"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. "-Unknown.
"It is a wise father that knows his own child."-William Shakespeare.
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Chapter 1
The Hero's Daughter
Faron Woods.
This tranquil forest makes up a great portion of the province of Ordon in the kingdom of Hyrule.
The gentle glow of the greenleaf light poked through the tree top canopies as dusk took hold over Faron Woods. The gentle sounds of a breeze dancing through the trees, taking the song of the nightingales with it as it played with the lush plant life.
An ancient spring graced the center of a glade, the gentle trickling of its five little waterfalls sent up a warm spray onto the large engraved rocks. Crickets and frogs sang their haunt suprano as the innocent, mischievous laughter of a young she-cat at play broke the silence.
"Eek! Princess, please get back here!"came the frantic cry of chocolate-point Elite ranking Gerudo as she chased after the Hylian princess.
A year old, thick, fluffy furred white she-cat with a vivid ginger tail just turned her head, sticking her tongue out in taunting mockery. Lilda was a year old now, and with her unique personality she showed her father's cocky, mischievous streak.
Over on the banks of the spring not to far off was a tall, lean, long furred brown and green tom cat with a few battle scars. On his head he bore the simplest of crowns. His ears each had a deep blue Shiekan earring and around his neck he had a silver necklace with a oval shaped locket with the crest of the Gerudo Tribe on it. The three year old tom's eyes were the most breath taking shade of cerulean blue anybody would ever see.
"You didn't have to help me out you know, Lord Link."
Sitting beside the Gerudo/Hylian king was a sandy colored tabby tom cat of around four or five years of age. He was quite lean and agile looking in appearance with a tall frame. His topaz blue eyes looked out into the spring and then back at the Elite ranking Gerudo that was trying to get Princess Lilda to stop running around like crazy. He just couldn't help but smile, amusement on his face.
"No it was no trouble, I wanted to help Rusle. Just because I'm king doesn't make me any more a cat then you. First most I'm the Hero of Time, helping and saving others is the duty the triplet leaders gave me."I purred, an impish grin on my face as I watched my daughter protectively.
"Anyways, your bow should be fixed up and ready for you any day now."chirped Rusle, looking over at Link.
I give a deep purr, tail swaying contently as I looked at Rusle. My father's bow was one of the few things I had left of my parents so it was very precious to me.
"Thank you, Rusle. Zelda was right to send me to you, you have no idea how much that bow means to me."
"Think nothing of it, sire. It is an honor to be of use to the royal family."meowed Rusle, slipping his bundle of fire wood onto his back.
I quickly rise to my paws too, quickly calling out for my daughter to come back over. Which Lilda happily did, giving me a loving nuzzle. And Sana seems relieved that my green ranking daughter listened to somebody, which only causes me to laugh as we leave Faron Springs.
Rusle, Lilda, Sana, and I made our way through the woods, crossing over the long rope bridge back towards Ordon Springs and towards Ordon Village itself. Once we were across the bridge, Rusle locked up the gate with lock and key.
"Dad, are we going to Ilia's for dinner?"asked Lilda, speaking her mind as they passed Ordon Springs.
"No, not tonight Lilda."I told my daughter calmly.
Lilda was a bit sad about that as they reached the simple tree house that her family liked to stay in while visiting Ilia's family. But she guessed it couldn't be helped, she had fun helping Rusle and her father out.
"...Well, I'll see you later then Rusle."
Rusle gave a nod, walking over to his expecting yellow tabby mate and his young ginger tabby son, resting his tail on his shoulders.
"See yeah, Colin!"purred Lilda as she climbed the ladder, glancing over her shoulder.
Colin looked over at Link and Lilda with a fond smile, chirping his farewells as well before he and his parents returned to the village.
I gave a cocky grin as I watched Rusle and his family disappear out of sight. With a flick of my bushy tail I made my way up the ladder and into the den, Lilda already inside practicing her harp.
"Well, you better get to bed Lilda. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."I mewed, flopping into my nest.
"Alright, dad."
The soundless, delicate steps of a young cream she-cat treaded the soft ground, following the small path way from Ordon Village. The first light of dawn dappled through the rich greenery of the woods that shrouded this tranquil place that flanked the Lost Woods, and with it, the Kokiri Tribe. Her eyes were the deepest, and gentlest shade of jade green and a soft smile graced her face.
