Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda franchise. I only own the OC characters: Ateiti, Irena, King Dikun & Queen Esha.

Chapter 4: Princess Zelda

The sun shined high over the skies of Hyrule. Link and Malon walked out of the tunnel, leaving Kokiri Forest and entered Hyrule Field. Both had just broken the curse that had been cast on the Deku Tree by an evil Gerudo sorcerer, only to realize that the big tree was beyond saving. However, before the Deku Tree died, he told Link and Malon to go and see the Princess of Destiny in Hyrule Castle and trusted upon them the Kokiri Emerald, the Spiritual Stone of the Forest. Link and Malon were determinded to fulfill the Deku Tree's final wish.

However, both were doubting about who this Princess of Destiny was and since the only princess they knew lived in Hyrule Castle was Princess Zelda, they were gonna take their chances to go and see her.

As they were about to go further, exiting the way to the forest, both were suddenly called by someone who sat on top of a nearby tree "Hoo hoot! Link, Malon… Look up here!" Link and Malon stopped and looked up, seeing a big owl with large eyebrow's, looking down on them from the top of the tree.

Link wandered who this big owl was and asked "Uh… hello. Who are you?"

The big owl seemed to smile a bit and answered politely "I am Kaepora Gaebora. I am… I was a good friend to the Deku Tree. Though it is sad that he is gone now, do not feel that you two have failed, children. You have shown amazing courage to destroy the curse that had plagued him. And now, the time has come for you two to start your adventure. You will encounter many hardships ahead… this is both your destiny. Don't feel discouraged, Link and Malon, even in the most difficult situations!"

Those encouraging words from the big owl eased Link and Malon's sadness and understanding that they hadn't failed at all. Malon thanked the big owl and asked "Thank you. The Deku Tree wants us to find the Princess of Destiny. Is it true that it is Princess Zelda?"

The big owl nodded "Yes. She is the one that will help you both further. I will be your guide throughout your journey, but it's up to you two to follow the path you desire."

Both Link and Malon nodded, while Link said "We understand. And thank you, Kaepora Gaebora."

The big owl then spread his wings as it was ready to fly off "All right then, I'll see you two around! Hoot hoot hoot ho!" and the big owl flew off, heading north, to Hyrule Castle.

As the two heroes walked further, Link started to think off if they will be able to reach Castle Town in time before it gets dark and the drawbridge will be closed till the morning, as it was now just noon. Link knew that if they want to get in time at the Town, they needed to hurry, so he said "If we're hurry, we can make it to the town before the drawbridge closes."

Link then started walking faster, which surprised Malon, but tried to keep up. She then suggested, as she walked next to Link "Link! Shouldn't we take some rest first? I mean, we just went through a lot."

Link slowed down while glancing at her "I know we have, Malon, I just…. We need to get to the Princess. If this Gerudo sorcerer can cause so much suffering to the Deku Tree, causing him to die, who knows what that evil man is capable off!"

Navi flew out of Link's hat, saying "I agree with Link. We should keep on going, till we make it to the castle."

Malon then tried to stop Link and they faced each other "Link, listen to me. We need to rest. You… need to rest."

Link looked into her eyes, seeing not only some seriousness in her, but also sadness. After all they went through, breaking the curse of the Deku Tree, the revelation of the Gerudo sorcerer intensions and the death of the Deku Tree, Malon knew that they needed to rest first before going further.

Link tried to say something to convince her that they should keep going "But, Malon… the Deku Tree said that-"

Malon then stroke his cheek. No words came from his mouth, he only sighed deep. This was like the times that Link was pushing himself too much back on Lon Lon Ranch, and Malon always managed to calm him down by just looking into his eyes and standing close to each other.

Malon gave him a hug, what he returned. After a minute they broke the hug and Link said "Okay. Let's go home and rest…" Malon smiled while she rubbed his cheek one more time and both headed back to Lon Lon Ranch.

Navi wanted to object this idea while she flew behind them, but after seeing Link and Malon like that just a moment ago, she felt that they needed some rest after all that had happened just now.

- Many hours later -

After Link and Malon had walked for hours, when the sky was starting to turn orange-red as the sun was going down, they had finally made it back home; Lon Lon Ranch.

Both children sighed deep, feeling glad to be home. The first thing they did was going inside the house, looking for Talon. When Malon opened the door, she called to her father "Daddy! We're back! Hello?" But no answer came back, only the sound of the many Cucco's, walking around. Link checked upstairs, but his adoptive father wasn't there as well.

He and Malon wandered where he was, since around this time of day he was always in the house. "Where could he be?" Link asked himself.

Just then, someone else came into the house. It was Ingo, holding a pitchfork over his shoulder. He was first surprised to see Link and Malon again, but then said to Link in a not so nice way "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to come back." Link wasn't in the mood for any insult from Ingo, as he crossed his arms while frowning at Ingo. But then Ingo said in a more kind way to Malon "But, It's good to see you two again back in one piece."

Malon nodded and asked "Have you seen my daddy around?"

Ingo answered while he shrugged "Sorry, Malon. He left this morning to Hyrule Castle to deliver some milk." then he became grumpy again "He was supposed to be back by now. He probably fell asleep again while I had to do all the work around the ranch." Ingo then glanced back at Link "You know, I could have finished these jobs sooner, if you hadn't left!"

Link groaned at Ingo and said angry "Look, Ingo. Me and Malon went through a lot and neither of us are in the mood for your complaining, okay?"

