AN: I've decided to get rid of the separate rewrite and just edit the chapters. The original will remain up on my mediaminer account if someone really liked the original better. This was my first serious Zelda story that I wrote and I'd like to be able to finish it soon, but because of it's less popularity and these crappy early chapters, it's hard to get inspired.

This takes place after the manga, but has a couple of references to the game. Again, I don't plan on changing a lot, just making it better. Enjoy.

Warnings: Shounen-ai, but ONLY during "in-between" chapters (It is COMPLETELY avoidable. The ".5 chapters" are not needed to understand the rest of the story. This story is designed for both yaoi fans and non-yaoi), new villain, new hero, a little swearing and a good bit of violence for the fighting scenes.

Chapter 1

Reunited

Bright light emitted from the sword, as Link raised it above his head. He didn't notice Shadow flee to the Dark World before the light could destroy him, or feel the wind that whipped around him, or the rain that continued to fall on his head. Instead, link felt the warm and strange sensation of pulling through his body; Like he was being pulled apart, but it didn't hurt.

After a moment the light dimmed and Shadow returned, hiding behind a pillar incase something had gone wrong. He peered around it and observed them. Instead of one Link, there were four and each of them wore a different colored tunic.

In order the tunics went green, blue, red and purple. Although the four of them looked almost identical, with the same facial structure as Link and Shadow, there was something about the look in each of their eyes and the way they held themselves that made it easy to tell them apart.

As they looked at each other, their faces filled with excitement.

It had worked!

However before they could begin their reunion, the castle grounds shook again, almost sending them to the grass.

The four Links looked up. "We should probably get out of here!" Shadow called out from his hiding place. He was pleased to see the four of them smile at him, like they were just as happy to see him as Link had been.

"Shadows right!" The Link wearing a lighter color green tunic said, quickly taking up his role as leader once again. "Let's get to the stables."

…

They made it through the castle remains in one piece. Most of the buildings main structure had crumpled. The stone towers had fallen and even the ground was splitting apart. It barely even resembled the place they had been raised in anymore.

However any remorse over the lose of their childhood home paled compared to how completely excited they were to finally be united!

The stables remained in tact. Luckily they so far from the castle that the quakes didn't knock it down. It was there that they took shelter.

"Does it plan to level this place?" Vio asked, calmly brushing the rubble off his purple tunic. His expression seemed almost bored, but is thoughts were racing with observations and plans.

Beside him was Red, visibly restraining himself. He was Links more tender side: optimistic, gentle and caring. He also had a tendency to be over emotional.

"Don't even think about it." Blue warned the boy under his breath. He glared right through the shorter males tactics. He had always had a shorter temper than the rest of them, but he was also the most protective. He seemed to have silently deemed himself Reds protector. At least, when he wasn't beating on the boy himself.

Finally, there was Green, trying to shake off some of the water that had soaked him. "Lets not get off to a bad start, Blue." He said with a laugh. . Despite his wearing green, and the fights he had over it with Blue, he wasn't 'the original Link'. He had claimed that he was in the beginning of their first adventure, but had realized over time that there were something's that Link had and hadn't cared about, that he just did or did not.

He was more focused and more of leader then the lone-wolf hero had ever been. Acting usually as the peacemaker, he kept the group on track and stopped them from killing each other, or themselves.

"You know how he is." He continued, finishing his statement. "Come on Red; go ahead."

Red turned to him with wide, water-filled eyes and a big smile.

"Green!" He exclaimed, jumping the leader with an insane bear hug that proved how misleading his childish behavior was. "I missed you guys so much!" The boy released him and latched onto their other three companions instead. "Its so good to be… to be… separate again!"

"Stop freaking me out!" Blue yelled, pushing him off. Having gotten used to Blues personality long ago, Red simply hugged him again. "Gah!"

Vio smirked. "We have been together this whole time, Red."

"Not the same thing." Red argued, finally letting Blue free and moving back to Green who didn't complain as much.

"Oh, I have to agree." Shadow said, throwing an arm around Vio's shoulders.

The blond grinned at him as well. He had been the part of Link to befriend Shadow originally. Pretending to the others that he had really turned to the dark side, Green had been the one to figure it out when Vio failed to kill him in a death match for Shadow's entertainment. Even if it had only started as a trick, the friendship they had developed was real.

Epona trotted over to them and Red hurried over to scratch her side lovingly. She snorted at her rider's sudden multiplication, but other wise seemed to accept them, nuzzling Reds cheek.

Green sighed. "We'll have to return her to Lon Lon Ranch. Malon will have a fit if we don't get her back." He turned to start out the open door to the ruins not too far off. "But first; Death Mountain. We need to find Princess Zelda. We have to make sure she and the people are alright."

The others nodded in agreement. "Alright." Blue said quickly. "But just one question: Who gets to ride?"

