One

The Legend of Zelda

When I awoke from my...fall, I found myself staring up at the sun, it partially being blocked out by a figure of a kid somewhere around sixteen or seventeen, my age.

"Wha in the..." I muttered, sitting up. I felt a throbbing sensation in the back of my head, and I felt something in my hand. It was a sword. I looked down, expecting to see the rusted, useless thing I had earlier, but it was nice. All the rust had gone away, leaving a very beautiful sword in it's wake. The hilt was blue, emblazoned with gems and black grip tape. The blade was silver and reflective, almost new.

"Hey, you okay, buddy?" The figure asked. I looked up into what I thought was his eyes. I could see the faint outline of a smile.

"Yea...yea I'm okay. Who are you?" I questioned. I saw his hand fall in front of my face, and I took it. He hoisted me up into a standing position. We were the same hight.

"Me? Oh, I'm nobody. Just a traveler moving here and there. For no particular reason. And how about you? What brings you to this quaint little corner of the world?" He asked, a smirk evident in his voice.

"To tell you the truth...I really don't know. I was out for a run in Central Park...Trying to forget the loud noises of Manhattan..." He stopped me.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa...Central Park? Man Hattan? What in the hell are you on, man? And more importantly, can you spare me some?" he asked, moving his hand before him to stop me.

"You've...never heard of Manhattan? Not once?" I questioned, slightly perplexed.

"Nope. Not once."

"Okay, answer me one question. Where. Am. I?" I asked, looking at him. He gave one big grin before replying.

"You're on the Island of Hyrule. A quaint little place where nothing ever happens. The occasional Octorock Rebellion, but they never last too long. The Blue ones don't get along too hotly with the Red ones, and the Teal ones are just jerks."

"What in the HELL is an Octorock?" I saw him look to his left, and I followed. A small, red octopus scuttled by. It had a great big mouth, and fired a single rock at the wall. "I take it...THAT's an Octorock..." I muttered looking his way. He smiled and nodded.

"Anyway, the name's Link. I travel here and there, just...killing time. You?" He asked, extending his hand.

"I'm Jake Ballenfield. I...well...I don't know how to tell you what I do...Let's just leave it at that I'm a merchant." I replied, taking his hand. We shook.

"Excellent. I'm just passing through Hyrule, bound for Termina. My boat stopped to get resupplied here. Let's look around some together." Before I could reply, a cry for help pierced the silence.

"What in sam hell?" I asked, running off towards the scream. I had barely rounded the corner when I saw two huge goblin-looking things waving spears around threateningly standing over a scared old woman. My eyes flared with rage as I jumped head-long into battle. "RAGGLE FRAGGLE!" Was the call as the sword in my hand instinctively came down on the head of one of the goblin-things. The creature barely had the chance to scream before drowning in it's own blood. The second reacted to his buddy's death and pivoted on one foot to face me. It raised it's spear over it's head and hurled it towards me. My hand involuntarily flinched and sliced the wooden shaft in half, the two parts dropping to the ground. "I would run if I were you..." I growled at the beast. He took my advice without a second thought. I dashed over to the old woman who was still on the ground.

"Oh, thank you, young man. Those Moblins could have killed me, and most likely would have." She spoke as I approached. I offered her my hand, which she took graciously.

"Moblins are vicious little buggers. That one is bound to be back with friends. What in the hell. Why did it attack you?" Link questioned, watching the Moblin scuttle away.

"My name is Impa. I was on my way from the castle to find the ship that was docked here. Princess Zelda told me that on board would be two heros that could save Hyrule from...but I have said too much." She stopped herself. "I must get to that boat." She tried to move, but had hurt her leg.

"Whoa, whoa. I don't think you're going anywhere. Link here is from the boat. Tell him the message." I told her. She looked at Link for the first time. Her eyes and skin went pale, almost as if she's seen a ghost. Then, she spoke.

"You! You my boy! You are the one Princess Zelda spoke of! You can save Hyrule from...from...Him." She finished.

"I hate to be rude, ma'am, but; God, damnit, woman! Spit his name out!" I replied, trying to figure out who 'him' was. I know it's improper grammar, just shut up. You know what I mean.

"Ganon! The Prince of Darkness!" She spit out his name in spite.

"I thought that was Ozzy Ozbourne...eh. So what does this Ganon creep look like, anywho?" I asked. Link froze in terror. "Some kinda midget with a bad five o'clock shadow and an overbite?"

"Hardly..." A deep rumbling voice growled behind me. I spun around to come face to face with a blue, bi-pedal pit bull holding a semi-conscious girl in his hand. I managed to keep my composure.

"How in the hell did something THAT butt-ugly sneak...sneak up behind me? So, I take it that YOU'RE Ganon, huh?" I chuckled. "Man, I feel like I could slice-'n-dice ya right here!" I poked him with my sword. He recoiled from the touch and growled loudly. "What's wrong, big, blue and ugly? Afraid of a little pin prick, ya prick. Come on, I'll poke you again!"

"Wait, that's...ZELDA!" Like shouted, taking off running. I saw him leap over my head and land on Ganon's arm and, trying to fight his way to his other arm to seize the princess, get back-handed down.

"FOOLS! You'll get what's coming to you! No one can stop me! I have the Princess! And without her, Hyrule will wither, and will DIE!" He burst into uncontrollable laughter, sprouted wings, and took off. "If you whelps have any death wish, you'll come see me atop Death Mountain. I'll be waiting. Don't be too long..." He hissed from the distance, leaving us with his laughter.

"Cowardly prick! I'll shishkabob him!" I walked over and helped Link up. "You okay, man?" I asked. He adjusted his knee-length shirt, nodded and gave a 'humph' towards where Ganon flew off. "Relax, man. We can save her."

"Yes. Yes I knew you'd see your role. Here..." Impa muttered, producing a battered piece of parchment from her vest pocket. "I have detailed what you must do. But first, I would like to tell you a little story..."

"Uh, lady. I stopped needing a story at night when I was six." I added. She smiled and motioned for me to sit. I complied.

"This land is protected by a mystical artifact from time long ago. It is called the Triforce. It is comprised of three pieces. Power, Courage, and Wisdom. Each piece has the ability to grant it's owner immense power, courage, or wisdom, depending on what piece is owned. As of now, the Triforce of Wisdom is sealed within the impregnable gates of Hyrule Castle. The Triforce of Power was, sadly, stolen by Ganon several days ago. The Triforce of Courage has been shattered into eight pieces; in order to keep it safe, you see. The Triforce of Courage is the most dangerous of the three. When used correctly, it will grant the user a stunning Dread Presence on the battlefield. It can cause even the most hardened soldiers to flee before it."

"I assume this is leading somewhere...and coincidentally most likely Link and I, right?" I asked. She smiled, giving Link the parchment.

"You are keen. An attribute you will likely need. Yes. On that parchment is a list of eight hidden, underground strongholds across this island. Enter them all, and retrieve the Triforce shard hidden there. You will find the first to the north of here, in a place called Castle Eagle. It is lightly guarded, and should prove no chore in retrieving the piece held within. Go now. Rid Hyrule of Ganon's minions, and return it to it's once-peaceful days!" With this, she vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Wiggy..." I muttered.