Authors Note: You clicked on my story! That makes you an incredibly cool person. Good for you! Yah! Well anyway this story uses the Ocarina of Time world and the timeline is after Link comes back to his childhood. Link and Zelda are 17 now. Now in this story I have interpreted the ending not as an infinite loop where Link fights Ganondorf over and over, but that when he came back Ganon never existed. By locking him in the Sacred Realm his very presence in time was erased. However, I have Link, Zelda, the Sages, and anyone with magical talent remembering the events even though they never happened. There will be more on that in the story. This story is from the perspective of a young mage. Oh and I still haven't decided on whom Link ends up with so review or e-mail me with your opinion. They are all such nice girls. Lucky son of a. (ahem) enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda.

Watching For Action



Chapter 1 Part 1



"Don't get involved Dyrade."

That was the last thing the Elder had told me and it still bothered me. I played out the conversation again in my head. There I was standing in front of the oldest and wisest mage in Hyrule. She was rumored to be over three hundred years old. Her flowing silver hair still amazed me and she had a grace and elegance that made my breath catch in my throat. I may have been taller than she was but her presence towered above me. I had just completed my trials. oh I am truly sorry I am getting ahead of myself. My name is Dyrade and I am the thirteenth of my bloodline, yes in the great tradition of Hyrulian names it is just one word. All of the Dyrades that came before me were great mages. We have one of the most respected magical bloodlines in the known world. Much like the Dyrade that came before myself I stand towering over the other mages at six feet six. My red hair is constantly flowing in the breeze. I am thin and unfortunately I am not a muscular person. Think of a reed and you've got me. As long as I can remember I have been a mage in training. My earliest memory is standing in the Hall of Magic it's stained glass windows shining in the sun. They all depict a famous mage and to my lines credit there are several Dyrades. We almost all look exactly alike. It must be the magic in the bloodline. Well I would love to go into the details of the effects of magic on physical appearance but my story will never get told if I don't.

"Your task in this world will be to guard the Princess of Destiny. Remember young one that as a mage you must only watch events. Only intervene if her life is in danger."

Her words bothered me. How can you define what is dangerous to a life. I could protect her physically only to find her emotionally destroyed. My task will not be easy.

"You have questions and that is good. I will not answer them, you must. The king has been informed of your impending arrival. Remember there are political agendas at the castle. Your task is to make sure the princess is safe no matter what happens. Many will try to beseech your help. Don't get involved Dyrade."

Having said what she intended to say she handed me a letter that would allow me access to the castle. I packed my things and changed into my traveling robes. Unlike popular belief nothing I carry is enchanted except my backpack. Well how else to you expect someone as non-athletic as I am to lug my things across Hyrule? It stores everything I need and is still as light as if it is carrying nothing but hot air. Yes I realize this may be why I am so out of shape but I am a mage so keep quiet before I do something awful to you. Ha! That shut you up. As I was saying I am carrying my backpack that contains everything I need to survive, an unadorned short sword that rests in a plain leather scabbard at my side, and a canteen that is hooked to my belt. Off to face the world!

"Dyrade are you leaving without saying goodbye?"

Oops. I forgot about Alyese. I turn trying to think of an excuse but her cold stare stops me well. cold. She is quite a sight with her black hair seeming to complement her anger by flowing in a wind that wasn't there. Well she is a mage. She is very pale and has delicate features. I suppose it comes from all the time she spends in the library researching whatever it is she is into at the time. For myself, if it wasn't adventure or required I wasn't going to read it!

"Alyese I am sorry, I was caught up in what the Elder said to me and I got lost in my task. Forgive me?"

Now keep in mind I said this with the most adorable expression I could manage on my face. There is nothing like imitating a puppy to get a woman off your back.

"Awww. I guess I forgive you. So what is your task? You will never guess what mine is!"

I smiled at the mischievous look on her face and I was secretly glad I got to brag about my task to another mage.

