Chapter One: Press Start
"Hey! Listen! Hey! Listen!"
The blue, winged alarm screeches three more times before the plastic time-bomb feels the weight of my hand slamming down onto it. Sure, that shut it up, but now my hand is smarting. Groaning, I shake it to temporarily relieve some of the pain. Great start to the day, and I just know it's only going to get worse from here. I blink and wipe my eyes to get a better look at the world around me. Unfortunately, that doesn't do much for my spirits. Same stupidly small room in this stupidly small house.
I had tried to get past the strange gray walls that I knew I was going to have to paint green. I had tried to get past the way the pale blue light of morning shone through the too small window that may as well be barred. But I couldn't. My heart yearned for our old lodgings at Lon Lon Village. If I could, I would run back there. I would go see my friends, Malon and Mikau. I would go to Ingo's stables and see my favorite horse, Epona. I missed her most of all, riding through fields, saying hello to the other villagers as I fed her carrots and stroking her soft brown coat and white mane. I knew in my heart that I could never go back, not now that Mom had found a better-paying job in Castle Town and had dragged my sister Aryll and I up here, to this small house in the outskirts of the city. My mind started to get lost in my lonely thoughts before a voice suddenly called from downstairs.
"Link, are you up!? You can't be late for your first day of school, Hun!" Right. My junior year at Castle Town High was starting today. Off to classes with snobby city kids who can't even begin to comprehend the beauty of animals and nature. Against my inner judgment, I throw away my depressed anger and manage to reply to my mom.
"Yeah, gimme five minutes!" I throw on one of my pairs of jeans and a white t-shirt, topping off the outfit with my favorite green hoodie with the Triforce gleaming on the front. I suppose if there was anything I was looking forward to about the city, it was the history that oozed from the streets. This was where the monarchy of Hyrule once reigned supreme. Even though it had long been replaced by the democracy, the capital had never been changed. In fact, President Nohansen still lived in the old castle at the other side of the city. I've always wanted to visit this place, but it doesn't change my feelings about living here. Though guilt tries to nag at me, I can't help but wish Mom was still teaching classes at the college in Lon Lon.
"LINK! WE HAVE TO GO!" Crap. I got lost in my head again. I hastily brush my teeth and run downstairs, not bothering with my messy blond hair. I couldn't comb it if I wanted to. Slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I push myself out the door and into the car with mom and Aryll.
"You've got everything, right?" My mom asks. "You have your books? Pencils? Sketchbook?"
"Yeah."
"Link! Ready for junior year? I'm really excited for eighth grade! I'm gonna make so many new friends! How many friends will you make today, Link!?" I smile and ruffle my little sister's hair.
"Hey, it's not a competition, sis." I laugh when Aryll gets that pout on her face. If there's anyone I have a soft spot for in the whole world, it's my sister. We've been close since she was born, and I don't think that will ever change.
As the car rolls along the rocky roads of the city, I pull out my phone. Two new messages, one from Mikau, and one from Malon. I read the one from Mikau first. Best friend rules, sorry Malon.
Hey man, good luck at Castle Town High. I know you'll do great, and you'll make new friends. Just don't forget about us, alright? Malon says she'll ride all the way up there on Epona to knock some sense into you if you do. I'll make sure to keep you updated on my progress with our song too! It's going really well! I don't know if you can use your phone during school there, so let me know how it goes when you can. Oh, and if you get a girlfriend, let me know if she has any friends. Talk to you later!
I miss Mikau so much. We did a jam session about a week before I left, and we recorded a bunch of parts with me singing and Mikau playing his guitar. He's been mixing ever since, and I used my art skills to whip up some art for a single. I shoot back a quick assurance that I'll let him know how the day goes before pulling up Malon's text.
Hi Link! Good luck at your new school! You're going to make so many awesome friends and learn so much! Don't forget about us, or I will come up there. Epona misses you. It will take some time for her to get used to me feeding her and taking her for walks. I hope your parents will let you come down and visit her sometime. Mikau really misses you even if he doesn't say it to your face. He wouldn't stop moping yesterday even though you left a week ago. Anyway, it'll suck having to deal with Mr. Gaebora out here without you. Yeah, I got my schedule, and I have him for Math. Wish me luck! Anyways, let me know how school goes today. Miss you and love you!
