Chapter 5

South of Hyrule, far from the main city, lies the Lost Woods. If you would enter these woods, and by some miracle remained uncursed, eventually you would find the Kokiri.

The Kokiri. The Children of the Woods. The immortal fairy people. They lived in the middle of the woods. Their residence was in a small, yet well protected, community. Dozens of small children. Some were only several years old. Others were several dozens of years old. A few had been alive for centuries.

The Kokiri lived simple lives. And they served no purpose. But try telling them this. The most likely reaction they would give you is a giggle, before running off to play. They lived in simple tree houses, or in holes in the earth itself. Their creator, the Great Deku Tree, formed everything inside their houses. Rocks and sticks were their toys. Or a few pieces of wood fashioned into crude swords and shields for them to play with. Maybe you would see a long, flat piece of wood propped up against a large rock or stump. A slide for them to play with. Nothing complex. The Kokiri had no need for complexity. They served no purpose.

That was the way the Great Deku Tree liked it. It watched over them lovingly, giving simple orders such as "don't ever leave the forest. For if you do, you will die."

Every few years, deep within it's body, The Great Deku Tree created a new Kokiri. The young, unique new child was warmly welcomed into the community. To better protect them, it would assign them their guardian Fairies. Over time, the bond between the Kokiri and their Fairies would grow strong.

Yes, such a simple life. The life of a Kokiri.

* * *

Link tiredly rode Epona into the Lost Woods, making his way to the home of the Kokiri. It had been a long day, seeing as Adrian had appeared the morning before. Still, his sudden appearance excited Link. It promised a new adventure. Since his return from Termina, the lack of any adventure weighed down on him. It was going to feel good to finally see some action.

But that was tomorrow. Tonight, Link looked forward to a restful sleep. So he rode into Kokiri's Valley and bee-lined to his tree house, waving and greeting the other Kokiri. Since defeating Ganon, Link was announced a hero by the Great Deku Tree. The Kokiri didn't need to be told this, however. They loved him anyhow. They also loved Epona, as they had never seen a horse before Link brought him into the forest. Dismounting Epona, Link left her to graze. Several Kokiri approached her, but kept a respectful distance. Their guardian fairies warned them not to provoke the pony.

"Hey, where were you all this time?" came a voice behind him.

Link smiled and said, "I was at the Lon Lon Ranch. It's a great place, you should really go there sometime!" Continuing to smile, Link turned around and eyed Mido. "Oh, that's right. You can't. You being a simple Kokiri and all."

Mido sneered. "I don't know why you're still here. You're a Hylian, not a Kokiri. You should stick with your own kind."

"Does that mean I'm not welcome?" Mido nodded. "Fine," said Link. "I'll just go pack my stuff." Link spun around and made his way to the ladder. Mido frowned suspiciously. Link stopped and turned. "Of course, I'll have to stop by the Great Deku Tree before I leave. To pay my respects, naturally. I wonder how he will take it when he finds out you kicked out the Hero of Time? Do you think, perhaps, he might kick you out as well?"

Mido's frown deepened and, without knowing how to respond, stalked off. Link had to laugh. He simply LOVED to rub it into Mido that he was a hero. It felt so good after all that teasing he receive from him.

Climbing the ladder, Link entered his tree house and made for the bed at the far end. Like other tree houses, it was sparsely furnished. A bed, a few stools, and a table. That's all he really needed. Like other's houses, it was clean and warm. A few Kokiri lived in small caves inside the earth itself. Of course, those places were also clean and fit to live in. But Link preferred a tree house. It provided a better view of the valley.

A sudden movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He turned quickly, hand on his weapon, only to see Saria staring back at him.

"How have you been Link?" she asked.

Link breathed a sigh of relief. "Fine. I was just staying at the Lon Lon Ranch last night." He sat on a bench. "You really shouldn't sneak up on me like that. I could hurt you."

Saria smiled. "I doubt you would ever hurt me, Link." She sat next to him. "I needed to talk with you. Hyrule may be in danger again. Th..."

Before she could finish, Link broke in, "I know. A visitor came to the Ranch yesterday. He told us about the threat." Link grinned and put his arm around her. "Don't worry about it, I'm going to see the king tomorrow."

Staring in disbelief, Saria simply replied, "I don't even know why I bother being your guide as a Sage. You seem to be on top of things."

