Authors Note: I have reviews.. [tear] I am so happy. I just got my wisdom teeth out and you people made my day. ;) Since I wont be doing much but sitting around and moaning you can expect me to get new chapters out rapidly. Oh before I forget this is chapter 3 and you are now 3 times as cool! I wont spoil anything so enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda.



Chapter 3 Part 1



I woke up feeling pretty good this morning.

"DYRADE WE MUST GO SHOPPING NOW!"

Wow that feeling didn't last very long. Why does the woman need to shop? Gerudos run around wearing next to nothing and the woman wants to shop. What is up with that? Uh oh she thinks I am stalling. Gotta run! We met up with Link, Alyese, and the 'Club' near the town. Link looks even less enthused then I do. Good at least I have someone to share in my suffering. I walked next to him and laughed.

"You realize all we are here for is our wallets and to say 'Yes dear you look absolutely ravishing.' Practice that line. There is a bit of wisdom from the Dyrade before me."

He laughed but then looked at me strangely.

"Do you mean your father? He sounds like your father but you did say his name like he was your father."

I nodded. I got this a lot, or at least I would if I got out more.

"Well you have to understand as a mage we don't have families so much as lines. A mages job is to bring honor to his line by serving as best he can. The Dyrade before me brought great honor to our line by selflessly giving up his life to save the Elder. Of course I was only four then so I can never be sure if that is what really happened."

He nodded sadly but he understood. He didn't have a family either. I caught him looking at the girls and I grinned.

"You have to admit those girls feel like they are family. If I understand the concept of family properly of course."

He nodded. He looked very sad. When he made his decision he would break two hearts. I don't know if I could have made such a decision. That's a lie. I would have, but I would have hated it. You cannot leave them hanging on like that not knowing if you care. Link is a strong man he will do what is right. We made it to a tailor and the girls went in. A few 'years' later they came out. Malon glanced at Link.

"Link how do we look?"

He glanced at me with a grin and said,

"Dears, you all look ravishing."

They all went beet red. Nikina looked at me expectantly.

"Nikina I think the sun just hid behind a cloud. He is obviously embarrassed to shine when a beauty as radiant as yours is out."

She giggled and ran back into the store. The others followed smiling. Link gave me a thumbs up. I sat back down. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an older man walking down the street. Something in the way he walked told me he was in a great deal of pain. I walked over to him.

"Sir, hold still for one second."

He looked at me curiously. I touched his shoulder and transferred some of the stability of the cobblestone street into his body. It is a lot more complicated then that, but that is the basic idea. He frowned and then a grin lit his face.

"Why thank you young mage! I had forgotten what life was like without the pain in my back! The goddesses blessings be upon you."

I smiled and nodded. He practically skipped off. I don't know why but I felt a great sense of unease watching the retreating figure. A short time later a woman and a young girl came by.

"Excuse me, be you the young mage that helped old Ben?"

I assumed she was referring to the old man and I nodded. I could tell her daughter was nearly blind. Some horrible evil was slowly consuming her eyes.

"This girl was poisoned."

That got Links attention and he walked over. The woman finally broke down.

"My master [sob] said she was being cheeky [sob].."

She cried into Links shoulder.

"I can fix this. Tell me what is your name?"

I said smiling at the little girl.

"Ely.."

She said shyly.

"And what is your favorite thing in the world?"

She smiled.

"Buwaflys."

I smiled and put my hand on her head. I finally released my rage; anger at the man who had hurt this girl, anger for the little girl who loved butterflies, and finally anger that this happened in the world. I pulled the poison from her body into mine. Finally I purged the poison from my body. I fell on my knees and spit a black liquid out of my mouth.

"Are you okay Dyrade?"

Link helped me to my feet and I nodded.

"She will be okay."

The woman practically threw herself at me. The little girl wrapped herself around my leg. I just stood there trying not to fall over. When the woman finally let go Link looked at her with his 'I am the hero do as I say' expression and said,

"Take us to the man who did this."

She went as white as a ghost but nodded fearing the expression on his face. I gestured for her to lead the way. The girls could take care of themselves. We walked down the streets and Ely kept running around pointing at things she couldn't of seen before. It was heartwarming. We finally made it to a large house. I wouldn't call it a manor but the man was clearly well off. I heard the woman give Link a description.

"Dyrade hold the little girls ears. I will finish this."

