Hello! Long time no story posting. For all you FMA fans who put me on author alert hoping for another FMA story, here's a LoZ story. Link can't be ignored. For all of you who were after a LoZ story, here's a LoZ story. Link can't be ignored. (grins)

This fic follows Ocarina of Time. It goes by the game story rather than the Manga story, but it also follows the European Comic about Link's origins so that I can make this story at least a bit plausible. Bear with me on the whole WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT HAPPENING thing, but it's relevant to a good story.

Anyway, if you haven't seen the European Comic, basically what happens is Link is born into a rich household where there are ALOT of drapes, and the Dad is head of the guards. I'm going to say he's a Knight, since Link is supposed to have the blood of Hylian Knights in him, and it sounds cooler than castle guard. Anyway, Arn arrives home to a few days old Link (Mum looks GREAT after giving birth recently, BTW), and discusses the impending war between the Hylian's, Gorons, Zoras, that whole thing that's mentioned in OoT by the Deku Sprout or something. They decide they don't want Link to be a child of war and plan to travel to the Kokiri Forest to hide from it after Granny tells them about the Kokiri. Dad says they'll leave tomorrow night after he gets back from his shift protecting the King, cuz he's like that, but while on guard a bunch of Hylian rebels attack and Dad gets an axe in the chest protecting the elderly King, who I assume is Zelda's dad's dad, who I think dies in the battle since Zelda's dad is supposed to be ruling by the time Link starts his adventure. So anyway, Dad is supposed to die, Granny informs Mum that Dad died (must be psychic) and Mum decides to flee to the forest alone cuz Granny is stubborn and won't leave the house, so off she goes with baby Link (who's wearing an adorable little green cap). On the way she runs into Kaepora Gaebora who tells her Link is speshul, and warns her about the forest's power, but Mum goes ahead anyway cuz she's a rebel. She arrives, hilariously repeating the story line how every step could be her last. She meets the Deku Tree who tells her to take her baby to the village, but she'll turn into a tree. So she takes Link there, hands him to the Kokiri girl with the headband, and then turns into a sapling. The End. If you actually wanna see it, it's up for free download at Zelda Legends under Comics/Manga. All the other Manga's are there, too, they're pretty cool.

So, with that in mind, here's the story. Enjoy!

LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE CLOAKED KNIGHTS

Chapter 1: Royal Knight To The Princess

A History of Hyrule. History of Kakariko Village. History of the Sheikah. History of the Gorons...

Vala sighed quietly. She had read all these books. Memorised every line. She was sure she had completed the history section, but no new books ever arrived. And this place was supposed to be the great Hyrule Castle Library. Placing the books back into their original positions on the dusty old shelves, she peered over her shoulder to take a peek at the dusty old librarian. The aged woman was preoccupied with a rich-looking gentleman. Vala suppressed a rude snort. The man looked like he had rupees to spare, in his fancy, high priced clothing, yet that very man pretended just the other day that he couldn't spare even a green rupee when she had begged him for money. Vala's clothing was tattered and faded, and on the verge of being un-wearable. Yet she had no money whatsoever and couldn't afford new ones. If he would just spare a rupee...

Sighing again, Vala turned back to the shelf. Books were the only thing that kept her occupied these days when she wasn't begging. Thank god for the library, who didn't turn her away just because of her appearance. It was all the Royal Family's fault that she was so poor... It was their fault her mother died of illness from poverty... Turning away from the History section, Vala began to make her way out of the building. But before she made it she was stopped by the Librarian, who knew her by name, calling her over to the desk.

" Vala, Dear," The old woman whispered when she approached, " Good thing I caught you, how would you like to make a few rupees helping an old woman? "

" Could I?" Vala asked, delighted.

" Yes indeed! " The old woman replied with a brisk nod. " There could be no one better to help me. You see, we have some books in the secret room right at the back; really old books that aren't accessible by the public. Hyrule Castle has requested they be transferred to their shelves, but I am too old, and cannot lift the heavier volumes. Might I recruit you to do the lifting for me? " Vala couldn't believe her luck. A chance to make money and look at restricted books!

