Legend of Zelda:

Rise of the Dark Hero

Link was changed to fight the growing Evil with Darkness.

No longer is he the chosen champion of the Eternal Light,

But of the Endless Shadow.

Written By: Perfect Psionic Soldier

Edited by: -Archon2001

-PochePoke

Welcome to my warped reality of Zelda. This is a world where reality is harsh, war is waged, the forces of evil are strong and a hero needs to become something more in order to save those he cares for.

Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda or other Nintendo Characters. I just own my friends and the characters that I, myself created.

Things in the brackets are the character's thoughts.

Chapter 3

Forest of Forgotten Hope

There was swirling darkness.

Help!

Something trapped within the darkness.

Help!

Pleading.

Someone! Please… Help!

No answer…



Please…

Swirling darkness.

Someone… anyone… hear…

Endless shadows…

My…

Request…

Link awoke with a start, cold sweat trickling from his forehead as he breathed deeply. Burying his head into his left hand, he waited for his breathing to calm, the dream still fresh in his mind.

That voice…it was… so… Familiar… Link thought to himself as the words from that swirling darkness, echoed deep within the reaches of his soul.

Who? Where? Why? He questioned himself, while attempting to decipher old memories that would not reveal themselves.

His breath returning to normal, Link took a few moments before realizing that there was sunlight slowly creeping towards his bed. With surprised thoughts of morning, he slowly moved his hand away from his face as his eyes traced the outline of the morning sky through his window.

Getting up, he instantly knew two things. The first was that his body ached from head to toe. The second was that he was still fully clothed, his cape rustling to his side as he stood.

Calm and collected, Link thought back to the previous day's events, wondering what had occurred. Thinking back he remembered the fight with Delvol and with a grim smile, acknowledged the man's skills with the rapier. It was apparent that those very skills had left Link in his current condition, however, after the fight, all Link recalled was hastily leaving, and being followed by a mysterious being.

Further pondering the situation, Link figured he had immediately returned to the inn and went directly to sleep. Feeling something resting within his hair as his head moved about meant that Navi was fast asleep; she was up late again last night.

Looking down at his arms, Link saw the many cuts that lined his clothes. Inspecting them deeper, he also noticed that the cuts were no longer bleeding, which meant Navi must have spent the majority of the night tending his wounds.

Shaking his head slightly, and making the mass in his hair swing to and fro, Link found himself wondering what he would do without his fairy companion. He had been with Navi for a great portion of his life, their companionship beginning from when he was a child to throughout his early teens, where she came and went as she pleased, dividing her attention between her longtime friend, fulfilling her duties as a fairy, and taking care of the forest whenever she had time. However, nowadays she spent her every moment with her friend and master, taking her duty seriously as she served him to the best of her abilities, never faltering and never with a second thought. She and Epona must have been what the universe had in mind when it created the word 'Loyal'.

There was so much trust between them that he often felt guilty about hiding some of his feelings from her, however he still had secrets that he had to keep. Secrets that were far too serious for anyone to know. The pain he hid was for her own good, so she wouldn't burden herself with excess worry. The secrets he kept were for their own good, lest the burden crush her. He was strong, and would shoulder the responsibility on his own, less those he cared for died from the burden, or went mad. The burden of death, its intoxicating feeling scoured his body.

Flexing his fingers, Link thought briefly on the last few years of his life. The constant traveling and endless battles, always hoping to gain something that would lead them to what Link felt would be the final confrontation between him and his rival, a clash between two chosen's, each wielding a force akin to creation itself.

His rival, Ganon the desert king, a man that Link hated so much that it was almost an emotionless and calm feeling. With that man, there was a bottomless desire for vengeance and hatred. When he would find that man, the epitome of all that is tainted and corrupt, Link knew that he would vanquish him, even if it meant losing his own life in the process.

Taking a deep breath, Link suddenly realized something…

He was tired…

Incredibly tired.

Link felt weary, as if he had been drained of all of his will and energy.

Slumping down onto his bed, he rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his head with his hands, his eyes closing to a gentle rest.

He felt it, deep within him, a desire to leave and wander once more. It was this desire that had kept him going since losing her.

Temptation.

Oh, the temptation.

Spreading his lips slightly apart, Link had a great urge to utter her name, a name that brought him much joy, and an equal amount of sorrow. Fighting back, he repressed the desire, the feelings, the memories of long ago. Shaking his head, Link cleared his mind. The last thing he needed was a deadlock of joy and sorrow, life and void.

How long have I been here? In Hyrule? Link questioned himself. He had lost count of the days he had stayed in the city. Two? Three? Five? The answer lay close to his grasp, yet he could not reach it.

Link felt empty, the need to leave gaining more sway with each passing moment. He had fooled himself into thinking he needed to stay longer, to find the legendary man who could craft the finest of bows. However, it was wearing off. He had already stayed a day longer than need be, with no real achievements.

With only the void in his soul to fight the growing need to leave, Link knew it was merely a matter of hours before he left. He would head west, as he had originally planned. To any surviving towns, forts, or villages where they might know of another great bow maker. The lack of knowledge of, any names was irksome. It would slow his search, as he had learnt, a bow would be needed. His encounter with Bongo Bongo had taught him as much. Fighting such a beast of the shadows with just a sword was close to futile, but he had managed, while receiving much damage in return.

He would not make the same mistake again. He would acquire a bow, a special bow that could withstand the force of his own spirit. A bow worthy of a chosen Warrior of Courage.

He would need time though, and if his gut feelings were true he was ever so slowly running out of it. The helplessness of his situation feeding the embers of a cold fire within him.

Eyes widening, he felt the words pass through his mind like a heated iron brand. NEVER! Never Again! He would become stronger. Strong enough to overcome helplessness, strong enough to crush whatever stood in his path for vengeance. If need be, he would force his dying corpse to the final confrontation with Ganon. I will become STRONGER! Strong enough to honor... Strong enough to kill him! His right hand began twitching violently, shaking within his gauntlet. Link felt himself drowning within a sea of rage.

Taking deep, haggard breaths to force his body to calm down, Link was suddenly aware of pain in his fists, so he dug his fingers deep within his gauntlets. After a few moments, with his mind clear and his body calm, Link found himself standing, a disruptive noise filling the air.

Blinking, Link realized that the sound was of someone knocking on the door. Putting two and two together, he realized that he most likely should answer it.

Walking over, prepared for attack, Link opened the door, his right hand near the top of the wooden frame as he opened it, allowing him quick access to his sword.

Blinking yet again, Link found himself staring at a young woman with a wreath of full, beautiful brown hair. Wearing a simple brown dress trimmed in white, she curtsied as a minor blush settled on her cheeks.

He recognized her; however it took a few moments before the name clicked in. "Sofia." He said simply as he caught her attention. Waiting for a few moments, with Sofia doing nothing, Link decided that he should talk first. "Is something the matter?"

Blinking to attention, Sofia's blush deepened a touch as she collected herself. "There is a young military officer calling for you. I told her that you were busy, most likely sleeping at this hour, but she was insistent, stating that you would like to know. She says her name is Risa, and that she has found what you are looking for." Sofia stated with a long breath and a slight frown at Risa's name, but said nothing further.

Nodding, Link pondered what Sofia had told him. During the time that they had spent together, Link had mentioned the fact that he was looking for a man who could craft strong bows, but their search was pointless due to the countless number of people in the city. Finding a single person, even famous, was near impossible. Deciding, hoping, that she had found such a man, Link nodded and gestured for Sofia to lead the way, much to her dismay.

Closing the door behind him, Link followed Sofia as she led him to the many tables that littered the common room of the inn. Looking around, Link instantly noticed Risa, who was standing at the front counter, looking slightly bored.

Turning her head, Risa instantly noticed Link walking towards her and straightened up. She waited anxiously, emotions of nervousness, excitement and slight fear coursed through her mind and body. She could do nothing but watch as the darkly clad man stopped in front of her. Feeling slightly nervous, she found herself unable to say a word. Sure she had spoken to him a few times, but during those moments, she tried desperately to think about something other than him.

Damn it! Why do I always end up like this… Risa cursed herself as she began to lose herself in what had to be the clearest dark brown eyes she had ever seen. She stared as deeply into his eyes as she could, searching for what had to be non-existent imperfection.

Slowly blinking, Link stood still as he studied the young woman before him. Still dressed in the Hyrule military uniform, she looked almost unchanged from the day before. Almost. Studying her, Link noticed that there was something slightly different about her. She looked edgier, as if something was bothering her.

Blinking, Link peered at the back of her waist, as he noticed two hilts pointing in either direction, left and right as they protruded from hidden sheaths. Simply bound in leather, the hilts had a worn look to them, making them appear soft to the touch. Studying the hilts further, Link noted with interest that the hilt on her right side had what resembled a small ruby gem imbedded at the end of the hilt with a corresponding sapphire gem on its twin.

Guessing why the jewels were there, Link contemplated on them. They couldn't be for show, as Risa didn't seem like the type of person to have such fanciful weaponry. Link guessed that they could have been a pair of weapons forged during the golden age, an era when magic and technology flourished, a golden age of peace and prosperity. Or all they really were was a pair of weapons with fancy hilts.

Releasing a small sigh, Link wished for a return to those times, to live in an era where people like him were neither needed nor useful; a wondrous time of peace in which he could simply live without fear of failure or bitter memories haunting him.

Slowly drawing a deep, silent breath, Link allowed his thoughts to fade as he brought his attention back to the nervous girl standing before him.

"You found him?" Link stated silently, not knowing who, 'he' was exactly, but Link was simply opening a doorway for Risa to speak.

Risa took a few seconds to collect herself before she nodded cheerfully. "Yes! I found him! He actually lives in the city, in the southwest quadrant."

Giving a single nod, Link was pleased to hear such good news. Perhaps he wouldn't leave just yet.

Smiling sweetly, Risa grabbed Link's right arm and starting pulling him away. "Follow me! I'll lead you there!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Turning his head ever so slightly, Link gave Sofia a smile and mouthed a silent thank you as he found himself being dragged out the door and into the morning light.

Holding her hands to her chest, Sofia smiled sadly. She felt something from the man, but she couldn't read his heart, as she had the last time. Whenever she had tried during their short conversation, she encountered a wall that was never there before, barring her from further probing.

However, her sad smile instantly brightened. She remembered that he had smiled at her and had given her a silent thank you. Hugging her hands to her chest, she hopped to her chores, and found herself annoyingly pleased at such a simple gesture from a man she barely knew.

Following Risa through throngs of people on their morning errands, Link felt slightly nostalgic. Everywhere he looked there were people smiling. Though scowls, stern looks, and loud voices from haggling filled the air there was a general mood of happiness, a constant flowing joy within a gentle stream of emotion.

Running his right thumb over his fingers, Link felt as though he could taste the sweet emotion that ebbed around him. Taking a breath, Link allowed the feelings of the day fill him.

