I am intending to keep up with a few chapter updates each week, so expect more updates regularily with improving quality each time!
A Shadow's Lament: Says the one who inspired everything and still does. You are too modest! I appreciate your comments and I like to bring life to (or attempt to) the surroundings most of the time, but I could never truly capture it this time round. Well... It is a Adventure/Romance, and I would personally slap Link if he didn't think about her.
Reyser Thanks! I appreciate the comments, and I like to try and capture a sense of realism in the fights, while keeping Link's skills from his adventures and the game. The thoughts of Link killing everything with a knife... Oh lord. It probably would be easy. Well, I don't think TP is the sort of pure romance aspect (but people prove me wrong) so, yeah. And thanks again!
Minaly Have a virtual cookie. That review as awesome. Seriously, nothing to be said!
Quick Realism plays a huge hand, and this is not some sort of stealth fanfiction so fear not! :D
The sun rose over Hyrule, signaling the start of the fifth day after the kingdom had proved victorious against the King of Shadows, Zant, and the invasion of the Twilight. With the restoration of peace, neverending celebrations took the streets by storm for what was nearly approaching a week, and showed no signs of stopping. The festities would once again soon begin, and people would rise happily in the early hours of the morning.
Various architects and builders stood in a circle, carefully observing the construction of the stalwart fortress that would serve as Hyrule's new castle. A man who firmly held the clipboard by his chest was barking orders left right and center, and the builders complied with elated spirits. The festivals were truly capturing the heart of every Hyrule citizen, motivating them regardless of their social standings.
Behind the mob that surrounded the construction stood the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda, who was soon to become the Queen of Hyrule at the coronation in a week's time. Her faint locks seemed to radiate in the sun light as she rose a hand and pressed them out of view. She was smiling as she gently flipped a page within the tome that she held carefully, her eyes happily moving through the page at her own fast pace.
"Zelda!" The soft voice of one of her maids caught her attention, and she turned around to the direction of the voice, her dress swaying softly at her feet with the gentle breeze.
"Ah, Sylvia!" She smiled happily as she shut the tome and pressed it to her chest. She noticed Sylvia nervously clutch the sides of her skirt as she curtsied to the princess, and wondered why she was so nervous, but left that question for later. Zelda furrowed her brows as she realised the absence of someone else she had called for.
"Where is Link?" Sylvia seemed to wince at the sound of her name, and Zelda's smile faded entirely, replaced by a look of uncertainty and alarm across her face.
"What's happened? Where is he!" Zelda fought back the urge to grip Sylvia by her shoulders and shake her frantically. She noticed that Sylvia seemed to frown, her eyes always set on a patch beside her and never directly noting her princess. This confused Zelda even more, and worry started to stain her heart.
"Look at me," Sylvia's frown seemed to grow as she slowly rose her head, her brunette locks almost concealing her green eyes as she looked towards Zelda. She wasn't usually like this, Zelda thought, and remembered how the maid had always seemed to have a happy expression, regardless of the weather or the news she bears. Why now of al times that she chose to show uncertainty baffled Zelda.
"What is wrong?" Her words seem to shake Sylvia to the core as she shivered. However, the breeze was gentle and warm, and the sun light was strong on Hyrule. Zelda started to fear that something had happened to Link.
"H-H-He... He-" Sylvia seemed to stutter, another unusual action that had never took the maid during their previous encounters. Irritation took control of Zelda for a slight moment as she looked towards Sylvia directly, her eyes resonating with anger and concern.
"Where is he?" Her voice was cold and commanding, drawing from Sylvia a fearful look as she stared into Zelda's eyes, her legs starting to tremble at the sudden change of the Princess's personality.
"He has left, princess." Sylvia spoke softly, her voice threatening to break at any moment from the strain that her words carried. Zelda face became greatly pale and devoid of any expression, and Sylvia attempted to curtsie before walking down the path back into Castle Town.
He had left. He, her brave knight who tore through the darkness without fear, and brought down both Ganondorf and Zant. The one who she secretly admired and loved. She had heard the words that she had never wanted to hear in her life.
He had left.