" Of course!" She uttered a bit too loudly. The Librarian didn't scold her though. The old woman smiled sweetly, beckoning her to follow as she led Vala through a door at the back of the large library that was padlocked. Inside, the room smelt musky, like the door hadn't been opened very often. There was only a few small shelves, all only half filled by books that ranged from medium size to very thick. No wonder the old woman wanted help.

" All you have to do is put these books in the boxes, " She explained while pointing to some cardboard boxes at the back of the room, " And make sure you don't damage them, or I'll be told off by the Castle. " Vala nodded. She couldn't dream of damaging such priceless artefacts! " Let me know when you're finished, Dear, " The Librarian continued, " And I'll pay you twenty rupees. " With that, she left, closing the door behind her. Vala noted that the door wasn't padlocked.

Excited, she turned to the books, deciding to pack the larger ones first. After heaving a few off the shelves and into the boxes, Vala couldn't resist the urge any longer. Carefully, she opened up one of the large books and began to read the beginning. There was no way she could finish all the books, but she could look. This one seemed to be an extended version of the history of Gorons. Not that interesting. Lifting another off the shelf, she flipped through the withered pages. This was about the Zoras. Not that interesting either. Sighing, Vala continued packing the books, not stopping until she had cleared two of the shelves. Making her way to the third, she began to lift another of the heavier books, shifting it to the side to get a better grip. Out of the corner of her eye, Vala noticed another book behind it. This one had a black cover with no title, and was considerably smaller than all the others. Curious, She let go of the large book and picked it up. The pages weren't as yellowed as the other books. Flipping it open, she revealed the fancy lettering describing the title.

The Dark Interlopers

What in Hyrule..? Vala wondered, flipping through a few more pages. The beginning of the book described the story of the three goddesses, but it had an additional chapter at the end. This version told of the Triforce, and how it is locked away in the Sacred Realm, the Temple of Time being the only access route. It described how to open the realm, and how the information was being kept from the people by the selfish royal family. The further in Vala read, the more difficult it was to understand the text, but what Vala did understand was that whoever were these Dark Interlopers, they had it in for the Royal Family, and they had devised a pretty foolproof way for opening the Sacred Realm and getting the Triforce...

Maybe this will work... Vala thought. If I could open the Sacred Realm... I could get the Triforce! I could make a wish! Vala slammed the book shut, delighted by her find. It was the Royal Family's fault she had such a hard life, and they were going to pay.

... Right after she got her twenty rupees.

" See her yet?" Link asked as he scanned the wooded area by the entrance to Lake Hylia.

" Nope." Navi replied, floating a few feet above his head. " Just call her! "

" I wanna see where she goes all the time! " Link argued. He walked passed the old stone wall in front of the entrance, revealing the rest of Hyrule Field. Below, in the distance, stood Lon Lon Ranch, where his friend Malon lived. Beyond that was Hyrule Castle which harboured the Royal Family. To his left was the cliff that stretched over a dusty old road that led to Gerudo Valley, and to his right, the massive forest that was home to him and the Kokiri.

It was about seven years since he had saved Hyrule from the evil King Ganondorf. He was secretly unhappy that Zelda had sent him back, but once he returned and realised the young her believed his story, it wasn't so bad. Besides, he did enjoy being a kid again. While it lasted, anyway. He'd grown too old for the Kokiri, now, and even though he still had the desire to play their games, he has simply been too big for a fair few years now. Pushing 18, Link spent his time now exploring Hyrule and running errands for Zelda. He had grown to be very close friends with her and Malon the ranch girl. It was nice to see some people grow old with him. He had often wondered what Saria would look like if she grew up, and how much her personality would change... Zelda was far more serious than she used to be, and Malon... Well, Malon was always pushy, but it was a bit scarier now that she had the strength to throw things. Link had often found it difficult to get let into the castle to see Zelda until a few years ago when Zelda decided to appoint him a royal title so that he'd have to be let in. Now Link is officially called the Royal Knight to the Princess. She had explained to him that it means that as a knight he is able to order the guards around, suppose it doesn't conflict with her's or the King's orders, and he is directly under her command so that no one else aside from her and the King could give him orders. Personally, Link would rather just sneak his way into the castle, but this way things would be easier, plus Zelda could turn straight to him when she wanted something instead of having to recruit him secretly like she used to.