Malon tried to calm him by rubbing his shoulder, but she too felt that Ingo shouldn't be complaining to them, especially to Link now that they had just come back. Ingo just sighed and puts the pitchfork down in the corner. But in his mind, he mentally said in anger "Grrrr! That little brat! If I was in charge of this ranch, I would have taught him some manners! (Sigh) Stay calm, Ingo. You've made a promise to Talon's father."

He then turns himself and said in a more kind way as he walked to the kitchen "I'll prepare some dinner." but then he stopped, as he wandered why Link and Malon were wearing green outfits and had better swords and shields "Say, where did you both get those new swords and shields? And why are you both wearing those green tunics? What happened to the clothes that you two normally wear?"

Link and Malon both didn't wanted to explain too much, so Malon just answered "Me and Link… found them. In the forest. And these new clothes, well… we…"

Link then answered for her "We ran into some trouble, on our way to the forest. And we got these new ones from a new friend of ours."

Ingo just shrugged, but then wandered how Link and Malon's new clothes got some green and yellow spots on it "How did you get them so… dirty?"

Malon scratched her head "Uhh… well, we-"

"You know what, never mind, I don't want to know." Ingo said as he didn't wanted to know how they got themselves so dirty and just walked into the kitchen.

While Ingo went into the kitchen to prepare something for himself and the children, Link and Malon putted down their weapons placed their bags on top of the Cucco's nests and sat down at the table. Malon took off her boots and rubbed her feet as they seemed to hurt a bit.

Link sighed deep as he took off his hat, making Navi fly out of it too. She flew to Malon and asked kindly "Say, do you maybe have some more of that delicious milk?"

Malon smiled to Navi "Sure!" she stood up from her chair and walked over to the kitchen to take a bottle of Lon Lon milk. She also took another one for Link.

While they drank their milk, Link checked the dirty spots of what were Skulltula remains on his and Malon's Kokiri tunic, and suggested "I guess we should wash them later?" Malon nodded.

Some time later, while Ingo, Link and Malon were eating corn with fried fish, one of the Cucco's was desperately looking for her nest to lay her egg. But then she noticed Link's magic bag on top of her nest. The Cucco didn't seemed to mind and jumped on it and lied relaxed on it, without Link even noticing that the Cucco was laying an egg inside his bag.

After they finished their meals, Link and Malon warmed up some buckets of water for their baths and for washing their clothes, later. But as they carried some of the buckets full of warm water to the barn, where their baths in the back stood, Malon noticed that next to the horse, Candice was something else. It was a baby horse!

Malon gasped out of joy as she nearly dropped her water buckets on the floor "Link! Look!" she called to Link as she put down her buckets and ran over to Candice's place. Link looked and saw that Candice had a baby horse next to her. His smile grew as he put his buckets down and took a closer look.

The baby horse had an orange-brown fur, white manes and the bottom of its legs were also white, like it had white socks.

"Aaaw, Link! He's so cute!" Malon said as she took a closer look to the baby horse.

Link nodded "She sure is." Malon then looked at Link with a raised eyebrow. Link could only chuckle as he explained "It's a girl, Malon."

"Ooooooh." Malon said as she saw that the baby horse was indeed a girl.

At that moment, Ingo walked into the barn with some hay for the horses "Well, I see that you two have already met Candice's baby horse. She gave birth to it the evening after you left. Her name is Epona." he told the children, as the name of the baby horse is Epona.

Link and Malon first glanced at Ingo, but then both smiled as they thought that Epona was beautiful name for the new horse. Both looked at Epona one more time before they stroke Candice's head "Epona. That's a nice name, right Candice?" Malon asked the mother horse, who neighed happily.

When Link wanted to get closer to Epona, the baby horse kept her distance from him "Hey, I'm not gonna hurt you. I just want to say hello." Link said as he reached out his hand to Epona, but still didn't come.

Malon then started to sing her mother's song. Epona looked at Malon and slowly started to walk over to her, neighing happily. Malon then stroke her head softly. But when Link tried to stroke Epona too, she then walked away. Link sighed disappointed, as he felt that Epona didn't like him. Malon laughed a bit "I think Epona still needs to get used to you, Link."

"I guess." Link said as he walked back to take his buckets of warm water to put in his bath.

A few minutes later, Link and Malon lied in their separate baths, washing themselves. In between their baths hanged a big curtain, so the two children had some privacy. After they had finished washing themselves, they dried themselves and put on their undergarments and started washing their Kokiri tunics.

That night, Link was just rolling in his bed as he had difficulty to fall asleep. He looked for a moment at Navi, who slept next to his bed on a pile of straw and her light dimmed. He had heard her sobbing a bit before she finally went to sleep, not so long ago.

Link sighed deep, as he softly said to her "I'm sorry that we couldn't save the Deku Tree, Navi. But I promise… we will stop that evil sorcerer…. I promise." Link then turned himself, trying to get to sleep again.

Unknown to him, Navi had heard his words. She opened her eyes a bit as she softly spoke "And I promise, that I'll watch over you and Malon… till the end…" Navi then went back to sleep.

Not long after, as Link failed again to fall asleep, he opened his eyes, seeing Malon standing before his bed "Huh…? Malon?" he asked as he sat straight "You can't sleep…?" Malon shook her head "Yeah… me too." Link said, as he too couldn't sleep as well.