"Not you." Vio said immediately, crossing his arms. Even after so many years apart, they were so close that fighting just came naturally.

"Hey!" Blue snapped.

Reds hand flew up. "I wanna do it! Can I ride her?" Blue opened his mouth to protest, but Green physically separated them.

"She's not going to carry any of us." He declared, taking the fairest way out. "It wont take us that long to reach Death Mountain. We don't have time to go back to the ranch, and we can't leave her here. But no one is riding her. Understood?"

The others looked at each other, and then nodded reluctantly. "I suppose that means that we cant wait until the storm passes right?" Red asked, not looking forward to getting drenched again.

Lighting flashed across the sky as Shadow peered out the doorway himself. "This storm is unnatural. Made by the unbalance."

"Meaning it's not going to stop any time soon." Vio clarified. "We can't risk sitting around and missing our opportunity." Red nodded slowly with understanding.

They all looked at each other, and then set out.

…

Goron Village: Dead Ahead.

After almost 3 days of travel to the now abandoned village of Kakariko and a whole day more to get close to the top of the mountain the five Links were relieved to see the sign indicating their arrival.

"That doesn't sound very inviting..." Red said worriedly, reading the piece of wood.

"Oh don't be a pansy!" Blue snapped. After four days of travel his temper was even hotter than usual.

Traveling was something they were long used too. However the constant rainfall had followed then right up the outskirts of that province, before abruptly cutting off. Hunting had been difficult as well and they hadn't yet had a good chance to bathe or to get any decent sleep.

"And don't be stupid! Its not like we haven't been up here before!"

The outburst made Red shrink back into himself. Green almost stopped in his trek to glare back at his blue-clad clone. "Blue! Don't yell at Red! It's not his fault! Say you're sorry!"

Not one to follow orders, Blue turned his anger on Green. "Don't tell me what to do! I don't have to listen to you! I still think I should be the leader!" He continued up after him.

"I actually think they were getting along better last time." Vio said with a sighed, glancing over at Shadow. The sun was still out, but the pass they were in had enough shade to one side for him to be out with them.

His Dark World counterpart smirked. "It's probably because they miss their fights. Oh, but you know they wont admit it." Vio chuckled in agreement. They continued walking up the mountain, ignoring the other threes bickering. After a moment, Shadow looked over again.

"Hey Vio?"

Vio blinked up at the light, judging how much time they had left and how long it would take them to reach the top. "Yes?" He replied.

Shadow looked away uncomfortably. "About that time... That whole 'trying to burn you at the stake' thing..."

Vio looked at him surprised. After Shadow came over to their side, Vio had thought that the other would want to forget about his time working for the enemy. He wouldn't blame Shadow for doing what he had. If he had found a traitor in Green, Red or Blue, he would have taken action. Not gone so far as to tie the person to a rock pillar and tossing them into a volcano, but…

"Don't worry about it, Shadow." He muttered looking back ahead.

Shadow looked over relived. "Then you forgive me?"

"Not a chance."

Shadows eyes widened with disappointment. Vio had been a close friend, his very first. Despite all that happened, he didn't want to lose that friendship.

Vio looked at him and smirked. "I'm joking, you idiot. I forgave you a long time ago."

Shadow blinked before grinning dangerously. "You're an ass!"

"Hey you guys!" Green called, getting their attention. "There's a Goron up ahead!"

"Brother!" The bolder-like man shouted, with a wave. The Gorons were a race of rock eaters that were indigenous to Death Mountain. A rather peaceful race that could survive insanely hot temperatures and provided weapons and machinery across Hyrule.

"Welcome! The Princess asked us to keep an eye out for you!" His voice was gravely, but warm. He greeted them all with strong pats that nearly knocked them over and corrected himself. "I mean… Brothers! Welcome! Come this way."

The Gorons size made him slow, but he was familiar with the terrain, so that it was the Links that had a hard time keeping up. "I'm surprised the Princess would bring everyone up here." Green said, looking around at the naturally unsafe volcano.

"Well I'm not." Shadow said calmly. "I told you. This is the only place left that hasn't been tainted by the new evil."

The Goron lead them inside and to a well lit cavern on the edge of the Goron dwelling area. They were offered food and rest, but only took the time to wash up before insisting on seeing the princess.

"Sister Zelda is in this room." Their Goron guide told them opening a curtain and lowing his voice to a whisper. "She is panicked, Brothers. Even in our best hot spring she refuses to relax."

Blue snorted, whispering as well as they snuck by. "Sounds like Zelda all right." The others nodded in agreement.

Princess Zelda knelt in the center of the large room, praying anxiously to the Goddesses. Having had no time to change before fleeing the castle, her formal dress had been worn by travel and faded from how rigorously the Gorons had washed it.

Most of her Knights were in the room with her, as well as one of her hand-maidens and a few people from her council. Links father, Zelda's Head Knight, was the first to notice them and stood up with a start.

