done."
Romani smiled. "Okay, then. Thanks a lot…" she glanced around, curiously, then quickly opened her mouth, again, speaking at a whisper. "…Grasshopper…"
Link burst into laughter, and Romani joined in. She was actually a little embarrassed by her first nickname for him, but she still enjoyed bringing it up once and a while for a little laugh.
"Romani," Cremia yelled out, "this food isn't getting done any quicker with you out there and me in here doing all the work!"
Romani turned back to her sister. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" she called back in reply.
She shook her head, slightly irritated. The young farm hand quickly turned back to Link, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, much to his surprise. "I'll call you, later," she stated, before quickly running back to the house.
Link looked down at the ground, kicking his foot in the dirt, dust spraying into the air. His thoughts began to stir. Memories of the past came forth. All of his mistakes… Why did he leave, anyway? Yes, he left to find a friend, a good friend… but for what? He left behind an even better friend, one that would never forgive him.
It was a strange thing. Not five years ago, he had just began to set out and return home, trying to find his way back to the Lost Woods, but then, Romani came running after him. She didn't want him to leave. She offered him the chance to stay with them on the ranch, and Cremia was willing to pay for his help, as well. He didn't expect to stay long, perhaps a few months, but then he ended up staying for five years.
He never did tell them where he had really come from, though. They'd never believe him. They simply thought that Hyrule was some far off land, which it is… but they'd never anticipate that it existed in a different dimension entirely! Heck, he barely believed it—all he knew was what that crazy old mask salesman said, and that guy certainly didn't seem very reliable. Regardless, he was definitely the same person that had opened up his shop in the Hyrule Market, though that in of itself was a little difficult to believe.
Heh… Link didn't know what he should believe. Everything was just a convoluted mess right now. Why—
Whispers echoed in the wind. Link waited, trying to understand what was being said. "Soon, the truth will become known…"
The legendary 'Hero of Time' quickly spun around, slicing his sword across. However, he saw nothing. The voice disappeared. He glanced around, stunned. "What was that all about…?"
"Hey, Link, dinner's ready!" Romani called out.
Link turned back and nodded his head. "I'll be right there!"
He turned back for one quick look before racing back to the house.
Link placed his utensils down, before him. "I'm stuffed," he proclaimed.
Romani giggled, a bit. "I'll say," she stated. "With how much you ate, I'm not really surprised."
Cremia laughed a bit alongside Romani, feeling better from earlier, but something clearly on her mind. She watched Link and Romani have a little fun, but when things calmed down, she decided to state her request. "Uh, hey, Link," she stated.
Link turned to her and nodded. "Yes?" he asked.
Cremia nodded her head. "Well, I wanted to know if you would be up for a late-night run. Koume, the old hag from the forest, has requested a batch of Chateau Romani for some new potions she's working on, and she personally requested that you deliver it. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, or if you do want to take it, you can always deliver it in the morning, but she requested it to be as soon as possible."
Link shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I don't have much going on, right now. Is the load small enough that I could take Epona with me? I'm sure that she'd love a good run."
Cremia nodded again in reply. "Yes, of course. She only requested one bottle to be delivered, so that should be fine."
Link nodded his head, now. "Alright, then. That should be fine. I'll get right to it."
The young man quickly pushed himself from his seat, but then Romani jumped up, as well. "Be careful!" she called out.
Link saluted, causing Romani to giggle a little. He chuckled a bit, as well. "Don't worry, I'll be fine," he stated.
He quickly ran outside and to the stable. He opened the gate and Epona quickly ran up to him, nudging herself up against his body. He placed his hands on her, brushing his fingers through her mane. "There, there, girl, it's alright."
The horse calmed down a bit, and Link quickly set up her saddle. Walking over to the side, he pulled himself up onto her back. Link snapped the reins and the horse immediately darted off toward the front gate of the ranch.
Romani ran out of the house and up onto the hilltop. She waved her hand at Link as he rode off. Link waved, back, and then quickly raced off.
Epona ran swiftly onward. She darted through the rocky path, and then into a small wooded area. Getting an idea, Link gripped the reins hard left, and the horse immediately galloped on into the woods. He could take a shortcut through the Woods of Mystery directly to the Hags' Hut.