Malon then sat next too him and quietly asked, so she wouldn't wake up Navi "Can I sleep with you?"

A little smile grew on Link's face, as he slowly moved to the other side of the bed "Sure…"

As the two children lied together under the cover, cuddling. Link could somehow feel more peacefully and was about to fall asleep. But then, Malon gave him a kiss on his cheek and whispered "Good night, Link."

Link smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek back "Good night, Malon."

Not long after, they finally felt asleep.

- The next morning -

Just before the sun was rising, Link and Malon had left Lon Lon Ranch, wearing their cleaned Kokiri tunics and were fully equipped with their swords and shields. In their bags, both had enough food for a few days.

As Lon Lon Ranch was nearly out of sight, Link said with a bit worry "I just hope we won't interact with any Stalchilds this time, cause the sun isn't up yet."

Malon glanced at him with a determent face, saying "Well, if they do, we're ready for them this time." Link nodded.

When they were near the closed drawbridge, leading to Hyrule Castle Town, Link and Malon heard and awful familiar sound behind them. "Look!" Navi called, warning them for the approaching danger. They turned, seeing two Stalkchilds crawling out of the ground!

Malon wasn't scared of them anymore, neither was Link, as both draw their sword and shield, ready to face them.

The first Stalchild tried to hit Malon with its clawed hands, but she easily blocked it with her Deku Shield and then slashed with her sword, cutting off the Stalchild's head, making it walk around, not knowing where it's target was. Link dealt with the other Stalchild easily by slashing his sword a few times at him, making it fall apart before burning away in green fires. Malon hit the headless Stalchild one more time, killing it.

Both dead Stalchilds left behind two rupees. Malon picked them up and puts them in her small moneybag.

But then, two more Stalchilds crawled out of the ground. Malon charged at them, but then… the two Stalchilds crawled back into the ground, as the sun was risen, for morning had finally come. Malon sighed as she redrew her sword and shield and walked back to Link.

But then all of the sudden, a Cucco sound came from Link's bag "Huh? What the…?" he checked inside and took out a Cucco, holding it with both his hands. Link and Malon both looked surprised "Hey, how did you get inside my bag?!" Link asked the Cucco, who just glanced at Link confussed. Then Link noticed a piece of egg shell on the Cucco and then looked inside his bag, finding more pieces of broken egg shell.

That made Malon laugh "Hahahaha! Looks like one of the cucco's laid an egg in your bag, Link. Hahahaha!"

Link sighed as he said while looking at Malon a bit embarrassed "Maybe I shouldn't have placed my bag at the Cucco's nests."

Then Link looked at the Cucco for a moment, while Malon asked "But what are we going to do with him? We can't just leave him here."

Link shook his head, as Malon was right. He then puts the Cucco carefully back inside his magic bag "He'll just have to come with us then, till we've found Talon." Malon nodded as that was a good idea.

Navi then saw that the drawbridge was about to be lowered and said to Link and Malon "C'mon, let's go!" Link and Malon nodded with a happy smile and ran to the opened bridge, entering Hyrule Castle Town.

The many owners of the shops had only just opened their businesses, before dozens of townspeople were already eager to do buy the many things that were for sale.

Two of these costumers were already fighting over the last pieces that were for sale "Hey, let go! It's mine! I found it first!"

"No, I found it first!"

Or a women was arguing with the owner that a vase was to expensive for her "C'mon, can't you make it any cheaper?"

Link and Malon walked amongst the many people. Both always loved to visit the Market, as there were always so many exotic things from far distant lands for sale. When he was younger, Link once had a dream of exploring the world, but upon feeling that Lon Lon Ranch had all that he could wish for, made him to reconsider his choice and wanting instead to help the ranch. Malon was happy about that, so she wouldn't have to say goodbye to her 'little brother'.

To their right, was another path that lead to the Temple of Time. Link and Malon had never come up close to it before, as Talon had stated that the Temple was sacred to the people of Hyrule and wasn't a playground for kids. Link and Malon understood, as they didn't wanted to disrespect the Goddesses.

Link and Malon also saw the new Mask Shop, which wasn't opened yet. Both wandered what kind of masks it had for sale.

To their left were a few places that they could play games, like Treasure Chest Contest (but was only open during the night), The Bombchu Bowling Alley (what was brand-new in the Hyrule Market) and a Shooting Gallery. Link always wanted to play at the last one, but the owner had stated that if he wants to play, he needs a slingshot, which Link didn't had. So, sometimes when he and Malon were delivering Milk to the town with her father, Link watched other people playing the shooting game, what the owner didn't mind.

But then Link figured that he can play now, as he now has the Fairy Slingshot.

Malon seemed to notice Link's bright smile as he looked at the Shooting Gallery. She giggled as she asked "You want to play at the Shooting Gallery, right?"

Link was instantly brought out of his mind, and answered "Well… uhh…"

Malon then laughed "Link. I know you wanted to play that game for a long time. You don't need to be ashamed."

But then Navi flew out of Link's hat, reminding them "C'mon, you two! We don't have time to play games. We need go and find Princess Zelda, remember?"

Link however was eager to do at least one game at the Shooting Gallery, and said to Navi "Hey, don't worry. I'm just gonna try out for five or ten minutes and then we can go and find Princess Zelda. C'mon, let's go Malon!" he said as he ran to the Shooting Alley, with Malon running after him.

Navi tried to keep up "B-but…. Hey, wait for me!"