He loved to have his ego fed. So Link kissed her cheek and stated, "Yes, I'm good aren't I?" Laughing when she rolled her eyes, Link stood and went to his bed. "I'm tired, so I'll see you tomorrow morning, okay?"

Nodding, Saria went the door and said, "Good night Link." When no response came, she turned, finding him already asleep. Saria went down his ladder and walked toward her house. She wished Link wouldn't be so conceited. Then again, wasn't that what made him so endearing? Saria couldn't say for sure.

Just then, she caught sight of a commotion ahead of her. "Mido, get off of Timothy and leave him alone. I mean NOW!"

* * *

The next day brought a beautiful, cloudless morning. The type Talon loved. He quickly got everything ready and soon had both Adrian and Malon in the cart. Of course, he had to contend with Ingo, who was slightly perturbed to be left alone to do all the work. Again.

"Now don't be a nincompoop. We'll only be gone for one day at most," Talon had explained, but Ingo was still fumed. Talon only sighed at this and set off for Hyrule Castle. "He'll get better over time," he explained to Adrian. "Ingo is a nice guy, just a little difficult to work with." Adrian just nodded and watched the scenery.

Never in his life had Adrian seen a sight like Hyrule field. The seemingly endless plains and hills stretched out as far as he could see. Only faraway to the north could he just make out Hyrule City. Everywhere else was a perpetual sea of grass. "This is totally different from Walakiya," he said. "Walakiya has forests and mountains surrounding it. It is much prettier there."

Malon smiled and said, "Well, I think that Hyrule is a very beautiful place to live. You should see the summer here!"

He looked uneasy. "You mean, it's not summer now?"

Laughing, Talon replied, "What made you think that? It's only spring."

"Well, it seems so hot. It is much cooler in Walakiya." Adrian sighed. "I will die of heat before the year ends if I do not leave here."

Talon smiled and put his arm around Adrian. "I think you will be just fine."

They rode on toward the city, talking and joking. Except for Adrian, who had trouble even smiling. The time slowly passed and they made it to the city within four hours. There, the group met up with Link and Nyah. As they talked, Malon and Adrian roamed the market.

"Are you okay, Adrian?" She asked. He looked uneasy in the crowded place. Indeed, people were staring and pointing at his odd clothing. Fortunately, Adrian's shoulder length hair covered up his ears.

"Yes, I am fine. Thank you, Malon," he replied, turning to her. His blue eyes looked into her emerald irises. "I wanted thank you for being with me."

Malon giggled. "You are like a gentleman, Adrian. I think you will grow up to be a wonderful man." She leaned towards him and whispered, "and if you keep being this nice, I'll let you be my boyfriend!" She laughed as his pale face turned to a deep crimson.

"I..., I..., I don't know what to sa..." he stuttered, but Malon silenced him with a quick kiss on the cheek.

They were interrupted by Talon, who quickly called them over. "That will be enough, you two lovebirds." The group laughed when Adrian turned an even deeper red, if it was possible. "Nyah has set up a meeting with the King. So let's go." With that, all five of them when up onto the cart and headed for the castle.

* * *

King Harkinian had ruled over Hyrule for almost 40 years. He had seen many strange sights and trying situations in that time, but this afternoon would prove to be one of the worst.

He sat in the council chamber, a dark, melancholy room. It lay in the west wing of the Castle, overlooking the plains outside. It wasn't the most cheerful room in the castle, but it served its purpose. All important decisions were made here.

In the chamber with him sat several of the other important figures in Hyrule politics, including Pharan Kloom, his chancellor. He and Pharan had been best friends for as long as either could remember. And it was Pharan, a short, stubby little man, whom King Harkinian first talked to when Zelda made the shocking revelation to the King.

"Dear father, Ganondorf is gone. He won't be back for a long, long time," she had said. The statement had made him uneasy. Zelda had been such a vocal opposer to the treaty between Ganondorf and himself. Could it be possible that a nine-year old girl be responsible for an assassination? Yet when he questioned her further, her reply was, "He is sealed in the Sacred Realm, with his precious Triforce. Or, at least, a piece of it," she said with a smile. Now, Harkinian had been aware of Zelda's claims to being able to see the future in her dreams. But this was totally out of the blue, as the saying goes.

"Zelda, darling, you are not making any sense," he told her.

"Actually, she is making perfect sense," said Impa.

