Chapter 4: Learning the Past
« ***Unknown*** »

Over a fire, a figure smirked. Feeding off of the rage and jealousy Saria and Ruto felt for each other. The timing had been perfect. It had managed to cause Link and Princess Ruto to fall in love. Of course, Ruto hadn't needed anything. Her love was true to Link. But Link, on the other hand, had needed a little - persuasion. And now, as the flames of the two sages jealousy grew, so did its power. Soon their anger for each other would cause the beams to converge, destroying the barrier, and releasing it from its prison.

Sent there by Impa, it could only travel the world as a harmless shadow, gaining the trust of foolish mortals. It could then use them as it wished, controlling their every thought. Only the strong of mind could resist its control. But the old potions shop owner had a weak mind. She had no idea she would be the cause of the destruction of Hyrule, and she never would. Soon after "accidentally" spilling the love potion on Link, she had died. Now she had joined its ranks as a Stalfos. Its evil army always growing, it would soon be unstoppable. The only one who stood a threat to it was Link and his meddlesome friends. But they would soon be disposed of.

« Sacred Meadow: Early Morning »

The fragrant smell of Deku leaves entered Link's nostrils as he entered the Sacred Meadow. He had returned to this place all to soon. The last time he had been here, he had to overpower several wolfos, out maneuver a pair of Stalfos, and defeat Phantom Gannon. These all were things he didn't want to have to do again. But Saria had gone missing. As much as hated this place, he had to venture into it.

Only Link knew this was Saria's favorite place to escape to. The only place she could play her fairy ocarina in solitude. Link knew why Saria was so drawn to this place, why she had to remain near it, but Saria would never know. She had the chance to grow up normal. Not as a sage, but as a normal 14 year old Kokiri girl. The world of the sages still existed, watching over their younger counter-parts. But they couldn't ... no ... wouldn't interfere.

The snap of a twig sent birds flying, but Link stood unwavering. Silently, he drew out his sword, then turned and slashed. Link fumbled as he sliced through thin air. Surly, he thought, something had been behind him, but there was nothing there. As Link cautiously turned around and continued his course, a dark shadow slinked behind him.

« Hyrule Field, Lake Hylia: Early Morning »

The sun rose against the horizon of Lake Hylia, casting its golden rays against the water. On the rocky bank, leaning back against a gnarled old tree, sat Princess Ruto. The way the light reflected off her scales made her give off a celestial blue glow.

For hours, Ruto had been sitting there. Waiting for Link to come back to her. In her mind, she felt she should find her Hyrulian love, and drag him back to Zora's Domain, but in her heart, she knew that she should trust in him. She knew Link would be safe, after all, he is the Hero of Time, but there still might be trouble. She knew Link was still emotionally close to Saria, and that link between the two could end her and Links relationship.

Fearing the worst, Princess Ruto was determined to find Link. Getting up, Princess Ruto walked to the shore edge, and gracefully splashed into the water, heading towards Kokiri Forest.

« ***Unknown*** »

No! The beams! They - they were stopping! No, not stopping. Just slowing down. But still, that increased the time until the Temple of Time released the evil within. If one of the sages died ... No, they couldn't! Not after so much work. It had come so close to being released. So close, it could almost taste the havoc and destruction it would release upon Hyrule. It would destroy Link and Princess Zelda. Then it would be unstoppable! With them out of the way, it would be free to terrorize the world.

The beams - The beams and their connection to the sages, if they stopped now it would remain trapped in its hellhole of a prison. It would make them pay. It was them who had trapped it, and them who would release it.

Of course, if one of the sages died, Gannon would be released. But that foolish mortal had messed up more than once, and was sure to do so again if he was released. Gannon had no IDEA what the true meaning of power was. He couldn't even handle what he had, and in the end, it had destroyed him. But it would not make that mistake. It would make sure that it wouldn't be imprisoned again. And it surly wouldn't underestimate Link.

« Lost Woods, Forest Temple Entrance: Mid-Morning »

As Link neared the entrance to the Forest Temple, a foul stench made him shudder. Had evil consumed this place as it did Lake Hylia? No, this wasn't the smell of the rotting Undead or Stalfos. This had a more ... natural smell, and what Link saw next made his heart jump. Against a cliffside was emerald green blood, still fresh from the wound. This is obviously what was causing the smell, but what had left the blood? Then Link saw it. On the ground lay the lifeless body of a Kokiri. Saria. Waves of emotions swept over Link, as he feared for her life. Upon closer inspection, Link saw she was not dead, but she did have a nasty gash across her head, and green blood still oozed from the wound. Carefully wrapping Saria in one of his tunics, Link carried her back to the Kokiri Village for medical attention. 'Please don't die on me' Link thought to himself as he exited the Sacred Meadow.

