A/N: Hi guys This first chapter introduces a couple of important individuals and the story's first, brief battle scene. If you're waiting for Link, he won't arrive until later. The system doesn't seem to want to accept any transition marks (meaning, a mark between paragraphs that signifies changes in scenery or characters) – so I wrote transition in bold. This chapter contains light curse words and light violence. Be warned. If you are offended by this material I suggest you skip over it or exit now.

:Chapter 1:

"Dodging death, meeting destiny"

An unexpected slam of the oaken door below and the shuffling of feet interrupted her procedures. Meredia's calm face curled into an annoyed scowl. Her hair was naturally blue, a beautiful tint at that. Consistently, her choice of attire consisted of a slightly worn fur coat and a matching pleated skirt; its elegance suited her exuberant eyes. But her most prized possession dangled from her ears: a pair of diamond earrings. No fool could mistake her for anything but a spellcaster – regardless of the wooden staff and leather book sprawled at her side.

An energetic woman of her early adulthood strolled into the square room, short of breath. Her dark orange hair nearly resembled the color of blood, but her mahogany brown eyes drowned out the zest. She adorned a fringed khaki tunic and a knee-length skirt to match. A longsword was sheathed at her waist and a diamond anklet sat above her bare feet. Worry and concern was washed over her face as she frantically yelled, "Castle guards are at the Kakariko gates, busting it down!"

"God.. not now," Meredia muttered, "Do you think it has anything to do with the Princess' kidnapping?"

"That seems logical," Europia stuttered out, "C'mon, we need to get out of here."

"No reason to stay.. I'm not even picking up a trace of her from scrying," Meredia admitted, slinging a pack over her shoulder. "Help me grab some scrolls and ingredients, quick, and we'll head out."

Europea could sense a strong stroke of confidence in Meredia and her voice. Her calm and easygoing nature proved a great strength as the leader. She admiringly glanced at her friend of many moons, carefully bending over to pick up anything of importance. The blue-haired witch all the while swept nearby items into a leather sack. As they headed for the loft's wooden staircase, another soul dared enter the household. Meredia halted dead in her tracks as she perceived the threat below. She began fumbling through her belongings as Europea crouched beside her. The armored man below held a lit torch in his right hand. He heartlessly dropped the burning stick, turning to ignore the flames that were steadily eating away at the floorboards – and left. Europea scowled hatefully and grasped Meredia's hand and jumped to her feet. Several potions that rested in her lap tumbled down the steps and splattered.

"SHIT!" Meredia mouthed. She glared at Europea, being sure to secure the sling over her shoulder as they ran outside. On the way down, coughing and wheezing over the smoke they'd inhaled was inevitable. Upon exiting, they found themselves trapped between a battalion of soldiers and a burning building.

Transition

She knelt to stare into her reflection sketched in the pond, and folded her shaking hands in her lap. Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks and collided with the water's surface, and the conclusive ripples distorted her image. But she did not need a clear pond to see through her masks. It occurred to her the fake she had become until Zelda's disappearance. This woman's greatest fears manifested, as she found her vanity could no longer fight off the truth. Touching the violet jewel implanted on her forehead, she lifted her head to glance at the heavens.

"Why.. do those undeserving always reap the consequences?" she muttered, "Why, couldn't I protect her.. why, c-"

"There was nothing you could have done Selena," said a voice, ".. I couldn't do anything, either." She laid a reassuring hand on Selena's shoulder. Pushing the hand off in shock, she bolted around to look behind. Impa, the last of her kind. She looked so brave, like she could care less about Zelda's condition. But she knew that deep down, behind the masculine appearance, it hurt - Bad. Call it a hint or a strong empathic read – but Selena could tell that this aged woman held honor closely. And nothing said dishonor like failing to accomplish her most important duty. Protecting Princess Zelda.

Impa's face was emotionless from years of experience and her mind, strong willed. Her grey hair, flowing from her head into a ponytail, was whitening with stress and age. She was suited in armor – the King's best. Her tough appearance was a mask for true feelings, and the dark eyes she bore were the true window to her soul. And such a woman was the best pick for the job.

"Impa..."

Transition

Meredia bit her lip. She left her frontal position to a safer one, behind Europea, as she struggled to recall a spell. Her memory was a bit rocky, but it was more time efficient than digging for her spellbook.

"Just, stay outta harm," Europea called, drawing her longsword. She remained in-between the armored baddies and her best friend. The guards' intentions were very clear. They stared right through her. She leapt at the closest for a preemptive strike.

"Uh, the gusts shall rage, and the tempest start…" Meredia began, drawing her staff for protection. She continued, "The lifeless souls of friends… depart," The end of her weapon had begun to glow – but she hit a dead end. She hadn't recited it in a while. Groaning, she sprung into a backwards jog to dodge a blow as her right hand subconsciously ruffled through her pack.

Europea's sword sunk deep through the armor's groove at the shoulder. She violently tore it from him, leaving him there to deal with his injuries. Her left arm absently shot upwards from reflex and her buckler took a blow. She thrusted her body full force towards him, knocking him over. She leapt onto his chest with aching muscles and found herself surrounded.

"Ah!" Meredia pulled from her sack an old and worn black book. She found the page easily. It read, 'Farore's Wind' at the top. "No longer we're bound, but struck apart – and I claim it all my work of art!" She recited aloud, and watched as bursts of green light flooded from her stave. The enemies surrounding them were blown back – and with a rapturous beam from the heavens, their bodies were caught up.

Transition

Meredia let out a screech as her body reformed beside the entrance to the Great Deku Tree. A woman robed in black stood directly in front of her. Europea restrained her from behind as she deeply breathed in and out. She felt her heart couldn't take much more today.

"And, who are you?" Europea questioned, cautiously resting her hands on the hilt of her sword. The figure remained calm.

"That is unimportant. Your reaction is to be expected. I'm.. sorry. Listen, you're not safe here – and I'll tell you why. Later, that is. We need to be off. Please follow me."

"Who are YOU to instruct us?" Meredia asked, eyeing her suspiciously. "I have business to adhere to in Kokiri Forest." The woman hesitated before responding.

"You have.. well, I'd say three hours until their arrival."

"Who? Whose arrival?" Europia inquired.

"Enough questions, git! Go be done with your business and return here when you're ready!" She exclaimed, not angrily.

Transition

Zelda awoke on cold, stone floor. She found herself in a dark room. The only source of light was that emanating from the triangle on her right fist. Her wrists and ankles were bound and chained. Her emotions spiked and her pride drowned. And just as she thought matters couldn't get worse, a figure emerged from the shadows.