At that moment, Zelda felt unbelievable strain settle on her shoulders, and she desperately fought back the urge to just fall to her knees and wrap her arms around herself, letting lose all of the confused emotion that was building up inside her. Her eyes darted to either side, before she gripped the hem of her dress and ran to the cover of one of her favourite trees, where she used to come and sit down and read when she was young.
Her foot steps and sudden actions shook the politicians, who called out her name in confusion and worry as they took after her. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Sylvia - who had stopped at the gate to Castle Town and saw Zelda's reaction - cast them a deadly glare and follow their princess. They confusedly complied and returned to their conversations.
As soon as Zelda's feet came to a halt under the shade of the tree, her resolve faltered and tears came flooding from her eyes. She broke down to her knees and leaned against the base of the tree for any type of comfort, however cold or barren it was. Her arms were wrapped softly around her chest, and her cold hands were gripping her arms as she struggled to fight back the emotions that were causing her so much pain and suffering.
"Zelda...?" She softly raised her hand and wiped away what tears she could, her cheeks having been practically covered by her emotion. She reluctantly raised her head and peered through her tear-ridden eyes, struggling to make out the figure that stood before her out of the blurry haze.
"Zelda." The voice broke through her head and seemed to bring her crashing back to reality. It was Sylvia, the maiden who had brought her the news that was the bane of her existance.
"S-Sylvia," Zelda struggled to speak as her voice was torn asunder by sobs. She was unable to think properly as mixed feelings of anger, confusion and sadness were clouding her usually clear mind. She had no where to go, no one to confide with, and no one to wipe away her tears.
She was alone.
"It's okay, Zelda," Sylvia whispered to Zelda, her usual warm and gentle smile taking her lips as she extended both of her arms to the princess, offering her the embrace she needed.
Zelda practically threw herself into Sylvia's arms, who gasped at her princess's reaction before she slowly started to comfort the princess, running her hand through her thick locks. She had never seen the Princess show any signs of depression, and this sudden outburst had took her by surprise. She understood the pain though. Her heart did. For she suffered the same thing only a year ago.
"It will be alright, Zelda. I am sure he will return." Those words seemed to clear the mist from Zelda's mind, who slowly but surely stopped her emotion from taking over her.
Those words were to become the driving force behind Zelda's resolve, words that she would never forget. And in times of struggle, she would repeat those words to herself and come to terms with the situation that haunted her.
"Zelda." The voice startled her and brought her hurling back into the world. Her eyes shot open and she instantly rose to her head, looking around for the person who spoke. What if someone saw her? She had spent four years trying to restore the faith of Hyrule's citizens in the government and in her capabilities, and any foul rumours would surely tarnish her reputation and ruin her work.
"It's okay, there's no need to panic." She breathed a sigh of relief as she recognised Sylvia - who was standing in front of her oak desk that was littered with books, tomes and both signed and unsigned paper and a bottle of ink - with a reassuring smile on her face. Before she could help it, her lips soom formed a smile in response. It was the Sylvia effect, she thought to herself childlishly, and a small giggle broke from her lips.
Sylvia simply smiled as she lowered the tray on the only available space on the desk, taking in the paper work that was littered into groups. She reached for the tea pot that rest in the middle of the tray and gently poured it into the cup to the side. As she watched the steam rise from the cup, she lowered the pot down and poured in some milk into the tea. Over the years, she had grown to know Zelda in many ways, especially her tastes. She leaned the pot of milk back after she felt it was right, and carefully placed the cup of tea in front of Zelda, who thanked her before delicately cupping her fingers around the cup and raising it to her lips, giving it a soft blow.
"It's just like you to be residing in the study, your majesty. I see you are hard at work with requests from the council?" Zelda smirked and nodded, lowering the cup to the desk and noticing the whirls in the design.
"I am, yes, and fell asleep only a few minutes ago. I was recalling a certain dream..." Her eyes narrowed as she remembered it as if it was yesterday.
"Ah, that dream?" Sylvia's eyes became full of concern. It was just like her, Zelda thought, and she waved it off with a smile of her own.
"I am alright, Sylvia. I have grown use to it over the years. I would not succeed as a Queen if I had not learned to deal with my own internal conflict." The words brought forth a brighter smile from Sylvia, who simply bowed and looked around.