Lilda was busy practicing her harp when she spotted her mother's friend, Ilia. A smile spread on the princess's face as she put her harp away in her bag. Her ginger tail swayed about in greeting as she rose to her paws, her Gerudo leg guards and choker gleamed in the intense morning light of greenleaf as she left the cool shelter of the tree's shade.
"Morning Ilia, can I help you?"
"Hello Princess Lilda. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to Ordon Springs."purred Ilia, swiping her tongue over her chest.
"Sure, I'd love to! Dad's can be such a lazy puss in the mornings."laughed Lilda softly in a song bird pitch.
Lilda and Ilia both calmly headed for the springs, walking down the beaten forest path, vanishing from sight.
Darkness.
All I see is darkness.
My paws aren't touching anything, it feels like I've been lifted off the ground and I'm being strangled.
"Lilda, Ilia!"
Why am I feeling so much pain?
I've had pain before, but it feels like I'm dying ten times over!
The Triforce of Courage has never done that before.
A menacing laugh I hear is something all too well as two flaming copper eyes appear as I continue to struggle.
And following soon after is a cry not of this world, a rushing cloud of smoke coming at me.
I soon see a cloaked figure let out a frightened cry.
My eyes turn wide in horror and panic as I started try and break free of what ever has me supsended in midair.
"ZELDA!"
I snap open my eyes, instantly letting out a frightened yowl and leaping out of my nest into a battle stance out of instinct. My breathing is uneven and rapid, as if somebody had in deed had me tightly by the throat. My body is shaking like a leaf in the wind, my eyes wide as I stare at my paws in a petrified trance like state. I can hear and scent my personal bodyguards, Sana of the White and Xena of the Shiekah Clan race to my side and try to steady me.
I pay them no heed, their words don't even reach my ears.
That was not like my normal nightmares that I've had 70% of the time sense the fall of the Dark King by my fangs and claws. This was my foresight at work, I'm no fool to not know this. I just had a vision of the future-of what was to come. And I can't over look it as much as I'd like to."I haven't had any nightmares from my foresight sense I defeated that mutt. But yet again, their so vague it drives me up the wall."I thought, pushing my clanmate and tribemate away from me.
I calmly look around and see my daughter isn't in the den, so I quickly take a look out the window to see if she was outside.
Nothing.
I quickly give my scarred pelt a good grooming. The long, menacing scar from fighting Ganon was a bitter reminder just how close I could have lost all eight of my remaining lives. But that was a year ago now, I'm not two years now, I'm three years-36 moons. I give a sigh and put on the crown my mother had crafted for me and turned to face Xena and Sana.
"Sana, you can go back to the Fortress. I'll be alright, Nabooru might be wanting to know how I'm fairing. You return back to the palace, Xena."I meowed.
"But-"
"No 'but's from you two. I can take care of myself and Lilda not defenceless, she can look out for herself. Now go, that's an order!"I snarled and they quickly left with haste.
I'm not exactly a good cat to be around after one of my prophetic nightmares, my tempermental personality doesn't help matters either. I've been a night owl sense I was a kitten, I'm no early bird like my priceless lil' daughter.
"Couragestar's Wind."I whispered, teleporting myself outside.
I jump down tree with the agile grace of my own style and land safely on the ground on all fores. I glanced to the direction of Faron Woods and Ordon Springs. I then sniffed the air, taking in the scents.
"I should have known, Ilia stopped by here."I chuckled to myself, dashing off towards Ordon Springs.
I took in the sweet scents of greenleaf and purred as a gentle breeze caressed my body as I ran through the forest floor. I had been raised in the forest, coming to this forest that flanked the Lost Woods was so nostalgic to me.
I soon slowed down at reaching the gates of the spring. And I can see my daughter playing, splashing about with Ilia. Ilia was the daughter of the mayor of Ordon Village and happened to be a close friend to my mate, Zelda.
"And who's idea was it to leave without telling me where they were going?"I asked, amusement clearly showing as I stood there, tail lashing.
Lilda flinched at hearing her father's voice. "Oh snap~! I'm dead, I'm dead, dead, dead!"thought Lilda, remembering the last time she wondered off. But what she saw was a impish gleam in his eyes and that same cocky smirk on his face, so she let out a relieved sigh, giving her fur a good shake.