Racing through the woods, Epona galloped onward, keeping a steady, swift pace. It should not be too far, now. Koume and Kotake's place should be just up ahead…
Link stared onward, but saw nothing but deeper and deeper woods. The forest didn't go back that far, did it? Or did he make a miscalculation?
He pressed on the reins and the horse shot forward once again. However, he still did not see the Hags' Hut. The trees became thicker and denser. The woods cried out to him, wailing in their pains. Wolves howling, beasts screaming, bats fluttering…
Darkness took hold, surrounding him… The deepest black lay before his eyes, threatening to consume his soul. Epona can to a halt, standing on her hind legs. She cried out, jumping back. Link fell to the ground, landing hard on his side. Pain coursed through his veins.
Out of the blackness came a woman. She was covered head to toe by a deep, green cloak, almost black. She held in her hands an ivy-covered staff. Her face was almost entirely invisible hidden away in the back of her hood. However, Link did see her eyes… pure green. They glowed brightly, sending the deepest of dread through his soul.
"Who is this that has dared enter into these woods?" the woman cried out.
Link regained his footing, brandishing his Kokiri Sword. He backed away. "I think I do," he proclaimed.
She laughed out. "Oh, such a pitiful creature. This measly weapon cannot harm one such as me."
The boy hissed. "I'll take my chances."
The woman laughed out, again. "Hmmhmmhmm… You do not know whom you are dealing with. I am the Great Sorceress, and with my scepter of darkness, this world shall be drowned in sorrow and dread!"
Link shook his head. He charged forward, bringing his sword down on top of her. "Not if I can help it!" he cried out.
The hero pressed his sword down, hard. The sorceress quickly placed her wooden staff in front of her. Link smiled in reply. He would slice straight through this—
His sword came down onto the scepter and his sword bounced off. Link stumbled back a bit, but quickly spun back and saw that the weapon remained completely undamaged. Not even a scratch was left over. "Holy…"
"Now it's my turn," she proclaimed.
She raised her staff into the air, calling forth the spirits of darkness. Link collapsed onto his knees, filled with dread… The woman raced forward, faster than he could ever imagine, and slammed the top of the staff onto his back. He hit the ground, hard, but she wasn't done. Raising her other hand, she quickly raised Link off the ground, while he remained immobile.
Rotating him around so that she could face him directly, they stared into each other's eyes. Link looked onward in surprise. She didn't appear any older than he was.
"Now, you die!" she proclaimed, pushing her hand forward once again.
Link flew backwards through the air, hitting bushes and branches along the way. At last, he hit the ground, rolling quite a ways before coming to a stop. He was beaten and bruised. His body ached all over. He couldn't stop thinking about what he saw. Who was that girl…?
"You have come," a voice proclaimed.
"You are here," another stated.
"The Hero of Time has returned," a third said.
Link shook his head, but then quickly noticed the three figures surrounding him. He stood up and turned to each of them, mouth agape, staring in utter surprise… and horror. "Who are you…?
"We are the Goddesses that have created this world. I am Din," the first proclaimed, bearing a red aura.
"And I am Farore," the second said, this one bearing a green aura.
"And I am Nayru," the third proclaimed, this one with a purple aura.
"You have been called here to bring light and order back into this world," Din proclaimed.
"A great evil has entered and threatens to change this land into a place of evil," Farore stated.
"You have already met this evil, young Hero of Time. In time, you will learn more about it," Nayru added.
Link shook his head. "Listen, I don't really know much about this… How am I to know what to do?"
"You are the Hero of Time. You will find a way," Nayru said.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, can you, like, give me something to go by…? A hint, a clue…?"
Farore nodded in reply. "Soon, you will meet the one that first unleashed this evil. She is very distraught at being the cause of this peril and may help you on your quest. She will tell you more, but first, you will need a ride."
Link nodded in reply. "Got it," he stated.
Now it was Din's turn to speak, again. "We shall leave, now, and our blessings be with you. Only you can save Hyrule."
Link opened his eyes wide. "Wait, Hyrule?! I'm back in Hyrule?!"
Glancing around, he saw nothing. It was as if they had never been there. He blinked and shook his head. "O-kay, so what was that all about…?"
He sighed. "Well, I guess I'd best get going, then."
Link glancing around and quickly found a large clearing. Racing towards it, he saw the glamorous sight that was Hyrule Field. It looked bigger than ever! …but what was up with those dark clouds looming overhead? This couldn't be good…