Elation. Joy. Happiness. Life.



Walking alongside Risa, Link found himself turning his attention from place to place, stall to stall, and person to person as he listened to the bits of conversation around him. Before he knew it, he was relaxed as he joined the flow of life that the market held for him as a young lad.



Blinking, Link felt that something was amiss. He could not help but look ahead.



Suddenly, there was a dead body lying before him. It was s young boy, obviously killed by the edge of a blade; a pool of gray red blood flowing beneath him. Unsure of what course of action to take, Link simply stared ahead; weary of the dangers that lurked around him.



Time slowed as Link peered down, horrifically noticing that he held his sword in hand. It was coated deeply with dripping red blood. Looking up, link stared as the people continued with their lives, their expressions unchanged as they continued with their busy schedules, buzzing with chatter and emotions. No one noticed the dead body or the ever-expanding pool of blood.



Confused, Link attempted to clear his head. His hand was trembling violently. Shaking his head, he tried to imagine what had occurred. Why was he holding his sword with a dying boy before him? Why wasn't anyone noticing?



Everything seemed to have a monotone hue to it. Link felt his body quiver with the need to move about, wanting to swing his sword fluidly from person to person. His every strike would be a mortal blow, every slash releasing rivets of blood, filling the street with the dead and ceasing the flow of life. Straining with all his might, he tried to restrain his arms, to halt his deadly blade from claiming another victim.



Then he heard it. A soft, serene female voice whispering in his ear, "Kill. Kill them all. They all deserve to die. There is no innocence. No hope. No good. There is only truth. Look at the disorder, the chaos in their lives. End it!"



Link shivered as he felt a combination of cold and warmth embrace his body and mind, caressing his soul and senses with its every word.



Switching to his other ear, the voice continued. "Let them feel the joy of release. They may suffer now, but they will forgive you. Thank you. Bless you. You will release them. You are their savior. Their single hope. Their only hope. See how they beg for release. Release them and allow them to live in paradise. There is no more need for death, only life, joy, and happiness."



Breathing hard, Link found it impossible to ignore the words the voice whispered. Everything it said made sense; was nearly true. Clenching his fist, Link gritted his teeth as he felt his body begin to succumb to the voice's suggestions, his right hand shook with need. The need to wield a blade; one coated with rich blood.



Returning to the other ear, the voice continued to whisper as a young girl with dark brown hair carrying a bunch of slightly wilted flowers walked up to Link, stopping him in his tracks. "Look here", the voice whispered. "A young girl; look how sad she is. Look at her poor state. See? Kill her. Please her. Release her from this mortal bound. Allow her spirit to go free. Give her the gift of happiness. It is so simple. She will thank you. Bless you. Love you."



Blinking, Link looked down as the monotone hued girl stared up at him, her eyes looked sad; specks of dirt smudged on her face. Tilting her youthful head, she looked very concerned. "Are you o kaay mithster?" the girl asked, her voice sounding distant, as if she had an echo trailing her every word.



Smiling, Link gave her a nod. The girl didn't seem to believe him until an idea lit up her face. Motioning for Link to crouch down, she stared at him face to face and gave him her brightest smile, revealing a few missing teeth in the process. Leaning forward she gave him a small kiss on his right cheek and handed him a flower from her tiny palm. "Cheer op mithster. Because being not happy isth not happy!" smiling, she waved her hand and stated a sweet "bye-bye," her sweet joy infecting Link as he waved in return before she ran back through the crowd of milling people.



Releasing a deep sigh, Link ignored the whispering words as he closed his eyes, allowing his mind to become clear. Opening them again, he looked back towards the multicolored market; the monotone hue that shaded his vision had disappeared, allowing Link to relax somewhat as if nothing were amiss.



There was no fleeing populace, no screams of fright and desperation. No dying innocent bystanders lay before him. The comforting weight of his sword hugged his back. Nothing was wrong, however breathing heavily Link couldn't help but feel drained, as though something had eaten away his strength. This sensation had never occurred at a time like this before, when there were innocent people about.



Staring at the ground while concentrating on controlling his breathing, Link couldn't help but recall the horrific battle with Bongo Bongo.



"She seems to like you." Risa stated with a wink. "But… are you alright? You look like you need a priestess."



"I'm fine, just tired." Link replied non-challantly as he stood up and, on impulse looked around as he tried to forcefully control his breathing. The young girl was nowhere to be seen.



"Come on! We're almost there!" Risa stated cheerfully, changing the subject as she motioned for Link to follow her, not fully convinced at the man's words but trusting him nonetheless.



Giving a slight nod, Link followed her. The sights and sounds of the market place seemed duller, emptier of life than it did a moment ago. Following Risa, Link felt slightly saddened at the fact that he no longer felt the ebb of life that had flowed through the market.



Coughing slightly, Link paused a moment as he covered his mouth with the back of his right hand. He didn't even need look to know that there was fresh blood staining the back of his gauntlet. His body felt as though it were getting increasingly worse.



Shivering, Link felt slight fear from the previous moment, from when he had heard the serene, gentle, merciless voice whispering in his ear, deep into his mind and soul. Is she stirring? But why… Link silently questioned himself as he wiped the blood off of his gauntlet and onto his dark pants and continued walking; catching up to Risa as if nothing was amiss.



Looking at the flower in his hand, Link simply tucked it into one of his satchels as he raised his head to look at the afternoon sky. For a brief moment, all he could think about was the dormant entity within him. He felt fear at the thought of what would happen if it ever awoke.











Taking a sudden turn through an alley, Link walked in pace with Risa as they avoided trash and people alike. After weaving through what seemed like a maze of alleyways and buildings, Link suddenly found himself staring at a small, oval clearing of cobbled stones and brick houses.



Looking around, Link noticed sparse tufts of green grass poking up from between the cobbled stones. There were only three brick structures filling up the rather empty space. Looking ahead of him, Link studied the largest of the three houses for a few moments before looking to his left, where he saw an odd, tiny straw hut with a thatched roof. Looking to his right he noticed an equally small brick structure, standing no taller than the straw house.



Stepping forward, Risa quietly walked to the large brick house and knocked on a sturdy wooden door. Blinking, Link waited patiently for a few minutes, but nothing happened. Raising her hand again, Risa knocked again, without much success. Raising her hand for a third time, Risa pounded on the door, the back of her fists crashing into the wooden frame. Blinking, Link swore he saw the door crack slightly.



Giving the door a deadly look, Risa raised her hand for a forth time and was prepared to give the door the beating of its life, when the door suddenly opened. The gruff looking man that answered the door, appearing to be well past his prime, jumped back slightly as he was greeted by the fist of a vengeful demon beast with a killer intent.



Raising an eyebrow, Link took a mental note that Risa, who was often cheery and in a good mood, had a very short and explosive temper.



"How can I help ye lass?" the man asked as he stared death in the face.



Blinking, Risa's mood immediately changed, and she lowered her fist while asking, "Are you the one known as Kail of the shimmering arrow?"



Staring down at the young woman before him, he did not even blink before he asked his own question. "What is it ta ye?"



"I have a friend who needs a bow." Risa stated truthfully as she pointed to Link, since she saw no reason to lie.



Looking over her shoulder, the aged man found himself staring at the darkly clad man, and feeling a presence that he had not felt in decades. "I don't make bows no more. Leave meh be lassie." The man stated as he turned his back and prepared to close his door.



"But, he's traveled all across Hyrule in search of you! Won't you reconsider? Just this once?" Risa pleaded, stopping the man before he could close the door in her face.



Sighing, the man turned around, considering her words. If this man had traveled that far to find him, shaking his head the man reminded himself of why he had stopped making bows. Staring at the stranger didn't help, so he found himself staring intently at his door. Squinting slightly, the old man traced the outline of what looked like a fine crack on his sturdy wooden door.



Thinking back to the demon beast that appeared before him scant minutes ago, the old man decided that a brief look wouldn't hurt. Gently pushing her aside, he walked down the few steps until he was face to face with the young man.



Studying his rather pale features, the old man found himself looking over the person before him. With the cloak on, it left little to study aside from fabric and the man's face. Looking into the man's eyes, the old man found himself drawn into the depths of this young man's gaze.



The old man found himself grinning. Now here's a sturdy lad who looks like he can wield a bow with ease. "Let me see yer hand lad." The old man ordered as he broke away from his gaze.



Lifting his left hand, Link showed it palm up and after a few moments of inspection, the old man nodded and demanded to see the other. Seeing no reason why not to show it, Link raised his right hand as simultaneously lowered his left one.



Peering intently, the old man studied Link's thumb, index and middle finger. He came to the conclusion that this young man knew how to use a bow and judged that he held the bow with his left hand and drew it with his right, using the three fingers to hold the arrow in place and fire.



Quickly calculating it in his mind, the man had already figured out the type of bows the young man could use effectively, however, he would need more time to find out what form of bow would suit him the best and the best way to find that out was…



Blinking, the old man shook his head. What am I thinking? Releasing a sigh, the old man looking into the young man's eyes. Such deep, deep eyes, almost as dark as night and undoubtedly haunted by memories of his past… "Lad, I can not give ye a bow… I daina feel the need ta forge ya one. Ye don't fit meh criteria's of one who can hold the pure ideals of heaven. I see darkness around ye lad. A darkness that can only be born by bloodshed. Hate meh if ya will, I shall no forge ya a weapon." Turning the old man started back towards his house.



"But why!? Why won't you forge one!?" Risa demanded from the top step as she watched the old man return to his home.



"I have meh reasons lass. All of em private and none of em anyone else's business." The old man replied solemnly as he continued his walk.



"Bu…" Risa stated before she was cut off.



"Enough." Link stated gently, raising his right hand to halt her. "His decisions are his own. I will not force him to forge me a weapon. A weapon must be forged with heart and soul else, it is simply inferior, and I cannot use such weak weapons as those." Drawing out his sword, Link held it horizontally in the air, showing it to Risa as he continued. "For myself I must have the purest, there is no alternative. This, Risa, is the path of blades. I cannot falter nor will I depend. I must walk this road alone. If I cannot have a pure weapon then I shall have none, as it will become a seal, limiting my skills as I depend on things other than myself. A warrior such as yourself will understand my words. Let us go, our business here is finished, there is no need to disturb him any longer"



Nodding, Risa quickly gave the old man a bow and rushed to Link's side as he began to turn away and together they walked back to the darkness of the alleys.



Standing before his open door, the old man had his back to where the young man had stood. Looking back, his mind replayed the words that the lad had stated, and slowly came to a decision. Gritting his teeth as he clenched his jaw, the old man simply pushed those thoughts away as he walked into his house and closed the door gently, disappearing into the darkness within.







Peering at the numerous market stalls as he passed by, Link found himself staring at a few of them with interest. Here and there were cookery items, foods of all sorts, and jewelry littered a few stands, twinkling in the morning sunlight as it rose over the surrounding mountains.



