NOTES: This is my first fanfic, so please don't flame me if you think that I'm heading in the wrong direction with this story. This is going to be a Zelda/SSBM crossover and romance will mainly be Link/Zelda, but I might possibly make other pairs when the time comes. This story takes place in the time between Majora's Mask and Wind Waker (before the flooding of Hyrule). Just to let you know, THIS IS NOT MY TAKE ON THE UPCOMING TWILIGHT PRINCESS! This story basically follows the Hero of Time and Zelda's life after Majora's Mask. I decided to do this because Wind Waker's prologue didn't say much about what happened to Link after Majora's Mask, just that he went on another adventure somewhere and never returned. Here's the untold story of what really happened during the crisis...
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Legend of Zelda series, Super Smash Bros. Melee or anything that is related to these two game series. These franchises belong to Nintendo. There, I said it. Now stop threatening to sue me, Nintendo!
ADDITIONAL NOTE (4/25): This is a Melee fic, not a Brawl one, so don't bother sending me a review asking where all the Brawl characters are. Sorry, but I'm not going to use them for this fic (unless it becomes necessary in some way).
Chapter 1: Arrival and Escape
The sun started to set as Link made his way across the eastern end of the Lost Woods on Epona. Gazing on all the familiar sights of home only served to remind him how long it had been since he had traveled on this path.
It had been two years since Link left Hyrule in search of Navi, his guardian fairy appointed by the Great Deku Tree. He had been on many other quests after his "short" adventure in Termina in which he saved the land from the evil powers of Majora's Mask. In those two years he made many friends, learning that the Lost Woods was like a highway connecting different worlds.
After much exploration and no hope of finding Navi, Link decided to come back to his homeland. At one point, Link had come across some sort of mansion while buying supplies at a nearby town. The mansion welcomed fighters from many different countries and worlds. He later found out that it was called "Smash Mansion", and it housed fighters from all walks of life. He had considered joining and competing with these warriors, but decided otherwise and thought it more important to get home. Now clad in his Kokiri Tunic, Kokiri Boots, and with the Gilded Sword and Hylian Shield clipped to the scabbard on his back, he continued his journey toward Hyrule.
As he was reflecting on the past two years, he noticed a sole rain drop appear as if out of nowhere.
"That's odd…it hardly ever rains in the Lost Woods…" he muttered to himself.
Suddenly more rain drops started falling as he reached the bridge connecting the Lost Woods to Hyrule Field. As he entered the expansive fields, Link was shocked at what he saw: there were monsters everywhere, burning trees and destroying the land at will. Instincts taking over, Link immediately gripped the hilt of his Gilded Sword and pulled it out of its sheath. Without a second thought he took off in a flash toward three Dinofols in his way.
They cocked and snapped their lizard heads as they saw him approach and aimed their crude bows as he rode by. He horizontally swung his sword at their heads, decapitating all three in a single stroke and causing green blood to fly everywhere. The bodies and the nearby heads disappeared instantly in a puff of black smoke as if they had never existed.
Link's normally steady sword hand started to tremble, thoughts racing though his head.
'He can't be back…he was sealed away in the Sacred Realm! It's just not possible.'
Worried, he headed in the direction of Hyrule Castle where the bridge was broken and a small number of soldiers were fighting off a mix of Iron Knuckles, Lizardfols, and Stalfos Knights. Link saw the soldiers were losing as he quickly dismounted with Gilded Sword and Hylian Shield in hand. He let out a battle cry as he entered the fray, helping the injured Knights of Hyrule defend and escape while he held off the enemy.
Parry, block, stab, slash, parry, block, stab, slash: the whole routine became etched into his mind as monster after monster fell to his blade and disappeared. Mere minutes had gone by as the enemy numbers were reduced drastically to only a handful of creatures.
Slightly fatigued Link stabbed the last Stalfos through the chest, staining the field with green blood as it disappeared in black smoke. He sheathed his sword and shield and went over to the surviving knights who worshiped and thanked him graciously.