« Zora's Domain, Ruto's Chambers: Mid-Afternoon »

No letter, No messages - Nothing! For over a week, Link had been missing and Princess Ruto was furious. 'How could he?' She thought to herself. This wasn't like Link at all. Of all the times he had left her side, he had always managed to tell her where he was going, but this time was somehow different. One minute he was playing on his ocarina, the next he was running like mad toward Hyrule Field. Princess Ruto had always been a little impatient, and after a week you could hardly blame her for nearly going insane.

Not a moment of the day passed that she didn't think of her future Husband, Link. She was worried for him. Was he hurt? Dead? Maybe he was fighting the battle of his life - or MAYBE that Saria had managed to steal her Link away. Ruto thought she knew Saria wouldn't do such a thing, but the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became to think that Link had left her for Saria. After all, he had known Saria longer than he had known her.

Finally, she could take no more. She had to find out what had happened to Link. Leaving a note of where she would be, Princess Ruto headed off for the most likely place Link would be ... the Kokiri Village.

« ***Unknown*** »

The Power! The Force! It was so great, it was overpowering. Already the barrier containing it was starting to weaken. All over Hyrule, reports of increased redead, stalfos, stalchild, and skulltulla activity was being sent into the castle of examination. It could sense the fear in people, and the fear only made it stronger.

Using small amounts of its ever-growing magic, it broke the barrier, sealing Hyrules fate. Sparks showered the ground as the barrier gave way and broke. Above the Temple of Time, the beams combined, sending a shockwave across Hyrule so great, it caused the Temple of Time to collapse. It was there on that sacred ground that it would build it's unholy domain.

But, before this could happen, Minions of the past, present, and future would be needed, and so as it sat on its evil throne, It started to cast It's spell.

« ***???*** »

Sword drawn, shield in hand, Link entered the dark and damp room. Deku torches lined the room, providing very little light. On the opposite side of the room, Link could barley make out the faint lines of the exit. He was almost out, almost safe. Soft clicks came from Link's boots as he made his way to the center of the room. He couldn't fail now; he was almost out, so close. Saria's life depended on it.

Suddenly, Stalfos surrounded Link on all sides. Everywhere Link looked stood the bony figures of Hyrule's fallen Heroes, no longer fighting for Hyrule on the good side, but forced to mindlessly obey the evil shadows. As Link surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was trapped. Stalfos came from all corners. There was no way around them. Link had only one option, and he would only get one chance to do it. Giving his sword a quick charge, Link did a spin attack. It worked. The blow had disabled all the stalfos.

It was almost too easy, Link thought to himself as he ran for the exit. Suddenly, he was falling. Falling through a darkness so black it choked out all light and sound, so evil it made Link want to scream in agony. Links continued to fall for what seemed for hours, but were really only minutes. Then it was over, and the impact came so suddenly it stunned Link, but it didn't take him long to realize he had broken his arm.

Lava brewed all around Link as he clung desperately to a small island. In the center of the giant lava pit, stood a mountain of ash. So massive was the mound that it reached out of Link's sight.

Then it moved - and rocked - and burst into millions of small particles. And out of the ash rose Volvadgia. The twice-defeated dragon rose before Link, seven times bigger than it had been the last time Link had faced him. Link could feel the power that lanced over the dragon. Link realized he had no chance this time. Not even his megaton hammer or his master sword could help. The snap came so quick, Link didn't realize what had happened at first. The last thing Link knew was he was falling again, and Volvadgia gave a satisfying belch as he digested Link.

« Kokiri Forest, Link's House: Mid-Afternoon »

"I give up Somi," said Mira, "This is the last time! He just won't wake up."

"But he's GOT to," exclaimed Somi, "If he doesn't wake up soon, I don't know what I'll do. He's been sleeping for over a week now ever since he brought Saria back. Good thing too or she might have died from that head injury."

"What I don't understand is why he collapsed as soon as he showed up in the village. I mean, He didn't look worn out or anything. He looked perfectly healthy."

"Well, I'm just as confused -"

A light rapping at the door interrupted Somi, telling the two that someone was outside. Heading for the door, Mira was about to let the person in, until a screaming that echoed through the forest diverted her attention. Link was awake.

The earsplitting screaming that shook the forest caused all the Kokiri, including the weary Saria, to come running. Opening the door, Mira revealed a dirty Mido, impatiently waiting at the door.

"It's about time. Would I be correct in guessing that was Link?"

"Yes, that would be Link. He's apparently had a nightmare of some sort. Somi is trying to clam him down now." replied Mira.

"Well, I need to talk to him, so if you don't mind -" said Mido as he strolled past Mira.

Approaching Link's bedside carefully, Mido covered his ears incase Link decided to scream again. Whatever had scared Link had to be dangerous because Link wasn't frightened easily. On the bed lay a tired and sweaty Link. He looked like he had a fever.

"LINK! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" screamed Mido

"Mmm lime mmumm mmm had mmm miimm," said Link.