"I still don't see how you would be so use to a crowded room such as this, your majesty." Her hand gestured to the rows of bookcases that filled the room, the wooden cases illuminated by the sun shining through the glass window. A few torches were spread out across the pale white walls. Zelda leaned back against the wooden chair and set her eyes on Sylvua once more.
"I am use to this room, as it brings me much comfort to be able to relax without having those politicans screech at me with their endless worries. I have always proven them wrong and dealth with their issues, and yet some of them still doubt my capabilities. It was rather unnerving."
"Then you may do well to personally deal with said politicans, your majesty. It seems they may need reason that they can both see and believe." Sylvia smirked softly at her comment.
"Indeed. I will deal with the court later on, we have a meeting in..." Zelda's leaned forward and peered towards the clock perched atop the door, reading the time, "Roughly fifty minutes." With that she leaned back into the chair, returning to the works of her desk. Her fingers swiftly reached for the stamp to her left and pressed it firmly against the parchment. The large red sign read 'REJECTED'.
"I will leave you to your work, your majesty. Please ensure that the tea is not cold when I return." A small smile touched Zelda's lips as Sylvia bowed and exited through the door, closing it softly. It was only then that Zelda noticed Sylvia had left a letter on the side of the table. She reached for the letter and looked at it, raising her brow when she noticed it was from General Swift.
Your majesty, I bring you news of our findings
in the Ordona Province. We have had repeated
skirmishes with creatures such as the Bulblins,
but have yet to face a real threat. I believe it is
suffice to say that we may make a return that
is earlier than previously scheduled. We look to
ride out in precisely two days time.
The letter was ended rather abruptly, she thought. This was symbolised by the unique signature that was always interesting to try and make out. Some might think it was another person altogether by how unique General Swift signed his papers. Regardless, she had appointed him as the General based on his success and his strategic prowess, not on his letter-writing skills. She smirked softly at her thoughts as she placed the letter to her side, taking another sip of her tea.
She would have to consult with General Swift later on about where they should send the divison, as it is no doubt that they should make better use of their soldiers than to have them idly sit about and do nothing while her kingdom may be threatened by some force that has yet to truly reveal itself. She glanced at the clock and leaned forward. She cursed the clock silently for being so far away.
Twenty minutes had passed since Sylvia had left, and Zelda decided it was time that she depart for court. It often took her a while to make her way to the court as the castle was large and mainly unfamiliar to her. She reached for a group of parchments settled at the centre of the desk, and clasped her hands around it and raised it to her chest. She rose from the desk and headed for the door.
I'll have to talk about our current economical state, she thought to herself as she proceeded out of the door, smiling at both of the guards who saluted her.
That, and the current threat that is plaguing Hyrule.
During the travel to Ordon Village, Link was avoiding contact and communication with the other members of the group. The only person who he found himself talking to - and strangely found a sense of comfort alongside - was Olaf. He was the man who managed to rally the soldiers together in their times of desperation and beat back the Bulblins. Link could sense an air of confidence and skill about Olaf, and he praised him silently for that. Olaf also seemed to respect his privacy, and more to his pleasure did not suspect him of being the Hero of Twilight.
However, the General of the Hyrule Army may be the very problem he had wanted to avoid. It was only made worse by the fact that that very General was stationed in the village he was going to for supplies. And with such a small community, contact would be highly likely, and rumours would spread like wildfire in small communities. Link grunted at the thought of having to confront Ilia again after all these years, it would not be a pleasant encounter.
Olaf turned his head slightly and peered over his shoulders, taking in the figure of the adventurer who had rescued them from the Bulblin plight, and noted how he concealed all of his body through the use of a large faded brown cape. The mysterious air seemed to leave Olaf confused, and although he had briefly seen the blonde adventurer's features, he could sense no malicious intent from him. He supposed that every man had their secrets they wanted to keep, and so would keep to that same policy that has done him well throughout the years.
He noticed how Link raised his head - symbolised by the fact that the hood itself rose after being directed at the floor for a good half an hour of travelling through the forest - and was looking directly at him. A warm smile took Olaf's lips as he nodded towards Link before returning his gaze back to the front. Thoughts of how the adventurer was really stranged lingered in the depths of Olaf's mind. There was something so familiar about that person, but he could not for the life of him remember. His mind was not as sharp as his skills, sadly. He shrugged it off and walked on.