Link buried his arms in the brown cloak he wore. He couldn't remember what it was made out of, but it was warm, thin and easy to move around in, his baldric strapped on the outside so he could still access his weapons. It was coming out of winter now, but while it was still cold the trees were already green. Above him, Navi sighed loudly, determined to let Link know of her impatience. He ignored her and continued to scan for his horse, Epona.

" Great Farore, " He grumbled, " I turn my back for ten minutes... "

" She couldn't have gotten far," Navi stated, " And I doubt she's headed towards Gerudo Valley or made it all the way to Lon Lon Ranch, so she must have headed towards the forest. "

" She doesn't really go there either. " Link sighed. Better than nothing, though. He thought.

" Listen, " Navi began, " How about we search for her for another ten minutes and if we can't find her then you call her with your Ocarina so we can hurry up and get to the Castle. Princess Zelda summoned you, you know! " Only half an hour ago while at the edge of Lake Hylia, a Zora boy appeared with a letter to him from Princess Zelda. She was usually pretty good at guessing where he was, deciding that sending the note to the Zoras and getting them to swim to the lake was faster than sending a bird to fly the massive distance between the two landmarks. It was certainly faster. The Zoras had waterways that reached almost all the major areas of Hyrule. There was even a well in the Lost Woods that connected directly to the waterway in front of Zora's fountain, though it was never used, as the Zoras believed it cursed. Probably something to do with the mysterious forces of the Lost Woods, but Zelda had to send a bird when he was at home.

" The note didn't sound urgent! " Link replied as he walked towards the forest.

" The note said there was something wrong with the Temple of Time! " Navi huffed. " You don't think that's urgent? The Master Sword is there, you know! The entrance to the Sacred Realm is there, you kno-"

" I know! " Link shouted over the top of her. " It's not like I'm gonna take a week to get there, I can cross Hyrule Field in a day and a half, less if I have to, and I doubt half an hour either way is going to matter! For the love of Nayru, why are you so naggy today? " Link stopped walking, Navi floating down to eye level, which is what she usually does when she's serious about something and wants Link to pay attention.

" I'm sorry, Dear, " She sighed, " I just think this is pretty serious. "

" I know Zelda, " Link replied gingerly, " She's not stupid, if she thought it was imperative that I hurry she would have told me to hurry, now the longer we argue the further Epona will get and I won't find out where she keeps going. "

" Fine, but lets be quick! " Navi gave in. She left his side and flew back up above him, hurrying ahead and making him run after her. She could be pretty quick herself when she wanted to be. Link followed her for a while, looking around for his brown horse, but there was no sign. They were now swerving more to the right, away from the Kokiri Forest and more towards that stretch of woods the Deku Tree didn't control before a huge rocky cliff that barred Hyrule from the rest of the world. Link often wondered what was passed it, but it was too steep and too large for anyone to climb. Not even the Gorons could climb it, he had asked them. The wall surrounded Hyrule, save a few places like the Gerudo Desert, Kokiri Forest and Death Mountain. The Desert and the Forest stretched too far for Link to travel to the end, but when he reached the top of Death Mountain he could see far passed the Hyrule barrier, but all he saw was rocky ground and the occasional patch of trees far off in the distance. It made him wonder if there was anything passed Hyrule, nearby at least. It'd be suffocating if Hyrule itself wasn't so large. He hadn't even seen all of her secrets yet, and he had been to all of the great landmarks, save the Gerudo Desert. He couldn't go there anymore. The time when he had befriended the women that ruled there was not this one, and they no longer saw him as a friend, and he was in no hurry to go there again. He was amazed he pulled it off the first time.

" Hey, look! " Navi's voice suddenly cut through his musing. Link stopped jogging to look up at her. Following her gaze, Link spotted what looked like a small column of smoke rising up from behind the trees. It looked like it belonged to a camp fire or a chimney.

" Why would there be people over there? " Link wondered. " There's nothing over there. "

" Have you ever been over there? " Navi asked. Link paused for a moment.