Proceeding further, Link soon found himself near the gates of the White Wall. The stalls here caught his interest as well. Looking at items carefully, Link found himself studying specific trail rations that a few of the stalls were selling. After a few moments inspection, Link simply walked up to a stall where an elderly woman perched on a wooden stool and paid fifty rupees for two-dozen of her rations.



Before Link could turn around to leave, the old woman stopped him and asked him to lean down. Looking deep into his eyes, the woman stared at him in earnest when recognition hit her. Before she could say anything though, she felt her gut feelings tell her something. Simply nodding she gave him another dozen rations, forcing them onto the young man and barking at him when he tried to pay. "For old times" She stated vaguely and waved him away.



"Is that what you wanted? I was slightly confused when you suddenly walked off" Risa stated as she walked up and stood watching as Link stuffed his newly purchased rations into one of his satchels. Nodding, he simply tipped his head to the right and strode off, expecting her to follow. Risa sighed as she thought that they were finally on good speaking terms.



Augh! Why should I care if we're on good speaking terms! Risa asked herself but blinked as she noticed him walking down the street, oblivious to the fact that she wasn't with him. Yelling "Wait for me," Risa quickly rushed to his side as Link continued up the street.



Stopping to look at an uninteresting stall, Link became slightly less focused with what was occurring around him, and he began concentrating on the vicinity. Ever since he had left the alleys that led to Kail's home, he had had the feeling that he was being watched.



Looking around, Link searched for a relatively empty spot were he could confront his pursuers and end things. He hated being followed.



Spotting a dark alley, Link stood still for a moment as he watched people pass it by, no one entering or leaving the alley. Drawing a light breath, he prepared himself for what was to come and was about to leave when Risa appeared at his side.



"What's wrong?" Risa asked, worried at his sudden withdrawal from what she considered his usual demeanor.



Link stood silently, cursing himself about the fact that he had forgotten about the young lady at his side.



Getting no response, Risa decided to use his name. "Darks? Are you all right?" she had heard it from Selina last night at the barracks when she had heard about a darkly clad young man using a black bladed sword defeating the knight captain Delvol. Though she had never seen his sword's blade, Risa found herself almost completely sure that he was that man.



Turning his head, Link fixed his gaze at Risa, making her blush slightly under it's intensity. "Wait here for a moment." Link commanded as he strode off into the crowd.



Blinking, Risa found herself slightly shocked as the man simply left her and disappeared. Frowning slightly and mumbling something about insensitive men, she decided to go lean against the closest building. Since she had no choice, she would simply have to wait.



Looking into the crowd, Risa's frown deepened as she saw what appeared to be a darkly dressed young man walking into a dark alley. Wondering what he was going to do, Risa's eyes widened as she noticed that there was more than a half dozen men in white cloaks trailing the man into the same alley.



Brows furrowing in worry, Risa decided to follow as a bad feeling formed in the pit of her stomach. When her gut told her things, it was rarely wrong and that meant something bad was going to happen.



Quickly making her way to the entrance of the alley, Risa held her hand on her left dagger, elbow jetting out behind her; holding it in perfect form with wrist facing forward and knuckles pointing backwards. With this stance, she could quickly draw her weapon and slash in the same instant.



Utilizing her right hand to hug the wall, Risa silently entered the alley and stood in awe as she watched what passed before her. Had the man she knew as Darks been her enemy, she would have had nightmares for the remainder of her life.

Slowing to a halt, Link instantly realized that the reason this alley seemed unused was the fact that it was a dead end. Judging the distance from the entrance to the end to be around three-dozen feet, Link knew that he had found a good place to confront his pursuers.



Turning, he watched as seven men trickled into the alley. With a width of only a few feet, Link knew that they knew that they had the advantage here. Hoping that if they believed themselves to be in a superior situation, they would let their guards down slightly.



Studying them, Link stared at their white cloaks and what he guessed were leather boots, but he could not make out their faces in the dim light of the alley.



The lead man laughed.



"You chose a bad place to fight, fool." The man stated in a cocky voice, assuring Link that he had done this many times in the past. "You and your sword can't be used to its full power here. You're dead." The man finished, and unsheathed two daggers as his men followed his example and unsheathed their weapons as well.



Blinking, Link simply unsheathed his Murasame and waited.



"Before I kill you, you should know that my twin daggers are gonna hurt you more than your sword will ever hurt me. In these alleys I am considered a god." The man stated as his followers chuckled in agreement, pitying the poor soul before them.



Raising the twin daggers before his face, the man continued. "But before I kill you, I have a message to deliver. 'Peasants should know their place'."



Link frowned slightly; he instantly knew who sent the message. Watching as the men before him began their move by slowly inching in, hoping to intimidate their foe while keeping a steady posture.



Link on the other hand felt that this would take forever, so instead of simply waiting for their attack, he rushed them instead. Dashing with his sword over his right shoulder he slashed at the lead man, who barely blocked the downward blow.



Using the recoil of the block, Link stepped back slightly, and smoothly thrust forward, piercing the man at the side of his stomach. Withdrawing his sword he moved his right side back slightly, twirling the blade beside him in a single motion then using the momentum to slice the injured man across the chest and force him to the ground.



With a cry of pain the lead man fell and two of his friends were there to replace him, their feelings of anger and outrage apparent.



Backing up lithely, Link studied the two men, momentarily noticing that the man to his right was carrying a single dagger while the man to his left carried a short sword. Blinking once, Link stepped forward, his sword sending two simple slashes at their heads. The man with the short sword was able to block the strike with a resonating clank, but the man with the dagger wasn't as lucky and screamed in pain as the dark blade slashed across his face.



Falling to his knees, the man with the dagger clutched at his facial wound in agony.



Quickly rushing forward, Link was instantly between the men. Reversing his grip on his sword, Link smashed the hilt into the standing man's unprotected stomach and followed up with a quick spin. His blade, buffered with his elbow, effortlessly drew blood from the man's midsection.



Turning at a sound, Link noticed that the man with the dagger had gotten up, and with an angry expression on his marred face, was about to stab him from behind. Turning his head slightly, Link also saw that the rest of the men were closing in towards him.



With a well-placed boot, Link smashed into the dagger man's knee and launched himself towards the remaining men.



Surrounded, Link cautiously watched as the remaining four stood around him, evenly spaced so that if he attacked any one of them, he would leave an opening.



Tired, he felt so tired. Link found him-self breathless; his strength draining away from overexertion. He doubted that he had the strength to swing his sword for more than a few minutes at best. With a quick thought, he instantly decided that he would use his gauntlets.



The magical properties of his dark metal gauntlets gave him strength equal to that of their legendary silver counterparts. With skill and spirit, one could activate the mystical properties of such items and imbue the wearer with magical strength that would make them stronger. With the right amount of concentration the wearer could use them at will.



Grinning, Link held his sword in both hands as he leveled it beside him and concentrated on the rubies embedded in his black gauntlets. The rubies shone, imbuing Link with flowing strength. A moment later, all four of the men decided to pounce on him. Link preformed a spin-slash, catching them all in midair as his sword cut through flesh and brick alike.



Ending his spin, Link once again concentrated on his gauntlets, turning off their magical strength as he breathed deeply. Taking a quick look around, he was pleased at how this battle went despite his weariness. The severely injured men around him were still alive, but he knew that unless they were tended to soon, they would not be alive much longer.



Looking up, Link spotted someone ahead of him. A rather solid aura of presence stood before him. Whoever it was, the person was competent in battle.



Cursing himself silently, Link found himself staring at a man with slick brown hair and a white cape standing at the mouth of the alley. Link instantly recognized the man as Bryan. Taking a few more deep breaths, Link forced his body to calm down, to hide his weariness. He hoped that the man did not want to fight for today.



Sneering, Bryan stepped into the alley and drew his rapier with his right hand. "Well, what have we here? A peasant boy attacking innocent bystanders? Well then, I suppose it's my duty to help those in need" Bryan stated in a cocky voice as he walked forward, his pace in sync with every word.



Standing upright, Link mentally prepared himself for the coming battle, as it was the only thing he could do. He was too tired to continue much longer and he was almost at his limits. He needed a good night's sleep, and food.



Quickly stepping forward, Bryan lead with his right foot as he thrusted with his rapier, catching Link in the shoulder as the man slid past his guard.



Brushing the rapier away, Link stood upright, ignoring his newly acquired wound and decided to retaliate. Positioning his blade by his left leg, Link slashed diagonally, from his left leg to his right shoulder, hoping to catch Bryan off guard with a quick, precise strike.



Grinning, Bryan fluidly stepped back to avoid the slow, obvious attack. "It seems that the rumors of your skills are, how should we say, exaggerated?" Bryan stated as he quickly stepped with a slash and just as quickly stepped out.



Cursing himself, Link felt the drain on his body as he moved about, trying to dodge Bryan's attacks and retaliating with slow attacks. His chest was also hurting but he did not remember being injured there. Link was distracted with most of his concentration focused on the pain in his chest.



Smiling wickedly, Bryan waved the tip of his rapier in a circler motion, his left hand raised beside his right arm as if to balance himself. "This is the end, peasant boy. Burst Point!" the circular motions suddenly stopped as Bryan stepped forward and simply stabbed at Link.



Link snapped to attention. He felt his body cough up blood as he was thrown back into the brick wall at the end of the alley, a good half dozen feet away.



Lying on the dirty ground Link felt tired and numb. Smiling faintly, he managed to cough up some more blood while Bryan approached him slowly. Ugh… so sleepy… Link grinned slightly at the though of his life ending in such a fashion, dying in an unknown alley by an arrogant noble. Damn my chest…



Eyes widening Link felt fear as a realization dawned upon him. This had happened twice before. No! Not now… Letting go of a ragged breath, Link forced his injured body to stand up, and he held out his left hand, in a gesture of pause. "I surrender" Link stated solemnly, fear gnawing at his insides as to what would happen if this battle continued. Dropping his sword in hopes that Bryan would halt, Link grabbed at his chest with his right hand. The pain was growing, ever hungry as the world began to grow darker.



The voice that had spoken to Link earlier in the day returned. The soothing voice continued as though it had been speaking to him nonstop since the market.



"Raise your head. Release him. Does he not wish to be released? Look how unhappy he is, watching as we suffer, inflicting such pain that he too must feel. Release… look at how he craves it. Do we not feel it also? Do we not help those in need? Release…" The gentle voice sang in his head, muffling any and all thought, Link felt himself losing to, succumbing to the voice.



With an amused laugh, Bryan stopped a good four feet away. "Stop? Surrender?" sneering he continued, "What do those words mean?" Thrusting his right hand forward Bryan managed to stab the peasant in his left side. "This is for my humiliation from before!"



