Chapter 2
Return of a Hero

'STOP THIEF!' The shouts of an angry shopkeeper echoed in the quiet streets of Kakariko Village. The small child ran dodging the few villagers as he ran clutching a small bottle of bugs. He could see the shopkeeper running after him but to no avail. The child was in the clear. THUD! He hit something. The bottle rolled out of the boy's hands. Slightly dazed the child looked up to see a young, golden haired man. It was easy to tell tat he was not from around the village. His physique was well toned and he wore a green tunic and a matching green hat which seemed much more expensive that the child's tatty dark green one. A brilliantly decorated scabbard rested on the young mans back covered by a shining metal shield; the crest of Hyrule was engraved on the shield.

'Wotcha Mister!' The urchin moaned, rubbing the lower part of his dirty back. 'That hurt.' The young man smiled at him and picked up the bottle.

'I think it's better if you return this to the shopkeeper. This is a very small village and you'll get caught very easily.' There was silence for a few seconds, the warrior seemed to be analysing the street urchin.

'You live in Hyrule Town Market, what are you doing around here?' Before the child could answer, the shopkeeper came running round the corner.

'GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE PILE OF CRAP!' he bellowed. The child stared at the man as if asking can he leave. The young warrior nodded his head and the child ran of. The shopkeeper stopped and began panting, while muttering obscene language under his breath. The young man walked up to him.

'It's okay. I was able to get the stuff back from him.' He handed the enraged shopkeeper the bottle of bugs. The shopkeeper thanked the young man many times over and returned to his shop.

'Link, you have got to stop letting these kids run free every time you catch them stealing. They won't learn anything if you just forgive them.' Said an invisible voice.

'I only found you a few days ago Navi and you're already telling me what to do.' Chuckled the young man. 'They refused to let me into that fairy world that you were staying at. They conjured three Stalfos to try and get rid of me. You could at least try not to annoy me.' A little blue ball popped out of Link's hat.

'If you're gonna be like that then I'll jus leave then.' The fairy crossed her arms and turned away. Link smiled at the little creature.

'Don't be like that. We're a team remember? You know I appreciate you. I even came back to Hyrule because you said you hade a feeling something bad was going to happen. Remember?' Navi swung round, it was clear even on her small face that she was very annoyed.

'You only came back because you knew the festival to celebrate your "special day" was happening. And to see your precious "princess"!' Link stared at her for a few seconds.

'If you stop moaning, I'll let you call me Bugger.

'Okay.' She replied without hesitation. 'Let's get going Bugger.' Link chuckled and followed her through the town. Kakariko Village was a peaceful place. No one seemed like they were in a rush, except for the workers who always seemed to have to do something. The sun shone down on hero as he passed the new archery range. Link stared at it, longing to test his bow skills.

'You can wait Bugger. Hyrule town market is another half a day away.' Navi ordered as they passed it. 'I really don't like this. Why was that kid around here. He usually hangs round the market and steals his bugs from there'

'Don't worry, I'm sure the guards just chased him of or something. It'll be fine.' Link replied casually. Navi stopped and gave daggers to the relaxed Link.

'You of all people should know that trouble is never that far away. I heard about your little trip through Termina. Tatl told me all about it. I cant believe you decided to let the town get crushed at one point!' Link chortled at the ball of light.

'She told you about that. I was going to turn back time eventually. Anyway, there was hardly anyone there. Plus, the Gods turned back time for me anyway.' A small tut then sigh came from the fairy.

'Just stop being so reckless; you're not destined to live forever you know. Be careful what you do.' Link was about to reply when he heard some of the village gossipers talking.

'I just checked with the gossip stone, the whole town has disappeared. Not a trace. There have been some survivors but all they remember is a black figure then they just ran. Poor souls. I hope they are okay.'

What about the princess?' replied the other 'and the king? Anyone heard from them?'

The woman shook her head. They looked over to Link and huddled closer to conceal their idle chat. Navi turned round to gloat to the mistaken hero but saw no one. In the distance was Link charging for the exit where his faithful steed waited. Navi chased after him.

'Link be rational!' she shouted 'Think before you act god damn it!' But before she could complain a small withered voice spoke to them both.

'I wouldn't run into this one boy.' It croaked out of the shadows of a door. Link stopped and stared at the man stupidly.

'What do you mean?' He asked stopping in his tracks. The old timer chuckled weakly.

'You may have saved many lands in your short life, but the Gods have lost control of the evil in this land. I would tread with care my friend.' A sniggered escaped from the barely visible yellow teeth. The creaked shut and the man disappeared. Link seemed rooted in the spot, as if in a trance. He blinked and his old vigour showed back in his face.

'Up yours old man.' I'll show you destined.' Link carried on to his faithful horse and pulled himself on to its back. Navi flew to the side of his ear.

'Don't get to hot headed and arrogant.' She pleaded 'I'll stop calling you bugger if you don't…do it for me, please?' Link smiled and settled himself on the animal.

'I'll try my best.' Digging his heals into the magnificent stallion, he rode of to the in the direction of the Glittering castle of Hyrule.

Unknown to the two heroes there was a dark figure watching them from a dimly lit hut. A small hiss came from the fiend's mouth, almost as if it was talking to something.

'He's on his way master.'