Fendrel and James, the two brothers who Link had encountered previously in the forest were talking with the remaining soldier from the encounter with the Bulblins. They were very loud and noisy, and he had wished many times that they would be silenced by some divine act so he could walk in silence. He had after all grown accustomed to traveling around the land alone, and he had most likely taken the peace for granted as a part of his daily life. But still, there was something so unusual about them that made him raise his brow here and there. They seemed alive as one, as a big and happy family.
A family that Link would never have.
"There's the bridge!" Link's ears twitched as he rose his head, looking directly at the wooden bridge that had stood there four years ago when his quest to save Hyrule started. It looked more or less the same, although at closer inspection he could tell that repairs had been done to ensure that the bridge was in fair condition. It felt and smelled like he was home already, and he had not even stepped into the depths of Ordon Village.
"Nayru help me, I am not passing through tha-" James was silenced mid-way as Fendrel playfully pushed his brother onto the bridge and left James to stumble on one foot, a rather feminine scream escaping his lips that made everyone around him raise their eyebrows. James stumbled and desperately caught the ropes on either side and froze until the bridge stopped shaking slightly. Laughter erupted around the soldiers who were not yet on the bridge, and Link swore that James seemed as red as a tomato.
"I-I, I could have died! Why'd you do that- Just forget it..." James scowled angrily as he clung onto the ropes on either side of the bridge and let his hands drag himself across the bridge, refusing once to look down below. Who knows what would of happened if he had looked down. And quite frankly, Link didn't really want to think about it. He followed Olaf as he passed through the bridge and onto the other side. Together, the group made their way across and past the pond, before finally arriving at Ordon Village's outskirts.
It was Link's home. He recognised it instantly, the location of his house had not been changed, and although time had taken its toll, the house still seemed to be of stable condition. Olaf noticed Link's movements and how he seemed to stare at the buildings and their surroundings for a prolonged time, and started to piece together that he may have something to do with the village.
"Alright lads, enough admirin' of the damn tree... house... thing. Let's just get a move on, alright? General Swift's awaitin' fer the report!"
Olaf's words whipped the soldiers back into moving. The group quickly moved down into Ordon Village, leaving Fendrel and James to watch on in admiration of the unique difference between Ordon Village and Castle Town. Link on the other hand was experiencing feels of nostalgia, and quickly felt uncomfortable in the village's presence. He looked towards Olaf interestedly, who was consulting with one of the soldiers stationed near the entrance. After a brief exchange, Olaf nodded and saluted before heading on. The group had dissipated in numbers as the brothers and the soldier vanished into different parts of the village.
Link's eyes instantly fell upon a building to the left of the entrance to Ordon Village, and Link recalled that this was the location of the Sera's Shop, Sera's Sundries. He raised his brow from the cover of his hood as he noticed a young teenager sitting on the rock, with one of his legs pressed against his chest, his arm danglingly aroud it with a twig. The clothing felt familiar, and the red cloth that he wore on his head was of nostalgic qualities, and the way he wielded the twig...
It was Talo.
Alongside Talo was another young teenager, who was smaller than Talo but seemed to have a much more intelligent air about him, like that of an evil mastermind who secretely plotted for world domination. Link only took a few seconds to realise that it was Malo. It had been so long, and they looked so grown up even though only four years had passed. He had wondered what it was like after he had left and the Twilight creatures had left Ordon Village, but this was his first real time returning and-
"Talo, Malo! There you are."
Link slowly turned his head behind him, and noticed the very person he had been wanting to avoid seeing. It was Ilia, and her face was crooked into a frown as she furiously stormed over to the two near the rocks. As she brushed by him, his entire body froze involuntarily and left Link helpless. He wanted to move away from her, but that would look too suspicious. He was afraid that some sudden gust of wind would knock his hood off and reveal his identity, but that was too supersticious. He breathed a huge sigh of relief after she stormed past him, not noticing him and instead tending to Talo and Malo.
Olaf clasped Link's shoulder, drawing his attention and gestured down the village. Link merely nodded in reply and followed Olaf. Although he was gaining distance, he was sure he could hear Talo protesting against what ever it was Ilia was annoyed about. It wouldn't end well, he thought to himself as he proceeded on, relieved that he had been spared from death's embrace. At least for now.