Inside the shooting Gallery, the owner who stood behind the counter, saw Link and Malon enter. He started to chuckle as Link walked enthusiastic to him "Well, if it isn't little Link and little Malon."

"Hello, mister!" Link said "I want to play!"

The man started to laugh "Hahahaha! You do, huh? Well, I hope you have a slingshot, kid. Cause you can't play a game without having your own slingshot."

Link took out his Fairy Slingshot out of his bag and showed it to the owner "I sure have one now!"

The owner nodded "You sure do. Alright. It's 20 rupees per play."

Link looked at Malon, who already took 20 rupees from their moneybag and gave them to Link, and then gave them to the owner.

As the man took the rupees, he said "Alright, kid, you remember the rules of this game, right? Take aim at the platform," the man pointed to the platform "If you hit ten targets, you'll get a price. You get fifteen shots." the owner finished while taking fifteen small iron balls from the counter. Link took them and stood ready to play the game.

"Good luck, Link." Malon said, encouraging him. Navi floated next to Malon, watching Link playing the game.

As how well Link remembered the game, he had to shoot some fake rupees at the platform. The first three were easy for him to hit. But the fourth one jumped high, making it hard for most players to hit, but luckily, Link hit it just in time! The next two blue ones he got them easily too. But the last four red ones were hard. As Link tried hard to hit them, he only missed the last one.

Disappointed, Link groaned in frustration "NO! I missed the last one!"

Malon stroke his back to calm him down, while Navi told him "Hey, I'm sure you'll get it next time. You just need a bit more practice."

Link signed as he shrugged "I guess…"

The owner felt a bit pity for him, as Link was always so enthusiastic to play one day. He chuckled as he then took fifteen new small iron balls from the counter "You know what… I'll let try one more time for free. This time, you gotta do it!"

Link's smile grew as the owner let him go one more time on the house "Thanks!" Link said as he took the iron balls and stood ready to shoot the fake rupees again.

This time, Link took a very serious aim and managed to shoot 8 fake rupees with perfect perception. When the final two red ones came, he was even more serious, to hit them both this time 'C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!' he mentally said as he hit the first one, and then… hit the other one just in time!

"WE HAVE A WINNER!" the owner said loudly as Link was able to shoot all the targets.

Link raised his hands in victory "Yippee! I did it!"

Malon was so happy for Link that she hugged him "Congratulations, Link!"

Navi gave Link a proud smile.

Link instantly went over to the owner to collect his price "So?! What did I win?"

The owner chuckled as he took something from the counter "For you, kid, because you did it better than most costumers… I gooooot… this!" the man put on the counter, a Bit Deku Seed Bullet Bag.

Link took it with a happy smile "Cool, a bigger Deku Seed bag!"

The owner nodded "That's right! A fine price for a fine shooter like you. Have fun!"

Link nodded as he attached his bigger Deku Seed bag to his belt and replaced the other one he found yesterday in the Deku Tree "Thanks. Goodbye!" Link said as he started to leave, with Malon following and waved the owner goodbye.

The owner waved back "Bye kids! Come again soon!"

When they left the Shooting Gallery, Navi said "Alright, now let's go and see Princess Zelda." Malon nodded in agreement and started to walk to the path, leading to Hyrule Castle. Link followed, but took a look at the new Bombchu Bowling Alley for a moment, wishing he could check that one out as well.

Malon stopped as she noticed Link was watching the Bombchu Bowling Alley, and said "We'll do that one next time, Link. Let's go to the Princess first."

Link sighed as he nodded "Okay, I'm coming." and walked with Malon to the castle.

As they neared the Castle grounds, both Link and Malon smiled as the castle was more beautiful from up closer. When they waited for Talon to load out the milk just outside the castle, both could always stare at the castle for hours, wandering how it would be like to live in it.

When they came closer to the gate, leading further into the Castle Grounds, that was filled with Castle Guards, Link and Malon were called from top of the nearby tree "Hey, Link, Malon! This way!"

The two children looked up, and saw it was the big owl, Kaepora Gaebora. Link called to him "Oh, hello Kaepora Gaebora."

"Hi." Malon said, waving to the big owl.

Kaepora Gaebora then stated "The Princess is inside the castle. Just be careful not to get caught. These grounds are filled with guards! Ho ho ho hoot! Today, there are even more than usual."

This surprised Link and Malon, so Link asked the owl "More guards? How come?"

The big owl answered "They say that there is an important visitor coming to see the king today. So my advice is to be careful children."

Link and Malon looked at each other for a moment. They nodded and Malon said to the owl "We'll be careful. Thanks for the tip, Kaepora Gaebora."

The big owl smiled "You're welcome. Good luck, then. Hoo hoo!" the big owl then spread it's wings and flew off.

The two children looked at the closed Castle gates. Going through there was not an option. However, Malon saw something on their way "This way." Malon called, with Link following her. She showed him a large vine, going all the way up.

Malon started climbing it carefully, with Link following her "This is genius, Malon!" Link said as how brilliant this was how to avoid the main gate.

Malon smiled as she reached the top and helped Link up "That's where you have me around, right?"

Link chuckled as he scratched the back of his head while he blushed "Uhh… yeah, of course."

However, Malon then looked suspicious at Link and asked while holding her hands on her hips "What's that's supposed to mean?"

Surprised, Link tried to say "Uhh, well-"

"You don't want me be around you?" Malon asked with a serious tone.