Ilia looked over to see Zelda's mate staring at them. At seeing his smile she smiled in return, whiskers twitching in equal amusement.
"Good morning, Lord Link. I trust Lady Zelda is doing fine back at the castle?"she mewed, politely nodding in greeting.
"Morning to you too, Ilia and yeah, my mate is fine. But if you'd excuse us, my daughter has to go and get some training done."I meowed, flicking my ear for my daughter to come to me.
Ilia gave a calm nod and watched as the two left Ordon Springs.
I've left my daughter to fine tone the use of Couragestar's Wind. Unlike me, she seems to have difficulty using that attack. I've just finished lending the ranch hand a hand.
That vision I had has constantly been raking my thoughts, though. It was really disturbing for me sense yet again I didn't know what it meant.
I slowly retreat to the tree-den and nudge my way through the satin door. I give a sigh at seeing my daughter lying fast asleep."The training must have worn her out."I thought, retreating to my nest. Before long sleep claims me...
"Link, don't do it! I beg of thee, don't do it!"pleaded Din, peering around her protector.
She had to hand it to her twin sisters, Couragestar and Wisdomstar. They had made the right choice in giving the young hero another chance as well as Zelda.
I turned my cerulean eyes onto Din's amber ones, determination in my eyes,"Run Din, run and go with Impa! I'll hold him back for as long as I can!"
I turn my attention at the Dark General as he showed his reinforced fangs and claws. I'm getting a big time deja vu here, and not the good kind!
If I could just get a blow in, before that funky black smoke is released.
I let out a yelp as whirl wind of fangs and claws strikes out at me, sending me flying.
"This is way different from earlier...isn't it!"I yelped.
I'm dodging like no tomorrow, putting full use of my lite, agile body into play. And as I'm cornered at the wall I still dodge, flinching as I glance to see a dent in the granite just an inch from my head.
"Yikes!"I squeaked under my breath.
"Annoying little bug...I'll rip you limb from limb!"I heard the Dark General yowl, coming at me again.
"Coming and get it half-breed, I'll die before I ever let you take Din!"I yowled right back, rage blazing in my cerulean eyes.
And he in deed comes at me with full force, Impa's screaming in fright but Din is staring in horror for me. But some how I've managed to stop his attack, but it fails and I'm sent flying, my claws breaking and blood from them oozing out and down to stain my paws as I yowl in pain.
But he doesn't give me time to hit the ground as he attacks me again, sending me rolling across the ground...
"Link, Lilda! Get out of bed you sleepy heads, it's morning!"
I let out a yelp, using Couragestar's Wind by mistake and hitting the roof, landing on my back at the lower level of the den. A soundless wail leaving my throat.
Lilda flinched at the sight. Her father must have had another nightmare again.
"Daddy, not again~! That's the third time this month!"groaned Lilda, hit her face with her paw.
"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"
That was going to leave a mark!
I slowly rose to my paws, giving my pelt a shake. That nightmare again, this time it was the golden tabby and it was different this time.
But the voices that had woken me clearly belonged to three of the four village kits, no doubt about it. They had no respect that was for sure. But they were good kits all the same.
I follow after my daughter out of the den and I did a front flip off the tree, Lilda following with a simple leap.
"What was that 'thump' sound we heard in there?"asked a eight moon old dark brown tabby tom.
Lilda gave a chuckle at Talo's question, "Dad took a backflop onto the livingroom floor from the window platform!"
"Lilda!"I half whined, half scolded as the three kits laughed.
Why did Lilda have to always go and make fun of stuff like me teleporting by mistake after another one of my insane nightmares? it just wasn't fair!
"Lilda, I'm going to go into the village. You stay here and get some training in."I mewed after quickly teleporting to get my things, poking my head out the window.
"Oh man, I wish I could do that!"chirped Malo softly.
Talo and Beth both turned their eyes onto the grumbling princess. Excitement shined in their eyes as Link returned...crown and all, minus the Shiekah War Bow. The Kokiri Pouch he always carried was resting snuggly over his fore shoulders and the Royal Family's ocarina tail-ring was fitted securely to his bushy tail. His legs bore the black rimmed, silver Gerudo leg-guards customary of that of a white ranking Gerudo, the guards had been a gift for Link's birth last season.