Before he could even utter a word of acknowledgment it started to pour, and the knights looked nervously at the sky and ran towards Death Mountain. Wanting some answers, the fifteen year old swordsman got back on Epona and resumed riding towards Hyrule Castle. By now lightning was illuminating the sky, casting shadows over everything. To his horror he discovered Castle Town in ruins, and the Temple of Time completely destroyed.
Fearing the worst Link urged Epona to go faster towards Hyrule Castle. To his relief, the castle was still intact and it seemed like over three quarters of the Hylian army was stationed there, patrolling the borders for any intruders.
'If there's this many soldiers left, then why are they all holed up here instead of being out there, defending innocent civilians?' Link thought with a slight twinge of anger. Even as a child he hadn't been much of a fan of the Hylian Army, but this was completely unheard of for a company that pledges to defend the helpless and protect the land.
As soon as they identified who he was, they looked as though they had seen a ghost. Thanking all three goddesses at once they led him inside the castle. As soon as he was inside the main hall, he dismounted from Epona and practically flew toward the throne room. Cold and wet from the rain, Link burst through the door where he saw the King of Hyrule and, to his relief, Zelda discussing something Link couldn't decipher from where he was. They both stopped talking and turned toward him, frozen in place.
Zelda was speechless as she saw the man she believed to be dead for the past two years standing right before her. She instantly ran towards him filled with relief and happiness and engulfed him in a hug. Link was relieved that she was alive and well, and graciously returned it. When they separated and looked into each other's eyes for a moment the King, looking unusually pale in his traditional red garments and headpiece, cleared his throat to speak. Despite his failing health he too looked happy to see the return of Hyrule's legendary hero.
"Link, The Hero of Time? Thank the goddesses you've come back safely. Where have you been all this time?"
"It's a long story," he said as Zelda took her place next to him while still eyeing his masculine figure, "But first I have many questions, and I'm hoping you have some answers."
"Yes, I thought you would. But I must warn you, choose to ask only your most important questions; we don't have much time."
"Okay, first of all tell me what the hell is going on here!? I leave home for two years and I come back to utter chaos!"
Ignoring his improper words towards a man of the Royal Family, the King cleared his throat.
"Ganondorf has broken free of the Sacred Realm and has been on the loose for several months now. He rallied all creatures of darkness to his cause and declared war on all of Hyrule. He created a new castle where Lake Hylia was and now has thousands of soldiers at his disposal. All the races of Hyrule united under one banner to combat him, but we have taken heavy casualties. Many innocent civilians have died, not to mention the mighty Gorons, and the Zora and Gerudo have been completely wiped out. The Kokiri have turned into strange beings called Korok, and thus are unable to help us fight. We have prayed for you to return and once again defeat him, but until now our prayers have gone unanswered."
Link was lost deep in thought, pondering how Ganondorf escaped such a powerful seal as the Sacred Realm. Sensing what he was thinking about, Zelda interrupted his thoughts and communicated to him telepathically.
'I'll explain everything later. Don't think about this now, okay?'
He looked at Zelda and nodded while the King continued.
"Beaten and with no hope in sight, we appealed to the goddesses and left our fate in their hands. They have ordered everyone to flee to the mountains for shelter and have decided that in order to seal Ganondorf away again, Hyrule must be flooded. By drowning this land, Ganondorf's evil will remain beneath the depths of a newly created ocean, while our people and their descendents start a new life above the waves."
"What? No, wait! I can defeat him again, I know it! Where's the Master Sword?"
"It's in the basement of the castle playing the most important role in sealing Ganondorf. The remaining five sages are also down there, maintaining its power. I'm sorry Link but there's nothing you can do. You arrived too late; the goddesses cannot stop the flood now that it has begun."
No, he wouldn't accept it. He felt responsible, feeling it was his fault Ganondorf had returned. After what seemed like a lifetime of saving lands, helping various peoples, and defeating evil forces he wouldn't accept that he was powerless to help.