Pain momentarily streaked across, but shadows quickly consumed his mind and consciousness. With nothing left to draw upon his already weakened will, Link succumbed into the ever warm and comforting darkness.



Raising a left arm, the darkly clad man grasped the rapier in a tight grip much to the amusement of Bryan. However, when he couldn't remove his rapier, his amusement turned to unfamiliar and distasteful fear as the man's left hand snapped the blade to pieces. Backing off with two-thirds of his blade, Bryan watched as the man reached up with his right hand and simply withdrew the imbedded broken blade, casually tossing it aside.



Backing up quickly, Bryan snarled at the peasant before him, "How dare you break my favorite rapier!" However, Bryan's anger quickly melted into worry and quickly into mortal fear. From his opponent's eyes, emanated a golden light and the man's pupils appeared to reshape themselves so that they resembled something like a circle cut vertically in half by a cat's eye.



Staggering back, Bryan froze in fear as the man clad in dark stood up straight and practically flew towards him. Doubling over in pain as a powerful gauntleted fist smashed into his midsection, which was quickly followed up with a rising knee that plowed into the same area. Bryan felt himself lifted off his feet from the powerful blows.



Releasing a solid breath of pain, Bryan felt an elbow smash into the small of his back, followed by what he thought to be the back of the man's gauntlet, forcing his body back down to earth. However the man was not done, and as Bryan fell, he felt a powerful fist slam once more into the small of his back, forcing his body to crash into the cobbled ground below.



Wheezing, coughing, spitting and incoherently mumbling, Bryan was in absolute shock. He did not even realize what had completely happened as he stared at the corner of the dead end. All he was able to do was watch as his own coughed up blood spread ever so slightly before it began to dry amidst his twitching body.



He could hear the man's breathing, ragged breaths drawn slowly as his body calmed. Almost shivering, Bryan swore he felt the cruel sneer that was plastered on the man's face.



Then the man moved, stepping towards the brick wall where Bryan had so effortlessly thrown him before. Crouching to pick up his sword, Bryan was frozen in fear once again as the man's golden gaze fell upon him. Trembling, Bryan prayed to the goddesses that the monster before him would leave him alone.



Suddenly as the man touched his sword, he let out a cry of pain and slumped against the wall, shaking from something that Bryan could not even guess as to what it was. However, he cold still see a light golden glow from behind the man's form as he thrashed about in pain, he would have moved, except for the fact that fear still gripped him entirely.



Coughing. The relentless sound of coughing pervaded the air of the alley as the dark formed man fell to his side, a hand clutching at his chest and the other covering his mouth as he coughed up blood in large amounts.



Looking at the man in fear, Bryan felt a swell of hope, which was quickly replaced by anger and humility. Struggling to get up, he would have killed the man before him if he could have regained his footing and grab what was left of his rapier.



Struggling as he did, he did not noticed as a shadow crept up behind him and with only a signaling of air, a jeweled hilt smashed into his temple, knocking him out instantly as his head smacked into the blood stained stone below.



Standing up, Risa had a haunted look about her as she recalled the demon that had so effortlessly defeated the man before her. She knew that even though she was hiding in the shadows near the entrance of the alley, Darks knew of her location.



Shivering in the warm air, Risa's eyes suddenly widened as she looked to a black sword near Link's fallen form. With her eyes wide, Risa felt knowledge strangle her as she pondered what would have happened if he had gotten hold of that sword. Had he gotten a hold of that black sword, she might not have been alive to eat her lunch for the day.



With a cough and tremble, Risa's eyes quickly focused on the fallen form where those sounds had emanated. Cautiously moving closer, Risa studied the man before her and saw nothing amiss. Nothing glowed and there was no intent to kill. The only sounds in the alley were her breathing, and the odd cough and moans from the injured people behind her.



Gathering her courage, Risa quickly strode to Link's side, kneeled down, and instantly put a hand to her mouth as she repressed feelings of horror and sickness. On his side, the man before her was bleeding as he coughed out blood, his right hand weakly trying to cover his own mouth out of force of habit. Watching him shake out of what she imagined as horrible pain, she quickly got behind him and raised his head onto her lap as she yelled out his name. A cold feeling of dread grasped her chest.



"Darks! Please don't die! Darks!" Risa yelled out in fear and desperation. With his head on her lap, Risa watched as he weakly grasped at air while his body twitched in pain, his face contorted slightly with every movement, every twitch, every breath.



Outside, a small group of people began to gather, forming a small barrier as they peered inside, seeing blood and moaning bodies. Many simply ignored their curiosity and continued with their daily lives as they knew runners were already informing the military of what had occurred. Help would soon arrive.







Feeling pain course through her, Epona raised her head for a few moments before lowering it again into her trough, gathering more grain to eat and wondering what her master was beating on today.



For the last few days she felt immense pain and would have broken out of her stall yesterday, if not for the fact that Navi had calmed her down before she even attempted anything.



Then Epona felt a numbness that made her pause from eating for a moment, when suddenly all there was, was pain coursing through the bond that held her, to the others. Rearing her head to look in Link's general direction, Epona knew that she was needed. Without Navi's feel in the bond, Epona knew that something was amiss and that her master was in great danger.



With a loud neigh, Epona raised her two front hooves high into the air and brought them down onto the wooden stall door before her, crushing them beneath her strong hooves. She simply galloped away, passing by the shocked stable boy and into the crowd of people as they jumped or leapt out of the mad horse's path lest they be crushed by her hooves.



Looking up out of the stable, Veken stared wide-eyed as Epona dashed into the crowd and disappeared. Blinking stupidly he paused a moment, thinking on what he should do. Looking around him, he guessed that if he left the other horses unattended he would get yelled at, however Epona would not act like that. She should not have suddenly gone into a rage and broke free unless something was amiss. Veken guessed that the man he perceived was Link was in grave danger. No other reason would have made Epona rush out like that, or at least Veken hoped so. He wouldn't have wanted himself to be the reason that Epona left in a rage.



Instantly coming to a decision, Veken leaped out into the crowed and easily followed the horse as their was a good open path within the market as people hesitated for a moment in fear to step back onto the cobbled stone through were the horse had passed.











Pain.

There was intense pain.

Blinking, all that could be seen was a haze of light and dark.

Releasing a painful groan, Navi felt her body spasm multiple times as she jolted awake, her eyes snapping open as her body twitched again.

All she saw was black with streams of light poking through. Blinking as she looked around, she instantly became aware of the pain coursing through the bond; blanketing her in its embrace.

Eyes wide at the realization that she was still with Link, Navi quickly loosened herself from his hair and flew straight into the air to survey the scene.

Looking around, Navi studied the injured Link that was currently resting on Risa's lap with mixed emotions. She was incredibly worried about Link's condition as she was still too weak to use more than the most basic of spells, meaning she could barely heal more then a few scratches, but she was also relieved at the fact that Link was still alive.

There was another emotion coursing through the bond. A feeling of need and rage; an emotion that was becoming stronger with every passing moment. Guessing that Epona was worried and was now currently barreling down the streets to find them, Navi paused for a few seconds to hope that Epona didn't crush too many people or things to get to them.

Returning her attention to Link, Navi felt a cold sensation tug at her mind. Gently probing Link's mind with her own, Navi felt dissipating darkness as something left Link; something that she had only felt once before, during their titanic battle against Bongo Bongo.

Frowning at the constant pain, Navi gently glided down towards Link's chest, ignoring Risa's words as the woman yelled something at her. She landed before her master's throat, his head propped up slightly. Navi simply extended her arm and touched Link on the chin and felt helplessness wash through her at what she felt.

What life force she felt through the contact was small and diminutive, meaning that Link was once again close to death, however this time she herself was too weak to heal him, to assist him during this important of need. She had sworn to Epona and herself that they would always strive to help their friend and master, no matter what the cost. She stood to the promise confidently as she knew that Epona felt the exact same way. The life of their master came before anything and everything else.

With the thought of her eternal promise in mind, Navi contemplated the severity of the situation. Coming to a single conclusion, Navi nodded to herself as she set her will into stone, a single purpose echoing in her mind, If things get any worse… I'll use it. I'll use my own life to save his…

Frowning slightly at the prospect of crossing a final borderline, Navi's eyes widened slightly as she felt a sudden swell of life surge through the bond. Looking down at Link, Navi felt strength flow from his spirit, bringing his body back from the edge of death.

Then, as the energy finished surging through Link, it surged through her as well. Tendrils of spirit lanced through her body, lighting her veins on fire as it caressed her soul. Eyes wide, Navi looked around herself as if seeing the world for the first time. The light was brighter, and the shadows that covered them seemed less opaque, as if the shadows themselves allowed her to see what they had previously hid. Then as quickly as it had come, the flood stopped, leaving her body and soul rejuvenated yet seemingly exhausted from the ordeal.



Taking a deep breath, she slowly began hovering around Risa in a small circle, attempting to decipher what had happened. Link was slowly dying, his spirit draining away when suddenly there was a large surge of energy that felt ever so familiar yet she was quite sure that she had never encountered before. It had gone through her body like a breath of wind, feeding her life as she breathed and then just as suddenly, it disappeared leaving only a refreshed fairy behind.

Looking down at Link's now calm and relaxed body, Navi smiled to herself for a brief moment before something caught her eye. Blinking rapidly, Navi flew in front of Link but saw nothing.

Searching his face, Risa opened her mouth to say something before Navi felt her body tense as she saw a wisp of something move. Gliding backwards, Navi focused only around Link, putting all of her attention on her single target.

For a brief few moments nothing happened and Navi was prepared to dismiss it as nothing, however she suddenly noticed it. It was appeared to be no more than a few wisps of golden light, as if the thing was a bright morning mist, however staring at the thing, Navi had a hard time focusing, as if it did not register with her senses. Though she could see it ever so slightly, she couldn't feel it or anything.

Staring at the golden mist, Navi's brow bunched together in concentration as it raised a hand and caressed Link's cheek lightly, before moving what Navi would guess to be its head and titled it towards Link's ears before resting its head against Link's chest vanishing.

Blinking, Navi was not quite sure what had happened but she was certain that something important had transpired. However, before she could contemplate the matter further, the sounds of panicked people drifted through the air.

Turning around, Navi felt rather than saw, Epona approach the dark alleyway and with a few urgings, Navi persuaded a rather withdrawn Risa to lift Link up.



Frowning in worry, Risa did as she was asked and helped Link to his feet. Staring at the man's face, Risa felt relieved as the strains and weakness left his features, but she still could not help but worry. Feeling confused at what had just happened, Risa decided that the best course of action was to get her friend to someplace safe and warm.



Epona then burst into the alley and sprinted towards the others of the bond that she felt ever constantly in her mind, heart, and soul. As she approached the small group of people, the sense of a healthy Navi was already calming her vengeful spirit, her eyes searching, raging about as she trotted towards her master and those around him.



