The Legend of Zelda: Hero's Awakening

by Onion Man Chive

disclaimer: Zelda and all characters of the game are property of Nintendo. In no way do I expect to get paid for this.

Prologue: The Face of Evil

She looked upon the land that she was destined to rule, the land of Hyrule, a land of prosperity and justice. She stood on the balcony of the great castle and feared for the future. She could feel the presence of evil growing more by the day. There wasn't much time. She had to do something to protect her land, but without knowing the true face of evil she was powerless. All she could do was wait and hope that she will find her enemy before it's too late.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a knocking on her door. "Come in."

One of the King's many attendants entered the room and spoke. "With your permission, Princess Zelda, his Majesty has sent me to escort you to the main throne room. A meeting has begun."

Zelda, daughter of King Daphnes Nohansen, nodded at the attendant. "I will be there presently. Wait for me outside my chambers."

The attendant bowed to her. "As you wish, my Lady." The attendant left her room.

Zelda took one last look at her land, hoping that she wasn't too late for this rising threat. She left her room and was escorted to the main throne room of Hyrule Castle.

Chapter 1: Lake Hylia

The small lake-side town was alive with active townsfolk. The farmers planted their crops and tended to their cattle. The stall owners would sell their products and cats would roam freely across the land. A local blacksmith would make weapons for knights of the castle. People would socialize with others in their leisure time and everybody seemed to get along with each other. Carpenters spent their time making boats for fishermen and other useful items. There was never a dull moment at Lake Hylia.

The lord of the town, Gorlois, waited outside his house for the arrival of a young boy, who traveled with his uncle five years ago to the mountains of Romuli in the east to learn the ways of the sword. Gorlois sent them to have the boy take the place of his father, Tristan, as Knight of Hylia. Tristan died in battle many years ago, and the boy's mother died giving birth to him. The boy since then lived with his uncle, Boris, Tristan's younger brother and former knight of Hyrule Castle. Retired from his services to the crown, he vowed to his brother that he would look after his son at the moment of his death. He has watched the boy grow into a brave and good natured warrior.

They rode to Lake Hylia on horseback and stopped at a large hill that looked down at the massive lake. The boy smiled as he breathed the fresh lake water scent that was no more than a mile away.

"Home. After five years I can still remember what it looks like. It is as familiar to me as the handle of my sword."

"Be mindful of your future duties, young Link, for you are destined to defend this land with your life, once you have been knighted that is."

"Ay, dear uncle. I know of my new place in this world, for you remind me every morning, noon, and nightfall of the day. You have taught me much in the past five winters, but you still have yet to learn to smile."

Boris frowned at Link for his witty remark. Link turned away and laughed at his uncle. "Enough of your childish remarks! Let us go home."

Link rode on in front of him with haste, anxious to finally go home. Boris shook his head at him and rode on behind him.

As they rode towards Lake Hylia, they split up into two different directions. Boris rode to the eastern side of town to meet with Gorlois, while Link rode westward to a large ranch to meet with an old friend. Boris failed to realize that Link was not behind him until he arrived at the house of Gorlois. He dismounted his horse and was greeted with a warm welcome from the town's lord.

"Welcome my old friend. It has been too long." They embraced each other and walked inside. "So tell me of your-" Gorlois interrupted himself when he saw that Link was not with them. "Where is the boy?"

"I shall search for him. I know that he is here in the town."

Link dismounted his horse and entered Lon Lon Ranch, a large farm landscape with many horses and cattle. Inside the ranch were many workers, but none more noticeable than the daughter of the ranch owner, Malon. She was feeding chickens outside the corral. Link grinned as he saw the beautiful farm girl with red hair as bright as a night time camp fire. He sneaked up behind her and spoke in a soft and caring voice.

"Hello, Malon."

She smiled at the sound of his voice. She turned around and saw her best friend stand there with open arms. Instead of returning the embrace, however, she slapped him across the face, making him flinch.

"You said four years! It's been five!" Link looked back at her with a continued smile, one that she happily returned as she gave him the hug he expected.

"It's been too long, Malon."

She looked at him, still embracing each other. "Ay, it has. But you're here now. That's all that matters. Have you been knighted yet?"

Link shook his head. "I came to see you, first."

Her eyes widened at his response. "Won't you get into trouble?"

"Tis possible. I could not wait to see you any longer. I have missed you, Malon."

She pushed away a strand of his golden brown hair. "I don't want you getting into trouble on my behalf. You have a new life ahead of you, Link."

"I know. I promise I will be more careful, but I had to see you." He pulled her tighter in the embrace. "Nothing has changed in you, Link."

Boris appeared behind them with an angry expression. "Link, you were to meet with the town's lord! Now let go of her and make haste!"

Link sighed as he let go of Malon. "I will see you at another time."

"I'll wait for you." Link turned and mounted his horse. He looked at her one more time with a playful grin before he and Boris left the ranch. Malon watched as they left.

Her father, Talon, walked next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Was that him?"

"Ay, Papa. It was Link. He has finally returned home where he belongs."

Talon smiled at her words. "Here in Hylia, or here with you?"

She bit her lip in embarrassment but then smiled at her father. "I am happy for you. He's a good lad." She wrapped her arms around his portly figure and closed her eyes, feeling relaxed in his embrace.

This story has been re-editted for your viewing pleasure. You should find it much easier to read and with very few mistakes. Thanks for reading! Please Review!