"I am being sent to protect the Princess of Destiny."

Could I have said that with any more pride shining threw? Nah. The fate of one of the most important figures in Hyrule depends upon me. Why shouldn't I be proud?

"Really? So am I!"

What? Impossible.

"Your kidding right? I thought these tasks were one mage a piece."

My world is shattered. I will now have to share my glory with Alyese. Why are the goddesses so cruel to me?

"Well she is the Princess of Destiny and the heir to the throne of Hyrule. Did you expect them to entrust her to you? YOU DID!"

At this point she was nearly falling over with laughter and I was hurt more then I was letting on. I am the thirteenth of my line. I am a respected mage. The thoughts kept going over in my head while she laughed. I didn't even notice her stop and look at me with a worried expression.

"Dyrade? I am sorry I didn't mean too."

I had to cut her off I couldn't take this anymore. If this was to be part of my task then SO BE IT.

"I will see you at Hyrule Castle."

My voice was like a freezing mans last breath. Gathering what was left of my reserve I turned and left the building. As I began walking down the path that led to Hyrule Castle my cold attitude began to thaw under the afternoon sun. I have never been able to stay mad for long. The beautiful scenery made it impossible. I decided to make the best of things. Close to evening I came across a steppe. Now I knew the only steppe in Hyrule led to a barren desert filled with monsters, definitely not a castle. I had been going the wrong way all day. Cursing my mistake I turned and began walking the other way. Just as I did on the wind I heard the battle cry of an angry woman followed by the laughter of three men. One of the perks of being a mage is the incredible increase in the power of your senses. I pulled out my short sword and ran towards the noise. As I reached the top of a hill I saw a Gerudo woman being accosted by three bandits. She was putting up a good fight but they would soon overwhelm her. Using a short spell that altered my perception to see good and evil as physical traits the bandits suddenly had fangs and began to look like orcs. The woman they were attacking became almost angelic in her defense. That settled it. Throwing caution to the wind I pulled out my sword and charged down the hill.

"RAAAAA!!!!"

Yes I know my battle cry is pathetic. get over it. Now I am sure you are wondering why I didn't just throw a magical firebolt or some such nonsense. The answer is as a mage I can only affect the world around me. To do so requires concentration and time I didn't have if I wanted to save this woman. The leader of the three glanced at me and nodded at one of his companions to deal with me.

"When you meet your ancestors tell them you should have minded your own business!"

Having said that the rather unclean man charged me with his sword. He had on surprisingly well kept leather armor and carried a wooden shield. It reminded me of the Kokiri shields I had seen in books.

"I am Dyrade son of Dyrade. I am a mage and unless you drop your weapon and surrender I will destroy you!"

Now tell me which one of us had the better witty battle comment? What you think he did? Err. Ack. His answer is to lung for an attempt to quickly kill me. I quickly called the wind to my aid and my movements increased in speed. Using the same ability I had the wind slow him down. Unfortunately for me he was a battle-hardened warrior. I barely dodged his attack by diving to the side.

"Who is in the dirt oh mighty magic one?"

He said mocking me. If you ever fight me never make me angry. It only serves as fuel for my alterations to the world. Without moving a muscle I sent sand flying into his eyes. The wind increased in intensity and I leapt up and swung my sword in an arc towards his unprotected neck. As I stood breathing heavily over the vanquished foe I looked toward the Gerudo woman and the other bandits.

"Oh. no."

I couldn't stop the comment from escaping. During my fight with their companion the other two bandits had managed to knock the Gerudo woman unconscious. They both turned to me and it may have just been the spell still affecting my sight but they had strikingly evil expressions on their faces.

"You are going to die for killing Alec, boy. We knocked this wench out because she is worth a fortune on the Dylian slave market. You on the other hand are worthless and will die a slow painful death."

Now the slave comment was bad enough but threatening me with a torturous death sent me right over the edge.

"Scum of Hyrule your death will not be mourned. Come and let me become the angel of death in your life."