Link heavily shook his head "No no no no no, I-I-I love to have you around, Malon! I just… I just think you're so smart and-and…"

But then Malon started to laugh 'cause Link's reaction "Tee hee hee! Just kidding." she said while giving him a wink.

Link signed in relief as he laughed a bit too. Malon then gave him a kiss on the cheek "Let's go." she said as she moved on. Link stood there for a few seconds, blushing, before going after Malon.

Both managed to bypass the castle gates. Slowly they tried to avoid the guards, but also the other guards in strange black and brown uniforms. Link and Malon got the chills from those 'strange guards', as if there was some kind of evil surrounding them.

After an hour, they managed to reached the moat, surrounding the castle. Both couldn't walk past it, as a lot of guards were standing at the castle entrance.

Link looked at Malon and told her quietly "Guess we need to swim."

Malon tried to see if there was another way. But seeing that there was none, she nodded "Okay."

They jumped quietly in the water and swam very carefully around the guards. When one guard heard something and turned himself, Link and Malon quickly dived down while swimming further. The guard hadn't seen the children, so he just shrugged, thinking it was probably his imagination and went back to his post.

Link and Malon submerged at the other side and climbed out of the water. Malon panted, as she never before held her breath in for so long. Link helped her out of the water while he stroke her back "You okay?" He asked concerned.

Malon nodded as she slowly catches her breath "Yeah… yeah, I'm okay, Link."

But then, they could hear someone snoring nearby "Wait… is that?" Link said as that snoring sounded very familiar. When he and Malon took a closer look, they saw Talon, sleeping near some big boxes.

The two children tried to wake him up "Talon? Talon, wake up!" Link said as he shook his adoptive father.

But Talon turned himself while mumbling in his sleep "Hmmm… just five more minutes, Ateiti…. Zzzzzzz."

Malon then shook her father too "C'mon, Daddy. Wake up!"

Talon just kept sleeping, talking in his sleep. But then Link got an idea as he smiled mischievous, while taking out the Cucco from his bag. He held the Cucco close to Talon's face.

Malon didn't know what Link was about to do "Uhh… Link?"

The cucco just looked at Talon confused. But then, Link pulled some feathers really hard of the Cucco's butt, making it crowing really loud "CUUUUUCOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Talon instantly woke up, nearly jumped high "What in tarnation?!"

Link laughed out loud as how Talon reacted to the Cucco's crowing. But his laugh died out as the Cucco looked furious at Link and started to peck his head for violently pulling the feathers from her back "Ouch ouch ouch ouch! Stop it!" Link called to the Cucco to stop.

This made Malon laugh at him "That's what you get for messing with a Cucco. Hahahahaha!"

Talon wiped his eyes and came to Link's aid, by taking the Cucco and holding it under his left arm. But then, he instantly hugged Link and Malon "Oh, Link and Malon! It's so good to see you!" Both returned the hug.

But then Talon asked, when he broke the hug "But, what are you two doing here? This is not a place for children to hang around. There're lots of guards around here."

Link answered to his adoptive father "We… the Deku Tree told us that we need to see Princess Zelda. He told that she could help us."

This his surprised Talon "Really?! The Princess herself?!" Link and Malon nodded "And what about the Deku Tree? Did you manage to help him?"

Link tried to explain, but as he and Malon hadn't much time, he said "It's a long story, Talon. We'll tell you all about it later, but it's urgent that we need to see the Princess now." Talon understood.

Malon then asked her father "Daddy, can you help us to get inside the castle?"

However, Talon shook his head "I'm sorry, Malon. They never allow just anyone inside, unless you're invited by the king or if you're a friend of the royal family."

Link wasn't going to give up "There must be a way!"

The first thing that Talon wanted to tell is that it's too dangerous, as even if he'll be able to help them, there is no telling what will happen to Link and Malon of the guards capture them. But after reminding himself of what his deceased wife told him of the two children's destiny, he signed. He then whispered to them "Okay, maybe there is a way to get in. You see that hole at the wall where the water flows out?" he asked while pointing to the hole where the water flowed out, into the moat "Maybe through that you can enter the castle."

Link and Malon nodded. They gave Talon one last hug before he left and said "I'll be going back to the ranch. Be careful."

"We will, Talon." Link promised to his adoptive father.

"We promise." Malon also promised to her father.

Before Talon left, Link wanted to apologize to the Cucco for pulling out the feathers from her "Sorry for pulling out your feathers like that, little buddy."

The Cucco talked back in a way as it was still angry at him. Talon was able to hold it before it could peck Link again.

Talon laughed "I'll take this Cucco back to the ranch. Good luck!" Talon said, wishing his children the best of luck before he left.

After Talon had left, Link and Malon checked how they could reach the hole. Malon got an idea and asked Link to help her pulling the big boxes "Link, help me with this." Link saw what she wanted to do and went over to her to help.

Both pushed the first box near the edge of the moat, dropping it, but not in the water. Then they pushed the other box and placed it on top of the first one. Now they had a way to reach the hole. Link climbed the box first and jumped to the edge of the hole in the wall. Malon followed. The two children crawled through the hole, entering the castle.

When Link and Malon crawled out of the hole, they saw that they were in the Castle Courtyard. When they went on, they saw dozens of guards guarding the way. Navi flew out of Link's hat and flew higher to check what was ahead of them. She flew back and said quietly "Be careful. Dozens of guards are patrolling the courtyard."