Smiling at the thought of the carnage that Epona must have caused, Navi allowed herself a brief moment of amusement as Risa propped Link on top of his horse. Then, Risa herself gracefully hopped onto Epona's back to support the exhausted darkly clad man.



There was a brief touch of rage as Epona felt someone other then just her master mount her, but after a second of assurance, Navi calmed down the gentle war horse and sitting between Epona's ears, she guided them out of the alley, to the surprise of the city folk.



Looking around, Navi bit her lip; she did not know the way to the inn. Looking around frantically, she looked towards the other human riding with them. "Risa, do you know the way to the White Swan from here?" Navi asked.



Looking down at the fairy in surprise, Risa glanced about for a few moments before replying with a simple, "Nope." After answering Navi, she turned her attention back to the man sitting in front of her. With her arms encircling his waist, Risa held onto the horse's mane, praying that it was enough to hold the both of them on top of the horse.



Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Navi, about to fly into the air, recognized someone moving about in the crowd, approaching them rather quickly.



Within moments, Veken broke out of the sea of people and found himself staring wide-eyed at the horse he had been chasing scant moments ago.



"Veken! We need to get to the White Swan, NOW!" Navi commanded as she thrusted her right index finger towards the opposite way Veken was heading.



Blinking in confusion for a few moments, Veken took a minute to digest what he had been told and was about to say something else, but when he gazed at the angry, commanding fairy sitting atop Epona's head, he instantly decided against it and simply pointed at the way he had just run from.



Realizing that Navi was talking to someone, Risa turned her attention from the man sitting before her to who Navi was yelling at. Eyes wide, she instantly recognized the youth standing before them and she managed to blurt out, "Veken!?"



Looking up, Veken looked at who had just stated his name and in equal surprise blurted out his reply, "Sis?!!?"



Looking back and forth, Navi sighed, they didn't have time for this. Looking between the two for a few moments, Navi then looked back at Veken and practically screamed out the name of the inn at him.



Looking up in surprise and fright, Veken froze for a brief second, as he didn't understand what the little fairy had just yelled at him. Then catching a glimpse of the man that Malon had called Link, he motioned for them to follow as he ran back into the crowd.



With Navi's gentle guidance Epona started to trot after the boy as she tried to be as quick as possible yet as gentle as a summer breeze since she was carrying her injured and proud master.



Trotting up the street, soldiers, both mounted and on foot, suddenly appeared from the crowd, and tried to hinder Epona's route. However, after seeing Risa's widely known demonic stare of unending death, decided that hindering the horse's path would have been a rather stupid move and they allowed them to pass with no problems. If someone else wanted to try and stop them, the soldier's could have cared less as long as it wasn't them.



They had also decided that with Lady Risa at the horse's side, there would be no need to send assistance, as she seemed to have everything in hand. Justified with their own reasoning and the main thought of not having to face Risa's wrath, the soldier's simply went on with their task of arresting the people involved in the fight and assisting those in need.











With a sigh, Risa closed the door to Dark's room and leaned against the sturdy wooden frame while taking a few deep breaths. It took a surprising amount of effort to drag the rather lithe looking man up the stairs; too much effort for just her alone and after the small pause, Risa looked to her left and took a moment to study the person beside her.



Equally out of breath, Sofia stood next to her in her white trimmed, brown dress. She held a hand to her chest, as if by doing so, she would calm her hard breathing instantly. She flashed Risa a wry grin as she stood up, "He's… heavier… than he looks…" she stated in a tone mixed with amusement and wonder.



Nodding in earnest, as she motioned for them to go back downstairs Risa replied, "Yea, no kidding."



"Care to tell me what happened to make him so… tired?" Sofia asked calmly as she walked down the stairs, a few steps behind Risa. Since she was behind her friend, Sofia allowed herself to give one of her best friends an evil dark brooding glare of annoyance. A gentle evil dark brooding glare of annoyance, of course. I wonder what they did… I hope that Risa didn't do anything she shouldn't have! The thoughts streaked across her mind like a fire arrow as she put on a serene smile just as Risa looked up, feeling something aggressive flare up behind her.



Walking to a table near the main counter, they both sat down gracefully. Placing both elbows on the table as she leaned on them slightly, Risa simply stated as she returned an equally serene and sweet smile, "He got into a fight" What does she want with him!?!?? I'd laugh if she thinks that Darks is her property or something…as if Darks would ever allow something like that to happen.



"I heard that the king is sending off a party of knights to find some magical relics" Sofia said softly as she placed her left elbow on the table as her left hand cupped her cheek, allowing her head to rest peacefully while staring at her long time friend. Crossing her legs, she continued to stare as she waited for a response.



"Yea, I'm a part of the group, so is Malon, Delvol, and Rett. We are supposed to leave around noon… help save Hyrule." Risa finished lamely as she continued with their unspoken staring contest.



"So I see…" Sofia replied in a slight interest as she hardened her gaze slightly. "You don't have much time left before noon…"



"Nope, guess I better make the most of it. Where is mother?" Risa asked as she brushed a few strands of hair from her face.



"Business," Sofia replied vaguely.



"I see" Risa replied absently as she began to transfer more and more effort to into their undeclared war.



"Of course" Sofia stated as she threw out the last vestiges of peace and began their test of wills as she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.



Without a reply, Risa responded in kind, narrowing them down just a hair further.



With that, Sofia once again responded only to be met with Risa's counter-attack, the both of them deteriorating quickly into a staring contest of epic proportions, their lives and honor at stake. Rallying every trick and past experience at their disposal, they used the expressions of their eyes to send wave after wave of attacks and counter attacks.



Risa performed a minute twitch of her left eye and flanked Sofia's hardening gaze. Which was countered by the skillful raising of a left eyebrow. Backing off slightly, Risa suddenly found herself being overwhelmed on her right front as Sofia began to concentrate all of her powers on a single eye. Narrowing her eyes slightly, Risa then just as quickly widened them, fending off Sofia's dramatic charge and bringing their eyes back into perpetual deadlock.



A small feral grin left both of their faces.



"You won't get him you know." Sofia stated as she searched her opponent for weaknesses as she twitched her right eye in a feint before attempting to plow through her friend's defenses.



"Like you have a chance." Risa stated in kind as she found herself fooled by Sofia's feint but through sheer will alone spear headed her friend's incredible and forceful charge, leaving the both of them exhausted as they tried to drill into the other's eyes with their steel gazes.



A few waitresses scuttled around them, hoping not to disturb them and to gather information as to who was currently winning at the same time. The sly and devious Sofia, or the direct and forthright Risa.



As the fight intensified in both tactics and raw power, the patrons of the inn began to spread to the outer tables as they were both enthralled with the epic clash of two obviously demonic beings and horrified at the thought of being caught between the two.



Then as everyone continued to stare, they began to realize that the room had become a few shades darker, especially around the two combatants as they began to weave and flow around each other, their spirits almost glowing yet no light shone from or around them. It was as if the stray rays of light feared touching the two lest the unfortunate ray get caught between the two war mongering females.

Then after a short while, the patrons of the tavern found themselves rooted to their seats, unable to make a sound or perform even the simplest of movements else they would incur the wrath of the two demons that sat at the table before them.

People who were simply passing by the street found themselves making excuses to walk on the opposite side of the street where it felt infinitely safer and sunlight shone naturally.

Gathering behind the safety of the bar, the waitresses and kitchen staff all gathered, and all of them being female, they watched the fight in earnest, each person cheering silently for their chosen warrior as the battle continued to intensify.

Hollow steps resounded throughout the empty hallway as light filtered through the many windows that lined the gray, stone wall. The sounds of distant life that surrounded the area lightly buzzed in the air, only to be overcast by the constant sound of leather boots on solid stone.

Taking a deep breath, Rett took a moment to pause and looked outside the window, peering into the still courtyard outside, the few rooftops of the castle and smaller buildings formed a filter of sorts as sunlight poured into the window, revealing everything that could be seen under the clear blue sky.

Feeling calm and relaxed, as though unburdened with the plight of the world and those around him, Rett took his time in studying the outside world, as if though he had been locked within these cold walls all his life.

Gaping at the serenity before him, Rett took a few moments to scan the stone hallway he was passing through. Devoid of almost anything save a few potted plants, his first reaction would have been a bleak castle with little life, except he knew better. Why would a kingdom decorate these stone hallways with anything? Should the city ever be breached and the castle invaded, anything and everything could be used against them, turning things that were once decorative into something hindering and potentially dangerous.

Closing his eyes, Rett turned to the bright blue sky and took a deep breath. Knowing that the chances of the city being breached were slim, he found himself musing with the thoughts of something more amusing and less daunting. Something like, pink tapestries… smiling at the thoughts of such a item hanging on the gray walls, sticking out like a sore thumb, Rett let loose a light laugh as he opened his eyes to once again view the sky.

Looking slightly higher, Rett could easily see the impassible mountains that surrounded his city, protecting it with its embrace. Turning his eyes downcast, Rett slowly turned to his right, towards the direction that he was about to continue in when he heard a faint sound.

Gritting his teeth slightly, Rett raised his eyes and with his left hand on his hilt, prepared to draw his sword at any given moment. Though the city was secure, sometimes something slipped through the very narrow cracks of their defenses. Such as assassins infiltrating the walls during a returning search party.

Schooling his thoughts, Rett watched silently as a figure turned a corner and began striding towards him. Taking a brief moment to look at the person's feet, Rett clenched his jaw once as he still merely heard light footsteps. Whoever this person was, they were light on their feet, very light. The only person he had known to be quieter was his sister.

Then, as the person walked toward the far window, their shadow becoming less pronounced as the person was bathed in the light, Rett silently let loose a sigh of relief.

Casually walking towards him, a young lady with long, red tinted hair smiled as she recognized the person before her. "Rett!" she yelled out as she lightly skipped over to him.

"Malon," Rett replied as he released his hold on his sword. He would rather die than let anyone know that he was skittish in the castle hallways.

"Hey! Bright day isn't it?" Malon stated as she leaned on the nearest window.

With a nod, Rett gave a simple reply as he looked out into the clear skies once again. "Yea."

With her face pointed outside and Rett behind her, Malon allowed herself to frown slightly. The newfound knowledge about Epona and Link being alive made her both happy, yet worried. She was glad that they were alive, but she was conscious of the changes that Epona had undergone. The simple brown mare she once knew was no longer the same, and the images of the past were distorted and now where a gentle mare once was, stood a stronger beast of war.

Stepping up beside Malon, Rett continued to stare at the outside world. "Its almost noon, are you ready?"

"Yea…" Malon said, unconvincingly as she let out a small sigh.

Turning his head, Rett frowned slightly as he heard Malon's sigh. Ever since Gertrude had adopted Malon as her own, beginning when she first came to town and stayed at their inn so early on in their youth, he had grown to know her very well as a sister, and a companion.