" No, actually, " He realised, " I always assumed it was just trees before the cliff... Lets check it out! " Link began to run towards the smoke, delighted at the chance to see something new, even if it was just trees and cliff.

" Hey-! " Navi called out, following him. " We're supposed to be looking for Epona!"

" Who says she's not this way? " Link laughed, beckoning her to hurry after him as he ran.

" That boy... " Navi muttered to herself, shaking her small, glowing body side to side as one would shake their head.

Not long later, Link stood in front of a shanty town. It looked like there was no money whatsoever in this place. The buildings were constructed from wood, but they were small and old. The one road leading through it was nothing but dirt, the missing grass and weeds being the only indication it was there. It looked big enough to hold at least eleven people, but there were none to be seen. The column of smoke rose from an abandoned camp fire on the side of the road. It looked like it had only been out for at least half an hour.

" Wow. " Link uttered, amazed.

" Who could possibly be living here? " Navi wondered. " There's hardly any resources here. " Link began to wander along the road. Not all the houses had doors, the openings covered only by tattered drapes. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Not surprising, though, whoever lived here probably didn't see strangers all that often and were wary of him. A bit further down the road and Link began to see people, though. The first one he spotted looked like a man dressed in a heavy black cloak with the hood pulled far down over his face. He sat hunched in front of a building no bigger than a shed with grey cloth covering the door. Something compelled Link not to bother him, so he began to walk past quietly. He was seriously starting to get the creeps.

" Hey! " Navi suddenly blurted out, startling Link and almost making him jump out of his skin. She flew over to the cloaked man, hovering over what looked like a fancy spear. It looked out of place in the run down town. " This looks like the spears the Castle Guards use! "

" Navi, leave it alone. " Link fussed, distressed. He beckoned her to return, but she ignored him.

" Look, it even has the inscriptions on it! " She continued, flying in circles around it. " Long live the king! But this one is way better than the ones the guards have. It looks more like the one that jerk who's head of the guards has, but nicer. "

" Navi! " Link whined. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous now, but he was definitely sure he wanted to keep moving. Link glanced at the cloaked man. He hadn't moved an inch since Navi went over there, and she was talking pretty loudly. Maybe he was asleep? Collecting himself, Link walked over to the spear, keeping one eye on the man for any movements, but still there was nothing. The guy might as well be dead. Closer now, he could see what Navi was talking about. It looked like the spear was well taken care of, the opposite of how everything else looked. It was very close to what the guards used, but this one looked like it had belonged to a soldier of great importance. Nothing he'd seen at the castle looked like this, even with the highest ranking soldiers and warriors. Granted, though, he wasn't at the castle often and long enough to be certain.

" Stop being a pain and lets go." Link sighed, reaching out to grab Navi as she fluttered around the weapon.

" DON'T TOUCH IT. " The cloaked man suddenly snapped, Link jumping backwards a foot from surprise. The guy still hadn't moved, but Link was pretty sure now he was awake.

" Sorry, Sir. " Link uttered, shooting daggers at Navi, who also seemed to be surprised, finally returning to his side. Link hurried away, not glancing back as he scolded Navi.

" I just thought it looked strange. " Navi justified. " Why would such a nice weapon be in this place? And did you see the Triforce Symbol? The guard's spears don't have that. "

" It's probably just really old, you see strange weapons in strange places all the time. " Link growled. Navi hovered low behind him, her light dimming slightly in unhappiness, but Link didn't care. He was still preoccupied with the feeling of eyes on his back. Something he disliked immensely. As he passed another tiny old building, another cloaked man stepped out from behind it. He wore the same black as the other guy, but this one had his hood down, exposing a withered but friendly looking face. The man smiled at him as he walked over, Link feeling a little relieved at the sight.

" 'Lo there, Stranger! " The man greeted him. " It's not often an unfamiliar face passes through here. What could you possibly be after so close to nothing? "

" Let's say I'm after satisfied curiosity. " Link replied with a chuckle. " I never knew there was a town out here. "

" No one does, I suspect. " The man agreed. " Say, might I ask who you are, young man? "

" Oh, I'm- " Link began.