"WHAT?

"Mmm lime mmumm mmm had mmm miimm!"

"WILL YOU TAKE YOUR FINGERS OUT OF YOUR EARS!" Link finally screamed. "I SAID I'm fine, but I had a bad nightmare."

"Is that all? I thought you had cracked something - like your head ... but, now that we know your fine, you can start work immediately."

"And why do you THINK that, Mido" interjected Somi.

"Because he's been missing work, and he not missing anymore!" said Mido, grabbing Link's arm. Link winced in pain. Looking closely at his arm, Somi discovered something she hadn't noticed - maybe because it hadn't been there - Link arm was broken.

Throwing his hands into the air, Mido stormed outside.

"Well that was fun," said Mira sarcastically.

Outside Link's house, Mido had a hard time breaking up the mob of Kokiri, which wondering what had happened. "Ok, break it up. Break it up! Nothing to see here. Link just had a bad dream. So everyone GO HOME!" Mido screamed (something he had a talent for)

Pushing their way to the front of the crowd, Saria and Princess Ruto stood before Mido.

"P-P-Princess Ruto!" exclaimed Mido "I-I had no idea you were going to visit! If I had known I would have -"

"Silence! I wish to see Link." Princess Ruto said in her best Princess-Like voice.

"C-C-Certainly. He's right up there," Mido said, pointing upwards towards Link's house.

"Thank You."

Princess Ruto started up the ladder, and behind her, Saria, but Mido stepped in front of her.

"And just where do you think YOUR going?"

"I'm going to see Link also, and don't you even THINK about stopping Me.," yelled Saria right in Mido's face. Stunned, Mido watched as the two women climbed the wooden ladder that led to Link's house.

"Here Link, drink this. It'll help you sleep, just close your eyes and think of happy things. You'll be asleep in no time," said Saria, as Princess Ruto tended to Link's arm.

When Mira and Somi saw the two at the entrance to Link's house, they objected at first, but they soon saw they were outmatched. They soon found out that Saria and Ruto would also be better at tending to Link, seeing they were both seemed to know a lot more about Link. Glad to be able to finally take a break, Somi and Mira left Saria and Ruto to care for Link.

"Princess Ruto, W-W what are you doing here?" stuttered Link.

"Why does everyone stutter around me? I mean, I'm a normal Zora just like any other. I just don't get it."

"Maybe its because your so ugly, and you don't get it because your so dense." Saria replied

"DENCE! You little sprite! You wouldn't know squat if it knocked you upside the head!" growled Ruto, leaping at Saria, grabbing for her throat.

Seeing the attack, Saria sidestepped just in time to dodge Ruto, but Ruto was on her feet again in no time. Grabbing her fins, Saria noogied Ruto on the head!

"Take it back! Take back calling me a sprite!" Saria yelled at Ruto, poking her in the eyes.

"Never!"

Ruto yanked out a portion of Saria's hair.

"My hair! Why you little!" Saria said as she leaped on top of Ruto.

Appalled by the fight, but slightly interested, Link watched the two girls fight until he drifted off into a soundless sleep.

« ***The Dream*** »

This was a dream, Link could tell. But it was unlike any dream he had ever had. He was in a room, or something like a room. It seemed to exist, yet not to exist. It was tiny, and yet, it seemed to go on to the end of time itself. Gold sketchings lined the walls. Everywhere Link looked, scrolls and parchments littered desktops and the floors. Walking through the mess, something caught Link's eye. It was a glass case. Staring deeply into it, Link couldn't believe his eyes. Link could tell by the way they shimmered and glowed that it was filled with magical instruments.

Inside laid a silver mirror, a blue cane and a red cane, a book, some boots, and some pendants and coins.

And the thing that stood out most, a golden sword, the triforce carved into its pearly white handle, which lay on a long heavenly blue pillow. The power and glory that flowed over this wonderful sword made Link's Master Sword look like a dull knife.

"I see you like my collection."

Whirling around, Link drew his sword and faced ... an old man. Standing ready, Link was ready to fight incase this was a trick to get him to let his guard down.

"Put that away. It won't do you any good here."

"I'll decide for myself if it'll do any good."

"Very well. But before you decide to slice and dice, let me explain a little. My name is Natto, the Desert Sage. I have come here to help you on your quest."

Clutching his sword harder then ever, Link drew breath in ragged gasps.

"Imposter! Liar! Naburoo is the Spirit Sage - the Desert Sage."

"Ahhh. I see where your doubt is. Yes, Naburoo is the Desert Sage now, and a mighty fine one at that. Always firm in her ways, yet kind of heart. She was perfect for the job. But I was the Desert Sage of long ago. It was I who helped your ancestors and it is I who is going to tell you their story. Now sit down and listen closely. This story is about the greatest evil that ever plagued Hyrule and it all started a long time ago..."