In Keeping Secrets of Torn Hyrule

Before I begin this part, I recommend that you all check out A Broken Hero, by Arvel. Under the Zelda section. Careful, though, it's rated M.

That said. I apologize if the updates seem few and far between. I have little explanation, other than that school blows. Still, that's not so much of an excuse other than that I have a busy social life lately. Bet you never thought you'd hear THAT from a FFnet author.

Mean jokes aside, I'm still trying to work on this. However, the brain is a bit worn out with songwriting, paper writing, and the like. Just keep in mind, it's not my duty to be posting this, it's your privilege to be reading it, to slightly misquote Maddox of http/www.maddox. also known as The Best Site in the Universe.

Anyway, on with chapter 4.


Chapter 4: The Dreams That Make Us Real

Ganondorf strung his gigantic bow and nocked an arrow, gazing down the pine shaft. But the movement that had caught his eye was only a bird. Hardly worth the arrow, Ganon thought as he pierced the bird's head. He began to turn when he saw another black bird sitting just feet away from him on the castle walls. Ignoring this one, he turned around and began to walk back in the door.

At least twenty of the same birds were standing in front of the doorway, not doing much to actually block his way but definitely arousing his interest.

Ganondorf bent down and picked up one of the birds by the claws, bringing it up to eye level, although not close enough that it could scratch his face. It had no strange markings that would distinguish it from any other bird that happened to be in the area.

A sudden premonition made Ganondorf turn around and look at the bird he had shot.

The body and the arrow were gone. In their place was a human figure standing completely still and staring up at Ganondorf.

He turned and ran, not caring if he stepped on the birds, and spoke the incantation that would seal the locks to the castle. The very gaze of the figure he had seen had sent waves of fear through him. He dashed back out to the balcony and looked again.

The man was gone.

Ganondorf turned around, right into the sharp tip of an enormous blade. He convulsively backed up a couple steps, staring along the sword to the armor-clad figure in front of him. Clenching his right hand, he drew on the dark magic energy around him, preparing to release it. The man drew his sword back and raised it into a defensive position—

"GAH!" Ganondorf's leg twitched in his sleep, pulling him out of the dream. He had kicked most of the covers off himself.

He sat up and looked around, waiting for his vision to adjust to the dark. His heartbeat slowed down gradually until he was breathing normally. His thoughts were swimming into each other, and he could barely keep a train of thought.

The nightmare was all but lost to him as he once again lapsed into sleep.

Across Hyrule, the man in Ganondorf's dream was making love to a red-haired farm girl. They shared no nightmares as the night wandered on into the next day.

When Malon awoke, she was very surprised to find that Link was still beside her. By the way the last few days had gone, she had expected all this to be a dream. But his sleeping form was still nestled tightly with her. She kissed him gently on the forehead before getting up and dressing.

As she began to tend the horses, Malon felt happier than she had in years. No matter what was going on in Hyrule out there, life was perfect for the time being in her little world of the ranch. And besides, whatever was going on in Hyrule out there would probably come to an end soon.

She sighed happily, looking up at the slightly-less-clouded sky. The tide was turning. She could feel it.

She also felt a hand rest on her shoulder. Any time before the past few days she would have jumped, but the pure strength and warmth radiating from the hand told her who it was. She smiled without looking around. "'Morning."

Link kissed the top of her head. "'Morning to you too. How's Epona been doing?"

"She's fine. Been missing you, though." Malon stuck two fingers in her mouth and whistled. Epona came dashing over to the two of them, slowing down and nuzzling Link as she got closer.

Link couldn't help grinning as he stroked her mane. "I could tell."

Malon continued brushing down another horse, until eventually she realized that Link was purposely being silent. She turned and looked at him. His head was pointed high in the air. "What is it?"

"Something smells like… something burning." He looked down at her. "Cover your ears."

Link called out in an ethereal voice to the crows that followed him. But instead of approaching him, they instantly took off, heading in a single direction.

Link quickly rested his hand on Malon's shoulder again. "I'll be back." He flung himself onto Epona's back and charged out of the gates, following the birds.

Malon watched as they left, wondering what had happened so suddenly to disturb the first day of peace since her father had fallen asleep at the castle so long ago.


End of Chapter 4

FINALLY, I finished another chapter. God, I can't wait until spring break.

Review please!