Monogatari of Zelda
Izou of the Oni
Disclaimer: I don't own Legend of Zelda in any way, shape or form. The only thing I do own are the original characters you will encounter. Oh, another thing, there will be Japanese used in this fic, so don't be surprised if you don't understand it.
The
takikokujin, ichidou and oni kyuusaisha
A blond youth looked up into the sky and sighed. After risking his life twice in two different worlds, Hyrule seemed more beautiful every day. And to think that only seven years ago, the King of Evil and a possessed mask had threatened his homeland and a parallel world. Now, all Link wanted to do was relax in Hyrule's splendor. Link turned to the woman taking a walk next to him, curiosity finally getting the better of him, "Zelda, tell me again about this trip you're going on."
The young maiden giggled a bit a
Link's forgetfulness. It was one of
those flaws that made him cute. "I've
told you this already. My father is a
friend of Emperor Tama of the Jade Oukoku. Hyrule wishes to form an alliance with the Jade Oukoku, so he has sent
me as ambassador. It shall be a most
pleasurable experience for me."
"Well,
you seem happy. But should something
happen to you, who's going to protect you? Evil demons, shadow warriors, muggers, chickens…" Before Link could
continue his joking, he felt a sharp pain hit his stomach. Zelda pulled her elbow from his abdomen.
"Ah
yes, I do need a mighty hero such as yourself," she cracked sarcastically. The two burst out in laughter, which
eventually died down. "Link, I'm a big
girl now. I can take care of myself."
"Yes,
I suppose you have a point." The two
continued to walk side by side, relishing the possibly last moments they'll
have together, "You know Princess, things won't be the same without you. No more quiet times near Lake Hylia or
exploring the Kokiri Forest. You haven't
even learned to ride Epona yet." Zelda
quickly put her finger to Link's lips.
"Link,
I shall be the one who will miss all of this. I am going to a completely different world. It won't be anything like home and it will be a challenge to try
and fit in. I will miss my homeland and
everything about it." Before she said
any more, Zelda looked away from Link, keeping her modesty. I'll miss you the most, my hero.
Dusk soon came, and a messenger walked up to Zelda. It was time. Zelda bade Link a final farewell before coming into the castle. It would be the last time they'll see each other for a long time.
~*~
It has been three months since Zelda left Hyrule for Japan, and Link was bored out of his mind. Except for some Stalkids and Poes running around at night, there wasn't much action for the hero's eager muscles. It was quiet, peaceful, and boring. Link sighed as he threw another bail of hay onto the already towering pile. Lucky for him Talon, the owner of Lon Lon Ranch, let him work as an extra ranch hand. At least he can spend some time with Epona. His work done for the day, Link left the barn to go into the horse's pen. A rusty colored steed galloped toward the robust youth. "Hi there, girl." Link petted Epona as he reached into his pocket. Before he could open up the letter, the wind blew it out of his hands and into the ones of Talon's redheaded daughter.
"Hi Link!" Malon exclaimed, "What's this?" Her curious mind overwhelming her, she carefully unfolded the paper.
"Umm…Malon," Link stammered sheepishly, "I think that you can give it back…"
"Aww, how sweet!" Malon continued to skim the handwriting, reading every juicy detail. Finally, Link playfully tackled her like a little sister until Malon finally dropped it laughing. Before Malon left, she turned to Link and cracked, "I hope Zelda is doing fine on her own, koibito!" Malon giggled as she dodged a harmless rock whizzing her direction.
Nosy girl. Oh well, she's still okay. Link promptly picked up the letter. Sighing, he opened it and read it again.
Haikei Link,
Konichiwa. It's me, Zelda. I'm not surprised that you didn't understand this letter at
first. Ever since I came here, I've
been learning bits and pieces of Japanese. I never realized until now how exciting and different Japan really
is. The people here are very
hospitable, and the old have much to say. There was an ancient prophecy long ago about an unmentionable evil
plaguing the oukoku centuries ago, but I don't know if it still exists. I miss you dearly, and I pray that I will
see you again. Until next time,
owakari, my koibito.
Keigu,
Zelda
Link smiled as he gently tucked the letter back in his pocket. I miss you too, my hime. Please come back soon. As Link walked out of Lon Lon Ranch, he noticed a man on a horse, galloping wildly towards his direction. Normally, Link would shrug this off, but this man was obviously not from Hyrule. His jaded armor was bulky, yet lightweight enough for him to move freely. The countless armored plates clattered and glittered in the noontime sun. His bulky helmet cast his face in shadow and had an elaborate crest embedded on the forehead. He carried with him a katana and a banner with various kanji written on it. This must have been a samurai warrior. The imperial stallion halted as the samurai turned to the young Hylian. "Anone, misutaa. Doko Oujou Hyrule?" The samurai stared at Link's perplexed face and smacked himself. This kid didn't understand a word he said. "Excuse me sir," the samurai rephrased in a heavy accent, "Where is Hyrule Castle?"