The King sighed. "I told you to stop feeding her these ideas, Impa," the King stated heatedly. "It's not right."

"But she IS right," said another voice. The King gaped as Darunia entered the throne room, followed by Princess Ruto, Nabooru and a little girl he didn't recognize. Finally, Rauru followed them. Harkinian was speechless before the high priest of the Temple of Time. "Father Rauru, what is the meaning of this? What is everybody doing here?"

Rauru put up his hand. "My lord, I'll explain. We are all the Seven Sages. I am the Sage of Light.

He pointed to Darunia. "Darunia is the Sage of Fire.

He pointed to the small girl with green hair. "Saria is the Sage of the Forest."

He pointed to Ruto. "Princess Ruto is the Sage of Water."

He pointed to Impa. "Impa is the Sage of Shadow."

He pointed to Nabooru. "Nabooru is the Sage of Spirit."

Finally, he pointed to Harkinian's daughter. "And Princess Zelda is the Sage of Destiny. We are the Seven Sages of legend." With that, Rauru proceeded to tell the King about the history of what happened. How Ganondorf retrieved the Triforce, how a forest boy named Link managed to defeat him, how the Sages sealed Ganondorf and returned Hyrule to it's peaceful flow of time. "I know this is hard to believe, but it is important to the future of Hyrule. The Seven Sages are here to serve you."

To top it all off, Zelda accurately predicted the birth of Kim's baby. Within the week, the handmaiden's child was born the exact hour Zelda stated.

So it was a shock to the King, to say the least. So he called for Pharan and the two sorted it out. "Obviously the Goddesses themselves have given you a winning hand," he said. "I mean, how many kings have such a council at their disposal?" Harkinian admitted that was true. Since then, the Sages have alerted the King well ahead of time to avoid any disasters. They had proven their worth.

But the day before, Zelda came to him and warned of a new threat. "This one could be as bad as Ganondorf. We need to be careful, Father. That is all I know." So the King had assembled his council to discuss this. They were deliberating options when a known healer, Nyah had appeared with urgent news.

A young boy had mysteriously appeared on the Lon Lon Ranch, who warned of an evil wizard in the land. Immediately, the King granted them audience.

* * *

The figure walked through the town seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. She moved silently pass the shoppers, the chattering people and the playing children. She was just over five feet tall, with reddish blonde hair sweeping past her shoulders. A long nose and high cheekbones completed her facial profile. The clothes she was wearing would unmistakably mark her as a Gerudo, but she was wearing a long cloak that covered her entire portrait. She stopped by the path leading to the Temple of Time, looking up at its arches and towers.

She knew that he was returning. Ganondorf had come to her in her dreams, commanding her to help with his revival. And, it was only a matter of time before he would return. She knew that. But it didn't help her feelings. Ganon had betrayed her, and betrayed the Gerudo race. She wanted to ignore him and leave him sealed.

She continued toward the castle. It wouldn't be easy to sneak past the guards, but she could do it. She had to know if the dhampire was here. If he was, then she would have no choice but to kill it. That was Ganon's orders. She didn't think she could kill a child, even if Ganon ordered it.

But as his only sister, it was her duty to help him.

* * *

The council assembled and the King ready, Talon, Adrian and Link entered the chamber. Immediately, Link moved off to a nearby corner. He wanted to stay out of the way. Talon and Adrian took their place in the center, the men and women surrounding them in seats. They made a semi-circular ring around the two.

Talon was well known here. He was outspoken and fondly referred to as the 'voice of the people'. The council often called upon him when an issue involving the people or the economy was raised. So it was no surprise when they welcomed him warmly.

"How are you this morning, Talon?" King Harkinian greeted.

"I'm good, my lord."

"Now, to begin with, tell me about this young lad," the King commanded.

Talon cleared his throat. Adrian stood close to Talon, nervous about all the eyes studying him. "Well, about two days ago I was getting ready to feed the horses when Malon found him lying on the ground next to the corral fence. He was pale and sweating profusely. At first, we all thought he was dead, but Link," he said, nodding toward the young hero, "found him to be alive. We called for Nyah. She was able to give him some medicine that cured him."

"But he is so pale," mentioned one of the council members. She pointed to Adrian, a worried, mother-like look on her face. "He still must be sick."

"No," said Talon, "According to him, that's the way he always looks. Isn't it Adrian?"