Rett turned his head and stared at the blue sky, remembering the day when they had first met. It was during a bright afternoon and there was no problems that plagued the world, no burdens that crushed his shoulders. There was only worry. Worry of two things. What to eat and how to avoid his mother whenever he had gotten into trouble for eating.











It was on a particular summer day when a middle aged man pulled his cart into the inn, dismounting from his horse. The rather portly man strode towards him with a happy smile, one that showed off his trusting nature and perfectly portrayed his happiness. Rett knew the man. He had stopped at their inn many a time during the summer and spring, though less during the fall and winter.



"Uncle Talon!" a youthful Rett cried out in delight as he jumped up from a crate. Quickly running, he was at the portly man's side in an instant, helping him guide his horse and cart into the stable. "How have you been uncle?"



Smiling, Talon let out a jolly laugh at the youth's enthusiasm and energy. "I've just fine. Have you been behaving Rett? Or are you still giving your poor old mother a hard time?"



Letting loose a laugh, Talon got his answer clearly when Rett suddenly found a great deal of interest in his shoes. Looking up to laugh with his uncle, Rett suddenly stopped as his eyes widened slightly. He saw a youthful girl with long orange tinted hair approach them, coming from behind the wagon and the bright world outside. For an instant, Rett swore that he saw her striding out from just a beam of light.



Turning around to see what the young boy had seen, Talon smiled with pride as his daughter strode up to them. With a cheerful cry of "Malon!" the proud father scooped up his daughter into his arms and was rewarded with a giant hug and a loving kiss on the cheek.



Putting her back down, Talon then looked back at Rett as he tussled the top of his daughter's head. "This is my daughter Malon. Malon this is Rett." Talon said formally, before falling into a deep thought. "She's about a year younger than you Rett, about the same age as Risa. You will all become good friends, I'm sure of it!" Talon stated happily before he blinked once as he remembered something. "Rett is your mother in?"



Nodding, Rett pointed towards the wooden door on the side of the wall. "She in the kitchen I think. Its almost lunch so…" Rett did not get to finish as Talon, as though possessed, suddenly began a brisk pace towards the door and without a word was he disappeared into the kitchen.



Rett simply blinked, not sure if his uncle had run or simply walked really, really fast towards the food. Then he heard a giggle. Turning to uncle Talon's daughter, Rett found himself at a loss as to what to do next. What could he talk about?



Thinking hard from what he remembered about girls, Rett knew that they hated anything fun, had high pitched voices, were prone to crying at anything and everything, loved dollies, hated boys because they just did, liked flowers, disliked frogs, enjoyed boring stories about something called love and romance, whatever those were, and liked to boss and yell at other young boys because boys were… what was the word? Hopeless? Useless? Stupid?



"HI!" Malon screamed out the greeting suddenly as she stood less then a foot away, startling Rett so that he jerked backwards in surprise and fell bottom first onto the ground.



Giggling Malon watched as Rett got back up, and rubbing his sore bottom, he was going to give her a giant glare as he instantly decided that he didn't like her and that she was going to be nothing but trouble.



Then he saw her sly but friendly grin as she extended her right hand towards him.



Rett was suddenly afraid of what she was going to do next, but the thought of backing away from a girl drove him on to extend his own hand. Pocked with small patches of dirt and slight driblets of mud from cleaning stalls on a hot summer's day, he expected Malon to frown at his hand and take back her own or at the least hesitate in some way.



However, as if not noticing his dirty hands, Malon happily shook his hand, getting her own hand dirty in the process, but she didn't seem to mind as she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Malon! Me and daddy just got here from Lon Lon Ranch!"



Blinking, Rett suddenly found himself lost, wasn't she supposed to scream dirt and throw a dolly at him or something like that? "Uhhh, I'm Rett…" he replied lamely as Malon's smile widened.



Recoiling from a rather bright smile, Rett found himself lost. What could he do? What would he do? Thinking hard and fast, he fell back onto the ultimate single backbone of any and all friendship foundations for boys. Food! "Wanna, umm go get something to eat?" he asked, uncertain if girls liked to eat or anything. Since his sister ate, he figured that Malon most likely ate things too.



"Sure!" Malon replied happily as Rett grinned back and did a quick look at the street, willing it so that no other customers would come. Sure that not even the goddesses would spoil his good day for eats, he then led Malon into the inn.



The inn was the same; it never changed whenever he came in to get food, or just to sleep. There were a few customers sitting about, mainly the same people who came here on a daily basis to talk to friends, drink and eat.



Leading Malon along the side, Rett instantly recognized a jolly laugh that hung in the air. Looking towards the main counter, Rett noticed that his uncle Talon and his mom were chatting about something and laughed every now and then as they exchanged those adult stories that made no sense and weren't really all that funny.



Walking up to the two adults, Rett stared at his mom with an expression that she had come to instantly recognize. Looking up, Rett's eyes were happy and he wore a big gentle smile as he looked ahead. This was his 'I am hungry please feed me now' look.



Shaking her head and muttering something about food and boys under her breath, she then noticed who was tailing along behind Rett. Eyes wide she looked ahead of her and after a brief moment of silence, the echoing scream of, "How cute!" rang through the small inn as Rett's mother quickly wheeled around the counter to pick up and coddle Malon. Placing her on the counter so that they were face to face, she then smiled as she patted the little girl's cheek.



Looking at how Malon was receiving all of his mother's attention, Rett couldn't help but shake his head and pity his newfound friend. This was his mother's infamous, 'Super-Ultimate Coddle to End of End, variation #1: Cute little girl that is in some way, related to a friend.'



Thinking back, Rett remembered the other versions. Number one was cute little girl who got a lot of attention, number two was cute little boy that was son of said friend, and they got sweets. The original none variation was cute little babies that would never be let out of sight until parents had to leave.



Shivering, Rett had heard from one of his best friend's friend that that friend's cousin was actually killed by another mother's hugging because he was too cute. With a slight expression of pure fear as his mother was infamous with her hugs and attention, he backed off lest his mother attempt to coddle him to death also. He was about to back away to safety but then remembered that Malon was still here, and as a man, he would never abandon a friend in need.



Thinking quickly, he came up with a plan and walking up to his mother, Rett tugged at her apron as she was about to give Malon a third round of hugging and squealing of how cute the little girl was, stopping her before Malon was engulfed once again.



Looking down at her errant son, Gertrude simply raised an eyebrow as Malon sagged slightly in relief. The first two rounds of attention were, as she decided, hazardous to her health and anymore would not have been too great for her.



"Can Malon and me go get something to eat? We're hungry…" Rett stated simply while rubbing his stomach as it slightly growled.



Looking back at the young girl before her, Gertrude asked in a sweet voice if she was at all hungry. Nodding slowly, Malon blushed slightly as her stomach made a small sound.



Clapping her hands together, Gertrude instantly set to work as she let Malon off the counter and placed her on the floor. Rolling up her sleeves, Gertrude stalked off to the kitchen with the battle cry of, "You just wait dear, your aunt here will fix you something right up!"



Rubbing his hands together, Talon licked his lips as he began to daydream about what he was going to eat in a few moments. Ignoring everything else, he looked eagerly at the kitchen doors as he waited for what was to come.



"Thanks, you saved me back there. It's been a while since I was smushed like that." Malon said gratefully as she tried to steady herself, her body a little wobbly after the two rounds of attention. Malon wondered if she would ever survive a third round…



"Hey no worries! We're friends right?" Rett stated as he nudged his fist against Malon's shoulder.



With a giggle, she pushed a few strands of hair out of her eyes as she replied with a bright smile, "Friends."











Blinking, Rett came back to reality with a pleasant smile. Those days of his childhood were happy and when Link came, things became interesting. Looking over at Malon, Rett quickly noticed that she had her head in the clouds. Placing a hand on her right shoulder, Rett gave it a gentle shake to remind her that he was there. "Malon… what's bothering you? Did something happen?"



Looking up, Malon placed a hand over the one atop her shoulder as she frowned. "Rett, what would you do if you knew something important, very important, but you do not wish to tell anyone, lest something bad happen?"



Blinking, Rett tightened his grip slightly as he stared into the afternoon sky, unsure of what to make of his friend's question.



"I…" he began slowly, searching for words to say, "I… I would go with what my guts tell me to do. It sounds as though you know something important Malon, but if you think that it shouldn't be told, maybe you can tell us what it is later, or something."



Biting her lower lip, Malon slid her hand of Rett's as she leaned forward, poking her head out the window, catching a gentle breeze she tussled her hair with her deft fingers.



"I… I have something to tell you… something really important…" Malon stated as she turned around and straightened up. "Promise me… that you won't tell anyone else… at least until were sure that it can be told… please?"



Blinking at what got Malon so worked up, Rett without thought nodded in agreement. If this was so important to someone he considered family, then he would protect the knowledge with his life if need be.



Taking a deep breath, Malon closed her feet together as she looked Rett in the eyes. "It's about Link… he… he's back in town. Most likely staying at the White Swan" She trailed off as Rett's eyes widened. He quickly concentrated as he digested the information.



She had expected him to be surprised but what Rett said next made her stop and think for a moment. "I wonder if he's had any of mom's potatoes yet"



"Huh?" Malon asked ever so skillfully.



Grinning, Rett flashed his white teeth, grinning. "I already know he's in town. As a matter of fact, I've talked to him already and fought him once."



"You know? You have? And… And… And you didn't tell me!?!?!" Malon screamed out as she narrowed her eyes and took a step forward.



"Uhhh…" Rett stated fearfully as he raised his hands in defense while Malon's eyes seemed to glow a dark red shade. "I had only just found out a few days ago, honest. And I was hospitalized for a while"



"Hospitalized?" Malon asked as she raised an eyebrow, wondering what stupid thing he did this time. "Tried to hook yourself up with Selina's second again?"



"No, I learnt my lesson from last time. Damn she has a mean right hook…" Rett said sorely as he rubbed his jaw, the memory of that single blow haunting him. "No this time Link blew past my guard and gave me a grand stab." Rett stated as he pointed at where he had been pierced.



"So he beat the snot out of you and finished you off by skewering you" Malon recited as she stared at where Rett's wound was. After seeing him nod with a sheepish grin, she rolled up her eyes as she stared out towards the sky. "Pathetic."



"What?" Rett asked as he raised his hands helplessly. He was slightly irked by Malon's statement.



"What do you mean what!?!" Malon replied as she whipped around and forcibly poked Rett in the chest several times in a row. "You knew Link was here in town and you didn't tell me. If you ask me, it's the Goddesses way of making amends with insensitive jerks who don't tell their friends important things!"



"It's not my fault!" Rett replied as he backed away, throwing excuses into the four winds as he tried to defend what he considered his valuable life.



Taking a slow breath, Rett tensed up as he prepared himself for a rather painful retort, but nearly choked on his own anticipation as Malon simply sighed and leaned her head against the stone side of the window.