I feel my throat closing and a little moisture coming to my eyes… come on, Link, you're almost at school! Malon is like a sister to me. We grew up together, and I worked on the farm with her and her father Talon all the time. People used to think we were dating for the longest time, leading to annoyance on both of our faces. Although there was a period where we tried it out, we both agreed that we didn't want to ruin our friendship. Despite that incident, we're still the best of friends. I reply to her as well and stare out the window at the many shops and offices of the city before we finally slow to a stop.
The high school looms in front of us, so it's time for me to leave. I hug Aryll and mutter a goodbye to Mom before stepping out of the car. City buildings surround the campus, and the school looks like it's in the middle of a park. If I wasn't so focused on other things, I might have stopped to sketch the sight. It's really rather beautiful, the green grass shining in the otherwise gray city with swaying oaks and even a little pond in the corner. Walking onto the campus was like travelling into another world. I take in everything as I walk to the tan building. The school is pretty large, taking up half the space and consisting of three stories.
Before I know it, I've reached the door, and I push my way inside. There are other kids arriving, but I keep my head down, not really ready to interact with anyone just yet. I do what my mom had advised and walk to the desk in the Main Office. The secretary looks down at me from her tall chair kindly.
"Is there anything I can help you with, dear?" She questions. I pull my schedule from my bag and show it to her.
"Hey, I'm new here and don't know my way around. Could you tell me where to go?" I asked, careful to hide my embarrassment. To my surprise, she doesn't seem annoyed or anything.
"Oh, I had heard we had a new student starting today! You must be Link… Faron, right?" I nod my head. "Okay dear, well you'll actually be working with one of your classmates who happens to share your schedule. If you would come with me, I can take you to him."
I walk with her as my entire brain shatters. They planned for me to walk with someone like a baby. They wanted to be matchmakers and just give me a friend. Oh goddesses, how embarrassing! What if I don't even like them? What if they just paired me up with the school bully? Then we come to a stop in front of a blond-haired kid, a Sheikah, with a blank grey sweatshirt and navy pants.
"Link, this is Sheik. He's a junior with the same schedule as you, so you can just follow him around for now."
"Alright, thanks," I say, although I don't really pay attention. I'm too busy studying this kid. He looks nice enough, with a careful smile painted on his face. He's only a little taller than me, but definitely leaner and more muscular. Not that I'm not those things, but he just looks like he spends all of his free time running or swimming. Sheik sticks out his hand, letting out a small grin. I take his hand, and he shakes it, firmly.
"The name's Sheik Shadow. You're Link, right?"
"Yeah."
"Cool. I'll show you to classes. The first thing we've got is History with Mr. Rauru. Everyone says he's an old geezer, but I like the guy. He has some interesting stories, and he knows the most of any of the history teachers about the old legends of the Hero and the Goddess." I actually let out a genuine smile. It looks like Sheik and I have something in common.
"Hey, I won't have to stand in front of the class and introduce myself, right?" I ask. "I'm not much of a public speaker, so…" Sheik waves me off reassuringly.
"Nah man, it's the first day, they won't pull that. All the teachers have new students, so they can't really focus on the one new kid. Speaking of which, where are you from, anyway?"
"Oh, I'm from Lon Lon." I explain all about my home to Sheik, and he looks like he's hanging on to my every word.
"Y'know, country life sounds really amazing! Everything here's all cooped up and cramped."
Suddenly, I get shoved into a locker as someone huge storms past me, chasing after someone smaller.
"Aww, come back Midna! I'm sorry, I really am!" The big Gerudo boy whines mockingly, dripping with sarcasm. The smaller one, now recognizable as a gothy-looking Twili girl with red hair and black clothes covered in spider designs recoils in disgust. She opens her mouth to retort, but someone else speaks first.
"Back off of her, Ganondorf! Don't you have somewhere else to be, anyway?" Sheik says boldly. I can't look away even though I know for a fact Sheik is about to get pummeled by the school bully. Ganondorf whirls around and shoves him against a locker, snarling.
