Rated T for swearing, violence, and suggestive themes.
Set after Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask.
A/N: I don't care if you believe that theory about Link dying in the Lost Woods after Majora's Mask and becoming a Stalfos. In this story, he lived, and made it back to Hyrule in one piece. If you want to believe he's dead, then go right ahead. Just don't bother trying to convince me, because I don't believe it and I never will.
Also, I'm incorporating some parts of the non-canon manga in here as well. So, if something doesn't make sense game-wise, then it's most likely in the manga. Anything else is only part of this story.
Blanket Disclaimer: I only want to have to say this once. Remember, in all chapters, I don't own the Legend of Zelda. All rights are reserved for Nintendo.
Chapter 1
We set our scene in the peaceful land of Hyrule, where the sun beams down upon the grass and treetops, bringing warmth to all who step into its rays.
It was just the beginning of the summer season, therefore, the heat was beginning to affect everyone.
The residents of Castle Town bustled about happily, however, chatting with whatever friends they happened to pass by, while some families travelled to Lake Hylia to cool off in the water.
Our tale, however, brings us to Kokiri Forest, where the sound of horse hooves snapping twigs and crunching leaves can be heard at the edge of the foliage. Emerging from the thicket, the chestnut colored mare known as Epona trotted happily, carrying her companion atop her back.
Her companion, of course, was none other than Link, the green clad Hero of Time.
When the sun's light hit his face, he shielded his eyes with his arm until they adjusted to the brightness. He had spent most of the day in Kokiri Forest, enjoying the company of his forever youthful friends.
At one point, Link had wandered into the Lost Woods to be alone with his thoughts.
There had been something on his mind recently, or rather, someone:
Princess Zelda.
Just thinking of her made Link's heart race. It's been eight years since Ganondorf's defeat, and Link was sent back in time. The both of them were eighteen now, and Link's feelings for Zelda were stronger than ever.
Today's the day. He had thought to himself. I'm going to tell her I love her.
He had risen from the stump he was sitting on, and was prepared to leave, when something caught his eye.
Growing by the stump, were white orchids, Zelda's favorite flower.
These are perfect. She'll love them. Link thought. He didn't hesitate to carefully pick the delicate plant.
Afterwards, he exited the Lost Woods. He walked back into Kokiri forest. He said goodbye to all of his young friends, and walked across the bridge that led to the entrance. Waiting just inside the entrance was Epona. He mounted her and they left.
When his eyes finally adjusted to the sunlight, he realized the sun's position in the sky.
"Damn! I'm gonna be late!", he said aloud. He spurred Epona with his heel, and let out a sharp "Hyaa!", signaling for her to take off.
They raced across Hyrule field to the drawbridge resting over the moat that separated the field from Castle Town's outer wall.
As they neared the gate, Link slowed Epona down to a slow trot. They stopped, and he dismounted Epona, letting her roam free. Link crossed the bridge, and headed towards the castle. Zelda's gonna kill me., he thought. He looked at the orchids he held in his hand. Looks like these are going to be more of an apology gift.
As he went through the market, Link noticed a booth that sold flowers. Maybe if I add more flowers, she'll be quicker to forgive me. He stopped in front of the booth.
There was a middle-aged woman running the flower stand. Link recognized her as one of the residents of the Castle Town. He recalled that her name was Asha.
"Good afternoon, Link!", Asha said.
"Hello, Asha.", he said politely.
"Would you like to buy some of my flowers?", she offered with a smile.
Link gave her a small smile and nodded. He looked over the large selection of various flowers, and finally decided on pink peonies.
"These will go wonderfully with those white orchids you have there.", Asha said. She began gathering a handful of the pink plant. "So who's the lucky lady? As if I didn't already know.", she said with a smirk.
Link's ears turned red. He smiled nervously. The entire town knew Link visited Zelda every day. Although, they all assumed he was only a friend to Zelda. Only he, Zelda, the king, and the sages remembered that he was the Hero of Time.
Asha giggled. "Princess Zelda will love them." Mary gave the flowers to Link.
He reached into his pouch to pull out a purple rupee, but Asha stopped him. "My treat.", she said.
Link smiled. "Thanks, Asha." He waved goodbye to her as he left. He made his way over the path to the castle gate, and was stopped by one of the knights standing guard.
"Halt!", the knight exclaimed.
Link immediately stopped, confused. It was unusual for him to be stopped at the gate. Zelda had assured that all staff were to allow him access. Then, the other knight walked over to stand next to his comrade.
He flipped up his visor. It was a man Link knew by the name of Rizo. "Sorry, Link.", he said. He placed his hand on his comrade's shoulder. "It's Toka's first day. He doesn't know you're a regular."
The knight named Toka flipped up his visor too. "Oh! Terribly sorry, sir!" He bowed in respect and moved back to his post.
Link shifted uncomfortably. He still wasn't used to the high respect everyone held for him. Zelda had demanded that Link be treated as if he were her equal. Even though he felt that he wasn't.
"No, it's fine. You're doing a good job. Always make sure that everyone has clearance before letting them in.", Link advised the young knight.
"Thank you, sir!", Toka said.
Rizo turned back to Link. "Thanks. He was really worried that he wasn't cut out for the job."
Link smiled. "Anything to help."
Rizo nodded. "Now get going. I hear that the princess is getting anxious."
Link's smiled dropped. "Uh, right. Guess I'll be going then." He walked briskly through the gate, and through the courtyard, thankful he doesn't need to sneak around anymore.
When he came to the end of the courtyard, he stopped in the archway. In front of him was the very place he and Zelda first met. The sun shined brightly on the circular area, the flowerbeds were still blooming, and the grass cut neatly.
Link noticed none of this, however. All he could see was Zelda, who stood atop the steps. She seemed to be lost in thought, for she hadn't yet noticed Link standing there.
As he looked at her, all his breath rushed out of his lungs all at once. Maybe it was the way the light hit her, or thoughts of what he was about to do, but Zelda seemed exceptionally beautiful today.
Of course, Zelda was always beautiful to Link, but today, her beauty surpassed that of the goddesses. He wouldn't dare let the goddesses know that, for if it weren't for Forore's courage, Link wouldn't have even made it this far.
Everything about her was perfect. Her body type was shapely. Her golden blonde hair shimmered as a small breeze blew through it. Her face was flawless, and her cobalt blue eyes sparkled in the light. She wore her usual royal garb. The breeze moved the skirt of her dress just enough to see her small feet covered by elegant purple flats. One of her delicate gloved hands hung by her side. It was her right hand, the one that bore the mark of the triforce of wisdom. Zelda was wise beyond her years, but whether she knew how Link felt about her, she didn't show.
Link tried his best to catch his breath. With his heart hammering in his chest, he hid the flowers behind his back, and took a step forward.