As I look back, to them I must have indeed been the angel of death. After I had given in to the torrent of rage my hair flew violently and my green eyes lighted up with fire from within. It is truly a stunning sight when a mage is sent over the edge and gives in to the magic in their blood. My line had always been tied to anger. Most mages must be at calm to draw upon their true power. Not so for the Dyrades. The wind, the earth, and the very light that shone in twilight swirled in the torrent of destruction that swirled around me. I was oblivious to the fact that I drew upon too much of my essence. All that filled my mind was the fact that these ruffians before me still breathed, and it enraged me. The pillar of earth and wind that descended upon the two bandits forever buried them in the hard lands of the steppe. My foes vanquished my rage left me and without it I could not control this much power and I collapsed from exhaustion.

"What."

The last thing I saw before I blacked out was Alyese and the Gerudo woman standing over me.



Chapter 1 Part 2



"Wake up Dyrade. It has been two days since you collapsed. You're lucky I followed you."

Alyese? No that was impossible. Yet here she was standing over me. I have to admit it was good to hear her voice again.

"Where is this place?"

I opened my eyes and while my vision was still hazy I noticed I was in a sandstone room and my backpack and sword lay beside the bed I rested in.

"The Gerudo Fortress. You are lucky that woman you saved was a friend of Queen Nabooru. You must have really impressed her. You better watch it or you might find yourself married to some Gerudo guard!"

She started laughing and I guess that is the sort of thing women find funny because I was seriously worried.

"Turn around."

I guess I could have said that without growling but she is giggling like a crazy person. After she had turned around I got up and quickly put on my tunic and robe. Then I put on my boots and grabbed my sword and backpack.

"If you will excuse me I have a date with the Princess of Destiny."

I said as huffily as I could. As I turned to open the door it flew open and hit me in the face.

"Is he up?"

I hate my life. It was the woman I had saved. Now if you have seen one Gerudo guard you have seen them all so lets just say she was as beautiful as the rest of them. That was probably the only reason I didn't scream at her.

"Well I was, but apparently I am back down again."

Ha! That got them giggling. There is nothing like dry wit to get my day going. Getting to my feet I formally introduced myself.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am the mage, poet, and all around good guy Dyrade XIII."

Then I bowed and kissed her hand. Who is charming? That's right I am charming.

"Hello I am Nikina and I challenge you to battle."

What? She went from giggling and blushing to a cold stare and issued a challenge. I am NOT a ladies man.

"Whaaa?"

Yes I know it wasn't the most intelligent thing to say but I was shocked and confused.

"I will see you in front of the fortress and ready for battle or I will see you dead."

Then she did something that still shocks me. She pulled me into a passionate kiss. Then she turned and walked out of the room. I turned to Alyese and she didn't seem the least bit surprised. She seemed almost. pleased.

"Why are you so happy? Call me naïve but I don't think that is the way it is supposed to work."

She giggled and then looked at me with a smile.

"She likes you and for a Gerudo woman to chose a man she must be beaten by him in combat."

Oh yah! I saved her and almost blew myself off the map doing it and now she wants to show her affection by attacking me. I am SO lucky.

"Let me get this straight. If I win she has 'chosen' me and if I lose I die. Gee what a wonderful day this is going to be. Wait a minute since she likes me won't she let me win?"

That last part I said a little to hopefully. I may not be the best of warriors but I don't want to sound like I cannot handle a fight. Alyese shaking her head took me out of my little self-evaluation.

"She might have if you didn't shame her by rescuing her. If she beats you she burns away that shame."

Now it was starting to make sense. Well I have a habit of making the best of things so I tried to remember that a beautiful woman was attracted to me. Who cares if she wants to kill me? At least she openly said so and didn't stab me in my sleep. Now that's love.

I walked out into the morning sun and quietly thanked the goddesses I wore loose fitting clothing. I would need every advantage against a Gerudo guard. I made my way to their 'arena' and not surprisingly the entire fortress had turned out. What did surprise me was how they booed me. They didn't even know me and yet they felt they could boo me.