It was not long before the two stumbled upon a tent pitched up at the very corner of the village, near the path that lead to Ordon's Ranch, and that was presumably were the rest of the division remained for the time being. There was no way that the village could accomodate that many people without having some extra houses, and Link noticed that it was almost exactly the same when he came back.
A soft chuckle rang in Link's ears, and he turned to notice that Olaf was the one chuckling. He looked to see what was so hilarious. Link raised one of his eyebrows as he saw the two brothers from earlier having practically sprinted through the village and made their way half the way through to Ordon Ranch. It was just in their nature he thought, for they were rather excited and liked to get things done as soon as possible-
"Lieutenant Olaf! I see you've returned all fine n' dandy!" The voice was deadly unfamiliar, and yet had a rather interesting accent that sounded rather cocky and yet... friendly? An unusual blend he admitted. Olaf broke out into laughter, and Link interestedly turned around on the spot to see who had found Olaf.
Big mistake.
He stared lifelessly at the insignia of one of Hyrule's Generals. It was General Swift, the leader of the division that was the most loyal to the Queen. Link instinctively lowered his head so that the hood would dip, concealing his features. Swift cast him a glance interestedly, but Olaf intervened - earning a silent thanks from Link - and smiled happily.
"Ah, this here is an adventurer who happened t' pass by when we were assaulted by a bunch o' nasty Bulblins. If it weren't fer' him, we wouldn't be here, General. I owe him ma' thanks."
General Swift raised his brow and looked towards Link, who stood still and remained concealed by his cloak. He could feel the Generals eyes piercing through his cover, as if trying to discern who his real identity was, if he was friend or foe, and trying to make sense of his arrival all in one. A scary individual.
"And why does this adventurer don such a cloak, might I ask? Is he injured in any form of way?" General Swift looked towards Olaf expectantly, who's smile soon vanished and turned into a frown.
"No, General. It's just that he does not seem so keen on showing his face or his body for what ever reason. I believe it is right t' trust him though." Olaf nodded and glanced approvingly in Link's direction, who felt a slight sense of relief and a tingle of hope. He could feel General Swift's eyes on his body once again, and felt a slight shiver on his back.
"Alright. No questions on that topic for now then. Anywho, you will have to brief me on the assault later, as we are due to return to Castle Town shortly, and we shall make our leave today."
General Swift seemed to add a note of finality to the words today, as if he would not accept any excuse for them delaying or being late on their return. He understood the neccesity of course.
"I see," Olaf noded in his direction, and saluted him. "If you will excuse me then, General, I have work that I must tend to." General Swift saluted him back and walked off back to the tent that was pitched up and disappeared within it shortly after.
"It's broad as day, but you might as well explore the town and what pleasantries it has to offer. I'll be hangin' around the entrance on guard duty. I'll see you there shortly if you ever need me."
With that, Olaf smiled happily and went off on his way. Link could hear sounds of protests from the tent, and assumed that is where the injured were being treated.
He was now alone again, trapped within the very village that he was raised in. Sighing to himself, he gently made his way back up the village road. Link couldn't help but shake the weird feeling within the village. He knew something was not right, and so he proceeded to make his way up through the road and go to his house.
Intense pain suddenly struck him in the head, causing Link to growl furiously and slowly fall to his hands, his knees soon following so that he was on all fours. His head throbbed in agony with each passing second, a strange rhythm within the painful sensation, and he struggled to shake it off. He heard the sound of crashing silently in his ears.
It all went black.
A dark figure stood silently beside a wooden bridge, which moaned in protest as the winds pressed against it and moved it from side to side. The figure turned around slowly, his dark cape fluttering behind his fleet as his dark leather boots stood heavily against the ground. For some reason, Link could only make out the lower half of the figure's body, which all seemed to be terribly dark and blurry.
Although it was a blend of dark and grey elements, Link still noticed the various Bulblins that walked up to him and subsequently kneeled. Why would they kneel, Link thought to himself, and who was this mysterious figure. His thoughts were silenced though as the figure spoke out, their voice sounding eerily familiar.