Adrian kept silent. The King smiled and said, "You have nothing to be afraid of, Adrian. No one is going to harm you, I promise. Do you understand?" The child nodded. King Harkinian looked at Talon. "Do you mind if we ask him a few question?"

"No, it should be fine," Talon agreed. "Okay Adrian. The King is going to ask you some questions. Are you ready?" Adrian visibly gulped, but nodded.

"Okay," said the King. "To start with, what is your full name?"

He hesitated, then said, "Adrian Fahrenheits Tepes."

The King nodded. "Where is the land you come from, Adrian?"

"I come from a land called Walakiya. In the continent of Europe."

This confused Harkinian, and he turned to one the counsel members. "Have you ever heard Walakiya?"

Sandrin, the keeper of the library, shook his head and said, "I don't think so. It must be very far away, because it's not in any of the maps or books."

At this, Link raised his hand and called out. "I have something to say." The King nodded. "I once traveled to someplace called Termina. I'm sure that wouldn't be in any of your books or maps, because Termina doesn't exist in this world."

"What? Are you sure?" one of the councilmen asked.

Link nodded. "Oh, I'm pretty sure. The path used was a magic portal. I'm not sure if it's the only other world out there or not, but for all we know, there could be hundreds."

Harkinian turn to Adrian. "Can you tell me about your parents?" The young child shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it. "Please, it is really important if we want to reunite you with your parents, Adrian."

Adrian lowered his head.. "They... are both dead," he stated, his voice cracking.

The King shook his head. I'm very sorry, Adrian. I really am," he replied in the hushed room. "I have to continue these questions, however. Can you tell me about this wizard? Did he...?" the King hesitated, but then continued. "Did he kill your parents?"

Adrian nodded; he now had tears on his face. "His name... is Shaft. He is a very wicked man. He killed my mother and then my father to get me."

"Why? Do you know why, Adrian?"

Adrian was afraid of this question. If he answered, he would be killed. He knew it. So he shook his head. "No, I don't know."

He was lying. The King could see that. "Are you sure, Adrian. We need to know."

Before Adrian could answer, the door opened, admitting both Zelda and Impa. Link smiled and nodded, brings a similar response from both of them. "You called for me, father?" Zelda stated.

"Oh, yes darling. We have a visitor who warns of the coming threat you mentioned. Adrian?"

Talon turned and let Zelda and Impa see the child. Upon looking at him, a look of surprise registered on Impa's face.

A look of compete revulsion swept over Zelda.

She pointed to him, screeching, "Father, that thing is a demon! Kill it!

All hell broke loose. Half the counsel rose from their seats, demanding to know what was going on. Link, a dumbfounded look on his face, rushed over to Zelda. The King called out for order, but his voice was drowned in the noise. Adrian clung to Talon, his fear turned to horror. This went on for several minutes until Pharan stood up.

Pharan had a deep voice that could easily be heard, especially in the large chamber. Cupping his hands around his mouth, he called out, "ENOUGH. BE QUIET, ALL OF YOU!" The noised died. Pharan smiled and gestured for the King to continue.

Harkinian nodded. "Zelda, what is the meaning of this? What are you saying?"

Zelda turned away from Link and said, "Father, that... thing, isn't an elf. It caused much misery when Ganon was ruling Hyrule." She motioned toward Adrian. "That was Ganon's second-in-command. A killing monster. It..."

"Will you shut UP!" Talon called out, shocked at her accusations. "I don't know what you are trying to pull." He took a deep breath said, "I am holding a child. Not some monster, a CHILD. I respect you, Princess Zelda, I always will. But you are totally out of line."

The room silent for a moment. Then the king sighed. "Zelda," he said, "do you have any proof of your accusations?"

She nodded. "Look at his pale skin. His rounded ears. His teeth should have fangs."

Talon rolled his eyes and moved Adrian's hair, showing them his ears. "Yes his skin is pale and his ears are round, but his teeth looked normal to me."

King Harkinian motioned for Adrian to step up to him. When he did, the King reached over and lifted his upper lip. "His teeth look normal to me, Zelda." Leaning back, the King asked, "Do you recall any of this, Adrian?" The child shook his head.

"He's lying," Zelda said.

Impa put a hand on Zelda a shoulder and said, "Zelda, let me speak."

The princess hesitated, then nodded. Impa continued, "My lord, do you recall the lost timeline we spoke of?" The King nodded. "Well, one of the enemies working under Ganondorf we fought was a dhampire named Alucard. This child," said Impa, motioning to Adrian, "is that dhampire.