I nodded. I put my hands over her ears. I could hear what was happening inside.

"Who are you..? What NOO!! HELP HE.."

Then quiet as a whisper I heard Link say.

"For Ely."

When the guards came Link explained the situation and when it came to the man's demise I interrupted in and said,

"He decided to take a trip."

The guards clearly didn't believe me, but they weren't about to argue with a mage and the princess's advisor. Caught up in the woman, whom we learned is named Sacru, and Ely's new happiness we totally forgot about the girls. It was late by the time we cleared things up with the guards. We accepted her offer to stay for dinner and I guess we celebrated too much.

"Well Link lets head back to the fort.. uh.. which way is it?"

There I was stumbling threw the streets totally drunk with the Hero of Time. He looked confused.

"Thatta way!"

He pointed to the big castle looming over the city.

"Oh ya!"

We walked for a little while singing and when we reached the grand finale Link pulled out his ocarina and played a little ditty. I felt the world twist and..

"And please bring Link and Dyrade back to us safe and sound.."

We were in the Temple of Time. There were the girls kneeling and praying to the goddesses.

"Wow I forgot that song did that!"

Link exclaimed. I just stood there blinking as Nikina walked up and hit me. Now I don't mean 'slap' I mean 'wham'. I was on the floor looking up before I figured out what happened. She stormed off. I noticed the three girls racing to get to Link first. Zelda won by throwing her arms out to hug him and [SMACK] her right arm hit Malon and her left Ruto. She didn't seem to notice. Even though he was totally drunk he still caught and held her.

"I couldn't feel you threw the Triforce.. I thought you were dead.."

She sobbed into his shoulder.

"Alcohol must have that effect."

I mumbled getting off the ground. Alyese looks angry. Uh oh. [SMACK] Okay that time I WAS slapped. Whoops I am back on the ground again.

"I thought my best friend was dead! AND YOU WERE GETTING DRUNK!?!?!"

Wow Nikina must have been giving her storming out lessons. It could have been worse. I am NOT getting up this time.

"Leave just leave.."

"Zelda please let me"

"LEAVE!"

She screamed at him. He looked around and he only found Ruto and Malon staring at him coldly.

"Very well."

The man's voice was like a ghost. This wasn't going to end well. He threw something on the ground and walked out of the temple. I realized it was the ocarina. Zelda wept uncontrollably and I swear I saw something die in Malon and Rutos eyes. They left Zelda weeping and me lying there. Even if I wanted to leave I still had my obligation to watch over Zelda. Lying there I began to wonder. Alcohol should not be able to mask the bond between the Triforces, and why couldn't Alyese sense me?

"Zelda.. tell me what you felt threw the Triforce bond."

"Why?"

"Please."

"Okay.. um we were in the store and he started to fade, not like he was traveling it was to rapid for that and then he was.. Gone.."

"At what point in the day did he disappear from your senses?"

"It must have been a little after midday about the same time Alyese lost track of you. Why do you ask?"

"We didn't start drinking until twilight.. Someone or something must have found a way to mask the bonds, probably the same one who sent the assassin. They must want to get the Hero of Time out of the picture. The only problem is it is too clever. They anticipated our reactions so well, and the only way for this to work is if the old man and the woman were in on it.. By the will of Din! Link is in mortal danger!"

"Oh goddesses.. I have to find him!"

I shook my head.

"Link is a grown man. If we rushed out we might fall into a trap."

She looked at me angrily and was about to comment when a voice came from the entrance.

"Bravo young mage. You have figured out a great deal, you only made one mistake."

I turned and saw the old man but behind that mask was something much more evil.

"And what was that?"

I said unsheathing my sword and gesturing for Zelda to back away.

"Link was never the target. The Elder sent you to protect the Princess of Destiny. With him gone and all your friends walking angrily back to the castle you are all that I must deal with. Take this small comfort. Out of all of them only you remembered she must be protected. I had expected you to follow the thief woman. Then again had you taken care of yourself you would have survived tonight. Time to die mage."

He said it with contempt and bitterness that echoed threw the temple. I shook my head. This was impossible he.. IT must be as old as the Elder!

"Face the wrath of the Nran-til!!"

It shrieked as it tore its way out of the old mans body and leapt at me.