"Link has changed, hasn't he?" Malon asked in a subdued tone, the previous fire of surprise and outrage flickering out instantly as she thought about Epona and of how the gentle roan had changed.



With a small sigh of his own, Rett leaned against the cool stonewall, tilting his head so that he could clearly see the unsurprising gray stone ceiling above them.



"Yea… he's changed. He dresses in black now… heh, I bet he lost that annoyingly forest green cap he always wore." Rett said as his lips formed a crooked grin. "But he doesn't want others to know that he's back… if I hadn't noticed him earlier, if I hadn't been the one to thank him for saving our lives those few days back, I know that he wouldn't have said a word to us, to anyone about who he really was."



"What?" Malon asked in a confused voice. "What are you talking about Rett?"



Turning his head so that he could see her eyes, Rett's expression slowly gave way to a frown as he explained what he had just told her. "Link… Link… isn't the same person that left us. He's changed since those old days. Something happened to him and it changed his life. Something big; he wouldn't simply stay quiet if he had…" Rett paused a moment to clear his head.



"What I'm trying to say is… that… Link has really changed. You can see it in his eyes. Those haunting eyes… he wouldn't talk to us. If you or I had simply been traveling with him for two days and we didn't know who he was, but he knew us, I know that he would simply ignore us and leave as soon as he finished doing whatever he needed to."



"What? Why?" Malon asked as her expression caving into worry.



"I don't know… he… he just isn't the same anymore… the heroic hero that left us all those years ago, left and never returned. Instead this darker person returns. Something dramatic must have happened; that's all I know."



"But what?" Malon questioned aimlessly as she hugged her hands to her chest, worry creasing her heart at what even could have changed her friend so dramatically



Casting his eyes down, Rett's frown deepened as he considered her question. Then looking up with sad eyes, he gave her an answer that he felt was true. "Something, something that hurt him even more than Zelda rejecting him. Something that pierced his heart and soul deeper than anything else he has ever felt before."



Looking out at the sky, everything seemed slightly darker, though nothing had changed, Rett felt that the sun itself had dimmed slightly.



Turning to Malon and her crestfallen features, Rett placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Come, its almost time for us to depart. Let's go prepare."



Sadness gripped her heart tightly as with a numb nod, Malon trailed after the person before her while she focused on what she had just heard. Something that hurt more then the rejection of the love of his life; drawing a blank, Malon hesitantly wondered what in the universe could hurt more than that?











Endless shadows draped the darkness that embraced him.



There was neither heat nor cold.



Life nor death.



There was only darkness draped in endless shadows.



It was a comfort, a gentle void that encompassed everything.



It was peace through the void, a gentle ocean of infinite nothing.



Peace.



Darkness.



Endless shadows.



Then there was something.



It moved while staying still. It glowed without giving light. It spoke with silence.



It was odd and it disturbed the void, there was suddenly something.



Then it came.



A green wisp of light drifted through the void, its silent cries echoing into nothing.



Help!



The cry was silent yet loud at the same time.



Please! Hear my call!



It was annoyance that flowed through the darkness, flowing through the limitless shadows.



I am… and time… … out… Please! H… me…



There was no reply to the cries of desperation… No need to listen to the words.



Please… Hel… me… Link…



With a shock, a ripple formed, a single word spoken that carried desperation and hopelessness.



He lunged forward, to grasp the drifting wisp of light. To question it, listen to its cries.



Then he touched a trailing strand of light, the words clearer as it continued to shine.



Help me! Kokiri Forest… Danger!… Help… No… Left…



He tried to form the words, the questions swirling and then with a light pop as like a bubble, it burst and the light flickered back into the void.



Questions swirled. Emotions raged as peace was gone, void no longer still. It began to rumble.



Then, as though a single drop of water fell from the sky into the endless sea of shadows, a second ripple formed within the darkness, a ripple that rolled outwards as it touched all that was dark and endless.











Rett stared at the expanding field before him. It seemed that with every step his horse took, the farther he had to go to reach the Kokiri forest. Shifting around slightly in his Hylian armor, he felt a smooth wind pick up and flutter his cloak.



Beside him rode one of his greatest friends, Delvol de Syrule who rode with annoying flare that seemed to attract much too many feminine eyes as they left their glorious city of Hyrule.



He didn't need to turn to know that the rest of his party, Malon, Risa and the princess Zelda rode behind, their rhythmic clatter of hoofs telling him all were close by.



A dozen extra veterans rode with them, hanging behind with the princess and the others, chatting amongst each other as they felt calm with what they had to do, simply start a small camp where they would take care of their horses when the party entered the eternally green forest.



Taking a simple look behind, Rett knew that Link was on the minds of his sister, Malon and himself. He had changed a lot since those old days of peace.



Looking to the blue sky, Rett found himself praying to the three Goddesses that his friend would stay in the city and that they would allow him and Link to meet up where they could talk peacefully at length.



"Rett, are you alright? You seemed troubled." Delvol asked in a concerned voice as he moved his horse closer to his friend.



Looking over with a grateful smile, Rett instantly cheered up. "Yea, I'm fine. Just thinking about an old friend. I wonder how he is doing now…"



With a confident smile, Delvol let loose a laugh. "If he was a childhood friend of yours Rett, I'm sure he is close to indestructible with all those tales you tell me of your youth."



With a broad grin, Rett let loose his own laugh. "Yea he is close enough."



With a lighter spirit, Rett soon found himself joining the chatter with the small group. Though he wasn't close to Link, he was positive that his friend was alright and that they would meet again in the near future.













With a start, a pair of eyes opened, revealing the deepest brown. Eyes that were stern and unyielding.



Slowly moving into a sitting position, the man took in a few deep breaths as he studied his immediate environment. Blinking a few times, recognition moved in and took hold.



He was back at the White Swan. Back the rented room he was currently staying in.



Immediately looking to his left, the presence of his sword revealed that it was lying beside the bed, propped up against the wall along with his cloak.



Taking a deep breath, Link's eyes widened. He felt normal.



Gently getting out of bed, he cautiously stood up, the last memories of an alleyway battle coming to mind, telling him that he should be extremely hurt. Not even Navi could heal him so perfectly. She was skilled, but not that skilled and she was as tired as he was, so she couldn't have healed him.



Walking soundlessly to the center of the room, Link performed a few simple exercises. His body moved fluidly from step to step, giving no pain as it followed the orders of his mind.



Taking a deep breath, Link noticed that Navi was once again tangled in his hair, her small weight clumped amidst the many black strands, tugging and weighing it down with his every move.



Only two things could have healed him thus, the first was assistance from a priestess, but they left a small residue of energy that he would have noticed. The other was that he was asleep for many days, the time rushing past him as he healed in slumber.



Feeling odd and unhappy at the prospect of lost time, Link gently sent a nudge through the bond, aiming it at Navi. Since he didn't feel anything but content through the bond, he was sure that she was in fit condition.



There was a small wobble of movement as Navi mystically untangled herself from the dark strands of Link's hair and flew forward, so that she could face Link and talk to him directly.



With a yawn, she opened her eyes as she let loose a yawning word. "Yeess?" she asked sleepily as she scratched her stomach.



Smiling at the small sleepy fairy before him, Link paused a moment to consider his question. "How long have I been resting Navi?"



Blinking, Navi's eyes widened as she realized that her master was talking to her! "Link!" she screamed out in a high-pitched voice before she flew forward and hugged the bridge of his nose.



Letting loose an amused grin, he allowed Navi to settle down before he replied. "Of course, I've lived through worse before, right?"



Backing off as she hovered within Link's view, she nodded happily, a trickle of tears staining her face as she was overcome with happiness.



Epona stopped munching on her oats momentarily as a sudden surge of happiness plowed through the bond, allowing her to momentarily share in it. Few things made Navi extremely happy and since they almost all had to do with her master, it meant that her master was all right and she could once again be content. Taking in another mouthful of oats, Epona munched happily as her tail swished in happily from side to side.



"How long have I been asleep for?" Link asked absently as he found himself staring out the window into the light of the outside world.



Pursing a finger to her lip, Navi took a moment to consider Link's question. "A few hours!" she stated happily as she realized how well Link had become once again, the force of his presence through their bond was more solid then it had been in weeks.



"What? How is that possible?" Link asked in shock, he knew that Navi would understand his question, so he didn't need to bother wasting words.



"I'm not sure what happened, but we were all healed. All your wounds and I'm now guessing fatigue all vanished. Something strange happened after your fight in that alley Link. Risa and Veken brought you back to our room and rested you on the bed. After all that I decided to take a nap. Trust me Link I'm sure it's only been a few hours." Navi stated with a smile.



Nodding absently, Link racked his mind on what could have happened. He knew that it was something along the lines of what had happened when he fought the guardian of his black medallion, in the remains of Kakariko village. However he was not able to put a finger on what had happened. Even after the fight with the shadowy guardian, he himself was still fatigued.



Thinking on the subject of fatigue, Link's mind wondered back to the dream he had… the dream with the soft green wisp of light… his face turning into a frown, he instantly decided without a second thought.



He would head to Kokiri Forest.



Navi blinked as she looked up at Link. The emotions of her master were suddenly solid and a feeling of confidence flowed through, touching her spirit with its strength. A second need also trailed after. It was a feeling that Navi herself had come to recognize as a signal indicating that they would soon be departing someplace else.



Suddenly the light flickered out from the window, which was quickly followed by a light tap on solid glass.



Smoothing his features, Link quickly walked to his sword and hefting it up, he walked to the window and opened it as he quickly backed away, hand on hilt.



A creature with gold eyes soundlessly glided into the room, a gentle rustle of wind trailed its wings as light once again flooded the room, revealing the creature.



It was an owl.



Brown feathers covered its body and its wings pushed at the air around it, keeping it aloft while its talons gripped a large package wrapped in white cloth.



"Hoo! Hoo!" the owl stated as it glided to the bed, dropped the package and flew back to the window, landing on the ledge as it watched Link intently.



Gazing at the package skeptically, Link nonetheless walked up to the bundled object as Navi glided to his shoulder, a spell of protection on the edge of her lips.



The package was simply wrapped, there was no string or pins or such keeping it shut, allowing easy access to the object inside.



The soft cloth easily folded away at Link's deft touch and opening up the package with only his right hand, Link blinked at what he saw. Before him was a beautiful bow of wood. It was elegantly crafted and was smooth and cool to the touch.



Carefully placing the sword down, Link cautiously picked up the bow and examined it. Noticing its tight string Link gently drew it back, as if he was notching an arrow. The string grudgingly gave way under Link's gentle pull and whipped back with a loud twang, giving a good feel as the string flew back to its place.



Looking back down at the cloth, Link noticed a small note written right in the middle.