"Don't tell me what to do, Shadow," he spits. "Why are you defending her anyway? Got a crush you want to talk about?" Although Ganondorf doesn't seem to notice, I don't miss a pink tint come to Sheik's pointy ears. He pushes the brute off and lets out a huff.
"No, I don't, I'm just telling you to stop being a jerk. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got somewhere to be, so go back to the gym and leave us alone."
It's then when the Gerudo turns and notices me. A look of confusion overtakes his face, and he looks down at me with disdain. I nearly shrink under his huge figure, but somehow manage to hold my ground.
"Who are you?" He grunts questioningly.
"I'm Link. I'm new here." I try not to stammer.
"Oh. Well Shadow here must be the one showing you around," he says, thrusting a finger in the Sheika's direction. He gets close to my face and grins. "I wouldn't spend more time around the loser than you have to if I were you. Learn to spend time with the more civilized people of the school, eh?" Quickly figuring him out and losing my fear of the seemingly idiotic jock, I coldly stare back into his face.
"I think I can tell who the losers are myself, Ganondorf," I say, causing Sheik to snicker behind me. Even the girl, Midna, hides her mouth behind her hand. I don't know what made me say it, but something about this kid just makes me angry. Apparently, he feels the same, because Ganondorf looks furious. He slams a hand on the locker behind me, casing a ringing sound through the hallway.
"Watch your back, Faron," he spits before storming away.
I breathe a sigh of relief and walk back over to Sheik. Midna walks over to us too.
"Link, that was incredible!" Sheik laughs proudly. "I don't think I've ever seen a new kid stand up to Ganon-dork like that!" Midna nods her head in agreement.
"Thanks, you guys," she says. "Y'know, even though I could have and was handling the whole thing myself." Sheik almost is blushing.
"No problem. Just try to stay away from the guy. He means trouble," he replies. Midna nods and saunters away to wherever she's going. Sheik snaps out of his daze and looks around.
"Damn!" He cries. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry to class!" The two of us break into a run through the quickly emptying hallways, reaching the correct classroom with only a minute to spare.
I look around the class. It's filled with about twenty students, and a large man with a white beard is sitting at his teacher's desk in an orange sweater vest. Sheik and I plop into two seats in the back corner of the room. I lean over to him and ask him if he knows anyone in here. Apparently, none of his friends are here, but he does know almost everyone. We talk a little more about the bully, Ganondorf, before the man pushes himself up from his chair just as a bell rings through the building.
"Good morning, class. My name is Mr. Rauru. I'll be teaching you guys advanced Hyrulian History this year, so make sure to bring lots of paper for notes. I know you guys are used to some pretty easy—and boring—classes learning about the rest of the world but trust me when I say we have a lot of confusing yet interesting stuff to get through this year, from the legends and myths of our history to the solid facts of recent times. I have prepared an overview lesson today to judge how much you guys know about the history of our country. Alright? Let's begin."
I like Mr. Rauru. He's very laid back and doesn't really expect everyone to know everything the first day. However, I turn out to be a star pupil, as I've been reading up on Hyrule since I was a kid. I have always found the old stories of the Triforce fascinating, hence the design on my hoodie. Courage, Wisdom, and Power. Nayru, Din, and Farore. There's always been something about the tale, specifically the ones about Farore and the Hero of Courage, that resonate with me.
"So, can anybody tell me how many shrines the Hero of the Wild opened on his journey? Yes, Mr. Faron?"
"One hundred and twenty."
"Exactly. These shrines helped prepare him for his battle against the Great Calamity, giving him the life force of many men and improving his speed and strength."
oOo
The day went on by rather quickly. I gradually found myself becoming friends with Sheik and opening up to him more. Who knew all I really needed to be happy here was a friend to guide me? I learned that he wasn't originally from the city either, actually being born in the land of the Sheikah, Kakariko Village. I had never been there, but I heard it was near Death Mountain. When I asked him how hot it was, he laughed, explaining that he moved to Castle Town when he was two years old with his family.
History was easy, but the other classes are rather difficult. I can't wait for art later, but it isn't until after lunch. Sheik and I walk there together, and he offers me a seat with his friends. I let out a chuckle that I hope isn't too nervous sounding, and I give a small shake of my head.