"Oh," Link nodded in comprehension, "I'll lead you to it." Link called for Epona and soon they were riding side by side. "First time here?" Link asked.
"Hai," the samurai responded. "There is an important message I must give to your Ousama and the Jinketsu of Taimu."
"I am the Hero of Time." Link thanked the goddesses that he knew a little Japanese, "What do you need to tell us?"
The samurai looked at Link with surprise, then despair, "Come with me when we get to the castle. Both of you need to know."
~*~
The silence filling the Great Hall was broken by two pairs of boots and the clattering of plated armor. Seeing who was with the foreigner, two guards immediately opened the doors to the Throne Room, where King Harkinian was awaiting the visit. "Ah, Link! A pleasant surprise to see you!" King Harkinian eyed the foreigner in strange armor, "And who might this man be?"
"Your Majesty, this is…" Link suddenly realized he never asked the samurai his name, "umm…this is…uh…"
"Chokushi," the samurai completed, "Ousama, I bear kyoubun from the East." Chokushi unrolled his scroll and read the disturbing news, "A storm has struck the fair kingdom of Jade Oukoku. This storm has struck the ancient cave that has sealed a fearsome spirit for centuries. Now, this evil has caused much shurajou and ryuuketsu."
Link suddenly snapped his head toward Chokushi. He remembered something about an ancient evil in Zelda's letter. So he did exist. "Oni Ryuujin is a feared evil: the demon king of the dragons. He has been attacking all of the towns. One of the most recent attacks was Jokomachi." Both the King and Link were shocked by the news. Jokomachi was the town Zelda was residing in. That meant… "We did all we could, Ousama, but we could not find her. Your aijou…is gone." Chokushi reached into his sack and pulled out the mangled evidence: a torn lock of golden hair. The King's hand trembled as he held the remains of his beloved daughter. "Itamiiru, Ousama. Itamiiru."
King Harkinian stared in disbelief as the news had settled into his mind. He felt as if his heart stopped, but Link felt that an Iron Knuckle had splintered his ribs and tore his heart to shreds. No…it can't be…not her! Link was petrified as the King started to summon all his highly trained guards. It's my fault. If I went with her, she would've been protected from that…that…demon. It's my fault. IT'S ALL MY FAULT! Before the King could sent his men, Link spoke up, "Your Highness, if you will, I personally request that you send me."
"You Link? But you are Hyrule's protector! I don't think it's wise that…"
"Please! Hear me out!" Link exclaimed, "Forgive my rudeness, but I feel that it is my responsibility to find her. I had the chance to protect her, but I passed the chance. Now, she's nowhere to be found and it's because of me. I promised her that no matter what, I'll always be with her. I can only find redemption from breaking that promise by bringing her back. I implore you, my Lord, I must go." After much pleading, the King had finally permitted him to go. Link faced Chokushi and asked him to wait. He would need everything he had to get her back.
~*~
Link rummaged through his house, packing everything for the journey ahead of him. As Link packed, he scanned everything that he needed. Fairy Bow, Megaton Hammer, Longshot, Hover Boots, ocarina, potion, bombs…Link stopped through the chaos and picked up one of his collection of masks. The Mask of the Fierce Deity. Link gazed at it as the memory of his battle with Majora and the fearsome power of that mask. A voice spoke up from behind him, "You know how much that scares me, Link." He turned around to face the person that has been a sister to him. "So are you going to leave us again?"
Link stood up and tried to explain, "Saria, I have to do this. For the sake of the princess. There's a new evil and…"
"Ah, say no more," Saria proclaimed, "Anything for the one you love." Link glared at Saria, but couldn't help but smile. He could never stay angry forever, especially to a woman. Saria embraced Link for the last time. "I guess this is goodbye, again." Link smirked as he left the Korkiri Forest. He stared at the dark mask in his hand, thinking about its power. He was going to need this.
Chokushi glanced around as his honsen awaited departure. It wasn't long until he saw the determined youth galloping towards him. Chokushi gave a formal greeting before allowing Link onto his ship. When the honsen left port, Chokushi steered as Link looked behind him, seeing the land of Hyrule inch farther and farther until it disappeared. "I have seen many a samurai do very courageous things, but you have the most giyuu and botsuga I have ever seen. Shrukuen has been kind to send a courageous and selfless warrior such as yourself."
"Yes," Link replied, "Destiny had been kind to your people."