"To ye young warrior. Tis had been many a year since I forged a weapon of war, yet ye have the feel of one who walks down the darkened path to peace. May this serve ye well, and when it breaks, bring its remains back and we shall see if ye truly can fly…"



Frowning at the cryptic note, Link quickly hopped back as he picked up his sword again as a flutter of wings filled the air and sprang before him.



The owl hooted once as it picked up the white cloth and message before it glided out the window and into the outside world.



Link stood there a moment, looking at the shadows of the departed owl before he looked back down at his newly acquired bow.



Looking at the young fairy hovering at his right shoulder, Link let loose a gentle grin as he spoke. "We are done here. Let us depart now, we head to the Kokiri forest."



Hefting his newly acquired bow, Link trailed a finger over the smooth, elegant wood. Thinking on what he needed, he knew that arrows would be a great idea but he wasn't sure on how to go about getting good arrows. With a shrug, he then decided that the market with its many, many stalls would be able to provide him with decent enough arrows.



"Let's go, Navi!" Link stated fondly as he smoothly placed the bow over his head so that it would rest on his shoulder, easy to access and easier to carry.



Nodding, Navi smiled fondly at her master as she sent a small feeling to Epona, warning her to prepare for a quick departure. Epona who had received the message looked down at the last of the food before her and began to eat at a more accelerated pace.











Hollow steps sounded throughout the massive pillared hallways, the arched domes themselves shone with the light of a thousand stars, lighting the way for all who would walk down this single path.



A thousand knights could have walked abreast effortlessly side by side down the long pathway on a royal red carpet that lavishly draped the floors. The very walls were crafted from the finest marble and the pillars and arched ceilings themselves formed from the rarest of crystals.



The single person walked silently, draped in the purest white cloak that would have stood out among an endless field of fresh snow. There were no distinguishable features as a drawn hood hid the face and the cloak covered all but white boots that tapped against the red carpeting.



What could be seen however was a large white sword that was strapped to her back, the hilt of the weapon pointing out from the person's right shoulder, its hilt inlaid with golden twine.



Pure white doors that were easily three times the height of an average man formed an elegant barrier at the end of the long and wide hallway. She put up a right hand that was gloved at the fingers, the glove specially crafted with white leather. The door slowly opened, revealing nothing but vast darkness ahead.



For what seemed like hours, the person walked in measured steps, steadily moving forward until before her, stood a floating sphere of pure darkness that seemed to draw in the very shadows around it. Floating, it was still, and perfectly round. It seemed like a blotch in the vast darkness that surrounded it.



Without hesitation, the person walked into the floating sphere, a feeling of cold and calm detachment flowed through her as she stepped out onto the other side.



All around her was four simple walls carved from what seemed like crystals with a light milky hue. A second giant door of pure white formed a second barrier that the person simply walked up to and raised a hand against.



The door opened at the simplistic command and revealed the path before it.



Walking through the door, the person continued her measured pace as a second hallway stretched before her. The floor had the same similar red carpeting and the finest marble still crafted the walls while crystal pillars supported the ceiling that arched into domes that shone with brilliant light.



However, this hallway was narrower, allowing only up to five knights abreast and the end was clearly visible from were she stood as the gate at the end towered over everything else.



Within moments, the traveler stood before a pair of giant golden gates that seemed to stretch towards the heavens.



Walking up to the golden doors, the person once again raised their gloved hand and pressed it again the cool golden frame. For the briefest of moments, nothing happened but ever so slowly, the door began to lurch forward, picking up momentum as it moved, and swinging inwards.



The door finished moving with a loud clanking stop, revealing a circular room crafted from nothing but brilliant pink hued diamond. Everything was hand crafted from the material, the very walls, the arched ceiling and even the pillars that formed an inner ring beside the grand walls.



However, at the center of the room stood an immense throne that seemed to cast a soft inner light. A single person sat upon the throne, obscuring some of the light with their large body.



Two other people stood before the throne, watching the traveler with intent gazes.



The first of the two was a youthful looking woman who stood to the right of the throne. She had a wealth of beautiful blue hair that tumbled down her back, ending near her waist. She had a small open fan in her hands, obscuring half of her face as she fanned herself. An exotic, single piece dress of white seemed to hug her frame, molding to her body's curves as she idly stood watching.



The second person stood at the left hand side of the throne and looked imposing. Barged in golden armor that covered the man from head to toe, revealing nothing but golden plates that seemingly grafted to the man's body as he stood straight and proud. A gaze of self-superiority loomed behind the golden helmet that only left small openings for the eyes and mouth.



However, it was the figure on the throne that most interested the traveler and the person's presence was almost overwhelming. While the two people who stood before the throne had an imposing aura, the figure on the throne simply blew them away with what seemed like a limitless sense of presence.



Walking forward, the traveler moved until the throne was barely a few feet away. The traveler bowed onto a knee as words of respect flowed forth. "My Lord. You have summoned me?" a gentle female voice asked in awe as she kept her head bowed.



"Stand." The person on the throne stated, his deep voice barely above a whisper, yet boomed across the vast throne room.



Standing, the traveler raised from her knee and looked forward, seeing the man on the throne for the first time in years. He had short red hair that was well kept and his face was clean-shaven. On his forehead was a small gem that seemed to bathe in the thrones light, which fit well with his steady gaze that bore through the weak and feeble minded. He was garbed in Garudian leather, a single massive hilt protruded from the top of the throne, indicating that a weapon was leaning against the elegant crystal.



"I have heard of you… the White Angel who seeks vengeance on a man who had brought nothing but misery to your life… to what was once your family… many other people once stood in the path that you walk, yet as I have heard only stopped you once" the man stated solemnly.



The traveler nodded.



"I also hear that you pay for information leading to your object of vengeance." The man continued with a soothing, yet pronounced voice.



The traveler nodded again.



"I know were he is." The man said simply.



"How much?" the traveler asked in a calm voice, though her mind suddenly went berserk, a thousand thoughts and dreams springing to life as she felt the man was telling her the truth.



The man stood with a wave of his hand and walked down until he stood before her. "I care not for wealth." He stated as his eyes drilled into the traveler's soul.



The traveler trembled but stayed still, the urge to simply fold and crumple screamed throughout her body, yet she resisted.



"HAHAHAHA!" the man laughed, his voice booming towards and back from the walls, echoing in the silent chamber. He seemed satisfied with what he had seen. Turning around, the man returned to his throne and casually seated himself. With a wave of his left hand, the blue haired woman spoke up.



"He is currently in the kingdom of Hyrule. He will be heading to the Kokiri forest soon." The woman stated with a sure and elegant voice as she snapped her fan shut.



The man let an amused grin grow on his face as he pointed back out to the golden doors. "Go! Greet my dear friend and show him just how much you think of him" he ordered with a stern and commanding voice that would have caused the dead to move towards his will.



With a grateful bow, the traveler turned and began to leave. "Thank you, Lord Ganon. Link's head shall be mine. He will pay for his Crimes!" the lady stated as she calmly left the throne room, the golden doors closing behind her with a secure boom.



With a smirk, the man known to the world as Ganon simply watched as the traveler left. He had great hopes for what amusement would undoubtedly present itself before him.



The lady exited the portal and found herself once again in a field of flowers of a thousand colors. The blue sky shone above and birds chirped somewhere in the background.



Raising her right hand, she clenched it into a fist. "Link, for your crimes, you shall not escape me again." she swore, as she walked beyond the flowers and disappeared.





(") ( " ) (")

Author's corner:

Author's Letter to the readers:

Well what can I say? Hello! How is everyone? Remember me? No?!?! What do you mean no!!?!?!? I write this story!!!

What? I took too long? So what? At least it's now released, right? Exactly!

Bwhahahaaha… Well what can I really, really say? This chapter gave me a lot of trouble since I wanted it to hit 100 Pages!! But on afterthought, I decided that I should shorten it since it would be rather painful to edit… not to mention read…

So what do you think? I hope that some of the scenes ala Risa Vs Sofia… 3 – 2 – 1 Fight! Was amusing ^_^ I found myself laughing a lot when I wrote that and I am rather pleased with how it came out since there was 0% planning involved with that one since I simply wrote it with a giant grin plastered on my face.

By the way… guess what? When this is finally released on hopefully the 17 of September, it is the 1 year anniversary of Rise of the Dark Hero! That's right! it took me a whole year to bring out 3 chapters and an Prologue…. I mean its great that I have lasted this long!!! _ _ _

As usual I have nothing too interesting to say except… I have a surprise! Sort of… Well it's more of a side project tacked with amusement for the readers as I am opening a new section in my Author's Corner. Its called 'Dear Ganon' and I will allow / make up questions to Ganon whom will answer them to the best of his abilities! So if you feel like wasting a few moments in your life and most likely hours of mine, you can write to Ganon who will respond to the best of his abilities to your problems!

Other than that, I hope everyone likes this chapter as it took me a long while…

I leave with the message, nighty night. I always finish these things really late and I should have been in bed like hours ago…

Sincerely,

Perfect Psionic Soldier

*** Dear Ganon ***

-Dear Ganon

Hello… I have a question for you as I fear that my heart is broken!

My boyfriend of eleven weeks broke up with me just a few days ago! I feel so anguished what should I do?!?!

Signed,

Made Up Person By Lazy Author. -

Leaning back on his rather luxurious leather seat, Ganon stared at the letter before him for a few moments as he composed his answer.

Sitting up, he nods as he calmly begins to write a letter of reply.

-Dear Made Up Person…

I feel that you have a great plight and much pain in your heart and soul.

My answer is that you raise an army of untold evil, conquer your surrounding kingdoms or if you live in a city, your neighborhood and expand slightly. Then as you clench your kingdom in an iron fist, you lead your army and crush this puny excuse for a boyfriend and send him into the pits of endless pain and misery.

Signed,

Ganon. –

Sitting back, he lets out a simple relaxed sigh, as he knows his help with both assist evil and mend a broken girl's heart.

Umm Editors Corner _

OH lord..I'm….tired…my hair's grown two feet as a result of editing this fanfic…erm..well maybe my patience has __ wow.. I for one am REAAAAALY glad this wasn't 100 pages O_O _ otherwise it would've taken me 2 and a half weeks to edit this instead of the 1 week it actually took..well one week and a day….well I hope u enjoy..I spent so much time editing this..that I don't even care if editor's corner has grammer ------ errors or not -_- oh gosh.. it was hell…I hope to do it again though when chapter 4 comes out ^___^ stay tuned and stay frosty readers ^__^.. and be glad u don't have to read the unedited version *cough* I mean.. Lord Perfect Psionic Soldier's writing is so great..there are no spelling errors and grammatical errors that I had to correct _ well at least NOW there aren't any spelling or grammatical errors _… plz don't send Ganon to beat me up… or Risa and her stare of eternal death eeek!!! O_O oh well enjoy..now to get a couple hours of sleep b4 school starts _ laterz! Zzzz

- PoChEpOkE