"I am being booed by a bunch of people who think standing in a circle is an 'arena'. I am so hurt."

Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I definitely shouldn't have said that. even Alyese winced. Well at least now they are just staring at me coldly instead of booing.

"Foolish man you have been summoned to the Gerudo ARENA to answer the challenge of Nikina. The fight is not over until one of you are dead, unconscious, or admit defeat."

This was too much for me to take.

"Wait a minute here! You are a sage. How can you allow such violence?"

She looked at me and she surprised me with the warmth in her stare. Obviously she had her problems with these violent traditions as well. She struck me as an extremely wise and good person. Of course she is a sage so I guess that goes without saying, but I still find myself in awe when I meet a truly good person. I am blessed in that I seem to encounter them often in my travels. forgive me I am rambling again.

"It is well you do not wish violence young mage. However, this is the sacred tradition of the Gerudo. Some things must be upheld."

I nodded reluctantly and held my sword out signaling I was ready and prepared to fight. Now when I was training to be a mage I learned the art of the sword, but the swordsman who taught me found my style to be well. goofy. Showing the qualities of a truly great teacher he embraced it and we invented a new style. Thus was born the 'Angry Hamster' style I use. It is all I am good at when it comes to weapons. You can imagine the dark humor I felt when my 'Angry Hamster' style was pitted against arguably the best warrior style in Hyrule, The style of the Gerudo guard. Then again maybe it was my only shot. I could feel the power of the Queen blocking any access to magic. This could be painful.

"Lets dance Nikina."

Now I could see the surprise in her eyes. Here I had gone from arguing against the fight to diving right in. Of course that's all part of the technique. I was throwing her off. I flew forward; even without the wind I was fast. We went at it swords clanging and the patterns seemed like some elaborate dance. She was extremely good, the only thing that kept saving me was the fact she couldn't predict my technique. It was new to her. The Gerudo technique was as old as Hyrule itself and mine was brand new. After a good ten minutes of gauging each other I was getting tired. I knew she wasn't.

"Last chance."

I said jumping backward sword spinning. I walked toward her my sword dancing from hand to hand spinning. She gave ground nervously attempting to find away to counter-attack. Suddenly I stopped and positioned my sword so it reflected the sun right into her eyes. Even though she was temporarily blinded her sword darted forward to block any attack my sword made.

"Ugh.."

She grunted as my right foot flew into her sword hand. Did I mention I fight dirty? The sword flew off towards Nabooru who caught it without blinking. I held my sword point at her throat and looked at her expectantly. Behind me I heard Alyese breathe a sigh of relief. I grinned despite myself. She did care. Nikina was not amused by my grin. I could tell she was about to say something telling me to finish her when Nabooru gave her a hard stare. Her eyes fell downcast and she mumbled something.

"What?"

I asked straining to hear.

"I SAID I SUBMIT!!!"

She yelled at me her face beet red. I nodded and Nabooru handed Nikina back the sword she had caught. Nabooru smiled at Nikina and glanced at me before nodding to Nikina.

"In one year you will be of age to marry and then you must bring him back so he can become one of the Gerudo and take his place as your husband. Until then you must watch over him."

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. Alyese was falling over laughing. At least Nikina had the good grace to blush. Married indeed! Why did Nabooru look so pleased? Oh goddesses no.

"When I am gone you two will make a fine King and Queen."

Nikina is Nabooru's daughter. Nabooru is Nikina's mother. Why me? It was supposed to be a simple task. Protect the Princess of Destiny. Now I am betrothed to a Gerudo guard and my 'mother-in-law' is Queen and a sage.