Link nodded and whispered to Malon "We have to be very quiet. Stay close to me." Malon nodded.

Both did their best of not getting noticed by the guards and carefully passed them by near a few gardens, statues and fountains. Navi had to stop Link and Malon a few times as a guard was approaching.

As they made it to the end, both sighed in relief "Pfew! That was close." Link said. Malon nodded and went further with Link, with Navi flying behind them to the other part of the courtyard.

In the small courtyard, where many flowers grew, Link and Malon all of the sudden froze, as they saw a girl, wearing a white purple dress looking into a window. Navi flew next to Link and said "Link… Look…" Link watched, as it could be the Princess Zelda. He carefully walked with Malon to the Princess.

When Link and Malon came closer, Zelda could hear someone behind her. She turned herself, but gasped in shock as she saw a boy and a girl "What?! Who?!" she calmed down and asked who they were "Who are you? And how did you get past the guards?"

Before Link and Malon could answer, Zelda's eyes went wide as she saw the blue fairy with them "Oh? What's that? Is that… a fairy?!" then something hit her, as she could feel that she'd seen them somewhere before "Then are you two… are you from a ranch? Then… then… you wouldn't happen to have… the Spiritual Stone of the Forest, would you?! That green and shining stone…. Do you have it?"

Link and Malon were amazed as the Princess already knew them somehow and that she knew that they came from a ranch and had the Kokiri Emerald. Link and Malon both nodded "Yes, we have." Link answered as he showed her the Kokiri Emerald.

Zelda's smile grew "Just as I thought!"

While Link put the Kokiri Emerald back in his magic bag, Malon wandered how the princess knew of them, so she asked politely "Uhh… your highness… how… how did you know that we… came from a ranch and… have the Spiritual Stone?"

Zelda answered "I had a dream… in the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule… but then, a ray of light then shot out of a ranch, parted the clouds and lit up the ground…. The light turned into two figures, with one holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy…. I know this is a prophecy that two people would come from a ranch…. Yes, I though you two might be the ones…" but then, Zelda realized that she hadn't introduced herself to the two from her dream "Oh, I'm sorry! I got carried away with my story and I didn't even properly introduce myself!".

Link smiled as she shook his head "It's fine, we all have that sometimes."

Zelda felt relieved to hear that, but felt also flattered by the kindness of this boy 'Oh my, he's so… kind… treating me like an… equal. No one has ever done that to me before.' the princess mentally said.

The Princess smiled and introduced herself "I am Zelda, Crown-princess of Hyrule. What are your names?" she asked to her two visitors.

"I'm Link."

"And I'm Malon." Link and Malon answered, telling their names and made a small bow to Zelda.

For Zelda, the names 'Link and Malon' sounded somehow familiar to her "Link and Malon… strange… they sound somehow… familiar." But then she smiled again "OK then, Link and Malon… I'm going to tell you the secret of the Sacred Realm that has been passed down by the Royal Family of Hyrule. Please keep this a secret from everyone…"

This surprised Link and Malon, as Princess Zelda trusted them so easily. But knowing that she'd seen them in a prophecy of her, they felt that it was okay for her to tell them. Link nodded and said "Okay, we'll promise."

Malon nodded too "Yes your highness, we won't tell anyone."

Zelda felt relieved that Link and Malon gave her their word that they'll never tell this secret to anyone, but also said to Malon "Thank you, but… you don't need to call me 'your highness'. Just call me Zelda."

Malon smiled and nodded "Okay."

Then she glanced both at Link and Malon, telling the secret of the Royal Family "The legend goes like this…"


The three Goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the Gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity…. But, if someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil…. That is what has been told….

So, the ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil ones.


After Zelda had told the secret of the Triforce and why the Temple of Time was built, it made for Link and Malon so much more sense, as to why the Temple of Time was built in the first place, how sacred it is and why the Triforce must be protected at all times.

Zelda then told further, as she could sense that the secret had made it all more clear to Link and Malon "That's right… the Temple of Time is the entrance through which you can enter the Sacred Realm from our world. But the entrance is sealed with a stone wall called 'the Door of Time'. And, in order to open the door, it is said that you need to collect three Spiritual Stones. And another thing you need… is the treasure that the Royal Family keeps along with this legend…. The Ocarina of Time."

Link and Malon glanced at each other for a moment. Both were astounded of what they heard "So, there are three Spiritual Stones… and they are needed to open the Door of Time, in order to obtain the Triforce?" Malon asked Zelda. The Princess nodded.

Link was having a bad feeling about this, as he could feel that this is what that Gerudo sorcerer was after. Zelda could for some reason, sense what made Link worried. So she takes a few steps from the window she looked into before and said to both Link and Malon "There is something else you both should see. I was spying through this window just now, because… the other element from my dream… the dark clouds… I believe they symbolize… that man in there."

Link and Malon walked to the window and took a look inside. What they saw… was the same Gerudo man from their dreams, kneeling with one knee before the king and queen. Malon gasped in shock "L-Link! It's… it's him…!" Link nodded as he and Malon both felt uncomfortable. Both could sense the evil coming from that man.

Link asked Zelda "Who… is that?"

"That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he helped my father winning the civil war when I was just a baby and swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere," Zelda then worriedly signed "the dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream… they must symbolize that man!"

Both understood as they looked inside the window again. They could hear what Ganondorf and the king were saying.

King Dikun, who sat on his throne, greeted his old friend and ally "Ganondorf. Welcome to my castle. It has been to long."