"Really, that's nice of you, but I wouldn't want to intrude- "
"No, it's nothing man! And listen, I'd rather you sit with us than have to face Ganondorf alone."
"I think I've proven I can handle him fine on my own, thanks," I deadpan, feeling a little hurt inside. But Sheik seems to realize his mistake and does a double take.
"Oh, nonono, don't get me wrong, I didn't mean it like that! I just meant… well… whatever, the guys would love to meet you!" He scrambles through his words, trying to find the right thing to say. I've noticed that a lot about Sheik. He's always really nice and helpful, but sometimes he finds it hard to make his intentions clear. Despite any shortcomings, I think I'm coming to like the guy.
I grin. "Alright, I'll come sit with you." He grins right back and gestures into the cafeteria.
"Well, we sit right over here!"
Two other boys and a girl are already sitting at the table after we buy pizza from the line. One of the boys is a big and bulky Goron, but he has a babyish face that makes him look like a teddy bear. He's looking me over curiously, not trying too hard to conceal his thoughts. The other boy is a red haired Kokiri with a smirk on his face and an arm around the green haired female Kokiri. She looks rather embarrassed but pleased at his affections. Sheik throws an arm around my shoulders and presents me to them, much to my embarrassment.
"Alright everyone, this is Link! He's new here today and has been sticking with me, so I'd thought I'd introduce him to you guys!" He tells me that the Goron boy's name is Darunia. The Kokiri boy is Mido, and the girl is Saria. They all wave as he introduces them. Sheik pulls up two chairs, one for me and one for him. We begin to eat quietly, a little shy. Like hell I'm going to start conversation with people I don't know!
Finally, Darunia breaks the silence. "So, what classes do you take, Link?" He asks.
"Other than all the core classes, I take art and music."
Darunia smiles. "Right, you're taking the same as Sheik."
I turn to Sheik, surprised that he was a music kid. I had forgotten he was in all of my classes. "Oh yeah, what instrument do you play?"
"I play the harp, which is the most ridiculous instrument you could probably play at this school. It definitely fits in with the marching band," Sheik tells me sarcastically in between bites. "What about you?"
"Oh, um, I'm more of a singer myself. I actually made music with my friend back at Lon Lon."
Sheik and Darunia look genuinely interested. "Really? Are you going to publish it?" Darunia asks.
"I don't know, he's still working on editing and mixing right now."
"Alright but let me know if it releases! That would be so cool!"
I smile sheepishly, feeling more comfortable with this guy than I did when we met. I ask Darunia what classes he's taking, and along with his gym courses, he's also taking classes to become an engineer and mechanic. I learn he really loves cars, and wants to find new, more environmentally friendly forms of transportation.
"Yeah, he has that side of him, but don't let that confuse you; he's a full-on jock through and through," Mido cuts in, making me realize that he hasn't really been talking to us this whole time. Darunia looks slightly hurt, but there's a playful glint in his eyes. He leans over to me.
"Mido's just jealous because he's too weak to compete with me in Goron wrestling. Only a few people, such as Sheik here, have bested me and earned the Goron brother title." Mido heard that and looked at Darunia in outrage.
"I am NOT weak," he nearly yells. We all jump back in alarm, until Saria puts a soothing hand on his arm. That seems to calm him down.
I turn to Saria and Mido. "So, what classes do you guys take?" It turns out, like Sheik and I, they both take the same classes and have known each other since they were kids. They take lots of English and History classes because, as Saria puts it, Mido is actually an aspiring and amazing writer, inspired by the heroes of old, causing Mido's ears to become beet red. She herself wants to learn about the world and become a poet.
We talk more openly as the period continues, and I tell my four new friends about my life in Lon Lon, and my love of animals and nature. Saria thinks that Epona sounds lovely, causing another fresh pain in my heart as I think about my old friend.
"Oh, by the way, were you looking for a job since you're new to the city?" Saria asks me. I'm a bit taken aback. Of course, I need to find work here, but on one of my first days here, I didn't expect to find an opportunity so soon.
"I suppose I should at some point. Why?"