Talo quickly raced over to the young hero eagerly, Beth and Malo not far behind.
"Li-Ow, Beth! What was that for!"
"To mind your manners you stupid furball, Talo! Lord Link is a member of the Royal Family after all."retorted Beth after hitting Talo on the head.
Malo and Lilda just rolled their eyes at this.
"Anyways, didja hear that their selling a slingshot at the store, Lord Link? A SLINGSHOT!"squealed the young tom eagerly.
Amusement showed on my face at hearing and seeing Talo's eagerness. "A slingshot eh? maybe I just might go buy it myself. I used to love using my Kokiri Slingshot, that is till Lilda burned it by mistake while learning to shoot fireballs from Zelda last year."I thought, twitching my tail.
Leave it to Zelda to teach our daughter to make fire at will!
"Is that so, , I better be going."I purred in amusement.
I quickly make haste to leave while Talo, Beth, and Malo bickered with each other, Lilda quickly retreating into a near by tree. Don't get me wrong, the three kits were good kits, just a bit of a handful...if not a little bit clingy.
But I guess I should be used to it by now. I am the Hero of Time after all. Before long I've entered the village of Ordon, Ordon Village. It was a tranquil little place, lush and green too!
I spot Hanch is staring up at a tall branch and I quickly go over.
"Hello Hanch, need a hand with something?"
Hanch let out a startled yelp at seeing the young king, but quickly got a hold of himself.
"Lord Link, I didn't hear you coming. But yes, help would be nice, thank you. I can't seem to get that darn beehive down."
I glance up and sure enough, there was the nest of those little buzzards. I give a nod and make haste to get up a stone ledge where I knew some Hawk Grass grew.
I get to my hind paws after picking the bird shaped grass, quickly blowing on it to let a melody flow off and away from it. Before long a Hylian Hawk comes to hover beside me and I point at the beehive with my tail. The hawk gave a shrill shriek and went over dive bombing the hive and causing it to crash to the ground with a hard smash.
"Thank you!"yowled the tom.
"Hey, it was nothing, really."I chirped back, jumping off from the ledge.
I then make my way to Rusle's but I stop to see a middle aged silver tabby queen, contently basking by the stream. "Uli. What's Rusle's mate doing out here?"I thought with a smile, calling out to Uli.
Uli raised her head, opening her eyes to reveal a gentle hue of slate irises. The heavily pregnant queen perked her ears at seeing the young, lightly battle scarred king come over.
"Oh, why good morning Lord Link. If you're looking for Rusle you just missed him I'm afraid."
"That's quite alright. But why are you out by the stream this early in the morning?"I asked with a small chuckle.
Uli gave a warm purr at Link's bright mood. Zelda's had picked the Hero of Time to be her mate, she wasn't shocked in the slightest that was for sure. Link was a agile, lean, and strongly built tom with a selfless heart.
"I'm looking for my kit-nest, it went missing from the den's entrance this morning."she sighed in frustration.
My face has that "that-can't-be-a-good-thing" look. And Uli seems to see I'm concerned for her.
"Wait here."I mewed, dashing off before she could say a word.
I look around all over the village till I'm jumping from the round pillar of stone in the small pound. I perk my ears at hearing the chortle of a monkey in the distance and sure enough I spot the prize I was searching for.
Time to make like a Shiekah.
I give a smirk and use Couragestar's Wind, vanishing and snatching the carefully woven kit-nest from the monkey and vanish back to where I had been standing before. "That's monkey 0, and Hero of Time 1! Ha, take that, I've got the kit-nest!"I thought, smirking as I gripping the kit-nest tightly in my fangs.
With care I make my way back to Uli, waving my bushy tail at seeing her.
"Oh my, thank you so much Lord Link, you found my kit-nest! Would you be so kind as to take it back to my den for me?"purred Uli, rising to her paws.
I give a lite nod and walk with Uli back to her place, her kit-nest in my grasp. Once there I placed it down and bid my farewells to her. I then stopped in the shop and later came out with the slingshot, placing it in my pouch.
I then make my way back to the treehouse where Lilda and I are currently staying.