Chapter 3 Part 2



I am still not quite sure how it happened but a demon was attacking me. No I don't mean those giant monster things with wings you people imagine. I mean a REAL demon. Sometimes the outside world amazes me. How can you give pure evil a face? If it makes you feel better keep on believing in the monster like ones, but I know what a demon is and it is what I faced. It was a being of pure shadow, not normal shadow, but the kind of shadow that lies upon the heart of a person who commits suicide; the total loss of hope in the soul. It didn't have eyes or claws or a mouth to smile evilly. It didn't have to. The evilest smile in the world would have been a relief at this point. The only way to fight it is to fight purely with the will to live. If it touches your skin it drains the hope from you. You become a bitter soul that just wants to lie down and die; so you do. Twisted isn't it? Well what did you expect from a demon? I leapt to the side of his attack.

"I am a Dyrade. I do not fear you demon. Zelda form a shield of light magic around yourself I will deal with this pathetic excuse of existence."

That's right who is in control? I AM! Words of advice, if you have anger use it against them. My anger defied him. I refused to lie down and die to that pathetic piece of..

"RAAA!!!!"

My sword glowed at I swung it. I channeled my anger into light magic. It was draining but when it struck..

"KREEE!!"

Ha! I got him. The darkness now has a streak that glows and that glow is the hope that I charged my sword with. Not so arrogant now you..

"Dyrade was is going on?!?!"

I turn. Nikina? Realizing my mistake I attempt to locate the demon again..

"AHHH!"

What is this? A black shadow pouring out of my chest.. Why do I even care anymore? No else does. All I do is my duty and where does that get me.. Nowhere.. I can feel the shadow pull out of my chest. I sink to my knees.. I would cry but what is the point? I welcome death..

"Be gone demon. I am Rauru, Sage of Light."

I barely even feel the temple get bathed in light.

"No Raura, Zeldas shield will be.."

My voice was weak and hopeless. I saw Zeldas shield collapse under the expanse of light. The demon was weakened but he had his chance to kill Zelda now. He moved with incredible speed. Somewhere within myself I pulled my last ounce of strength, my last ounce of hope and charged my sword. I threw it almost carelessly. As I fell forward I saw the demon stop in mid leap.. My sword in him.. My hope in him.. Although dying the demon still moved to kill Zelda. I could do nothing more. I cried one tear for her.. For my failure to protect her..

"ZELDA!!!"

One light arrow struck the demon. Two.. Three.. Four.. It finally exploded in a blinding flash. As my chin hit the ground I saw Link running toward Zelda. I was not a failure.. Having done my duty I closed my eyes and began to embrace death..

"No Dyrade.. NO!!"

Someone had turned my body over.. The voice was Nikinas.. I felt tears begin to hit my face.. I don't know how it happened but I felt something.. Sorrow? No.

"Get off of him girl, I may be able to save him!"

Shock? No.

"I am sorry the demon went threw his heart, he is to far gone for me."

Anger... Yes it was anger. Anger at myself for making her cry. How could I be so selfish?!? FOOL open your eyes and never let her cry again!

"Nikina.."

My voice was gaining strength.

"Nikina.. Nikina.. You will be the death of me someday."

I opened my eyes and saw her smiling and crying. A tear fell in my eye but I didn't care. I was happy, when a few moments before I would have sworn I would never feel happiness again. When the guards carried me to the castle she never stopped holding my hand. Never.



Chapter 3 Part 3



I was confined to my bed for the next few days. Confined! My attempts to point out that I had the demon totally under control fell on deaf ears. Hmph! The only person who visited me regularly was Nikina. We went on walks together. It was good to see the sun and smell the roses again. Everyone else avoided me. I was still having after affects of the demon and I wasn't that much fun to be around. Did you ever want to talk with a guy who was dark and depressed? Well neither did they and I cant say I blame them. At least on the day of the ball I was allowed to get up and move around. Rauru thought the happiness of the ball would remove the last vestiges of demonic influence. Luckily for me Alyese had set up all the magely security. She seemed to have changed while I was 'confined' I wonder if she met someone..

As I was walking in the castle gardens and generally taking life in again I noticed Link talking with Malon. I decided to listen in. What do you mean it isn't polite? Well fine I wont listen and YOU will never know. Ha! You want to know what they are saying as much as I do!

"Link I care for you. I love you."

Link smiled and gestured to the roses.

"Malon, you are a rose to me."