"Link…?" He began, stopping short with confusion.

Shadow stepped back, fading into a dark corner. Red gave the man a big smile, while the other three gave a nervous kind of wave. "Hi Dad!"

The man blinked, before clearing his throat and straightening his spine. "Princess. The Heroes you summoned have arrived."

"Heroes?" She asked, finally opening her eyes. She spun around quickly and as soon as her gaze fell on them, they knelt where they were in respect.

"Princess." They greeted.

She was speechless as she observed each of them. The newer knights who hadn't been around 5 years prier whispered among themselves until she suddenly sprang to her feet, surprising everyone, her golden hair flying around her.

"What did you-!" She began, before the mountain shook, causing most of them to collapse to the dirt floor.

Vio steadied himself, looking around as some of the candles were knocked over, limiting their light. "An eruption?" He asked.

"No…" Shadow said, glaring at the ceiling, as if it was the source of their problems. "It's here."

Blue stood up and drew his sword, an eager grin on his face. "Perfect timing! I was just starting to itch for a fight!"

"You can't take that out now!" Vio yelled. The ground shook and knocked Blue over, the sword nearly stabbing the violet hero's hand in the process. Blue ignored the few choice curses he received in result.

Green scowled, looking around at the knights using the walls, trying to stay on their feet. "What are we supposed to do? We can't fight like this!"

There was a rumble overhead, almost like a deep chuckle then thunder. "So these are the fearless and mighty Heroes that defeated Lord Ganon?"

Waves of terror racked down everyone's spine at the voice that penetrated the walls and filled the room. It was loud, almost impossibly loud and yet managed to sound so quiet, like a whisper in their ear. There was that laugh again.

"How pathetic…"

Blue scowled getting to his feet again, although without his sword that time. "Oh yeah! Why don't you come down here and say that to my face, you coward!"

"Fool!" The voice laughed causing the ground to shake yet again. "You do not have the power to overcome me. Heroes? You are barely even pawns." The tremors became worse as a mighty wind blew and the remaining candles were extinguished. "But I will let you bare witness to my powers."

Zelda scream pain exploded from the darkness, followed quickly by similar sounds from each of the rooms occupants. The Links tried to reach her, but the shaking of the mountain prevented them from doing anything.

"Zelda!" Green yelled, feeling dirt begin to rain from the ceiling top of the cavern onto him.

"Link!" She screamed desperately. "I'm-" However something cut her off. In the next second, the earth grew still again and the room eerily silent.

"Zelda?" Green called softly.

The name echoed through the room unanswered.

"This is my world now." The wicked voice claimed, before fading out as well.

The five held their breath, listening for any indication of another presence, but there was none.

Vio hurried to the wall and searched around for a candle to light. "Don't bother." Shadow told him, knowing what he would only be disappointed once he did. Vio ignored him, lighting the thing anyway.

The room was vacant of anyone beside themselves. "Zelda... Dad..." Red called in disbelief, secretly hoping they would return upon being called. "Where- Where did they go?" He asked, turning to Green with fear in his eyes.

Green couldn't believe it either. He just stood there until Vio answered. "I believe our new enemy took them..." He said angrily, the candle shaking in his hand. Shadow nodded in agreement. "... And we let it." Blue swore colorfully, hitting the wall.

Green took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. "Then… we just need to take them back!" He said, before storming out of the room.

The others followed him. "But how do we do that?" Red asked, looking around as they went. They passed no human or Goron, and it didn't take long to realize that everyone from the mountain was missing. The emptiness made him shiver and move closer to the others for comfort.

Shadow stopped. "I'll go to the Dark World and see if I can't get some more information on what we're dealing with. Maybe I can find out where he has put everyone."

"Good idea." Green approved, before the dark Link vanished. "In the mean time we're going to head to Lon Lon Ranch. We have to return Epona, He turned back to the hallway leading out. "and that will give us time to think of a plan."

…

Hyrule castle had been reduced to rubble.

The only parts to remain in tact were the buildings separated from the main building, which had taken very little damage despite the powerful earthquakes they hade suffered through, and the throne room. Had they not been distracted, the Links might have noticed it.

Although the throne room had been on the third floor, it had fallen to the ground undamaged. Not even a pebble from the upper levels had managed to land on the stone pathway and long red carpet. It was as though the remaining castle had been forced away as it had fallen. The rain itself had stopped and the untouched room remained as dry as it had started.

Only the larger of the two thrones remained and sitting upon it was a figure in a heavy black cloak. No part of the figure was visible, except for one aged and pale hand, the long fingers slowly turning a intricate pink chess piece.

Just above the howling wind, the strange and dark chuckle could be heard.

Eh, a little corny. I like it. You know, I really never focused on him/it enough. Again, this version is a lot better. Not great, but better. ...I like how the prolog is longer then chapter 1... Lol!

Tell Me What You Think!

LoZ © Not me.