Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda. Nintendo does. Lucky sons of….

Okay, okay. It has been a long time, since I last updated. I really have no excuse that is good enough, like my computer wouldn't let me log on until now or that I was abducted by aliens. So I will just tell the truth although I hate admitting it: I had writer's block. I hate admitting that, sinc eI hate knowing that I had it. But hopefully for now that has come and gone, and I can finally finish this story among others. So I hope you enjoy it!

Stage Two:

Full Moon Rising

Princess Zelda sighed as she leaned against her balcony column. From the castle, she could see the Market Place and beyond that the rolling hills of Hyrule. She cared for her country and her people. She would never want to see anything horrible to happen, however she didn't know what she could do. What if there was a sudden attack and they weren't prepared? She couldn't exactly stop it by herself. Could she?

As she stared off into the distance, something inside of her rattled in despair and hopelessness. She knew that an attack was coming, but did not know when. Her father never divulged any specifics, only vague mutterings. She had faith in her father's army, but could they really match the power of the great Ganondorf? Having astonishing swordsmanship and keen battle plans, Ganon, is one of the most feared King of Thieves that has ever existed. Him being such a big threat is only half of their worries, he still has a powerful army to boot.

"What are we going to do?" she asked herself. "Please, God of the Triforce, help us in our time of need."

The sun was slowly setting below the horizon, spreading orange and yellow across the sky. It was a sight right out of a picture painted by a renowned artist. She closed her eyes and kept that picture in her mind, so she could always remember it in case darkness ever took over. That picture would be her hope.

After a while, bursting noises sounded throughout the land. Startled, Zelda rushed to her window, where she could see lights of all the colors of the rainbow surge against the black sky. They were pretty, as well as the joyful concussion of fanciful music. It was coming from Kokiri forest, a place she only visited a few times, since the fear of getting lost in the dark forest was too scary.

"It must be some kind of festival," she said to herself. "It sounds like fun."

Thoughts of people dancing and drinking raced across her mind. Laughing and having a good time are things she hasn't done in quite a while. Being the princess of Hyrule has benefits, but has drawbacks as well, going out in public is one of them. It was too dangerous to be seen in the Market Place or anywhere else in Hyrule, since the risks of her getting hurt or being kidnapped were too high. However she was able to sneak out a few times and never got noticed, she knew the risks were still too high…

But she still had the urge to join in on the fun. It only took her a few milliseconds to decide that she was going to go. She quickly ran to her closet to get her cloak. She swirled it around her and put on her hood. Her heart was racing, yet she was not scared. She more excited than anything. She could not wait to see the Kokiri and have fun.

As she tried to lift herself over the balcony wall, she heard the oncoming of footsteps. She tried to hurry and get over the wall, but her leg was caught in the railing. She tried to maneuver her leg out, but it was stuck. Suddenly she heard her bedroom door open. All over her body functions stopped, never letting out a single breath. She figured if she stayed quiet nobody would know she was outside.

"Zelda?" a familiar voice called. "Are you in here?"

She prayed for the person to go away. How embarrassing would it be if someone found her, straddling the banister with her leg wedged into the railing. What a great escaper she would be.

All of a sudden her bedroom lights were flicked on, cascading light out onto her balcony. She knew she was dead now. Whoever the person is was sure to find her now. I Just my luck. Of course I would be caught, I mean I am destined to be the protector of the Triforce not the person who sneaks into the Temple of Time and steals it. /I

As she fought herself over the situation, she was faced to face with her nursemaid Impa. "What are you doing, Princess?" she asked, curiously looking over her.

She bit her lip and wondered what she could say. "Umm… I am just…practicing straddling a horse?" she blurted, even though she knew it wasn't a good response. "Yeah, you know me, Miss Impa, always trying to improve my skills. I am going to Queen and all one day…"

Impa did not look impressed with Zelda's answer. Actually she thought it was quite amusing, however she held back from laughing. "You were trying to escape, weren't you?" she finally said after a few moments.

Zelda put down her head and swung her leg to kick the pole. Only as she was doing this, the leg that was stuck finally came loose. "Perfect," she said, mad at herself. "Of course things I want to happen don't occur until the last minute."

"What?' Impa asked, confused. "Anyway. Your father would be furious if you left the castle. Not only is it dangerous at night, but also we are on the edge of starting a war. You never know who's out there."

"I know, Impa. But I heard the festival coming from Kokiri forest, and I wanted to join too. I hardly ever get a chance to have fun. I am sorry for frightening you." Zelda leaped off the banister onto the marble floor. She was torn. She wanted to have fun, since it could be her last chance. She never knows when she'll have to take on the responsibility of keeping the Triforce and even protecting her kingdom. "I promise not to sneak out again."

Impa looked over her in concern. She knew it was her duty to protect Zelda and make sure no one would try to harm her. Yet at the same time she was her friend. She would never want to see her sad or upset. So she did whatever a good friend would do. She moved towards her and clasped her hand. "Let's go."

"Where are we going?" Zelda asked quickly. "You aren't going to turn me in to my father are you?"

"Just come with me."

Link relaxed himself against a tree in the Sacred Forest Meadow. It was a place Saria had shown him when they were little. It was peaceful and quiet. Only the chirping of crickets and the soft sound of the wind blowing against the trees were the only things heard.