Ganondorf smirked, still bowing before King Dikun "Your majesty."

"Tell me, my old friend, to what do we own the pleasure of this unexpected visit? For I believe we wouldn't expect you for another four months?" King Dikun asked.

Ganondorf then glanced at the king, without standing up "There are curtain… businesses, that I need to discuss with you, my liege. A curtain debt that you still own me… for helping you wining the war." This surprised King Dikun, as he hadn't expected that one day, Ganondorf would return to claim the debt he owns the Gerudo leader.

Queen Esha looked confused at her husband and asked him "My dear, what does Ganondorf mean by that?"

Dikun had wished that the deal he made with Ganondorf would never come to light and prayed for so long to the goddesses that the Gerudo leader would never come to claim the debt. But, the king remained calm and said to his wife "Something… that we have discussed during the war, my love. Let me handle this." The king then glanced back at Ganondorf and said "Perhaps we can discuss these matter later today? You and your forces must have had a long journey. So please, stay as my honorary guest."

Ganondorf smirked and said "It'll be my honor, my old friend." As he lowered his head for another bow, he noticed something in the window to his right. He looked and saw two children spying on him. Link and Malon gasped as they hide below the window. Ganondorf looked suspicious, but dropped the subject.

Link and Malon breathed heavily as they had dropped to the floor, hiding themselves. Zelda asked concerned "What happened? Did he see you?" Both Link and Malon nodded, while being scared a bit. Zelda ensured them that it's going to be okay "Don't worry. He doesn't have any idea what we're planning… yet!"

Link and Malon nodded as they stood up. Link looked through the window one more time, seeing that Ganondorf was no longer in the throne room. He figured that Ganondorf must have left for a moment.

Malon wanted to know if Zelda ever told her parents about the dream she had about Ganondorf "Zelda… did you ever told your father and mother about the dream you had?"

Zelda sadly looked down "…Yes. I told both my father and mother about my dream…. However, they don't believe it was a prophecy… but… I can sense that man's evil intentions. What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it and, he wants to conquer Hyrule… no, the entire world!"

Link felt his anger rising. If Ganondorf would let the Deku Tree die with that curse he and Malon tried to break, he could kill anyone in his path, only to claim the world for himself.

Zelda then glanced back at Link and Malon, begging them to help her "Link. Malon… now, we are the only ones wo can protect Hyrule! Please!"

Link and Malon glanced at each other for a moment. Link was not going to let Ganondorf get his hands on the Triforce, and neither would Malon allow this. She nodded with a determinded face. Link then said to Zelda "We will help you, Zelda. We will not allow Ganondorf to take what isn't his!"

Malon then also said "Yeah, we'll help you!"

Zelda smiled at them and unexpectedly gave them a hug, thanking them for wanting to help her to save Hyrule "Thank you!" Link and Malon never expected to get a hug from the princess, but they returned it.

But when Zelda broke the hug, she felt with a bit of fear "I… I am afraid… that… Ganondorf will destroy Hyrule. He has such terrifying power!"

Link shook his head and said to give some courage to the princess "Fear is what gives enemies the power to overcome you. Be less afraid and start to be brave enough to face those fears."

Malon was surprised how wise that sounded from her adopted little brother 'Oh Link, you're so wise sometimes… and so brave…' she mentally said while blushing a bit.

Zelda sighed deep, as she felt that Link's words had truly helped "You're right, Link. If we want evil to be gone, we must face our fears. Alright! We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! Then… you both go and find the other two Spiritual Stones! We'll get to the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then we defeat him!"

Malon nodded as she placed her hand on Zelda's shoulder "We will. Me and my little brother will get the Spiritual Stones."

That Malon said that she and Link were brother and sister surprised Zelda, as they didn't looked related "You are… brother and sister…? How odd. I mean, you both don't really look… I'm sorry that I say this, but… you both don't look related."

Link chuckled as he explained to the Princess "Well… we are some sort of brother and sister, but Malon and I aren't blood related. My real mother… died when I was just a baby. Malon's family took me in and… I have been with them ever since."

Zelda nodded, understanding it "Oh, I see now. I'm sorry."

Malon shook her head that it was okay "That's okay."

Zelda then thought of something that could be useful to Link and Malon, so she said "Come with me for a moment." Link and Malon did.

They went through a door, going inside to a room what held lots of books. Zelda walked over to a desk and started writing something on a large piece of paper. After she finished it, she gave it to Link "Here, take this letter with you… I'm sure it will be helpful." Link took a look at the letter for a moment and saw that this letter has Princess Zelda's autograph, and figured it would be useful to them at some point.

"Thank you, Zelda." Link thanked the Princess, while he put the letter in his bag .

Zelda nodded as all of the sudden, a tall women stood behind Link and Zelda. She cleared he throat, shocking Link and Malon for a moment as they turned themselves. The women had a silver-purple armor and had half-long white hair.

Zelda ensured them "Don't be alarmed, she is my attendant."

The women then introduced herself to Link and Malon "I am Impa of the Sheikahs. I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda," she chuckled as she started to explain "Did you both really thought that I wouldn't have noticed you two sneaking into the castle?"

This surprised Link and Malon, as Malon then asked "You knew? But… why didn't you tried to stop us?"