"There must be something I can do! I won't allow this to happen!"
"Link, calm down! The soldiers stationed here will protect the sages and prevent Ganondorf from destroying the Master Sword. It's not too courageous, but I'm afraid it's the only thing I can do right now to defend my kingdom. Believe me when I say I would rather see Hyrule beneath an ocean than see the day when the entire world is ruled by a bloody monster!"
"Isn't there anything I can do though?" Link asked, hope fading from his voice.
"Yes, come to think of it. You can split the Triforce of Courage you currently hold into eight pieces and send them in separate directions across Hyrule. We cannot allow Ganondorf to gather all three pieces of the Triforce. If he ever got his blood thirsty hands on it again, Ganondorf would instantaneously rule Hyrule, stop the flood, and continue conquering other lands with the Triforce's power. Zelda has already split her Triforce of Wisdom in two, one for me to hold onto and one to be handed down to her future descendents."
Link looked at Zelda, gazing sadly at the floor as she remembered all the horrible things she had witnessed these past few months. She looked like hell in Link's opinion; like someone who hadn't slept in many weeks. He turned back to the King, puzzled as a realization dawned on him.
"Wait, so Zelda's not staying here?"
"No, she was going to remain here with the other sages and finish one final ritual and then flee toward the mountains, but now I've decided that she should go with you. Please Link, listen to me: take Zelda to another country and stay there with her. Keep her safe from Ganondorf and the clutches of his minions. Young warrior, this is one fight you cannot win so please flee before it's too late!"
"Father, what about you?" Zelda exclaimed, a look of fright inhabiting her eyes.
The King acknowledged her fright, but only smiled warmly at his daughter.
"Ah, my child, I have been chosen by the goddesses themselves to watch over the castle as their plan is carried out. I must stay here."
"I can't leave you, though! I've already lost too many friends to this war! Even Impa would have…"
"Now Zelda, stop that! You're stronger than this! Do you honestly want Impa's sacrifice to be in vain?"
Zelda looked at him, tears in her eyes as she remembered what Impa had done for her. During a battle with Ganondorf's forces as Sheik, she and Impa had encountered the Evil King himself killing anyone who was stupid enough to stand in his way and fight. They engaged him in combat and Zelda was knocked to the ground by an attack. Just as she was about to be killed Impa had gotten between Ganondorf's blade and Zelda. The blow pierced her heart and killed her in moments, right in front of Zelda's eyes.
Both father and daughter exchanged one last hug. Zelda cried silently in her father's chest as the King looked on, determination glazed on his face. Link wished he could do something to ease the pain, but for the first time in his life he felt helpless. She reluctantly let go, wiping tears from her eyes as the King glanced at the Hero of Time.
"Link, are you ready to split the Triforce of Courage?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
A bright golden light engulfed Link and the Triforce of Courage arose from the marking on his left hand. It became larger as it landed in the center of the room. Link took the Glided Sword out of its sheath, gazing in wonder at the blade as it began gleaming with golden light. Without another thought he expertly hacked Courage evenly into eight pieces, shattering the sacred triangle. The deed finished, the King ordered eight of his best men to take one piece to a different part of Hyrule and guard over it. They were to also label each piece's location on a section of parchment, which would later become a map. After they left in separate directions, the King looked toward his fourteen year old daughter.
"Zelda, escape to the Lost Woods with Link…there's nothing for you here now. Both of you start a new life together in some other country. Forget about this now deceased land of Hyrule…"
The rain pounded even harder than before on the windows outside; the lightning and thunder increasing in intensity.
"Oh no, the rain is increasing…and I sense that Ganondorf has felt your presence, Link. You must go, now!"
The King took one last look at the pair and turned his back, his hands and voice trembling with sorrow.