His heart was beating rapidly as his breathing gradually began to slow down. He was sweating, giving off a distinct smell. He didn't care. He had just practiced his various sword techniques and combat moves. He was tired, but he believed that he was ready for tomorrow. He was anxious to join the army. It was the only thing he wanted, more than anything of the world.

His eyes began to close, but he was unable to let himself sleep. He could hear the light sound of music coming from the forest. He wanted to join in on the Moon Harvest Festival, but something inside of him tried to pull him away from it. He knew Saria would be there, and Mido would try to get himself all over her. It's not that he was jealous, but he did have some sort of feelings toward her. She was like a sister to her, and he wanted to keep every guy away from her. He wasn't sure if he loved her in a romantic way; it was more like a love between friends. Although something told him that she was the one with the affectionate feelings for him, yet he would never ask about them.

The more he heard the music and watched the fireworks flourish in the sky, the more he wanted to get up and go. Maybe it was the tiny lightning bugs dancing in the air or the giggles of fairies sounding in his ears, or maybe he could hear Saria's voice calling him, but for some reason he stood up, ready to go. The lower half of his body began to move without notice to his upper half. He started to walk out of the Sacred Meadow and into the Dark Woods. As he moved closer to Kokiri, the voices of people became louder and the music was more jubilant.

Once he got to the bridge that connected Kokiri to the Dark Woods, he could see a horse off in the distance. He stopped to watch it come closer. He instantly feared for the Kokiri, especially Saria. No one ever comes to Kokiri at night for the fear of getting lost. So he figured it must be an intruder or someone with horrible plans. He knew what he had to do. He drew out his sword and pulled out his wooden shield. He was ready.

The horse came only a few yards away until it stopped. Link could see that two people were sitting on the horse, but he could not make them out. "Who's there?" he asked, trying to make his voice sound intimidating and unafraid.

"Please get out of our way so we could pass," a strong female voice replied. "If you do this task we will not harm you."

He laughed, firmly staying in his place. "You can not hurt me. I am---" he paused. Saying that you are a Kokiri warrior is something that people would mock and laugh at. He wanted them to fear him not burst out snickering. So he was about to lie, well not really, but maybe just fib a little. "I am a Hylian Knight. I protect this place from intruders."

"I am Impa. I am the nursemaid to Princess Zelda and one of the last survivors of the Sheikan race. Please step aside," Impa said, tightening her grasp on the horse's reigns. "If you do this, Sir Knight, you will be rewarded by the king."

"The King?" Link repeated. His eyes got bright and wide. This could be his way out of the forest and into the military. He could become a Hylian soldier. He would finally be respected not only in Hyrule, but also in his home, Kokiri Forest.

"What are you doing, Impa?" Zelda whispered. "He is a soldier. If he sees me he will tell Dad. Plus how will he be rewarded? We can't let Dad know we were out here!"

"Trust me," Impa said, and then looked onward to the soldier. "So will you let us pass?"

He stood there for a few seconds wondering whether or not to trust them. However the fact that they could get him rewarded by the king tickled his interest in letting them pass. Finally he nodded, placing his sword in the sheath. "Fine, you may pass." He stepped to the side and watched as the horse galloped towards him.

"Thank you," Impa said, as the horse slowly walked by him.

As they moved in front of him, he was curious to know who the other person was. The light from the full moon allowed him to get a quick glimpse. All he seen were big blue eyes looking back at him and golden hair swaying in the wind. He was mesmerized. Almost transfixed on those eyes. They were like pools of blue tranquility set in face that glowed in the silver moonlight. He felt like he seen that face before, but he didn't know from where.

They quickly rode of toward Kokiri. Link followed slowly behind, thinking about the girl. She was unlike any person he had ever seen before. It's not that he thought she was beautiful, she was very, but there was something about her that made him curious, wanting to know more.

He finally got to the festival, which was still going strong. People were dancing to the lively music, some were drinking, while others were sitting around laughing. He felt like he didn't belong, because he was unlike any of the others. Navi was gone, leaving him without a fairy, making him even more strange. Yet he knew he could find solace in the presence of Saria. So he began to look for her, moving in between the crowds of little people and brush. He finally spotted her, sitting a top of a house, yet she wasn't alone. Mido was closely sitting next to her, sparklers in each of his hands. Link wanted to walk away, but Saria had already spotted him and waved.

"Link!" Saria said happily. "I was looking all over for you. Where have you been?"

"I was at Sacred Meadow," he replied. "I fell asleep, not knowing what time it was."

Mido grunted. "Why don't you go back, then," he said.

Saria glared at him. "Mido, be nice. You know how to be," she said, and turned to Link. "You should have told me you were going there. I haven't been to the Meadow in a long time."

"Sorry," Link said, and backed away slightly. "It didn't cross my mind. I am going to get something to drink. I'll be back."

Saria nodded and smiled. Mido only glared at him. Link shrugged and walked toward the table where the drinks were located. He grabbed a bottle and chugged it all the way down until the bottle was emptied. He grabbed another and went sit by the small pond next to the General Store. He was away from everyone else, just how he liked it. He could think clearer and not have to worry about anything.

"Tomorrow, I hope I am ready," he said to himself, and swallowed half of the bottle. "Hopefully I will be."

As he sat, he heard footsteps creep behind him. He quickly turned, startled to see who it was.

"You aren't really a Hylian soldier, are you?" the person asked, amusement in her tone.

"Uhh…"

To Be Continued…

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