" He's the Royal Knight to the Princess, Sir Link. " Navi interrupted. Ever since Zelda appointed him, Navi had a tendency to tell everybody. He knew she was proud of him, but it still sounded so strange. She probably said it also because she knew Link never introduced himself that way. Sir Link... It made him feel like he should be better than he really is...

" Knight to the Princess, huh? " The man repeated, as if mulling it over. " That must mean you're a pretty important guy. " Link couldn't help but notice the sudden shift in the air around them. It was like the warmth of the moment was suddenly sucked away. Who was this guy...?

" Well, " Link began, holding up his palms and smiling weakly, " I don't like to think it that way..."

" You should be careful around here, Royal Knight to the Princess. " The man stated. " This is no place for important men such as yourself. "

" Uhh, right... " Link replied. " Well, nice talking to you. " Link nodded to him before walking off. He tried not to look like he was rushing as he neared the other end of the shanty town. This side was surrounded by the forest, half of the town shielded from Hyrule's view by the trees. Entering them, he headed straight for the other side, reaching the clearing soon enough.

" What was up with that guy? " Navi finally asked, shuddering as she flew ahead of him.

" Din-knows. " Link sighed, pulling his hood over his head. " That place was creepy. I think that guy was threatening me. "

" Yeah. " Navi squeaked. " Lets not go back, there's nothing there to- Hey, Epona! " Navi suddenly blurted, changing direction in the blink of an eye and zooming off to Link's left. Sure enough, there was Epona, about a mile away. She was happily chewing on the fresh grass, most of it still brown from the winter. From the look of the ground, she had been here a fair few times.

" There you are! " Link declared happily, running over to the mare who whinnied at his approach. " So this is where you go! No wonder I can never find you. " He cooed, stroking her nose. As he petted her, Epona began to shift nervously. She only ever did that when people she didn't know approached her. Behind him, Link heard the grass crunch slightly. Suddenly Navi chimed in alarm. Link whirled around in time to see a black figure right in front of him. Before Link could react, the figure belted him in the mouth, the impact knocking him off his feet as he fell, dazed, to the ground. His head swimming, Link felt a weight being lifted off his back. He regained his senses moments later to see a man cloaked in black disappear back into the trees, Link's shield clutched in his hand.

" Hey! " Link cried out. Epona had disappeared again, probably frightened. Link jumped to his feet, his sore cheek forgotten, and chased after the man. His hood had slid back, and his hat had fallen, Link hoping Navi had grabbed it before she followed. He entered the woods where the man had, but there was no sign of him. Not giving up, he continued in, determined to find the guy.

" That was probably that guy you spoke to! " Navi suggested, angered. She glowed brighter than normal, which always made her look a little larger. Link looked around, just as pissed off as his companion. Why the guy would go to so much trouble for a shield... And why not his sword, too? Wouldn't that have been the smarter choice?

" There it is! " Navi informed him, flying over a little way to the right. Link's shield rested in plain sight on the ground. Navi floated above it in circles, silent. Link walked over, standing above it, but made no attempt to pick it up. Suddenly he heard the sound of leaves rustling above him. A split second later Link jumped, grabbed his shield midair, and rolled, leaping to his feet while setting his shield on his right arm while turning to face where he just stood. The cloaked man jumped down just as he'd moved, a spear pointed down at where his head just was. Link held up his shield defensively as he pulled out his sword, a well made weapon identical to the Master Sword in size and weight with a yellow hilt that Zelda had the castle blacksmith make for him. The cloaked man rose to his feet, his face hidden behind the hood. He pointed his spear at Link.

" I'm impressed. " The man uttered. His voice wasn't of the guy that had talked to him, but more like the hunched guy that had yelled at him. The spear was identical to the one they had looked at, too. " How did you know I was coming from the trees? " He asked.