"Take care of my daughter…Hero of Time…"
Link nodded while Zelda in a blinding blast of pink smoke transformed into Sheik. They sprinted out of the room, never once looking back. The King slowly walked back towards his antique desk in the corner of the room. On it sat a book he had been writing. It was illustrated by one of the best artists in Hyrule. The King, known as the "King of Red Lions" to his friends, was determined to finish it so that the memory of his kingdom would live on.
He finished the sentence he was on with the "Hero did not appear…" No, it would be better to keep this meeting confidential. Once he was done he would send his personal servant to the mountains to make sure the book survived. He continued writing in ancient Hylian text as rain mercilessly battered the windows outside, causing his candle to flicker. Shadows were cast over the statue of the Hero of Time as the land of Hyrule started to disappear.
Link and Sheik ran towards the main hall where Epona was patiently waiting. Link helped Sheik on and jumped on the saddle, snapped the reins and Epona took off in an amazing burst of speed.
'She must know what's about to happen too…' thought Link as he gave her a reassuring pat on her elegant white mane.
Sheik wrapped her arms tightly around Link's waist as he willed Epona on. They jumped the broken Castle Town gate and rode out into the field. Half of the grasslands were already flooded by the torrential rains. Link felt a shiver run up his spine when he saw Lon Lon Ranch in ruins. He silently prayed that Malon and her family were safe as they rode past toward the entrance to Kokiri Forest and the Lost Woods.
As they were halfway across the field though, four Stalfos Knights on horseback erupted from the direction of Lake Hylian and pursued them.
Deciding to flee rather than fight, Link guided Epona into the woods. The Stalfos continued their pursuit, firing arrows relentlessly. Sheik flung needles at them in retaliation which slowed them down, but their skeletal horses evaded the deadly projectiles with ease. To his relief Link saw the Hylian River rapidly approaching in front of them.
The Hylian River started in Zora's Domain, flowed through the Lost Woods and eventually joined with Zora River, which eventually emptied into Lake Hylia. The banks in the Lost Woods were said to be almost impossible to jump.
'The key word being almost…guess there's no other way…' he thought grimly.
Sheik, realizing what he was about to do, looked in fear at Link. He glanced back at her with a determined look in his eyes. She took great comfort in his ocean blue eyes, eventually nodding her approval. She had seen that look of determination before many times, and knew it was best not to ask him questions at a time like this. Link guided Epona expertly towards the river as she gained speed. Not intelligent enough to realize what was coming, the Stalfos continued firing.
Epona finally reached the edge and jumped. Link felt the wind whip his face, and Sheik tightened her grip while burying her head in his shoulder. They landed beautifully on the other side and stopped briefly to watch. The Stalfos tried to do the same thing, but their horses failed to accelerate enough and landed in the river. All four drowned with their horses and were swept away downstream toward Lake Hylia.
The two Hylians traveled for about half an hour and reached the peak of a hill overlooking Hyrule Field and the surrounding areas. The rain was still pouring over the faraway land, but it had stopped for them as soon as they had crossed the border. The two Hylians dismounted Epona and watched as their homeland, the place where they had been born and had spent their entire childhood, flooded under the torrential rains and disappeared beneath the waves. Sheik turned back into Zelda as they looked on. Not able to handle anymore, she buried her head in his chest and started crying. Link comforted her, wrapping his arms around her and releasing his own tears. They stayed like that for several minutes, taking comfort in each other's warmth until Hyrule Castle disappeared beneath the waves along with the rest of Hyrule. Silently they both returned to Epona and disappeared once again into the Lost Woods.
As they rode, Link debated with himself over where they should go. Eliminating Termina and other countries inside his head, he finally decided on one place. One place, where orphaned fighters such as themselves were always welcome...
That's the end of Chapter 1. I'm usually not going to write such long chapters, but I had lots of details I wanted to include. The next chapter should be up by the end of this month, but it might be delayed. Check out my profile for the status of Chapter 2. Hope you enjoyed the first chapter, and please review!