Chapter 1 Part 3





Well I had explained to Nikina my magely task and she nodded. She seemed almost proud. You would think that after being forcibly betrothed I would avoid her. I am not like that. She didn't ask for this either. This was their tradition and it was my own fault for saving her. One thing a mage learns is that every action has a reaction and this was the reaction. I accepted the consequences of my actions when I attacked the bandits. Plus she is really cute. personality like a firebrand. oops she has caught me staring at her. Quick escape!

"Uh. don't you think we should be going Alyese? The king must be wondering about us."

Alyese grinned but allowed me to escape by answering.

"Well I am ready and you have been packed since you woke up."

She started giggling then but I ignored it and waiting for her to continue. Women.

"Nikina finished saying good bye to her friends and mother. Once she is finished packing we will be ready. Luckily I brought a spare enchanted backpack."

I grunted and then mouthed her last comment back to her sarcastically. Of course she did. She never forgets anything.

"Well I am ready! Lets go my betrothed. I can't wait to see the rest of Hyrule."

I smiled at the enthusiasm in Nikina's voice. I had to admit I was excited to. A chance to see the places I had read about. I looked at her with a grin.

"Call me Dyrade or I will call you my sweety-pumpkin in front of the entire fortress."

She glowered at me and Alyese frowned. What did they think I was serious? I just wanted to avoid the whole betrothed thing. I was sure she would meet someone else in Hyrule and I would be off the hook. Why are you laughing at me?

As we walked out of the fortress I got a lot of smiles and pats on the back by the guards. I couldn't stop blushing. You know when you start blushing because you are blushing? Well that was I. When we reached the edge of Gerudo territory Queen Nabooru was waiting. She hugged her daughter briefly and then gave me an engraved silver ring.

"Take care of my daughter and if you ever lose hope just read the engraving on the ring. It was my husbands."

Before I could respond she was gone. Nikina caught sight of the ring and I saw tears in her eyes. I walked over to her and just held her.

"I am so sorry I didn't know."

I knew my words weren't very comforting but I had to do what I could. After she stopped crying she looked into my eyes and I gave her the most comforting smile I have. Well it was a very tender moment. Stop smiling like that! Alyese came over and hugged Nikina as well. We walked all the rest of the day and around nightfall we were near what appeared to be a ranch.

"That's Lon Lon Ranch! Maybe we can make it there before those stupid skeletons start popping up."

Alyese said once again flaunting her knowledge. Nikina and I pulled out our swords and we began to run toward the ranch pulling Alyese along with us.

"Here they come!"

I yelled as they began jumping out of the ground. We cut them down as we ran.

"Hello the ranch!"

I shouted and I saw a figure I couldn't make out open the gate and we dashed inside.

"Malon what is going on? Do you need help?"

The Hero of Time himself walked over to us! Incredible! He stood smiling at the girl who had opened the gate. She smiled back and said.

"No thanks 'Fairy Boy'."

What? Did she just call the Hero of Time FAIRY BOY? INSOLENT. calm down. one, two, three. better. He is smirking at her. Oh good he is not enraged they must be friends.

"Greetings Honorary Gerudo Link and his friend Malon. I am Nikina, daughter of Nabooru the Queen of the Gerudo. This is my betrothed the mage Dyrade and a friend the mage Alyese."

Did she just say that? Well I suppose it is better then me staring with my mouth open. Link seems just as shocked as I am. After he found out the princess was a cross dresser I am surprised things can still shock this guy. Oh alright I suppose that is not fair to the Princess, she had to hide.

"You're the people I have been searching for. You were expected at the castle three days ago! I thought it was just two mages, let alone royalty! The king will be very pleased. Malon may they stay here tonight?"

She looked at Link like he had lost his mind.

"Do you honestly think I was going to throw them out? Do you think that little of me?"

Her screaming was hurting my ears but I kept my mouth shut. My boots seem extremely interesting right now.

"No of course not Malon. You're one of the kindest and sweetest people I know. I just spoke without thinking that's all."