" I spend a lot of time in the forest. " Link replied with a cold grin. " I know all the sounds. "

" Is that so? " The man asked. " Amusing. For the trees will be the last to hear your screams. " Suddenly he leaped at Link, the spear slamming into his shield before he had time to react. Link jumped to the side before back flipping away. This guy is fast! He barely had time to gasp before having to dodge yet another attack. The man came at him again, spear pointed at his head. Link dodged to the left, using his shield to bash away the tip of the spear, leaving the man open. Link swung at him with his sword, intending more to get the guy to back up rather than injure him. But the man had a better idea. Without hesitating, he flipped the spear around, whacking Link's sword out of the way with the other end, leaving Link open. He kicked at him, Link barely able to block it with his shield, but he was still sent stumbling backwards until he found his back against a tree. The man raised his spear and stabbed down at Link, but Link dodged to the side again, gripping the tree trunk with his right hand to whirl him around, allowing him to bring his own weapon down on the guy. But once again his attack failed, as the man simply lifted up the other end of his spear again, not only blocking Link's swing but trapping his sword against the tree. The man kicked at him again, trying to beat him back and make him let go of his sword, but Link held firm.

" Navi! " Link called.

" Right! " Navi responded. She zipped over to his right hand, and with a flash of light and blue sparkles, Link's old Kokiri Sword was in his grip. It was way too small for him now for a sword, but it was still a fine dagger. Link stabbed at the man, forcing him to jump back, freeing Link's sword. Link used the opportunity to jump backwards himself, putting distance between them. Thankfully the man didn't continue his assault.

" Who are you?.!" Link demanded. The man simply lifted his spear again, pointing it straight at him.

" Royal Knight to the Princess. " He replied. " What a weak fighter you are, unable to land even a single blow! Is this what the Royal Family has lowered itself to?.! Giving high titles to babies waving knives! " He growled angrily. " Fitting for a family of cowards! "

" Hold your tongue! " Navi snapped, chiming angrily. " How dare you insult the Royal Family! "

" Quiet, Moth! " The man snapped back. " You will die next if you're not careful! "

" The nerve! " Navi huffed.

" All who follow the Craven King are Craven themselves! " The man bellowed, leaping at Link again. Link charged at him, waiting until a moment before the spear would hit before jumping over the top of him, landing on the ground with ease before swinging his sword around at the guy, who barely managed to duck under it. But then, while still crouched, he raised the blunt end of his spear so it pointed right at Link, and with swift precision, jabbed it at him, catching Link in the chest before he could raise his shield. Link stumbled backwards from the impact as Navi shrieked somewhere above him. The man rose, whirling around to face him.

The blow knocked the wind out of him, and would probably leave a fine bruise. Recovering, Link raised his shield again. He didn't know how much more assault he could take before the guy landed a lucky blow and took him out. And escape was impossible, if he turned his back he was dead.

" Damnit, " Link cursed, " Who the hell are you?.! What is your problem?.! " The man ignored him, charging again. This is getting old! Link complained to himself, preparing for another blow. Is this his only form of attack? Charge and swing? Link leaped and rolled to the side. If he dodged the charge it took longer for the guy to recover and attack again than if he took the hit. This might be my way in! Link thought.

He stepped backwards, putting more distance between them to encourage another charge as the guy turned to face him again. And sure enough it worked, the man charging full speed at him, weapon aimed at his shield. Link waited till just the right moment before leaping to the right, the guy going past him as he turned to swing his sword at his back. Suddenly his sword was smashed away with great force, leaving Link exposed. A moment later the guy's foot landed on his stomach, and Link fell backwards, his back slamming against another tree. The spear struck at him again, Link trying to slide to the side to avoid it, but his reaction was too slow and the spear caught the inside of his shield, the blade sinking into the soft wood. The man pulled his free arm back, a short sword in hand. Where the hell-?.! Link gasped. It stabbed at him, and Link was forced to abandon his shield to avoid it.

Now armed only with his sword, Link regained his footing in time to see his shield flung at him. Link could only raise his arms to protect himself, the impact almost sending him staggering. Before he could recover he felt the short sword slice his left hand. The man grabbed the hilt of his sword before kicking him in the stomach again, the sword slipping out of his grasp.

A final blow, and Link was knocked to the ground. He gasped from the impact as he struggled to roll out of the way, but the man planted his foot on his chest, pinning him down as he raised his spear, the tip aimed at his neck.

" LINK!! " Navi shreiked.

Why?.! WHY DO I KEEP DOING THIS?.!

Unfortunately we'll never know, since I'm sure right now you're more concerned about Link. Rest assured though, the next chapter will be soon!

'Till then!