"Oh, well I know a guy not too far from here, on the outskirts of the city. I think his place isn't too far from yours, actually. His name's Fado, and he has a ranch full of goats. He was actually looking for a new goat herder. I don't know if he's found one yet, but you seem to be strong and good with animals. Maybe you should check it out."
I'm pleased that she actually thought about my interests. "You know, maybe I will! Thanks Saria!"
Just then, the bell rang to signal the end of the period. I look over to Sheik. "Where to now?"
He checks his schedule and looks back up at me with a twinkle in his eyes. "You'll like this one. Follow me to art class!"
oOo
We walk into the art classroom and I have to shield my eyes from the brightness of the place. Well, not literally, but blank easels litter the place, and even the walls seem to have recently had a new coat of white applied. There's a nice view of the courtyard, and the early afternoon sun streams through the slightly tinted windows. Students are slowly filing in, and Sheik and I take two easels by the front of the class.
I turn to my decidedly new friend with a questioning look. "So… what are we supposed to do?" He just shrugs at me. Helpful.
Just then, something smashes into me. A mess of blond hair covers my line of sight as the impact of the… person makes me stumble back a bit. The person quickly shoots up. And they're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
I don't know what came over me in that moment, but this girl had entranced every part of my mind and soul. Her golden hair radiated with the light of the sun, and her eyes, her sparkling blue eyes! She's around my height, and she has the prettiest face, and admittedly ridiculously attractive frame, and her cheeks are tinted pink, and she's stammering, and her arms are flailing, and- wait, what?
"Oh my goddesses! Are you okay!? I'm sosososo sorry!" She cries out in a panic. "I tripped over something on the ground and… oh no…" She trails off, completely flushed in embarrassment.
I somehow manage to snap myself from my dazed stupor take the moment in stride. "Hey, don't sweat it. It's not a big deal. What's your name? I'm Link." I hold out my hand for her to shake.
She looks at me, seemingly a little confused that I let the incident slide like that. Then she breaks out into a smile. "I'm Zelda! Nice to meet you," She says, shaking my hand. Her hands are so soft and warm and LET GO, IDIOT!
Zelda takes the easel next to mine, and I scratch my left hand quickly. It felt kind of itchy after touching her for some reason. I then look over at Sheik, who is looking at me with the most devilish smirk I've seen from him all day, or, well, ever, because that's true as well.
He leans over to me and whispers, "Someone's got the hots for the mystery girl, huh?" I could smack him, but I'm a little put off by his words, so I whisper back.
"Whaddya mean, mystery girl?" I ask, not even daring to glance over my shoulder at Zelda.
"She's this girl that nobody knows where she came from. Nobody even sees her go to or from school. She's an enigma!" I glance at Zelda, who has taken out her phone and is just fiddling with it. A mystery girl, huh? Captivating… SHUT UP, LINK!
Class ends up going awesome! The teacher, Miss Paya, is really relaxed, so she lets us just paint whatever we want. I kind of just fall into my old rhythm and end up painting a tree standing alone in a nighttime landscape. Next to the tree, there stand two white silhouettes of a man and a woman. I don't know why I painted the woman the way I did, but she looks ridiculously familiar. Then I look to the side and blanch. The woman looks suspiciously like the girl next to me. Just then, Zelda turns to gaze at my painting.
"Wow, Link! That's incredible!" She exclaims. "I love the how the stars contrast with the sky like that!" Thank god she doesn't notice her mirror-image in the image. My cheeks are ridiculously warm as I stammer out a thank you.
When the bell finally rings, Sheik lets out a long sigh of relief. "Finally, the end of the day!" He says loudly. I follow him out of the room and down the stairs. I hear a tap on my shoulder as we walk and see Zelda over my shoulder. She seems kind of nervous, her cheeks once again tinted with that cute pink. Just looking at her makes my heart pound in my chest.
"Hey, Zelda! You… uh… need something?" I ask. She shakes her head quickly and gives me a small smile.
"No, I just wanted to say thanks again… for, y'know… catching me? I just met this really mean guy, Ganon-something, and he just gave me the creeps… so, uh, see you later!" If she was blushing before, now she was beet red. She hurries into the crowd of students by the door, and I lose sight of her.