Impa sighed as she looked serious "Listen, I know too of Zelda's dream, and I know that this is a true prophecy. Everything is exactly as the Princess foretold, including that you two would come here to meet the Princess." then Impa said that too she had a part in this prophecy "My role in the Princess's dream was to teach a melody to the ones from the ranch. This is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby…. There are mysterious powers in these notes. Now listen carefully…"

Link and Malon nodded as Impa fluted Zelda's Lullaby. Link then thought of his mother's ocarina that Saria had fixed for him and told that that a magic resides in it now. He took out his ocarina, and slowly started playing the notes of Zelda's Lullaby.

Link then felt something, a trance, as some calming energy came from the song he played. Malon felt it too, and was amazed by it. When Link finished, the ocarina shined with purple sparkling energy. Link smiled as he mentally said 'Wow. So this is the magic that Saria told that now rests in my mother's ocarina. I have to thank her for it when me and Malon see her again.'

As Link placed the Ocarina back in his magic bag, he thanked Impa for learning the song "Thank you, Impa."

Impa shook her head while smiling "No, Link. Thank you."

At that very moment, someone was opening another door. Impa quickly hide Link and Malon somewhere, as a servant entered the room, telling Zelda "Your highness. Your lessons are about to start and your tutor requires your presence."

Zelda nodded "Tell my tutor I will be coming."

The servant made a bow before leaving "He will be expecting you."

Once the servant was gone, she said to Link and Malon "My attendant will escort you out of castle. Good luck, and once you have the other Spiritual Stones, come and see me! I'll do all I can to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Ocarina of Time."

Link nodded to the princess "We will, Zelda. We will return with all the Spiritual Stones."

Malon nodded too "Yes. We will." Zelda then gave them a hug, before leaving to meet her tutor for her daily lessons.

Once the Princess was gone, Impa then said to the two children "Let me lead you out of the castle." Link and Malon nodded and followed Impa out of the castle.

- Some time later, at the drawbridge -

Impa had lead Link and Malon out of the Castle Town and were now at the drawbridge. When they stopped for a moment, Impa said "You brave lads… we must protect this beautiful land of Hyrule!" Then, Impa watched the highest mountain in Hyrule, what was a sleeping volcano, and said "Take a good look at that mountain. I'm sure you both know what that is?"

Link nodded while Malon stood next to him "Yes, that's Death Mountain. My adoptive father told me that it is the home of the Gorons. But, he also told me that nobody is allowed to go there."

Impa agreed and added "Only members of the Royal Family, or people connected to the Royal Family, which are you two. Listen closely, the Gorons hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire. So that is where your journey will lead you too. You should talk to some of the villagers in Kakariko Village first, before you go up Death Moutain,"

Malon nodded as they will do that before going up the mountain "We will. Link and I have been to Kakariko Village before, so we know our way."

Impa was impressed by that and told "Very well. And remember, the song I just taught you, Link, has some mysterious powers. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. It will help to prove your connection with the Royal Family. The Princess will be waiting for you to return to the castle with the Stones. All right. We're counting on you!" Impa finished and tosses a Deku Nut to the ground, disappearing by the time it's light fades. Link and Malon looked surprised as they didn't even see Impa anymore.

"Hey, were did she go?!" Malon asked.

Link shook his head "She's gone."

Navi then came out of Link's hat and said "Okay, looks like it's up to Death Mountain then." Link nodded, same as Malon. But as they were about to leave, both looked at each other for a moment. They were eager to go back to Lon Lon Ranch for a moment and tell their father of what had happened.

Navi noticed they didn't went further, so she asked "Hey, what's wrong?"

Link then faced Navi and said "We want to go back to Lon Lon Ranch for a moment, Navi."

"But why? We need to find the other Spiritual Stones!" Navi said impatient, as there was no time to lose.

Malon tried to ease her a bit "We know that Navi and we will. But I own my father to tell him what happened."

Link agreed "Yes. And… I don't know why, but… I feel that we need to be there now."

Navi sighed deep, as they started walking back to Lon Lon Ranch "Fine. But we won't stay there for too long, okay? As soon you have told your father and adoptive father everything you guys want to tell, we leave for Kakariko Village!"

Link and Malon nodded "We promise." Link said, promising that they won't stay for to long.

As Link looked at the sun for a few seconds, he knew that it was still morning, and figured that after they told what had happened, he and Malon will be in Kakariko Village late in the afternoon.

Then Malon whispered to Link, asking "But what about the 'secret' of the Royal Family that Zelda told us about? We promised her we wouldn't tell anyone."

Link ensured her as he held her hand "Don't worry. We won't tell your father everything."

That made Malon sigh in relief. But as soon her brain realized that Link was holding her hand, she blushed and let go and walked a bit faster while saying "Uhh… we should hurry, right?"

Link looked at Malon confused while raising an eyebrow. But then shrugs and walked as fast as she went, with Navi flying behind them.

That's it for chapter 4, everyone!

Now, King Dikun and Queen Esha are the names I've decided to give to Princess Zelda's parents. I'd figured that, because Zelda's father was rarely spoken of in the game, I wanted to tell a bit more of a backstory between him and Ganondorf. Queen Esha is a bonus ;)

Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter. So, don't forget to like and review and I'll see you all in the next chapter, where Link and Malon not only find some secrets at the Graveyard, but also helping the Goron's on Death Mountain.

I'm gonna start working on the next chapter for my Assassin's Creed story next. Hopefully it'll be finished before the one year anniversary.

So, wish me good luck and I'll see you folks next time!