The King looked at Adrian. "Is this true? Adrian, was one of your parents a vampire?"

A deafening silence overtook the room. All eyes were on Adrian as he nervously prepared to answer. Adrian wished Malon was with him. He wished his mother was there. But neither was. So, prepared to die, he said, "Yes. My father was Count Dracula, a vampire."

A triumphant look came on Zelda's face as she said, "You see father? He is a monster. We have to kill him."

The king looked at Impa. "Do the Sages agree with this?" he asked.

Impa shook her head. "We've determined he wasn't the threat," she said, despite the hurt and betrayed look on Zelda's face. "I'm sorry Zelda, but I won't be a part of the killing of a child, despite his parentage." Impa turned to the King again. "What happens to him is up to you."

King Harkinian sat for a moment. The answer to him is clear. What was before him wasn't a monster, but a scared child. He couldn't kill him. What disturbed the King was his daughter's reaction. She seemed almost bloodthirsty. "Zelda," he said, "I don't know how this child might have hurt you, but Impa is right. Even if Adrian WAS the threat, I would never be responsible for the death of a child."

"So, you said that Adrian was known as Alucard? And that he was a top agent for Ganondorf?" the King continued. Impa nodded. Zelda refused to even look at him. "So what does Shaft have to do with Ganon? Were they in league?"

"I don't know," Impa continued. "But I promise you that the Sages will discuss this."

The King shook his head. "Please, as soon as possible, we need to an answer." He looked toward Adrian. He was still hiding behind Talon's leg. "Talon, can you take care of Adrian?"

"Sure, no problem. Come on, Adrian." Taking him by the hand, Talon led Adrian out of the room. Talon shot Zelda a dirty look before he was out. Link hesitated, then followed them out.

* * *

The reading room of Hyrule Castle usually only held two people in the evenings. Tonight was not different. King Harkinian sat in a large, worn chair, rubbing his temples. Zelda stood sat across from him staring into the fire.

It was nights like this Zelda wished she wasn't a princess. She had no problem with the responsibility toward her people. She could speak in front of hundreds of people no problem. She could pass judgments and solve complex judicial problems with ease. She was well known for her wisdom.

But how was a daughter supposed to act?

It was well known that it was Impa that really raised her after her mother died. Perhaps because of this, her relationship with her father was strained. They didn't treat each other like relatives. It was more like a business relationship. Zelda only referred to him as 'father' out of respect.

Harkinian knew this. After Sylvia died giving birth to Zelda, he looked forward to a loving relationship with his daughter. But time and unforeseen circumstances had come between them. It wasn't Zelda's fault. If it was anybody's, then Harkinian would have to blame himself. He wanted to be there for her. It was always 'tomorrow', or 'some other time'. The kingdom always came first.

It wouldn't be until several years later until Harkinian realized that was exactly what he was teaching her. His attempts at getting close to her, his pathetic 'darlings' he threw into the conversation was futile. They hadn't grown apart, the sad truth was they were never together in the first place.

"So," he said. "Would you mind explaining to me what that was all about?"

Zelda continued to stare into the fire. "What do you think it was all about? Alucard is a demon that needs to be destroyed. You are protecting a monster." She finally looked into his eyes. "Mark my words, he will come back to haunt you."

Her father sighed. "ADRIAN is only a child. What has he done to hurt you?" But Zelda refused to answer. "Fine. I'm going to bed. I will see you in the morning, darling."

Harkinian left the room and Zelda continued to stare into the fire. A tear crept down her nine year-old cheek. Everything was going wrong. That demon was back and nobody wanted would believe her.

* * *

Impa stared outside her room, resolved. Yes, Adrian was once Alucard, a demon warrior. But Alucard was a teenager when he first appeared in Hyrule. Here, in the new timeline, Alucard was a child. Perhaps he was lying about the 'Shaft' character perhaps not.

Alucard or Adrian, tomorrow she would go to the Lon Lon Ranch and settle this.

* * *

The Gerudo walked away from Hyrule Castle. The child was here. Even if she didn't want to, she would go to Lon Lon ranch the next day and kill him.

~Well, here is Chapter 5. The plot thickens. Or, as my mother would say, the thot plickens. LOL. Next, we will return and see how Lisa and Dracula are.~

Best

~DV~