Sheik snickers. "Dude, I think she likes you back! Why didn't you ask for her number or anything?" I elbow him in the ribs.
"Shut up." I deadpan.
We walk through the doors and across the front yard of the campus. A line of cars is waiting, most likely parents or older siblings waiting to drive kids home. I knew my mom would be in this line. Sheik walks with me, and he looks a little abashed now.
"Hey… Link… I just want to say thanks." I gape at him.
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you? You're the one who helped me survive my first day here!"
"I know that, but… I didn't have any friends in my classes this year. Darunia, Saria, Mido, and I were all sort of split up. So… yeah. Thanks for hanging around." He looks awkward, like he wants to say more but doesn't really know how.
"No problem, I totally get it. I'm just glad that I got you as a guide." We give each other grins.
"Alright, well, see you tomorrow, Link. We've got our first gym class!" We high five and he jogs off to a nearby car before sliding in the passenger door. I smile and spot Mom's car about a block away. As I make my way over, I realize that this day went a lot better than I was expecting.
I hear a shout behind me. A gruff, familiar shout. "HEY!" I whip around to see what was going on, but all I see are tired students walking down the sidewalk behind me. That was weird. I open the door to the red pickup truck and slide in. I'm ready to go home.
oOo
Ganondorf grumbles as he walks down the sidewalk. What a stupid day. Another fight with Midna, shitty classes. Just what he needs. Oh, and that Faron kid. The new guy. Something about him put Ganondorf off, and it wasn't just his defiance. Just looking at him made Ganondorf angry.
Of course, that's the moment when he spots that blond head of hair, walking side by side with Shadow. Ganondorf sneers and has half a mind to storm over. But before he can make up his mind on whether to do it, a hand grabs his head, covering his mouth.
In a fit of enraged panic, Ganondorf roars "HEY!" But he can't even struggle before he's dragged into a dark alleyway.
When he opens his eyes, he is sitting in a dark room. A lantern is placed in front of him, and in front of that… WHO THE HELL WAS THAT!? A thin, homeless looking man is staring at him, a wide, unsettling smile on his face. The Gerudo boy can't even tell what he's supposed to be, with his grey face, diamond earrings, and white hair that covers one of his eyes.
"Oh. I see you're up," the man says. He has a strangely high-pitched voice, and if anything, it pisses Ganondorf off more than he already is. With nothing more than an inhuman roar, the Gerudo lunges at the stranger. But the stranger doesn't even blink. He slaps Ganondorf across the cheek, sending his attacker flying across the room and slamming hard against the wall. A mix of pain and fear overcomes the boy, and he looks furiously at the stranger, who now seems to be shaking with laughter.
"Well, you're certainly aggressive. Strong, too. But not powerful. Could I have been wrong, perhaps?" He mutters to himself.
"What the hell are you talking about!? What do you want with me? Who even are you!?" Ganondorf snarls.
The man smiles devilishly. "Those are questions I will answer, after I do my tests. Now let me see…"
And in a split second, the man crosses the room and slams a knife in the middle of Ganondorf's right hand. He howls in pain, but clenches the hand all the same, rearing it back to punch the stranger wherever he can reach. This time, he succeeds in reaching the man's chest, but Ganondorf has a sneaking suspicion that it only works because the stranger deliberately didn't move out of the way.
The stranger goes flipping through the air before landing on his feet on the other side of the room. He smiles psychotically and triumphantly. "Look at your hand, Ganondorf," he says.
To Ganondorf's utter horror, a mark appears where the knife impales his right hand. Three shimmering golden triangles forming a larger one. The knife is stuck in the center of the three. The top one is shimmering with an almost magic light. This… this was a symbol from history class. From the Hyrulian flag! What was it called again?
"Yes, Ganondorf," the stranger sneers. "That is called the Triforce. The Triforce of Power, specifically."
A/N: Welcome to this new story, everyone! This was an extremely long chapter, so don't expect this length every time, but I felt like it was necessary to introduce the world and some of the core characters. Anyway, I don't have much to say other than leave feedback for what you would like to see from this story or even me in the future. Oh yeah, and DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Legend of Zelda. See you guys next time!
-SuperFlameBoi