She blushed and looked down so she missed the sadness that came across his face.

"But.. You aren't my rose, Malon."

She looked up tears in her eyes. She saw the truth and sadness in his eyes and fell into his arms weeping.

"There is someone out there that will devote his whole life to you. Please understand Malon.. I love you like the sister I never had."

She sobbed as he put a rose in her hair. They walked off together. Link comforting her and at the same time she comforted Link. She had recognized how hard it had been for him to tell her and proving she is a wonderful person she made is easy for him.

"Yes.."

It was barely a whisper but I heard a voice in the bushes in front of me. Someone is eavesdropping? Rude little.. Oh wait, so am I. I pulled him out of the bushes.

"Count Nyas?"

There he was looking extremely happy. He pulled me over to a bench.

"Mage Dyrade! Perfect. You must help me. I spoke to this young woman two days ago and I have been in love ever since."

I must have frowned because he continued hurriedly.

"It is Malon! I love her! You must help me win her over."

Oh goddesses why me? I stared at him.

"If Zelda doesn't pick someone else tonight you are bound by oath to marry her."

His happiness disappeared.

"You are right. Hmm. YOU must insure she picks someone else. I will ask Malon to come back to my county with me. I am sure I can win her over!"

Before I could open my mouth to protest he handed me a bag that contained a small fortune in rupees.

"For any expenses you may incur. I am counting on you!"

He patted me on the back and walked off whistling. He began dancing with the air, Malon his imaginary partner. It is odd how I had thought he was evil in the beginning. I shook my head thinking of the task that lay before me.

"Oh Din why do you do this to me?"

I didn't force you to eavesdrop, my mage

I was shocked beyond belief. I had always believed that the goddesses existed, but to be spoken to by one? Impossible.

"Din?"

Enjoy tonight for it will be the last night of peace for a long time, or did you believe your task was as easy as killing a demon?

Somehow I knew she was gone so I didn't say anything. Like killing a demon is easy! Maybe for a goddess with infinite power they are but not a minor mage like myself! I looked at the position of the sun in the sky. A few hours remained until the ball. If I was going to act I must act now.

"I am sorry Elder I have grown to attached to these people. I am getting involved."



Chapter 3 Part 4



I went to visit Sacru and Ely. Sacru explained how old Ben had been her master and how he threatened to kill Ely if she didn't drug the wine. I couldn't help thinking I should have gone in with Link. I would have recognized the old man and figured it out. Oh well what is done is done. I told her everything was taken care of and that I needed her help. She looked relieved and quickly offered to help in any way she could. I smiled and took her up on that offer. Some time later I hurried back to my room and found a set of robes that were well. Incredible. They are white trimmed in silver. On top of them was a note.

-Wear this to the ball. I expect you to be at the ball in time for the introductions.-

I grinned and put on my best white tunic. Then I put the robe on over it. I look fantastic if I may say so myself. Reaching into my backpack I pulled out a comb. I combed my air and manipulated the air to keep my hair from moving. Now let me tell you I don't do THAT often. I also pulled out a small case. I am going to give this to Nikina tonight. I picked up the small bundle I had gotten with Sacru's help. No I am not telling you what it is, lets just say that Count Nyas money is going to good use. Now I had to find Link. I had half an hour left. I found him by listening to the wind and quickly dashed in his direction. I found him speaking with Ruto by a fountain.

"I understand Link it would have never worked out between us. You cannot give me children Link. I didn't know that meant so much to me. I am sorry."

They embraced and she walked away. I doubt the world will ever see women as good as these were. He stared after her for a moment before turning to me.

"I have made my choice."

He stated and I rolled my eyes throwing the bundle at him.

"I know THAT. But she hasn't made hers, so put on that suit and follow me! It is red so you will match her. Put THAT in your pocket. We are going to be late!"

He looked at the small container and opened it.

"Is this what I think it is?"



The End of Chapter 3



Authors Note: Well you should be able to guess who Link is after. Just think green hair. Kidding! In the end I decided that this should be true to The Legend of Zelda. I didn't mean to leave you in suspense, but it is 1 a.m. NOTE- The next chapter will contain excessive happiness as well as a few surprise visits and it will set up the next chapters. If you thought things happened in this chapter well just wait! It actually wont be that long of one. I have a lot of time on my hands now. If you like my story please review. It really lights up my day. God bless!