Hello, all! Thanks to those who check out Angel in the Battle! 8D You guys are the best! -hands you all donuts-

Akartra: I'm glad you like my style of writing. :) My hyperness is slowly returning...hehe...

Spiritual Stone: Well, apparently you like it. I'm glad you do. :)

maximushyrule: Thanks. I don't like writing my people as complete helpless idiots...xD

Ayadin: No, Link isn't that dumb...oh shit, I just gave a spoiler. Damn it.

SnowCrystal: Well, I assume people did speak formally...it was no, "What up, dawg!" I suppose LoZ takes place circa 1300. The least I could do is make them speak nicely, I suppose. :)

foxdude33: Of course I update fast! It's summer! There's no school! I have the freedom to melt my brain!

Living the Legend

The Adventure Begins

Link's horse, Epona, rode fast and sure, and Shadowbrooke actually had trouble keeping up with the sorrel mare. But everytime Epona pushed ahead, Link pulled her reins gently to remind her of their traveling companions. Zachary was thankful for this; he had little time for rides and was not an expert as Link seemed to be. Shadowbrooke probably could keep up with the mare, but maybe it was because Zachary was not ordering him to do so.

"We'll arrive there in about two hours," Link said over the wind that whipped past Zachary due to the pace at which they were traveling.

Zachary could only nod, shivering a bit. He should have thought of a warmer garment; the thin tunic and rushing wind made him feel like he was going to freeze. They rode for a few moments when Link stopped Epona abruptly. This cause Zach to cry in surprise, slightly spooking Shadowbrooke, who stumbled a little. Zach pulled the reins.

"W-what's happening?"

Link dismounted from Epona and searched through his saddlebag. Zach frowned slightly at this, but shrugged it off. He gazed in the direction of the said Lake Hylia, eager to reach his destination, even though he didn't know what he would do there. Something was thrown over his shoulders; this brought Zach back to reality and saw that Link and put a blanket on him.

"You're cold," Link said simply. "I noticed your shivering. Why is it you said nothing?"

"I do not want to be a burden to you," Zach said. Still, the blanket was thick and warm, probably made from wool.

"We need to make a stop before we go to the Lake," Link spoke, ignoring his statement. "We'll go to Lon Lon Ranch."

"Do you need supplies?"

"Well, yes, if I am to journey with you."

Zach nodded at this, and Link mounted Epona again. They rode a few more minutes until a dark building approached them in the night. Link pulled Epona to a stop; Zachary did the same.

"Wait here. Talon and Ingo are probably asleep, but Malon may be awake to give me some things," Link said.

"Wait...wait...here...?" Zach stammered. Had Link forgotten about the stalchildren? Though Zachary knew he could defeat them, it was still an intimidating feeling of being left alone. Link ignored he boy's statement and proceeded to enter the ranch. Zachary waited a minute, then tied Shadowbrooke's reins to a nearby tree. Epona nickered lightly, watching. "Link's lucky you don't run away." Zach feared Shadowbrooke may return to the Royal Stables, and they'd be after him in an instant.

The grass flattened under his booted feet as he entered the dark ranch. A single light glowed at the window on a second floor. obviously a candle about to go out. However, the barn seemed to be bright. Soft voices wafted out the main door as Zach crept closer to hear the conversation.

"...are you sure?" he heard a lady saying, presumably Malon.

"I'm positive."

"But...where's your proof?"

Zachary's eyebrows knitted at her question. A paper rustled as Link spoke.

"Here."

It was quiet. Zach assumed Malon was reading something.

"Goddesses, Link."

"Malon...I need supplies," Link stated firmly. "I must take the boy safely away."

"But, Link..." Malon started. "Why?"

"He wishes it. Besides, he is right there by the door, listening to us," Link told the woman.

Zachary crept around the corner, blushing a deep red. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't want to be left alone."

The man's eyes softened at the statement. "Come, Zach. This is my good friend, Malon."

Malon was one of the prettiest women Zachary had ever seen, besides his mother. Her skin was pale and silky, her eyes vibrant and dancing. Her hair caught his attention the most: it was a fiery red. She smiled a pretty smile to the boy. "Link says he is aiding you in your journey to Lake Hylia. What are your plans once you get there?"

"Uh..." Zach didn't know what to say. Luckily, Link broke in.

"We'd like to leave as soon as possible, Mal. I'll pay you for your trouble, if you'd like."

"Not at all," Malon handed Link some supplies. "Take it as a friend's gift." She smiled, kissed Link on the cheek, and hugged Zach. "I'd like to see you two soon." She giggled. "You resemble Link so much...you two are so similarly dressed...all you need is the cap." She ruffled Zach's blonde wind-blown hair. "Take care."

The two left the ranch in silence. Neither spoke until Zachary noticed a giant egg-like creature, moving slightly, in the field.

"Link," he whispered, then realized the Hylian probably couldn't hear him due to the rushing wind and thundering hooves. Zachary clutched the blanket closer. "Link," he said, louder. The Hylian turned, making no fault as he continued riding. "What...what is that?" Zach pointed to the creature.

"A peahat," was the smooth reply. "Their weakness is the center, right where their limbs spin. I'll strike first, and you deal the final blow."

"I...I..." Zachary stuttered, nervously drawing his sword. All his bravery used in training dissolved. This was entirely different.

Without faltering, Link drew his bow and arrows on the galloping Epona. He aimed carefully, kicking Epona faster, increasing the distance between him and Zach. He relased the shaft, which flew strong, striking the peahat. The creature fully awoke, let out a strange cry, and began spinning its limbs, tilted slightly to one side. Link fired numerous arrows, circling the peahat on horseback.

"Go, Zach!" Link cried.

The confused boy urged Shadowbrooke forward, his eyes locked on the deadly spinning limbs. The peahat's attention switched to Zach, and began swiveling towards him. Zach pushed Shadowbrooke closer, into a light canter, and thrust his sword into the center as a limb almost beheaded him. The peahat shrieked in agony, and collapsed, slain. Link dismounted Epona and began taking the arrows out of it.

"Why are you doing that?"

"An archer must always keep a full quiver. Besides, it is dead now, so it does not matter, right?" Link answered, cleaning the arrows of the creature's blood on the grass.

Zach could only nod dumbly. "Did it frighten you?"

"What?"

"The peahat. It was quite scary, wasn't it?"

"Well, yes."

"You'll get used to it."

Zach nodded silently again. Once Link was finished, he stood up. "When we reach the pass that let's us enter the lake, there are tall iron fences. Unless you want to continue without your horse, you must be prepared for a fast and courageous jump. There are only a few, but they are high. Trust in your horse and yourself, and you shall fly over. Don't get nervous. Your horse will sense it and become distracted, and may falter, causing injury to you both. Are you sure you want to go to the lake?"

Zachary stared at Link. He hadn't expected iron fences! Groaning inwardly, he nodded. Link mounted Epona as Zach climbed upon Shadowbrooke. A sharp kick spurred Epona into a thunderous gallop as Shadowbrooke ran beside her.

"We need to build up speed," Link hollered over the din. Zach nodded again. All he could do was nod, as the man always put him at a loss for words.