Good cover Link! Just as easily as her anger came it left and she was smiling happily. She ran over and hugged him. He was dumbstruck. She obviously likes him. Since it was late we all decided to hit the hay. For Link and I it was literally. The girls got the beds and we were stuck in the cold. Of course Nikina suggested she might not be warm enough but I avoided that one like the plague. Judging from Links face Malon made the same suggestion to him. Well there I was having a conversation with arguably the greatest warrior in Hyrule about women.

"So you and Alyese. are you good friends?"



"Yah what about you and Malon?"

"I don't know."

There was something in his voice. I couldn't place it. sorrow?

"She seems to really like you."

"I like her to, it's just my whole life I have been a warrior. Zelda's warrior. Ruto's warrior. Malon's warrior. I like them all. Why is it so hard for me? How can I choose one without hurting the others?"

I know what you're thinking. The Hero of Time is a player. He really isn't. He is just a nice guy caught up in a role he didn't ask for.

"Which one do you love?"

"I don't know."

Well that settles it. As cheerily as possible I said,

"Well then you don't have to make the decision now do you?"

He began laughing.

"I guess not."

After a little while we stopped talking and I fell asleep. It had been a long day after all.



Chapter 1 Part 4



I awoke to the sound of thunder. There was a loud crash and the roof came down on top of us. I quickly threw a bubble of air around myself and I rolled out of the barn. What I saw astounded me. The ranch was in flames.

"Zoras?"

I asked amazed. A group of Zora warriors had attacked the ranch. I saw Alyese and Nikina on the ground stunned. The Zoras were laughing at a struggling Malon.

"Take them alive."

Their leader stated. I could only hope Link survived the original attack. My blood boiled. I called on my rage and drew upon my power. I sucked the fire from the ranch and sent it hurtling toward the Zoras. They hastily threw up electric shields. The blow destroyed their shields and knocked several of them off their feet but the fire was gone before it reached them.

"Princess Ruto will have your heads for this."

Link?

"Link, run they have magic and you don't have your weapons."

It was to late. They stunned him and headed for the river with their new prisoners. I gave chase but once they reached the river I lost them. They had taken my friends. I had to follow them to the Zora city and rescue them. I quickly leapt into the river. AHHH that's cold. Using my abilities I flew threw the water. Swim Dyrade swim! I managed to catch up to them at the entrance to the city. A struggling Malon was obviously slowing them down. Time to get the drop on them. is that Princess Ruto? She came out of the shadows with two guards. She wasn't happy.

"Did you think you were going to get away with it, Reitsu? It was a brilliant plan; abduct Malon and burn the ranch down. Claim I ordered you to do it and then become King of the Zora when my father dies. Too bad I figured it out. Had you succeeded I would have been cast out. Your such a naughty boy."

She was mocking him. Go Princess Ruto!

"Umm one thing you forgot Ruto. There are ten of us and only three of you. I WILL get away with this."

He began laughing and his guards prepared to kill the princess. She was shocked; I don't think she thought he would hurt her. Time to act. I leapt up from my hiding place.

"RAAAA!!!!"

Yes there is my bad battle cry. Oh well this smuck is going down. Kidnap my friends will he? I introduced my fist to his face and he went flying off the edge and into the waterfall. OUCH. Sharp pointy rocks at the bottom. Oh well.

"Surrender before the MIGHTY MAGE DYRADE!"

I ordered his cronies. They reluctantly lowered their weapons, but they surrendered to Ruto. Guess they didn't want to admit a lowly human beat their leader. Ruto turned to me with a smile.

"I owe you a great deal mage. Thank you."

I blushed fiercely. She freed Link, Malon, Alyese, and Nikina. We carried them into the city and allowed them to rest. As I sat down with Princess Ruto I began to wonder if I would ever reach Hyrule Castle.



The End of Chapter 1



Authors Note: Well? Don't bother flaming I ignore it. Comments appreciated. Who should Link end up with? I didn't explain the politics behind the Zoras actions totally because Dyrade would not be privy to it and this is from his perspective.