"It is time, my friends - it is time to take back what is truly yours, to take back the world of light that was stolen from you by them. Ride now, fast and true, and show them that you are not forgotten, that you will not be forgotten, and that you will undo all of their creation until they no longer exist in this world. Go now, and set the village of Ordon aflame!"
His voice was cold and demanding, and yet the Bulblins shouted in joy and cheers and broke down in the direction opposite the figure. He could hear the figure's dark chuckling as he turned and crossed the bridge.
He said the village of Ordon. The bridge looked like the one he had just crossed, and the Bulblins looked like the ones he had just faced. And then it hit him.
They were attacking Ordon.
Link screamed internally as the pain grew again in intensity, all colour fading from sight as darkness took his vision.
When Link woke, his vision was hazy and he was bent on all fours, struggling to keep up-right. He could feel the protection of his faded brown coat and knew that his features were concealed, and yet a slight ringing sound vibrated within his ears. He softly pressed himself up with one hand, and leant up on one knee as he tried to concentrate on what was in front of him. His eyes suddenly snapped open after the ringing ceased, as if a hazy visor had been removed from his sight. Horror took control of his concealed face.
There were three Bullbos breaking into the village, mercilessly crushing the guard who was unfortunate to be caught under the beast's feet. Another one of them, who he judged to be Olaf as a result of the scream he heard was sent flying backwards, colliding with the ground with a loud shattering sound. It was either his armour or his shoulder. Either way, it was serious, and he noticed that Malo and Talo had dispersed, leaving Ilia to help Olaf to his feet.
The sound of a horn was heard, and Link looked up to see a Bulblin on top of the center Bullbos pull the reins. It then broke out into an all-out charge alone into the center of the road while the other two Bullbos charged in other directions. It was charging to them, to Ilia, to Talo and Malo who were cowering behind him and the helpess soldiers - for he was able to hear their yells of fear - as they watched Ilia. Olaf wearily rose his spear and gripped it tightly, hoping for a miracle to defend him.
Ilia screamed and closed her eyes, turning her head and hiding it behind her hands as the beast charged towards her and Olaf. A fuse that was deep within Link that remained untouched for four years broke, and with that fuse something within his body took control of him. He rose to his feet and leaped forward, catching Olaf by surprise as he passed by him and reached for his back.
"Don't!" Olaf screamed in protest, attempting to reach out and grab him by the shoulder. "You will die-" His voice was silenced as Link reached for the handle at his sheath and drew forth the Master Sword, the light reflecting off of the blade's edge.
The Bulblin knocked an arrow and feebly aimed towards Link, snarling at him as it let loose the arrow and watched as it flew towards him. Link quickly rolled forward and avoided the arrow, his hood falling down to reveal his golden locks. He could hear gasps from behind him, but he did not care. He needed to protect Ordon Village.
He charged forward and then strayed to the side, narrowly avoiding the Bullblos from colliding with him. His adrenaline rush had nearly caused him to charge to his end, but he was able to realise his danger and jump to the side, leaving the beast to charge past him. This gave him the opportunity he needed, his hand gripping the hilt as the Master Sword hummed in delight, tearing through the entire flank of the Bullblos. Link winced as a horrible screeching sound escaped the beast, and turned to watch the Bulblin panic. The boar attempted to regain control over its footing and had fortunately moved away from his friends, stumbling and eventually collapsing in agony. The rider quickly dismounted the beast by jumping off of it, colliding with the ground and grunting as it slowly stood up, its venomous eyes staring at Link as it pulled forth the horn from before and sounded it. The two other riders returned to his side, disappointedly halting their efforts of ransacking the village.
Link slowly rose from his seated position, flicking the Master Sword so that the loose blood sprayed across the ground, and stared intently towards the other two riders, their eyes filled with blood-thirsty desire. It was a three-on-one, and the enemy had large boars that would crush him or impale him. He was out-manned and out-gunned. He would need assistance to defeat them. Being the wielder of the Blade of Evil's bane and a skilled swordsman held no merit at such a disadvantage.
He needed a miracle.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I will be working on the fourth one which shall be released later this week. Remember to R & R! Criticism is much oblidged as it would help me improve my work. Thank you to everyone who has added this story to their notification list, and to all of you awesome people who have reviewed my story so far. I love you all!